Vitamix 6500 Blender Review

Thinking about getting a new blender and wondering if the Vitamix 6500 is the best pick? In this Vitamix 6500 blender review, my goal is to make that decision easy for you based on my 5+ years of Vitamix blending experience and extensive research.

Here are just a few of the things you’ll learn…

• What’s unique about the 6500 in the first place (and whether that justifies buying it or not).
• The 6500 compares to other blenders (with easy-to-follow charts).
• My warranty experience with Vitamix.
• My insights on how to best make the final decision.

Let’s begin!

Vitamix 6500 Blender Review Summary

Don’t have time to read the entire review? Here’s a quick summary of the recommendation…

As of writing this guide, I don’t think the Vitamix 6500 is the best option on the market today.

Instead, I think you should consider these other two options…

Vitamix Refurbished 5300

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• It has all the blending features and power you need (with no frills).
• It runs at a lower price but still comes with a solid 5-year warranty.

Vitamix Ascent 2500

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• It has far better technology than the 6500, including Bluetooth capability.
• It has a lower MSRP (which means it’s usually cheaper).

I also really liked the Explorian 310 if you wanted a blender with a bit of a smaller jar.

Keep reading to learn how I came to these conclusions and compare the 6500 to a bunch of other blenders.

Related Article: Can You Put Ice Cubes in a Blender?

What Are the Main Features of the Vitamix 6500?

The Vitamix 6500 is a counter-top blender on the more powerful end of the Vitamix range.

Here are the main features that you should care about…

• Low-Profile Container: The low profile container is one of the best things about the 6500, in my opinion. If you’ve ever seen one of the old Vitamix models, then you know that the container is quite tall. This makes it difficult to store and fit into small spaces. The wider 64-oz container of the 6500 makes it much more ergonomic.
• Variable Speed Dial: The speed dial on the 6500 comes in the form of a knob. No surprise, every Vitamix has this. Based on my experience, it’s the most important thing that a high-quality blender should have. It allows you to form a vortex inside the blender more easily and control the final texture of what you’re blending.
• Pre-Programmed Settings: The 6500 comes with 3 pre-programmed settings: Hot soup, Frozen Dessert and Smoothie. This means that the blender will do the work and then shut off. I’ve never deemed these kinds of features as necessary. Blending food is generally pretty easy to do manually, and I prefer to keep an eye on it anyway.
• Pulse Function: This function is certainly lovely, and something the older Vitamix units don’t have. Flicking the switch allows you to do a quick chop rather than starting the blender and having to turn it off. Very useful for delicate blends such as salsas that you want to keep chunky.
• Warranty: As standard with Vitamix blenders, it comes with a 7-year warranty. This is super important, and I’ll touch on my experience with their warranty department later (hint: I think they’re awesome!).

You Might Also Like: Vitamix 5200 vs. 5300: Which Blender Should You Buy?

Vitamix 6500 Accessories

The 6500 doesn’t come with any accessories besides the low-profile tamper and quick start guide.

What is a Tamper?

The tamper is a device that you stick in through the top of the blender that pushes the ingredients into the blades.

It’s an extremely important part of any decent blender and one of the reasons why I like my Vitamix so much. Tamping the ingredients ensures that nothing ever gets stuck around the blades or the sides of the container. 

That’s how these blenders turn fruits and veggies into silky smoothies that retain the fiber and keep you full.

Now let’s begin the comparisons…

Read Also: Vitamix 7500 vs. 5300: Which Blender Should You Buy?

Vitamix 6500 vs. 5300

See our full Vitamix 5300 vs. 6500 comparison.

Vitamix 6500 vs. 750

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Comparison Chart

What’s Different?

6500 vs. 750: Summary and Author’s Opinion

The important difference between the 6500 and 750 is the pre-programmed settings.

• The 6500 has 3 (Hot soups, frozen desserts, and smoothies).
• While the 750 has 5 (Hot soups, frozen desserts, soups, purees, and cleaning cycle).

And as I’ve mentioned, I think the average user will do just fine without any settings at all.

The only exception is if you’re trying to multitask in the kitchen, but again — I’ve never found manual blending to be a huge time-suck.

They both come with the same container the same powerful 2.2 HP motor.

Based on the Vitamix website, both these models have the same MSRP at the time of writing this article.

So how would I pick? I would simply choose whichever one I could get for a lower price.

If they were priced the same, I would get the extra programs on the 750, simply because I can and not because I needed it.

Vitamix 6500 vs 5200

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Comparison Chart

6500 vs. 5200: Summary and Author’s Opinion

The Vitamix 5200 is similar to the Vitamix unit that I’ve owned for the past 5 years.

The control panel is exactly the same, and it’s got the exact same amount of power. I’ve never had trouble blending anything with it.

So even though the 6500 has a bit more power and the pre-programmed settings, I wouldn’t mind getting the 5200, especially if it was priced lower.

The only issue I have with the 5200 is the tall container. Things can get pretty cramped unless you’ve got really high cabinets or a huge pantry.

But if that’s something you don’t mind, I’d pick a lower-priced 5200 any day. You still get the same great warranty and will be able to create almost any blend imaginable.

The lack of pulse isn’t that big of a deal — you can just flick the blender on and off. I do this all the time.

**It’s important to note that the 5200 comes in several different packages, and you can get smaller containers for it. This includes a 48-ounce container, a 32-ounce container, and a 32-ounce dry grain container.

Vitamix 6500 vs 7500

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Comparison Chart

6500 vs. 7500: Summary and Author’s Opinion

The main difference between the 6500 and the 7500 is the interface and lack of pre-programmed settings on the 7500.

Besides that, you still get the same low-profile container, powerful motor, and standard warranty.

The 7500 is currently priced lower on Vitamix’s website, likely because it doesn’t have the built-in programs.

As a result, I’d prefer the 7500 over the 6500. I prefer the best value things with no frills, and the 7500 is just that.

Again, I think the programs are nice, but not if you have to pay extra for them.

Vitamix 6500 vs v1200

Comparison Chart

6500 vs. v1200: Summary and Author’s Opinion

The Vitamix V1200 blows the 6500 out of the water when it comes to features and extra accessories. It comes with extra containers, a blender bowl, tamper scraper, tamper holder, and even a cookbook. 

If there’s one issue, I have with my Vitamix currently, it is that it’s simply too big for some of my blending jobs. I tend to find myself pulling out my Nutribullet if I want to make small batches of sauces/hummus or tiny smoothies I’m having for a snack.

I would pick the v1200 over the 6500 any day for that reason. Even though it’s priced higher on the Vitamix website (but can only be bought locally, to my knowledge), I like the idea of having a single blender that can do big and small batches.

I also like the longer warranty on the v1200 for obvious reasons.

There’s some pretty cool technology behind the v1200 as well. It has a digital timer that allows you to set a blending time and know that it’s going to shut off when it’s done.

It’s a pretty neat alternative to having the pre-programmed cycles built into the interface.

It can also connect with Bluetooth to your phone and use the Vitamix Perfect Blend app (where you’ll find the pre-programmed cycles).

While I think this technology is cool — is it 100% necessary?

My personal opinion is no. All the Vitamix blenders can give you silky smooth blends, nut butter, and soups without any fancy stuff.

I know I like just to throw my stuff in the blender and get to it, but you might feel different if you’re a technology buff.

Vitamix 6500 vs. 6300

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Comparison Table

6500 vs. 6300: Summary and Author’s Opinion

There are two key differences between the 6300 and 6500: the horsepower and container size. The 6500 is slightly more powerful (2-peak HP vs. 2.2 HP) and has a low-profile container.

For the reason of the container, I would pick the 6500 over the 6300.

Additionally, the 6300 is a retired product and doesn’t seem to be readily available, even on the Vitamix website.

However, if you could find a better deal on the 6300 on Amazon or another site, it’s something to consider.

As long as you don’t mind the taller container, you’re likely not going to notice much of a difference.

Vitamix 6500 vs. Ascent Series A2500/A2300

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Comparison Table

6500 vs. Ascent Series A2500/A2300: Summary and Author’s Opinion

The A2500 is much newer to the Vitamix line than the 6500 and thus comes with a wider range of features. These mainly come in the form of technology such as the digital timer, wireless connectivity, Vitamix’s Self-Detect technology and ability to use the Perfect Blend App.

Oh – and let’s not forget the 10-year standard warranty that it comes included with. Fancy stuff aside, I think the warranty is the thing worth raving about.

*You also have container size options. The Ascent series is compatible with its own special set of additional blending jars…

• Blending Bowl. 
• Blending Cup.
• 48-Ounce Standard Jar.
• 48-Ounce Dry Grains Jar.
• 64-Ounce Low Profile Jar.

As I’ve mentioned, not having sizes to choose from was one of my only gripes with the original Vitamix line. Now, they’ve solved that issue.

Sometimes, you can get these extra jars in retailers’ bundles or buy them separately.

In summary, for the reasons of size options and a longer warranty – I’m going to pick the A2500 over the 6500 any day of the week.

I’m writing this it’s also priced lower on the Vitamix website. Another huge bonus.

The only difference between the A2500 and an A2300 is that the A2500 has the 3 pre-programmed settings for smoothies, hot soups, and frozen desserts. 

Again, it’s unnecessary to have those, so feel free to get the A2300 if you’d like to skip it.

Vitamix 6500 vs. Explorian Series E310/E320

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Comparison Table

6500 vs. Explorian Series E310/E320: Summary and Author’s Opinion

The Explorian Series are my kind of blenders. They offer pretty much the same thing as the 6500 without the pre-progammed settings and an option for a smaller jar if you get the E310.

If I were to pick 3 options instead of 2 for the final verdict – the E310 would make it on there.

Yes, it has a shorter warranty than the 6500, but that’s because Vitamix priced it extremely competitively.

I would pick the E310 over the 6500 all day long. You can’t beat the ability to make the same blends (ice cream, soup, smoothies, etc.) at a price that you can typically find much lower.

Vitamix 6500 vs. Blendtec

If I had to choose between a Vitamix 6500 and a Blendtec, my final decision would greatly depend on if I was getting the Twister Jar or not.

Blendtec’s tend to have more powerful motors than the Vitamix line, but I think the tamper is more important.

My brother owns a Blendtec Total Blender, and I’ve used it to make a wide variety of things, from smoothies to cookie doughs. You can read my Blendtec Total Blender review here if you want to know more.

Further Reading: Waring Blender vs. Vitamix

Blendtec Twister Jar in Action

But if I was going to get a Blentec, then it would need to have the Twister Jar. I’ve seen several demonstrations of it in action, and I think it actually outperforms a tamper in terms of speed and efficiency.

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Oh – and Blendtec also has a great warranty and customer service. Very much on-par with Vitamix.

Vitamix 6500 vs Nutribullet

I’m not going to lie; I like the Nutribullet series. I own the Nutribullet 900 and have used most of their product line at some point in my life.

Now, when you’re comparing a Nutribullet to a Vitamix, you’re comparing apples and oranges. The Nutribullet series runs at a much lower price point and is good if you need it…

• Something quick for easy and lighter blends (it does smaller quantities of handle frozen fruit quite well!)
• It’s a blender for a single person and not an entire family.
• To fit your blender within a tighter budget.

My one gripe with the Nutribullet is their warranty. My 900 series blends great, and I use it for small batches of sauces and smoothies all the time. However, I don’t expect it to last nearly as long as my Vitamix does with its 1-year warranty.

It’s also not possible to make big thick blends that serve multiple people.

So if it’s between the Vitamix 6500 and the Nutribullet for my one blender, I’m going to choose the Vitamix (if the budget was a non-issue).

But if you consider yourself a casual blender user, the Vitamix may not justify the price-point.

Are you looking for a more detailed comparison of nutribullets? Check out my reviews for the best nutribullet options. 

Related Article: Yonanas Review – Classic vs. Elite vs. Dessert Bullet vs. Vitamix Blender

My Warranty Experience with Vitamix

The Vitamix 6500 comes with the standard 7-year warranty that most blenders have.

As I’ve mentioned several times on this site, my warranty experience with Vitamix has been extremely positive. 

I’ve had two incidences (that may or may not have been my fault), and Vitamix was kind enough to fix them quickly and free. I didn’t even have to pay to ship.

The first thing was I accidentally burned and melted my tamper, which rendered it unusable. They sent me a new one without question.

The second thing that happened was my blender would stop during tough blending cycles. I thought it was the motor, but I sent it in, and it turns out that the bottom of the container was worn.

Again, they sent me a new one.

I obviously can’t guarantee that you’ll have the same experience, but from what I’ve seen, they are an extremely reputable company and stand strongly by their warranty.

There’s a reason why the Institute of Culinary Education considers Vitamix as the Gold Standard.

What’s the Deal with Refurbished?

If you can’t afford a new Vitamix, I firmly believe that refurbished units are the perfect option.

The warranties are a bit shorter, but they tend to cost a lot less.

For example, I always recommend a Refurbished 5300 for someone low on cash.

It can blend up anything just as good as any other Vitamix, even without the bells and whistles (which aren’t needed if you’re on a budget).

It comes standard with a 5-year warranty, but it’s a steal if you consider the price you can usually find it for.

As far as the 6500 goes, I haven’t seen it refurbished for sale anywhere.

Where to Buy the Vitamix 6500

Currently, the Vitamix 6500 is available through various online retailers such as…

• Amazon
• Bed Bath & Beyond
• The Vitamix Website

I believe it used to be in Costco, but I haven’t been able to find it as of writing this.

Vitamix also has the option on their site to “Find it Locally.” This means you may be able to get it from an authorized dealer near you.

Final Decision on the 6500

If you’ve read all this, you’ve probably realized that I wouldn’t get the Vitamix 6500 at this point.

There are so many other Vitamix options available that the 6500 is inferior.

So what would I choose?

For the person who wants something with no-frills at the best possible price point – I would get a Refurbished 5300

If I wanted the latest and greatest with the newest technology, I’d get the Ascent A2300.

Joey Bruno

Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!