Don’t have time to read? Here’s a quick summary of the featured Vitamix models. Click the links to check today’s pricing…
| Product Name | Use Case |
| Vitamix A2500 Ascent Series Smart Blender, Professional-Grade | Extremely high tech with many bells and whistles. |
| Vitamix 5200 Blender Professional-Grade | Simple and powerful without high tech features |
| Vitamix A2300 Ascent Series Smart System Blenders | Runner-up for High Tech Features (a few less settings than the A2500) |
| Vitamix 5300 Blender (Refurbished Model) | Great bang for your buck |
| Vitamix Professional Series 750 | Simple, barebones, and powerful. |
| Vitamix 7500 Blender | Similar to 7500 (virtually the same) |
| Vitamix E310 Explorian Blender | An amazing mid-size blender that can do it all – great for mid-sized spaces. |
| Vitamix ONE | Personal sized Vitamix for small spaces |
| Vitamix 18 Inch Immersion Blender | Great for making soups in a large pot |
| Vitamix S55 | If you need to go cups. |
If you are interested in all of the details of how each model stands up you can skip this section, but if you are looking for quick answers this part is for you.
Vitamix blenders have been around a long time and have a very passionate following.
This means there is no shortage of recommendations, ratings, and helpful tips to be found online.
There are many quality blenders on the market that you can choose from, but if you want the best of the best there is really only one choice, a Vitamix blender.
Vitamix was the original and for over one hundred years they have made the necessary investments in updating their products to make sure they remained the best blenders on the market.
It doesn’t matter if you are into making smoothies, hot soups, nut butter, flours, frozen desserts, batters, or even queso and nut milk a Vitamix machine will perform flawlessly.
Beyond this, if issues do arise the company is known for setting the standard for customer service that other manufacturers are judged by.
Vitamix machines also have the advantage of having a wide variety of accessories available to widen the versatility of their blenders and to make specific jobs that much easier.
The most difficult task Vitamix blenders offer is making a choice between the many Vitamix models that are available.
To make your life a little easier in this Vitamix model comparison guide we will try to make clear the similarities between the blenders the company offers and how the various Vitamix models differ.
We will also offer a few recommendations as to what models may be best for your particular situation.
Based on our own testing and the information we have gathered from online sources, here is our list of the 10 best Vitamix blenders by category.
Best Vitamix for New User
Vitamix A2500 Ascent Series Smart Blender, Professional-Grade
Considered by many to be the overall best Vitamix for new and average users alike. In our opinion, the A2500 hits the sweet spot in almost every category.
The A2500 is part of the Ascent series. This means it is compatible with the 8-oz grinder cup and Food Processor attachment, dishwasher safe, and comes with a few of the most popular preset programs to make your life a little simpler and help you get used to how the Vitamix A2500 blends.
It is not a base model, nor is it the Roll Royce of blenders. It falls in the medium range having enough power and features to be a joy to work with but not so many features that you will become lost in the owner’s manual.
The A2500 is also mid-level in price and ease of use.
Usually available in the 500 to 600 dollar range its controls will look very familiar to anyone who has worked with any of the Legacy models.
There is a central knob in the center with a switch on either side. As with many Vitamix blenders, the left-hand knob is a pulsing bottom with a power and control switch on the right. Speed and preset programs are selected with the knob.
Vitamix A2500 Pros
- Simple to use
- Powerful enough for any home blending job
- Available in four colors and brushed stainless steel
Vitamix A2500 Cons
- Some users complain of it being noisy
- Doesn’t have all the features some experienced user or culinary professional might like.
Alternatives to the Ascent Series 2500
Best Overall Rated Vitamix Blender Online
Vitamix 5200 Blender Professional-Grade
When it comes to reviews and reputation all across the web, the Vitamix 5200 is one of the highest-rated products, we have ever come across in any category.
The 5200 comes standard with a tall 64-ounce container but there are many optional blending containers available as after-market accessories.
A basic model by modern standards the 5200 has very simple controls consisting of a power switch, pulse feature, and speed control knob. The upside to such basic controls is that their very little that can possibly go wrong.
When you also consider the tough aircraft-grade stainless steel blades, high-speed cooling fan, air baffling, and thermal protection circuits, you could think of this as the Incredible Hulk of blenders. It is almost bulletproof.
Just like the Hulk though, the Vitamix 5200 is remarkably strong and truly gentle in nature.
Powered by a two-horsepower motor that spins the blades at over 37,000 RPMs the 5200 has the power to turn frozen vegetables into hot soup in just over 5 minutes. Even more remarkable is the fact that due to the internal sound dampening it does it with waking up the entire neighborhood.
Vitamix 5200 Pros
- 7-year Warranty
- Rugged and durable construction
- Simple to use
- Has the power to crush ice cubes and make hot soups
Vitamix 5200 Cons
- Some quality control issues have been noted for units built outside the United States
Alternatives to the Vitamix 5200
Best Impulse Buy – Medium High Tech Option
Vitamix A2300 Ascent Series Smart System Blenders
If you are like us and just can’t resist having the latest and greatest in your kitchen and are willing to take the time to learn how to get the most out of a machine then the Vitamix A2300 is the appliance you have been dreaming of.
As the ‘A’ in the name designates this a member of the Vitamix Ascent series, not just a member but one of the top-of-the-line models.
It offers the same wireless and Bluetooth connectivity that its big brother the A3500 offers but with slightly simplified and some would say superior controls.
It has a speed control dial that makes it possible to fine-tune your blender’s speed for any recipe, a timer to help you multitask, and wireless connectivity offers the convenience of working with the Vitamix perfect blend app on your phone.
This smart blender will even automatically adjust its blending cycles to accommodate the differences in the wide selection of blending jars, cups, and bowls.
Vitamix A2300 Ascent Pros
- Classic looks with modern functionality
- The power to crush ice cubes and make steaming-hot soup
- Can make green smoothies in less than two minutes
- Fine tuneable variable speed control dial
Vitamix A2300 Ascent Cons
- Doesn’t have the bell and whistles of other Vitamix Ascent series blenders
- The phone app has limited values on an appliance that works this fast.
Other Vitamix Models to Consider Instead of an A2300
Best Bang for the Buck
Vitamix 5300 Blender (Refurbished Model)
If you are wanting to get the most for your hard-earned dollar then it is hard to beat reconditioned blenders from Vitamix.
These blenders are returned to like-new condition by certified Vitamix technicians so they are like buying a new machine but at 10-15 percent below the normal price.
Of particular interest are the many 5300 models that are available. These are a mixture of technology from G and C series Vitamix blenders that were originally developed under a supplier contract with COSTCO and are generally considered some of the most durable on the market.
They feature a 1640 watts, 2.2 horsepower motor to give you the power to liquefy almost any ingredients and create hot soups on demand.
The low-profile 64-ounce pitcher is made of BPA Tritan plastic that is scratch and impact resistant to help assure a long service life, and the controls are dirt simple with a ten-setting variable speed dial flanked by a pulse switch on the left and a power switch on the right.
If you are wanting the power and quality that comes with owning a top-of-the-line Vitamix machine, but have been shy about the large investment that is involved in buying one, then a certified reconditioned Vitamix blender like the 5300 might be just what you have been dreaming of.
Reconditioned Vitamix 5300 Blender Pros
- Self-cleaning with dish soap and water
- Cheaper than new blenders of equal quality
- Simple classic Vitamix controls
- The most powerful motor offered by Vitamix
- Can be used to make thick nut butters, smoothies, hot soups, and baby food
Refurbished Vitamix 5300 Blender Cons
- Tends to be noisier than other Vitamix models
- may not have the service life a new blender would offer
Alternatives to a Reconditioned Vitamix 5300
- Renewed Vitamix Explorian Blender, Professional-Grade
- Refurbished Vitamix A2500 Ascent Series Smart Blender
Best Large Yet Compact Blender
Vitamix Professional Series 750
An elegant blender that will be right at home in any kitchen, the Vitamix professional series 750 comes with a 2.2 horsepower motor base and five pre-programmed settings to handle smoothies, hot soup, purees, frozen desserts, and the self-cleaning function leaving you free to take care of other tasks without worry.
The controls on the Pro 750 will be familiar to anyone that has used other Vitamix blenders before with a central control knob that functions as a ten variable speed control dial, and also selects the pre-programmed settings.
On each side of the control knob, there are switches with the pulse switch being located on the left and the power switch on the right.
The Vitamix professional series 750 comes standard with a 64-ounce low profile container constructed out of BPA-free Tritain plastic but as with all the Vitamix models, there is a wide variety of blending containers available as aftermarket accessories.
Professional Series 750 Pros
- 7-year warranty (See Vitamix website for details)
- Self-cleaning
- Trendy modern Design
- Enough power to blend frozen fruit in less than 30 seconds
Professional Series 750 Cons
- Noisier than other models
- A heavy blender compared to other models
Alternative to the Professional series 750
Best Blender for Precision Blending
Vitamix 7500 Blender
One of the latest G-series blenders from Vitamix, the 7500 has quickly become the darling of top chefs and other culinary professionals everywhere.
The 7500’s 2.2 horsepower motor can drive its four-inch long, laser-cut, stainless steel blades at an amazing 37,000 RPMs giving it the ability to quickly liquefy frozen fruit, the hardest nuts, or even frozen kale without bogging down or stalling.
Beyond this, the 7500 is self-cleaning and has a radial cooling fan that is a proprietary design coupled with internal air baffling to keep this blender in the game and deliver top performance even during long and difficult blending sessions.
The Vitamix 7500 comes with a 10-speed proportional control knob, on/off switch, pulse function, and a tamper to remove air pockets and keep ingredients pushed down for even consistent blending, batch after batch.
As an added feature, when Vitamix released this new series in 2010 they included a sound dampening system that reduces noise and vibrations by up to 40 percent making the 7500 one of the quietest blenders in its power range.
Coming standard with a low-profile 64-ounce pitcher and measuring only 17.25 inches tall, the Vitamix 7500 will fit easily under kitchen cabinets though at 13 pounds it is anything other than a lightweight blender.
Vitamix 7500 Pros
- Fits in tight spaces
- 7-year all-inclusive warranty (See Vitamix website for details)
- One of the quietest blenders in this power range
- Self- cleaning
- Dishwasher safe container
- Ten-speed variable speed control
Vitamix 7500 Cons
- A little pricey compared to cheaper models of similar capabilities
- An occasional Vitamix owner has complained of the blending jar becomes cloudy with heavy use.
Vitamix 7500 Alternatives
Simplest to Use
Vitamix E310 Explorian Blender
For people who aren’t into a lot of bells and whistles and just want a sturdy reliable blender for smoothie making and other basic tasks, the Vitamix E310 is the ideal option.
It is one of the cheaper models from Vitamix but still packs all of the performance the brand is famous for inside its diminutive package and can handle anything from frozen desserts to hot soups without a bobble or bind.
The controls are what you would expect on classic Vitamix blenders with a 10-speed variable speed control speed knob flanked by two switches that control the power and pulse feature.
Created with a single person or small family with a starter apartment or home in mind, it comes with a 48-ounce blending pitcher which is about 16-ounces smaller than other classic models and can be found in kit form with an individual smoothie cup.
Like all Vitamix blenders, it is simple to clean by adding a little soapy water to the pitcher and pulsing it a few times and the blending containers are dishwasher safe for deeper cleaning.
The Explorian E310 is powered by a 2.0 horsepower motor which is more than sufficient for any normal blending job, considering its diminutive pitcher size, and comes with a mini-tamper to help you achieve smooth consistent blends over and over again.
Vitamix E310 Explorian Blender Pros
- Economically priced for a Vitamix blender
- Compact size works well in small kitchens
- 5-year comprehensive warranty
Vitamix E310 Explorian Blender Cons
- No preprogrammed settings
- Tends to be noisier than other Vitamix blenders
Vitamix E310 Explorian Blender Alternatives
Best Entry-Level Vitamix for Small Blending Jobs
Vitamix ONE
Designed from the outset to be the most compact, simple, and cost-effective blender in the Vitamix family, the ONE is about as basic as a blender can get and still live up to the Vitamix name.
The first thing you will notice is that there are no buttons or switches on this machine.
The only control to be found is a variable speed control knob proudly displayed, but well blended with the sleek design of the blender.
Next, you will realize that for a Vitamix blender it is practically tiny.
Measuring just 8.13-inches tall and with a 7-inch square motor base, this blender is proof that dynamite comes in small packages.
Despite just having a 1.2 horsepower motor, The ONE has enough muscle to fulfill all of the basic blending functions that the average person might ever need and the 32-ounce container fits easily under most kitchen cabinets.
The one drawback to the Vitamix ONE blender is that it is not designed to create thick nut butter, hot soups, or grind tough grains.
It will grind fresh coffee and handle most of the jobs that home cooks would need for basic recipes, and makes excellent fruit and vegetable smoothies, dips, and baby food.
But if you are wanting to make whole grain bread this machine isn’t ideal for the job.
Vitamix ONE Pros
- Compact size and diminutive weight make it ideal for small kitchens
- Very reasonably priced for a Vitamix blender
- Simple easy to understand controls
- Perfect for people new to blending
- Comes with a tamper for uniform blending
Vitamix ONE Cons
- Can’t handle tough jobs like making thick nut butters
- Not designed for hot ingredients like sauces and hot soups
Alternative to Vitamix ONE Blender
- Vitamix E310 Explorian Blender
- Vitamix Immersion Blender
Best Vitamix for Small Kitchens
Vitamix 18 Inch Immersion Blender
Many people were shocked when Vitamix entered the market with a stick blender.
After all, the company had built its reputation by building the strongest, most efficient, and most durable blenders on the market.
What people didn’t take into account is though it might be a handheld blender, it would still be a Vitamix and as the company often does, they would recreate the category in their own image.
To begin with they made it 18-inches long which gives it a reach advantage over most immersion blenders and then they gave it a 625-watt motor to make sure that it could handle any blending job this type of blender is suited for.
The Vitamix immersion blender has a five-speed variable speed dial to give you total control over the consistency of your blends, but the most unique feature of the Vitamix immersions blender is its bell guard.
At first glance, you might think the bell guard on the Vitamix immersion blender is rubberized just to protect pots, pans, and other containers from being scratched by the stainless steel blade guard, but it does much more.
Vitamix blenders have long been famous for the way they provide a smooth, consistent flow of ingredients to the blades creating perfect blends time after time.
Their immersion blender carries on that tradition.
The bell guard has a design that took over two years to develop.
It controls the suction from the blades and provides a universal draw that elements much of the stirring and swishing that is necessary with other stick blenders.
This design works so well you can operate the three-pound Vitamix immersion blender one-handed and use the other hand to add ingredients as you go.
The Vitamix immersion blender may not replace one of their countertop blenders, but it provides near-stand blender performance in a very small light, and storable package at a fraction of the cost of a full-sized blender.
Vitamix Immersion Blender Pros
- Lightweight to avoid arm fatigue
- More powerful and efficient than other blenders in this category
- Rubberized bell protector to prevent blades and the blade guard from scratching containers
- Can be used with any container with an opening 3-inches or larger
- Small enough to store in most kitchen drawers
Vitamix Immersion Blender Cons
- Not as capable as cabinet top models
- Heavier than most stick blenders
- Carries a Vitamix price tag
Alternatives to a Vitamix Immersion Blender
Best Vitamix Personal Blender
Vitamix S55
Personal blenders are fairly new to the Vitamix lineup only being added in 2014.
Designated as the S-series, The S55 was added to the family in late 2015. and a welcome addition it is.
Powered by a 790-watt motor coupled to a 3-inch laser cut, hammermill stainless steel blades it can crush ice and make smoothies from frozen fruits and greens faster than you can wipe the sleep from your eyes.
The Vitamix S55 comes standard with two blending containers.
One is a 20- ounce to-go cup that comes with a screw-on sippy lid to prevent accidental spills and provide a comfortable drinking experience.
The other blending jar is a more traditional but scaled-down 40-ounce jug designed for more traditional blending tasks.
This combination gives the S55 the ability to function as a personal blender and compact blender at the same time.
At just 8.3 x 5.9 and 15.7 inches tall with the large jug (14.6 inches tall with the 20- ounce cup) the S55 will not take up much space in your kitchen or office.
Beyond these advantages, the Vitamix S55 offers 4 Pre-Programmed settings for smoothies, power blends, dips & spreads, and frozen desserts just to make your blending experience a little smoother (pun intended).
Of course, being a Vitamix the S55 is a very safe appliance to use even if it is one of the most capable personal blenders on the market.
The S55 comes with a thermal disconnect to prevent the motor from being damaged by excessive run periods or overloading.
To make sure that you don’t experience any mishaps the S55 is also equipped with an interlocking system that prevents the machine from running if the blending container isn’t properly seated or shuts it down should it get jostled out of position.
Vitamix S55 Pros
- Compact size and lightweight
- Strong enough to crush ice and make green smoothies with ease
- Extremely safe for newer users
- Comes with a 5-year warranty
- Four pre-programmed settings
Vitamix S55 Cons
- Higher price tag than other personal blenders
- Not as capable as a full-sized Vitamix model
Alternative to the Vitamix S55
There is currently only one alternative to the S55 in the Vitamix lineup that is the S30.
It is basically the same model but without the preset programs.
Best Overall
Vitamix A3500 Ascent Series Smart Blender
Many people consider the A3500 to be the best Vitamix model that you buy. It comes with custom-engineered sound dampening, is whisper quiet at low speeds, and doesn’t raise the roof or shake down the house even on high settings.
The A3500 comes with five preset program settings that allow you to multitask without worrying about over blending and is super easy to clean.
A few drops of dish soap and a little warm water and the blending jug will clean itself in less than thirty seconds. To maintain the motor base in a spotless condition is as simple as wiping it down with a damp cloth.
The metal finished models are naturally stain-resistant, and even the stylish white model is made from a special plastic to stay white for years to come.
The faceplate of the A3500 has no protrusions other than the infinite control knob so there are no cracks or crevices for food and drink particles to become trapped.
Vitamix A3500 Pros
- 10-year warranty
- Wipe clean motor base and touchscreen
- 5 pre-programmed settings and programmable timer
- Built-in wireless and Bluetooth with Vitamix app
Vitamix A3500 Cons
- Some program settings are not available through the app
- Higher than many other Vitamix models of equal blending ability
Vitamix A3500 Alternatives
Vitamix Series The Basic Differences
Vitamix makes several different series of blenders each with its own unique advantages and disadvantages depending on how you plan to use your blender, and what features you prefer.
In this section, we will look at what defines each series and how they compare to one another.
Unless you are a culinary professional working in a large kitchen or need a Vitamix blender for heavy commercial use, it is best to limit your choices to one of the following four categories.
- Classic or Professional series
- Explorian series
- Ascent series
- Reconditioned blenders
Classic or Professional Series
Vitamix Classic models are any of the C or G series machines along with what is considered professional series blenders.
These are the tanks of the Vitamix line.
They are built with rugged durability as a primary goal and lack many of the fancier features like being smart system blenders that recognize what blending jar is put on them and wireless connections to your phone.
They do however have the advantage of being simple to use, accepting blending containers from older Vitamix models, and not having any annoying flashing clocks or buzzers to break your train of thought.
Top Legacy and Pro Picks
- 5200 (Most popular among professional chefs, tall container)
- 7500 (Low profile container)
- Pro 750 (Low profile container and some programs
- 780 (Does have a touchscreen and some programs)
Best of the Best Legacy Models
The majority of culinary professionals would not trade their Vitamix blenders for any other type and the most popular among chefs is the commercial version of the classic 5200.
This is the same model as the 5200 you can buy with slightly less soundproofing and a heavier drivetrain.
Explorian Series
The Explorian Series was created by Vitamix as lower-cost introductory series.
Their reasoning, rightly so, was that once people experienced the capabilities a Vitamix blender offered they would become permanent members of the Vitamix family.
There are two models so far in this series The E310 and the E320 which functionally are almost identical with a selector knob in the front center and the classic two switch arrangement common to Vitamix blenders with power on the right and pulse on the left of the dial.
The main difference between the E310 and E320is their blending containers.
The E310 comes with a short, narrow pitcher that holds 48-ounces and looks like a smaller version of a standard blending jar.
The E320 also has a short pitcher but its jar is made wider so that it can accommodate a full 64-ounces.
This makes the E320 virtually identical in form, function, and performance to the venerable 5300 which was recently dropped from the lineup.
The only difference is that the E320 has its power switch moved to the front of the machine and it doesn’t light up as the Vitamix 5300 did.
Top Explorian Models
There are only two models currently offered in the Explorian Series:
Best Explorian Blender
In our opinion, the E310 best fits the niche that the Explorian series eas intended to fill.
It has superb power to capacity giving it the ability to perform equal to much larger and more expensive Vitamix models and its slightly lower price point makes it even more attractive to those who are concerned about the high investment a Vitamix appliance requires.
This isn’t to say that the E320 is a bad choice.
If you want or need the added jar capacity a 64-ounce container offers, then by all means make it your first choice.
The E320 is sturdy, durable, and powerful just as you would expect a Vitamix blender to be.
It is just that for the intended audience that the Explorian series is intended to serve we feel the E310 better fits the bill.
Ascent Series
The Ascent series could be well be considered the Cadillacs of the Vitamix line.
If you like having all of the features that money can buy and all the conveniences that technology makes available then these smart system blenders present the ideal options for your kitchen.
While there is no limit to the possible uses that blender might be put to someday there is little or anything that Vitamix didn’t think to add to this line of blenders.
To begin with, If you want to add a food processor attachment for salads, or an 8-ounce starter kit for baby food or spice grinding you can.
Want a blender that will pair with your smartphone or a smart scale this is the blender you have been looking for.
With wireless and Bluetooth technology built-in, these Vitamix machines will not only connect with these devices but with the addition of the Vitamix perfect blend app automatically adjust pre-programmed settings to your recipes on the fly.
There is even a food processor attachment, food processors are handy for many non-blending chores.
Beyond these conveniences, the Ascent Series blenders are the safest the company has ever produced.
They have a secondary power button to prevent inadvertent starts from the Vitamix app, A jar disconnect switch that automatically shuts the blender off if the bending container is removed or shifted out of line, and of course, all of the internal safeties that have long been a part of Vitamix blenders are still included.
Of course, the blenders in the Ascent series also function as regular Vitamix blenders.
You can just turn the dial or mash the button and it will whip up frozen desserts, hot soups, and green smoothies.
Vitamix has even taken into account that these top-shelf blenders could be beyond the reach of some people who would love to own one.
They now offer interest-free financing on Ascent blenders to qualified buyers.
See the Vitamix website for more details.
Top Ascent Series Blenders
Best of the Ascent Series
Which of the Ascent series blenders we would recommend would depend on the priorities of the person asking.
If cost is no object and you want a machine that will do everything except fold your clothes then the A3500 is top of the heap.
It comes with five pre-programmed settings for smoothies, hot soups, frozen desserts, self-cleaning, dips, and spreads.
It has touchscreen controls and a central knob for speed making it very intuitive to use and easy to keep clean by simply wiping it down with a damp cloth.
Of course, it has wireless and Bluetooth capabilities and is designed with software updates in mind so you don’t have to worry about it becoming outdated when Vitamix introduces new apps.
You can even get the A3500 in a stylish brushed stainless finish.
If you are budget conscious, but still want a machine that has all of the features that most of us will ever have need of then the A2300 would be your best choice.
It has all the features that anyone other than a gourmet chef or hardcore foodie will ever need to prepare stunning dishes.
They come standard with a low-profile 64-ounce container to fit under most kitchen cabinets, but being smart system blenders will recognize any chipped blending container you care to use.
Another great feature that pairs wonderfully with this ability is that it works with the Vitamix perfect blend app and automatically adjusts any of the 17 programs and 500+ recipes to fit whatever size container you choose to use.
Cooking for 100 or cooking for one, the app takes out all the guesswork and complicated measurement calculations.
The other blenders in this series fall somewhere in between these two recommendations and are slight variations along the same theme.
They all have digital timers so you can multitask and know how long the blending cycle will take to complete.
The A3300 and A3500 have a programmable timer which gives you the freedom to set it and walk away knowing the blending process will stop exactly when you wanted it to.
Reconditioned Blenders
I know that a lot of people have an issue with buying refurbished appliances and it is completely understandable to have a few misgivings.
Certified reconditioned Vitamix blenders, often called recons, are different from most and make it possible to buy the best Vitamix blender available at deep discounts.
This not only makes it possible to buy a much nicer model than you thought you could afford but you can often find discontinued models like the two-speed Vitamix Turboblend as reconditioned.
What sets certified reconditioned Vitamix blenders apart is the inspection and repair process that the company uses and how picky they are about the machines they allow into their program.
Reconditioning Process
Any significant scratches on the casing or odd sounds will automatically eliminate a machine from the recon program.
Even if the machine is in perfect condition but over five years old it is eliminated and broken down for recycling.
If none of the obvious issues above are noted the machines then go through a thorough 17 point inspection process that includes all of the major components of the:
- Motor base
- Motor and control components
- Blade assembly
Any issues are corrected and worn parts are replaced and then the blender is reassembled before going through two additional quality control inspections.
Then the machine is packaged with a brand new cookbook package, two-part lid, container shell, tamper, and three to five-year warranty.
To us, the most remarkable service added to recon blenders is if you order one and it is no longer available there is a good chance that Vitamix will send you a new appliance just to make sure you are properly taken care of.
Best Vitamix Recon Models
- Recon Explorian Low-profile (E320.)
- Recon 5300 Low-profile (This is has a combination of G-Series & C-Series features)
- Recon Standard Tall and narrow (This is a reconditioned 5200.)
- Recon Standard with Programs Tall and narrow; Programs (This is a refurbished Pro 500.)
- Recon Next Generation Low-profile (This is a reconditioned 7500.)
- Recon V1200 Low-profile (Programmable timer, originally a COSCO Velocity blender)
- Recon A2500 Low-profile (Programs)
- Recon A3300 Low-profile (Touchscreen)
- Recon A3500 Low-profile (Programs and Programmable timer)
Our Choice in a Recon Vitamix Blender
For our own personal use, we would pick the Recon A3500 as our machine of choice but keep in mind that our household uses a blender on a daily basis for a wide variety of tasks ranging from blending smoothies and ginger shorts to grinding fresh grains and turning them into wraps.
Because of this, we want all the features available to make our blending experience as simple and trouble-free as possible.
The A3500 does this in spades with its cleaning program feature and wireless connectivity it removes a lot of the strain of adjusting recipes and waiting for blending cycles to end.
This is of course when we of course use it in conjunction with the Vitamix iOS app.
Your needs might be much different from ours and you choose accordingly.
Our blanket recommendation, for people newer to using a Vitamix machine, would be a Recon Explorian.
The Explorian line, as we discussed in the section dedicated to this series, has very simple controls making it easy to operate.
More importantly, they are ideal machines to learn all the capabilities that Vitamix blenders give you.
Summary of Features You Should Consider
In this section, we will attempt to summarize the major differences between the various models by feature.
Keep in mind that Vitamix has offered dozens of machines over their history and some of the models discussed here may no longer be available other than as Recon offerings and some may still be on the drawing board but soon to emerge.
Here we will compare:
- Personal Blender?
- Preset Programs?
- C-Series or G-Series?
- Variable Speed?
- Reconditioned?
Vitamix Personal Blenders
Vitamix first entered the personal blender market with the Vitamix S30 back in 2014.
It was an immediate success and the company followed in early 2015 with the Vitamix S50 and then later in the year with the improved Vitamix S55.
The S50 was short-lived and is presently only available as a Recon model, but well worth looking at if you find one.
The other two models in their S-series (personal blenders) are still available and outperform any other blenders in their class.
The only difference between the S30 and the S55 is that the latter has the addition of four Programmed Settings for smoothies, power blends, dips & spreads, and frozen desserts.
The S30 is strictly a manual machine with a single dial for control.
Other than this, the two blenders function exactly the same.
If you are looking for a truly compact blender and don’t need all of the capabilities that a full-sized Vitamix model offers then Either of the models currently offered would be an ideal option.
They come standard with a 20-ounce to-go cup and screw-on lid for your personal blinding needs but also include a 40-ounce blending picture for more general use.
Measuring only 8.3 x 5.9 x 15.7-inches with their large blending container and weighing in at just 12 lb 6-ounces, they take up little space and are reasonably portable.
Preset Programs
Preset programs can be a blessing or a curse depending on your perspective.
The advantages that they bring are:
- They allow you to start your blender and walk away knowing that the automatic program will take care of shutting down the machine when the blending process is finished.
- They can give you surprisingly consistent results from one batch to another.
- They help new users to gain confidence both in their own abilities and in their blender’s capabilities.
The problem is that they only work correctly when you strictly follow recipes.
If you are the type of cook that likes to play with ingredients, adding a touch of this and cutting back on that, or substituting one thing for another they are less effective.
The only other issue with presets is sometimes ingredients need tamping down to blend evenly.
your results will be less consistent.
Variable Speed
A variable speed dial or buttons are invaluable on a blender.
A single-speed might be OK for a machine dedicated to just making smoothies or some other single purpose but to truly enjoy all the benefits that a blender offers you need to be able to control how fast or slow its blades run.
After all, the blending speed required to liquefy frozen fruit and tough vegetables, or crush ice cubes is very different.
If you sometimes might want to make a chunky salsa or batch of pesto then you are going to want a Vitamix that you can run at a slow speed to avoid over blending.
If you enjoy making dips and home sauces you are going to need a medium speed to keep control of the consistency, and of course for creamy, steaming hot soups and sauces you will need all the speed your machine can muster.
The point is, you can never have too much control over the blending process and the chief way of controlling how your blender performs is with variable speed.
Variable speed control is a must.
Vitamix Classic (C-Series) vs. Next Generation (G-Series)
The main difference between the Classic aka C-series and the Next-generation blenders is in airflow and jug design.
In 2012 Vitamix introduced the G-series these blenders had three ungraded features to improve their longevity and enhance their performance:
- Baffled Airflow System
- Larger Blades
- Newly Designed Blending containers
Baffled Airflow
The new machines featured a baffled airflow system that channeled more air to vital areas and reduced the risk of them overheating and shutting down.
This allowed for longer blending times and extended blending sessions with the irritation of the machine shutting down.
It also reduced the risk of what engineers call thermal cycling from reducing the strength of certain internal drive parts.
All materials change slightly each time they become heated and are then cooled down.
This is similar to what metal-smiths intentionally do when they harden and temper metals.
These stress are accounted for in how a Vitamix is engineered but the improved airflow greatly reduces the effect of these heating cycles.
Larger Blades
The second upgrade that the Next Generations received was having blades that were 4-inches long instead of 3.
Larger blades not only provide more cutting area and reduce the needed blending time the actually increase the impact force the machine can exert against the ingredients being blended.
You could think of the blades as levers and as Archimedes taught us there is power in leverage.
The longer arch that the blades travel provides more momentum and greater striking force.
Newly Designed Pitchers
The Next Gen Vitamix blenders also received a redesigned blending container.
These new jugs are shorter and wider than the Classic Series pitchers but had the same 64-ounce capacity.
The advantages that the wider blending jar offer are:
- Less need for a tamper as the ingredients are closer to the blades.
- The ability to course chop larger amounts of vegetables at a time.
- It is easier to scrape out the bottom of the jar as the mouth allows more maneuvering. room and you don’t need to reach as far.
The advantages that a shorter jar offers are:
- At just 17.5 inches tall the shorter height of the Next Gen machines fits under a wider variety of kitchen cabinets.
Disadvantages of a shorter wider jar:
- It is harder to blend small amounts as the food isn’t concentrated in the bottom as much as with a narrow jar.
- The wider jar seems to suffer from more splashing and is more likely to lose a small amount of blends.
These disadvantages are easily eliminated by purchasing a smaller after-market container if you are wanting to blend small batches.
What Makes Vitamix Blenders so Great?
There are many factors that go into creating a blender that stands head and shoulders above the rest.
The least that should be expected of a good machine is that it will turn tough ingredients like leafy greens, ice, and nuts into a silky smooth blend without bogging down or taking forever to do it. That is just the beginning.
There are also factors like durability, usability, strength, and stamina that must be taken into account.
Durability
Vitamix blenders are the most durable on the market. This can be attested to by them having the longest factory warranty of any blender on the market.
Companies invest large amounts of money in determining just how long their products will last and this is reflected in how long they stand behind them.
It is no accident that so many items fail shortly after their guarantee has run out. It’s not luck, it is good research on the manufacturer’s part.
Vitamix can stand behind its products because they are built to last.
Blades
To begin with, unlike other blenders Vitamix blender blades do not depend on being sharp in order to break down ingredients. Instead, they use blunt force and high speeds. This means that their blades won’t need to be replaced due to losing their edge.
To further increase durability Vitamix uses aircraft-grade stainless steel blades to assure they last you a lifetime and they are a proprietary design for efficiency.
Motors
Vitamix motors are some of the most powerful on the market and power never hurt when building a blender to last, but Vitamix motors offer more than just power.
They are a custom-designed, all copper motor that the company personally developed, for one thing, to last.
Then they equipped their units with thermal protectors to prevent damage to the motor when heavy use is needed.
The only complaint that is generally heard about a Vitamix is that the motor is too strong and leads to people over blending until they adjust to using a Vitamix blender.
Drivetrain
The last but perhaps most impressive way that Vitamix assures the durability of its blenders is through the design and construction of its drivetrain.
Unlike many blenders on the market, Vitamix uses no plastic couplings or bushings in their blenders drivetrains.
They use industrial-grade ball bearings and stainless steel couplings to assure smooth operations and the longevity of their machines.
Usability
Vitamix blenders like most of the major brands are available with run-and-forget programs and enough high-tech features to make a Space X engineer green with envy.
However, many Vitamix machines still come with basic controls that are easy to understand and easier to use.
Even their most advanced blenders have simple and intuitive systems that are easy to use and won’t leave you feeling like you need an advanced degree to operate.
Of equal importance, Vitamix blenders are easy to clean. Just add a few drops of dish soap and pulse it a few times and your blender will clean itself.
Just rinse and you are ready to blend again.
Strength
Much of what we have looked at above also applies to making Vitamix blenders strong.
Steel power couplings are naturally stronger than the plastic or Teflon that are found in many blender models.
What really sets Vitamix blenders apart though, is their motors. Most of the blender models offered by Vitamix come with either a 2.0 or2.2 horsepower motor.
That is some of the strongest on the market and unlike many other brands, these motors are not only designed to deliver high torque at startup but to run at exceptionally high speeds.
Stamina
Stamina is the ability to work hard for long periods of time. Think of a margarita party with thirty friends.
There are a number of unseen features that Vitamix includes in the basic blender designs that help in this area.
One is is a thermal disconnect when in the thrill of the moment you may push your Vitamix to its limits.
This stops the blender from running until it has cooled sufficiently to avoid damaging the motor.
A second is a simple fact that Vitamix blenders operate at such high speeds.
The cooling fans on a Vitamix are direct drive meaning that however fast the motor turns is the same speed the cooling fans run.
The faster the fan runs the more air it moves and efficiently it cools the internal parts of the blender.
Beyond this Vitamix engineers have custom designed a baffling system within each blender that regulates how much air is directed to what parts to provide more cooling to the areas where it is needed and not waste the airflow that is available.
This equates to longer running times without overheating and shutting down.
Stated simply, more stamina.
Customer Service
Perhaps the one feature that more than any other has accounted for the reputation that Vitamix mix blenders have for quality has little to do with the machines themselves and is more about the company and people that stand behind them.
True, Vitamix offers the longest warranties on the market, but more importantly they back that warranty with quality customer service.
Most of us as consumers have experienced trying to get work performed on an item only to find that after the sale the company doesn’t care.
Our calls get bounced around, emails get ignored, and representatives act like we should be glad they even answer a call.
You will never experience that with Vitamix. They understand that it doesn’t matter if you are a first-time user with a question, someone with a twenty-year-old machine looking for parts, or a customer needing service on their blender.
You are the reason they are in business and the most important asset that the company has.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Vitamix Blender
If you are an experienced foodie you might feel you know your way around a Vitamix but a Vitamix is a different animal from most blenders on the market.
Here are a few things that we feel you should take into consideration before purchasing a Vitamix blender.
Cost
Buying any Vitamix is more than a small investment to the average person.
The truth is if you want the best you will normally have to pay an above-average price.
That being said, if you shop carefully and buy a machine that will meet your needs without a lot of features that you will probably never use a Vitamix is well more than a wise purchase.
It is an investment.
When you take into account the service life that a Vitamix blender delivers it is actually cheaper than many lower-priced brands.
Factor in the performance it will deliver and Vitamix could be considered downright inexpensive.
If a new machine is simply beyond your budget then our best advice is to consider one of the many certified reconditioned Vitamix blenders that the company has to offer and are often available at deep discounts on Amazon.
Foods You Will Blend
One of the first things you should consider before buying a Vitamix blender is what types of uses you will put it to.
Any Vitamix will handle any blending job you can through at them. but that doesn’t mean every model is ideal for every setting or purpose.
If all you are going to do is make smoothies, baby food, and the occasional batch of nut butter then a smaller, less powerful, and cheaper model might be a better choice for your lifestyle than a professional-grade machine.
By the same token, if you are buying a machine for a commercial kitchen or bar setting you are going to want all the machine you can afford.
In these settings, a Vitamix blender might be asked to run long hours, grinding ice and other very hard ingredients.
Size
Just like cost size is something that most people should take into consideration before choosing a blender.
Most of us don’t have unlimited kitchen space so, size does matter.
Luckily, Vitamix offers blenders and containers in a wide range of sizes from single-serving cups to massive 64-ounce containers.
If you need or just want a large pitcher but have low kitchen cabinets you can even get a low profile container that still blends beautifully but can be stored in the back corner of your countertop.
Whatever size you need, Vitamix is likely to have but you should consider your options before buying.
Motor Power
Most of us have been led to believe that you can’t have too much power in a blender, and while having a machine with a motor big enough to handle the job at hand is important, powerful blenders do come with a few drawbacks.
- Larger motors will, as a general rule, create more noise. Even with sound baffling the difference is noticeable.
- A common experience for people who move up to stronger blenders from less powerful ones is over blending. The stronger your Vitamix blender motor, the more attention you must pay to the blending process.
Just as with size it is good to consider how much power you really need before picking an appliance, or at least be cognizant of the fact that a number three setting on your new blender’s variable speed control dial may equate to a five or six on your old.
Controls
Most Vitamix blenders have basic, very intuitive controls.
You will find a spend control knob in the middle with an on-off switch to the left and a pulse switch to the right.
These simple controls make them very easy to use and simple to understand.
The Ascent Series models and The Quite One though have sleeker and more modern touch-control screens.
While these controls may seem slightly intimidating to the technologically challenged, remember these are Vitamix blenders and usability is one of the company’s bywords.
Even those of us who have trouble programming an alarm clock can get the hang of them with no problems, and the Vitamix App makes it even easier.
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!
