Best Vitamix Blenders: Comparing Different Variants To Help You Choose Which Vitamix To Buy

When it comes to blenders, there is only one brand that stands out – it’s the Vitamix Blender, and we’ll be looking at the best options available right now.

If you’ve made up your mind on getting one, we’re here to help select the best Vitamix blender.

There are more than 20 different alternatives to choose from at varying costs.

The truth is you don’t need to buy an expensive option to get the best performance.

This review will reveal that the price will not dictate the best quality or performance.

Sites like America’s Test Kitchen, The KitchnConsumer Reports, CNET have tested it and gave it rave reviews.

Here’s an overview of the Best Vitamix Blenders

This list below is an overview of the different options that we’ll be looking at in this article.

We’ll be talking about the best of the best Vitamix model in this comparison and break down each one’s strengths, weaknesses, and their value-for-money proposition.

BEST OVERALL: Vitamix Ascent 2500

  • Combines old-school simplicity with the modernity of digital controls in newer Vitamix models
  • The powerful motor will blend any ingredient
  • Has the longest warranty at ten years

OLD SCHOOL SIMPLICITY: Vitamix 7500

  • Analog controls are simple to use
  • A better option than the Vitamix 5200 thanks to the pulse feature
  • Variable speed feature helps with different types of recipes
  • 7-year warranty

VALUE FOR MONEY: Vitamix 5200

  • One of the most popular Vitamix options
  • Excellent value for money
  • 7-year warranty

BUDGET ALTERNATIVE: Kuvings NJE3580

  • The cheapest option in this list
  • A versatile option that can make more than juices
  • Small footprint makes it suitable inside small kitchens

TWO GEARS: Samson Green Power KPE-1304

  • Only twin gear option in the list
  • Provides excellent yield when it comes to extracting leafy green vegetables
  • A great compact option for those looking for a twin gear juicer

BEST MANUAL OPTION: MJ445 Miracle Hand Juicer

  • All stainless steel construction will stand the test of time
  • An excellent choice for making pure wheatgrass shots
  • Rubber soles give it good stability

ALL METAL CONSTRUCTION: Handy Pantry HJ Hurricane

  • The second option that has an all-metal construction
  • The simple design is easy to assemble and use
  • Stainless steel finish will not rust

CHEAP MANUAL OPTION: Chef’s Star Manual Hand Crank Juicer

  • Budget alternative to the MJ445 and Chef Star Hand Crank juicer
  • Suction base gives it good stability
  • Excellent for making small quantities of juice

What are the Different Vitamix Options out there?

There are five different series; each with a specific target audience in mind. Choosing between these options will depend on need, budget, and preference.

  • Vitamix S-Series: This is Vitamix’s compact blender option for people looking for a space saving option. However, it won’t be as versatile as their full-sized siblings.
  • Classic Series: These include the first generation blenders – 500, 5200, 5300, G-Series, C-Series, 7500, Professional-Series.
  • Ascent Series: The newest blenders available that has their latest technology.
  • Commercial Series: Designed for commercial use – Drink Machine Advance, Blending Station Advance, The Quiet One, Drink Machine 2-Speed, and T&G 2 Blending Station).
  • Explorian Series: The oldest variants available – these are also the cheapest but has the shortest warranty.

Motor

There are two generations of Vitamix motors. The first generation motor has 2hp that spins the motor to a supercar fast 240 revolutions per minute (or rpm).

It is this motor that runs best selling 5200, Turbo Blend VS, 1782 TurboBlend Two Speed1363 Professional Series500 Professional Series, 1723 Professional Series and 6300.

With their 2nd generation motor, Vitamix made some significant upgrades.

First, it got a slight boost in power from the original two horsepower output. The 2nd generation motor has 2.2 horsepower – slightly more powerful than the 1st generation motor.

Another improvement done is better cooling thanks to the bigger air vents.

It means newer Vitamix blenders, in theory, can run longer without overheating, but the difference isn’t much, to be honest.

However, the second generation Vitamix blenders can make what first-gen options can.

Professional series blenders like the 300 series, 750 and 780 all have the 2nd generation motor. Newer variants like the 7500 and 5300 also have the new motor.

Controls

Vitamix has pretty much kept the status quo when it comes to the controls of their blenders.

From their first generation, two-speed blenders to the professional series product line have mostly used a combination of toggle switches and a rotary dial as a means to control the speed of which the blades rotate.

But I’ve noticed a difference with their newer product line starting from the 780 to the latest Ascent series that they have begun moving from analog to digital controls.

Except for the Ascent A2500, the rest of the Ascent series utilizes a mostly digital interface to go along with a large rotary dial in the middle.

The A2500 incorporated the interface of the 750 and added a digital timer right up in the middle to go along with the variable speed dial, three pre-programmed settings and pulse switch on the right.

Right now the A3500 is the most high-tech Vitamix with an all-digital interface.

It also comes with a timer and five pre-programmed controls that gives set-and-forget convenience.

If you want to know more about these new series of blenders, go to this article where I compare them in detail.

Again choosing one will depend on need and budget.

Once a budget is set then selecting a model would be easier because the options over that price range are crossed out.

Pitcher

Vitamix Pitcher

Selecting the type of pitcher will depend on the Vitamix option.

Purchasing a first generation Vitamix will mean getting a narrow and tall pitcher that has the three-inch blade.

Most second generation (if not all) Vitamix blenders come with a wider pitcher that has a 4-inch blade. It will also have the same 64-ounce capacity.

All pitchers are made from Eastman Tritan Copolyester plastic which is BPA-free.

However, these aren’t dishwasher safe, but it’s not a big deal, washing them is pretty straightforward.

Vitamix instructs their customers to fill the pitcher with water (around three-fourths full), add a few drops of liquid dishwashing soap and pulse on high for around 30 to 60 seconds.

The sheer speed of the blades should be enough to dislodge all the food residue. Make sure to rinse thoroughly.

Specialty pitchers

Vitamix also sells specialty pitchers designed to blend dry ingredients.

This is an excellent option for people looking to grind flaxseed, nut butter or coffee beans.

Our Pick: Vitamix Ascent 2500

The new Ascent series blender from Vitamix combines the old school simplicity with a modern touch from the touch screen controls.

Out of the four variants, I like the Ascent 2500 the most because it provides the best of both worlds – functionality, and price.

Pros

  • Marries the strengths of old and new Vitamix options
  • Easy to use interface
  • Has a timer and preset controls that provide more control

Cons

  • Insanely costly

Why is this number 1?

At its current price, this blender is cheaper than the older Vitamix 750!

And it comes with the same functionality. It includes preset controls, variable speed, and pulse.

What this variant has over the 750 would be the digital timer and three years more with the warranty.

Honestly, I cannot believe the current pricing of the Ascent series.

Why this is cheaper than the 750, I don’t know and is a big reason why this is number one on the list.

Both the 750 and the Ascent 2500 have the same motor, blade, and pitcher. These two will be able to make the same types of recipes.

The differences aren’t apparent for the casual buyer.

People who want an all-around food mill that can make a variety of recipes well.

This option will do well enough to replace a blender in the right instances.

What are the potential issues?

Perhaps the biggest issue with the Ascent 2500 or any Vitamix blender would be price.

This blender costs around $400 (more expensive in Vitamix.com) and not a lot of folks would be willing to spend that amount for a blender.

But consider this for a minute. This machine is not just a smoothie making machine.

It is possible to make all sorts of recipes such as gourmet quality soup, hummus, salsa dips, sauces, and even baby food!

Get the dry container, and this pitcher is excellent at crushing all sort of beans.

Bottom line:

As of this moment, the Ascent 2500 is the best Vitamix blender because of the price and feature ratio. Despite having a longer warranty than the Professional series 750 and a better set of controls, it’s cheaper.

View Deal in Amazon

Old Pick: Vitamix 7500


It is a surprising pick. I bet you thought I’d put the 5200 on top because of the sheer number of reviews, but I did not for two reasons.

Pros

  • A better option than the 5200 thanks to the pulse control
  • Comes with a powerful motor capable of making a variety of recipes

Cons

  • Does not have any preset controls

Consumer gripes about the 5200

These are the two biggest grips that consumers have against 5200.

The first complaint is the lack of a pulse feature – this means the on/off switch will be used more.

Not really a deal breaker but it can be a nuisance for making recipes that require more precision like chopping veggies or making Mexican salsa.

The second complaint is the sheer size of 5200 in terms of height.

It measures over 20 inches tall and if your home has standard sized counter top cabinets that measure less than 20”, this could be a problem is terms storing it.

You have to take off the pitcher from the base taking up even more space.

Not an issue inside big kitchens, but when space is a premium, it will be a problem.

7500 to the rescue

The 7500 solves both of these problems with a shorter but wider pitcher that retains the same 64-ounce capacity and the same blend quality as the 5200.

It has the same rotary dial for the variable speed setting as the 5200.

On the left side of the control panel, you have the pulse button that solves the issue that 5200 owners have – the lack of a pulse option.

The significant part of this is you don’t have to pay a whole lot for these upgrades if you buy in Amazon.

You’ll only have to pay around $40 more to get this all around food mill capable of making smoothies, soups and much more.

Bottom line:

When we talk about value-for-money, the 7500 has gone to be at the top of your list. The only thing missing is preset controls, but this saves you around $100 compared to the 750. It’s got a shorter pitcher which helps you store this under standard sized counter top cabinets without having to remove the pitcher plus it has a pulse function.

View Deal in Amazon

Value for Money: Vitamix 5200

The Vitamix 5200 is one of the most popular blenders that Vitamix has ever produced.

But ironically, I initially didn’t put it in this list because it was expensive.

In its place was the TurboBlend VS which had the same features but was much cheaper.

That was then, but recently the price of the 5200 had come down, and I had to make the switch.

When you put these two machines side by side, you’d have to be observant to spot the difference.

Pros

  • One of the affordable options available
  • A rubber sleeve on the pitcher gives it added grip

Cons

  • No pulse function

Can you guess how much the 5200 is right now?

Did you say $400? Well close but not close enough.

The 5200 now costs less than $300 and if you ask me this is a no-brainer.

If I had to pick between this and the TurboBlend VS, I’d go with this.

And what’s the difference between the two?

If you look closely at the pitcher, the 5200 has a rubber sleeve on the handle that adds to the comfort and grip while the TurboBlend VS’s handle does not have that feature.

The whole pitcher has a plastic finish.

For me, this is a minor difference considering the potential savings I could get.

Bottom line:

Right now the 5200 will give you the better deal than the TurboBlend VS. Both of these blenders have the same features, so it’s best to get the cheaper one.

View Deal in Amazon

Pre-programmed: Vitamix 750

The first two Vitamix blenders I shared without have one thing in common – both of them have variable speed setting.

But if you’re a restaurant or a juice bar owner who prefers something with pre-programmed settings, then give the 750 a long look.

Pros

  • Have preprogrammed controls that provide walk-away convenience
  • Isn’t as tall as the Vitamix 5200 so it’ll fit under more cabinets

Cons

  • More expensive than the newer A2500

What are the improvements?

The Vitamix 750 shares the same roots as the 7500 as both of these variants share the same upgraded motor found in all new Vitamix blenders – a 2.2 peak horsepower motor.

Each one uses the same wide base but low profile 64-ounce BPA free pitcher with the wider 4” stainless steel blade.

But there’s one key difference

This blender comes equipped with five pre-programmed settings to help make your life easier when prepping recipes.

These settings include a smoothie, frozen dessert, hot soup, puree, and even a cleaning setting so that you can just set and forget.

Here’s the catch

All of these will cost you at least $40 more depending on the color you’ll buy.

Here’s a pro shopping tip for you – if you don’t have a preference in color usually there is a small price difference between one over the other.

In this case for the 750, the brushed stainless option is around $30 cheaper than the black variant, and we’re talking about the same machine here. So it does pay to shop around.

Bottom line:

Restaurant owners who need some consistency would benefit from the pre-programmed settings of the 750. This machine has everything you need to make homemade gourmet recipes at home. It’s what the chefs use and you can too.

View Deal in Amazon

Cheap Option: Vitamix E310 Explorian

It’s a common misconception for people to think that you’ll need to spend $500 for a Vitamix blender.

But if you know where to look, great deals can be had this the E310 Explorian blender that costs just under $270.

If you don’t mind buying something used, you can even get a better deal for less than $220 for a limited time only.

What’s great about buying in Amazon is you still get the option to purchases extended warranties of up to 4 years if you want that peace of mind.

Pros

  • More compact than the standard Vitamix full-sized blender
  • Provides similar versatility minus the size
  • An excellent option for smaller families

Cons

  • Has the shortest warranty

Low profile jar

One big issue with buying an older Vitamix would be the size.

For example, the 5200 measures over 20″ tall and if you’d store that under a countertop cabinet, you’d have to remove the jar for it to fit under it.

It won’t be an issue with the E310 Explorian because it only measures 18″ tall.

Despite being low profile, the container can still hold 64 ounces of liquid – the same as the more expensive 5200 and 5300.

Interface and controls

The E310 has the same layout as the 5200, but it also comes with the pulse feature that gives it more flexibility.

You don’t need to flick the switch for recipes that require more finesse constantly.

It also comes with variable speed that gives you control with the texture of the recipe you’re making.

If you want something analog, this is a great option.

Bottom line

The E310 Explorian blender is one of the cheapest available Vitamix blenders right now. If you get the refurbished, it’s even a better deal that is if you don’t mind buying something used. It does not have the same power as the 2nd generation Vitamix blenders but hey the difference if you’re making basic recipes that don’t require that much power it is more than enough.

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All Digital: Vitamix 780

Before the release of the 780, all Vitamix blenders used a combination of toggle switches and rotary dials.

These controls are easy to use and built to last – a big reason why the Vitamix is so popular.

Consumers say it gives them a lot of control with the recipes they are making – especially the rotary dials.

Pros

  • First Vitamix with an all-digital interface
  • Easy to clean – just wipe it down with a damp towel

Cons

  • Ranks up there with in terms of price

Vitamix goes digital

But it is an interesting move; they went away from the traditional control panel that most of their previous generation blenders had and made something all digital.

Let me introduce the Vitamix 780 – the first all-digital blender manufactured by Vitamix.

Consumer feedback has been mix in terms of digital controls. A lot of folks like the digital layout, but longtime Vitamix customers aren’t fans of it.

But for new consumers looking to buy their first blender or upgrade from a weaker one to a professional grade, this is a welcome sight.

I guess Vitamix has to adapt to the competition in the market, namely Blendtec that uses digital controls in nearly all their blenders.

Here’s a close up of the digital controls

Vitamix 780 Controls

You will get the same options as the 750 but in a digital format. You will get the same ten option variable speed setting, five pre-programmed settings, and a pulse button.

The preset options are on the left. On the right is the variable control setting that you slide up and down.

The neat thing about the control panel is that it is waterproof. If there are spills or messes, all you need to do is get a clean towel and wipe it off.

Bottom line:

If you don’t mind the extra for going digital, this is a significant investment. The screen is fully waterproof, and you spill anything on there all you need to do is wipe it down with a clean towel. Tech-savvy folks who use their smartphones a lot will love this.

View Deal in Amazon

Another way to save purchasing a Vitamix – Opt for Refurbished

It is no secret that these machines are expensive hovering between $360 and $600++ depending on the model and color.

But fear not, you do not have to pay the full retail price to own a Vitamix. If you’re patient enough to look around, you can find great deals on Amazon.

I’m talking about refurbished blenders here.

What is refurbished?

The term refurbished refers to items (usually returned for any specific reason) that are restored to a nearly brand new condition that meets the quality standards of the manufacturer.

A lot of brands do this, namely Breville and Blendtec.

The reason is apparent; they don’t want anything to go to waste so rather than throwing away their product. They repair it, give it a seal of approval, and sell it again at a lower cost.

Another term for refurbished is re-manufactured, which I think is the proper term.

The process involves repairing or replacing defective parts. In most cases, the pitcher and other wear items are brand new.

Vitamix also stands by their refurbished blenders with a minimum of a 90-day warranty to a maximum of 5-year warranty depending on the seller you buy it from Amazon.

It also comes with a 30-day guarantee (you have to check though before buying carefully).

A great deal on the 6300!

One of the best deals I found would include the Vitamix 1890 (or the 6300). It has the pulse, variable speed, and three preset cycles for around $250.

When you compare it to 5200, the two additional features is almost a deal breaker for most consumers and if you buy it second hand you’ll save more than half!

5300 for $80 less

Just in case the 5200 or 6300 is too tall, or you can’t afford the 750 or 7500, have a look at a refurbished 5300 for much less.

The 5300 is similar to the 5200 in terms of functionality with the addition of a pulse feature.

It uses the wide base 64-ounce pitcher that reduces the height from close to 21” down to around 17 inches.

Again this solves the two issues plaguing 5200 – no pulse and height.

Warranty

Most of their variants have a 7-year warranty. The warranty covers the whole blender. It means if anything breaks within the period, Vitamix will take care of it for you.

The new Ascent series now comes with an industry leading 10-year warranty.

Refurbished blenders will get a maximum of 5-year warranty – make sure to double check first before you buy.

Just make sure to buy the proper variant for your need.

If you’re using it at home, there’s no sense buying a commercial grade variant. However, if you have a business, then, by all means, get one that has a warranty for commercial use.

Best place to buy a Vitamix?

I’d recommend buying it directly from Vitamix, but you can find great deals on Amazon, like the TurboBlend VS I shared with you in this article.

If you buy that direct, you will have to pay a full retail price, but in Amazon, if you’re a Prime member, you can get it for around $80 less!

Another reason to buy from Amazon would be the availability of an extended warranty just in case the 7 or 10-year warranty isn’t long enough.

Don’t be afraid to shop around but the two best places definitely would be from Vitamix themselves when they have promos or in Amazon.

The verdict

These blenders are the best, in my opinion, if you factor in the features and price.

Take note that all of the blenders I featured here are geared towards the non-commercial user. Vitamix also has a product line for aspiring chefs and commercial establishments and have warranties for those.

You will notice that their products either will have a two hp or 2.2 hp motor.

The former represents the previous generation variant and will most likely have refurbished options available.

Which is the Best Vitamix Blender?

The Vitamix A2500 is a better option than more popular like the 7500 and 5200. It combines the best features of the first and later generation Vitamix blenders that make it one of the easiest blenders to use. This blender has the second generation motor that is strong enough to blend any type of ingredient. It is capable of mixing a variety of recipes like smoothies, soups, and even hummus. Yes, it is expensive, but if you’re spending a lot of time in the kitchen prepping food, this is a great tool to have.

The latter represents the newer generation variants. You’ll notice that some options have a “Professional” tag on it.

It does not mean better build quality.

Having that label implies that it comes with a cookbook with gourmet recipes that chefs use in restaurants.

Another difference would be the controls. Vitamix’s professional series blenders have preset controls while non-professional series extractors would only have variable speed and pulse options.

So choosing one will depend on the need. Hopefully, I’ve explained the strengths and weaknesses well enough to help pick one based on need.

Even if Vitamix blenders are expensive, it will offer a lot of value for the dollar spent on it. It’s not an option

Even though Vitamix blenders are expensive, they give you a lot for your dollar in terms of what you can make and geared towards the homemaker who likes to make their meals.

If you find this guide helpful please do share it with your friends.

1 thought on “Best Vitamix Blenders: Comparing Different Variants To Help You Choose Which Vitamix To Buy”

  1. Hi thanks for useful review. If I buy from Amazon, will the warranty service extended to me? Who should I contact for warranty ?

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