Best Vitamix Blenders at Every Price Point (2023)

Since Bon Appétit began testing kitchen appliances, Vitamix has topped the list of best blenders. In recent years other companies have been closing the gap, but in terms of power, simplicity and effectiveness, no one yet has been able to best Vitamix. From normal blender outputs like smoothies, baby food purees, or crushed ice, to more out there applications (hello fresh peanut butter and homemade ice cream), the brand that once had a 1980’s Richard Simmons as a pitchman really does dominate the blender space.

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But with over a dozen models to choose from, and all of them on the pricey side for a blender, which Vitamix is worth splurging on? Check out our breakdown of every model below to help you determine what sets each Vitamix blender apart.

A Vitamix FAQ

Vitamix 5200

The 5200, the only remaining blender in Vitamix’s Legacy series, features a 2 horsepower motor, 64-ounce container, a manual control knob, a pulse switch, and a switch to instantly bump it to max power. It is also available as a bundle, which includes two 20-ounce blender cups and lids for taking smoothies on the go, plus as well as a tamper holder, and a silicone spatula designed for scraping every ounce of smoothie from the pitcher. Its high performance and relatively affordable price tag have made it BA’s favorite blender for years. However, with a maximum height of 20.5 inches when assembled, this model might have a tough time fitting underneath your kitchen cabinets. If you plan to stow your blender on the countertop full time, you might want to consider buying the available low–profile container.

Vitamix Explorian Series Blenders

While the “E” in the below models stands for “Explorian” it could also stand for “Entry Level,” as this is the most basic line in the Vitamix family. The Explorian series doesn’t feature any pre-programmed settings or sensor technology like some souped up models, but choosing this more manual experience drops the price point quite a bit. The base level E310 retails for $379.95, which doesn’t qualify it as a “budget” blender, but as mentioned above, still gets you similar quality and internal components found in all Vitamix models.

This blender is proof that there’s nothing wrong with basic. The E310 houses a 2-horsepower motor and ten-speed manual control knob, plus a manual on/off switch and pulse switch. The E310 is also available as a bundle featuring two personal cups and their adapter. Vitamix says it’s designed to handle just about any small-to-medium blending job a home cook can throw at it.

This one is not as widely available, but you might find this slightly-upgraded model at Costco or as part of a bundle with personal cups and adapter. It sports a bigger 2.2 horsepower motor, plus a larger, low profile 64-ounce container. With the more powerful motor comes a longer warranty, too. Its operation though, is the same as the E310.

Vitamix Propel Series Blenders

The Propel series brings Vitamix users into the wonderful world of preset programs. You will notice icons related to specific blending tasks located on one side of the manual speed dial. Choose one of these programs and the blender will run through a blending cycle, automatically adjusting between different speed settings.

The 510 features three blending programs for smoothies, frozen desserts, and hot soups, in addition to the manual 1-10 speed control. It also has the manual on/off and pulse switches. It’s got a 2 horsepower motor and a smaller 48-ounce container, and the shorter 5-year warranty.

Upgrade to the Propel 750 and you’ll not only get a larger, 64-ounce container, but an extra boost of horsepower (2.2 compared to 2.0) and a longer, 7-year warranty. You’ll also get two more presents, “self-cleaning” and “dips and spreads.”

Vitamix Ascent X Series Blenders

Vitamix’s newest lineup, the Ascent X Series, is its most technologically advanced. Each blender in this set features a 2.2 horsepower motor and incorporates some kind of digital display and controls, as well as a built-in timer function, and detachable tamper storage, a plastic holster on the side of the base. Ascent X blenders are also compatible with Vitamix’s “Self-Detect Containers” — which use wireless connectivity between an accessory and the blender base to make program adjustments — meaning this series also opens you up to more versatile attachments, including a food processor. Finally, you’ll notice the Ascent X comes in some sleeker colors and finishes, adding a premium aesthetic to your kitchen countertop.

Though officially a part of this premium category, the X2 is most similar to the the Propel 510. You’re once again getting a 48-ounce container, three preset blending modes, plus a dedicated self-cleaning setting. Other than an added digital timer, the controls look similar to the Propel series, too, with manual switches for start, stop and pulse functions, along with a manual speed control and preset selector knob.

Unlike the X2, the speed settings on this model (and the X4 and X5) are not printed on the knob. They appear on the digital display. In fact, with the exception of the speed control knob, every control on these upper Ascent X models is an integrated touch button. The X3 also adds an overheat warning to let you know the motor needs a rest. Other than that, with its three presets, the X3 does all the same things as the X2, but in a sleeker package.

Take the X3 and add a couple more presets and you’ll get the X4. In addition to preset programs for dips and spreads, and frozen cocktails, this model also introduces a “+15 Seconds” button, which gives you a one-touch option to extend the preset program you’re using if you notice ingredients could use some extra blending time. Another helpful feature is called “User Notifications,” which appear as messages or icons on the display screen letting you know when to use the tamper to move ingredients around for uniform blending or in the rare case that the blender is overheating and needs a break.

The main upgrade on Vitamix’s highest end model is its ten presets which include programs for nut butters and grinding spices. Like previous models, it also features a timer, the add 15 seconds option, and user feedback messages for tamping or overheating. Check out our more in-depth review of the Ascent X5 here,

You may also see reconditioned Vitamix Ascent blenders (without the X) for sale online. These are an older line, separate from the Ascent X models and they are currently being phased out. These include the Vitamix A2300, Vitamix A2500, Vitamix A3300, Vitamix A3500, and the Vitamix Venturist, which might be the model you've seen at Costco. They’re Vitamix’s version of a smart blender, connecting to an app. Like all Vitamix blenders, they’re quality appliances, but because they won’t be available and VItamix is phasing out some ofthe technology used with them, we don’t recommend them here.

Vitamix Blender Attachements

32-ounce, 48-ounce, and 64-ounce containers

Different models will come standard with one of two pitcher sizes. The 48-ounce containers are designed for up to four servings, whereas the larger 64-ounce container is better for big batches. Additionally, Vitamix offers a 32-ounce container that’s the right size for small batches of one or two servings. Luckily, no matter which container your Vitamix comes with, you can always pick up a bigger or smaller one to better fit your specific needs.

This 12-cup bowl and feeder attachment essentially turns your powerful blender motor base into a large-capacity food processor, too. The basic accessory comes with a processor blade and two multi-use shredding and slicing discs. A bundled version of the attachment also comes with five circular blades for shredding and slicing in various thicknesses, as well as julienne and “veggie stick” (think French fries or carrot sticks for crudité), plus a bowl for storage. In either case, assembly is easy: Just stack the processor on top of your base and snap a single locking lever to hold it all in place.

This pitcher is fitted with a perforated aerating disc instead of a blade, which you can use to make frothy foam, muddle cocktails, whip cream, or emulsify a vinaigrette. It’s ideal if you want to thoroughly mix or whip your ingredients without totally pulverizing them.

This will let you grind whole grains into flour, mix batters, or work dough. Vitamix says the specially designed blades create a “reverse vortex,” meaning they fling food away from the blades (rather than pulling inward) to keep it from packing around the bottom of the container.

Vitamix sells three different sizes of tamper for its three sizes of container. The tampers do the dirty work of ensuring all of your chunky, frozen, or otherwise stubborn ingredients get fully incorporated into the mix. However, each size of tamper is designed for use with only one size container. If you use, say, the 64-ounce tamper in the 32-ounce container, you’re going to end up with little pieces of plastic in your pitaya bowl. So, if you get additional containers you'll need additional tampers to go with them.

What about Vitamix's immersion blenders

Vitamix’s immersion blenders or “stick blenders” are great little appliances to have on hand when you don’t want to pour a giant pot of simmering soup into your countertop blender.

The basic corded immersion model has an on/off button, a selector dial for high or low-speed blending and a whisk attachment with its 350-watt motor. The bell-shaped blade housing has a coating designed to prevent scratches on your pots and pans. Note that the blending attachment is not dishwasher safe, but the whisk can be placed on the top rack.

This corded immersion blender sports a substantially more powerful 625 watts, a four-pronged blade, and five variable speed settings. The base model doesn’t come with any attachments, however it is available in various bundles which include some combination of a whisk, blending jar, food chopper, “immersion station” storage, or a zippered storage case. As with the 2-speed, this model's blending wand is not dishwasher safe, but its whisk, chopper, and jar accessories are OK on the top rack.