The Ultimate Vitamix Blender Buying Guide

So, you’ve decided to buy a Vitamix blender. I mean this seriously: congratulations. Your life is about to change, clearly definable as the time before you had a Vitamix (BV) and after (AV)—with the latter era featuring significantly better smoothies.

Vitamix is considered the best blender brand for good reason. It makes the winner of our blender product review year after year: The brand uses extremely high-powered motors and well-designed containers—not to mention an intuitive, straightforward interface—to build kitchen appliances that more than earn a spot on your kitchen counter.

There are five Vitamix series currently on the market. Ahead, we break down each of the series and the models within them. But before we dive in, let’s talk about what sets Vitamix apart and why should consider investing in this top-shelf blender.

Or just shop for our favorite Vitamix, and the blender we think is best for most people:

The main reason to drop some serious cash on a blender is, obviously, because you use your blender a bunch. If you are just an occasional smoothie maker, you could certainly level up to the best blender on the market, but you won’t be getting the most out of your high-powered machine and could probably make do with a less expensive appliance.

With a Vitamix blender, you get what you pay for. Each model is high-quality, engineered to blend tidily (no explosion the second you turn it on—seriously), cut through even the toughest ingredients, and last a very long time. With the plastic tamp included with every blender, you can adjust and press down on the ingredients you’re blending without cutting the power or lifting the lid, which means you don’t have to add as much liquid to get things moving.

You can opt for a streamlined version or one with all the bells and whistles if you’re the kind of person who wants to operate their blender via their phone; no matter what model you buy, you’ll get the oft imitated, never replicated high-powered motor that the brand is known for.

Now, let's get into these first-class blenders.

Launched in March of 2023, this is the latest series of blenders in the Vitamix family. These blenders are a step-up from Vitamix's entry-level blenders and offer powerful motors, popular presets, and updated aesthetics.

Choose the Vitamix Propel 510 if you: typically only make small or medium blends.

Key specs:

• Capacity: 48 fl. oz
• Blending speeds: 10
• Motor: 2 horsepower
• Weight: 9 lbs 10 oz
• Dimensions: 17.5 x 9 x 7.5"
• Colors: Black, red, white, and slate
• Warranty: 5 years

The Propel 510 is a great choice for people who may prefer a smaller container because they're usually blending individual servings, or making smoothies for two. The Propel 510 features three preset programs for hot soup, smoothies, and frozen desserts.

Choose the Vitamix Propel 750 if you: prefer a larger, 64-ounce container.

Key specs:

• Capacity: 64 fl. oz
• Blending speeds: 10
• Motor: 2.2 horsepower
• Weight: 10 lbs
• Dimensions: 18 x 9 x 7.5"
• Colors: Black, red, white, and slate
• Warranty: 7 years

The Propel Series 750 is almost exactly the same as the Professional Series 750. They have the same capacity, the same number of blending speeds, and the same horsepower. Both have the five pre-programmed settings. The Propel's programs include: smoothie, hot soup, frozen dessert, dips/spreads, and self-cleaning, but the Professional trades dips/spreads for purées. Vitamix even sells each of these at the same price. Since both machines are nearly the same, it might come down simply an aesthetic choice—or a matter of which may be on sale at any given time.

The Vitamix Legacy is the traditional, tried-and-true blender with a classic look and premium performance. All models under the Legacy umbrella come with a 64-ounce container and plastic tamp, a seven-year warranty, and the intuitive three-switch interface that Vitamix is known for.

Choose the Vitamix 5200 if you: want a classic model that works best for most households.

Key specs:

• Capacity: 64 fl. oz
• Blending speeds: 10
• Motor: 2.2 horsepower
• Weight: 10 lbs 9 oz
• Dimensions: 20.5 x 8.75 x 7.25"
• Colors: Black, red, and white
• Warranty: 7 years

This is the classic Vitamix model, the one you’ve probably seen the most, and the winner of our annual blender product test year after year. The control options are what set the Vitamix 5200 apart: It features variable high- and low-speed controls that give the operator some serious precision when choosing a power level. Use this blender to make silky sauces, hot soups, and more.

Choose the Vitamix TurboBlend 3-Speed if you: want a simplified model that’s great for beginners on the Vitamix scene.

Key specs:

• Capacity: 64 fl. oz
• Blending speeds: 3
• Motor: 2 horsepower
• Weight: 10 lbs 9 oz
• Dimensions: 20.3 x 8.8 x 9"
• Colors: Black and platinum
• Warranty: 5 years

This is the first Vitamix blender I owned, and it made for a perfect starter machine. Instead of a speed dial that runs from 1 to 10, the TurboBlend offers a simplified low-medium-high dial as well as a lever for pulsing. Even without the specific numerical power offerings, we found that the three speeds gave us more than enough precision for making nut milk, smoothies, ice cream, and even mayonnaise in our testing.

Choose the Vitamix 7500 if you: want a powerful blender that takes up less space.

Key specs:

• Capacity: 64 fl. oz
• Blending speeds: 10
• Motor: 2.2 horsepower
• Weight: 12 lbs 5 oz
• Dimensions: 17.5 x 9.4 x 7.7"
• Colors: Black, red and white
• Warranty: 7 years

The Vitamix 7500 model includes a more compact container—still with a 64-ounce capacity, but slightly shorter and wider to fit more easily onto shelves and on the countertop under kitchen cabinets. It’s available in a few color options (rare for Vitamix) and features a 10-degree speed dial and the pulse lever. Most notably, this is the household (i.e., not professional grade) Vitamix with the most powerful motor, at 2.2 horsepower.

Choose the Vitamix Professional Series 750 if you: want a “set-it-and-forget-it” blending experience.

Key specs:

• Capacity: 64 fl. oz
• Blending speeds: 10
• Motor: 2.2 horsepower
• Weight: 12 lbs 5 oz
• Dimensions: 17.25 x 8.5 x 8.5"
• Colors: Brushed stainless steel, black, red, slate, gray, and pearl gray
• Warranty: 7 years

The Vitamix Professional Series 750 is the only model in the Legacy series with preprogrammed settings. Right on the 10-level speed dial are specific presets for smoothies, hot soups, frozen desserts, purées, and self-cleaning (the company claims that “with a drop of dish soap,” the blender can clean itself in under a minute—helpful in a busy restaurant kitchen or a home kitchen run by someone who hates dishes). The 2.2 horsepower motor and low-profile container are also present here.

Ascent Series blenders got a design and tech upgrade; they’re sleek, impressive-looking, and have a ton of power to boot. All four models in the series feature built-in timers, wireless connectivity, 10-year warranties, and a sensor that detects the size of the container and adjusts the blender settings accordingly. Though each comes with a 64-ounce container, they are all compatible with any container that has the “self-detect” blade base. Also, every blender in this series comes in a choice of colors.

Choose the Vitamix A2300 if you: want a powerful and super smart blender that can adjust its settings based on your individual blending needs.

Key specs:

• Capacity: 64 fl. oz
• Blending speeds: 10
• Motor: 2.2 horsepower
• Weight: 11.86 lbs
• Dimensions: 11 x 8 x 17"
• Colors: Black, red, white and slate
• Warranty: 10 years

The Vitamix A2300 is the basic model in this series. It comes with all the standard features, like the variable speed-control dial and pulse feature, plus all the fancy, smart stuff that makes the Ascent series what it is. It hooks up easily to the Vitamix app, which means you can use your smartphone or tablet to “unlock” 17 programs and over 500 recipes.

Choose the Vitamix A2500 if you: are looking for a smart blender with preprogrammed settings.

Key specs:

• Capacity:  64 fl. oz
• Blending speeds: 10
• Motor: 2.2 horsepower
• Weight: 11.86 lbs
• Dimensions: 11 x 8 x 17"
• Colors: Black, red, white, and slate
• Warranty: 10 years

Leveling up to the A2500 means you get all of the features of the A2300, plus three program settings: Smoothies, Hot Soups, and Frozen Desserts. The wireless connectivity means that this blender can adapt to include new updates that Vitamix rolls out in the future.

Choose the Vitamix A3300 if you: want a blender that has smart tech features, but is also highly customizable.

Key specs:

• Capacity: 64 fl. oz
• Blending speeds: 10
• Motor: 2.2 horsepower
• Weight: 11.86 lbs
• Dimensions: 11 x 8 x 17"
• Colors: Black and brushed stainless metal finish
• Warranty: 10 years

The A3300 features a sleek touchscreen interface and a programmable built-in timer, so you can customize speed settings to meet your exact specifications. It looks less like a Vitamix and more like a futuristic space blender—especially the brushed stainless metal version.

Choose the Vitamix A3500 if you: want the sports car of all blenders—complete with additional settings, a programmable timer, touchscreen controls, and a whole lot of power.

Key specs:

• Capacity: 64 fl. oz
• Blending speeds: 10
• Weight: 14.92 lbs
• Motor: 2.2 horsepower
• Dimensions: 11 x 8 x 17"
• Colors: Black, red, slate, white, brushed stainless metal, black stainless metal, and copper stainless. Williams Sonoma also offers several exclusive colors on this high-end model: all gold, white with gold accents, sage with gold accents, and navy with gold accents.
• Warranty: 10 years

The Vitamix A3500 is the top-of-the-line Ascent model, and the most expensive Vitamix product for sale today. Choose among black, white, red, and three possible metal finishes (matte black, copper, and brushed stainless), and enjoy the same features as the A3300 (touchscreen controls, programmable timer), plus five built-in settings—for Smoothies, Hot Soups, Dips & Spreads, Frozen Desserts, and Self-Cleaning.

The Explorian Series is what Vitamix describes as an introduction to high-powered blending—straightforward, simple controls for less money than the Legacy 5200. There is only one model in this category, but it checks all of the boxes for basic Vitamix usage, comes with a five-year warranty, and makes a great addition to any home kitchen.

Choose the Vitamix E310 if you: want most of the features of the Legacy 5200 in a smaller package and for a little less money.

Key specs:

• Capacity: 48 fl. oz
• Blending speeds: 10
• Motor: 2 horsepower
• Weight: 10 lbs 6 oz
• Dimensions: 9 x 8 x 18"
• Colors: Black, red, and slate
• Warranty: 5 years

I am biased because I have an E310 countertop blender at home and totally love it, despite working with more expensive and fancier models for most of my career. The smaller container size (48 ounces) sits shorter on the motor base, which makes for easy storage, and doesn’t faze me when it comes to actual cooking—I rarely find that I need to work in batches. The pulse function and 10-degree speed dial offers all the precision you’ll need to make sauces, blended desserts, puréed soups, nondairy milk, big batches of emulsified dressings, peanut butter, and more. For the price, it's the best value blender a home cook could own.

Choose the Vitamix One if you: are loyal to the Vitamix brand, but want something comparatively inexpensive and are willing to compromise on power and size.

Key specs:

• Capacity: 32 fl. oz
• Blending speeds: 1
• Motor: 1.2 horsepower
• Weight: 6 lbs 4 oz
• Dimensions: 8 x 7 x 16"
• Colors: Black
• Warranty: 2 years

Interested in a Vitamix blender, but hesitating to pull the trigger because of the price tag? The newest model, the Vitamix One, might be for you. Released in 2020, the One is the cheapest of all the Vitamix models. Note: This lower price does come with some compromises. The blender is smaller and has a lower horsepower (1.2 compared to 2 horsepower in the Explorian Series). And we did find in our testing that this model didn’t deliver the same oomph as other Vitamix blenders when it came to certain tasks, like crushing ice. However, it is extremely easy to use: Simply turn one dial on the front. Overall it’s a great starter blender for cooks on a budget.

In addition to the models mentioned above, Vitamix offers refurbished and reconditioned blenders. These are available on the Vitamix website and from some certified sellers like Amazon. These previously owned machines are returned to the company, tuned up, and resold at a discount. Usually the fixes involve things like repairing the motor or attaching a new container, so you can be sure you’re getting a blender that looks and performs just as well as a new one.

Notably, all reconditioned Vitamix blenders come with a three-to-five year warranty. Personally, I got my first Vitamix blender as a refurbished model and found it worked identically to the ones I’d used at work, just with a couple of scratches on the body. If you want all the same power for a fraction of the original price, certified reconditioned is the way to go.

Vitamix sells a variety of attachments and accessories to extend their blenders’ functionality and versatility. Extra containers in various sizes allow you to make personal-size smoothies or double batches of blended soups. Tamper holders make for compact storage. An aerating disc container makes whipping and emulsifying a cinch. A grains container can be used for grinding whole grains into flours. And a food-processor attachment makes your blender two appliances in one. Ahead, discover all top picks for Vitamix attachments.

Unlock your culinary creativity with the Aer Disc. This Vitamix add-on allows you to emulsify in minutes, whip up voluminous creams, muddle fruits without puréeing them, and create fantastically frothy foams. The patent-pending disc that pulls liquid ingredients through small holes in as it spins, making quick work of tasks that can be complex and/or time-consuming without this incredibly useful gadget. The Vitamix Aer Disc Container is compatible with these Vitamix series: Ascent, Legacy Series, Explorian, and the Venturist (the Venturist series was exclusively sold at Costco but is no longer stocked).

Simplify food prep with this high-performance processor attachment that slices, dices, and chops on your behalf. Like the blender itself, the food processor attachment features stainless-steel blades and cutting discs. The attachment is compatible with the Ascent and Venturist Vitamix series.

Sometimes you need to make small batches or single servings — and that's where these blending bowls come in extremely handy. The Vitamix blender will automatically detect that you are using an 8-ounce bowl and adjust its blend settings accordingly. These bowls are perfect when you want to make a single-serving smooth bowl, some baby food, or smaller items like spreads, nut butters, dips, and dressings. The dishwasher-safe bowls are BPA-free and come with matching lids for easy storage. The two-piece set is compatible with the Vitamix Ascent series.

This attachment’s laser-cut blades efficiently grind fresh grains into flours, swiftly mix batters, and even knead dough. This Vitamix container is compatible with the Ascent series.

If you want to make single-serving smoothies (or margaritas for that matter) without pulling out the full-size blender jar, this blending cup is a must-have. The blender cup also comes with a spill-proof lid, so as soon as you’re done blending your smoothie, you can pop your lid on and head out the door. The blending cup is compatible with the Ascent series, but if you use this adapter that makes it compatible with the Legacy and Explorian series as well.

Generally speaking, all Vitamix blenders are super easy to clean. All you have to do is add warm water and a drop of dish soap and then turn the machine on to its highest speed and it will self-clean (no disassembly required). That method of cleaning your blender will usually get the job done—but for times when something is stuck beneath a blade and it just won’t budge, you’ll be glad to have this under blade scraper on hand.

What’s the deal with the Vitamix Immersion blender?

Maybe you don’t have space for a Vitamix blender–or any blender for that matter. Or maybe a Vitamix simply isn’t in your budget (understandable). If you’re someone who wants to make soups, smoothies, and purées, but want something a bit smaller, the immersion blender might be for you. (You can read more about the very best immersion blenders based on our product tests here.) With a 625-watt motor, Vitamix immersion blenders have five different speed options and can blend in any vessel (so long as it has a 3-inch wide opening).

Some immersion blenders come with a bunch of different accessories and attachments. Unfortunately, Vitamix requires you to purchase all accessories and attachments separately. Still, you can turn your immersion blender into a whisk or a chopper with these add-ons.

And what about the Vitamix food recyclers?

In 2020, the blender company released the FoodCycler FC-50—a super cool countertop gadget that helps reduce food waste. All you have to do is throw your veggie peels and eggshells in the bucket, close the carbon filtered lid, and press a button. Your FoodCycler will break down the scraps and turn them into nutrient-rich fertilizer. It’s a pretty quick, easy, and (most importantly) odorless process. You can check out our full review of the FoodCycler for more info. The FoodCycler comes with a removable bucket for all of your waste, a carbon filter lid, and a few additional carbon filters. You can purchase additional carbon filters as you need them.

Cleaning a Vitamix blender is fairly straightforward. After using it, fill the container halfway with warm water and add a drop of dish soap. Run the self-cleaning cycle for 30- 60 seconds. Rinse the container with warm water and let dry. That's it! Your blender is clean and ready to go. For blenders that don't have a self-cleaning cycle, like the Explorian, you can just add the water and dish soap, turn the speed up slowly to halfway for about 10 seconds, up to the max for about 20 seconds, and then ramp it down slowly.

While most Vitamix containers and lids are technically dishwasher-safe on the top rack, the blades themselves are not—so popping them into the dishwasher required first disassembling the blades. With that in mind, the self-cleaning cycle is usually the easier route. Check your Vitamix instruction manual for the specifics of your model.

Vitamix blenders are quieter than some other high-powered, high-performance blenders and the newer models tend to be quieter than the older ones. The noise level may vary slightly between different models, but users commonly find the sound produced by Vitamix blenders to be tolerable and not overly disruptive. If you're worried about too much noise you can also place the blender on a sound dampening mat like this.

Just about everything. The versatile machine can tackle so many kitchen tasks. We all think of smoothies, of course, but the possibilities extend far beyond that. Here's just a taste of what you can make with a Vitamix:

• Soups: hot or cold, smooth or creamy
• Dips: hummus, guacamole, salsa, and tzatziki
• Sauces: Tomato sauce, pesto, and chimichurri
• Nut butters of all varieties
• Frozen dessert: ice cream, sorbet, and yogurt
• Batters: pancake, waffle, and muffin batter
• Dough: cookie, pizza, and bread
• Salad dressings and vinaigrettes
• Marinades for meats and vegetables
• Hot drinks: Hot chocolate, bulletproof coffee, lattes, and cider
• Cold drinks: fresh fruit juices, frappes, slushies, and milkshakes
• Grinding: grains for flour, and seeds for spice blends
• Baby food: pureed fruits, vegetables, and blends
• Adult beverages: frozen margaritas, daiquiris, and blended cocktails
• Desserts: pudding, custard, pie filling, flavored whipped creams, and fruit compote
• Condiments: aioli, mayonnaise, relish, and mustard

Both Vitamix and Ninja are brands with solid reputations, and we’re often fans of both. Vitamix is known for its construction, durability, and power, not to mention its versatility (just look at that list of things it can do). Ninja, on the other hand, is the more budget-friendly option while still providing smart design good performance for the money—and it might make more sense if you plan to stick to smoothies and basic blending tasks.

While Vitamix blenders typically have power ranging from 1380 to 1,200 watts, and Ninja blenders typically have power ranging from 700 to 1200 watts—so if you're looking for the blender that is truly the most powerful and can handle the most tasks, Vitamix is the way to go.