Last Updated on November 26, 2025 by Susanna Zuyeva
Our Top Picks
After months of testing, here’s what I found:
Best Overall: Vitamix Propel Series 750 This one wins for most people. The preset programs make life easy. The low-profile design fits under cabinets. The 2.2 HP motor is powerful.
Best Value: Vitamix 5200 This classic model does everything you need. It costs less. It’s simple to use. No fancy features. Just raw power and performance.
Best Compact: Vitamix Explorian E310 Perfect for small kitchens. The 48-ounce container takes less space. Still has plenty of power. Great for 1-2 people.
Why I Trust Vitamix
I’ve tested cheap blenders. I’ve tested expensive ones. Vitamix stands out.
The build quality is different. You can feel it when you hold the container. You can hear it in the motor.
These machines last. I know people who’ve used the same Vitamix for 15 years. Still works like new.
The warranty backs this up. 5 to 7 years depending on the model. Most blenders give you 1 year.
1. Vitamix 5200 Blender – The Classic Workhorse
Product Features
The 5200 is Vitamix’s classic model. It’s been around for years. There’s a reason for that.
Motor: 2 HP (1380 watts) Container: 64 ounces (BPA-free) Speeds: 10 variable speeds plus high Blades: Stainless steel, laser-cut Warranty: 7 years Weight: 10.6 pounds Dimensions: 20.5 inches tall
This is a tall blender. The container is narrow. This helps create the famous Vitamix vortex.
The controls are simple. A power switch. A variable speed dial. A high-speed switch. That’s it.
No touchscreens. No preset buttons. Just manual control.
How It Performed
I started testing this blender in March. I used it every single day.
Smoothie Test: I made green smoothies with kale, spinach, and frozen fruit. The 5200 turned everything smooth in 45 seconds. No chunks. No bits of kale.
I compared this to my old $80 blender. That one left chunks everywhere. The 5200 made it silky smooth.
Ice Crushing: I filled the container with ice cubes. Started on low. Gradually increased speed. In 30 seconds, I had perfect snow.
The ice was uniform. Not too fine. Not too chunky. Perfect for frozen drinks.
Nut Butter Test: This was the real challenge. I used 2 cups of roasted almonds.
It took 4 minutes. The tamper was essential here. I had to keep pushing the nuts down.
But the result? Smooth, creamy almond butter. No added oil needed. The friction from the blades created enough heat.
Soup Test: I made tomato soup from scratch. Raw tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices.
I blended on high for 6 minutes. The friction heated the soup to 160°F. It was steaming hot.
The taste was incredible. Smooth texture. No chunks. Restaurant quality.
Hot Chocolate Test: I blended milk with cocoa powder and chocolate chips on high for 3 minutes. The hot chocolate came out frothy and hot.
This test showed me how versatile this blender is. It’s not just for cold drinks.
What I Like
Power: This motor doesn’t struggle. I threw frozen mango chunks at it. Whole carrots. Ice cubes. It powered through everything.
Simple Controls: No confusion. No digital displays that break. Just a dial and switches.
Container Design: The tall, narrow container creates amazing blending action. Everything gets pulled down into the blades.
Self-Cleaning: This feature saves so much time. Water and soap. Blend for 30 seconds. Rinse. Done.
Build Quality: The base is heavy metal. The container is thick plastic. This feels like a professional tool.
Versatility: One machine does everything. Smoothies. Soups. Nut butters. Sauces. Dips. Batters.
Why It’s Better
I compared the 5200 to three other blenders I own.
vs. NutriBullet: The NutriBullet leaves chunks. The 5200 makes everything smooth. The NutriBullet can’t make hot soup. The 5200 can.
vs. Ninja Blender: The Ninja has more parts to clean. Multiple blades. The 5200 has one container and one blade assembly.
vs. $50 Walmart Blender: That blender burned out after 3 months of daily use. The 5200 is still going strong after 6 months.
The 5200 blends faster. The results are smoother. It’s more reliable.
How I Clean It
Cleaning is easy. This is important because I use it daily.
After Every Use:
- I add warm water (about 2 cups)
- I add one drop of dish soap
- I blend on high for 30 seconds
- I rinse with clean water
- I let it air dry
This takes less than 2 minutes total.
Deep Clean (Weekly):
- I take the blade assembly off
- I soak it in warm soapy water
- I wipe down the base with a damp cloth
- I check the gasket for any food particles
- I reassemble
The blade assembly comes off easily. You don’t need tools.
Testing Results
Smoothness Score: 10/10 Every blend came out perfectly smooth. No grittiness. No chunks.
Speed Score: 9/10 Most blends finished in under a minute. Nut butters took longer (4 minutes).
Noise Level: 7/10 It’s loud. About 90 decibels on high. But not painfully loud. I can talk over it.
Ease of Use: 10/10 Turn it on. Adjust speed. Done. My 10-year-old nephew figured it out in 5 seconds.
Cleaning Score: 10/10 The self-cleaning feature works perfectly. Deep cleaning is also easy.
Durability: 10/10 Six months of daily use. No issues. No wear. Still works like day one.
Downsides
Height: At 20.5 inches tall, it doesn’t fit under my kitchen cabinets. I have to keep it on the counter or store it in a cabinet.
Price: At $299.95 (on sale), it’s not cheap. But I’ve spent more buying cheap blenders that broke.
Manual Control: Some people want preset buttons. This doesn’t have them. You control everything manually.
Not Dishwasher Safe: The container isn’t dishwasher safe. But honestly, the self-cleaning is so easy that I don’t care.
2. Vitamix Propel Series 750 – The Smart Choice
Product Features
The Propel 750 is the upgraded version. More features. More convenience.
Motor: 2.2 HP (1380 watts) Container: 64 ounces (BPA-free, dishwasher-safe) Programs: 4 preset programs Speeds: 10 variable speeds plus pulse Blades: Stainless steel, laser-cut Warranty: 7 years Weight: 10 pounds Dimensions: 18 inches tall
The big difference? Preset programs. And the low-profile design.
How It Performed
I tested this for 6 months alongside the 5200.
Smoothie Program: I pressed the smoothie button. The blender ran for 50 seconds. It automatically ramped up and down. The result? Perfect smoothie every time.
I made the same green smoothie recipe 30 times. Every single one came out identical. That’s consistency.
Hot Soup Program: I added raw vegetables and broth. Pressed the soup button. Six minutes later, steaming hot soup.
The program gradually increases speed. This heats the soup through friction. It reached 165°F.
Frozen Dessert Program: I made banana ice cream. Frozen bananas and a splash of milk. The program ran for 60 seconds.
The result was soft-serve consistency. Creamy. No ice crystals.
Dip & Spread Program: I made hummus. Chickpeas, tahini, lemon, garlic. The program ran for 40 seconds.
The hummus came out restaurant-smooth. Better than store-bought.
What I Like
Preset Programs: These are game-changers. I don’t have to think. I press a button and walk away.
Low-Profile Design: At 18 inches, it fits under my kitchen cabinets. This means I can keep it on the counter ready to use.
More Powerful Motor: The 2.2 HP motor is noticeably stronger than the 5200. It blends faster.
Dishwasher-Safe Container: I can throw the container in the dishwasher. Great for deep cleaning.
Self-Cleaning Program: It has a dedicated program for cleaning. 60 seconds. Perfect every time.
Quieter Operation: It’s slightly quieter than the 5200. Maybe 2-3 decibels less.
Why It’s Better
The 750 is better than the 5200 in several ways.
Convenience: Preset programs save time. I don’t have to babysit the blender.
Size: The low-profile design fits in more spaces. My friend with low cabinets loves this feature.
Motor Power: The extra 0.2 HP makes a difference. Blends finish 5-10 seconds faster.
Container: Dishwasher-safe is nice for deep cleaning.
How I Clean It
Self-Cleaning Program:
- I add warm water
- I add dish soap
- I press the self-cleaning button
- I wait 60 seconds
- I rinse
The program optimizes the speed for cleaning. It works better than manual cleaning.
Deep Clean: Same as the 5200. But I can also put the container in the dishwasher.
I do this once a month. It gets rid of any stubborn stains or odors.
Testing Results
Smoothness Score: 10/10 Same perfect results as the 5200. Silky smooth every time.
Speed Score: 10/10 Slightly faster than the 5200. The preset programs are efficient.
Noise Level: 7.5/10 A bit quieter than the 5200. Still loud, but manageable.
Ease of Use: 10/10 The preset programs make it even easier. One button. Walk away. Done.
Cleaning Score: 10/10 The self-cleaning program is perfect. Plus dishwasher-safe container.
Durability: 10/10 No issues after 6 months of daily use.
Downsides
Price: At $369.95 (on sale), it’s $70 more than the 5200. You’re paying for convenience.
More Complex: More features mean more things that could break. Though I haven’t had issues.
Learning Curve: You have to learn what each program does. Takes a day or two.
3. Vitamix Explorian E310 – The Space Saver
Product Features
The E310 is the compact option. Smaller container. Lower price.
Motor: 2 HP (1400 watts) Container: 48 ounces (BPA-free, dishwasher-safe) Speeds: 10 variable speeds plus pulse Blades: Stainless steel, laser-cut Warranty: 5 years Weight: 10.5 pounds Dimensions: 18 inches tall
This is perfect for small households. Or small kitchens.
How It Performed
I used this as my travel blender. I took it to my sister’s apartment. I used it in my RV.
Smoothie Test: The 48-ounce container makes 2-3 servings. Perfect for me and my wife.
Blending performance was identical to the 5200. Same smooth results. Same speed.
Ice Test: I filled the container halfway with ice. It crushed perfectly. The smaller container actually helped. The ice had nowhere to escape.
Soup Test: I made soup for two people. It worked great. The smaller container heated up faster. Soup was ready in 5 minutes instead of 6.
Nut Butter Limitation: Here’s where the smaller size showed limits. I tried to make nut butter with 2 cups of almonds.
The container was too full. The nuts kept getting stuck at the top. I had to stop multiple times to scrape down.
I tried again with 1.5 cups. Much better. But still not as easy as the larger containers.
What I Like
Size: The smaller footprint takes less counter space. The 48-ounce container is easier to store.
Price: At $299.95, it’s the same price as the 5200 but usually has better deals.
Perfect Portions: For 1-2 people, the 48-ounce size is ideal. No waste. No leftover smoothie.
Dishwasher-Safe: The container can go in the dishwasher.
Same Power: Despite being smaller, it has the same 2 HP motor. No power compromise.
Low Profile: At 18 inches, it fits under cabinets.
Why It’s Better
The E310 is better for specific situations.
Small Kitchens: Less counter space. Less storage space needed.
Small Households: Making smoothies for one or two? This is perfect.
Travel: Lighter weight. Smaller size. Easier to pack.
Budget: Often on better sales than other models.
How I Clean It
Same self-cleaning process as the 5200.
The smaller container is actually easier to handle while cleaning. Less awkward to rinse.
I can also fit it in my dishwasher more easily. The 64-ounce containers sometimes don’t fit well.
Testing Results
Smoothness Score: 10/10 Same blade design. Same smooth results.
Speed Score: 9/10 Slightly slower on large batches. But for small batches, just as fast.
Noise Level: 7.5/10 Similar noise to the 750. Slightly quieter than the 5200.
Ease of Use: 10/10 Simple controls. Easy to operate.
Cleaning Score: 10/10 Self-cleaning works great. Plus dishwasher-safe.
Durability: 9/10 5-year warranty instead of 7. But no issues in 6 months.
Downsides
Container Size: 48 ounces limits large batches. I couldn’t make soup for 4 people.
Nut Butter Struggles: The smaller container makes nut butter harder. The nuts don’t circulate as well.
Shorter Warranty: 5 years instead of 7. Still good, but less coverage.
No Preset Programs: Manual control only. Not a problem for me, but some people want automation.
Head-to-Head Comparison
I ran all three blenders side by side. Same recipes. Same ingredients. Same day.
Smoothie Test
Recipe: Spinach, banana, frozen berries, almond milk
5200: 45 seconds, perfect smoothness 750: 50 seconds (smoothie program), perfect smoothness E310: 45 seconds, perfect smoothness
Winner: Tie. All three performed identically.
Hot Soup Test
Recipe: Tomatoes, onion, garlic, vegetable broth
5200: 6 minutes, 162°F final temp 750: 6 minutes (soup program), 165°F final temp E310: 5 minutes, 160°F final temp
Winner: 750 (hottest), E310 (fastest)
Nut Butter Test
Recipe: 2 cups roasted almonds
5200: 4 minutes, smooth and creamy 750: 3.5 minutes, smooth and creamy E310: Unable to complete with 2 cups (container too small)
Winner: 750 (fastest)
Ice Crushing Test
Amount: Full container of ice cubes
5200: 30 seconds, uniform snow 750: 28 seconds, uniform snow E310: 25 seconds, uniform snow
Winner: E310 (smaller container is more efficient for ice)
Which One Should You Buy?
Here’s my honest recommendation based on your situation.
Buy the Vitamix 5200 If:
- You want the simplest option
- You don’t need preset programs
- You want the classic Vitamix experience
- You like manual control
- You want the best value
The 5200 is pure power and simplicity. It’s the blender I reach for most often. It just works.
Buy the Vitamix Propel 750 If:
- You want preset programs
- You have low cabinets
- You want the most powerful motor
- You make hot soup often
- You want maximum convenience
The 750 is worth the extra $70 if you value convenience. The preset programs are excellent.
Buy the Vitamix Explorian E310 If:
- You have a small kitchen
- You’re only cooking for 1-2 people
- You want to save counter space
- You don’t make nut butters often
- You want the best price
The E310 is perfect for singles, couples, or small apartments. Don’t underestimate it because it’s smaller.
What I Learned After 6 Months
These blenders changed how I cook. I make more smoothies. More soups. More homemade sauces.
Cost Per Use: I calculated this. At daily use, the 5200 costs me $1.66 per use over 6 months. If it lasts 10 years (likely), that’s 11 cents per use.
Health Impact: I eat more vegetables now. Green smoothies make it easy. I’ve lost 8 pounds without trying.
Time Savings: The self-cleaning feature saves me 2 minutes per use. That’s 6 hours over 6 months.
Reliability: Zero issues with any model. They all work exactly as advertised.
Common Questions People Ask
Are these blenders loud?
Yes. All blenders are loud. These run at about 88-90 decibels on high.
That’s like a lawn mower. But most blends only last 30-60 seconds. I can handle that.
Can I put ice in these blenders?
Absolutely. I’ve crushed hundreds of pounds of ice. The blades don’t dull. The motor doesn’t strain.
Start on low speed. Gradually increase. Perfect crushed ice every time.
Will it make hot soup really hot?
Yes. The friction from the blades heats the soup. I’ve measured temps up to 165°F.
That’s hot enough to drink immediately. It’s actually steaming.
Do I need the tamper?
For thick blends, yes. Nut butters. Frozen desserts. Thick smoothie bowls.
The tamper pushes ingredients down into the blades. It’s essential for these recipes.
How long will these last?
Vitamix blenders are known to last 10-15 years with daily use. Some people report 20+ years.
The warranty (5-7 years) backs this up. These are buy-it-for-life appliances.
My Final Verdict
After 6 months of testing, the Vitamix Propel Series 750 is my top pick.
The preset programs make life easier. The low-profile design fits anywhere. The extra motor power is noticeable.
But honestly? You can’t go wrong with any of these three.
The 5200 is perfect if you want simplicity and value. View Price on Amazon
The E310 is ideal for small kitchens or households. View Price on Amazon
I’ve tested dozens of blenders. These three are the only ones I’d actually recommend spending money on.
They’re expensive upfront. But they last. They perform. They make healthy eating easier.
If you cook at home regularly, a Vitamix pays for itself. Better smoothies. Homemade soups. Fresh nut butters. Restaurant-quality sauces.
I use mine every single day. Six months later, I’m still impressed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I blend frozen fruit without liquid?
Yes, but you’ll need to use the tamper. Add a small amount of liquid (1/4 cup) to help it get started. The blender can handle frozen fruit, but some liquid helps create the vortex.
Which model is quietest?
The Propel 750 is slightly quieter than the 5200. The E310 is also quieter. But all blenders are loud during operation. Expect 88-90 decibels on high speed.
Can I grind coffee beans in these?
Yes. All three models can grind coffee beans and whole grains. Use short pulses. Don’t over-blend or you’ll get powder instead of grounds.
Do I need to buy extra containers?
No. The included container handles everything. But you can buy additional containers if you want to prep multiple recipes without washing between uses.
Are these worth the price?
After 6 months of daily use, absolutely yes. I’ve owned $50 blenders that died in months. These will last 10+ years. The cost per use makes them cheaper long-term.
Can they really make hot soup?
Yes. The blades spin so fast they create friction heat. After 5-6 minutes on high, raw vegetables become hot, steaming soup. I measured temps at 160-165°F.
What’s the difference between 5200 and E310?
The main difference is container size. The 5200 has 64 ounces. The E310 has 48 ounces. The E310 also has a 5-year warranty versus 7 years. Both have 2 HP motors.