What's the difference between Vitamix blenders? Read this

Written by James Aitchison and Monica Petrucci

Updated January 25, 2023

Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed's editors. Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission. Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

If you’re in the market for a new blender and you've been researching different options online or in-store, you've likely seen Vitamix blenders along the way. The brand's professional-grade blenders have whipped up a near-cult following in the U.S., and everyone from pro chefs to smoothie fans have been singing their praises for decades.

While it's tempting to dismiss the enthusiastic following as a bit overbearing, as product-testing experts we think it's easy to see why Vitamix blenders are well regarded. After testing several of the company's flagship models, we can confirm that they are powerful, live up to their reputation for being well-built, and often come with useful tools like tampers and dry grain containers.

However, they are also considerably more expensive than your standard blender. For this reason it’s important to pick the best Vitamix blender for you—a task that's complicated by the sheer number of Vitamix versions available online and in stores.

Fortunately, we’re here to help. If you can’t tell the difference between an Explorian and Ascent Series, this helpful guide should answer all your questions.

Our top picks for the best Vitamix blenders

Several blenders lined up on a yellow background — Credit: Vitamix / Reviewed

Before we get into the nitty gritty details of the Vitamix lineup, let's get some recommendations out of the way.

We think the newest Ascent Series blenders are a good choice. They boast a powerful motor with a state-of-the-art design that you'll want to show off on your countertop.

They also feature a variety of smart upgrades, like Wi-Fi connectivity and container detection. If you want the latest and greatest and are willing to pay for it, we recommend the A3500. It may not be the option with the quietest motor, but we think its high tech features and impressive performance make it the optimal pick for the majority of consumers.

If you're willing to give up a sleek touchscreen in exchange for a lower price, the A2300 is our runner-up pick. It still offers that same wireless connectivity and powerful motor, but it features a traditional dial control and has a slightly smaller build.

Once again, unless you are absolutely certain that you will find presets useful, we recommend going with a variable-speed model. Otherwise you're just spending additional money on features that you are unlikely to need.

Finally, the Professional Series 750 Blender is one of the brand's Legacy Series models that's been popular for years and still holds up today—and for good reason. It features a timeless build and powerful motor that will last you for years. It may not boast high-tech features like wireless functionality or a touchscreen menu, but it's simple to use and performs well.

What’s the deal with all the other blenders?

In addition to those three models, the Vitamix website features several others, divided into three distinct series (not including the reconditioned models): The Ascent Series, the Explorian Series, and the Legacy Series.

With so many options to choose from, how is one meant to make an informed decision? And is that Vitamix you spotted on sale at your local hardware store or on QVC any good? Well, after a little bit of sleuthing we have determined that there are technically only nine core Vitamix models.

All other Vitamix models are variations on those themes, based mostly on which accessories are included. In addition, some Vitamix models sold at specific retailers will have their own unique model numbers.

The nine core models are:

While this may seem confusing at first, you can easily figure out exactly which core model it is by checking the control layout as well as the motor horsepower rating.

What's common among all Vitamix models?

A blender filled with orange liquid on a white countertop — Credit: Vitamix

All Vitamix blenders feature an all-metal drive system that connects the motor to the blades. Vitamix says this increases overall durability of the blender and reduces the number of failure points. Every Vitamix blender has stainless steel blades and most are covered by a five-year warranty, although some models have a 10-year warranty.

The Explorian motor is rated at 2 hp, the Legacy Series motors are all 2.2 hp (with one exception), and the Ascent Series all feature a 2.2-hp motor as well.

The Legacy Series is Vitamix’s classic line of blenders, which have been in production for many years. These blenders have 3-to-4-inch stainless steel blades and are taller than the other blenders. With the exception of the 2-hp TurboBlend, all other Legacy Series blenders have a 2.2-hp motor.

What to consider when buying a Vitamix

Functionality

When it comes to Vitamix, you don't have to worry about purchasing a mediocre blender. All of the models offered from the brand are designed with premium technology, like stainless steel blades and a cool running motor.

What differs is how you control that power, i.e. what kind of control panel you prefer. Some models, like the Professional Series 750, feature a dial with pre-set knobs for things like frozen desserts, hot soups, and smoothies. Others, like the Vitamix One, are much more simple, with a dial that increases power as it's cranked up—putting you in the driver's seat.

Meanwhile the more modern, upscale Ascent Series models go beyond basics, with several buttons, touchscreen controls, and more to amplify your blending experience.

Special features

As with any appliance, the more you're willing to spend translates to more special features included.

It starts with the basic Vitamix One model, which performs well with basic blending tasks but doesn't feature any special add-ons. The control panel consists of a singular dial, and the power needed for anything from mayo to a kale smoothie is up to the user's discretion.

The E310 offers more control, with an added pulse knob feature beside the traditional dial that's great for eliminating chunks in thick sauces or soups.

And for a feature-heavy blender, users should opt for a blender in the Ascent series. These models have the latest state-of-the-art technology that goes beyond excellent performance to please users that want a smarter, more hands-off experience. Features in these models include wireless functionality, a motor base that automatically detects the container size (and adjusts its function accordingly), digital timer displays, and more.

Design

After spending a good chunk of change on one of these appliances, you might find yourself wanting to leave it out (AKA show it off). That means you'll want to shop for a model that suits your aesthetic needs just as well as your functional ones.

For example, spending a little extra on the A3300 or A3500 in order to benefit from the sleek brushed stainless steel base might be worth it for some folks, in order to match the rest of their kitchen appliances. Others might be more drawn towards the uniquely slim design of the Vitamix One.

In other words, don't get too caught up in the statistics-heavy specs. At the end of the day, this will (hopefully) be a product you spend a lot of time looking at, so don't ignore aesthetics during your search.

What about Certified Reconditioned models?

A person holding the piece of a Vitamix blender — Credit: Vitamix

Those on a budget should seriously consider a Certified Reconditioned model.

Vitamix handles all refurbishments in-house and the machines are all still covered by the same five-year warranty that new blenders get. All reconditioned models come with a cookbook and a tamper as standard, and generally cost between 20% to 40% less than new blenders. The following models are available on the Vitamix site: