Hello! Gonna try to provide insights about the Vitamix Ascent X Series (X5, X4, X3, X2) that are outside the marketing materials. Feel free to contact us with your questions and we’ll get back to you within an hour (during normal business).
The Ascent X Series removes the 48-ounce container tax, comes with a tamper holder, has a new design, comes with new, smart features that may be especially helpful for new users, and just might be the quietest series of Vitamix ever made (without any sacrifice in power).
Ascent X Series In a Nutshell
Top of the line
Reasons to buy:
10 recipe programs
Self-Cleaning program
Food Processor Attachment Compatible
Touchscreen
Stainless steel finish
Tamper indicator
+15 second button
Recipe book
Reasons not to buy
Maybe you don’t want the five extra programs
Our Links
Video: See it in action!
Top of the line
Reasons to buy:
10 recipe programs
Self-Cleaning program
Food Processor Attachment Compatible
Touchscreen
Stainless steel finish
Tamper indicator
+15 second button
Recipe book
Reasons not to buy
Maybe you don’t want the five extra programs
Our Links
Video: See it in action!
Top of the line
Reasons to buy:
10 recipe programs
Self-Cleaning program
Food Processor Attachment Compatible
Touchscreen
Stainless steel finish
Tamper indicator
+15 second button
Recipe book
Reasons not to buy
Maybe you don’t want the five extra programs
Our Links
Video: See it in action!
High-end
Reasons to buy
5 recipe programs
Self-Cleaning program
Food Processor Attachment Compatible
Touchscreen
Stainless steel finish
Tamper indicator
+15 second button
Recipe book
Reasons not to buy
Maybe you’d prefer all tactile controls like the X2
Our Links
High-end
Reasons to buy
5 recipe programs
Self-Cleaning program
Food Processor Attachment Compatible
Touchscreen
Stainless steel finish
Tamper indicator
+15 second button
Recipe book
Reasons not to buy
Maybe you’d prefer all tactile controls like the X2
Our Links
High-end
Reasons to buy
5 recipe programs
Self-Cleaning program
Food Processor Attachment Compatible
Touchscreen
Stainless steel finish
Tamper indicator
+15 second button
Recipe book
Reasons not to buy
Maybe you’d prefer all tactile controls like the X2
Our Links
Familiar interface
Reasons to buy
3 recipe programs
Self-Cleaning program
Food Processor Attachment Compatible
Touchscreen
Reasons not to buy
Maybe you want the features in the X4 or X5
Our Links
Familiar interface
Reasons to buy
3 recipe programs
Self-Cleaning program
Food Processor Attachment Compatible
Touchscreen
Reasons not to buy
Maybe you want the features in the X4 or X5
Our Links
Familiar interface
Reasons to buy
3 recipe programs
Self-Cleaning program
Food Processor Attachment Compatible
Touchscreen
Reasons not to buy
Maybe you want the features in the X4 or X5
Our Links
All-tactile controls
Reasons to buy
3 recipe programs
Self-Cleaning program
Food Processor Attachment Compatible
Reasons not to buy
Maybe you want a higher-end model
Our Links
Video: See it in action!
All-tactile controls
Reasons to buy
3 recipe programs
Self-Cleaning program
Food Processor Attachment Compatible
Reasons not to buy
Maybe you want a higher-end model
Our Links
Video: See it in action!
All-tactile controls
Reasons to buy
3 recipe programs
Self-Cleaning program
Food Processor Attachment Compatible
Reasons not to buy
Maybe you want a higher-end model
Our Links
Video: See it in action!
Key features overview
All Ascent X models have recipe programs. They all have a dedicated Self-Cleaning program button which reinforces some best practices that help make your Vitamix last a long time.
Some models have a +15 second button to quickly add time to a program. So instead of having to start a program from the beginning, you can just tap that button to add some time. This is helpful for recipes like nut butter or ice cream where you still need to make adjustments on-the-fly even if you’re using a recipe program.
The tamper indicator suggests when to use the tamper based on what’s happening with the blend. It’s a friendly reminder that using the tamper is a feature of using a Vitamix, not a bug (or sign you’ve made a mistake).
There’s an “overheating” indicator in case you make one of the classic beginner mistakes of not using high speed, especially when making thick blends like ice cream. The indicator will appear as a warning and then stay if the machine has to shut itself off due to overheating.
Design and build
Vitamix has wrapped its high-end X Series models in stainless steel giving it a premium feel without being flashy. They’ve also made the footprint a bit smaller, especially compared to the very first Ascent Models.
Ascent X containers come with a rubber-coated handle. It might seem like a small detail, but when you’re pouring something hot, the extra grip makes a noticeable difference. It’s also something legacy owners missed from their early machines.
You’ll notice the X Series blenders are sturdy and feel well-built. They feel premium, for sure.
Containers and compatibility
The X Series comes with a 48-ounce container as standard. It’s a nice middle ground — large enough for most recipes, but not overwhelming if you’re cooking for one or two.
This is what we mean when we say there’s no longer a “second container tax” on homes of one or two people. Before, people who wanted an Ascent had to purchase a second container if they wanted to make small batches of dressing, nice cream, nut butter, etc. Now, that tax is placed upon families who need the larger 64-ounce container, as we would in our home to make our Everyday Green Juice.
If you already have Vitamix containers and attachments with Self Detect that work with an Ascent Series, they’ll work with the Ascent X Series. The only downside is the extra five programs on the X5 won’t function with the older containers. As before with Ascent Series, legacy containers without Self-Detect will not work on Ascent X.
Accessories
The X5 comes with a tamper holder. It’s a nice addition that can help keep your counter organized and remind you that using the tamper is part of the Vitamix user experience.
The X4 and X5 come with a softcover cookbook. If you want a hardcover cookbook, we recommend the 100-yr Anniversary Cookbook which features one of our most popular recipes, Wild Rice Soup.
Performance highlights
The standout is how quiet the X-Series is compared to all other Vitamix models. It’s noticeably less loud and I confirmed with an app on my phone. It remains that all Vitamix blenders are loud, but these are way less so.
Blend quality is what we’d expect from a Vitamix. The smoothest, most luscious smoothies, hot soups, and ice creams.
Minor considerations
The tamper holder doesn’t stay in its base. I felt like once you put the two pieces together, they should stay together snugly. On the plus side, the way the tamper holder base goes into the blender base is a major upgrade from previous models — it slides in from the side instead of having to lift the machine.
The dial on the X4 and X5 may toggle the programs in a direction you don’t expect. The dial is configured so you point to the program you want and it appears. Intuitively, I turned the dial the (opposite) direction which was the way I felt the dial would shift the programs on the screen. It’s something we wanted to point out so you’re not surprised.
The dial on all models has a bit of give and may provide faux haptic feedback. I expected the dial to be more sturdy or have a UX purpose for moving like that. Again, just so you’re not surprised.
What questions do you have? Let us know!
Watch the X2 in action: Vitamix Ascent X2 Review: You’re gonna want two!
Watch the X5 in action: Vitamix Ascent X5 Review: 18 Things You Should Know!
See how the X-Series compares to the A3500: Vitamix A3500 vs Ascent X Series: Is Newer REALLY Better?