In-depth guidance

1. Why you should trust us
2. Who should get a Vitamix
3. How we chose and tested the best Vitamix models
4. Our favorite Vitamix: The Vitamix A3500 with Brushed Stainless Finish
5. Best value Vitamix: The Certified Reconditioned V1200 Pack
6. The best Vitamix for one-person homes: The Vitamix Propel 510
7. Best Vitamix without new tech: Professional Series 750
8. A Vitamix bundle that won’t overwhelm you: A3500 Entertaining
9. More Vitamix models we like
10. The rest of the Vitamix models
11. Accessories: Which to get
12. 3 steps to use Life is NOYOKE to get a Vitamix
13. 12 mistakes to avoid when buying a Vitamix 
14. Still stuck? Read this

Why you should trust us

Who should get a Vitamix

Vitamix blenders are for people looking to maintain habits around a healthy lifestyle. People with a solid smoothie-making habit deciding to level up from a Ninja or other alternative are the most common groups of Vitamix buyers. These folks looking for something more durable, reliable, and better performing; silky and seedless berry smoothies, every time, year after year. Getting a Vitamix means you have a blender that, because the blade is fixed to the container, is super easy to clean. And it’s a product made in the USA as we show in this video Inside Vitamix Headquarters.

We see many new owners using their Vitamix to support a big change. Folks trying a WFPB diet, a pre-diabetes diagnosis, going plant-based, or just trying to eat some greens find that it would be impossible without a Vitamix. My meat-and-potatoes dad who lost his gallbladder due to lifestyle now relies on a Vitamix to make his daily green juice.

“Used right, any Vitamix you get is going to be worth way more than it costs.”

Trusted by chefs, Vitamix blenders get you restaurant-quality textures. For pro home cooks looking to replicate those textures, a Vitamix is the only way. Sugar cubes are the best way to appreciate how purées taste different in a Vitamix than when made in an alternative or food processor. It’s easy to turn sugar cubes into granulated sugar. You can use many tools to do that, but only a Vitamix can make powdered sugar. Both are sugar, yet these two taste completely different. The same goes for the taste of smoothies and whole food juices — they taste amazing in a Vitamix not because of the ingredients, but because of what the Vitamix does to the ingredients.

Though, a Vitamix is still just a blender. A blade that spins in a circle inside of a container. Yes, it can do some special tricks like making hot soup without a heating mechanism. But it cannot defy the laws of physics and turn a container full of ice and frozen fruit into a smoothie bowl without using the tamper. Treat your Vitamix well if you want it to last beyond the warranty period. Here are tips on prolonging your Vitamix’s life.

How we chose and tested the best Vitamix models

We base the best Vitamix models on the following:

Walkaway blending: Whether via pre-programmed settings or a programmable timer, it’s worth the small premium to have some automation on your Vitamix. Leaning initially on programming can set you up for disappointment — the programs are just timers that start, stop, and change speed on their own. But once you get past the Vitamix learning curve, walkaway blending is worth it in our world where multi-tasking is often inevitable.

Sound dampening: Vitamix doesn’t publish noise levels or loudness of their machines. To be sure, none are quiet. But having tested them all, differences in build quality make some louder than others (and some more hushed). You don’t necessarily need the least loud, but we generally don’t recommend the loudest either without a warning.

Low-profile: An investment in a Vitamix is an investment in yourself. That’s why you’re best getting a Vitamix model that can live on your counter — a constant reminder of that investment. If you don’t have any counter space, consider moving the toaster.

Extra safe: All of our picks have an extra on/off switch. This keeps everyone extra safe from accidental starts (kids, pets, you on a hectic day). Accidental starts happen, but they are avoidable. Some picks have an infinitely scrolling, variable speed dial that resets to Variable Speed 1 automatically (preventing power on explosions because you accidentally started it at Variable Speed 10). And finally, several picks (the Ascent models) have an extra failsafe that kills the motor if the container is knocked off the base.

Warranty: All Vitamix warranties are equally good — full service with free shipping both ways. Duration is the only difference between the warranties and is worth considering when amortizing ownership costs per year.

Compatibility: Only some machines are compatible with the 8-ounce container and Food Processor Attachment. These machines are better as systems you can build upon. But full compatibility with all containers and attachments is only a consideration, not a requirement.

Minimalism: Take a minimalist approach when you’re picking a Vitamix (and accessories). The fewer pieces you have, the happier and more successful you’ll be. You can always add on later. You likely don’t need a second container and should probably wait on the Food Processor Attachment.

Easy to clean: All Vitamix blenders are easy to clean because the blade is fixed to the container. Nothing to disassemble and scrub – just a few drops of soap and water blended for 30 seconds is usually all you need. But having the ability to put the container in the dishwasher is nice. So all of our picks have containers that are dishwasher safe as confirmed by Vitamix Customer Service (even if the website does not yet reflect this).

Current blender: It’s important to set expectations based on where you’re coming from. Nutribullet or Nutri Ninja owners will feel disappointed in the 20-ounce kit if they expect it to perfectly replace their big blend-and-go container. Full-size Ninja owners are generally relieved to say goodbye but sometimes need a reset if they like the extras or the ability to remove the blade. It’s important to remember a Vitamix is just a blender — a blade that spins with power from a motor — it’s powerful but requires following some basic rules for operation.

Power: You want a full-size Vitamix model, but beyond that, power is irrelevant. Actual horsepower can vary, but with nearly identical motors each Vitamix is reverse-engineered to provide identical performance (blend quality). We show this graph a lot: As you pay more you get more features. Blend quality stays the same.

We’ve tested every Vitamix model with multiple days of multiple-times-daily use and fall back upon the subjective questions: “How do we like using it?” “Does it make us happy, and if not, why?” “Are the flaws worth the price?” “What would we tell our very best friends?” Used right, any Vitamix you get is going to be worth way more than it costs.

Our favorite Vitamix: A3500 with Brushed Stainless Metal Finish

The A3500 with Brushed Stainless FinishA3500 with Brushed Stainless FinishA3500i is a blender you’ll love and use the heck out of for a decade or more. Being folks that do this for a living, we could pick any Vitamix for our home. And through various stages of life (single, newlyweds, new parents, family of five) and several different homes and kitchens, we keep going back to this one: The A3500 specifically with Brushed Stainless Metal Finish. We use it a lot; the days when we don’t use it at all are dwarfed by the days we use it multiple times. Thinking back, it’s astonishing how much green juice we’ve made; and PB&J smoothies as after-school snacks; and cake batter shakes after workouts; all the queso we’ve shared with friends; all the acai bowls (the ‘Gram worthy ones and haphazard ones with the kids); all the nut butters straight off a spoon or spread onto toast; all the wild rice soup for cold-weather dinners. I can see our kids grow up with every bowl of 1-ingredient banana nice cream; and our neighbors can, too, with the salsas we’ve made using their tomato harvest. All the filling detox salads and cozy Caesars. All the cornbread and banana bread and garam masalas and pestos. All tied to a moment in time with sounds and smells and heartache and laughter. Our A3500 with Brushed Stainless Finish has been there through it all.

Of course, we’d be fine with any Vitamix. They can all make all the things. Would we get as much use out of a different Vitamix model? Would our multiple-times-daily usage go down? It’s hard to say. But if you said we can’t use the A3500 ever again, we’d be bummed, and here’s why:

All Vitamix blenders are loud, but the A3500 with Brushed Stainless Finish is the quietest (least loud). Decibels are logarithmic, so a jump from 92 to 96 decibels is 50% louder. The A3500s, because of their build quality that dampens a lot of the noise, are on average a few decibels quieter than the mid-range models. It’s speculation, but we believe there’s a correlation between blender loudness and excuses made for not blending (and eating or drinking junk instead). We’ve found the metal-finished A3500s (Brushed Stainless, Copper, etc) provide an extra bit of sound dampening. But differences in noise between A3500s with metal finishes and ones with plastic shells (white) are pretty immaterial. Most of the benefit comes from what’s inside. Between various metal finishes, loudness does not vary.

The user experience on the A3500 is simply the best of any Vitamix ever made. The touch-on/off, pulse, programs, and plus/minus controls are durable, well-built, and responsive even to a finger with a drop of water on it. These buttons are static; they don’t change form or function like buttons on your phone. Using them is simple and familiar without feeling like you’re using tech for tech’s sake. We love that the physical dial controlling variable speed scrolls infinitely. It always starts at variable speed 1 and goes to Variable Speed 10 with just a flick.

There are two different ways to get walkaway blending on the A3500. The first is by setting the countdown timer. We use this when making green juice — 90 seconds, start, walk away — similar to how you’d use a microwave oven. Turn it on, and it stops when the timer gets to zero. The second is by pressing one of the preset program buttons. Like a popcorn button on a microwave, these programs are shortcuts for common uses. We use the smoothie program, hot soup program, and cleaning program the most.

As with other Ascent models, the A3500 has responsive programming depending on what container you have on it. For example, with the 64-ounce container, the soup program will run for 5:45. With the 48-ounce, 7:30. And if you put an 8-ounce on, it’ll say, “Nope, you cannot do a Soup Program with this container because it’s sealed (and thus ventless).” When you run a program, the timer counts down to zero giving you a nice status update on how much time is left. This is like the sign at the train station telling you how much longer you have to wait — kinda nice. When not using a program, the A3500’s timer counts up to let you know how long you’ve been blending; a small but nice little feature we appreciate on school mornings when blending is one of the dozen things happening all at once.

While we’d survive if it wasn’t, the A3500 is compatible with the 8-ounce container and Food Processor Attachment. With the 8-oz (and 20-ounce), we make tiny smoothies, spice grinds, pesto, and dressings for tonight. You can watch this video about how to get the most out of the Vitamix 8-oz & 20-oz containers. With the FPA we’re able to do the tasks that standard Vitamix containers cannot do: Slicing for hash browns and latkes, heterogeneous mixtures for falafel, and shaving for gourmet salads (Brussels sprouts). You’re best waiting on both of these Smart System-exclusive attachments. But it’s nice to have a system you can grow with into the future.

This particular Vitamix especially is easy to clean. The container is dishwasher safe, though we opt for a cleaning cycle (warm water & soap blended for 30 seconds) most of the time. The face is mostly glass with one physical dial that sticks out. So with just one physical dial, one swoop with a towel gets the front clean. The stainless steel will show fingerprints just like any stainless steel appliance. But it’s not a big deal for two reasons. Unlike your refrigerator which is huge and faces you, the A3500’s stainless steel is tiny and faces the sides. If you want less smudge management, the Graphite A3500 shows smudges the least of the metal finishes. Or, go with the White A3500 which has a plastic, smudge-resistant shell.

We recommend the A3500 with Brushed Stainless Metal Finish because it looks the best in most kitchens. Across simple classic, dark modern, warm modern, and farmhouse, we’ve always picked this one. And in each, it has elevated the design in a way that pops but doesn’t yell. Still, there are several color and finish options, all of which are good choices. Brushed Stainless fits the best in most kitchens; Graphite Metal is like matte black; Black Stainless is like brushed gold or gunmetal; Copper is great but only in ultra-chic kitchens; All-White is a stain-resistant and trendy non-metal shell. (Here’s a video showing the A3500 colors together.)

Imperfections worth accepting

Ascent containers, with their clear lid and slightly different shapes, have some benefits. The lid locks into place with an audible click that helps you confirm the lid is on securely. The pour spout has a small protruding notch for smoother pouring. But the clear lid is rigid making it a bit more difficult to clean by hand than the rubber lids on other models. Plus, the rubber seal on the lid collects particles underneath and is fairly difficult to remove.

Like all Ascent models, the A3500 can only operate Self-Detect containers. As a new Vitamix owner, this isn’t a huge deal. But if you’re upgrading to an A3500 from an earlier model, chances are you have some still-operational containers that are, unfortunately, incompatible with the A3500. So if you have a fleet of legacy containers or are the type of person willing to risk voiding your warranty coverage by using off-brand containers, you should consider a Legacy model.

The controls on the A3500, while responsive and easy to use, are not accessible for those with visual impairment. There are no ridges like the markers on a keyboard. So if that’s you, choose from the ones with entirely manual controls.

There are a couple of flaws with the A3500’s (and really any full-size Vitamix’s) motor. The variable speed dial provides precise control of how fast the blade is spinning. Turn the dial from Variable Speed 1 to Variable Speed 2 and you can hear and feel the difference. The results are precise controls over textures for things like salsa. But once you get to Variable Speed 9, there’s no difference as you move to Variable 10. At Variable Speed 9, the fans turn on and it’s pretty much full speed. The other problem, and again, this is on all full-size Vitamix models, is an occasional rumbling at Variable Speed 1 when you go there quickly from Variable Speed 10. For example, when our green juice is done, and assuming I didn’t set the programmable timer to stop it automatically, I’ll turn the motor down from Variable Speed 10 to Variable Speed 1 for 30 seconds to get the bubbles out. Sometimes when I do that, the container rumbles at that lowest speed until I completely turn it off and back on. Then, the motor purrs like a kitten as expected.

Best value Vitamix: The Certified Reconditioned V1200 Pack

The Recon V1200Recon V1200 is a Vitamix you’ll love for its pure value. It makes smoothies as smooth as our top pick for half the price. In addition to smoothies, you can make all the other Vitamix things: hot soups, ice cream, hummus, etc. In addition to the 64-ounce container that comes with the V1200 Pack, you get a 20-ounce blend-and-go kit for free. This little container is great for salad dressing for tonight, spice grinds, and tiny purées like baby food. As a humble family who prides itself on only getting what we need, being not fancy, and finding awesome deals, we’d struggle to justify $600 on a first Vitamix when the V1200 pack is available for half the price. So keeping with our values, we recommend this very fine option to people with budgets big and small.

The noise output on the V1200 is mid-range compared to all Vitamix models. If the three levels were loud, louder, and loudest, the Certified Reconditioned V1200 would be “louder.” Noisy like the powerful Vitamix that it is, but not painfully.

The user experience with the V1200 is solid. It has a digital timer that does two things. It counts up as it’s blending to let you know how long it’s been going, and it counts down from where you set it (if you did). So while there are no preset program buttons, you can get some automation just like you would a microwave oven. Set the timer, press start, and walk away until it has stopped on its own. It has press-down switches that activate on/off and pulse. And there’s a physical dial to control the ten variable speeds.

Like the Ascent models, the V1200 is a system you can grow with. It’s compatible with the 8-ounce and since it’s included in the pack, the 20-ounce. (To complete the set, you only need an 8-ounce cup since it uses the same base that your 20-ounce kit comes with). You can also add a Food Processor Attachment if and when it makes sense.

Imperfections worth accepting

The V1200 is formally a Costco exclusive. These Vitamix models have a reputation as watered-down mashups reverse-engineered to achieve a certain price. There’s no way to prove this, though, and in our testing, the V1200’s performance is as good as any other Vitamix.

The Certified Reconditioned V1200 pack is only available like this, as a “recon” model. If this is a deal breaker for you, the Explorian Series might work if you’re on a tight budget. If, however, you’re open to the idea of a Certified Reconditioned, you should know they are like new and have the same multi-year warranty coverage as new ones. And a fun fact, the Vitamix blenders that company employees receive as a job perk are all Certified Reconditioned. We have an ultimate guide to Certified Reconditioned Vitamix blenders which includes a video showing their assembly.

The up (+) and down (-) buttons on the V1200 are physical buttons that snap in and pop out when you press them. They’re responsive and durable. The problem is using them — setting a five-minute timer on the V1200 takes about 45 seconds. By comparison, that same task takes 10 seconds on the A3500 and A3300. But of course, without a blender double its price right next to it, you may not notice the slowness.

The 20-ounce kit that comes with the V1200 pack, while great for spice grinds, dressings, and tiny, not-super-thick smoothies, is not a perfect-blend-and-go solution. The size and shape (20-ounce being awfully narrow) limit you to 16-ounce (after reduction), not-super-thick smoothies. So if you’re coming from a Nutribullet or Ninja Nutri or another personal blender with a big blend-and-go cup, setting expectations is important here. You can see all this in a video we made about getting the most out of your 20-ounce cup.

Like the Ascent models, the V1200 Pack comes with a dishwasher-safe clear-lidded container. This container is nice because it clicks when you put the top on securely, but because of its rigidity, it is slightly more difficult to clean by hand than the rubber lid on other containers. Like all Vitamix blenders, speeds 9 through 10 are the same. And there may be a slight container rumble when quickly going from 10 to 1, fixable by turning the blender off and back on.

Best Vitamix without new tech: Professional Series 750

The Pro 750Pro 750, after all these years, is still a great pick, especially as an analog alternative to the A3500. The Pro 750 remains one of the best Vitamix blenders to this day. It was our choice to use for several years as we began this website (and our lives together!). If not for the introduction of the new “best Vitamix,” we’d still choose the Pro 750 as our go-to.

Using the Pro 750 is intuitive and easy. There’s a master on/off switch on the back, and the rest is on the face of the blender. The start/stop and pulse buttons feel premium and give a satisfying click when activated. The dial is one large circle that controls both the variable speed controls (manual operation) on the right and the programs on the left. While the dial doesn’t light up (as it used to on some early versions), it’s still ergonomically great — no wrist crank when using it. There are five programs to get you automation — walkaway blending for hot soup, smoothies, and cleaning cycle and guidance for frozen desserts and nut butters. The easy-to-clean (albeit non-clicking to close) lid and nice-feeling handle are both rubber. The container, like most full-sized ones, is a breeze to clean: either a couple of drops of soap with warm water and the cleaning cycle or the dishwasher. (This container is now cleared as dishwasher safe.) And since nothing is digital or touch-controlled, you can operate the Pro 750 with your eyes closed.

Pro 750s are one of the least loud (quietest) Vitamix models. Even without stainless steel shells, which used to be an option but are no longer, the Pro 750’s build quality helps dampen the noise. Compared to other least-loud models, it’s about the same. Any measurable difference is unnoticeable to your ear.

Pro 750s come with a 7-year warranty which was the company’s longest until they introduced Ascent’s 10-year. So the cost of owning a Pro 750, when amortized over warranty life, is higher than some alternatives. But if no digital is what you want, it’s a sacrifice you’re going to need to live with. You can buy a 3-year extended warranty for a total of ten. But you can add it any time during the first seven years. So wait until you’ve owned it for at least six years to decide if you want to add some warranty.

Picking a Pro 750 means you’re okay with never having an 8-ounce or Food Processor Attachment. Also, you’re stuck without a tamper holder as the Ascent one doesn’t fit and the classic one isn’t worth it. You can add a 32-ounce, 48-ounce wet or dry, AER, Stainless Steel, or (clunky) Personal Cup Adapter; so you’re not completely limited.

All signs point to Vitamix retiring the Pro 750 and replacing it with the new identically spec’d (and almost identically named) Propel 750 (review). We haven’t found any reason to choose this new version over the old one. If anything, the Pro 750 is a better pick than the Propel 750 because the former’s build process has had nearly a decade to iron out any kinks. And since we don’t know when Vitamix will stop making it, grab a Pro 750 now if it’s the one for you. You don’t need to worry about getting a Pro 750 serviced. Unlike the company that made my fitness wearable who said they “no longer service” my 2-year-old watch, Vitamix has you covered through (and likely beyond) the blender’s warranty. This video inside Vitamix headquarters features the 4-person repair team showing the decades-old Vitamix blenders they still service.

Best Vitamix for one person: Propel 510

The Propel 510Propel 510 is an awesome Vitamix and is the best choice for most one-person homes. It comes standard with a narrow-bodied 48-ounce container so you can do most tasks, big and small, without needing a secondary container. You can make medium-sized smoothie batches, but also fairly-small batches of dressings. Too, top chefs use a narrow-bodied Vitamix container similar to the one that comes with the Propel 510. So if you aspire to be like the pros, you can grow with this blender from a classic culinary perspective.

The 48-ounce container that comes with the Propel 510 is versatile. The challenge is its capacity; in our home where we make 64 ounces of green juice every other day, the 48-ounce container would only work if we cut down the recipe. It’d also be less ideal for pancake batters (access) and coarse chopping our detox salad (efficiency). But if you’re not currently doing any of these things and are fine configuring your blends to fit the 48-ounce, this is less of an imperfection and more of a good fit.

While it is a new model, it feels, looks, and operates like a classic. It has the Pro 750’s premium switches which are easy to use. And for controlling the speed manually (when not using a program), it uses the old 7500’s ergonomic dial. Like the old C-Series, there’s a dedicated on/off switch with a blue LED light in front. The 510 has three programs for some automation (walkaway blending). If you follow our plan, you’ll use the soup and smoothie program the most. There is no cleaning program, but if you want to walk away from a warm-water-with soap “blender bath,” you can just use the smoothie program. And the 510 doesn’t have a nut butter program, but you’ll learn how to do that manually anyway.

You’ll notice how little the machine weighs. And yet somehow, it performs like all other full-size Vitamix blenders. I was not shy when testing it — I really pushed it when testing ice cream and the 510 didn’t break a sweat. Pound for pound, this thing is a powerhouse.

Most people don’t need additional containers or attachments for the 510. But if you have Legacy containers, they are all compatible. Plus, the Aer Disc is compatible if you want a holiday gift. The Personal Cup Adapter is there, but it doesn’t make sense unless you’re doing spice blends — the 48-ounce container works pretty well for small batches. For a plastic-free option, the 48-ounce Stainless Steel Container is compatible. Although, you’re then probably better off upgrading to one of the other Vitamix blenders we like, an A3500 with 48-ounce Stainless Steel Container.

The 510’s noise is middle of the pack — certainly not the quietest, but not the loudest either. The less loud version of this Vitamix for one person is the A3500 with 48-ounce Stainless Steel Container. And the louder version without any automation is the E310.

The biggest challenge with the 510 is its ability to adapt as you grow. You can make 64-ounce batches, but you’ll need to buy another container. And, it’s not compatible with the 8-oz cups, Food Processor Attachment, or any future Self-Detect-only attachment.

A Vitamix bundle that won’t overwhelm you: A3500 Entertaining

The A3500 EntertainingA3500 Entertaining, only available in Black Stainless Finish, is a fun way to elevate your Vitamix purchase without accumulating too much stuff. It’s the same A3500 as our top pick except in addition to the low-profile 64-ounce container, you also get an Aer Disc. This entertainer container excels as a batch cocktail and mocktail maker. It’s an add-on that isn’t going to change your life from a health perspective. We use ours occasionally and have a post with a video showing this: Is the Aer Disc container worth it?

Most Vitamix bundles are not worth getting for two reasons. One, the extra stuff is a distraction from the main goal of getting a Vitamix: to incorporate it into your lifestyle. The fewer items you have, the more you’ll get out of it, the happier you’ll be, and the less you’ll have spent. Two, you’re usually best getting just the blender now and waiting to add on when the time is right when there’s a deal, if at all. But since expectations are low for the A3500 Entertaining Bundle’s add-on, you’re not going to feel overwhelmed and have your goals derailed. Plus, the Aer isn’t part of the regular promo schedule, so it’s not worth waiting to buy a la carte.

More Vitamix models we like

If you just want what chefs use (and only want to use it how they use it), get a 5200 Standard – Getting Started. The 5200’s noise output is mid-range and while it’s not the best Vitamix ever made, the 5200 might just be the best pure blender ever made. It’s an old design, but there’s a reason it’s still the choice in its commercial, albeit identical form, used by top chefs. For sauces, purees, and anything that requires a silky smooth finish, small-ish batches and large, the 5200 with its narrow-bodied 64-ounce container does it best. A commercial version of the 5200 is also the blender many commercial smoothie shops use (if they didn’t opt for the programmable and hooded Mixin’ Machine available only from a commercial dealer). The problem with the 5200 for home use is its container is not low-profile so cannot live on your countertop unless it’s off the base. The 5200’s container is also not dishwasher-safe. The E310 is the one YouTube chefs use and while it is one of the loudest, it is dishwasher-safe and countertop friendly.

If you want the very best Vitamix for a single person, you’ll love the A3500 with Stainless Steel Container. It’s the quietest Vitamix with 48-ounce versatility and maximum compatibility. It comes with a premium price, but you get it all. It’s even great for two-person homes that know they won’t need 64-ounce batches. This is a popular pick and one we love recommending to people who were previously underwhelmed by their options for a Vitamix with a smaller container.

If you want the smallest footprint, get the ONE. For small apartments, cottages, and even RVs or vans, the ONE is awesome. It’s easy to clean with a cleaning cycle or dishwasher. And for a single person wanting better-tasting smoothies with more reliability, it’s a great pick. Some people have reported the ONE as very loud, though in our tests we found it refreshingly hushed. So it’s hard to say where it fits from a noise perspective. Personal note: My dad’s newfound half-sister (thanks 23-and-me!) who lives in a small apartment just got a ONE and she loves it for her morning smoothies.

If you want to go all-in (and have the kitchen space), get the A3500 Gourmet SmartPrep Kitchen. You’re getting the best Vitamix model and a food processor — two machines in one. So you have the full range of Vitamix tasks for every day. Plus, when you want to get creative or into a raw diet, the Food Processor Attachment is there for you with several different blades. There’s not much overlap between what the standard container and food processor attachment can do with one exception: Nut butters, while pretty easy in the standard Vitamix container (with help from you and the tamper), are easier to make and just as smooth in the Food Processor Attachment. This bundle is only available in all-white. So if you want a metal finish or maybe want to save a bit, buy these two separately; get the A3500 first and the Food Processor Attachment when you’re ready.

If you want one of the quietest for a bit less money, consider the A3300 with Brushed Stainless Finish. This model is identical to the A3500 but for the five programs. You can still get some automation by setting the timer like you would a microwave — 30 seconds, start, and walk away. Just like the A3500, we feel like the A3300s with metal finish are a bit less loud than ones with plastic shells, but the difference is tough to measure definitively. Though, most of the A3300’s allure, especially compared to its sister models, A2300 and A2500, is the Brushed Stainless Finish. And at that point, it might just be a small but worthy jump to the A3500.

The rest of the Vitamix models

5300: This is originally a mashup between a no-frills C-Series base and a G-Series top. There are other better choices at its retail price. But at a super duper special price, this is a good pick.

7500:  The 7500 is attractive because of its simplicity. It’s the no-frills classic that’s essentially a Pro 750 without programs. There are better picks; but if you see an offer you can’t refuse, don’t.

7500 Super Bundle: The problem is you just spent six hundred dollars and have a Vitamix you can’t grow with. Plus, the three accessories take up space without naturally integrating into your life. If you already are grinding your dry grains, this package might make sense. Still, getting just the blender first and waiting for a special on the accessories is a better choice.

A2300: This is the entry-level Ascent Series Vitamix. It’s the most affordable way to buy into Vitamix’s Smart System. It’s a no-frills model with no programs, no timer, and no touch controls. But it is a Vitamix you can build upon and grow with through, and hopefully beyond, its 10-year warranty.

A2300 Family Pack: Here’s a no-frills Vitamix you can grow with that comes with an 8 & 20-ounce kit. This is an appealing bundle for those wanting to do small sauces, spice grinds, or baby food right away.

A2300 Smart Prep Kitchen: This is for people who want a more economical way to go all-in food prepping with their Vitamix. Those getting into a new diet love this option. Although, if you’re okay with Certified Reconditioned and can wait, getting the Recon V1200 pack and waiting on the Food Processor Attachment until it’s on sale is a better move.

A2300 Super Bundle: The only reason you’re considering this deal is because of all that you get. The problem is you just spent over six hundred dollars and have all this stuff you don’t need. Not to mention, the Vitamix model you got isn’t all that great. If $600 is what you want to spend, go with a more premium model with few or no accessories. You’ll be happiest in the short term and long. If a deal is what you’re looking for, you can get something for half the price.

A2500: We used to call the A2500 the “best Vitamix for most people.” And then we noticed most people didn’t identify as “Most People.” It fits our requirements quite well — low-profile, some automation, compatible with everything, not the loudest. Maybe despite all that, the A2500 is too boring, not awesome enough at its price. Interestingly, its like-new version, the Certified Reconditioned A2500 is like new and is super popular.

Certified Reconditioned A2500: This is the refurbished A2500 that outsells the new version (at least through Life is NOYOKE) by 10x. At its regular price, this is not a great pick — the savings aren’t enough to justify the ten-year warranty being halved. But at an extra special price, this is a great pick.

Certified Reconditioned A3500: This is a refurbished A3500 and is a popular choice for people wanting an A3500 but also wanting to save $100. These buyers know how well Vitamix machines are built, even from the Certified Reconditioned line, and are willing to bet it’ll last ten years (or more!) like the new ones despite it only coming with the 5-year warranty.

Certified Reconditioned Explorian: This is the name for a refurbished E320. These perform as well as any Vitamix. They’re just some of the loudest.

Certified Reconditioned Professional Series 750: This is a refurbished Pro 750 and most people wanting this model want a new (non-recon) one. But if the savings is special, go for it. Check our deals page for an oft-running secret deal on the Certified Reconditioned Pro 750 for $150 off.

Certified Reconditioned Standard: This is what Vitamix calls its refurbished 5200. It has the name “Standard” because the 5200 has been sold under several aliases over the years and the one you get might reflect that non-5200 name. Still, at its everyday low price, the Recon Standard is a great pick if you just want what chefs or smoothie shops use.

E310: The E310 was the original entry-level Vitamix designed for a single person. It has full power, great performance, and a narrow-bodied 48-ounce container included. For us, this model is just too loud. So loud that we feel uncomfortable recommending it to anyone without also recommending protective headphones.

Immersion Blender: This is usually an accessory for people looking to blend soups in the pot (without transferring them to a Vitamix container). And on its own, it out-powers all other handheld blenders. But because of its ability to do smoothies, sauces, and even simple frozen desserts (nice cream), this is a compelling pick for a single-person or small-kitchen home. We show these types of surprising findings in our video: Vitamix Immersion Blender Review!

Immersion Blender Bundle: With some clever attachments, this turns your Immersion Blender into its own little kitchen system; like a mini blender and food processor. This is a compelling pick for small apartments.

Propel 750: This Vitamix is identical to the Professional Series 750 in nearly every way. They both perform well, are well-built, and have the same specs. The problem with the Propel 750 is that it’s not clearly superior to the Professional Series 750 in any way. At a great price, the Propel 750 makes sense. But without, and while the Professional Series 750 is still available, there are better picks than the Propel 750.

TurboBlend 3-Speed: The 3-speed was originally a retailer’s exclusive. Like all Vitamix machines, it performs well. But there’s usually a better pick than this one.

Which Vitamix accessories to get

We’ve found that people are most successful with their Vitamix when they begin by taking a minimalist approach. So most likely, you should wait on buying any Vitamix accessories or attachments.

But if you still want an accessory, consider these.

The 3 best Vitamix accessories

1. Red Silicone Blender SpatulaRed Silicone Blender Spatula: For getting under the blade and container walls, there’s nothing better. Waste less and work smarter with this purpose-built scraper that’s delightfully useful for getting the last bit off the side and under the blade. It’s far superior to the Under Blade Scraper and a few dollars less.
2. Tamper holder:Life is better when everything has its place. Consider
   this one for Ascent / Venturist
   this one for Explorian
   this one for Legacy (which is a bit clunky, but does the job)
   there isn’t one for Propel yet
3. 48-ounce container with Self Detect: If you want just one accessory container, get this 48-oz container (the standard one, not the Dry Grains). It’s forward and backward compatible in case you ever upgrade, is the most versatile, and is great for:
   • Small batches of thick blends (almond butter, hummus, ice cream)
   • Small batches of for-tonight blends (pesto, sauces, dressings)
   • Extra flexibility if you have a two-blend meal

   If you’re getting a Legacy or Propel you can save a few dollars and get the standard 48-ounce container knowing if you ever upgrade to Ascent, you won’t be able to use it. Also for Legacy and Propel, there’s a 32-ounce option. They have the same minimum batch size as the 48.

All the other accessories

Dry Grains Container

Great if you’re already grinding dry grains today. It’s purpose-built to throw ingredients up; compare with standard containers that pull down.

• 48-oz Dry Grains container with SELF DETECT™48-oz Dry Grains container with SELF DETECT™ —  for Ascent
• 32-oz Dry Grains container32-oz Dry Grains container —  for Legacy

Do you really need a dry grains container? Probably not.

Stainless Steel Container

The Stainless Steel containerStainless Steel container (review) is the best of both worlds

In our tests, we found the Stainless Steel Container was pretty good at grinding dry grains despite not having a dry grains blade. We think the grains processed nicely because of the stainless steel container side’s smoothness (lack of friction).

The Stainless Steel Container was also pretty great at making ice cream. The container walls got cold which gave the ice cream a malt shop feel.

Aer™ Disc container

The Aer™ Disc containerAer™ Disc container is the best accessory if you’re an at-home bartender or barista.

It’s great if you like working with dairy milk to make foams and whips. And it’s also great at making large batches of muddled cocktails like mojitos.

Food Processor Attachment

The Food Processor AttachmentFood Processor Attachment (review) is the best (and only!) accessory for slicing, dicing, and shredding.

The Vitamix can do a lot. But the standard containers cannot slice or dice or shred. So if you’re looking to make hash browns, falafel, or cucumber salad, for example, the Food Processor Attachment is worth considering. It’s as good as any food processor out there.

Foodcycler FC-50

The Foodcycler FC-50Foodcycler FC-50 is the best impulse purchase for Vitamix owners.

It’s not a Vitamix accessory, per se. It’s more of a cousin.

It’s non-essential, but we love it because it fits our lifestyle.

Immersion Blender

The Immersion BlenderImmersion Blender (review) is overkill if you’re just getting started with Vitamix. But, it’s potentially a good fit as a full-time Vitamix on a budget.

Personal Blending Attachments

Great for a few things.

Vitamix’s small-cup blending accessories are great at making baby food, not super thick shakes and smoothies, and little batches of dressings. And we’ve seen them used well for spice blends.

Because of their size, however, they’re not perfect replacements for blend-and-go blenders you may be used to.

Still, we’ve been using ours more and more. It’s about knowing strengths and limitations.

8-ounce Blending Bowl Starter Kit8-ounce Blending Bowl Starter Kit — Tiny blends for Ascent

Blending Cup Starter KitBlending Cup Starter Kit — Small blends for Ascent

Personal Cup AdapterPersonal Cup Adapter — Smalls blends for Legacy

Cookbooks

Your Vitamix comes with a cookbook. It’s pretty good and features a little bit of everything.

Of the ones on the Vitamix website, the “101 Blender Drinks” is pretty good if you like cocktails.

New-ish from Vitamix is their 100th Anniversary Cookbook. It’s fan-sourced and loaded with whole-food (and mostly plant-based) recipes; highly recommended.

We have a cookbook, too: “The Perfect Mix.” We keep it as an ebook because we treat it like software, regularly updating it (so when you buy a copy, it’s yours forever). We’ll send you a code to get it free when you notify us that you ordered through our website’s links.

Related video: 10 Intriguing Vitamix Kitchen Accessories

3 steps to use Life is NOYOKE to get a Vitamix

1) Plan

1. Plan your purchase by going to our Vitamix deals page. It has a promo calendar and a guide for when to buy.

2) Click

Click Life is NOYOKE sent me at checkout to tell Vitamix we sent you. It’ll get us credit for your purchase (and qualify you for a free copy of our ebook if you’d like).

3) Notify

Notify us of your order. It’s the only way we know you bought through us. Once received, you can get a copy of our ebook for free.

12 mistakes to avoid when buying a Vitamix

Don’t worry about new tech. “I’m concerned about the touch controls and digital timer.” I hear that. Several years into making Ascent models, the tech has held up: Touch controls, digital timers, responsive programs, et al are demonstrably durable. And you’re covered by a multi-year warranty that customers exercise less than 2% of the time. But if you want none of it (mechanical controls only), there are good options.  No reason to force yourself into a situation that makes you uncomfortable.

Don’t get stuck on a few bad reviews. “I saw reviews about getting error codes and non-responsive containers.” Totally. You get 60-day returns plus multi-years of free warranty service if you happen to be in the unlucky 2% of folks that need it. Too, Ascent models’ have improved in build quality every year. It’s like the car industry: Anyone working on an automobile assembly line will tell you to buy a late-year model because those are built better. As time goes on, they get better at building them with improved parts, processes, etc. Same with Vitamix products. If, however, you see a consensus of the reviews saying something is mediocre, perhaps that product isn’t a good fit.

Don’t read too much into pricing. “Why are Ascent Series the same price as Legacy? Aren’t Ascent newer, more feature-rich, and come with a longer warranty?” Vitamix has priced its Ascent Series models so they’re attractive to purchase. On paper, Ascent should cost more than Legacy. And because they’re not (but newer), they signal lesser value. But Vitamix is playing the long game when you consider the many Ascent-exclusive accessories. Your long-term value (LTV) as an Ascent Series owner is more than if you got a Legacy model. So they might make less on your initial purchase. But you’ll spend more on accessories and be more engaged with the company over a greater period of time if you get an Ascent Series.

Don’t think you need a second container. A secondary, narrow-bodied container, like a 48-ounce, can be helpful. But you probably don’t need one right away. Narrow-bodied Vitamix containers are nice for making smaller batches of thick blends like ice cream, nut butter, and hummus. With a narrow-bodied container, you only need 2-3 cups of ingredients instead of 3-4. Aside from super thick blends, a secondary container may be helpful for:

• Grinding dry grains
• Special diets (nut-free, gluten-free, kosher, etc.)
• Blending tiny batches of thinner blends (dressings, baby food, spice grinds, etc.)

If you are doing any of those listed above today, then yes, you should get another container. But, if you’re not doing these today, you should hold off. A minimalist approach is best, and if you decide you need another container, they usually go on sale a couple of times per year.

Don’t be afraid of the (wide) low-profile 64-ounce container. “I’m worried that the low-profile 64-ounce container is too big for me.” The challenge with the low-profile 64-ounce container is small batches of thick blends. One cup of nut butter, for example, is tricky because you need to use the tamper and there are not enough ingredients for the tamper to reach. For all other blends, the low-profile 64-ounce container works great. We’ve made 12-ounce Frappuccinos in this container with ease.

Don’t misunderstand the programs (automated blending). “What happens if I want to make something that it’s not programmed for?” All Vitamix blenders that have programs also have variable speed controls. So you can use the dial to control the variable speeds just like you would on a blender without programs.

Don’t place too much weight on noise. “How much louder is this one than that one?” A few models are among the least loud*. The loudest are very loud. The rest fall somewhere in the middle and are pretty darn loud. Within these three tiers, there’s some variance but not enough to matter or report upon. Find a level of noise output you’re comfortable with and move on. We use protective headphones for hard-ingredient, tamper-dependent blends (nut butter, ice cream, etc) even with the least-loud model.

Don’t overbuy accessories. “I feel like I need a Food Processor Attachment and the Dry Grains Container?” You’re going to be the happiest and most successful with the least amount of stuff. Bundles may be tempting, but you can often get a better deal by buying less and waiting for a deal on accessories and attachments. Cash is king and minimalism is queen.

Don’t read into the power. “Does a 2.2 HP Vitamix blend better?” Horsepower listed on Vitamix blenders may vary. And that may be due to differences in build design affecting output. But a machine with 2.2HP blends equally well as one with 2.0HP.

Don’t discount Certified Reconditioned. “Are there any downsides? Are they used?” Branded Certified Reconditioned, refurbished Vitamix blenders are a savvy buy. Nearly everything in the box is new and what isn’t is like new. All Vitamix employees get a “recon Vitamix” as a job perk which says something. And the warranties included are shorter, but provide the same coverage as new. If you’re considering but still aren’t sure, we have an in-depth review and video tour of the Certified Reconditioned Vitamix products.

Don’t equate price with performance. “How well does it blend compared to the others?” Here’s the deal with full-size Vitamix blenders: The most entry-level Vitamix makes the same quality textures as the most premium. So the more you pay, the more features you get. Blend quality, however, stays the same.

Don’t get stuck on sunk costs. Would you buy your current situation today if given the choice? For example, you found a special price on a Vitamix model you simply can’t get excited about. Or, you plan to use your current blender until it dies no matter how long that takes. Related short video: We’re gonna use it ’til it dies.

Still stuck? Read this

Let’s answer some of the most frequently asked questions from buyers just about to get their Vitamix.

Vitamix Warranty (what it covers)

Vitamix warranties are super generous. If you need a repair, Vitamix will:

1. Pick up your blender (free).
2. Repair or replace whatever is broken (free).
3. Send it back as good as new (fast and free).

It’s easy and hassle-free. Of note, under 2% of Vitamix machines ever get sent in for service. The four-person Vitamix service department handles the 4 million households (and many million businesses) with a Vitamix. Might you need to call for a repair? For sure; that’s what the warranty is for. But there’s a better chance your warranty is something you’ll never have to use.

Returns and exchanges

The Vitamix return policy is free returns for 60 days. So upgrades, downgrades, and even complete returns are easy and hassle-free. Partial returns are also accepted. So if there’s an accessory you like but want to exchange for a different Vitamix blender model, you can do that.

How long does it take to ship?

Vitamix shipping times vary. It usually takes a few days; sometimes more, sometimes less. But there’s one thing that stays constant here: Vitamix likes to under-promise and over-deliver. So if the estimated shipping time says 3-5 days, there’s a good chance you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how quickly it arrives. Sometimes there are delays, of course. But we often hear things like this: “I was very surprised the shipping was so fast !! Got it in a couple of days “

Conclusion and final thoughts

If you’re here, at the bottom of this 11,000-word guide about picking a Vitamix, you’re probably still stuck. Or maybe you’re just the type of person who watches the credits after a movie? (We are!) Don’t force it. When you’re ready, you’ll know. And when you are, you’ll kind of just stop thinking about it so much and, well, jump right in.

So you know, I couldn’t decide which Vitamix to buy either. I knew I wanted one, but couldn’t pull the trigger. It really was paralysis by analysis.

My only regret? And we hear this a lot from our customers, too.

I wish I hadn’t waited so long.