We Tested Vitamix Blenders—And Found Some That Stand Out Among the Rest

How We Tested Vitamix Blenders

Based on the results of previous rounds of testing and extensive online research, we chose 11 Vitamix blenders to purchase and test side-by-side in our Lab. This included models with a range of prices, capabilities, and capacities, though we were not able to test every single one of the many Vitamix blenders on the market.

We Observed

• Smoothie performance: We used each blender to make a smoothie using the same amount of pineapple, kale (leaves and stems), and orange juice. To create an objective comparison, we blended each smoothie on high for 15 seconds. After tasting for flavor and texture, we ran the rest through a fine sieve to see the size of bits left behind. For blenders with smoothie-specific settings, we tried those out in separate tests also using leafy greens.
• Peanut butter performance: We ground a 2-cup batch of peanuts into peanut butter in each blender, timing how long it took to get a smooth texture. To compare consistency between peanut butters, we smeared some of each on a white plate. We also noted how many times we had to stop and scrape down the sides to get a complete blend.
• Noise: As we ran our tests on each blender, we noted the maximum decibel level it registered. None of the machines were silent, but noise levels ranged from 70 decibels—similar to a vacuum cleaner—to over 90—similar to a lawnmower.
  

We Rated

• Features and functions: We considered all the settings available on the machines, from basic pulse mode and speed settings to a variety of timers and automated smart features. To determine if they truly add usefulness, we ran batches using a variety of settings in addition to our kale and peanut butter tests. We also noted whether the controls made using the blenders more or less difficult.
• Ease of cleaning: After each of the performance tests, we cleaned the blenders following the manufacturer's directions. We paid attention to how much time and effort was needed to remove any bits of food, as well as if the design of the blender made it easier or harder to clean beneath the blades or in any other hard-to-reach places.
  
• Value: When all the other testing was finished, we revealed the retail prices of the tested blenders. The Vitamix brand is fairly expensive in general, so we compared the models to each other and to the average Vitamix price as well as to the average prices for all the blenders we've tested.

Long-Term Testing Takeaways

If Vitamix sells it, we've tested it, and some items we've continued to use for days, weeks, months, and even years. Based on what we've learned from plugging in, and using Vitamix machines in our own day-to-day lives, here are a few things we've learned.

• The reputation is pretty accurate: It’s hard to go wrong with any Vitamix blender. They are all powerful, but they're different in the details.
• Blender options are the same, but different: Since there are a lot of models to choose from, it’s wise to look at the features and decide which you need. While it’s nice to have programs, sometimes basic speed control is all that’s necessary.
• They're hot and cold: Making hot soup in a Vitamix is fun, but that feature can also be used for making cooked custards. It’s practically magic!
• Check the details: One thing to pay attention to is whether the jars and lids on your model of Vitamix are dishwasher safe. Some are totally dishwasher-safe, while others aren’t.
• You'll have the blender for a long time: Yes, a Vitamix is expensive, but they have a long warranty and last even longer than that. Tales of machines 10+ years old are common, where they are used regularly and continue to work efficiently for ages.
• The sky is the limit: Once you’ve invested in a Vitamix blender, it’s not a bad idea to find out everything it can do. There are plenty of websites and cookbooks with recipes, and the Vitamix company even produced two of their own cookbooks, with a wide array of recipes.
  

About Our Testers

• Our Lab team has spent collective decades working in professional kitchens, developing recipes, and testing kitchen gear.
  
• Renu Dhar is a spice-obsessed personal chef and culinary instructor who's been writing for The Spruce Eats for more than 3 years. She tested the Professional Series 750 at home for this story.
• Donna Currie is the author of the cookbook "Make Ahead Bread" and has written product reviews and recipes for publications including Serious Eats and Fine Cooking in addition to The Spruce Eats. She home-tested the Vitamix One and Immersion Blender featured above.

Other Options We Tested

• Vitamix 7500 Blender: This is one of Vitamix's classic G-Series blenders that simply has a manual dial with 10 speeds and a pulse feature, and it makes a good blender for those new to Vitamix. But when we tested it in our Lab, we found that it didn't stack up against more advanced Vitamixes. After making a smoothie, we could feel the fiber grit while drinking. Meanwhile, it painted the inside of the blender with peanut butter, making quite the mess to clean up.
• Vitamix A2500 Ascent Series Blender: The Ascent series is known for its smart technology, and that's the main highlight with the A2500. Incredibly similar to our Best Tech pick, this has all the same features as the A2300, with an additional 3 program settings. We tested the two against each other in our Lab and found that those program settings are its only leg up on the A2300. Unless you truly need more programs, you're better off with the A2300.
• Vitamix A3300 Ascent Series Blender: Here's another Ascent series pick, with a digital interface and easy touch operations. We tested this as an option for our Best Splurge category, except that it doesn't have program settings like our current pick, the A3500. It performed exceptionally well, but we still recommend the A3500 over this since it has five program settings, including the rare self-cleaning function.
  

What to Look for in a Vitamix Blender

Capacity

The size of your blender totally depends on what you want to use it for. Will you mainly make big batches of smoothies, sauces, or soups? If so, you may want to consider a Vitamix with a large pitcher, and perhaps even some travel cups. If you make small-batch dips and sauces, just need something personal, or have limited counter space and storage, go for a compact variety.

Controls

If you want something simple for smoothies or sauces, a basic blender with knobs, buttons, toggles, or dials for speed control will likely work for you.

For something a little more high-tech, consider a touchscreen interface with programs for hot soups, dips, spreads, and frozen desserts. Some even come with built-in timers and wireless connectivity that reads container sizes to adjust program settings and maximum blending times accordingly. If you want to connect to your smartphone, there are options for that, too.

Features

Having designated functions for smoothies, soups, desserts, smooth purees, and cleaning can be incredibly helpful, as these functions modulate the blending speed at different intervals of time in order to achieve the best results. Some high-tech models even offer wireless compatibility and a function for precisely measuring out ingredients.

More basic Vitamix functions include a variety of different speeds (and depending on the model, you can usually transition seamlessly between speeds using a round dial) and a pulse button. Many people are perfectly happy with just those basic functions, but the extras can be very worthwhile if you'll use them.

Price

Vitamix blenders come with a high price tag. The more tech and features a Vitamix has, the higher the cost. Choosing a basic or Legacy model with simple manual controls is one way to save some money when shopping for a Vitamix.

Vitamix also sells certified reconditioned blenders, which may help you save more over purchasing brand new. The certified reconditioned blenders are backed by either a three- or five-year warranty.

FAQs

Why choose Vitamix over a regular blender?

Vitamix blenders are known for being able to blend any recipe you can dream up, from basic smoothies to batters, frozen treats, thick nut butters, sticky doughs, and more. Even the shape of the blender jar has been designed meticulously: The angles of the jar help create a vortex that folds ingredients down toward the blades, so every bit of a recipe is blended smoothly. In case the vortex power isn't enough, a tamper is included with each Vitamix to help move ingredients without having to pause and scrape the sides of the jar.

Vitamix blenders are also extremely durable, designed to resist overheating, and backed by extensive warranties as well as the company's stellar customer service.

Are Vitamix blenders worth it?

For better or for worse, blenders are one kitchen item where you really get what you pay for. Even if you don't use it often, a lower-quality blender can be extremely frustrating because you often have to stop the blending process frequently to scrape down the sides or add liquid, and the end results still don't get fully smooth. Not to mention the huge difference in durability, longevity, ease of use, ease of cleaning, and versatility. Between reviews from our home testers, our Lab testers, and from users all over the world, the very resounding opinion is that Vitamix blenders are very much worth their sticker price.

Can a Vitamix blender be used as a food processor?

It depends—some traditional food processor recipes turn out beautifully in a Vitamix, including dips, dressings, salsas, and batters. You can also use a Vitamix to rough chop vegetables or nuts or pulverize grains into flour, as long as you use slow speeds or the pulse function. One big difference between a food processor and a Vitamix blender is that Vitamix blenders lack the slicing and shredding discs that food processors come with, so it can't be used to shred cheese or thinly slice vegetables. That said, the blenders can handle more liquid-heavy recipes that make a huge mess when attempted in food processors.

Vitamix recently launched a food processor attachment, which resembles a traditional 12-cup food processor bowl with a multi-use blade and two reversible shredding/slicing discs. The attachment only works with the more tech-savvy Ascent and Venturist blenders, though.

How much horsepower does a Vitamix have?

The 2-horsepower motor in each Vitamix is designed to stay cool so it won't overheat or stall out while processing tough ingredients, like thick batters, doughs, and nut butters, or during long blending times. The motor can handle running for several minutes at a time and produces enough power to actually puree and heat soups and sauces from the friction of the blades. Seriously, they'll be steaming and ready to serve straight from the blender jar for fast, easy meals.

How do you clean a Vitamix? Are Vitamix blenders dishwasher-safe?

To clean the blender jar, all you have to do is add a drop of dish soap and some water and run on high speed, or select the cleaning cycle on programmed models to completely clean the blades and jar. A quick rinse and a double-check of the lid and jar rim, and you’re done. The blender base can be wiped clean with a cloth. Some Vitamix blender jars are top rack dishwasher-safe, but in the name of your blender's longevity, washing them in the dishwasher is not recommended.

What is the best way to clean a cloudy Vitamix blender?

Vitamix pitchers are prone to a cloudy appearance—which is mineral build-up from fruits, vegetables, and hard water. Vitamix recommends soaking the pitcher with 1 cup of white vinegar and hot water overnight then using a non-abrasive scrubber to remove any remaining residue.

Why Trust The Spruce Eats?

Donna Currie is a cookbook author as well as a writer and product tester for The Spruce Eats, specializing in all the latest kitchen gadgets. She's tested over 90 products for the brand for years, including the Vitamix A3500. The Spruce Eats Editor Siobhan Wallace updated this roundup to reflect our Lab testing data.

This roundup was updated by Katya Weiss-Andersson, a writer and editor who has nearly a decade of experience as a professional chef. Katya has been a huge fan of every Vitamix blender she's used throughout her career, and aspires to have one of her own one day. This roundup was also updated by Sharon Lehman, a home cook who happens to be a registered dietitian nutritionist.