Vitamix Blender Guide

Finding the right Vitamix blender in their product lineup can be quite difficult, as they have lots of models that are basically the same. The main difference between most of their models is the accessories, books and other things that come included with your purchase. The main unit, however, is very similar in all configurations. There are other subtle differences too as you will see in the detailed description below. To add even more to the confusion, Vitamix blenders are named differently depending on whether they’re sold directly from Vitamix or if you’re going through a reseller. They’re probably doing this for marketing reasons, but we feel that it would be easier if they would simplify this.

Keep in mind that while it may be tempting to buy directly from Vitamix, you can often find better prices by going through a reseller. Some models are exclusive to Vitamix’s own store though, so if you want one of those you will simply have to bite the bullet.

Vitamix 5200

The Vitamix 5200 is the main offering from Vitamix. It’s the blender that all their other models are based on, and therefore the only one we’ve decided to write an in-depth description and review of. Aside from the bonuses and included accessories there really are only small differences between the 5200 and, for example, the CIA Professional, the Turboblend VS or the Professional Series 500 (the exact details of the differences can be found further down on this page).

The 5200 features a 2+ horsepower motor that is powerful enough to blend, chopp, grind, juice or crush almost anything you put it up against. In fact, when running at peak power, the blade tip reaches an astonishing speed of 240 MPH! Vitamix blenders are known for being truly powerful, and this motor proves it. It comes with a BPA-free 64 oz. container, which should be large enough for even bigger jobs. When running, a vortex is created inside the container, effectively pulling the ingredients down. This ensures that all ingredients are thoroughly blended.

The lid on this Vitamix blender is vented and spill-proof, which ensures that it doesn’t get messy in your kitchen. The blade assembly is made from laser-cut stainless steel, and is strong enough to crush hard ice in mere seconds. The blender is really easy to use: just put in your ingredients and set the speed on the control panel. You can choose between 10 variable speeds, or just flip a switch to set the blender on maximum speed.

What separates the 5200 from other models?

Vitamix Professional Series 500

As said before, all Vitamix blenders are basically the same, but the Professional Series 500 has a few unique characteristics. The main difference between this and the regular 5200 is the control panel. The high/low speed setting found on the left side of the panel on the 5200 is converted to a pulse control on this model. Also, the main speed dial offers three presets on the Pro 500: smoothie, soup and dessert. The soup setting actually heats up the soup for you while blending. The other (minor) difference is in the design: the Professional Series 500 is offered in a brushed stainless steel finish. Aside from that there are no big differences between the models.

Vitamix Turboblend VS

The Turboblend VS is also basically the same as the 5200. According to Vitamix it is primarily geared towards those interested in raw, vegan, and vegetarian lifestyles, though we feel that it’s a great fit for most other people as well. It comes with a cookbook called “Live fresh” which includes recipes in the categories mentioned, and a DVD cooking class hosted by a well-known raw food author. Aside from this we couldn’t find any major benefits of the Turboblend VS compared to the regular 5200.

Vitamix CIA Professional

Like the other models, this one is basically the same as the regular Vitamix 5200. Just like the Turboblend VS, the main difference is in the accessories included. It’s created in association with the Culinary Institute of America, and included is a recipe book called “Recipes and Techniques from the CIA Master Chefs”, which features more than 20 recipes developed by the CIA’s Certified Master Chefs. Included is also a cooking class DVD. All in all though, it’s very much the same unit as the regular 5200, so if you don’t have any preference when it comes to included accessories/books, it doesn’t matter which one you get.

Vitamix 5200 Review

As these units are basically the same, we focused on the main Vitamix 5200 when we were looking for user reviews on these blenders. We felt that while accessories are important, it’s even more important that the main machine is working correctly. Once you know that the hardware is solid, and fits your needs, you can start shopping around to find the exact model that suits you best.

We were pleasantly surprised when collecting user reviews for these machines, as virtually all of them are very positive. Of course users praise the high-power motor and the fact that this machine can blend almost anything you throw into it. It seems that the quality is high too, and there are few reports of broken down machines.

The main downside, of course, is the high price tag. For the price of one Vitamix you could buy 3-4 similar blenders from a cheaper brand. Of course those won’t be as powerful, but if you have low demands then that might be a better option. The Vitamix blenders are mainly designed for people who demand an extremely powerful blender that just keeps running no matter what. If you’re just going to make a smoothie a couple of times per week, you will probably find a cheaper brand to work just as well (depending on the ingredients, of course).

All in all, this blender is highly recommended, if you can afford it.

Vitamix 5200 compared to the Turboblend VS

This video compares these two models so you can get a better opinion of which one that suits you best.