How to Pick The Right Vitamix For Your Lifestyle

The time is finally here: You’re ready to add a Vitamix to your registry. You head to Zola dot com to do so but are stopped in your tracks. ‘Wait… which Vitamix model is right for me?’

No worries. We know Vitamix blenders are top of mind when it comes to wedding registries—or stocking any new apartment or home. So, we’re here to help you pick the right Vitamix for your lifestyle. Let’s begin.

First: Why Vitamix?

It’s important to note that no, a Vitamix blender did not in fact write this article. We’re pretty unbiased about blenders, generally speaking, but what our previous registry couples know is that with a Vitamix blender, you get what you pay for. They’re just really nice, OK?

Each model is engineered to blend tidily (no explosion the second you turn it on—seriously), cut through even the toughest ingredients, and last a very, very long time.

There are simpler, streamlined versions and there are versions with all the bells and whistles. You want to operate your Vitamix from your phone? There’s a model for that! No matter what model you buy, you’ll get the oft-imitated, never-replicated high-powered motor that the brand is known for. Your soups will be creamier, your purées silkier, and your kale blended so deep in your smoothie you’ll forget it’s there.

On top of the basic blending features, Vitamix blenders make easy work of grinding hard ingredients like nuts, crushing chickpeas for hummus, or even making rice flour out of rice.

So, now that you know what a Vitamix can do, it’s time to figure out what you need and want yours to do.

The Models:

Vitamix Explorian Series E310 Blender ($349.99)

Best For: Curious cooks looking for a good blender for simple tasks; Those on a budget

If you’re set on a Vitamix because of the quality but don’t need a lot of fancy extra features, this is your stop. The Explorian is essentially your introduction to high-powered blending—straightforward, simple controls for less money.

Key Features:

• Ten variable speeds allow you to refine every texture with culinary precision.
• Pulse feature: Layer coarse chops over smooth purees for heartier recipes.
• Powerful 2 HP motor can handle even tough ingredients to create high-quality blends.
• Easy cleaning in 30 to 60 seconds with a drop of dish soap and warm water.

The Ascent Series: Vitamix A2300, A2500, and A3500

Best For: Cooks who care about having the latest and greatest. (Anyone who prefers to be in total control of the process would probably prefer the A2300 or A3300. Those looking for all the bells and whistles should opt for the A3500.)

The Vitamix blenders in the Ascent series are, in a word, sexy. They’re sleek, impressive, and host a ton of power. All models in the series feature built-in timers, wireless connectivity, 10-year warranties, and a sensor that detects the size of the container and adjusts the blender settings accordingly. Though each comes with a 64-ounce container, they are all compatible with any container that has the “self-detect” blade base. Also, every blender in this series comes in a range of gorgeous colors.

You can also attach various jar sizes to each Ascent model and it will automatically detect the size and adjust. For example, if you buy a travel mug or a baby-food sized Vitamix container, it won’t fly off the base once you hit power.

Vitamix Ascent Series A2300 Blender ($449.99)

The A2300 is the basic model in the series and also the lowest priced. It has a dial control and no automatic settings. It does hook up to the Vitamix app so you can use your phone or tablet to unlock 17 programs and over 500 recipes, too. This model is available in black, gray, red, or white.

Key Features:

• Variable Speed Control and Pulse to create every texture.
• Built-in digital timer to help you monitor each blend and achieve perfect results every time.
• Tamper to press thick and frozen mixtures toward the blades, without having to stop and scrape the sides of the container.
• 2.2 peak output HP motor is able to pulverize tough, whole-food ingredients with ease.
• BPA-free Tritan container rotates ingredients back to the blades for faster, smoother blends
• Blades are laser-cut from hardened stainless steel to consistently deliver the same quality blends for years to come
• Metal drive system securely joins the container and motor base for maximum durability.

Vitamix Ascent Series A2500 Blender ($499.99)

Leveling up to the A2500 means you get all of the features of the A2300, plus three program settings: Smoothies, Hot Soups, and Frozen Desserts. The wireless connectivity means that this blender can adapt to include new updates that Vitamix rolls out in the future. This model is available in white, slate, black, and red.

Key Features:

• Three program settings automatically adjust blending times and speeds for the container size you've selected, and stop the blender when the program is completed.
• Variable Speed Control allows you to refine every texture, from the chunkiest salsas to the smoothest purees.
• Pulse feature provides a burst of power to chop ingredients, knead dough, and more.
• Digital Timer helps you avoid over- or under-processing your recipes by displaying how long your blend has been running or how much time is left on your program setting.
• Tamper to press thick and frozen mixtures toward the blades, without having to stop and scrape the sides of the container.
• 2.2 peak output HP motor is able to pulverize tough, whole-food ingredients.
• Blades are laser-cut from hardened stainless steel to consistently deliver the same quality blends for years to come.
• Metal drive system securely joins the container and motor base for maximum durability.

Vitamix Ascent Series A3500 Blender ($599.99)

OK now, this model here is the top-of-the-line Ascent model, and the most expensive Vitamix product (tied with the Professional 750) for sale today. The A3500 hosts all of the same features as the previous two models but also includes special features such as a touchscreen and programmable timer. Additionally, this model comes with five built-in settings—for Smoothies, Hot Soups, Dips & Spreads, Frozen Desserts, and Self-Cleaning. This model is available in copper and brushed stainless steel.

Key Features:

• Looks sleek and stylish from every angle, allowing you to place it anywhere in your kitchen.
• Five program settings automatically adjust times and speeds for the container you’ve selected and stop the blender when complete.
• Variable speed control allows you to refine every texture, from the chunkiest salsas to the smoothest purees.
• Pulse feature provides a burst of power to chop ingredients, knead dough, and more.
• Programmable timer helps you create consistent recipes.
• Tamper to press thick and frozen mixtures toward the blades, without having to stop and scrape the sides of the container.
• Self-cleaning container washes up easily with a drop of dish soap and warm water, blended on highest speed for 60 seconds.
• Touchscreen controls easily wipe clean, while giving your blender a sleek, modern look.
• 2.2 peak output HP motor is able to pulverize tough, whole-food ingredients.
• Blades are laser-cut from hardened stainless steel to consistently deliver the same quality blends for years to come.
• Metal drive system securely joins the container and motor base for maximum durability.

Vitamix Professional Series 750 ($599.99)

Best For: Serious home cooks who love a classic and are willing to shell out the big bucks.

We know some couples are looking for that state-of-the-art model and, when only the best will do, there’s the top-of-the-line Professional Series 750. Yes, it will cost you at least $600, but it is among the most powerful of all the Vitamix blenders, which means it whips up the smoothest of the smooth soups, frozen piña coladas, and, yes, smoothies. Hello, margaritas!

The Professional Series 750 is the only model in the Legacy series with preprogrammed settings that allow you have a “set-it-and-forget-it” relationship with your blender. On the 10-level speed dial, you’ll find specific settings for Smoothies, Hot Soups, Frozen Desserts, Purées, and Self-Cleaning (the company claims that with a drop of dish soap, the blender can clean itself in under a minute). This model is available in black and gray.

Key Features:

• Easy-to-use equipment paired with extreme versatility.
• The ability to chop, cream, blend, heat, grind, churn, and more with a single machine.
• Full-color, hardbound Introduction to High-Performance Blending cookbook
• 17.4 in tall (with container in place)
• 2.2 peak output HP motor is able to pulverize tough, whole-food ingredients.
• Spill-proof vented lid with plug for safely adding ingredients while machine is running.
• Soft-grip, ergonomically-designed handle

So, whether it comes down to the features or the color options, now you're better equipped to tackle the age-old question: 'Which Vitamix is best for me?' If you still want to sit on it, though, here's a helpful chart to break things down even more. We know you'll land on the right model for you and your newlywed life!

Photo Credit // Vitamix