Vitamix E310 vs 5200: In-Depth Blender Comparison Review

If you’re in the market for a new blender, there’s a good chance you’ve come across Vitamix blenders. Known for their durability, powerful motors, and excellent performance, Vitamix blenders are often seen as the best in their category. Two popular models that tend to be compared are the Vitamix E310 and the Vitamix 5200.

Choosing between the Vitamix E310 and the Vitamix 5200 can feel overwhelming, given how both models boast excellent performance, durability, and versatility. However, they cater to different user needs, which is why a detailed comparison is essential. This review goes beyond basic specs to explore every aspect of both blenders, from design and motor power to blending performance, usability, noise levels, and more. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of which model is truly better suited to your needs.

Design and Build Quality: Compact vs Classic

On comparing the Vitamix E310 and the Vitamix 5200, one of the first noticeable differences is the design. The Vitamix E310 and the Vitamix 5200 come from different series—Explorian and Legacy, respectively—but they share Vitamix’s signature durable build.

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• Vitamix E310: This model belongs to Vitamix’s Explorian Series, which is known for its compact size and ease of storage. With a 48-ounce container, it’s perfect for individuals or small families who don’t need large batches of food or beverages. Its smaller stature also means it fits easily under most kitchen cabinets, a common pain point for larger models.
• Vitamix 5200: As part of the Legacy Series, the 5200 features a more traditional, taller design with a 64-ounce container, making it ideal for those who need to prepare large servings, such as family meals or party dishes. While it offers greater capacity, its height may make it harder to store in small kitchens unless you have a designated space on your countertop.

Shared Features: Both models feature BPA-free Tritan containers, which are durable and designed to handle high heat. The wet blades included in both models are made from stainless steel, ensuring that they can cut through tough ingredients like frozen fruits, nuts, and seeds without wear and tear. Additionally, both come with Vitamix’s signature tamper tool, which helps push down thick ingredients to ensure everything blends smoothly.

Which Is Better?
If counter space is limited or if you’re only preparing food for one or two people, the E310’s smaller size is a significant advantage. However, if you’re blending for larger groups, the 5200’s larger container may be worth the extra space.

Motor Power: 2.0 HP vs 2.2 HP

Motor power plays a crucial role in a blender’s performance, especially when it comes to tough tasks like making nut butters, grinding grains, or blending frozen fruits. Both blenders pack serious power under the hood, but there are slight differences in their motor capabilities.

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• Vitamix E310: Equipped with a 2.0 horsepower motor, the E310 is powerful enough to handle almost any kitchen task. It crushes ice, blends soups, and pulverizes tough vegetables with ease. However, when compared to the 5200, it’s slightly less powerful, which may become apparent in more demanding recipes.
• Vitamix 5200: With its 2.2 horsepower motor, the 5200 can tackle tougher tasks more efficiently and with less strain. Whether it’s making thick dough, processing hard nuts, or handling large amounts of dense ingredients, the 5200 is designed to power through without bogging down.

Both blenders use metal drive systems to connect the motor base to the blades, ensuring durability and a longer lifespan. However, the 5200’s motor performs slightly better when it comes to heavy-duty blending tasks.

Which Is Better?
Verdict: For everyday tasks like smoothies and soups, the E310’s 2.0 HP motor is more than sufficient. But if you frequently make heavy-duty recipes—like homemade flours or large batches of frozen treats—the 5200’s extra power might be the better option thanks to its stronger motor.

Blending Performance and Consistency

Both blenders deliver exceptional blending performance, but their specific capacities and blade designs create subtle differences in consistency and overall results.

• Smoothies: Both models excel at making creamy, lump-free smoothies. The Vitamix 5200, thanks to its larger container and more powerful motor, has a slight edge when blending tougher fruits and vegetables into a super-smooth texture in a shorter time.
• Soups: Both blenders can make hot soups by using the friction of the blades to heat the contents directly in the container, but the 5200’s additional power allows it to reach the desired temperature faster.
• Nut Butter: For dense mixtures like almond butter or peanut butter, both models handle these tasks well, though the 5200’s stronger motor has a slight edge when it comes to thicker mixtures. The additional power helps in achieving a smoother consistency with less liquid.
• Ice Creams and Frozen Desserts: Both blenders are capable of making frozen treats, though again, the 5200‘s extra horsepower makes it easier to process thick mixtures with less stopping and stirring.

Which Is Better?
For most users, the E310 will meet everyday blending needs with excellent consistency. However, if you’re looking for maximum efficiency and the ability to handle larger portions, the 5200 excels at tougher jobs like thick smoothies, frozen desserts, or heating soups faster due to its more powerful motor.

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Control Settings and Ease of Use

Control settings play a crucial role in how intuitive and user-friendly a blender is, especially for beginners. Both the Vitamix E310 and the 5200 offer manual controls, but there are some differences in their ease of use.

Vitamix blenders are loved for their manual controls, which give users more control over the texture and consistency of their blends.

• Vitamix E310: Featuring a 10-speed variable dial and a pulse function, the E310 is straightforward to use, even for beginners. The pulse feature is especially useful for coarse chopping, and the 10-speed settings offer enough flexibility to customize the blend’s texture.
• Vitamix 5200: Like the E310, the 5200 also includes a 10-speed variable dial and a pulse feature, but with more refined speed adjustments. This added precision can be helpful when making delicate recipes, where you need to control the exact consistency of your blend.

Vitamix E310 is slightly more simple, which makes it ideal for beginners. If you want more control over the blending process and are comfortable with more advanced settings, the Vitamix 5200 offers more precision and flexibility, which can be a big plus for more experienced users.

Which Is Better?
Verdict: While both models are easy to use, the 5200’s finer control settings make it slightly better suited for those who want complete control over every aspect of their blending. For most everyday tasks, though, the E310’s simplicity is likely sufficient.

Noise Level: A Tradeoff for Power

Noise is an important factor for many users, especially those living in small spaces or who don’t want to disturb others when using the blenders. The Vitamix E310 and 5200 are no exception. However, their noise levels differ slightly due to the difference in motor power and design.

• Vitamix E310: Due to its compact size and slightly less powerful motor, the E310 tends to be a little louder during operation. However, this noise is typical of high-powered blenders, and it’s not excessively louder than the 5200.
• Vitamix 5200: Although the 5200 is quieter compared to the E310, it still produces a noticeable hum during operation. The noise difference between the two models isn’t drastic, but it may matter for those particularly sensitive to sound.

Which Is Better?
Both models produce a fair amount of noise, but the 5200 has a slight edge in noise reduction. If noise is a primary concern, the Vitamix 5200 may be slightly more tolerable.

Cleaning and Maintenance: Quick and Easy

Both models are relatively easy to clean, but there are small differences in how this process works.

• Vitamix E310: The E310’s smaller container means it requires less water and soap for self-cleaning. Simply add warm water and a drop of dish soap to the container, and run the blender on high for 30 to 60 seconds.
• Vitamix 5200: With its 64-ounce container, the 5200 takes a little more effort to clean simply due to its size. However, it follows the same self-cleaning process as the E310.

Which Is Better?
If quick and easy cleaning is a priority, the E310’s smaller size makes it slightly more convenient. However, both models are designed for easy maintenance.

Price: A Difference in Investment

Price is often a deciding factor, especially when the performance gap between two products isn’t substantial.

• Vitamix E310: As one of the more affordable Vitamix models, the E310 is a great entry point for those who want a high-performance blender without breaking the bank. Despite being less expensive, it still offers impressive versatility and power.
• Vitamix 5200: The 5200 is generally priced higher than the E310 due to its larger capacity and more powerful motor. For some, the extra investment is worth it, especially if you need a blender that can handle larger or more frequent batches.

Which Is Better?
If budget is a concern and you don’t need the larger capacity, the E310 offers excellent value for money. For those who are willing to spend more for added power and capacity, the 5200 is worth the higher price.

Warranty and Customer Support

Both the Vitamix E310 and the Vitamix 5200 come with impressive warranties, reflecting the brand’s confidence in their products.

• Vitamix E310: This model typically comes with a 5-year warranty, covering parts, performance, and shipping both ways.
• Vitamix 5200: The 5200 offers a 7-year warranty, providing additional peace of mind for users who plan to keep their blender for the long term.

Which Is Better?
The 5200’s longer warranty makes it the more reassuring investment for those who expect to use their blender heavily over many years. However, the E310’s 5-year warranty is still generous and covers most users’ needs.

Accessories and Add-Ons

Both blenders come with essential Vitamix accessories, such as the tamper tool, which allows you to push ingredients towards the blades without stopping the blender.

• Vitamix E310: Given its smaller size, the E310 is compatible with a range of additional containers, including smaller blending cups for personal-sized portions.
• Vitamix 5200: The larger 64-ounce container is compatible with Vitamix’s dry grains container, perfect for grinding grains into flour or kneading dough.

Which Is Better?
The Vitamix 5200 offers a broader range of accessories, making it slightly more versatile for specialized tasks like grinding grains or preparing dough. However, the E310’s compatibility with smaller containers makes it more suitable for personal-sized blends and smaller kitchens.

Versatility: Which Model Does More?

When it comes to versatility, both the Vitamix E310 and 5200 deliver top-tier performance. They can handle a wide variety of tasks, from smoothies and soups to frozen drinks, sauces, and more. However, some nuances set them apart in how efficiently they manage specific tasks:

• Vitamix E310: This model is versatile enough for everyday blending needs like smoothies, sauces, soups, and frozen treats. The compact container size and 2.0 HP motor make it perfect for small to medium-sized batches.
• Vitamix 5200: Due to its larger container and 2.2 HP motor, the 5200 is better suited for more complex, large-batch recipes, such as creating nut butters or making bread dough from scratch. It can also handle frequent and heavy use without overheating.

Which Is Better?
The Vitamix 5200 is more versatile for those who want to tackle bigger, tougher tasks, whereas the Vitamix E310 offers enough versatility for everyday use without the added bulk or power.

Blending Power: How They Tackle Tough Ingredients

Blending power isn’t just about motor horsepower; it’s also about how well the blender can process difficult ingredients like ice, frozen fruits, nuts, and leafy greens.

• Vitamix E310: With its 2.0 HP motor, the E310 can crush ice and frozen fruits, though it may require a bit more time for exceptionally hard or dense ingredients. It excels at making smoothies, soups, and sauces with silky-smooth consistency.
• Vitamix 5200: The 2.2 HP motor of the 5200 gives it an extra edge when handling tough, frozen, or dense ingredients. Whether it’s crushing ice for frozen drinks, blending smooth nut butters, or grinding grains into flour, the 5200 gets the job done faster and more efficiently.

Which Is Better?
For light to medium tasks, the E310 performs exceptionally well. However, if you’re regularly dealing with tough or bulk ingredients, the 5200’s extra power makes a noticeable difference.

Customer Feedback and User Experiences

Both the Vitamix E310 and Vitamix 5200 have received rave reviews, but user experiences highlight some unique insights into each model.

• Vitamix E310: Customers often appreciate its compact size and how easy it is to store. Many find it ideal for small families or individuals. The E310’s value and reliability at a more affordable price point are common highlights. Users note that while it’s slightly noisier than some Vitamix models, it’s not a deal-breaker given its power.
• Vitamix 5200: Users consistently praise the 5200’s power and its ability to handle large batches and tougher ingredients. Many long-time owners of the 5200 rave about its durability and the 7-year warranty, often calling it an investment that lasts for years. Some users do mention its taller height as a slight inconvenience for storage, but this is outweighed by the blender’s performance.

Which Is Better?
The E310 shines for smaller households looking for a powerful, yet compact blender. The 5200 earns praise for being a kitchen workhorse, best for users who want durability, high performance, and capacity.

Table Summary

Here’s a detailed comparison table highlighting on major aspects:

Conclusion: Vitamix E310 vs 5200 – Which Is the Right Blender for You?

Now that you’ve explored every facet of the Vitamix E310 and the Vitamix 5200, it’s clear that both blenders excel in performance, versatility, and durability, but cater to different needs.

• If you’re looking for a compact, affordable, and high-performing blender for everyday use, the Vitamix E310 is a solid choice. Its smaller size makes it ideal for individuals, small families, or kitchens with limited space.
• On the other hand, if you need a powerful blender that can handle large batches, tough ingredients, and frequent use, the Vitamix 5200 is the clear winner. While it’s more expensive, it offers extra power, a larger container, and a longer warranty, making it a great investment for larger households or serious cooks.

Now that you know the strengths of both models, consider your specific needs in terms of size, power, and blending tasks. Whichever blender you choose, you can rest assured that both the Vitamix E310 and Vitamix 5200 deliver exceptional results that have made Vitamix a trusted name in the hub. Ready to invest in a Vitamix blender? Check out the latest deals on the Vitamix E310 and Vitamix 5200 today!