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Don't you love a delicious smoothie, shake, or healthy soup to start your day? Having the right blender can help you enjoy them regularly.
Most fitness freaks around the world may already be acquainted with the family-owned brand known as Vitamix. However, for those who don't know about it, let us tell you all you need to know.
Vitamix blenders have been around for almost 100 years. This goes to show how reliable and loved their products are amongst customers. However, with several options to choose from, finding a suitable one for your needs may become tricky.
Fortunately, we have created an in-depth comparison and review of the Vitamix 5200 and Vitamix 5300. Hopefully, it will help you make an informed choice about the right blender for your needs.
So without further delay, let's get straight to the deets!
Vitamix 5200 Vs. Vitamix 5300
An Overview Of Vitamix 5200
Let us begin this guide by introducing the evergreen Vitamix 5200.
The Vitamix 5200 blender came out in October 2007. Initially, it was set out to replace the flagship model of the same brand - the Vitamix 5000.
This superb blender features a large 64 oz. glass pitcher that effortlessly blends juices, smoothies, shakes, soups, ice creams, and a multitude of other creamy, soupy edibles. The large-capacity pitcher provides adequate quantity for a family of four to five, so you don't need to worry about frequenting the blender during busy days.
An expert eye will observe that the shape of the pitcher is strategically designed to help push food more easily towards the blades. This ensures an even texture during the blending process so you can achieve professional-quality, creamy foods and drinks within minutes.
Most users appreciate the color options provided by the manufacturer. Those who are picky about purchasing matching or complementary items will love the color options, as you can pick and choose a product color that best fits into your decor.
A major selling point of the Vitamix 5200 is its ease of use. No customer wants to spend hours trying to figure out how to use a blender, and Vitamix 5200 makes it convenient for you with its super easy controls.
The sturdy build quality, reliability, and ease of use are the primary reasons why it has become so popular amongst customers.
All said and done, there were a few minor drawbacks with the 5200 which customers pointed out after using the product extensively. Fortunately, none of them were significant enough to affect its sales, and it remained a top-rated product in the market.
An Overview Of Vitamix 5300
The next release, which is the Vitamix 5300 blender, came out in November 2016. It was nearly a decade later that the manufacturers released the new model.
The first noticeable difference in the Vitamix 5300 is its size. This model is around 3 inches shorter than its predecessor, which you may think is a disadvantage, but it's not. We will delve into the details of its size and functionality in just a bit.
The Vitamix 5300 is visibly different from the 5200, which is a direct result of the manufacturers' taking specific steps to address customer issues. This model addresses most of the complaints with aplomb, which gives credit to the manufacturers' listening skills.
Most customer complaints were addressed and required changes were made.
With a full-body plastic construction and a visibly smaller base and pitcher, the Vitamix 5300 soon began entering customers' homes. Furthermore, both models come with a 7-year warranty, which is excellent news for most users as it eliminates the need for costly repairs and replacements.
Another well-placed strategy employed by the manufacturers is the modification in the width of the pitcher and the size of the blades. Since the Vitamix 5300 is 3 inches shorter than its predecessor, many customers are worried about its blending abilities compared to the 5200.
Fortunately, this concern was quickly addressed by the implementation of a slightly wider pitcher base. Alongside this change, they also made the blades slightly longer so they could reach the ends of the pitcher with ease.
Comparison Of Vitamix 5200 Vs. Vitamix 5300
Now that you know a little bit about both blenders, it's time to dive into their comparison. We have divided each section according to its features and how they stand against one another. This detailed comparison should help you choose the right blender for your requirements.
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Container Size
The first noticeable difference between the Vitamix 5200 and 5300 is its size and build.
Vitamix 5200
The Vitamix 5200 measures 7.25 inches wide, 20 inches long, and 8.75 inches deep. As you may well imagine, it is relatively bulky and takes up quite a bit of counter space. That being said, the 64 oz. the pitcher itself is not very heavy or bulky. You will be able to carry it easily or even hold it for extended periods without arm fatigue.
Furthermore, the cord wrap feature ensures that annoying cords and wires don't unnecessarily take up extra counter space.
Keep in mind that with the lid on, the 5200 measures 20.5 inches. Most customers reported being able to fit the blender into their shelves after removing the lid. Although it wasn't an ideal fit, it seemed to work better for most people.
The pitcher is relatively narrow and allows you to add a number of ingredients without running out of space. Moreover, the blades run smoothly and effectively to blend everything into a creamy consistency.
Vitamix 5300
Moving on to the Vitamix 5300, the first thing that comes to mind is its noticeably smaller size. The pitcher capacity has been kept the same - 64 oz. However, 3 inches have been shaved off the top to make it shorter and easier to fit into cabinets and shelves.
This change was made after continual customer reports and complaints about the blender not fitting comfortably into most cabinets. The skyscraper-like 5200 was efficient but too large for most kitchens. Its bulky appearance was not a favorite amongst most customers.
The manufacturer heard of these complaints and decided to take action, creating a shorter and wider 5300. This model fits far more comfortably into most kitchen spaces and cabinets. Furthermore, its noticeably sleeker design was a welcome addition into most customers’ homes.
Those worried about how this change affected its blending capacity - don't fret. Although the size was reduced, its pitcher capacity remained the same. To top it off, it became slightly wider to accommodate the same amount of ingredients (or more) in the pitcher.
The best part - the blades were also minutely changed so that the new model could blend perfectly without complaints.
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Durability
For all intents and purposes, the Vitamix 5300 is marketed as a better and newer version of the 5200. In many areas, this account is accurate. However, when comparing the durability of both models, we found some surprising results.
Vitamix 5200
The Vitamix 5200 not only looks stronger and sturdier but quite arguably, it actually is. With a strong, polycarbonate construction and sturdy design, this blender has been known for its capacity to take a beating. In fact, the 5200 is the perfect blender for daily use - even if you accidentally knock it around a few times, it won't sustain much damage.
Another noticeable feature is the tamper. This model features a 12.5-inch tamper that is visibly larger and thicker compared to the one on the 5300. Not just that, it is also sturdier and easier to use, thanks to its significant size.
An interesting characteristic to note about the container is that it is completely heat-resistant and BPA-free. Also, the shape of the pitcher is strategic, enabling it to push the ingredients toward the blades organically, creating a smoother, finer blend.
Vitamix 5300
The Vitamix 5300 features an all-plastic construction that is robust and sturdy, but not as much as you might expect. The comparison is even starker when you place it beside the older 5200.
Although the 5300 is quite durable on its own, we noticed that its plastic body is prone to cracking. Of course, this is not something you need to constantly worry about if you purchase the blender, but it is something worth mentioning nonetheless.
Moving on to the tamper, the 5300 features a shorter and thinner one - 9.76 inches. Furthermore, its design has been changed entirely, giving it a unique shape and structure.
An observation we made while using both blenders was that we had to use the tamper more often for the 5300 than the 5200. This might be because of the shape of the pitcher or the power of the motor. Either way, we noticed that food particles tend to float around the 5300 more often than its predecessor.
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Motor Power
One of the most vital aspects of a blender is the power of its motor.
Vitamix 5200
The 5200 does not fall short of our expectations. Not just ours, customers who have reviewed the product have generally been happy with its blending power.
Getting down to technical details, let's talk about the actual power of its motor. The 5200 features a 2-peak horsepower motor that has been both designed and manufactured by a Swedish company.
Its powerful motor enables the razor-sharp stainless steel blades to spin at an astonishing speed of 37,000 rpm. The 3-inch blades are excellent for blending, pureeing, grinding, and breaking down all kinds of food.
Vitamix 5300
Comparing the 5200 and the 5300, there isn't a significant difference between the motors - at least on paper. The 5300 features a slightly better 2.2-peak horsepower motor and 4-inch laser-cut stainless-steel blades. These blades are powerful and have adequate friction to help you make hot soup without the need for a stove.
You may be wondering why the 5300 has blades that are an inch longer than the 5200 when the total size of the container is smaller. Well, keep in mind that although the 5300 is shorter, it is slightly wider than the 5200.
To compensate for its additional width and enable the blades to reach the edges of the pitcher, the powerful blades have had an inch added to them.
Now, you may be wondering if the .2 horsepower makes any difference to the new model. To be honest, the difference is not significant. You may notice some differences when blending harder substances like ice, which is noticeably easier on the 5300. However, for other blending purposes, both models work as well as each other.
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Noise Levels
Have you ever faced the issue of cranking up your blender early in the morning only to wake the entire household up? It can get pretty distressing, especially when all you want to do is make your morning smoothie.
Well, let's compare the noise levels of both blenders and see which one is quieter, thus, better.
Vitamix 5200
The variable speed control feature is one of the best aspects of a blender - at least most users seem to think so. The range of speed offered is from 1 to 10, with 1 being the slowest and 10 being the highest.
At the lowest speeds, the blender is relatively quiet, so you won't risk waking your family up early in the morning. However, it can get pretty loud at the highest speed setting and is sure to disturb people around you.
Vitamix 5300
Although it may sound odd, the Vitamix 5300, even with its more powerful motor, is quieter than the 5300. That being said, it is definitely loud enough to create some disturbance, especially in a quiet environment. However, what surprised us was that it was relatively quieter than its less powerful counterpart.
Those who prioritize low noise levels might find peace with the 5300, especially comparing it to the 5200. Keep in mind that it is virtually noiseless at its lowest settings (1, 2, and 3), which is excellent.
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Controls
What is a good blender without easy controls? Well, both models of Vitamix are known for their superb controls, which are intuitive and easy to use. However, here is a detailed comparison of both, so you understand each machine better.
Vitamix 5200
The controls on the Vitamix 5200 are minimalistic and intuitive. Right in the middle of the base, you will see a speed dial that enables you to control the speed of the motor easily. It is an old-school dial with numbers featured around it. They are relatively easy to spot and don't require a deep understanding of the machine.
This speed dial allows you to control the speed levels from 1 to 10, depending on what you're blending and what consistency it should be.
On the left of the speed dial is the high/variable speed switch. Turning it to the "high" position enables the motor to run at its most powerful speed - which is 10. You will not be able to control or change the speed once it is in this setting. It works excellently when you want to blend something without having to watch over it constantly.
However, switching it to the "variable" speed option allows you to control the speed manually. This option is fantastic when you want to blend large chunks of food or reach a specific consistency.
Furthermore, you don't need to stop the machine to add more ingredients. The handy tamper allows you to add them effortlessly without having to turn off the motor constantly.
Lastly, you will find the power switch on the right side of the speed dial.
All said and done, Vitamix failed to include the "Pulse" setting on this model, which several customers complained about. To achieve the same effect, customers had to turn the on and off the machine repeatedly, which can get annoying after a certain point.
Fortunately, the manufacturers paid attention to customer reviews and complaints and integrated this into the next model.
Vitamix 5300
One of the aspects which most customers, including us, were excited to test was the "pulse" feature. This small but significant addition has completely changed the way we experience the blender - and it is a welcome change.
Instead of the high/variable speed control switch on the left-hand side of the speed dial, you now have the "pulse" switch.
This feature will change how you blend your food items and drinks, turning them into a thick, creamy consistency instead of a thin, watery liquid.
The “Pulse” feature essentially produces short bursts of power that automatically turn on and off without your intervention. This helps you achieve a certain creamy consistency which can be otherwise hard to achieve.
Without this excellent feature, customers were forced to manually turn on and off the power to replicate a "pulsing effect." Although it was effective, it cannot be compared to the convenience of the "pulse" button on the 5300.
Moving on, the rest of the controls are pretty much the same on the 5300 as it was on its predecessor. On the right side of the speed dial, you will find the power button. Of course, you can control the speed of the motor using the dial in the middle, which is exceptionally effective when you want more control over the blender.
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Cooling System
As you may remember, we mentioned how it is possible to make hot soups in a blender without the requirement of a stove. Moreover, the powerful motor and blades often create enough energy and friction to heat the inside machinery of the blender.
It is vital to place an effective cooling system that ensures that your blender works seamlessly without overheating. Well, here is what we found about the cooling systems in both blenders. Check it out below.
Vitamix 5200
The Vitamix 5200 features an efficient radial cooling system that uses cooling fans to prevent the motor and blades from overheating. This feature is crucial, without which the blender and its motor can significantly overheat and experience burnout.
Furthermore, overheating can cause a ton of other issues for the machine. By the end of it, customers will be forced to make costly repairs and replacements.
Fortunately, most of these overheating issues are eliminated thanks to the cooling fans. The heat-resistant material of the container is also conducive to this process, allowing you to blend hot, creamy foods with ease.
An important point to note here is that although the cooling fans are excellent, they do not completely protect the machine from overheating. For this, the manufacturers should have added a type of thermal protection system, which is, unfortunately, missing from this model.
Vitamix 5300
Similar to the 5200, the Vitamix 5300 also features built-in radial cooling fans that prevent overwork and overheating of the motor. This reduces the strain produced by the machine, thus, increasing its service life and ensuring that it works at its optimal condition for years.
Fortunately, the manufacturer provides an excellent 7-year warranty which covers most of these essential items - like the motor. So, if you face any issues with the motor or blades, be sure to turn to customer support for assistance.
Moving on, the 5300 features an additional system that further enhances its functionality and longevity. This feature is the built-in thermal protection system. Again, this is a new feature that has been added only to the 5300 and is missing from its predecessor.
The thermal protection system enhances the durability and power of the blender, enabling you to make hot, creamy foods like soups right from the blender. It can be difficult for most people to imagine making soup without a stove. However, the powerful motor and blades make this possible, which is why having an overheating protection system is imperative.
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Cleanup
What good is using a blender daily if cleanup is a nightmare? Imagine if you had to manually wash your blender after every use. Most people might be dissuaded from using the machine daily if that were the case.
Well, let's talk about the cleanup process of both blender models to see if they are convenient for daily use or not.
Vitamix 5200
One of the great things about the Vitamix 5200 is that it is dishwasher-friendly. Every time you blend, puree, or grind something, you can place it in a dishwasher and forget about it till the next time it's required.
Moreover, you can also choose to manually clean it using most commercial cleaners and soaps. Of course, make sure that you use the right dishwasher soap that will remove food residue, food stains, and odors.
The tamper provided also helps you clean the stuck, stubborn pieces of food residue from the blender with ease.
However, the best part about cleaning this blender is the self-cleaning mode it comes with. This patented "Easy Cleaning" system is virtually effortless and helps you clean the blender without hassle each time.
Add some water and a few drops of dish soap into the blender. Then, run it on its highest speed setting for 60 seconds. If needed, repeat the process, dump out the contents, and allow the blender to try. Cleanup has never been easier!
Vitamix 5300
Similar to the 5200, the Vitamix 5300 also features a handy tamper that enables you to reach the edges and corners of your blender. Use this tool to manually clean any bits and residue of food that are visible.
Then, you can pop it into your dishwasher and allow it to clean automatically.
If not, you can also use the "Easy Cleaning" feature, which you will find on both models. Using this feature is the same as the 5200. It makes cleanup extremely easy, convenient, and hassle-free for daily use.
Which Blender Is Right For You?
There are several factors to consider when picking the best blender for your needs. As you may have realized from our detailed comparison, both blenders have strong and weak points. However, depending on your requirements, the "best" blender may vary from person to person.
So, what are the factors to consider when picking the right blender? Let's have a look.
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Durability
If you are looking for durability, there is one clear winner here. In our opinion, the Vitamix 5200 wins hands down. Its strong polycarbonate material with heat-resistant characteristics makes it an extremely robust blender for daily use. You don't need to worry much about knocking it around accidentally during use.
Compared to the 5200, the Vitamix 5300 scored slightly lower because of its all-plastic body. Although the body is heat-resistant as well, it doesn't match up to the same standards as the 5200 in this regard.
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Space
Those who don't mind the additional counter space of shelf space taken by the 5200 may find it the best option. That being said, most customers faced an issue with storage and complained about it.
After hearing these complaints, the manufacturers decided to design a slightly shorter model that would fit into most storage spaces easily.
However, keep in mind that the 5200 may be ideal for those who want to blend smaller amounts of ingredients at a time. The large-capacity pitcher of the 5300 is excellent for big families but may cause wastage for smaller ones.
Moreover, you may be required to store the excess food you make as it isn't possible to consume the entire contents of the pitcher in one go.
If storage space is of utmost importance to you, then go for the 5300. Furthermore, if you don't mind blending a lot of ingredients and ending up with excess food, this may be the best option.
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Pulse Feature
One of the most significant drawbacks of the 5200 is the absence of the "Pulse" feature. If this is important for you, the 5300 is, without a shadow of a doubt, the clear winner.
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Container
The Vitamix 5200 features a classic container that is large, and slightly bulky but does not have a large capacity. On the other hand, the Vitamix 5300 has a low-profile container with a wide base. This enables you to add more ingredients compared to the 5200.
Depending on which aspect matters more to you, the choice between the two is clear.
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Budget
The Vitamix 5200 is almost $100 cheaper than the 5300. If budgetary constraints are a concern for you while choosing the best blender, we recommend the Vitamix 5200.
However, if you are willing to spend about $100 more to enjoy the advanced features and low-profile design of the 5300, this might be a better option for you.
Summing It Up
And with that, it's a wrap.
In our opinion, if you are looking for a budget blender and don't necessarily mind the extra space it takes in the cabinet or shelf, opt for the Vitamix 5200. But, if storage space is important to you, and you want to try out the features offered by the newer model of the same brand, consider the Vitamix 5300.
Leave a comment below to let us and our fellow readers know which Vitamix model you prefer and why. Stay tuned for more reviews and guides.
Until next time, keep blending!
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