Vitamix 5200 vs Vitamix Propel Series 750: Which Blender Should You Choose?

When it comes to high-performance blenders, few brands hold a reputation as strong as Vitamix. Known for their durability, power, and versatility, Vitamix blenders are a staple in kitchens worldwide. Among their extensive lineup, the Vitamix 5200 and the Vitamix Propel Series 750 are two standout models that cater to different types of users. While both deliver exceptional blending capabilities, they differ in terms of features, convenience, and overall design. In this comparison, we’ll break down the key differences between these two powerful machines, helping you decide which one best fits your blending needs and kitchen preferences.

1. Vitamix 5200 Blender

The Vitamix 5200 Blender is a professional-grade machine that stands out for its durability and power. Designed with a 1380-watt motor, it excels at blending a variety of ingredients with precision, making it ideal for everything from smoothies to hot soups. The variable speed control allows you to fine-tune the texture of your blends, giving you complete control during the process. The self-cleaning feature is another major advantage—just a drop of dish soap and warm water is enough to have the machine ready for the next use in under a minute. While its 64-ounce container is perfect for larger batches, it’s also designed to handle tough ingredients, thanks to its hardened stainless-steel blades and radial cooling fan, ensuring the blender operates smoothly without overheating.

On the downside, some users may find the Vitamix 5200 to be a bit on the noisy side, especially when blending hard ingredients at high speeds. Additionally, while it’s built to last, the blender’s premium price tag might not appeal to those looking for a more budget-friendly option. Though the Vitamix is dishwasher-safe for some parts, the motor base itself needs to be cleaned manually, which can be a minor inconvenience for some users.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key Features:

1. 1380-watt motor for high performance.
2. Variable speed control for customized blending.
3. 64-ounce self-cleaning container for medium to large batches.
4. Hardened stainless-steel blades for tough ingredients.
5. Radial cooling fan and thermal protection system.

Pros:

1. Powerful motor for consistent results.
2. Self-cleaning feature saves time and effort.
3. Durable and built to last.
4. Ideal for both small and large batches.
5. Can make hot soups by creating friction heat.

Cons:

1. Manual cleaning of motor base required.

2. Vitamix Propel Series 750 Blender

The Vitamix Propel Series 750 Blender is a powerful and versatile kitchen appliance, offering a seamless blending experience with its impressive 2.2 HP motor and five preset programs. These preset options—Smoothie, Hot Soup, Frozen Dessert, Dips & Spreads, and Self-Cleaning—make it simple to prepare a variety of meals and snacks without having to constantly adjust settings. The variable speed control and pulse feature allow for precise texture control, whether you’re making silky purees or chunky dips. For convenience, the blender also boasts a self-cleaning function, allowing you to clean it in under 60 seconds by blending warm water and dish soap, with no disassembly required. This makes cleanup effortless, and the dishwasher-safe BPA-free container ensures a safe, easy clean for tougher messes.

Although the Vitamix Propel Series 750 is a top-tier blender with excellent power and ease of use, some users have noted issues with its blending ability for certain tough ingredients, like seeds or fibrous vegetables. Another downside is its price, which might be a bit steep for those looking for a more budget-friendly option. Additionally, while the blender is relatively compact, its 64-ounce low-profile container may still take up a significant amount of space in smaller kitchens.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key Features:

1. 2.2 HP motor for high performance.
2. Five preset blending programs for various recipes.
3. Self-cleaning function in under 60 seconds.
4. Variable speed control and pulse feature for texture customization.
5. BPA-free and dishwasher-safe container.

Pros:

1. Powerful motor handles tough ingredients.
2. Convenient preset programs for ease of use.
3. Easy cleanup with self-cleaning function.
4. Customizable texture for a variety of recipes.
5. BPA-free, safe materials with dishwasher-safe parts.

Cons:

1. Some users may find the preset programs limiting for custom blends.

Comparison of Vitamix 5200 vs Vitamix Propel Series 750

When it comes to high-performance blenders, Vitamix stands out as one of the most trusted and respected brands in the market. Both the Vitamix 5200 Blender and the Vitamix Propel Series 750 Blender offer powerful motors and exceptional blending capabilities, but they cater to slightly different needs. The 5200 is a more traditional model, offering reliable manual control and durability, while the Propel Series 750 introduces more advanced features, such as preset programs and enhanced convenience.

Key Features Comparison

Feature	Vitamix 5200	Vitamix Propel Series 750
Motor Power	1380 watts	2.2 HP (approx. 1640 watts)
Container Size	64 oz	64 oz
Preset Programs	None	5 preset programs (Smoothie, Hot Soup, Frozen Dessert, Dips & Spreads, Self-Cleaning)
Speed Control	Variable speed control (manual)	Variable speed control with pulse, plus 5 preset programs
Self-Cleaning	Yes (manual cleaning with soap and water)	Yes (automatic cleaning in 60 seconds)
Dishwasher Safe	No	Yes, for the container and lid
Material	BPA-free Eastman Tritan® Copolyester	BPA-free Eastman Tritan® Copolyester
Motor Cooling System	Radial cooling fan and thermal protection system	No specific mention of motor cooling

Performance and Power

Both blenders are equipped with strong motors, but the Vitamix Propel Series 750 has the edge in terms of power. While the 5200 features a 1380-watt motor, the Propel 750 has a 2.2 HP motor, which is equivalent to about 1640 watts. This makes the Propel Series 750 better suited for handling tougher ingredients and larger batches with ease. It can also produce smoother blends at faster speeds, especially when dealing with hard or fibrous ingredients.

The 5200, on the other hand, is a tried-and-true model that offers excellent blending power, but it may struggle slightly with very tough ingredients like ice or seeds compared to the 750. That being said, the 5200 still delivers high-quality blends and is a reliable workhorse for everyday blending tasks.

Ease of Use and Convenience

The Vitamix Propel Series 750 stands out for its user-friendly design. With five preset blending programs, you can easily make smoothies, hot soups, frozen desserts, and more with the press of a button. The self-cleaning feature in this model is particularly convenient, as it requires just a drop of dish soap and warm water, cleaning itself in under 60 seconds. The addition of the pulse function gives you even more control over texture, whether you’re making chunky dips or velvety purees.

The Vitamix 5200, while excellent in performance, does not come with preset programs. Instead, it offers a more traditional experience with a simple variable speed dial, allowing you to manually adjust the blending speed. This gives you full control over your blends but may not be as convenient for users who prefer a more hands-off approach. The 5200 also requires manual cleaning, which can take a bit more time and effort compared to the automatic cleaning function of the Propel Series 750.

Design and Size

Both blenders come with a 64-ounce container, which is ideal for making multiple servings. However, the Vitamix Propel 750 has a slightly more compact, low-profile container, making it easier to store in kitchens with limited space. The 5200 is taller, and its larger profile might take up more space, especially when stored on a countertop.

Despite the differences in size, both models are built with durability in mind, using BPA-free Eastman Tritan® copolyester for their containers. However, the Vitamix Propel 750 has the added benefit of being dishwasher safe, making cleanup easier compared to the 5200, which requires more effort to clean due to its manual cleaning system.

Pros and Cons Comparison

Feature	Vitamix 5200	Vitamix Propel Series 750
Pros	1. High-quality blends with a strong motor.	1. Advanced features like preset programs.
	2. Simple and easy to use.	2. 2.2 HP motor for superior blending power.
	3. Durable construction.	3. Automatic self-cleaning function.
	4. Reliable and time-tested design.	4. Dishwasher-safe container and lid.
	5. Ideal for users who prefer manual control.	5. Great for making a variety of recipes with presets.
Cons	1. No preset programs.	1. More expensive.
	2. Requires manual cleaning.	2. May be too large for compact kitchens.
	3. Larger profile may not fit all kitchens.	3. Not ideal for users who prefer full manual control.
	4. May struggle with very tough ingredients.	4. Some users may find preset programs limiting for custom blends.
	5. No advanced cooling or thermal protection.	5. Price may not justify the features for some users.

FAQ

Which blender is better for smoothies, the Vitamix 5200 or the Vitamix Propel Series 750?

Both the Vitamix 5200 and the Vitamix Propel Series 750 excel at making smoothies, but the Vitamix Propel Series 750 offers a more convenient and versatile experience. The Propel Series 750 includes preset programs, including one specifically for smoothies, which ensures consistent results with the touch of a button. It also has a more powerful 2.2 HP motor, which can blend tougher ingredients like frozen fruit and ice more efficiently.

While the Vitamix 5200 delivers high-quality smoothies with its 1380-watt motor, it requires manual adjustments of speed. This means you’ll have to fine-tune the blending process for the perfect consistency, which might not be as convenient for everyone. That said, it still delivers excellent smoothies with its variable speed control.

How do the cleaning features of the Vitamix 5200 and the Vitamix Propel Series 750 compare?

The Vitamix Propel Series 750 has a significant advantage when it comes to cleaning. Its self-cleaning function allows you to simply add a drop of dish soap and warm water, then let the blender clean itself in under 60 seconds, with no disassembly required. This feature makes it much easier and quicker to clean after each use.

The Vitamix 5200, on the other hand, requires manual cleaning of both the container and the motor base. While the container is easy to rinse, the motor base must be wiped down, which may be more time-consuming compared to the self-cleaning feature of the Propel Series 750. However, both blenders are designed to be durable and easy to maintain in the long run.

Does the Vitamix Propel Series 750 offer better blending power than the Vitamix 5200?

Yes, the Vitamix Propel Series 750 offers more blending power than the Vitamix 5200. The Propel Series 750 features a 2.2 HP motor (approximately 1640 watts), which is significantly more powerful than the 1380-watt motor in the 5200. This additional power allows the Propel Series 750 to handle tougher ingredients with ease, making it better suited for larger batches or harder-to-blend items like seeds, fibrous vegetables, or ice. While the Vitamix 5200 is still a powerful machine, the 750’s increased motor power provides smoother blends at faster speeds.

Is the Vitamix 5200 or the Vitamix Propel Series 750 more suited for smaller kitchens?

The Vitamix 5200 may be a better option for smaller kitchens due to its taller, more traditional design. While it has a 64-ounce container, it requires more vertical space for storage, which might be an issue for those with limited counter space.

The Vitamix Propel Series 750, on the other hand, has a low-profile container, making it easier to store in kitchens with limited height. Its compact design means it takes up less space, both during use and storage, which makes it a more practical option for smaller kitchens or for those who need to save space.

Which blender is easier to use, the Vitamix 5200 or the Vitamix Propel Series 750?

The Vitamix Propel Series 750 is generally easier to use thanks to its preset programs. These programs take the guesswork out of blending, allowing users to make smoothies, hot soups, frozen desserts, and more with a single button press. The additional pulse feature and variable speed control give users further flexibility to customize texture without requiring manual adjustments.

The Vitamix 5200, while straightforward and easy to use, is more hands-on. It relies solely on the variable speed dial, which requires users to manually adjust the blending speed to achieve the desired result. While this offers more control, it might not be as convenient for those who prefer a more automated experience.

Conclusion

Both the Vitamix 5200 and the Vitamix Propel Series 750 are exceptional blenders that offer reliable performance and durability. The 5200 is a great option for those who prefer a straightforward, manual approach to blending and don’t mind a little extra effort for cleanup. On the other hand, the Propel Series 750 is perfect for users who want more convenience and versatility, with its preset programs, powerful motor, and self-cleaning feature.