Vitamix E310 vs Vitamix 5200: A Comprehensive Comparison

When it comes to high-performance blenders, Vitamix is one of the most trusted brands in both professional and home kitchens. Two of their standout models, the Vitamix E310 Explorian and the Vitamix 5200, offer exceptional power, versatility, and durability, but they cater to slightly different needs. Whether you’re looking to make smooth smoothies, hearty soups, or homemade nut butters, choosing the right Vitamix blender is essential for your kitchen. In this comparison, we’ll break down the key features, performance, and design differences between the E310 and 5200 to help you decide which blender is best suited for your lifestyle and culinary goals.

1. Vitamix E310 Explorian Blender

The Vitamix E310 Explorian Blender is a high-performance kitchen appliance designed to deliver professional-grade results in your home. With its powerful 1380-watt motor and hardened stainless-steel blades, it easily tackles tough ingredients, from frozen fruits to dense greens, ensuring smooth, even blends every time. The 48-ounce container is perfect for small to medium batches, making it ideal for family meals or personal use. The variable speed control, paired with the pulse feature, allows you to fine-tune your blends, giving you complete control over texture—whether you’re making a smooth purée or a chunky salsa. Additionally, the self-cleaning function is a major plus, enabling you to clean the blender in under a minute with just warm water and dish soap.

One of the standout features of the Vitamix E310 is its durability. The blender is designed to last, with many users reporting that it outperforms other models over the long haul. It’s also incredibly versatile, handling everything from smoothies and soups to nut butters and frozen desserts. However, it’s worth noting that the blender can be quite noisy during use, which may be a downside for some. Additionally, its relatively large size may not fit well in every kitchen.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key Features:

1. 48-ounce container ideal for small to medium batches.
2. Variable speed control and pulse feature for texture precision.
3. 1380-watt motor capable of blending tough ingredients.
4. Self-cleaning function for easy maintenance.
5. Hardened stainless-steel blades for consistent performance.

Pros:

1. High-performance motor that blends a variety of ingredients effortlessly.
2. Versatile, capable of making smoothies, soups, nut butters, and more.
3. Easy to clean with a self-cleaning feature.
4. Durable and built to last.
5. Compact 48-ounce container fits under most kitchen cabinets.

Cons:

1. Slightly heavier than other blenders at 10.5 pounds.

2. Vitamix 5200 Blender

The Vitamix 5200 Blender is a powerhouse designed to deliver professional-grade blending in your own kitchen. With a 1380-watt motor and hardened stainless-steel blades, this blender can handle a wide range of ingredients, from tough greens to frozen fruits, effortlessly turning them into smooth, consistent blends. Its 64-ounce container is perfect for making medium to large batches, whether you’re preparing soups, smoothies, or nut butters. One standout feature is its self-cleaning function, which makes cleanup a breeze—just add warm water and a drop of dish soap, and the blender cleans itself in under a minute. The variable speed control offers full control over the blending process, allowing you to adjust textures and consistency easily.

While the Vitamix 5200 excels in performance and durability, it’s not without some drawbacks. At 10.6 pounds, it’s on the heavier side, making it less portable than some other blenders. The blender can also be quite loud, especially when operating at higher speeds, which might be off-putting to those sensitive to noise. Additionally, its price point is higher compared to other blenders, which may make it a significant investment for some.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key Features:

1. 64-ounce container ideal for medium to large batches.
2. 1380-watt motor and hardened stainless-steel blades for powerful blending.
3. Self-cleaning feature for easy maintenance.
4. Variable speed control for customized texture.
5. Can make hot soups, smoothies, nut butters, and more.

Pros:

1. High-performance motor delivers smooth, consistent results.
2. Durable and built to last.
3. Easy to clean with self-cleaning function.
4. Versatile, capable of handling various blending tasks.
5. Perfect for large batches, suitable for families or meal prepping.

Cons:

1. Heavier than many other blenders at 10.6 pounds.

Vitamix E310 vs Vitamix 5200: A Comprehensive Comparison

Vitamix is well-known for its high-quality, professional-grade blenders that cater to both home chefs and professionals alike. Among their popular models are the Vitamix E310 Explorian and the Vitamix 5200, both of which are designed to offer powerful performance and versatility in the kitchen. Although they share many features, there are key differences that might influence your decision.

1. Container Size and Capacity

Vitamix E310
The Vitamix E310 comes with a 48-ounce container, making it ideal for small to medium batches, which is perfect for individuals or small families. The size ensures that it can fit easily under most kitchen cabinets, offering a more compact design for kitchens with limited space.

Vitamix 5200
In contrast, the Vitamix 5200 includes a larger 64-ounce container. This is better suited for larger families or those who like to make bigger batches of smoothies, soups, or other blended dishes. While it offers more volume, it is also bulkier and requires more storage space.

Model	Container Size	Ideal Use
Vitamix E310	48 ounces	Small to medium batches
Vitamix 5200	64 ounces	Larger batches, families

2. Performance and Motor Power

Both blenders are equipped with powerful motors that can handle tough ingredients, but there are slight differences in their design and capabilities.

Vitamix E310
The Vitamix E310 features a 1380-watt motor that provides excellent blending power for most ingredients, from frozen fruits to tough greens. It is equipped with hardened stainless-steel blades that deliver consistent results, ensuring smooth blends every time.

Vitamix 5200
Similarly, the Vitamix 5200 also boasts a 1380-watt motor, and its motor is equally powerful, making it capable of blending hard ingredients like nuts and ice. The 5200 is known for its long-lasting durability and consistent performance, which is one of the main reasons professional chefs trust Vitamix blenders.

Model	Motor Power	Blade Type
Vitamix E310	1380 watts	Hardened stainless steel
Vitamix 5200	1380 watts	Hardened stainless steel

3. Control and Ease of Use

Vitamix E310
The E310 features a variable speed dial, which allows you to adjust the blending speed to achieve various textures, from silky smooth to chunky. It also includes a pulse function, giving you the ability to control the texture more precisely when creating recipes like salsas or thick soups.

Vitamix 5200
Similarly, the Vitamix 5200 offers variable speed control, giving you full control over your blend. However, the 5200 lacks the pulse feature, which may be a limitation for those who want more texture control in certain recipes. Despite this, the dial on the 5200 is easy to use and gives you flexibility in achieving the right consistency.

Model	Variable Speed Control	Pulse Feature
Vitamix E310	Yes	Yes
Vitamix 5200	Yes	No

---

4. Self-Cleaning and Maintenance

Vitamix E310
The Vitamix E310 is designed for easy maintenance with its self-cleaning feature. By simply adding warm water and a drop of dish soap to the container and blending at high speed for 30-60 seconds, the blender cleans itself without the need for disassembly.

Vitamix 5200
The Vitamix 5200 also comes with a self-cleaning function, offering the same convenience as the E310. However, since the 5200’s container is larger, cleaning it may take slightly longer compared to the E310. Both blenders are easy to clean, but the E310’s more compact design may make it slightly easier to handle for some users.

Model	Self-Cleaning
Vitamix E310	Yes
Vitamix 5200	Yes

5. Size and Weight

Vitamix E310
The E310 is more compact with dimensions of 8″D x 11″W x 17″H and weighs 10.5 pounds. It’s lighter and more compact, making it a better option for those with smaller kitchens or limited counter space.

Vitamix 5200
The Vitamix 5200 is slightly larger and heavier, measuring 8.75″D x 7.25″W x 20.5″H and weighing 10.6 pounds. While it’s not drastically heavier, the extra height and width can make it bulkier, potentially requiring more storage space in the kitchen.

Model	Dimensions	Weight
Vitamix E310	8″D x 11″W x 17″H	10.5 pounds
Vitamix 5200	8.75″D x 7.25″W x 20.5″H	10.6 pounds

6. Price and Value

Vitamix E310
The Vitamix E310 is typically more affordable than the Vitamix 5200. While it shares many of the same features as its larger counterpart, its smaller container size and slightly less robust design make it a more budget-friendly option. It’s ideal for individuals or smaller households who don’t need the larger 64-ounce capacity.

Vitamix 5200
The Vitamix 5200, on the other hand, comes at a higher price point due to its larger container and additional features. While it’s a bit more of an investment, its durability, versatility, and capacity make it well worth the price for those who require larger batches and greater flexibility in the kitchen.

Model	Price Range	Value
Vitamix E310	More affordable	Great for small households
Vitamix 5200	Higher	Ideal for larger families

FAQ

1. What’s the difference between the container sizes of the Vitamix E310 and Vitamix 5200?

The main difference between the Vitamix E310 and Vitamix 5200 lies in their container sizes. The E310 comes with a 48-ounce container, making it more suitable for smaller households or those who typically make individual servings or small batches. In contrast, the 5200 features a larger 64-ounce container, which is ideal for larger families or those who prefer making bigger batches of smoothies, soups, or other blended recipes. If you tend to blend for groups or do a lot of meal prepping, the 5200’s larger capacity may be a better fit.

2. Which model is easier to clean: the E310 or the 5200?

Both the E310 and 5200 feature a self-cleaning function, which makes maintenance easy and efficient. To clean either model, simply add warm water and a drop of dish soap to the container and run the blender at high speed for 30-60 seconds. The self-cleaning function is equally effective for both blenders. However, the E310’s smaller container may make it a bit easier to handle during cleaning, as it requires less water and may be quicker to rinse out. In general, both models are designed for hassle-free cleaning.

3. Is the noise level the same for both Vitamix models?

While both the E310 and 5200 are known for their powerful motors, they do share a similar noise profile when in operation. Due to their high-performance 1380-watt motors, both blenders can be quite loud, especially when blending tough ingredients at high speeds. The 5200 might be slightly louder because of its larger motor base, but the difference in noise levels between the two models is relatively minor. If noise is a significant concern for you, consider using the lower speed settings or blending during times when noise isn’t a major issue.

4. Are the Vitamix E310 and Vitamix 5200 good for making hot soups?

Yes, both blenders are excellent for making hot soups. Due to the friction from the high-speed blades, both the E310 and 5200 can bring cold ingredients to a steaming hot temperature in just about six minutes. This is a feature exclusive to high-performance blenders like Vitamix, which makes them stand out for creating hot soups without needing a stove. Whether you’re making a creamy tomato soup or a chunky vegetable broth, both models can handle the task efficiently.

5. Which model is more affordable: the Vitamix E310 or the Vitamix 5200?

The Vitamix E310 is generally more affordable than the Vitamix 5200. While both models are premium blenders, the E310 is positioned as a more budget-friendly option, particularly because of its smaller container size and slightly less robust design. The 5200, with its larger container, additional durability, and slightly higher-end features, comes at a higher price point. If you’re on a budget but still want the exceptional performance of a Vitamix, the E310 offers great value for the price.

Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?

Both the Vitamix E310 and Vitamix 5200 are excellent blenders that deliver professional-grade performance. Your decision will largely depend on your kitchen needs and personal preferences:

• Choose the Vitamix E310 if you have a smaller kitchen, need a more compact design, and typically blend smaller batches. It’s a great option for individuals or small families who want high performance without breaking the bank.
• Choose the Vitamix 5200 if you need a larger container, plan to make bigger batches, and are willing to invest in a more robust model that can handle high-demand usage. It’s perfect for families or anyone who does a lot of meal prep.