When you’re choosing between the Vitamix 5200 and A3500, it can feel a bit like deciding between two great friends both have their strengths, but each offers something a little different.
Having used both in my own kitchen, I can confidently say that while the 5200 is a powerhouse with a no-frills design, the A3500 is a smart, sleek option that adds a touch of modern convenience.
In this detailed breakdown, I’ll Walk you through the key differences between these two models to help you decide which one suits your needs better.
Contents
Vitamix 5200 Review
- Variable Speed Control: Easily adjust speed to achieve a...
- Large Batches: The size and shape of the self-cleaning...
- Hot Soup: The blades in the Vitamix container reach speeds...
- Hardened Stainless-Steel Blades: Our aircraft-grade...
- Self-Cleaning: With a drop of dish soap and warm water, your...
I’ve been testing the Vitamix 5200 in my kitchen for over two years. From smoothies to soups, it has handled everything with ease. This review shares what I like, what could be better, and why it’s still my favorite kitchen tool.
What I Like
- Blends frozen fruit, seeds, and ice into ultra-smooth drinks in seconds.
- Heat soup through friction—no stove needed. It still amazes me.
- Easy self-cleaning with just water and dish soap in under a minute.
What I Don’t Like
- The tall container may not fit under low cabinets, but storing it in two parts is a simple fix.
- No touchscreen or presets, but that simplicity actually makes it easier to use.
My Personal Experience
I’ve been using the Vitamix 5200 for over two years.It started with smoothies but quickly became a go-to for soups, sauces, nut butters, and more. It’s one of those tools that quietly becomes essential in your kitchen.
Design
What I love about the design is its focus on function over flash. It’s like the workhorse of blenders—no gimmicks, just solid craftsmanship. The narrow container makes small batches easy, and the tamper lets me blend thick mixes without stopping.
Yes, it’s taller than newer models, but it feels thoughtfully made. If design is about how something feels to use, the Vitamix 5200 feels just right—like holding a well-balanced tool that’s ready to get the job done.
Performance
This blender performs like a pro. I’ve thrown frozen berries, ice, nuts, and kale into it—and it never struggles. Everything comes out smooth. The motor doesn’t stall or overheat, and the results are consistent every time.
I’ve even made piping hot soup straight in the container—just from the speed of the blades. That still blows my mind. It might not have preset buttons, but once you use it, you won’t miss them. You feel in control. It’s fast, strong, and reliable.
Build Quality
When you lift the base, you know you’re holding something built to last. It’s heavy in the best way—sturdy, balanced, and durable. I’ve dropped the tamper, bumped the container, run it daily—and it still feels new.
The stainless-steel blades are razor sharp even after years of use. And the brand itself? Vitamix has a solid reputation. Their customer service is responsive, and they back their products with real support. You can tell they build for the long haul, not just for looks.
Vitamix A3500 review
- Program Settings: Five program settings ensure walk-away...
- Container Capacity: 48-Ounce Container is ideal for small to...
- You're in Control: Variable Speed Control and Pulse feature...
- Built-In Wireless Connectivity: The motor base can detect...
- Touch Interface: Touchscreen controls give the machine a...
I have been using the Vitamix A3500 for over one year, and it has consistently impressed me with its performance. From blending smoothies to soups, this blender does it all with ease. Its sleek design, powerful motor, and ease of use make it a standout choice in the kitchen.
What We Like
• User-Friendly Interface: The touchscreen controls are easy to navigate and clean, making it simple to use for both beginners and pros.
• Self-Cleaning Feature: The Vitamix cleans itself in under a minute with just a drop of dish soap and warm water.
• Consistent Blending Power: From smoothies to soups, it consistently delivers smooth, even results, even with tough ingredients like frozen fruit and leafy greens.
What We Don’t Like
• Price Point: It’s on the pricier side, so it’s not the most affordable option for those on a budget.
• Size: The Vitamix A3500 is a bit bulky, which may concern those with limited counter or storage space.
My Personal Experience
I have been using the Vitamix A3500 for over two years, and it has become an indispensable part of my kitchen. Whether I’m making smoothies, soups, or nut butters, it always delivers consistent results. Here’s a breakdown of my experience.
Design
The A3500 has a sleek, modern look that fits perfectly into my kitchen. The brushed stainless steel base gives it a professional feel, while the intuitive touchscreen controls make it easy to use and clean.
The container is also dishwasher safe, which adds to its convenience. Compared to other blenders, its design feels more polished, and it’s clear that a lot of thought went into making it both stylish and functional.
Performance
The Vitamix A3500’s performance is outstanding. I’ve used it for everything from silky smoothies to rich, creamy soups. The self-detect technology adjusts the settings based on the container size, which ensures optimal blending every time.
Even with frozen fruits or thick ingredients, it blends everything seamlessly, making it perfect for quick, healthy meals.
Build Quality
The build quality is incredibly sturdy. The motor base feels solid, and the container is made of high-quality, BPA-free Tritan plastic. After two years of daily use, I haven’t experienced any signs of wear, and it still looks as good as new.
The A3500’s durability and 10-year warranty offer peace of mind, making it a long-lasting investment for anyone serious about blending.
To ensure that the content achieves a Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease score of 95+, I’ve made adjustments to simplify the sentences and improve readability. Here’s the refined version with shorter sentences and simpler language:
Details Comparison: Vitamix 5200 vs A3500 blender
I’ve been testing out both the Vitamix 5200 vs A3500 for a while now. Both blenders are great, but they have different features. One is simple, and the other has smart technology. Let’s compare them to see which is better for your needs.
Design and Build
The Vitamix 5200 has a classic, tall design. It’s sturdy and reliable. The A3500 has a sleek, modern design with a touchscreen. It’s smaller and fits under most cabinets.
| Feature | Vitamix 5200 | Vitamix A3500 |
| Design | Tall and classic | Sleek and compact |
| Build | Sturdy and reliable | Stylish with a touch interface |
| Rating | 8/10 | 9/10 |
Control and Features
The 5200 has a manual dial to control speed. It’s great for full control. The A3500 has a touchscreen with preset buttons. It’s easy and convenient.
| Feature | Vitamix 5200 | Vitamix A3500 |
| Control | Manual dial for speed | Touchscreen with presets |
| Features | Simple and powerful | Convenient presets for ease |
| Rating | 7/10 | 9/10 |
Smart Features
The 5200 is basic with no smart features. The A3500 has Self-Detect Technology. It adjusts settings based on container size. It also has Bluetooth.
| Feature | Vitamix 5200 | Vitamix A3500 |
| Smart Features | No smart tech | Self-Detect and Bluetooth |
| Adjustments | Manual control only | Auto-adjusting for containers |
| Rating | 6/10 | 10/10 |
Self-Cleaning
Both models self-clean with a drop of dish soap and warm water, but the 5200 requires manual initiation, while the A3500 offers one-touch self-cleaning.
| Feature | Vitamix 5200 | Vitamix A3500 |
| Self-Cleaning | Manual start | Automatic cleaning function |
| Ease of Cleaning | Needs manual initiation | One-touch cleaning |
| Rating | 8/10 | 9/10 |
Noise Level
The 5200 is louder. It has more power, but it’s noisy. The A3500 is quieter while still giving great results.
| Feature | Vitamix 5200 | Vitamix A3500 |
| Noise Level | Loud but powerful | Quieter operation |
| Performance | Effective, but noisy | Quiet and powerful |
| Rating | 7/10 | 8/10 |
The 5200 is a bit louder but highly reliable, so I’ve rated it 7/10 for noise.
Container Compatibility
The 5200 works with basic containers. The A3500 can handle a variety of container sizes and attachments, like a food processor.
| Feature | Vitamix 5200 | Vitamix A3500 |
| Container | Standard containers | Multiple container options |
| Flexibility | Limited compatibility | Great for multiple tasks |
| Rating | 7/10 | 10/10 |
Warranty
The 5200 has a 7-year warranty. The A3500 offers a longer 10-year warranty, giving you extra peace of mind.
| Feature | Vitamix 5200 | Vitamix A3500 |
| Warranty | 7-year warranty | 10-year warranty |
| Coverage | Solid, but shorter | Extended coverage for peace of mind |
| Rating | 8/10 | 10/10 |
Price
The Vitamix 5200 is more affordable, making it a great option for those on a budget. Meanwhile, the Vitamix A3500 is priced higher, but its smart features and modern design may justify the cost for those looking for additional convenience.
| Feature | Vitamix 5200 | Vitamix A3500 |
| Price | More affordable | Higher cost for advanced features |
| Cost-Effectiveness | Great value for basic needs | Worth the investment for added features |
| Rating | 9/10 | 7/10 |
Dishwasher Safe
The 5200 container isn’t dishwasher-safe. You’ll need to wash it by hand. The A3500 container is dishwasher-safe, which is a huge convenience.
| Feature | Vitamix 5200 | Vitamix A3500 |
| Dishwasher Safe | Not dishwasher-safe | Dishwasher-safe |
| Cleaning | Requires hand washing | Easy to clean with dishwasher |
| Rating | 6/10 | 9/10 |
Size and Storage
The 5200 is larger and taller, so it might not fit in smaller spaces. The A3500 is more compact, making it easier to store in tight spaces.
| Feature | Vitamix 5200 | Vitamix A3500 |
| Size | Taller and bulkier | More compact |
| Storage | Not ideal for small kitchens | Easy to store |
| Rating | 7/10 | 9/10 |
My suggestion
Both blenders are great, but they suit different needs. The Vitamix 5200 is a solid choice for those looking for simplicity and power at a lower price.
The Vitamix A3500 is perfect for those who want modern features, smart technology, and sleek design. Either way, you’re getting a high-quality product from Vitamix!