If you are new to the juicing world, you are likely on the lookout for a new blender. As you will discover, finding the best blender can be a challenge. There are many offerings from different brands and some can be rather disappointing in regards to performance.
As a brand, Vitamix is globally renowned for manufacturing high-performance blenders. Whether you are looking to blend fruit and vegetables, soups, or make ice cream, a Vitamix blender has you covered.
Below, we have compiled a detailed review where we have compared the Vitamix 5200 and the Vitamix 5300 which is the newer model. Continue reading if you would like to find out more.
Table of Contents
Vitamix 5200 Specifications
- Platform: C Series
- Container size: 64 Oz
- Motor: 2 HP
- Blade Construction: Hardened stainless steel
- Weight: 10 lbs 9 Oz
- Cord Length: 6ft
- Warranty: 7 years
- Features: self-cleaning, variable speed control
- Variable Speed Control: Easily adjust speed to achieve a variety of textures. The dial can be rotated at any point during the blend, so you’re in complete control
- Large Batches: The size and shape of the self-cleaning 64-ounce container is ideal for blending medium to large batches. Design Feature : Radial cooling fan and thermal protection system
- Hot Soup: The blades in the Vitamix container reach speeds fast enough to create friction heat, bringing cold ingredients to steaming hot in about six minutes
- Hardened Stainless-Steel Blades: Our aircraft-grade stainless steel blades are designed to handle the toughest ingredients, so from the first blend to the last, you get the same quality results
- Self-Cleaning: With a drop of dish soap and warm water, your Vitamix machine can clean itself in 30 to 60 seconds.
Vitamix 5300 Specifications
- Platform: C Series
- Container Size: 64 Oz
- Motor: 2.2 HP
- Blade Construction: Laser cut stainless steel
- Weight: 11.95 lbs
- Cord Length: 6ft
- Warranty: 5 years
- Features: self-cleaning, variable speed control, pulse control
- Vitamix Certified Reconditioned 5300 Blender
The Container
Both the Vitamix 5200 and the 5300 have a 64 Oz container, which is ideal for creating large batches and catering to your family.
There are noticeable differences in the shapes of the containers. Whilst the 5200 has a tall but thin container, the 5300 has a shorter and wider container, which means that it can hold more ingredients in the base.
Though the capacity of both is the same, you may run into difficulties when attempting to store them.
The height of the 5200 makes it difficult to store beneath your counters, whilst the width of the 5300 makes it harder to store in smaller spaces.
The Motor
These blenders incorporate impressively powerful motors, however, whilst the Vitamix 5200 has a 2 peak horsepower, the 5300 has a 2.2 peak horsepower.
Although both will be effective in spinning and crushing your ingredients, if you are on the search for a blender with a little more torque, you may wish to invest in the 5300 model.
Useability
The design of the interface will determine how easy the blender is to use. Both units have very similar interfaces. The 5200 has a power toggle and a toggle for the speed with a dial in the middle that can be used to select the speed setting.
The unit of the 5300 also consists of two toggles switches and a dial. The first toggle switch is dedicated to the pulse feature and the second is to turn the blender on and off.
The dial can then be used to select the speed setting. Whilst both blenders are pretty easy to use, the 5200 has a variable speed setting and a high-speed setting, whereas the 5300 does not.
On the other hand, the newer model is equipped with a pulse function that is great for making purees and salsas. When your finger is pressed against the pulse toggle it will work at its fastest speed to blend the contents of the container until you release your finger.
The Noise
It is important to consider the noise that each unit produces before making your selection, especially if the blender is likely to be used in an environment that is occupied by other people too.
The housing that protects the motors of these blenders is pretty similar. However, as the 5300 is slightly more powerful than the 5200 some customers have reported that this is reflected in the volume of noise that it produces.
Despite it being a little noisier, it is still a relatively quiet unit when compared to blenders from competitor brands.
The Speed Settings
Both of these blenders are designed with a variable speed dial, which allows you to select a speed setting on a scale of 1 to 10. The choice of speeds allows you to customize the functionality of the unit depending on the toughness of the foods that you are likely to be blending.
Cleaning The Blender
Vitamix has equipped both blenders with a self-cleaning function which makes them much easier to maintain in between uses. Simply add some warm water to the container, along with a drop of dish soap, and operate the blender at a low speed for 30 seconds.
If necessary, you can increase the speed of the blender to ensure that the container is thoroughly cleaned. You may experience difficulties attempting to clean the 5200 should you attempt to do so by hand. Because it has a thinner base, you may struggle to reach the bottom part of the blender.
The Price
Although the Vitamix 5300 is the newer version of the 5200 it retails at a cheaper price. As such, it may be the preferred option for those who are working with a more restricted budget.
The Warranty
If you purchase the 5200 you will be covered by a 7 year warranty, but if you purchase the 5300 you will be covered by a shorter warranty of 5 years.
A warranty covers you should you experience any issues with the quality or functionality of the blender. If the difference in the length of the warranty is a concern to you, you may wish to opt for the 5200 for the added assurance that you are covered for 2 years longer.
Final Thoughts
Both blenders share many similarities although the 5300 is a newer version of the 5200. They both perform well and are packed with a lot of power. Whilst the 5200 is lighter than the 5300 and therefore easier to carry around, the 5300 has a few more advanced features but retails at a lower price.
The blender that you choose will be determined by your budget and the features that are important to you in an appliance of this kind.
If you are looking for power at a cheaper price, we would recommend the 5300, but if you are looking for a more compactly sized blender that won’t consume as much space in your kitchen, then the 5200 could be the blender for you.