Vitamix 5200 vs Vitamix 5300 Blenders: Which one Is Suitable
Vitamix is the gold standard when it comes to blenders, known for their power, precision, and durability. However, with so many models available, picking the right one can be a challenge. Two of the most popular choices are the Vitamix 5200 and the Vitamix 5300. Both are top-tier blenders that promise excellent results, but what sets them apart? And which one is really worth your money?
In this comparison, we’ll break down the Vitamix 5200 and 5300 in terms of performance, ease of cleaning, and user experience. We’ll also highlight the key differences to help you decide which blender suits your needs best. Whether you’re making smoothies, soups, or sauces, we’ll make it easy for you to choose the right Vitamix.
Overall Size Comparison
The Vitamix 5200 is a substantial blender. Standing tall at 20.2 inches, it commands a presence on your countertop. It's 6.9 inches wide and has a depth of 9.4 inches. This blender weighs in at a hefty 11.2 pounds. You'll want to ensure you have ample space for it. Consider keeping it on your counter for easy access. A large cupboard could also accommodate its size. If space is tight, you can detach the main jar from the base. This makes storage a bit simpler.
We also compared the 5200 with 7500 model, if you want to read so please visit Vitamix 5200 vs Vitamix 7500 Blenders.
The Vitamix 5300 is another large blender to consider. It's slightly shorter than the 5200, measuring 17.2 inches in height. However, it's a touch wider at 7.6 inches and a bit deeper at 9 inches. It weighs slightly more than the 5200 at 11.5 pounds. Like its counterpart, the 5300 is best kept on the counter or in a roomy cupboard. Removing the main jar can also make storage easier for this model.
Pitcher and Material Comparison
The Vitamix 5200 blender arrives with a spacious 64-ounce pitcher. That's a generous 1,893 milliliters for all your blending needs. Both the jar and its lid are crafted from BPA-free plastic, ensuring your health is a priority. However, it's worth noting that no part of this blender is dishwasher-safe. Washing by hand is recommended to maintain its quality and performance.
The 5300 blender also includes a 64-ounce jar (1,893 milliliters). Its jar and lid are made of durable plastic. Unfortunately, and similar to the Vitamix 7500, the 5300 is not dishwasher-safe. Hand washing is necessary for all parts to keep your blender in top condition.
Both the Vitamix 5200 and 5300 come with a generous 64-ounce pitcher for all your blending needs. This equals around 1,893 milliliters of blending capacity. The jars and lids of each are made of BPA-free plastic, ensuring your health is prioritized.
However, a key difference is how they should be cleaned. While the plastics of both are durable, it is important to note that neither blender is fully dishwasher safe. All parts of the 5200 and 5300 must be washed by hand. This helps maintain the quality and performance over time that you expect from Vitamix.
Dishwashers could potentially damage important components. So taking a few extra minutes to rinse and wash pieces individually is recommended for both models. Keeping your blender clean in this manner keeps it running smoothly. It also extends how long your investment in a Vitamix blender will last.
Lid Comparison
Both the Vitamix 5200 and 5300 feature two-piece lids that securely seal the jar during operation. The 5200 lid utilizes a simple yet effective design. It pushes firmly down onto the jar, where two ears on either side grip tightly to the glass and hold everything in place. Another benefit is the removable center section that allows for easy additions of ingredients or use of the tamper tool mid-blend.
Similarly, the 5300 lid relies on a two-part structure. However, its ears hook under the jar's lip rather than pushing straight down. This friction-fit provides a steady closure to avoid any spills. The center can also be taken off to conveniently add items or remix components. This lid is similar to the lid or Vitamix 7500 blender.
Despite subtle differences, both lids fulfill their crucial roles wonderfully well. But it's important to note that like the jars, only gentle hand-washing is recommended for either lid. The dishwasher's heat and harsh detergents could potentially wear down or damage the plastics over time. Taking a few extra minutes to carefully scrub and rinse ensures long-lasting performance from these vital lid attachments.
Motor Base and Built quality comparison
Both of these Vitamix models deliver powerful performance thanks to exceptionally crafted motors. In the 5200, its construction is immediately apparent. This motor is predominantly metal and plastic, but feels exceptionally sturdy. The materials combine for a solid feel that inspires confidence. Even its long, sturdy power cable hints at reliability.
The 5300 continues the standard of sturdiness. Composed mainly of metal and plastic akin to the 5200, its components provide an industrious demeanor. You get a sense that this item can withstand daily use without complaint. Like its counterpart, the lengthy, substantial power cord helps complete the picture of a motor built to last.
In my view, both machines exude a premium feel because of their motors. Vitamix clearly spares no expense in fabrication. The tightly-woven materials imply functionality for years down the line. While subtle variations mark each model, their engines consistently impress with well-engineered hardiness. Under the hood, toughness and strength reside, primed to power through any blending task. Not once does flimsiness or cheapness enter the conversation.
Blade Assembly and Speed Comparison
Both blenders feature a sturdy blade assembly with four sharp blades that are not removable. This design ensures durability, but it also means that the blades are meant to stay in place during cleaning.
The blade assemblies can be serviced through a nut assembly, but it's crucial to note that removing the blades can void the warranty. This aspect highlights the importance of handling the blenders with care. Additionally, neither model is dishwasher-safe, so hand washing is the only recommended method for cleaning the blades.
In terms of performance, the Vitamix 5200 has a minimum speed of 1,400 RPM and a maximum speed of 22,500 RPM, with a power output of 1,491 watts. It offers a broad range of blending speeds, allowing for small adjustments to achieve the perfect consistency in your recipes. Whether making smoothies or soups, the 5200 adapts well to various needs.
On the other hand, the Vitamix 5300 features the same minimum and maximum speeds, but it has a higher power output of 1,640 watts. This slight increase in power allows the 5300 to handle tougher ingredients with ease. Like the 5200, it offers a wide range of speed settings, enabling you to fine-tune the blending speed for different recipes.
Where they're similar is the ability to gradually adjust the speed. Neither model automatically changes settings based on the size of jar used. But their variable dials allow for fine-tuning so you can find the right speed for different recipes and textures. Whether a smooth puree or chopping tough vegetables, these blenders give you control.
Performance Comparison
Nut Butter Making Test
The Vitamix 5200 is fantastic for making almond butter. It's a total game-changer. Start at a low speed, gradually ramp up to max speed, and use the tamper to guide the ingredients towards the blades. In about three minutes, you'll have a jar of extremely smooth, spreadable nut butter. That's right, just three minutes! It's like magic.
The Vitamix 5300 is also great for making nut butter. Its performance is quite similar to the 5200. You might need to scrape the sides of the jar with a spatula to ensure all the nuts are incorporated. But in the end, it produces a smooth, slightly sticky almond butter that's easy to spread. And the best part? It also takes around three minutes to make, just like the 5200.
Ice Crushing Test
The Vitamix 5200 is excellent at making crushed ice. It’s really good, though not quite on par with some of the wider-jar models like the Vitamix Explorian E310. With six ice cubes at a time, it easily crushes them into snow-like ice. However, if you need a lot of crushed ice, you’ll have to work in batches. This can be a bit inconvenient, but it’s a small price to pay for that perfect crushed ice texture.
Now, the Vitamix 5300 is a total game-changer for crushing ice. Using the pulse mode, it can make snow-like ice in about thirty seconds. That’s right, thirty seconds! It’s like magic. The best part? You can make as much crushed ice as you want without needing to work in batches. This makes the 5300 incredibly convenient and efficient for any ice-crushing needs.
Smoothies and Fibrous Ingredients Test
The Vitamix 5200 excels at processing fibrous ingredients, even at full capacity. It's a pro at handling big batches of tough ingredients like kale or broccoli, turning them into a nearly perfect smooth blend. One of the best parts is that you don’t need a spatula for large batches, as the ingredients won’t splash up the jar's walls. This makes the blending process a total breeze.
For small batches, the 5200 is equally impressive. It creates silky purees with no grainy texture, perfect for single-serve smoothies with leafy greens or fruit. Occasionally, you might need a spatula to push down ingredients that splash up the sides, but overall, it’s remarkably easy to use for small quantities.
The Vitamix 5300 is outstanding for big batches of fibrous ingredients. It can produce a virtually smooth puree from tough ingredients like kale, ideal for large smoothies or soups. When the jar is filled to capacity, there’s no problem with ingredients splashing up the sides, making the process exceptionally easy.
For smaller batches, the 5300 also performs well, delivering extremely smooth textures for personal smoothies with fibrous ingredients like kale. However, the jar's wide shape can be a downside. With small amounts of ingredients, even at low speeds, food tends to splash up the sides. This requires more frequent stops to scrape the jar with a spatula, making the process a bit more cumbersome compared to the Vitamix 5200 or models with narrower jars like the Vitamix Explorian E310.
Easy to Use Comparison: Vitamix 5200 vs Vitamix 5300
One of the things I love about this 5200 blender is its speed dial. It's not like those blenders with preset speed settings - you know, the ones that force you to choose between, say, 3, 5, or 7. Nope, the 5200 lets you make small adjustments to the speed, so you can get it just right.
If you need to go full throttle, you can flip the switch to "High" and let the blender rip. Now, I know some people might miss the dedicated pulse mode, but you can actually use the switch to simulate pulses. It's not exactly the same, but it gets the job done.
One thing that might be a bummer for some folks is the lack of a digital display. If you're the type of person who likes to keep track of how long you've been blending, you might want to look elsewhere - like the Vitamix Venturist Pro, which has all sorts of fancy features.
The Vitamix 5300’s controls are pretty straightforward, with a speed dial that lets you make small adjustments, a switch for pulse mode, and an on/off toggle that you need to flip before the blender will start running. It's all pretty intuitive, and I like that you can get to the pulse mode quickly and easily.
One thing that might be a surprise is that neither of these blenders has any automatic blending programs. You know, the kind of thing where you press a button and the blender takes care of the rest? Nope, these blenders are all about manual control. And that's not necessarily a bad thing - sometimes it's nice to have a little more control over the blending process.
Easy to Clean Comparison
When it comes to cleaning, the Vitamix 5200 blender is a breeze. It's not a hassle at all. Yeah, it's not dishwasher-safe, but that's not a deal-breaker. You can still clean it easily by hand. A quick rinse with hot water and soap, and you're good to go. Most messes, like smoothies and almond butter, will come off easily. You might need to use a bit of elbow grease, but it's not a chore.
Okay, so maybe you'll need to bust out a brush to get rid of stubborn almond butter residue around the blades. But trust me, it comes off easily. You won't be scrubbing away for hours. The parts are designed to be easy to clean, and it shows. Even with sticky ingredients, you can get the blender clean in no time.
If you're looking for an even easier clean, Blendtec models like the Total Blender Classic are the way to go. Their blunt blades make cleaning a total no-brainer. You can just wipe them down and call it a day. But let's get back to the Vitamix 5200 - it's still a cinch to clean.
On the other hand, the 5300 blender is also a low-maintenance option. It's designed to make cleaning easy, and it delivers. Running it with soap and water in the jar does wonders for removing residue. It's like a mini cleaning cycle, right in the blender. You'll need to grab a brush or sponge to wipe down the inside of the jar, the lid, and those non-removable blades. But it's not the most thrilling task, and it's hardly tedious. You can get it done in a few minutes, and then you're back to blending.
In my view, both blenders are easy to clean, but in different ways. The Vitamix 5200 is a bit more high-maintenance, but still easy to clean. The 5300 is even easier, with its self-cleaning cycle and simple design.
Noise Level Comparison
The Vitamix 5200 is quite loud, generating a whopping 96.8 decibels while blending. Now, I know what you're thinking - "Isn't that, like, really loud?" And the answer is, yes, it is. In fact, most blenders are pretty loud, but if noise level is a top priority for you, there are quieter options out there. Like the Vitamix A3500, for example. It's a full-size blender that's designed to be a bit more discreet.
But, if you thought the 5200 was loud, wait until you hear the 5300. This blender is a whole different story. It generates a staggering 99 decibels while running. That's a lot of noise, folks. Like, a LOT of noise. It's the kind of noise that makes you want to stick your fingers in your ears and walk away. And, honestly, it's a bit irritating to stand next to it for very long. I mean, who wants to be blasted with that much noise while they're trying to make a smoothie?
Compared to other Vitamix models, the 5300 is definitely one of the loudest. The Vitamix 7500, for example, is a bit more subdued, and the Vitamix 5200 (which we already discussed) is a bit quieter too. So, if you're looking for a blender that won't shatter your eardrums, you might want to look elsewhere.
Final Verdict
Which blender comes out on top? Well, it's a close call. Both the Vitamix 5200 and the Vitamix 5300 are incredible blenders that will deliver amazing results. But if I had to choose, I'd say the Vitamix 5300 is the winner. It's just a bit more convenient, with its self-cleaning cycle and easier-to-clean design.
Plus, it's a bit more powerful, which means it can handle even the toughest ingredients. That being said, if you're on a budget, the Vitamix 5200 is still an amazing choice. It's a bit more affordable, and it still delivers incredible results. Also, it’s less noisy than its competitor, so if you want a quiet model, the 5200 model is better for you.
