Vitamix Explorian E520 Review – Updated 30 Oct 2024

If you’re on the hunt for a powerful blender, the Vitamix Explorian E520 might just be what you need. This blender is known for its robust performance and versatility, making it a popular choice for many households in the U.S.  I’ve put this blender through its paces, and I’m excited to share my honest review with you. From its all impressive specs to its actual performance,

In this review, I’ll tell you the details of what makes the E520 stand out. We’ll take a deep look at its key features, how it performs in different tasks, and why it could be a great addition to your kitchen. If you’re considering upgrading your blender, keep reading to see if this model is the right fit for you.

Overall Size and Weight Testing

This is a full-size blender, and it’s definitely not small. In fact, it’s quite large, which means you’ll need to make sure you have enough space to store it in your kitchen.

To give you a better idea of its size, the Vitamix Explorian E520 stands at an impressive 17.3 inches (44.0 cm) tall. It’s also quite wide, with a width of 7.7 inches (19.5 cm), and it has a depth of 9.4 inches (24.0 cm). This means it’s not going to fit in a small or compact space, and you’ll need to have a decent amount of counter or cupboard space available.

As for its weight, this blender tips the scales at 10.1 pounds (4.6 kg), which is substantial. This is a solidly built blender that’s designed to handle heavy-duty blending tasks, and its weight reflects that.

One thing to note is that this blender doesn’t have a shaft length, since it’s not an immersion blender. Immersion blenders are designed for soups and other liquids, and they have a long shaft that you can insert into a pot or container. The juicer blending machine, on the other hand, is a traditional blender that’s designed for blending ingredients in a jar.

If you’re worried about storing the blending machine, don’t worry – you can remove the jar to make it easier to store. This can be really helpful if you have limited cupboard space, as you can store the jar and blender base separately. However, keep in mind that you’ll still need to have a decent amount of space available to store the blender base, since it’s a large and heavy unit. 

Jar Capacity & Material Testing

The main jar that comes with the soups blender has a capacity of 64.0 ounces (1,893 ml), which is similar to other Vitamix blenders like the Vitamix 7500. This is a generous size that can handle large batches of your favorite recipes.

In addition to the main jar, the blender also comes with a pair of 22-ounce tumblers with straws. However, it’s important to note that these tumblers are not designed for blending and are intended for drinking only. If you want to blend individual servings, you can purchase additional jars from Vitamix, including a personal jar that’s designed for blending. To use this personal jar, you’ll need to purchase an adapter that’s compatible with it.

One thing to keep in mind is that the Vitamix Explorian E520 is not compatible with Vitamix’s line of “Self-Detect” containers, which are designed for their “Ascent” series blenders. If you’re looking for a blender that comes with a personal blending jar, you might want to consider the Vitamix Venturist V1200 instead.

Both the pitcher and lid are made of BPA-free plastic, which is a safe and durable material. The best part is that they’re also dishwasher-safe unlike Vitamix 5200, making it easy to clean them after use. However, it’s worth noting that Vitamix doesn’t specify whether the tumblers and straws can be washed in the dishwasher, so you may need to hand wash them to be safe.

If you’re looking to add an additional pitcher to your blender, you’ll be happy to know that the Vitamix Legacy (C Series and G Series) containers are compatible with the Vitamix E520’s motor base. This means you can purchase additional pitchers from Vitamix and use them with your blender.

LID Design & Material Testing

One of the convenient features of this blender is its rubberized two-part lid. This lid is designed to be easy to use and clean, and it’s also quite versatile.

One of the handy things about this lid is that you can remove the clear plastic centerpiece. This allows you to add ingredients mid-blend, which can be really useful when you’re making complex recipes. The centerpiece can also be used as a small measuring cup, which is a nice bonus.

According to the manual, the centerpiece is supposed to have measuring marks on it. However, we noticed that our unit didn’t have any marks, so you may need to use a separate measuring cup instead. This isn’t a huge deal, but it’s worth noting in case you’re relying on the lid for measuring.

In addition to the blender’s lid, the Vitamix Explorian E520 also comes with a pair of tumblers that have their own two-part lids. These lids are designed to be secure and spill-proof, making them perfect for taking your drinks on the go. 

Motor Build Quality Testing

When it comes to the build quality of the Vitamix E520 blender, we’re impressed. With a score of 91, this blender is clearly well-built and on par with other models from the same brand, such as the Vitamix Explorian E310 and Vitamix 5200.

One of the things that stands out about this high power blender is its use of high-quality materials. The majority of the blender is made of durable plastic, which is designed to withstand regular use. The transmission gear, which is located on both the motor base and jar, is a combination of metal and plastic. This ensures that the blender is both strong and durable.

The blender also features four feet on the bottom, which elevate it off the counter and prevent it from moving around when in use. This is a thoughtful design feature that helps to keep the blender stable and secure.

In addition to the blender itself, the power cord is also well-designed. There’s a convenient place to wrap up the cord on the blender, which makes it easy to store and prevents tangles. The blender also has a dedicated on/off switch, which is located on the bottom left side. This switch glows blue when the blender is turned on, making it easy to see at a glance.

The blender also comes with two tumblers, which are designed to be durable and long-lasting. These tumblers come with lids that screw on securely, ensuring that your drinks stay fresh and secure. One of the clever features of these tumblers is the mechanism that closes the straw hole when not in use. This means that you don’t have to worry about your drink spilling on you by accident, which is a great convenience.

Blade Assembly & Speed Testing

The blade type is sharp, which is perfect for blending tough ingredients and getting the job done quickly. There are four blades in total, which are designed to work together to break down ingredients and create a smooth, consistent texture.

One thing to note is that the blades are not removable from the main jar. This means that you won’t be able to take them out and clean them separately, but the good news is that the jar and blades are both dishwasher-safe. This makes it easy to clean the blender after use, and ensures that it’s always ready to go when you need it.

Now, let’s talk about the blender’s performance. The minimum speed is 1,460 RPM, which is a relatively slow pace that’s perfect for gentle blending tasks. On the other hand, the maximum speed is an impressive 21,200 RPM, which is fast enough to handle even the toughest ingredients. The blender’s power is also noteworthy, with a rating of 1,400 W that provides plenty of muscle to get the job done.

One of the convenient features of the Vitamix Explorian E520 is its speed dial, which allows you to adjust the blending speed to suit your recipe. You can start at a low speed and gradually increase it as needed, or fine-tune the speed to get the perfect texture. This level of control is really useful, and makes it easy to get the results you want.

It’s worth noting that the speed adjustment is not based on the type of jar you’re using. This means that you’ll need to adjust the speed manually, based on the ingredients and recipe you’re working with. However, with a little practice, you’ll get the hang of it and be able to blend like a pro in no time.

Performance Testing

Fibrous Ingredients Blending Test

Using the main jar, the blender scores an impressive 95 for both fibrous ingredients processing and texture. This means that it can break down even the toughest ingredients into a smooth, grain-free blend with minimal effort. Simply add your ingredients, switch on the blender, and let it run for a few minutes. You’ll be left with a silky smooth puree that’s perfect for soups, smoothies, or sauces.

But what if you’re making a smaller batch of fibrous ingredients? Fear not, because the Vitamix E520 still shines in this department. With a score of 86 for fibrous ingredients processing and a perfect 100 for texture, this blender is capable of producing a smooth, creamy puree even in small batches.

One thing to keep in mind when blending in small batches is that food can sometimes splash against the sides of the jar. This can lead to a bit of a mess, and you may need to pause blending and use a spatula to scrape down the sides. However, this is a small price to pay for the convenience and power of the Vitamix Explorian E520.

Overall, this blender is a fantastic choice for anyone who needs to process fibrous ingredients on a regular basis. Whether you’re making big batches or small, it’s capable of producing a smooth, silky texture that’s perfect for a wide range of recipes.

Soup Making Test

The Vitamix blender is a top-notch choice for making soups. With a score of 96, it’s clear that this blender is designed to make soup-making a breeze.

One of the things that sets this powerful blending machine apart is its sturdy build quality. This blender is built to last, and it’s designed to handle even the toughest ingredients. Whether you’re blending hot soups or cold smoothies, this blender is up to the task.

The 64-ounce main jar is a major advantage when it comes to making soups. You can blend large quantities of hot ingredients with ease, and the jar is designed to handle high temperatures without breaking a sweat.

Another benefit of the Vitamix E520 is its ability to incorporate fibrous ingredients like kale into your soups. This means you can add all sorts of nutritious ingredients to your mixes, and the blender will break them down into a smooth, creamy texture.

Cleaning the blender is also a snap. You can wash it by hand with ease, and the jar, lid, and tamper are all dishwasher-safe as well. This means you can spend more time enjoying your delicious soups and less time scrubbing away at the blender.

Nut Butter Making Test

The Vitamix Explorian E520 blender is a top choice when it comes to making nut butter. It excels in this area, scoring 91 for nut butter preparation and an impressive 99.9 for nut butter texture. These high scores show that the blender is designed to create delicious, creamy nut butters that are hard to beat.

To get the most out of your Vitamix E520 when making nut butter, start by gradually increasing the speed from low to high. This helps the nuts break down and move towards the blades more effectively. But there’s a bit more to it than just turning up the speed. You’ll need to use the tamper to push the nuts down towards the blades. This ensures that all the ingredients get fully incorporated and nothing gets left behind.

As you blend, it’s also important to pause occasionally. Stop the blender and use a spatula to scrape any ingredients that are sticking to the sides of the jar. Push these down towards the blades. This might sound like extra work, but it’s a crucial step in achieving that perfect, smooth texture. Taking the time to do this will give you nut butter that’s silky and well-blended.

Although making nut butter with this blending machine requires a bit of effort, the process is actually quite simple and fast. Before you know it, you’ll have a batch of homemade nut butter that’s both delicious and creamy. The best thing which I liked in this test is that you can customize it just the way you like. Whether you want it smooth or chunky, sweet or salty, it gives you full control over the flavor and texture. So, even though it takes a bit of patience, the end result is well worth it.

Crushing Ice Test

While testing the Vitamix Explorian E520 for ice crushing it gave a perfect result. With a score of 95 for crushed ice preparation and a perfect 100 for crushed ice texture, it’s clear that this blender is designed to make quick work of even the toughest ice cubes.

In fact, the Vitamix blender E520 is on par with other top-notch blenders like the Ninja BN801 Professional Plus Kitchen System and Ninja TB201 Detect Power Blender when it comes to crushing ice. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to use. With the dedicated pulse switch, you can turn ice cubes into snow-like crushed ice in just a few seconds.

But here’s a tip: while the blender has a “Frozen Dessert” setting, it’s not the best mode to use for crushing ice cubes. If you try to use this setting to crush ice, the blender can’t fully process the cubes, and you’ll end up with a subpar result. Instead, save the “Frozen Dessert” mode for making delicious treats like margaritas or slush.

To get the best results, simply use the pulse switch to manually crush the ice cubes. This will give you a perfectly textured crushed ice that’s perfect for adding to your favorite drinks or using in recipes. And with the Vitamix blending mahine’s powerful motor and precision engineering, you can trust that you’ll get consistent results every time.

Easy to Use Testing

The Vitamix Explorian E520 blender scores a solid 90 in easy to use testing. One of the things that makes it easy to use is the intuitive design of the control panel. For example, the blender has a simple on/off switch that’s located on the bottom left side of the motor base. This switch is easy to flip on and off, and it’s also a safety feature that prevents the blender from being turned on accidentally.

In addition to the on/off switch, the blender also has a speed dial that allows you to make small adjustments to the speed. This is really useful when you’re trying to get the perfect texture for your recipe. You can turn the dial to increase or decrease the speed, and the blender will respond accordingly.

Another convenient feature of this Vitamix blending machine is the three automatic blending programs that are available. These programs are designed to help you achieve specific results, and they’re easy to use. The three programs are ‘Smoothie’, ‘Hot Soup’, and ‘Frozen Dessert’, and each one is optimized for a specific type of blending task.

To activate the programs, you simply need to turn the dial to the corresponding setting and press the start button. The blender will then take care of the rest, using the pre-programmed settings to blend your ingredients to perfection.

In addition to the automatic programs, the blender also has a pulse mode that’s activated by a switch located to the left of the speed dial. This mode is great for adding a burst of power to your blending, and it’s really useful when you’re trying to break down tough ingredients.

Easy to Clean Testing

It’s a relatively straightforward process to clean the Vitamix Explorian E520 blender. With a score of 77, it’s clear that this blender is easy to clean, but it does require a bit of effort to get it sparkling clean.

One of the best ways to start the cleaning process is to simply run the blender at top speed for a minute or so. This will help to remove most of the residue and leftover ingredients from the previous blending task. After that, you’ll need to wipe down the jar, blades, and lid with a sponge to get rid of any remaining bits and pieces.

To really get the blades clean, you’ll want to use a brush with a handle to scrub them thoroughly. This is especially important if you’ve been blending thick or sticky ingredients, as they can leave behind a residue that’s hard to remove.

While it’s not the most difficult blender to clean, it’s not a set-it-and-forget-it kind of deal either. You’ll need to put in a bit of elbow grease to get it sparkling clean, but the end result is worth it. With a little bit of effort, you’ll be able to keep your E520 blender in great condition and ensure that it continues to perform at its best.

Noise Level Testing 

The Vitamix Explorian E520 is definitely one to be aware of noise levels if anyone want to buy it. At maximum speed, it can reach a whopping 100+ decibels, which is extremely loud. To put that in perspective, a rock concert can reach levels of around 100.15 decibels, so this blender is definitely not for the faint of heart.

Standing near the blender when it’s in use can be a real challenge. The noise is so intense that it can be really irritating, especially if you’re planning to use it for an extended period of time. If you’re someone who values a peaceful kitchen environment, this blender might not be the best choice for you.

If you’re in the market for a quieter full-size blender, there are some other options worth considering. For example, the KitchenAid K400 and the Ninja TB401 Detect Kitchen System Power Blender are both known for their relatively quiet operation. These blenders are designed to make blending easier and less stressful, without sacrificing performance.

Comparison With Other Blenders

Vitamix Explorian E520 vs Blendtec Classic 575

In my opinion, the Vitamix Explorian E520 is the better choice for most people.

First and foremost, the E520 is a beast when it comes to processing hard ingredients like nuts, seeds, and ice. Its powerful 2.0 horsepower motor and precision-crafted blades make quick work of even the toughest ingredients, leaving you with a smooth and consistent texture. The Blendtec Classic 575, on the other hand, can struggle with these types of ingredients, leaving you with a chunky or uneven texture.

Another area where it shines is in its build quality. This blender is built to last, with a sturdy construction that can withstand even the toughest blending tasks. The Blendtec, while still well-made, doesn’t quite have the same level of durability and solidity as the E520.

That being said, the Blendtec does have a few advantages of its own. For one, it’s a breeze to clean by hand, with a smooth and curved design that makes it easy to wipe down and sanitize. The Vitamix, on the other hand, can be a bit more of a pain to clean, especially around the blades and crevices.

The Blendtec also has a larger 90-ounce capacity, making it a great option for larger families or for those who like to make big batches of their favorite recipes. The Explorian, on the other hand, has a slightly smaller 64-ounce capacity, which may not be as ideal for these types of users.

So, which one is right for you? If you’re looking for a blender that can handle tough ingredients with ease and is built to last, the Explorian is the clear winner. But if you prioritize ease of cleaning and a larger capacity, the Blendtec may be the better choice. 

Vitamix Explorian E520 vs Vitamix 7500

In my opinion, the Vitamix 7500 is a bit better overall. For one, it’s a more solidly built blender that exudes quality and durability. Its construction is rock-solid, and it’s clear that Vitamix has put a lot of thought into its design. The Explorian E520, on the other hand, is still a well-made blender, but it doesn’t quite have the same level of sturdiness as the 7500.

Another area where the 7500 shines is in its noise level. This blender is surprisingly quiet when it’s running, which is a major advantage for those who like to blend early in the morning or late at night. The E520, on the other hand, can be a bit louder, which may be a consideration for some users.

That being said, the Explorian has some advantages of its own. For one, its 64-ounce main jar is actually better suited for some uses, such as processing small amounts of fibrous ingredients like kale or spinach. 

The 7500 also comes the same capacity jar that make them similar to each other and perfect for nut butter.

So, which one is right for you? If you’re looking for a blender that’s built to last, is super quiet, and can handle a wide range of tasks, the Vitamix 7500 is the clear winner. But if you’re looking for a blender that’s specifically designed for processing small amounts of fibrous ingredients or making nut butter, the Explorian E520 may be the better choice. 

Vitamix Explorian E520 vs Vitamix 5300

After putting both blenders through their paces, I’ve come to a surprising conclusion: they’re almost identical in terms of performance. Whether you’re blending smoothies, making soups, or crushing ice, both blenders deliver exceptional results.

That being said, there are some key differences between the two models. For one, the Explorian E520 is a bit louder than the 5300. If you’re planning to blend early in the morning or late at night, this might be a consideration. On the other hand, the Explorian’s noise level is still relatively low compared to other blenders on the market.

One of the biggest advantages of the e520 is its automatic blending programs. In addition to a variable speed dial, this machine comes with a few preset programs that can help you achieve specific results. For example, there’s a program for making frozen treats, another for hot soups, and a third for making smoothies. These programs are super convenient and can help you get the best results from your blender.

The Vitamix 5300 blender, on the other hand, relies solely on its variable speed dial. This means you’ll need to experiment with different speeds to get the results you want. While this can be a bit more time-consuming, it’s still a great option for those who prefer a more hands-on approach.

Another benefit of the Vitamix E520 is its inclusion of a pair of tumblers and straws. These are perfect for taking your smoothie on the go, and they’re a great bonus for those who like to blend and run. Just keep in mind that these tumblers and straws can’t be used for blending – they’re strictly for drinking on the go.

So, which blender is right for you? If you prioritize a quieter blending experience and don’t mind relying on a variable speed dial, the 5300 might be the better choice. But if you prefer the convenience of automatic blending programs and a few extra goodies like tumblers and straws, the Explorian is the way to go. 

Final Verdict

So, is the Vitamix Explorian E520 worth the investment? In my opinion, absolutely. This blender is a beast, and its performance is unmatched. Yes, it’s an investment, but trust me, it’s one that will pay off in the long run. From smoothies to soups, and from frozen treats to hot sauces, the E520 can handle it all with ease. And let’s not forget about the durability – this blender is built to last, and with proper care, it’ll be your trusted kitchen sidekick for years to come.

If you’re a serious home cook or a professional chef, the blender is a no-brainer. But even if you’re just a casual cook looking to upgrade your blending game, this blender is worth considering. Sure, there are cheaper options out there, but as the saying goes, you get what you pay for. With this powerful juicer blender, you’re getting a top-of-the-line blender that will deliver results time and time again.