Oster Pro 1200 vs Vitamix 5200 – Side By Side Comparison
When it comes to blending, you want a machine that can handle even the toughest ingredients with ease. That’s why we’re pitting two of the most popular blenders on the market against each other: the Oster Pro 1200 and the Vitamix 5200. Both blenders are known for their power and versatility, but which one comes out on top?
This comparison of Oster Pro 1200 vs Vitamix 5200 will highlight their key features, strengths, and potential drawbacks to help you determine which blender best suits your needs. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or a top-tier machine, understanding the differences between these two models will guide you in making an informed choice.
Overall Size Comparison
When it comes to size, the Oster Pro 1200 blender is a compact powerhouse that's perfect for kitchens with limited space. Standing at just 14.4 inches tall, it's a relatively short blender compared to others in its class. In fact, it's one of the smaller full-size blenders on the market, making it a great option for those who don't have a lot of room to spare.
Not only is it short, but it's also slender, with a width of 7.0 inches and a depth of 7.5 inches. This means it can fit comfortably on most countertops, leaving you with plenty of space to work on other dishes. Plus, its compact size makes it a breeze to store, whether you prefer to keep it on your countertop or stash it away in a cupboard.
But what really sets the Oster Pro 1200 apart is its lightweight design. Weighing in at just 7.9 pounds, it's easy to move and store, even for those who may not have a lot of strength or mobility. This makes it perfect for a variety of scenarios, from small apartments to RVs or campers, where space is limited and every inch counts.
On the other hand, the Vitamix 5200 blender is a beast of a machine that's sure to make its presence known in your kitchen. Standing tall at an impressive 20.2 inches, it's a substantial piece of equipment that requires some serious real estate. Its width is a respectable 6.9 inches, and it has a depth of 9.4 inches, making it a bit of a space-taker.
And let's not forget about its weight - a hefty 11.2 pounds that's not easily moved around. Before you bring this blender home, it's essential to consider the space you have available. You'll want to make sure you have a spot on your countertop where it can sit comfortably, or a large cupboard that can accommodate its size.
If you're working with limited kitchen real estate, you might be worried about finding a place to store it. But fear not! The Vitamix 5200 has a clever feature that allows you to detach the main jar from the base, making it a bit more compact and easier to store. However, this doesn't change the fact that it's a large and heavy blender that requires some planning when it comes to storage.
In short, the Oster Pro 1200 is a compact and lightweight blender that's perfect for small kitchens, while the Vitamix 5200 is a larger and heavier blender that requires more space and planning. If you're looking for a blender that's easy to store and maneuver, the Oster Pro 1200 is the clear winner. But if you're willing to sacrifice some space for a more powerful blender, the Vitamix 5200 might be the better choice for you.
Also, we compare Oster pro with kitchenaid k150 you can check it.
Jar Capacity and Material Comparison
The Oster Pro 1200's main jar has a 48-ounce capacity, which is on the smaller side for a full-size blender. However, it also comes with a bonus 24-ounce personal jar, perfect for making individual smoothies or dips. This is a great feature for those who want to whip up a quick breakfast or snack without having to use the larger jar.
One of the standout features of the Oster Pro 1200's jar is that it's made of glass. This is a major advantage over plastic jars, as glass is less prone to scratches and discoloration. Plus, it's easier to clean and looks sleek and modern on your countertop. The smaller personal jar is made of plastic, but it's still a convenient addition to the blender.
Another perk of the Oster Pro 1200 is that all of its parts - including the jars, blades, and lids - are dishwasher-safe. This makes cleaning a breeze, and you can spend more time blending and less time scrubbing away at stuck-on food.
On the other hand, the Vitamix 5200's jar is made of BPA-free plastic, which is a good option for those who want a durable and shatter-resistant material. However, it's worth noting that plastic can be more prone to scratches and discoloration than glass. The Vitamix 5200's jar has a larger capacity than the Oster Pro 1200, holding a whopping 64 ounces. This is great for making large batches of soup or frozen treats.
One drawback of the Vitamix 5200 is that none of its parts are dishwasher-safe. This means you'll need to wash everything by hand, which can be a bit of a hassle. However, the Vitamix 5200's parts are designed to be easy to clean and maintain, so it's not the end of the world.
If you want a blender with a smaller, glass jar and convenient dishwasher-safe parts, the Oster Pro 1200 might be the better choice. But if you're looking for a blender with a larger capacity and a durable plastic jar, the Vitamix 5200 could be the way to go. We also recommend to check our topic Vitamix 5200 vs Vitamix 5300.
LID Comparison
The Oster Pro 1200's main jar has a two-part lid that's designed to make blending a breeze. The clear centerpiece can be removed, allowing you to add ingredients mid-blend without having to stop the blender. This is a great feature for those who like to experiment with different recipes and ingredients. Plus, the personal jar comes with a resealable to-go lid that screws onto the jar, making it easy to take your blended creations on the go.
However, one drawback of the Oster Pro 1200's lid design is that the cover for the spout feels a bit flimsy. This can be a bit of a problem if you're planning to use the blender to make thick or chunky mixtures, as the cover may not be able to withstand the pressure.
On the other hand, the Vitamix 5200's lid is designed to be more secure and durable. The two-part lid seals into place when you push it down on top of the main jar, and the two ears on the sides help hold it in place. This makes it easier to blend hot soups or thick mixtures without worrying about the lid coming loose. The middle part of the lid is also removable, allowing you to add ingredients or use the tamper while blending.
One thing to note about the Vitamix 5200's lid is that it's not dishwasher-safe, and can only be hand-washed. This can be a bit of a hassle, especially if you're used to throwing your blender parts in the dishwasher. However, the lid is designed to be easy to clean and maintain, and a quick rinse with soap and water should do the trick.
Motor Quality Comparison
The Oster 1200 blender has some great features that make it feel sturdy and well-made. The buttons on the front are easy to press, and the motor base has vents to help it cool down. The main jar is made of thick glass, and the plastic personal jar feels solid too. These are all good signs that the blender is built to last.
But, when you take a closer look, you might notice some issues with the design. For example, the gears and blade assembly might not be as strong as they could be. The gear on the motor base is square-shaped, but it fits into a star-shaped hole on the jar, which can make it hard to put the jar on the base.
Another problem is the blade assembly, which feels a bit loose and not very well-made. It has a plastic tab that might break if you press too hard on it. The blades are held in place by a rubber ring that doesn't fit very tightly, which can make it hard to clean. And, there's a small gap between the ring and the metal plate that can trap food and make a mess.
On the other hand, the Vitamix 5200 is a really well-built blender. It's made of metal and plastic, which feels very solid and sturdy. The power cord is long and thick, too. Overall, this blender feels like a high-quality product that's built to last. You can tell that the designers at Vitamix put a lot of thought into making a blender that's not only powerful but also easy to use.
Blade Assembly and Speed Comparison
The blades themselves are sharp in both blenders, which is essential for efficient blending. However, the Oster 1200 has six blades, while the Vitamix 5200 has four. The extra blades in the Oster 1200 might provide more thorough blending, but it's not a guarantee.
One of the most significant differences between the two blenders is the blade assembly. The Oster 1200 has a removable blade assembly, making it easy to clean and maintain. You can simply pop it out and wash it in the dishwasher. On the other hand, the Vitamix 5200's blade assembly is not removable, and it's not dishwasher safe. You'll need to hand-wash the blades, which can be a hassle.
The Oster 1200's blade assembly is also held in place with a rubber gasket, making it easy to disassemble for cleaning. The Vitamix 5200's blade assembly, on the other hand, has a nut assembly that allows for servicing, but removing the blades might void the warranty.
In terms of speed and power, the Oster 1200 has a minimum speed of 4,500 RPM and a maximum speed of 18,000 RPM, with a power output of 1,200 W. 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 W. The Vitamix 5200 has a more extensive range of speeds, which can be beneficial for achieving specific consistencies.
When it comes to speed adjustment and control, the Oster 1200 has three preset speed settings, plus a pulse mode, which provides some flexibility. However, the blending speed is only at its fastest when using pulse mode. The Vitamix 5200, on the other hand, offers a wide range of blending speeds, allowing for more precise control over the consistency of your blends.
The Oster 1200 also boasts "dual-direction technology" that supposedly reverses the blending direction to clear jams. However, this feature was not noticeable during testing, and you can't manually activate it. It's unclear how effective this feature really is.
Performance Comparison
Soup Testing
The Oster Pro 1200 blender is great for soups because it can handle hot ingredients directly from the pot or pan. This means you can blend your soups right after cooking, without having to let them cool down first. The blender also does a great job of blending fibrous ingredients like kale and broccoli, producing silky, pureed soups and sauces. And, when it comes to cleaning, the Pro 1200 is a breeze. It's easy to wash and maintain, making it a great choice for busy home cooks.
However, the Oster Pro 1200 does have one major drawback: it's not very sturdy. This means it might not be able to withstand heavy use, and you might need to replace it sooner rather than later.
On the other hand, the Vitamix 5200 is an incredible blender for soups. It can also hot blend, and its large capacity, 64-ounce main jar is perfect for making large batches of soups and sauces. This means you can make a big batch of soup on the weekend and have leftovers for the rest of the week. The Vitamix 5200 is also great at blending fibrous ingredients like kale, producing a smooth and creamy blend. And, while it's not dishwasher-safe, it's easy to clean with soap and hot water.
One of the biggest advantages of the Vitamix 5200 is its ability to handle tough ingredients. It can blend hot soups, frozen ingredients, and even make hot sauces from scratch. This makes it a great choice for home cooks who like to experiment with new recipes and ingredients.
In terms of scores, the Vitamix 5200 comes out on top, with a score of 95 for soups. The Oster Pro 1200 is still a great choice, but it scores slightly lower, with a score of 88.
Frozen Fruit Smoothie Test
In our frozen fruit smoothie test, the Oster blender struggled to deliver a smooth and drinkable consistency. Even after 4 minutes of blending, the pineapple was fully liquefied, but the mango and strawberries remained partially blended. This resulted in a smoothie that was not smooth and creamy, but rather chunky and unpleasant.
We're not entirely sure why the Oster blender struggled so much, but we have a few hypotheses. One possibility is that the size of the fruit chunks was too large, making it difficult for the blades to power through them. Another issue could be the gap between the blades and the container's bottom, which can trap fruit chunks and prevent them from being fully blended. Whatever the reason, the Oster blender's performance in this test was disappointing, earning it a score of 70.
On the other hand, the Vitamix 5200 blender was a rockstar in this test. Within the first 50 seconds, all the frozen fruits were completely transformed into a velvety smooth concoction. This is incredibly impressive, and it's rare to find a blender that can do the job so quickly. However, we did notice that the milk did not fully integrate with the fruit smoothie mixture, leaving a white layer on top of the rest of the orange smoothie mixture. But, with a little manual stirring and continued blending, we were able to achieve a homogeneous mixture.
One of the key takeaways from this test is the importance of a tamper in promoting a smooth and quick blend. Just keep adding ingredients to the blade and you'll get the job done way faster. Our tamper tests turned out flawless smoothies, with only a few tiny flecks of raspberry skin and seeds remaining. But, these were negligible and did not compromise the overall quality of the drink.
In terms of scores, the Vitamix 5200 blender comes out on top, with a score of 98.5. This is no surprise, given its exceptional performance and ability to deliver a smooth and creamy smoothie. The Oster blender, on the other hand, scores a disappointing 70. But, with a few tweaks and adjustments, it's possible that the Oster blender could improve its performance in this area.
Fibrous Ingredients
This blender is fantastic for processing small batches of fibrous ingredients, such as kale or broccoli. Using the personal jar, it's very easy to make a single-serve smoothie that's incredibly smooth and creamy.
The Oster 1200 makes an extremely smooth blend with tough ingredients like kale, leaving almost no grains or specks leftover. This is perfect for those who want to make a quick and healthy smoothie in the morning.
But, the Oster 1200 doesn't just stop at small batches. It can also make a big batch of kale smoothies or pureed broccoli soup with almost no grains or specks leftover. This is great for those who want to make a large batch of a recipe and store it in the fridge for later.
On the other hand, the Vitamix 5200 is also outstanding for processing small batches of fibrous ingredients. You'll get a super smooth blend with no chunks, perfect for whipping up a quick green smoothie or fruity treat. However, you may need to use a spatula to push down ingredients that splash up the sides of the jar, but it's still remarkably easy to use for small batches.
But, where the Vitamix 5200 really shines is when it comes to processing fibrous ingredients at full capacity. It quickly processes big batches of ingredients like kale or broccoli into a nearly perfectly smooth blend. And, if you're making a big batch, you don't need to use the spatula since the ingredients won't splash up the walls of the jar if it's full.
In terms of scores, both blenders are neck and neck, with the Oster 1200 scoring 95 for fibrous ingredients processing and 95 for fibrous ingredients texture. The Vitamix 5200 scores 91 for fibrous ingredients processing and 99.5 for fibrous ingredients texture. But, these scores are so close that it's really a matter of personal preference.
Nut Butter Testing
When it comes to making nut butter, both the Oster Pro and Vitamix 5200 blenders are capable of producing a delicious and creamy spread. However, they differ in their approach to grinding and emulsifying the nuts, and the quality of the final product.
The Oster Pro blender takes a more traditional approach to making nut butter, requiring a longer blending time of 4 minutes to grind and emulsify the almonds. This is because the Oster Pro's motor and blades are designed to work together to create a strong vortex that draws the contents towards the blades, allowing for a thorough grinding and emulsification of the nuts. While this process can be a bit more labor-intensive, the end result is a well-blended and creamy nut butter that is free from added oils or sweeteners.
On the other hand, the Vitamix 5200 blender is a game-changer when it comes to making nut butter. With its powerful motor and precision-crafted blades, the Vitamix 5200 can grind and emulsify the almonds in just 1 minute and 15 seconds, producing a silky-smooth and creamy nut butter that is unparalleled in quality.
The Vitamix 5200's ability to create almond butter with just the nuts themselves, without the need for added oils or sweeteners, makes it the ideal choice for anyone looking to make a healthier and more natural spread that retains all of the almonds' nutrients and flavor.
In terms of scores, the Oster Pro blender scores 67 for nut butter preparation and 91.3 for nut butter texture, while the Vitamix 5200 blender scores 91.3 for nut butter preparation and 95.4 for nut butter texture. While both blenders are capable of producing a high-quality nut butter, the Vitamix 5200's speed and efficiency make it the clear winner in this category.
If you're looking for a blender that can produce a high-quality nut butter with a bit more effort and time, the Oster Pro may be the better choice. However, if you're looking for a blender that can produce a silky-smooth and creamy nut butter with ease and efficiency, the Vitamix 5200 is the clear winner.
Easy to Use Comparison
When we tested, how easy are they to use? We feel both the Oster Blender and the Vitamix 5200 score high, but with some differences. The Oster Blender scores a 94, while the Vitamix 5200 scores a 92.
One of the most notable differences is the speed control. The Oster Blender has three speed presets: Low, Medium, and High, which are easily accessible through buttons on the motor base. Additionally, it has a dedicated pulse mode button that allows for the fastest blending speed.
On the other hand, the Vitamix 5200 has a speed dial that allows for more nuanced adjustments, but doesn't have set increments. This means you can make small adjustments to the speed, but you don't have pre-defined settings like Low, Medium, and High.
Another difference is the presence of blending programs. The Oster Blender has three programs: Green/Frozen Smoothies, Food Chop/Salsa, and Milkshakes, which can be selected with the press of a button. The Vitamix 5200, on the other hand, doesn't have any pre-programmed blending options.
Both blenders have an on/off switch, which is a nice safety feature. You need to press the switch to turn the blender on before it will start running. The Oster Blender also has a light that flashes when the blender is on, which is a nice visual cue.
One thing that might be a drawback for some users is the lack of a digital display on both blenders. This means you won't have a way to know how long you've been blending, unless you use a separate timer. However, the Vitamix 5200 does have a variant, the Vitamix Venturist V1200, which has a digital display and can be a good option if you need that feature.
Overall, both blenders are easy to use, but the Oster Blender has a more intuitive interface with its pre-defined speed presets and blending programs. The Vitamix 5200, on the other hand, offers more flexibility with its speed dial, but requires a bit more effort to adjust the speed.
Easy to Clean Comparison
When it comes to cleaning, both the Oster Blender and the Vitamix 5200 are relatively easy to clean, but with some differences. The Oster Blender scores a 91, while the Vitamix 5200 scores a 74.
One thing to note is that neither blender is dishwasher-safe, which means you'll need to clean them by hand. However, both blenders are designed to make cleaning easy, and you can use hot water and soap to wipe down the blades and blender jar.
In terms of cleaning, the Oster Blender has a slight advantage. The blades and blender jar are designed to be easy to clean, and you can use a soft brush to get into any tight spaces or crevices. With sticky foods like almond butter, you may need to use a bit more elbow grease to get everything clean, but the residue still comes off easily.
The Vitamix 5200, on the other hand, is also easy to clean, but it requires a bit more effort. The blades are sharp and can be tricky to clean, especially around the nut assembly. You may need to use a brush to get into the tight spaces, and you may need to soak the blades in hot water and soap to get everything clean.
It's worth noting that if you're looking for a blender that's extremely easy to clean, you may want to consider a Blendtec model like the Blendtec Total Blender Classic. These blenders have blunt blades that make cleaning a breeze, and you can often just wipe them down with a damp cloth.
In terms of design, the Oster Blender has a more compact design that makes it easier to clean. The blender jar is smaller and more compact, which means there are fewer crevices and corners to clean. The Vitamix 5200, on the other hand, has a larger blender jar that can be more difficult to clean.
Noise Level Comparison
When it comes to comparing noise level, both the Oster Blender and the Vitamix 5200 are on the louder side. The Oster Blender reaches a whopping 97.1 decibels at maximum speed, while the Vitamix 5200 comes in at 96.6 decibels. To put that in perspective, a normal conversation between two people is around 60 decibels, so these blenders are definitely loud.
While it's worth noting that most blenders are pretty loud, there are some full-size models that are quieter than these two. For example, the Ninja Professional Blender 1000 and the Ninja tb301 Detect Power Blender Pro are both quieter than the Oster Blender, making them a good option if noise level is a priority for you.
Similarly, if you're looking for a quieter blender than the Vitamix 5200, you might want to consider the Wolf Gourmet Pro-Performance or the Vitamix A3500. Both of these blenders are designed to be more quiet and discreet, making them a good option if you plan to use your blender during early morning.
It's also worth noting that the noise level of a blender can be affected by a number of factors, including the type of ingredients you're blending, the speed at which you're blending, and the design of the blender itself. So, while these decibel readings give you a general idea of how loud these blenders are, your actual experience may vary.
Final Verdict
After putting the Oster Pro 1200 and Vitamix 5200 through their paces, it's clear that both blenders are high-performance machines that can handle even the toughest blending tasks. But which one comes out on top?
For those on a budget, the Oster is an excellent choice. It's a powerful blender that's easy to use and clean, and it's priced significantly lower than the Vitamix.
But if you're willing to invest in a premium blender, the 5200 is the way to go. It's a more precise and controlled blender that's perfect for making everything from smoothies to hot sauces. Its advanced features and higher-quality construction make it a better choice for serious cooks and blender enthusiasts.
Ultimately, the choice between the Oster Pro 1200 and Vitamix 5200 comes down to your budget and blending needs.
