Vitamix 7500 Blender vs Vitamix A3500 Blender: A side by side comparison
Are you in the market for a high-performance blender but unsure which model to choose? The Vitamix 7500 and Vitamix A3500 are two of the most popular options, offering a range of features tailored to different user preferences. While both blenders boast reliable performance and durability, they cater to distinct needs.
In this detailed comparison, we’ll show you the key differences and similarities between these two models, helping you decide which one is better suited for your kitchen and lifestyle. Also, we’ll suggest some other models that are better than these blenders. Whether you prefer simple manual controls or high-tech programmable settings, you’ll have the perfect option for your needs.
Comparison on Overall Size
The Vitamix 7500 blender is designed with a height of 17.5" (44.5 cm), a width of 7.7" (19.5 cm), a depth of 9.2" (23.4 cm), and it weighs 13.0 lbs (5.9 kg). This means the Vitamix 7500 is a pretty big blender. It's tall and somewhat heavy, making it suitable for storage directly on your kitchen counter or in a large cupboard.
On the other hand, the Vitamix A3500 blender has a height of 17.1" (43.4 cm), the same width of 7.7" (19.5 cm), a depth of 11.3" (28.6 cm), and it weighs 14.9 lbs (6.8 kg). This makes the Vitamix A3500 a large blender too. While it is slightly shorter than the 7500, it is also deeper and heavier.
Both blenders are quite similar in size, but the A3500 is a bit heavier and deeper than the 7500. Given their sizes, both are best stored on your kitchen counter or in a large cupboard. If you're looking for a smaller and lighter full-size blender, the KitchenAid K400 Blender might be a better option. It offers a more compact and lighter design, making it easier to store in smaller spaces.
Comparison on Jar Capacity and Material
The Vitamix 7500 blender’s jar has a large 64-ounce (1,893 ml) capacity, which is typical for a full-size blender. The 64oz jar and lid are both made of plastic. However, unlike other models from this manufacturer, such as the Vitamix A3500 or Vitamix 2500, none of the components of the 7500 are dishwasher-safe. This means you'll need to wash the jar, lid, and blades by hand. This can be a bit inconvenient, especially if you're used to tossing everything into the dishwasher after use.
In contrast, the Vitamix A3500 blender also features a big 64-ounce (1,893 ml) capacity. Similar to the 7500, its jar and lid are made of plastic. However, a significant advantage of the A3500 is that its components, including the non-removable blades, are dishwasher-safe. This makes cleanup much quicker and easier. You can simply place the jar, lid, and blades in your dishwasher and let it do the work.
Both blenders have the same capacity, which is great for making large batches of soups, smoothies, or other recipes. Yet, the ease of cleaning differs significantly between the two. If you prefer the convenience of dishwasher-safe components, the A3500 might be a better choice for you. On the other hand, if you don't mind hand-washing, the 7500 is still a solid option.
Comparison on LID
The lid of the Vitamix 7500 blender uses friction to stay securely shut. It features two ears on each side that help to hold it in place on top of the main jar. This design ensures a snug fit but can be a bit tricky to remove when you need to. Unlike some other Vitamix models, like the Vitamix Venturist V1200, the lid of the 7500 is made of opaque plastic. This means you can't see down into the blender while it's operating.
However, the middle part of the lid is removable. This allows you to add ingredients or use the tamper while blending, which is very convenient. Keep in mind that the lid and the tamper aren't dishwasher-safe. You will need to wash these parts by hand, which can be slightly inconvenient, especially if you prefer using a dishwasher.
In contrast, the lid of the Vitamix A3500 is clear and has two clips on each side to create a seal. This design makes it easier to see inside the blender while it runs, which can be very useful. Similar to the 7500, the A3500's lid also has a removable middle part. This feature allows you to add ingredients or use a tamper during blending.
Additionally, this center part can double as a 30ml measuring cup, which is handy when you need a quick and precise measurement. Unlike the 7500, the lid and tamper of the A3500 are dishwasher-safe. This means you can place them in your dishwasher for an easy and convenient cleanup.
The different designs of the lids highlight the contrasts between the two models. If you value being able to see inside the blender and appreciate the convenience of dishwasher-safe parts, the A3500's lid might be more appealing.
However, if you don't mind hand-washing and prefer a more robust friction-based closure, the 7500's lid could be a better fit. Both lids offer practical features, but their usability will depend on your specific preferences and needs.
Comparison on Built Quality
The Vitamix 7500 blender is extremely well-built. Metal and plastic are included in its contruction, which feels very solid and sturdy. The blender's power cable is long and thick, which adds to the overall premium feel. Every component, from the base to the jar, exemplifies durability. When assessing its build quality, I’d give it a 9.5 rating out of 10. This high rating reflects its robust construction and the confidence it inspires through everyday use.
On the other hand, the Vitamix A3500 blender also boasts outstanding build quality. The base is constructed from high-quality solid plastic and is complemented by metal siding. The transmission and gears inside the A3500 are metal, contributing to the blender's overall sturdy feel. Like the 7500, it has a thick power cable that promises durability over time. Additionally, the display and speed dial are designed with a premium look and feel. Given its excellent build and thoughtful design touches, I’d rate the Vitamix A3500 a 9 out of 10. This score highlights its solid construction and the luxurious feel of its components.
Both blenders are built to last, with each model’s construction reflecting Vitamix’s commitment to quality. The slight differences in ratings come down to personal preferences and the specific feel of each model’s components. Whether you choose the 7500 or the A3500, you can be confident in the durability and premium quality of your blender.
Comparison on Blade Material and Speed
The Vitamix 7500 blender is designed with four sharp blades that remain fixed in the jar during cleaning. Although you can service the blades through the nut assembly, removing them will void the warranty and is not recommended by the manufacturer. The blades of the 7500 are not dishwasher-safe, which means you must hand-wash them carefully. However, this model offers a wide range of speed settings. You can start blending at a low speed and gradually increase to high speed.
In terms of performance, the Vitamix 7500 operates with a minimum speed of 1,400 RPM and a maximum speed of 22,800 RPM. It has a power capacity of 1,640 watts, which provides robust blending capabilities. However, one notable limitation is that the speed cannot be adjusted based on the jar type, which may affect the blending outcome for certain recipes.
On the other hand, the Vitamix Ascent A3500 also features four sharp, thick blades that are designed to stay in the jar during cleaning. Similar to the 7500, you can service the blades through the nut assembly, but doing so will void the warranty. Fortunately, the blades on the A3500 are dishwasher-safe, making cleaning significantly more convenient. It also gives you a wide range of speed settings. You can start at a low speed and gradually ramp up to high, and it allows you to fine-tune the speed for specific recipes.
The A3500 has the same minimum speed of 1,400 RPM and maximum speed of 22,800 RPM as the 7500. It also matches the 1,640-watt power capacity, ensuring powerful performance. One key advantage of the A3500 is its ability to adjust the speed based on the jar type, providing greater flexibility and precision in blending.
Comparison on Performance
Testing on Nut Butter
The Vitamix 7500 blender is fantastic for making nut butter. To achieve smooth, spreadable nut butter, you should start at a low speed and gradually ramp up to high. The process is straightforward but does require a bit of attention. You will need to stop and scrape the walls of the jar a few times to ensure all the nuts are evenly blended. While this extra step ensures you get a perfect, creamy texture, it does make the process slightly less convenient than with some other blenders. For example, the Vitamix Propel 510 is easier to use for nut butter because it requires less manual intervention.
The Vitamix A3500 excels in making nut butter as well. Although you need to use the tamper to push the ingredients down towards the blades, this is relatively easy. Like the 7500, you will also need to stop occasionally and scrape the sides of the jar with a spatula. However, the effort is well worth it. The A3500 produces nut butter with a beautifully smooth texture, making it a favorite for many users. Despite the similar process to the 7500, the A3500’s tamper and programmable settings make the task feel less labor-intensive.
In my view, both are excellent choices for making nut butter. The 7500 requires a bit more manual effort but yields fantastic results. The A3500, with its advanced features, makes the process slightly easier and ensures a superb texture.
Testing on Crushing Ice
When comparing the 7500 and the A3500 blenders for ice crushing, both models score perfectly in crushed ice preparation and texture. The 7500 excels by using its pulse mode. It produces fine, snow-like ice in roughly 30 seconds. This makes it ideal for quick and efficient ice crushing.
On the other hand, the A3500 also shines in ice crushing capability. It uses the 'Frozen Drinks' mode to achieve similarly impressive results. The ice it produces is powdery and snow-like, perfect for a variety of cold beverages. Additionally, the 'Frozen Drinks' mode offers a specialized setting, making it easy to achieve the desired ice texture.
In summary, while both blenders perform exceptionally in crushing ice, they do so using different techniques. The 7500 relies on its pulse mode for quick results, taking about 30 seconds. The A3500, however, provides a specialized 'Frozen Drinks' mode for instantaneous, fine-textured ice. Both are excellent choices, delivering perfect crushed ice every time.
Testing on Smoothies
The 7500 blender by Vitamix does an outstanding job of processing fibrous ingredients at full capacity. When blending a large batch of ingredients like broccoli or kale, you won't have to worry about them splashing up the sides of the jar. As a result, it's an extremely easy, hands-off process, and the final mixture is virtually perfectly smooth. It's also fantastic for small batches of fibrous ingredients.
However, the jar is wider at the bottom than blenders like the Vitamix 5200. So when you're working with a small recipe, like for a single-serve smoothie, ingredients tend to splash around. For the best results, you need to use a spatula to scrape the walls of the jar. The 7500 isn't as fast as some blenders since it requires several minutes of blending, but in the end, it makes a basically perfectly smooth blend with small amounts of ingredients like kale.
The A3500 is superb for processing fibrous ingredients at full capacity. Using the 'Smoothie' program, you can quickly create an almost perfectly smooth puree of fibrous ingredients like kale. It's also fantastic for processing small batches of fibrous ingredients. It consistently makes an extremely smooth blend of fibrous ingredients like kale. It's a very easy process since all you need to do is run the 'Smoothie' program once.
In my view, both the Vitamix 7500 and Ascent A3500 perform exceptionally in processing fibrous ingredients. The 7500 is slightly less convenient for small batches due to its wider jar bottom and need for manual scraping. It also lacks the speed adjustment feature based on jar type. The A3500, with its 'Smoothie' program and dishwasher-safe blades, provides an easier and faster blending experience, making it a more versatile choice for various blending needs.
Comparison on Easy to Use Feature
The Vitamix 7500 is designed for simplicity and ease of use. Its controls consist of an on/off toggle switch, a pulse mode switch, and a speed dial. The speed dial is straightforward with markings for speeds 1 through 10. However, there are no set increments, so you can make small, precise adjustments to the speed. The pulse switch is particularly handy, as it activates the blender for as long as you hold it down and stops immediately when you release the switch. This feature gives you quick bursts of blending power when you need it.
The Vitamix 7500 does not come with any speed presets or programs. It also lacks a blending time indicator and a programmable timer. However, it does support hot blending, making it versatile for making soups and other hot dishes. The speed dial allows for customized control, and the pulse mode offers an extra layer of functionality that many users find useful.
On the other hand, the Vitamix A3500 takes functionality to the next level with its touch-sensitive control panel. This model features a white button on the left to activate pulse mode and another white button on the right to start or stop the blending process. Additionally, the A3500 has a control to set a timer that runs up to 6 minutes and 30 seconds. It also comes with several preset modes, including 'Smoothies,' 'Hot Soups,' 'Dips and Spreads,' 'Frozen Desserts,' and 'Self-Cleaning.'
Similar to the Vitamix A3300, the A3500 is Bluetooth-compatible and works seamlessly with the Vitamix Perfect Blend app. This app offers 17 additional blending modes, including specialized settings like 'Spice Grind' and 'Baby Food.' An on/off toggle is conveniently located on the right side of the blender's body, adding to its ease of use.
The Vitamix A3500 includes advanced features that are absent in the 7500, such as a blending time indicator and programmable timer, along with its extensive preset programs. This makes the A3500 a more suitable choice for those who prefer advanced features and programmable options in their blender.
Comparison on Clean process
The Vitamix 7500 is easy to clean. Simply running the blender with soap and water in the jar takes care of most leftover residue. For the lid, inside of the jar, and blade assembly, you need to use a sponge or brush. This process is not particularly time-consuming or difficult.
The Vitamix A3500 is also straightforward to clean. To remove a lot of food residue, you can rinse the jar, fill it with soap and hot water, and run it at maximum speed. If some sticky residue remains, a quick wipe with a sponge should do the trick. However, it can be a bit tricky to clean under the blades or around the lid, as food debris might get stuck in these areas.
Comparison on Noise Level
The Vitamix 7500 is not particularly loud for a full-size blender. However, it still produces a noticeable noise. If you're sensitive to sound, you might find it a bit disruptive. You can find quieter models available on the market. For example, the Blendtec Professional 800 and the Hamilton Beach Professional Quiet Blender are designed to operate more quietly. These models use noise-reducing technology to keep the sound levels down. So, while the 7500 is manageable, it's not the quietest option out there.
On the other hand, the Vitamix A3500 is quieter compared to some other Vitamix blenders. Specifically, it's quieter than the Vitamix Professional Series 750. This makes it a better choice if you prefer a less noisy appliance. However, it's important to note that there are full-size blenders available that produce even less noise. The Wolf Gourmet Pro-Performance blender is one such example. It’s designed to be quieter during operation, providing a more peaceful blending experience.
User Reviews and Feedback
Examining user reviews and feedback can provide valuable insight into the real-world performance of these blenders. The 7500 has consistently received high marks for its rugged durability and straightforward operation. Users appreciate its powerful motor and effectiveness in handling a variety of blending tasks. Many reviews highlight how well it performs over several years of regular use, often exceeding customer expectations.
The A3500, meanwhile, garners praise for its sophisticated design and advanced capabilities. Users frequently commend the touchscreen interface and programmable settings, citing these features as making the blender incredibly convenient and versatile. The wireless connectivity and app support also receive positive remarks, particularly from tech-savvy users who enjoy the modern conveniences. While some may find its higher price a con, many users feel that the advanced features and extended warranty justify the investment.
Final Verdict
The Vitamix A3500 offers more features than the simpler Vitamix 7500. Its control panel includes a timer and several preset modes, plus a self-clean program and dishwasher-safe parts, unlike the 7500.
Being part of Vitamix's Ascent series, the A3500 supports different jars equipped with Self-Detect technology, which adjusts settings based on jar size. Additionally, the A3500 is Bluetooth-compatible and pairs with a companion app to provide even more preset modes.
The A3500's touch-sensitive controls make it feel more modern and sophisticated. The ability to set a timer and choose from preset modes makes it versatile for various recipes. If you like gadgets and customizable settings, the A3500 is a great choice.
That said, the 7500 still has an outstanding overall performance. Its manual controls are simple to understand and use, which many people appreciate. The pulse mode gives you bursts of power for specific blending needs, and the speed dial allows for precise control without the need for preset modes.
If you prefer a blender that is straightforward and gets the job done without extra features, the Vitamix 7500 is ideal. It's also easier to operate with fewer functions to learn.
