Vitamix A2300 Vs Vitamix 5200
If you’re looking at high-performance blenders, the Vitamix A2300 and Vitamix 5200 are two top contenders. Both are famous for their strong motors and ability to handle a wide range of blending tasks. That said, each model offers its own set of features designed for different preferences.
In this comparison, we’ll take a closer look at their performance, ease of use, cleaning, noise levels, and more. Whether you’re a smoothie lover or a culinary enthusiast, understanding the differences between these two blenders can help you make the right choice for your kitchen.
Overall Design & Size Comparison
Starting with the Vitamix A2300, this blender is designed with a powerful motor and a large size. Standing at 17 inches tall, it is noticeably taller than many other blenders. The width measures 7.8 inches, and the depth extends to 10.8 inches. This means the A2300 will take up a fair bit of space on your counter or in storage. Weighing in at 12 pounds, it’s also on the heavier side. Due to this combination of height and weight, most users find it more convenient to leave the blender on the counter rather than moving it back and forth from storage. If you do need to store it, you’ll want to ensure you have a large cupboard or sufficient space in your kitchen to accommodate it.
Now, turning to the Vitamix 5200, it’s another powerful blender but comes with a taller profile. Standing at 20.2 inches tall, It is one of the tallest blenders on the market. Its width, at 6.9 inches, and depth, at 9.4 inches, are a bit smaller compared to the A2300. However, its height might be a challenge for fitting under standard kitchen cabinets, which are often around 18 inches tall. At 11.2 pounds, the 5200 is slightly lighter than the A2300, but still quite hefty. One of the useful features of the Vitamix 5200 is that its jar can be detached from the base, making storage a bit more manageable. This feature might come in handy if you have limited kitchen space but still want a powerful blender at your disposal.
Both blenders are designed to deliver exceptional blending performance, but the A2300 is a bit more space-consuming and heavier than the 5200. The 5200’s detachable jar offers a slight advantage in terms of storage flexibility, while the A2300’s solid, bulky design makes it better suited for keeping on your countertop.
If storage space and flexibility are top priorities, the Vitamix 5200 edges ahead as the winner. Despite being taller at 20.2 inches, its detachable jar makes it more practical for kitchens with limited cabinet space. It’s also slightly lighter, making it easier to move around if needed.
However, if you prefer a blender that stays permanently on your counter and offers a more modern design with a bit more width and depth, the Vitamix A2300 might be a better choice. Its shorter height allows it to fit under most cabinets without needing to be moved often, but the added weight means it’s not as convenient to handle if you plan to move it frequently.
Also, check the comparisons Vitamix a2300 vs Vitamix a3500 and Vitamix A2300 Vs Vitamix A2500.
Jar Capacity & Material Comparison with LID
The Vitamix A2300’s main jar holds 64 ounces, or about 1.9 liters. This is a great size if you’re making food or drinks for a group, as it allows you to prepare a lot in one go. However, the downside is that there’s no smaller or personal-sized jar included with the A2300. If you often make single-serve portions, you might find this a bit inconvenient, as you’ll always need to use the large jar, even for small batches. Despite this, the container itself is durable, and I would rate it highly at 92 out of 100 for its capacity and long-lasting quality.
The jar and its two-part lid are made from BPA-free plastic, ensuring that no harmful chemicals will leach into your food. BPA-free plastic is lighter than glass, making it easier to handle, especially when the jar is full. This material is also quite strong and less likely to break compared to glass alternatives. Another plus is that both the jar and the lid are dishwasher-safe. This feature makes cleanup incredibly simple, as you can toss them in the dishwasher without needing to worry about hand-washing after each use.
The Vitamix A2300’s lid is designed for convenience and practicality. It features clips on both sides, ensuring it stays securely attached during blending, even with thick ingredients. What makes this lid unique compared to models like the Vitamix 5200 is its clear plastic design, allowing you to monitor the blending process without stopping the machine.
The center part of the lid is removable, making it easy to add ingredients while blending, perfect for recipes that require gradual additions. It also doubles as a 30ml measuring cup, adding extra functionality. The lid’s friction-based closure keeps it secure, yet it’s easy to remove when needed.
On the other hand, the Vitamix 5200 also comes with a large 64-ounce jar, holding nearly 1.9 liters, which is perfect for big batches. Just like the A2300, this jar is great if you’re making large portions. The jar is made from the same BPA-free plastic, so you won’t have to worry about harmful chemicals. This material is safe and durable, allowing you to prepare meals and drinks for your family with peace of mind.
However, unlike the A2300, the Vitamix 5200’s jar and lid aren’t dishwasher-safe. This means you’ll need to wash them by hand, which can be a little time-consuming. Thankfully, cleaning the jar isn’t too difficult – all you need is soap and warm water. But if you’re someone who likes the convenience of a dishwasher, this could be a slight drawback.
The lid on the Vitamix 5200 also has a two-part design, but it differs from the A2300 in a few ways. The main part of the lid fits snugly over the jar, and it has two small “ears” on the sides that help keep it in place during blending. The middle part of the lid can be removed, which allows you to add ingredients while the blender is in use. This feature is especially helpful for recipes that require a tamper to push down ingredients while blending. With the middle piece removed, you can easily use the tamper to scrape the sides of the jar without needing to stop the machine. While the Vitamix 5200 doesn’t have the same clear plastic lid as the A2300, its design is still very user-friendly and practical for everyday use.
Also check the comparison of 5200 with others like Vitamix 5200 vs Vitamix 7500 and Vitamix 5200 vs Vitamix 5300.
Motor Built Quality Comparison
The Vitamix A2300 stands out for its mix of solid plastic and metal in its construction. This combination gives the blender a robust feel and ensures it can handle frequent use without wearing down quickly. The plastic used is thick and durable, while the metal components provide extra strength, especially in the motor and critical parts. The attention to detail is impressive, from the sturdy jar and lid to the thick power cable, which is designed to handle the high power demands of the blender. It’s built with stability in mind, so it feels secure on the countertop, even when blending tougher ingredients like ice or frozen fruits. There’s very little wobble, which gives you confidence while blending.
The Vitamix 5200 also boasts excellent build quality, with a strong and reliable design. Like the A2300, the power cable is thick and durable, making it easy to reach an outlet even if your kitchen setup requires flexibility. However, the 5200’s construction is slightly simpler, using mostly plastic but still retaining a heavy-duty feel. The motor is well-built and capable of blending through tough ingredients without overheating, a testament to its durable design. While the Vitamix 5200 feels solid, it doesn’t have the same weight or modern touches found in the A2300, like the blend of metal components.
Overall, both models excel in durability, but the Vitamix A2300 wins for its enhanced stability, modern design, and thoughtful details like the clear, solid lid and sturdy materials throughout.
Blades Shape and Speed Comparison
The Vitamix A2300 has four sharp blades integrated directly into the jar, designed to blend a wide variety of ingredients with ease. From soft fruits to hard ice, these blades work efficiently to deliver smooth and consistent results. The blades are non-removable, which makes them more durable and safer to use. While the blade assembly can be serviced if needed, the manufacturer advises against removing them, as this would void the warranty. On the plus side, cleaning is simple. The entire jar, with the blades attached, is dishwasher safe, making maintenance easy and hassle-free.
On the other hand, the Vitamix 5200 also features a set of four fixed blades that are sharp enough to handle tough ingredients. Like the A2300, the blades can’t be removed for cleaning or maintenance, and attempting to do so would void the warranty. However, if there’s ever an issue, the blades can be serviced through the nut assembly. A downside here is that the blades aren’t dishwasher-safe, so you’ll need to wash them by hand after use.
In terms of speed and power, the Vitamix 5200 offers more flexibility, with a wide range of speeds from 1,400 to 22,500 RPM. This allows you to fine-tune the blending process to achieve the perfect consistency for different recipes. Its 1,491-watt motor is strong enough to handle even the toughest ingredients. Unlike the A2300, which is more modern in design, the Vitamix 5200 doesn’t adjust its speed based on the type of jar, meaning you can use any compatible jar and still get reliable performance.
Overall, if ease of cleaning is important to you, the Vitamix A2300 has the edge due to its dishwasher-safe design. However, if you’re looking for more control over blending speed, the Vitamix 5200 offers greater versatility.
Performance Comparison
Making Soups
The Vitamix A2300 excels at making soups due to its ability to hot blend. You can toss in cooked ingredients straight from the stove without worrying about cooling them down. This feature is particularly useful when making soups with ingredients like potatoes, carrots, or tomatoes, which are best blended hot to maintain texture and flavor. The A2300 also handles fibrous ingredients, such as kale or broccoli, exceptionally well. Some blenders struggle with these tougher greens, leaving you with a chunky or grainy texture, but the A2300 processes them smoothly, producing velvety soups that are perfect for large batches.
On the other hand, the Vitamix 5200 is equally impressive for soup-making. It shares the hot-blending feature, which means you can also blend ingredients straight from the pot. Its 64-ounce jar is large enough to accommodate big batches, making it great for families or meal-prepping. Like the A2300, the 5200 tackles fibrous ingredients with ease, so you won’t end up with pieces of kale or broccoli floating around. Whether you’re blending a creamy tomato soup or a hearty vegetable broth, this model delivers a consistently smooth texture.
Both blenders received an outstanding score of 96 points in soup-making tests, proving their reliability in processing even the toughest ingredients. However, if you’re looking for a blender that offers a more modern design and technology, the Vitamix A2300 might be your pick. If you prefer a blender with a tried-and-true design that offers excellent control over large portions, the Vitamix 5200 stands out.
Making Nut Butter
The Vitamix A2300 stands out with its ability to create smooth and creamy nut butter. It received an 82 for preparation and a high 96 for texture. When making almond butter, starting at a low speed works well, but you might notice some ingredients getting stuck on the jar walls. This is common with many blenders, but using the tamper can help. The tamper pushes the ingredients toward the blades, ensuring everything blends evenly. Using a spatula to scrape down the sides is also helpful, especially for stubborn bits. Despite this small challenge, the A2300 makes the process smooth and easy. The final product is wonderfully creamy, with a spreadable consistency. Interestingly, the larger the amount of nuts you use, the less you’ll need to rely on the tamper.
On the other hand, the Vitamix 5200 makes nut butter preparation just as simple, with a score of 9.3 for preparation and an impressive 9.6 for texture. You can customize your nut butter easily with this model. If you prefer a chunkier texture, simply blend for a shorter time. For ultra-smooth butter, blend a bit longer. The versatility of the 5200 allows you to get the exact consistency you want, whether it’s chunky or creamy.
In both blenders, the key to perfect nut butter is to start blending at a low speed and gradually increase to max speed. This prevents ingredients from flying out and makes for a smoother process. Both models perform exceptionally well, but the A2300 might be more appealing if you’re looking for a slightly more modern blender with high-tech features. If you prefer a classic, reliable model with great control, the 5200 won’t disappoint.
Ice Crushing
The Vitamix A2300 scored an 86 for crushed ice preparation, and an impressive 100 for texture. This means it turns ice into a fine, snow-like consistency that’s perfect for cocktails, smoothies, or even chilling drinks. The process is slightly hands-on, as you need to manually control the pulse switch by pressing and releasing it. However, this method is straightforward. You just hold the switch for a few seconds, and the blender does the rest. The result is fluffy, perfectly crushed ice in no time. It’s quick, efficient, and satisfying, making the A2300 a fantastic choice for anyone who regularly needs crushed ice.
On the other hand, the Vitamix 5200 is also great at making crushed ice, though it isn’t as specialized in this area as other models like the Vitamix Explorian E310. It scores an 8.6 for preparation and 9.2 for texture. While it’s still very effective at crushing ice, you might need to work in batches if you’re crushing larger amounts. The narrower jar design of the 5200 means you can only add about six ice cubes at a time. It’s a bit more work compared to models with wider jars, but the end result is still fluffy, snow-like ice.
In short, the Vitamix A2300 is a bit more hands-on but offers perfect crushed ice every time, while the Vitamix 5200 delivers great results with a little more effort, especially if you need to work with larger quantities of ice.
Easy of Use Comparison
Starting with the A2300, it features a simple set of controls that make it user-friendly. It has an on/off switch for easy operation. The speed dial allows you to adjust blending speed smoothly, giving you control over the texture of your ingredients. A standout feature is the pulse/turbo mode, which lets you blend in short bursts. However, the A2300 lacks preset speeds or automatic blending programs.
The A2300 also includes a blending time indicator. This digital display works like a stopwatch, counting up the blending time. Unfortunately, it’s not a programmable timer, meaning it won’t automatically stop after a set duration. For more options, you can use the Vitamix Perfect Blend app, which offers various blending programs for making soups, nut butter, and more. When you select a program, the blender runs for a predetermined time and stops on its own.
Now, let’s look at the Vitamix 5200. This model also has a straightforward on/off switch, making it easy to use. Instead of preset speeds, it features a speed dial that lets you make precise adjustments. This is helpful when you want to achieve the exact texture you’re aiming for, whether it’s for a smoothie or a frozen treat. For maximum power, simply switch from Variable to High. This setting is effective for blending tougher ingredients quickly.
While the 5200 doesn’t have a dedicated pulse mode, you can mimic it by turning the blender on and off quickly. This method isn’t as convenient as a dedicated pulse feature, but it works in a pinch. One notable difference is that the blender lacks a digital display. This means you won’t see blending time or other information on a screen. Additionally, there’s no programmable timer, so you’ll need to monitor the blending process manually.
Cleaning Comparison
When it comes to cleaning, both the Vitamix A2300 and the Vitamix 5200 make the process easy, but they have some differences.
Starting with the A2300, it scores a solid 77 out of 100 for ease of cleaning. After using it, the simplest way to clean is to run the blender with warm water and a drop of dish soap. Just fill the jar about halfway with warm water, add the soap, and blend at low speed, gradually increasing to high. Let it run for about 30 seconds, and this will wash away most residues without much effort.
However, some areas require a bit more attention. The lid often collects residue, so a quick scrub with a brush or sponge is necessary to keep it clean. Additionally, the non-removable blades can trap some food, so using a brush to reach into the nooks around the blades is helpful.
Now, let’s look at the Vitamix 5200. This blender is also designed for easy cleaning. Although it isn’t dishwasher-safe, you don’t have to spend hours scrubbing away at stuck-on food. Cleaning is straightforward; just use hot water and soap to loosen any food residues.
For messier ingredients like smoothies or almond butter, you might need to use a brush to reach the tight spots, especially around the nut assembly of the blades. Even with these stickier foods, the cleanup is quick and efficient. The residue comes off easily, allowing you to get the blender clean in no time.
Noise Level Comparison
The Ascent A2300 operates at 94.9 decibels when running at maximum speed. This earns it a score of 69 out of 100 for noise. While it’s noticeable, it’s not the loudest blender out there. Comparatively, blenders like the Ninja TB301 and KitchenAid K150 are even louder. If you’re just blending something quick, the noise isn’t too bothersome. However, if you’re using it for an extended time, you might want to step away to avoid the irritation.
Now, let’s look at the Vitamix 5200. This blender takes the noise up a notch, reaching 96.6 decibels at max speed. That makes it one of the louder options available. Most blenders do make some noise when operating at high speeds, but if you’re sensitive to sound, this might not be the best choice for you. Using it during early mornings or late evenings could be an issue if you need to keep things quiet. There are quieter options out there, like the Ninja TB201 and Ninja BN801, which are known for their relatively low noise levels even at high speeds. If minimizing noise is a priority, these might be better alternatives.
Final Verdict
After comparing the Vitamix A2300 and Vitamix 5200, it’s clear that both blenders excel in their own ways. The A2300 shines with its modern features, such as the pulse/turbo mode and the ability to connect with the Vitamix Perfect Blend app. This makes it a great choice for those who enjoy precise control over their blending and want access to various recipes.
On the other hand, the Vitamix 5200 offers a more straightforward design with a reliable performance that has stood the test of time. Its speed dial allows for fine adjustments, making it versatile for different tasks, from smoothies to soups.
In terms of noise, both blenders can be loud, with the A2300 slightly quieter than the 5200. For ease of cleaning, both models require a bit of hand washing but are generally easy to maintain.
Ultimately, if you prefer a more advanced blender with additional features, the Vitamix A2300 is the way to go. However, if you’re looking for a classic, no-frills blender that delivers excellent results, the Vitamix 5200 is an excellent choice. Both will serve you well in the kitchen, depending on your preferences and needs.
