Vitamix Explorian E310 Vs Vitamix Explorian E520
When choosing between the Vitamix Explorian E310 and the Vitamix Explorian E520, it’s important to know how these two blenders stack up against each other. Both models come from the same brand and offer high performance, but they have distinct features and differences that could influence your decision.
That’s why understanding their noise levels, cleaning requirements, and overall functionality will help you determine which blender best fits your needs. In this comparison, we’ll break down the key aspects of each model to help you make an informed choice and find the blender that suits your lifestyle best.
Overall Size & Weight Comparison
The Vitamix E310 stands at an impressive 17.3 inches (44.0 cm) tall, which is quite a presence in any kitchen. It's also 7.7 inches (19.5 cm) wide and 9.4 inches (24.0 cm) deep, making it a bit of a space hog. And with a weight of 10.2 pounds (4.6 kg), it's not exactly lightweight either. If you have a compact kitchen, you might need to dedicate some valuable counter space to this blender. However, you can remove the jar to make it easier to store, which is a nice bonus.
The Vitamix E520, on the other hand, is even taller at 17.7 inches (45.0 cm), making it one of the tallest blenders on the market. It's also slightly wider at 7.9 inches (20.0 cm) and a tad shorter in depth at 9.1 inches (23.0 cm). Weighing in at 10.7 pounds (4.8 kg), it's a full-size blender that demands some serious real estate in your kitchen. If you don't have a spacious cupboard, you'll likely need to store it on your counter, but again, you can remove the jar to make storage a bit more manageable.
Both blenders are quite large and require some thought when it comes to storage. However, their removable jars make them a bit more flexible in terms of storage options. If you're short on space, you might want to consider a smaller blender, but if you're willing to dedicate some counter space, these Vitamix models are definitely worth the investment.
Jar Material & Capacity Comparison
The Vitamix E310's main jar has a capacity of 48 ounces (1,420 ml), which is on the smaller side for a full-size blender. This might be a consideration for those who need to blend large quantities of ingredients or make big batches of their favorite smoothies. However, the jar and lid are made of durable plastic and are both dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze.
On the other hand, the Vitamix E520's main jar has a much more generous capacity of 64 ounces (1,893 ml), which is similar to other Vitamix blenders like the 7500. This means you can blend larger quantities of ingredients with ease, making it a great option for those who need to make big batches or want to prepare meals in advance. The pitcher and lid are also made of plastic and are dishwasher-safe, which is a convenient feature.
One thing to note is that the E520 comes with a pair of 22-ounce tumblers with straws, but these are not designed for blending and are only meant for serving. Unfortunately, Vitamix doesn't specify if the tumblers and straws can be washed in the dishwasher, so you may need to wash them by hand.
It's also worth noting that the E520 is not compatible with Vitamix's line of 'Self-Detect' containers, which are a feature of their 'Ascent' series blenders like the Vitamix A3500. If you're looking for a blender with a personal blending jar included, you might want to consider the Vitamix Venturist V1200 instead.
We also compared e310 with Ninja BN701.
LID Design & Material Comparison
The Vitamix E310's lid is designed with two tabs that clip onto the jar, ensuring a secure fit and preventing any accidental spills. The middle part of the lid is removable, which is a great feature because it gives you a fairly large opening to use the tamper that comes with the blender or add ingredients mid-blend. This is especially useful when you need to scrape down the sides of the jar or add a little more of an ingredient to get the perfect blend. And, as an added bonus, the lid is dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze.
In comparison, the Vitamix E520 comes with a rubberized two-part lid that's designed for convenience and ease of use. You can remove the clear plastic centerpiece of the lid to add ingredients mid-blend, and it even doubles as a small measuring cup. According to the manual, the lid is supposed to have measuring marks, but unfortunately, our model didn't have any. Despite this, the lid is still a great feature that makes it easy to add ingredients or use the tamper to scrape down the sides of the jar.
It's worth noting that some other Vitamix models, like the Vitamix Venturist V1200, have similar lids that are made of clear plastic, allowing you to see down into the blender while it's running. This can be a handy feature, especially if you like to monitor the blending process closely.
In addition to the main lid, the Vitamix E520 also comes with two tumblers that have a two-part lid of their own. This design allows you to secure your drink on the go, making it perfect for sipping on your favorite smoothie or coffee drink while you're out and about. The tumblers are a great addition to the blender, and the lid design makes them easy to use and transport.
Motor Built Quality Comparison
The Vitamix E310 is a masterclass in premium construction. Its metal and plastic body exudes a sense of sturdiness and sophistication, making it look and feel like a high-end appliance. The attention to detail is impressive, with no noticeable flaws or weaknesses in the build. It's clear that Vitamix has put a lot of thought into crafting a blender that's not only powerful but also built to last.
Similarly, the Vitamix E520 is a testament to the brand's commitment to quality. Its robust construction is on par with other Vitamix models, such as the Explorian E310 and Vitamix 5200. The majority of the blender is made from high-quality plastic, which provides a solid foundation for the metal and plastic transmission gear on both the motor base and jar. This blend of materials ensures a smooth and efficient blending experience.
One of the standout features of the E520 is its thoughtful design. For instance, the blender has four feet that elevate it off the counter, providing stability and preventing it from moving around during use. This is a clever touch that shows Vitamix has considered the user experience. Additionally, the blender comes with a convenient storage system for the power cord, which wraps up neatly and stays tangle-free.
Another nice touch is the dedicated on/off switch located on the bottom left side of the blender. This switch glows blue when the blender is in use, providing a clear visual indicator. It's a small but thoughtful detail that adds to the overall premium feel of the blender.
The E520 also comes with two durable tumblers, complete with lids that screw on securely. These tumblers are designed with convenience in mind, featuring a clever mechanism that closes the straw hole when not in use. This means you can enjoy your blended drinks without worrying about spills or accidents.
Blade Assembly and Speed Comparison
Both the E310 and E520 come with four sharp blades fixed in the main jar. Unlike some other blenders, these blades are not intended to be removed. If you try to remove the blades then it’ll void your warranty. Despite this, both models feature dishwasher-safe jars, making cleaning a bit easier. You can just place the jar in the dishwasher without needing to disassemble anything.
When it comes to performance, there are a few differences between the two models. The Vitamix Explorian E310 operates with a minimum speed of 1,400 RPM and can reach up to 22,600 RPM. It has a power rating of 1,471 watts. This model provides consistent speeds regardless of the jar type, allowing for straightforward operation.
In contrast, the Vitamix Explorian E520 has a slightly higher minimum speed of 1,460 RPM and a maximum speed of 21,200 RPM. It is powered by 1,400 watts. Like the E310, it does not adjust speed based on the jar type, which simplifies the blending process.
Both blenders are designed with a versatile speed dial. This feature allows you to easily adjust the speed from low to high. Whether you’re blending delicate ingredients at a low speed or tackling tougher items like ice at a higher speed, you have complete control. This range of speeds is useful for achieving the perfect texture in your recipes.
Performance Comparison
Soup Making Test
The Vitamix Explorian E310 earns a strong soup-making score of 90. This blender is well-regarded for its ability to handle hot blending, which is essential for creating soups directly from cooked ingredients. It produces an exceptionally smooth blend, even when working with fibrous ingredients like celery or carrots.
The large jar is a significant advantage, allowing you to prepare a substantial batch of soup in one go. Cleanup is straightforward—whether you wash it by hand or place it in the dishwasher, both the jar and its lid are easy to maintain.
On the other hand, the Vitamix E520 scores even higher, with a remarkable 95.6 for soup making. This model is superbly built for blending hot ingredients and is equipped with a generous 64-ounce main jar. It handles fibrous ingredients, such as kale, effortlessly, ensuring a silky texture in your soups. The E520 also shines in terms of convenience. Not only is the jar easy to clean by hand, but you can also put the lid and tamper in the dishwasher, adding to its ease of use.
Nut Butter Making Test
When it comes to making nut butter, both the Vitamix Explorian E310 and the Vitamix E520 excel, each earning a notable score of 96.5. These blenders are well-suited for turning nuts into a smooth, spreadable butter with minimal effort.
The Vitamix Explorian E310 is fantastic for this task. It blends nuts into a remarkably smooth butter that’s perfect for spreading on toast. The process is straightforward and efficient. You’ll need to use the tamper to help push the ingredients down towards the blades, but aside from that, it’s a quick and easy task. You won’t have to spend a lot of time or effort to achieve a great result.
Similarly, the Vitamix E520 also shines when making nut butter. It performs equally well with a score of 96.5. To make the best nut butter, you should start at a low speed and gradually increase to high speed. Like the E310, the E520 benefits from using the tamper to guide the nuts towards the blades.
Additionally, you might need to stop occasionally to use a spatula to scrape down any ingredients that get stuck on the sides of the jar. Even with this extra step, the process remains relatively quick and straightforward, resulting in excellent nut butter.
Fibrous Ingredients Blending Test
When it comes to blending small batches of fibrous ingredients, the Vitamix Explorian E310 stands out as a champion. It effortlessly breaks down tough ingredients like kale into a silky, grain-free puree in under a minute, with no need to use the tamper. This makes it a breeze to whip up a healthy smoothie or puree a batch of kale chips. We were so impressed with its performance that we gave it a perfect score of 100 in this task.
In comparison, the Vitamix Explorian E520 also excels at blending small batches of fibrous ingredients, but it falls slightly short of the E310's perfection. It still produces a silky smooth puree with ingredients like kale, but you may need to pause the blending process and scrape down the sides of the jar with a spatula to ensure everything gets fully incorporated. Despite this minor drawback, the E520 still earns a respectable score of 98 in this task.
When it comes to processing fibrous ingredients at full capacity, both blenders shine. The E310 earns a near-perfect score of 99.9, producing a perfectly smooth puree with ingredients like kale when using the full 48-ounce capacity of the jar. The process is incredibly easy, with no need to use the tamper, and the results are consistently impressive. The E520, on the other hand, earns a perfect score of 100 in this task, making it a top choice for large batches of broccoli soup or kale smoothies for a crowd. The blending process is extremely easy, with the blender able to run for a few minutes without needing any intervention.
It's worth noting that while both blenders excel at blending fibrous ingredients, some other models, like the KitchenAid K400 or the Blendtec Classic 575, may achieve equally smooth textures in less time. However, the Vitamix Explorian E310 and E520 remain top contenders in this category, offering exceptional performance and ease of use.
Easy to Use Comparison
The Vitamix Explorian E310 has a straightforward and intuitive control panel. The centerpiece is a speed dial that allows you to adjust the speed to your liking. What's great about this dial is that it rotates smoothly, without any set increments, which means you can make small adjustments to the speed to get the perfect blend. Alongside the speed dial, you'll find a switch for pulse mode and an on/off switch. This simplicity is part of the E310's charm, but it's worth noting that it doesn't have any pre-programmed blending programs, unlike some other Vitamix models.
On the other hand, the Vitamix Explorian E520 has a more feature-rich control panel. Like the E310, it has a speed dial that allows for small adjustments to the speed. But where it really shines is in its automatic blending programs. You can choose from three pre-programmed settings: 'Smoothie', 'Hot Soup', and 'Frozen Dessert'. These programs take the guesswork out of blending and ensure that you get the perfect results every time.
In addition to the blending programs, you'll find a switch for pulse mode to the left of the dial and a start/stop switch to the right. To start the blender, you'll need to flip the ON/OFF switch located on the bottom left side of the motor base. This switch is a great safety feature, as it prevents the blender from being accidentally turned on. When the blender is on, the switch lights up in blue, giving you a clear visual indication that it's ready to go.
One of the key differences between the two blenders is the level of automation and convenience. The E520's blending programs make it a great choice for those who want a hassle-free blending experience. On the other hand, the E310's simplicity and manual control may appeal to those who prefer a more hands-on approach.
Easy to Clean Comparsion
The Vitamix Explorian E310 is a breeze to clean, earning it a score of 78. For most liquid ingredients, a quick blend with water and a few drops of soap in the jar is all you need to remove any residue. This is a huge plus, especially if you're blending up smoothies or soups on a daily basis. However, things can get a bit trickier when it comes to cleaning under the blades. If you've been working with sticky ingredients like nut butter or peanut butter, you may need to break out some specialized cleaning tools to get the job done. This can be a bit of a pain, but it's worth it for the blender's overall performance.
The Vitamix Explorian E520 is another story altogether. We gave it a score of 78 for cleaning ease, and it's easy to see why. For starters, you can simply run the blender at top speed for a minute or so to remove most of the residue. This is a huge time-saver, and it makes cleaning a whole lot easier. Of course, you'll still need to wipe down the jar, blades, and lid with a sponge to get the blender fully clean. But when it comes to cleaning the blades, you'll want to use a brush with a handle to get into all the nooks and crannies. This is a bit more effort than some other blenders, but the payoff is worth it.
One of the key differences between the two blenders is the design of the blades and jar. The E310's blades are a bit more recessed, which can make it harder to clean underneath them. The E520's blades, on the other hand, are more exposed, making it easier to clean them with a brush. However, both blenders require some elbow grease to get fully clean, so it's worth considering your cleaning habits and preferences when choosing between the two.
Noise Level Comparison
Noise level is an important consideration when choosing a blender, especially if you prefer a quieter kitchen environment. We tested the Vitamix Explorian E310 and E520 to see how they compare in terms of noise.
The Vitamix Explorian E310 is quite loud. It measures 98 decibels, which gives it a score of 59. For context, this is louder than a lawnmower or a vacuum cleaner. In fact, it’s noisier than some other Vitamix models, like the A2500, and also louder than blenders like the KitchenAid K150. If you use the E310, be prepared for a noisy experience. Trying to have a conversation while it’s running will be challenging. If you need a blender that won’t disturb the peace, especially during early mornings or in a quiet kitchen, the E310 might not be ideal.
The Vitamix Explorian E520 is even louder than its competitor since it makes 100.9 dba. It’s one of the noisiest blenders from Vitamix, reaching levels that might require ear protection. The noise can be bothersome even if you’re just passing by the kitchen.
If you’re looking for a quieter full-size blender, you might want to consider alternatives like the Ninja BN751 Professional Plus DUO Blender or the Ninja BL610 Professional Blender. These options are designed to be much quieter and more user-friendly.
One factor contributing to the noise difference is the design of the motor and blades. The E310’s more powerful motor contributes to its higher noise level. The E520’s high-speed blades also add to its loud operation. Both blenders, however, are noisy enough to be a concern if a quiet kitchen is important to you.
Price Comparison
The Vitamix Explorian E310 is typically priced between $380, making it a more premium option. However, this price tag comes with a range of benefits. For starters, it comes with a 48-ounce container, which is perfect for blending both small and large batches. Whether you're making a smoothie for one or a batch of soup for the family, this blender has got you covered.
Plus, its exceptional performance when it comes to handling fibrous ingredients means you can blend kale, spinach, and other tough veggies with ease. And, as an added bonus, you don't need to use a tamper, which makes the blending process even more convenient.
On the other hand, the Vitamix Explorian E520 is usually priced between $260, making it a more affordable option. However, this lower price point doesn't mean you're sacrificing performance. In fact, the E520 features a larger 64-ounce container, which is ideal for blending larger quantities. Whether you're making a big batch of smoothies for a party or blending a massive pot of soup, this blender has the capacity to handle it.
Plus, it's also excellent at processing fibrous ingredients, making it a great choice for health enthusiasts and veggie lovers. One thing to note, however, is that the E520's larger container can sometimes lead to food splashing against the sides of the jar, which may require you to pause the blending process and scrape down the sides with a spatula. This can be a minor inconvenience, but it's worth considering if you're looking for a completely hassle-free blending experience.
If you're looking for a premium blender that can handle small and large batches with ease, and don't mind paying a bit more, the E310 may be the better choice. But if you're on a tighter budget and need a blender that can handle large quantities, the E520 is a great option that won't break the bank.
Final Verdict
You may find that either the Vitamix Explorian E310 or the Vitamix Explorian E520 fits your needs, depending on what you're looking for. The most notable difference between the two is their jar size: the E520 comes with a 64-ounce jar, while the E310 has a 48-ounce jar. The larger capacity of the E520 makes it more suitable for processing larger batches of fibrous ingredients and for ice-crushing.
Additionally, the E520 includes automatic blending programs and comes with tumblers and straws, which are handy for serving smoothies but not for blending.
One significant advantage of the E520 is its lower price, which is over $100 less than the E310. However, the E310 might be slightly better for making single-serve smoothies due to its smaller size. Ultimately, if you need a blender with more features and a larger capacity, the E520 is a great choice. If you prefer a more compact option for individual servings, the E310 could be more suitable.
