Vitamix A3500 Blender Review – Updated 24 November 2024

Hey everyone, I’m here to share my honest thoughts on the much-hyped Vitamix A3500 blender. Now I know a lot of you out there have probably heard all sorts of buzz about this high-powered machine. But is it worth the hefty price tag? That’s what I aimed to find out after putting this baby through its paces in my home kitchen.

In this A3500 Ascent Series Smart Blender review, I’m gonna take you through everything I learned from my testing. We’ll cover things like performance on different recipes, ease of use, cleaning capabilities, and of course whether or not those blends are actually worth it. By the end, I think you’ll have a good idea if this investment is right for your culinary needs.

A Short Overview  of Vitamix A3500 Blender

The Vitamix A3500 Blender is no doubt one of the top blenders out there. I was impressed by its powerful motor and all the fancy features packed into this machine.

Right off the bat, you can tell it’s built like a tank. The materials feel super sturdy and it looks like it could last for years of daily use. I also appreciated the large 64 Oz container – no more worrying about batch sizes!

Where this powerful blender shines is the touchscreen. Being able to swipe through different programs is so convenient. You’ve got options for smoothies, hot soups, and frozen desserts – it even adjusts the speed for you. Talk about making healthy meals a breeze.

And don’t even get me started on connecting it to the app. All kinds of extra presets right at your fingertips? 

Now it’s no secret this thing doesn’t come cheap. But after testing it out, I really do think it’s worth the investment. The power and versatility you get is on another level. A few years down the road, you’ll be so glad you didn’t skimp on quality.

From the information below, I’ll share all the information about this juicer machine that I experienced from it.

Available in Different Sizes & Variants

So I just found out the Vitamix A3500 blender comes in some nice color options. In this article, we’re going to test the classic Metal Graphite, which looks super sleek on the counter. But they also have it in Brushed Stainless Steel for a more modern vibe, or Copper if you want to make a bold statement.

What surprised me is all the different-sized containers you can use with it. In addition to the standard 64 oz pitcher it comes with, Vitamix sells smaller 48 oz ones as well as some specialty jars. I had no idea they had a dry grain container – genius for flour or oats! And the mini blending cups are perfect for single servings.

The base can detect what you have attached. So it’ll adjust the settings automatically based on size. What a time saver, right? Now I’m kinda tempted to grab some of the other jars just to experiment.

I should note that overseas, the Vitamix blender is called the A3500i and has an even larger 2-liter container. That thing must be a beast! Makes me wonder if the power is different at all with a bigger capacity. I’ll have to do some more research on that version.

Overall Size and Design

The Vitamix A3500 Blender is definitely on the larger side. Its height is 17.1 inches (43.4 cm), while its width measures 8.0 inches (20.4 cm), and its depth comes in at 11.3 inches (28.6 cm). With a weight of 14.9 lbs (6.8 kg), it’s quite hefty. Because of its size, it’s comparable to the Vitamix A2300 and A2500 models.

Since it’s not exactly light or compact, storing it might require a bit of planning. It’s best to either keep it on your kitchen counter where it’s easy to access or find a spacious cupboard for it. This isn’t the type of blender you’ll want to move around frequently due to its weight. The blender does not have a shaft length, as it’s not an immersion blender, meaning it’s designed for countertop use rather than handheld blending tasks.

Jar Capacity and Material 

The main jar of the Vitamix A3500 Blender has a large capacity, holding up to 64 ounces (or about 1.9 liters). This makes it perfect for blending large batches of smoothies, soups, or sauces in one go. Unfortunately, there isn’t an additional smaller jar included, so you’ll be working with just the main 64-ounce pitcher.

As for the material, the jar is made of BPA-free plastic, which means it’s safe for you to use without worrying about harmful chemicals. It’s a good choice if you’re looking for something durable but also lightweight. The plastic material is sturdy enough for everyday use and less prone to breaking compared to glass.

Another great feature is that both the jar and the lid are dishwasher safe. This makes cleaning up after blending super easy—just toss them in the dishwasher without having to worry about hand washing.

LID Design

The Vitamix a3500 ascent series smart blender comes with a two-part lid, which is both practical and convenient. The lid is clear, allowing you to easily see what’s happening inside the blender while it’s running. It has two clips, one on each side, that help create a secure seal. These clips ensure that the lid stays firmly in place while blending, so you don’t have to worry about spills or messes.

One of the standout features of this lid is that the middle part can be removed. This is helpful if you want to add ingredients while the blender is still running, without having to take off the entire lid. It also allows you to use a tamper to push down ingredients and make sure everything is blending smoothly. This feature is especially useful when working with thicker mixtures, like smoothies or doughs.

The center part of the lid has another clever function—it can double as a 30ml measuring cup. This is handy if you need to measure out a small amount of liquid or ingredients on the fly, saving you from grabbing an extra measuring tool. This little detail can really come in handy during busy cooking or blending sessions.

Motor Built Quality

The Vitamix Ascent A3500 is known for its outstanding motor build quality, making it a solid and reliable kitchen appliance. The base of the blender is made from high-quality, solid plastic, which adds durability while also keeping it relatively lightweight. Additionally, the sides of the base feature metal siding, giving the blender a more premium and sturdy feel. This combination of plastic and metal construction makes the blender both robust and stylish.

One of the key reasons why the Vitamix A3500 Ascent Series Smart Blender feels so sturdy is because its internal parts, like the transmission and gears, are made from metal. Metal gears are more durable compared to plastic ones, meaning the blender can handle tough blending tasks without wearing down easily. Whether you’re blending hard ingredients like ice or nuts, this blender is built to last.

Another detail that adds to its overall quality is the thick power cable. This may seem like a small feature, but a thicker cable ensures that the blender can handle the high power output without any issues. It adds a sense of reliability, knowing that the cord won’t fray or become damaged easily.

The blender also stands out for its premium display and speed dial. The display is clear and easy to read, while the speed dial offers a smooth, responsive feel when adjusting the blending settings. Both of these features contribute to the overall high-end look and feel of this machine, making it a pleasure to use.

Despite all these great features, I rated the Vitamix A3500 Brushed Stainless Blender 92 points out of 100. While it’s an exceptional machine, there’s always room for a little improvement. However, with its sturdy build, premium materials, and reliable performance, it’s still one of the top blenders available.

Blade Shape and Speed

The Vitamix A3500 blender is equipped with four sharp, thick blades that are designed to handle a variety of blending tasks with ease. These blades are strong and durable, allowing you to blend tough ingredients like ice, nuts, and frozen fruits without any problem. One thing to keep in mind is that the blades are not removable, which means you won’t be able to take them out for cleaning or replacement. Although it’s possible to service them through the nut assembly, doing so would void the warranty, so it’s not recommended unless absolutely necessary.

On the bright side, the blades are dishwasher safe, which makes cleanup much easier. You can just pop the entire pitcher, with the blades still attached, into the dishwasher, and let it do the work for you. This adds a level of convenience, especially if you use the blender frequently.

In terms of speed, this particular machine offers a wide range of options. The minimum speed starts at 1,400 RPM (rotations per minute), which is great for delicate tasks like mixing or stirring. If you need more power, the maximum speed reaches an impressive 22,800 RPM, allowing you to pulverize hard ingredients or create smooth blends. The blender’s powerful 1,640-watt motor supports these high speeds, ensuring consistent performance even with tough tasks.

Another great feature is that the Vitamix A3500 blender adjusts its speed based on the jar type you’re using. This means it can automatically optimize the blending process to suit the specific container, making it even more efficient. You also have the flexibility to adjust the speed manually, which allows you to start slow and gradually increase the power, or make fine adjustments for more precise control over your recipes.

Because of its versatile speed settings and powerful performance, I gave this powerful blender a high score of 96 points out of 100. It’s almost perfect, delivering exceptional quality and reliability for all your blending needs.

Performance 

Fibrous Ingredients Blending

The Vitamix blender A3500 blender excels when it comes to processing fibrous ingredients, and the main jar is perfect for handling these tasks. Whether you’re working with a small amount or a full jar, this blender delivers exceptional results.

For small batches of fibrous ingredients like kale, it’s fantastic. The texture of the blend comes out extremely smooth, making it ideal for green smoothies or soups. The process couldn’t be easier—you simply run the ‘Smoothie’ program once, and it does all the work for you. There’s no need to run multiple cycles or worry about chunks of unblended ingredients. I gave it a perfect score of 100 for both its ability to process fibrous ingredients and the smoothness of the texture it produces.

When you’re processing larger quantities, the results are just as impressive. Even at full capacity, the Vitamix a3500 gourmet smartprep kitchen system handles fibrous ingredients with ease. Using the same ‘Smoothie’ program, the blender creates a nearly flawless puree in a very short amount of time. You won’t find bits of unblended kale or spinach left behind. Again, it scores a perfect 100 for both its performance and the smooth texture it achieves.

Making Soups 

The Vitamix A3500 blender is fantastic when it comes to making soups, which is why it earned an impressive score of 96.5 points in our test. One of its standout features is its ability to completely liquefy ingredients, even fibrous ones like kale. This makes it perfect for creating smooth and creamy soups or sauces. You can easily puree vegetables to get that silky consistency you want for your recipes.

Another great thing about this high power blender is that it’s safe to use for hot blending. This means you can blend hot ingredients without worrying about damaging the blender. In fact, the blender has a special ‘Hot Soup’ mode designed specifically for this purpose. This mode makes it even easier to prepare soups, as it adjusts the speed and time to give you the perfect consistency.

The high-capacity jar is also a big plus, especially if you’re cooking for a family or making a large batch of soup. It holds a lot of ingredients, which is great when you’re preparing bigger meals or meal prepping for the week.

Nut Butter 

The Vitamix A3500 blender does a great job when it comes to making nut butter, although it does require a bit of manual effort. When preparing nut butter, you’ll need to use the tamper that comes with the blender to push the ingredients down towards the blades. This helps ensure that all the nuts are being evenly processed. Additionally, it’s important to stop blending occasionally and use a spatula to scrape the sides of the jar. This prevents any nuts from sticking to the sides and ensures everything gets blended smoothly.

While the process involves some extra steps, it’s not too difficult. Once you’ve done it a few times, you’ll find it pretty straightforward. The end result is worth it because the texture of the nut butter is superb. It’s incredibly smooth and creamy, with no large chunks or gritty bits left behind. The blender is capable of achieving a nearly perfect consistency, which is why it scores a 100 in terms of texture.

However, because of the need to use the tamper and scrape the sides, I rated the overall preparation process at 73. It’s still excellent, but a little more hands-on compared to blending other ingredients. Despite this, the final result is high-quality nut butter with a professional texture, making it well worth the effort.

Ice Crushing

The Vitamix A3500 blender is excellent when it comes to crushing ice, which is why it earned a high score of 97 in our test. This blender is incredibly well-built, and its powerful motor can crush ice into a snow-like texture in under a minute. Whether you’re making smoothies, frozen drinks, or cocktails, it handles ice effortlessly.

The quick performance means you can go from blending to enjoying your drink, like a margarita, in no time at all. You won’t have to wait long to get perfectly crushed ice, making it perfect for entertaining or just treating yourself to a refreshing drink. Overall, it’s fast, efficient, and delivers great results with ice-crushing tasks.

 How to Use Vitamix A3500 blender

With a touch-sensitive control panel, you’ll be able to navigate its features with ease, and the on/off switch is conveniently located on the right side of the body. The speed dial allows you to adjust the blending speed to your liking, and the pulse/turbo mode gives you an extra boost of power when you need it.

But what really sets the Vitamix powerful blender apart is its range of preset modes, which take the guesswork out of blending. With five preset modes to choose from, including ‘Smoothies’, ‘Hot Soups’, ‘Dips and Spreads’, ‘Frozen Desserts’, and ‘Self-Cleaning’, you’ll be able to tackle a wide range of blending tasks with confidence.

And, with a blending time indicator and programmable timer, you’ll be able to blend with precision and accuracy, ensuring that your blends are always perfect.

But that’s not all – the Vitamix A3500 Blender is also Bluetooth-compatible, which means you can access even more features through the Vitamix Perfect Blend companion app. With 17 additional modes, including ‘Spice Grind’ and ‘Baby Food’, you’ll be able to tackle a wide range of blending tasks, from grinding spices to making baby food.

The app is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, making it easy to navigate and find the features you need. It’s like having a personal blender assistant at your fingertips, guiding you through the blending process and helping you achieve the perfect blend every time.

Easy to Clean

The Vitamix A3500 blender is fairly easy to clean, which is why it received a score of 77 in our test. After you’ve finished blending, you can quickly rinse out a lot of food residue by simply filling the jar with soap and hot water. Then, run the blender at its maximum speed, and it will do most of the cleaning for you. This method works well for loosening up stuck-on food, and it’s a simple way to maintain the blender after each use.

However, there might still be some sticky residue left after this process, especially if you’ve blended thicker ingredients. In that case, you may need to give the jar and lid a quick wipe with a sponge to ensure they’re fully clean. While it’s generally easy to wash, certain spots can be a little tricky, like the area under the blades or around the lid. Food debris can sometimes get stuck in these spots, so you’ll need to pay extra attention when cleaning them.

Despite these small challenges, the overall cleaning process is straightforward. Most of the time, it won’t take much effort to keep the blender clean and ready for the next use.

Noise Level

The Vitamix A3500 blender produces a noise level of 93 dB when running at maximum speed. This makes it noticeably quieter than some other Vitamix models, like the Vitamix 5300. Many users appreciate this quieter operation, especially when blending during early mornings or late at night.

However, it’s important to note that there are full-size blenders on the market that are even quieter. For example, models like the Ninja BN751 Professional Plus DUO Blender and the Wolf Gourmet Pro-Performance Blender create less noise while they’re running. This is something to consider if noise is a significant factor for you when choosing a blender.

In our test, the Vitamix Ascent Series A3500 Blender received a score of 73 for noise. While it is quieter than some competitors, it still produces a noticeable sound when operating at its highest settings. Overall, if noise levels are a concern, it’s worth comparing it with other blenders to find the best fit for your needs.

Comparison With Other Blenders

A3500 Vitamix A3500 vs Vitamix A2300

The Vitamix A3500 blender is definitely the better choice if you want a blender that’s going to make your life easier and more convenient. First of all, it’s way quieter than the Vitamix A2300, which is a huge plus if you like to blend up a smoothie in the morning without waking up the whole household. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a peaceful kitchen environment?

But what really sets the machine apart is its ability to handle tough ingredients with ease. I mean, we’re talking about crushing ice and grinding nuts into creamy butter – it’s like a walk in the park for this blender. And the best part is, it’s super easy to use, even if you’re not a blending expert. The interface is intuitive, and the controls are a breeze to navigate.

Now, I know what you’re thinking – what about the automatic blending programs? Well, let me tell you, the A3500 has got you covered. With its range of pre-programmed settings, you can just select the type of blend you want and let the blender do the rest. It’s like having your own personal blender assistant! And the best part is, you don’t need to connect to some fancy app or anything – it’s all built right in.

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Vitamix A3500 vs Vitamix A2500

While both models are high-quality and powerful, the Vitamix A3500 blender takes the lead in several key areas that make it a more appealing choice for many users. For one, It is a master at crushing ice into a snow-like consistency, making it perfect for creating slushy drinks, frozen treats, and even frozen cocktails. Its ability to transform ice into a fine, powdery texture is unmatched.

Another area where the blender shines is in its ability to whip up silky-smooth purees with even the toughest, fibrous ingredients. Whether you’re working with leafy greens, stems, or other challenging ingredients, the A3500’s advanced motor and precision-crafted blades make quick work of even the most stubborn ingredients. And, what’s more, it’s especially impressive when working with small batches, making it a great choice for those who like to experiment with new recipes or make individual servings.

The A3500 also boasts a range of automatic blending programs that take the guesswork out of blending, ensuring you get the perfect consistency every time. Whether you’re making a smoothie, a soup, or a frozen treat, the A3500’s pre-programmed settings make it easy to get the results you want without having to constantly monitor the blending process. And, with its programmable timer, you can customize your blending sessions to fit your specific needs, whether you’re making a quick breakfast smoothie or a complex recipe that requires precise timing.

Another major advantage of the A3500 is its quieter operation, making it a great choice for those who value a peaceful kitchen environment. Whether you’re an early riser who likes to blend up a smoothie before the rest of the household wakes up, or you simply prefer a more serene kitchen atmosphere, the A3500’s reduced noise level is a welcome feature.

While the Vitamix A2500 is still a great blender, the A3500’s extra features and improved performance make it the better choice for those who want the best. With its advanced blending capabilities, automatic programs, and quieter operation, the A3500 is the perfect choice for anyone who wants to take their blending to the next level.

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Vitamix A3500 Blender vs Vitamix Explorian E310

The Vitamix A3500 stands out as a clear winner compared to the Vitamix Explorian E310. 

With its larger capacity, the A3500 is perfect for big families or those who like to meal prep in bulk, allowing you to blend up to 64 ounces of your favorite ingredients at once.Plus, its powerful blades and advanced motor technology make quick work of even the toughest ingredients, including ice, which is crushed with ease and precision. 

Another major advantage of the Vitamix A3500 blender is its much quieter operation, making it a great choice for early-morning smoothie enthusiasts or those who like to blend up a storm without disturbing the whole household.

In addition to its impressive performance, the A3500 also boasts a range of innovative features that set it apart from the competition. For example, it comes with pre-programmed blending modes that allow you to tackle specific tasks, such as hot soups or frozen treats, with the touch of a button. 

You’ll also appreciate the programmable timer, which lets you customize your blending sessions to fit your specific needs. 

On the other hand, the Vitamix Explorian E310 is a more compact and lightweight option that’s perfect for smaller kitchens or those who need a blender that’s easy to store and transport. Its 48-ounce main jar is also ideal for making nut butter, allowing you to whip up creamy and delicious batches with ease. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of the A3500, the Vitamix E310 is a great choice for those who want a reliable and easy-to-use blender that still packs a punch.

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Vitamix A3500 vs Vitamix 5200

The A3500 takes the lead with its advanced features that make blending a breeze. For starters, it boasts automatic blending programs that take the guesswork out of blending, ensuring you get the perfect consistency every time. 

Besides that, it’s equipped with a programmable timer, allowing you to customize your blending sessions to fit your specific needs. And, if you’re looking for even more control over your blending experience, the blender is compatible with a companion app that lets you fine-tune your blends and access a wealth of recipes and tips.

It can handle larger batches of crushed ice, making it perfect for frozen treats and slushy drinks. And, unlike the 5200, it runs quieter when in operation, making it a great choice for those who value a peaceful kitchen environment. Another bonus? The jar is dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a snap and saving you time and effort.

That being said, the Vitamix 5200 has its own advantages that may appeal to some users. Its simpler design may be more appealing to those who prefer a more straightforward blending experience, without the need for advanced features and programming. 

Plus, it’s a great choice for making recipes like nut butter or hummus, thanks to its ease of use and intuitive interface. So, it ultimately comes down to what you’re looking for in a blender – advanced features and precision control, or simplicity and ease of use? Either way, you can’t go wrong with a Vitamix blender, known for its quality and performance.”

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Vitamix A3500 vs Vitamix 7500

It’s clear that the A3500 is the winner when it comes to features. I mean, just take a look at its advanced control panel – it’s like a command center for your blending needs. 

With a timer and several preset modes at your fingertips, you’ll be able to blend your favorite recipes with ease. 

Let’s not forget about the convenience factor – the A3500 is equipped with a self-clean program and is dishwasher-safe, making maintenance a total breeze. 

Plus, as part of Vitamix’s Ascent series, the blender offers interchangeable jars with Self-Detect technology, which adjusts the blender’s settings based on the jar size. It’s like having a personal blender assistant!

And if that’s not enough, the A3500 is also Bluetooth-compatible, which means you can access even more preset modes through its companion app. It’s like having a whole new blender at your fingertips. But, of course, the Vitamix 7500 is still a powerhouse in its own right. It delivers an outstanding overall performance, making it a great choice for those who prioritize blending power above all else.

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Final Verdict

When I first saw that $599 price for the Vitamix A3500 blender, I nearly fell out of my chair! For a blender, that’s an arm and a leg if you ask me. But as always say, “Quality ain’t cheap, and cheap ain’t quality.” I was skeptical that a kitchen appliance could be worth that much money. But my curiosity got the better of me and I decided to put it through its paces.

I was impressed with the very first smoothie of this machine. This thing whipped up the creamiest, most luxurious drinks I’ve ever tasted. Don’t even get me started on the soups – so lush and silky without a grain of sand in sight. Even recipes that give other blenders headaches, like nut butters or thick dips, were no match for this model. It powered through with ease while keeping my ingredients icy cold.

I’ll admit, the price is still hard to swallow. But when you consider the performance, the solid American craftsmanship, and the lifetime warranty, it starts to seem like less of a gamble. This workhorse will be blending away long after cheaper models have kicked the bucket. If quality is your top priority in the kitchen, the A3500 is worth every penny.

Now I know some folks are still put off by that high price tag. And if a sleeker, more stylish design is important too, I’d recommend checking out the NuWave Infinity. It’s also a beast in the soup department and costs quite a bit less than the Vitamix. But if blending is your main focus and money isn’t too tight, the Vitamix A3500 blender is the gold standard as far as I’m concerned.