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Vitamix is one of the best blender brands on the market. They’re the undisputed champs in the blender game and for good reason. Their blenders are powerful, last forever, and come with an incredible warranty.
We’ve got an epic Vitamix E320 vs 5200 comparison for you. These are two of the most popular Vitamix blenders to pick from.
Here are the 3 main criteria we used to compare the two:
- Price
- Power
- Quality
You can scroll down to our buyers guide to see why these criteria matter and whether the Vitamix E320 or 5200 was the winner in each category.
Our Commitment
We know how frustrating it can be to research products online.
Our goal is that you never have to return a product that we recommend because it’s exactly what you wanted.
Our team has spent over 50 hours researching and comparing all of the most popular blenders. We’ve read through hundreds of customer testimonials and reviews and we’ve personally tested dozens of different kinds of blenders. We’ve written over 60 articles helping people find the best blender for their specific needs.
Who Are The Vitamix E320 And 5200 Best For?
Both the Vitamix E320 and the 5200 are made for people who want to make hot soups, smoothies, purees, spreads, batters, and much more. Both models are suitable for home cooking as well as for hosting purposes.
| E320 | 5200 | |
| Power | 2.2 HP | 2.2 HP |
| Capacity | 64 oz | 64 oz |
| Warranty | 7 years | 7 years |
| Price | $ | $$$ |
| Series | Explorian Series | Legacy |
Given their prices, they’re also for anyone who wants to splurge on a versatile kitchen appliance that will last them for a number of years.
The Vitamix E320 is perfect for…
- Coffee addicts – We’d especially recommend the E320 for coffee lovers who want to grind their own beans in a Vitamix, for those who like to move a lot, and for those who have limited kitchen space.
The Vitamix 5200 is perfect for…
- Bigger kitchens – Since it’s the bulkier of the two, it’s best if you have a big kitchen with tall cabinets or want to leave it out on the counter all the time.
Should You Buy A Vitamix E320 Or 5200?
Vitamix is a highly praised blender manufacturer, and all blenders that feature the company’s logo can produce exceptional results. The Vitamix E320 and the Vitamix 5200 are two of its most popular models – but which of the two is best?
Resolving the Vitamix E320 vs. 5200 debate should be easy, as it’s obviously the one that came out most recently, which is the Vitamix E320.
In many ways, the E320 improves on areas where the 5200 lacks and comes with a more compact design. Having been released a decade later, Vitamix definitely managed to make improvements on the blade size, storage limitations, and horsepower with the E320.
However, there are many features of the Vitamix 5200 that we really like, such as its small batches blending power, its color range, and its multiple speed settings.
In order to determine once and for all which model is better, this article will explain to you the pros and cons of each and highlight the main differences between the two.
Like anything, you should invest in the Vitamix model that best suits your needs. Both products are made by the same trusted brand, so whichever one you decide to purchase, you can rest assured that your new blender will be high-functioning, durable, and reliable. Read on as we unpack the pros and cons of both models.
Quick Review Of The Vitamix E320
The Vitamix E320 was first introduced in 2017 as part of the Explorian series. This blender, alongside the E310, is marketed as a budget-friendly alternative to some of Vitamix’s preceding models.
Despite being sold for a reduced price, the Vitamix E320 comes with high-end features such as a 2.2 horsepower motor, which is extremely powerful for an entry-level blender. Other beneficial features of this product include its 64 oz capacity classic container. Although not the biggest, this is pretty sizable relative to other compact blenders on the market. If you want an additional size Vitamix container, we break down the compatibilities between them all in this post.
Somewhat of a technological step back from Vitamix’s previous Ascent series, which featured touch screen controls, the Vitamix E320 features a simple button control panel. This 3-button setup arguably makes the E320 simpler to use than some of its more advanced predecessors and definitely easier to master the perfect blend.
A highlight of these physical buttons is the pulse feature, which can be easily pressed as little or as much as is required. There are 10 different speeds available, which can be changed depending on the type of food you are blending. Changing the speed can also speed up the rate at which the food is prepared, with the top speed producing a perfect blend in minutes.
The main drawbacks of the Vitamix E320 are that there is no automatic option and that it can be quite noisy at times.
| Vitamix E320 | |
| Power | 2.2 HP |
| Price | $ |
| Capacity | 64 oz |
| Blades | Stainless steel |
Pros:
- 2.2 HP – This is a much more powerful motor than some of the other blenders in the Vitamix range and ensures efficiency.
- Easy to clean – All you’re required to do is fill it with warm, soapy water (dish soap will do) to the halfway point and put the lid back on. Next, turn the machine up to its highest setting, and let it run for around 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Easy storage – This compact model can easily be kept in the cupboard beside other kitchen appliances.
- Pulse feature – The pulse feature makes blending chunky food a breeze. It also allows you to experiment with different textures.
- More affordable – This Vitamix blender is meant to perform just as well as the company’s other products, except for a fraction of the price.
- Durable blender – Although cheaper than some models, the E320 is made using the same materials and is just as durable.
- Long blades – The stainless steel blades found inside the Vitamix E320 are 4 inches in length, allowing them to make broader contact with the food. This blade length also creates hot friction, which is great when making hot soups.
Cons:
- Lack of variety – The Vitamix E320 is only available in two colors.
- Can be noisy – The E320 doesn’t have the most effective noise dampening technology. This means that, depending on what you’re blending, the E320 can get as loud as 100 decibels.
- There’s no automatic blending option – You’ve got to control the blender manually at all times. There is no option to leave it on an automatic blend setting.
Check out our deep give guide: Vitamix E320 Review
Quick Review Of The Vitamix 5200
The Vitamix 5200 was initially released in 2007 as part of the company’s C-series blenders. At the time, the 5200 was released as a more advanced version of Vitamix’s 5000 model, which was both dated and bulky.
Despite being 15 years old now, the Vitamix 5200 still stands as a popular blender option for those looking for a user-friendly model with big blades and a powerful motor. This blender features a 2.0 horsepower motor, which is strong enough to break down such ingredients as dry grains and nuts. It can be used as a coffee grinder as well as an ice crusher! In fact, we’ve rated the Vitamix 5200 as the best overall blender for crushing ice.
Plus, the product’s effective cooling fan prevents the machine from overheating when blending tough ingredients. Other smart features include its 64 oz pitcher, allowing you to blend large portions.
Although it doesn’t feature a pulse setting, the Vitamix 5200 does feature a handy dial that makes switching between the 10 variable speed settings seamless. Another drawback of the 5200 is its height – with dimensions of 8.8 x 7.2 x 20.5 inches, the 5200 is still a bulky machine and, therefore, inconvenient when it comes to storage purposes. The 5200 is also one of the best blenders for hummus.
| Vitamix 5200 | |
| Power | 1380 watts |
| Price | $$$ |
| Capacity | 64 oz |
Pros:
- Self-cleaning feature – Like most Vitamix blenders, the Vitamix 5200 has a self-cleaning function. All you have to do is fill the blender with warm water (not hot water) and dish soap and set the powerful motor to its highest setting.
- Stainless steel blades – The Vitamix 5200 comes with steel blades that ensure that food can be blended sharply and with precision. No matter what you’re blending, whether it be nuts or dry grains, this Vitamix blender can blend it within minutes.
- Safe – The blender comes with safety fans and sensors which ensure that it doesn’t overheat. There’s also an overload sensor, which will automatically shut down the machine if it senses it has been blending for too long.
- A versatile product – Not only can the Vitamix 5200 be used to blend smoothies and grind coffee beans, but it can also be used to make hot soup, making it one of the most versatile blenders on the market! The blender’s sizable pitcher also makes it good at blending both big and small batches.
- Easy to use – You can easily adjust speed and blending power by turning the dial. Unlike some of the later Vitamix blenders, the 5200 doesn’t feature a touch screen, which makes it easier to use.
Cons:
- Expensive – Despite its age, the Vitamix 5200 is still more expensive than the E320.
- Bulky – Storing the Vitamix 5200 isn’t easy as storing the likes of the E320, being too tall to fit into low-hanging kitchen counters.
- Loud – As seems to be the norm with Vitamix blenders, the 5200 is pretty loud.
- No pulse feature – The Vitamix 5200 doesn’t feature a pulse, which gives you less control over how the machine blends. However, the rate and speed at which it blends can be altered by turning the dial, which makes up for a lack of pulse.
Check out our deep give guide: Vitamix 5200 Review
Vitamix E320 Vs. 5200: Key Differences
From the above short reviews, it is easy to see that the more contemporary Vitamix E320 has a lot of advantages over the older Vitamix 5200. In order to settle the Vitamix E320 vs. 5200 debate, let’s make a brief comparison review of the two blenders and highlight the key differences of each:
Power
The Vitamix E320 is the most powerful blender of the two, featuring 2.2 HP, which is 0.2 more HP than that of the Vitamix 5200. Higher speeds can therefore be reached with the newer model, meaning that meals can be prepared quickly. This power is made more efficient due to the wider pitcher and longer blades. Ever wonder how many watts you need for a good blender? The E320 and 5200 are both just right!
This power makes it one of the best blenders for smoothie bowls!
We’ve done a full guide on Vitamix wattage where you can see how these compare to every Vitamix for sale today!
Features
Both blender types models can be used for such features as:
- Blending
- Heating
- Grinding
- Chopping
- Emulsifying
Neither models feature presets, so it cannot be argued that one model boasts more features than the other in the Vitamix E320 vs. 5200 debate. For puree and frozen desserts presets, check out the 780 and 750 models.
Performance
The Vitamix 5200 performs better when blending smaller portions than the E320. Given its narrow build, the 5200 requires less liquid in order to blend, meaning that it can chop up small batches easily. The Vitamix E320, on the other hand, blends bigger batches better thanks to its wider base. Both Vitamix blenders can be used as a food processor.
Both the Vitamix E320 and the Vitamix 5200 are noisy blenders. The E320 produces around 98 dB when set to maximum speed, whereas the Vitamix 5200 can be as loud as 100 dB. This means that the Vitamix E320 is quieter when it comes to performance, however, this depends on what you’re blending.
Both of these blenders perform well enough to make my list of the best blenders for frozen smoothies!
Design & Size
In many ways, the design/interface of both blenders are similar, rendering it difficult to consider this point in the Vitamix E320 vs 5200 debate. For one, both blenders have the same motor base. This means that both blenders have a sturdy lower half, and both feature the same manual switches – this includes the on/off switch and the variable speed control dial.
However, the dial on the 5200 is a lot smaller than that of the E320 model and made using durable soft rubber. On the other hand, the E320 has the addition of the pulse button on its interface.
Although both of these blenders feature 64 oz containers, they are vastly different from one another. The E320 features a low-profile container, being 4 inches shorter and also wider than the 5200. The 5200, on the other hand, is taller, narrower, and more awkward to store.
The Vitamix 5200 offers more color options, being available in red, black, and white. The E320, on the other hand, is only available in black and red. If investing in appliances that match the aesthetic of your kitchen cabinets is important to you, then the Vitamix 5200 may be the better option.
In terms of size, the E320 is the more compact blender of the two, with dimensions of 11″ x 8″ x 18″ and a total weight of 167oz. This is much smaller than the 5200, which has dimensions of 8.8″ x 7.2″ x 20.5″ and a weight of 168oz. Although the weight increase is only slight, the fact that the 5200 is much taller than the E320 makes it less portable and more difficult to store.
This would make the Vitamix E320 the better option if you move around a lot or have limited space in your kitchen cabinets.
Read more: How long do smoothies last in the fridge?
Build Quality
Both the Vitamix E320 and the 5200 are made from BPA-free Tritan, which is an impact-resistant copolyester.
Both blenders feature laser-cut blades made from stainless steel. However, the blade found on the E320 model is an inch longer than that of the 5200. The longer blades ensure greater efficiency, as more food can be blended during each spin. This blade length also creates more friction, allowing the E320 to create steaming-hot soup within 10 minutes.
The Vitamix E320 comes with a low-profile tamper, whereas the Vitamix 5200 comes with a classic tamper. These are both appropriate, considering the design features of each blender. A low-profile tamper works best at reaching the blades in short, 64 oz containers.
Read more: Where are Vitamix blenders made?
Warranty
When bought brand new, a 7-year warranty is offered on both the Vitamix 5200 and the E320. This warranty covers both the parts of each blender and the labor costs. These lengthy warranties reflect the confidence that Vitamix has in both blenders and prove that both blenders are a good investment.
FAQs
Vitamix is a very reliable brand and has been producing quality blenders since 1921. Not only has it been making blenders for consumers, but also restaurants and other hospitality purposes. Based on consumer reports, a Vitamix blender is unlikely to break down within the first 4 years of ownership, with a breakdown rate of just 6% within that time frame.
Yes, you can still buy the Vitamix 5200 on Amazon. However, the company recently replaced this model with the G-series – professional-grade, powerful blenders.
The Vitamix 5200 is a 1380-watt blender, whereas the Vitamix E320 has a wattage of 1440, making the E320 the slightly more powerful of the two.
You could find a Vitamix blender on sale at any time of year, however, the best time to look would be during the Cyber Weekend Sale. Check the Vitamix website on the last Monday of November in order to secure your discounted Vitamix E320 or 5200.
Although some parts of the Vitamix E320 are dishwasher safe, we’d recommend sticking to self-cleaning your Vitamix blender. The hot water in the dishwasher could damage and dull the blades.
If you can’t decide between Vitamix E320 vs. 5200, there are a number of alternative blenders from the Vitamix series that boast similar features to each model. This includes the Vitamix 7500 and Vitamix A3500.
The answer is yes. The Explorian Vitamix E320 has a 2.2 horsepower which can turn your recipes into soup within 6 minutes. You can start with cold water or broth to mix the ingredients using the blender until maximum results are reached.
Just like the other Vitamix blenders, Vitamix 5200 has the capability to heat soup. All you need to do is blend at high speeds to turn the raw ingredients into hot soup.
Final Verdict
When it comes to Vitamix E320 vs. 5200, both are high-functioning, practical, and durable blenders. Both models feature a BPA-free Tritan Vitamix container, both feature an easy-to-use motor base, and both can be used to create a range of different meals.
Our winner: Vitamix E320. I believe this is the better model of the two, being the cheaper blender, featuring larger blades, and generally having a higher blending performance. It is also the easiest to store of the two machines, being shorter and wider, and boasts a pulse function.
Be sure to check out our list of the best places to buy a Vitamix before you go shopping!
However, all Vitamix blenders work to make your job in the kitchen easier, and no model from the company is necessarily worse than the other. Pick your Vitamix machine based on your needs, kitchen space, and budget.
Read more: Best blenders for Indian food
