I am biased because I have an E310 countertop blender at home and totally love it, despite working with more expensive and fancier models for most of my career. The smaller container size (48 ounces) sits shorter on the motor base, which makes for easy storage, and doesn’t faze me when it comes to actual cooking—I rarely find that I need to work in batches. The pulse function and 10-degree speed dial offers all the precision you’ll need to make sauces, blended desserts, puréed soups, nondairy milk, big batches of emulsified dressings, peanut butter, and more. For the price, it’s the best value blender a home cook could own.
Vitamix One
Choose the Vitamix One if you: are loyal to the Vitamix brand, but want something comparatively inexpensive and are willing to compromise on power and size.
Key specs:
- Capacity: 32 fl. oz
- Blending speeds: 1
- Motor: 1.2 horsepower
- Weight: 6 lbs 4 oz
- Dimensions: 8 x 7 x 16″
- Colors: Black
- Warranty: 2 years
Interested in a Vitamix blender, but hesitating to pull the trigger because of the price tag? The newest model, the Vitamix One, might be for you. Released in 2020, the One is the cheapest of all the Vitamix models. Note: This lower price does come with some compromises. The blender is smaller and has a lower horsepower (1.2 compared to 2 horsepower in the Explorian Series). And we did find in our testing that this model didn’t deliver the same oomph as other Vitamix blenders when it came to certain tasks, like crushing ice. However, it is extremely easy to use: Simply turn one dial on the front. Overall it’s a great starter blender for cooks on a budget.
Vitamix Attachments and Accessories
Vitamix sells a variety of attachments and accessories to extend their blenders’ functionality and versatility. Extra containers in various sizes allow you to make personal-size smoothies or double batches of blended soups. Tamper holders make for compact storage. An aerating disc container makes whipping and emulsifying a cinch. A grains container can be used for grinding whole grains into flours. And a food-processor attachment makes your blender two appliances in one. Ahead, discover all top picks for Vitamix attachments.
Vitamix Aer Disc Container
Unlock your culinary creativity with the Aer Disc. This Vitamix add-on allows you to emulsify in minutes, whip up voluminous creams, muddle fruits without puréeing them, and create fantastically frothy foams. The patent-pending disc that pulls liquid ingredients through small holes in as it spins, making quick work of tasks that can be complex and/or time-consuming without this incredibly useful gadget. The Vitamix Aer Disc Container is compatible with these Vitamix series: Ascent, Legacy Series, Explorian, and the Venturist (the Venturist series was exclusively sold at Costco but is no longer stocked).
Vitamix 12-Cup Food Processor Attachment
Simplify food prep with this high-performance processor attachment that slices, dices, and chops on your behalf. Like the blender itself, the food processor attachment features stainless-steel blades and cutting discs. The attachment is compatible with the Ascent and Venturist Vitamix series.
Vitamix Blending Bowls
Sometimes you need to make small batches or single servings — and that’s where these blending bowls come in extremely handy. The Vitamix blender will automatically detect that you are using an 8-ounce bowl and adjust its blend settings accordingly. These bowls are perfect when you want to make a single-serving smooth bowl, some baby food, or smaller items like spreads, nut butters, dips, and dressings. The dishwasher-safe bowls are BPA-free and come with matching lids for easy storage. The two-piece set is compatible with the Vitamix Ascent series.
Vitamix Dry Grains Container
This attachment’s laser-cut blades efficiently grind fresh grains into flours, swiftly mix batters, and even knead dough. This Vitamix container is compatible with the Ascent series.
Vitamix Blending Cup
If you want to make single-serving smoothies (or margaritas for that matter) without pulling out the full-size blender jar, this blending cup is a must-have. The blender cup also comes with a spill-proof lid, so as soon as you’re done blending your smoothie, you can pop your lid on and head out the door. The blending cup is compatible with the Ascent series, but if you use this adapter that makes it compatible with the Legacy and Explorian series as well.
Vitamix Under Blade Scraper
Generally speaking, all Vitamix blenders are super easy to clean. All you have to do is add warm water and a drop of dish soap and then turn the machine on to its highest speed and it will self-clean (no disassembly required). That method of cleaning your blender will usually get the job done—but for times when something is stuck beneath a blade and it just won’t budge, you’ll be glad to have this under blade scraper on hand.
Should I buy a refurbished Vitamix?
In addition to the models mentioned above, Vitamix offers refurbished and reconditioned blenders. These are available on the Vitamix website and from some certified sellers like Amazon. These previously owned machines are returned to the company, tuned up, and resold at a discount. Usually the fixes involve things like repairing the motor or attaching a new container, so you can be sure you’re getting a blender that looks and performs just as well as a new one.