Vitamix A3500 vs 5300 Review & Comparison: Entry-Level or Advanced Blender – Which Features Do You Need The Most In A Vitamix Blender?

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The one thing we all love about high-powered blenders is their ability to crush ice or make frozen desserts in seconds. And the Vitamix A3500 vs 5300 are two of the most popular and powerful blenders with that very aim in mind.

But the Vitamix A3500 is better for the quiet motor performance, more advanced features to control texture quality, and a longer warranty. The power of this blender is fantastic. It makes intricate recipes easier to make with its 4 blending modes, 1 self-cleaning mode, and Bluetooth-enabled app.

The Vitamix 5300 is also very useful but it’s a basic kitchen blender. It has 10 variable speeds and a pulse function. Sometimes, this is all a cook needs at home. And the low cost of the 5300 and accurate speed controls prove the simplicity of the 5300. The A3500, on the other hand, is more intuitive and advanced.

Vitamix A3500 vs 5300: Comparision Chart

Image
The Winner(#1)
Vitamix A3500 Ascent Series Smart Blender, Professional-Grade, 64 oz. Low-Profile Container, Graphite
The Runner-Up(#2)
Vitamix 5300 Blender, Red (Renewed Premium)
Model
Vitamix A3500
Vitamix 5300
Dimensions (LxWxH)
11 x 8 x 17 Inches
7.2 x 8.7 x 17.2 Inches
Color
Graphite
Black
Weight / Power / Voltage
14.9 Pounds / 120V
12 Pounds / 120V
Container Size
64-ounce
64-ounce
Dishwasher-Safe
Blade Size (in diameter)
Not Mentioned
4-inch
Self-Detect Technology for Container
Speed
10 Variable Speeds
10 Variable Speeds
Blending Pre-sets
5 Program Settings
No
Buttons
Touchscreen
Pulse Button
Bluetooth Connection
Digital Timer
Maximum Noise Level
84 dB (Low)
97.2 dB (Mid)
Motor
2.2 HP
2.2 HP
Cord Length
4 Feet
6 Feet
What I Like
Price
$599.95
Price not available
The Winner(#1)
Image
Vitamix A3500 Ascent Series Smart Blender, Professional-Grade, 64 oz. Low-Profile Container, Graphite
Model
Vitamix A3500
Dimensions (LxWxH)
11 x 8 x 17 Inches
Color
Graphite
Weight / Power / Voltage
14.9 Pounds / 120V
Container Size
64-ounce
Dishwasher-Safe
Blade Size (in diameter)
Not Mentioned
Self-Detect Technology for Container
Speed
10 Variable Speeds
Blending Pre-sets
5 Program Settings
Buttons
Touchscreen
Bluetooth Connection
Digital Timer
Maximum Noise Level
84 dB (Low)
Motor
2.2 HP
Cord Length
4 Feet
What I Like
Price
$599.95
More Info
The Runner-Up(#2)
Image
Vitamix 5300 Blender, Red (Renewed Premium)
Model
Vitamix 5300
Dimensions (LxWxH)
7.2 x 8.7 x 17.2 Inches
Color
Black
Weight / Power / Voltage
12 Pounds / 120V
Container Size
64-ounce
Dishwasher-Safe
Blade Size (in diameter)
4-inch
Self-Detect Technology for Container
Speed
10 Variable Speeds
Blending Pre-sets
No
Buttons
Pulse Button
Bluetooth Connection
Digital Timer
Maximum Noise Level
97.2 dB (Mid)
Motor
2.2 HP
Cord Length
6 Feet
What I Like
Price
Price not available
More Info

Last update on 2024-11-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Vitamix A3500 vs 5300: Differences

I would pick the Vitamix A3500 over the 5300 any day because of its superior functions and sturdier build quality. I also think the Vitamix 5300 is a good choice for an affordable and portable kitchen blender.

Regardless, the A3500 wins 4 – 1 against the 5300 because it has more advanced features that directly influence blending performance such as blending pre-sets, Bluetooth app, quiet motor, and long-term warranty.

1. Blending Performance

The Winner: Vitamix A3500

Vitamix A3500 Blending Performance
Vitamix A3500 Blending Performance

+Self-Detect Technology

I was afraid that my blender won’t have the option to use other blender jars of different sizes. But the A3500 does with the self-detect technology. Just so long as the other blender jar belongs to the Ascent series, I can use it on the A3500’s motor.

Not only that, the A3500 will automatically detect what size of blender I’m using in place of the 64-ounce jar. According to the size detect, which is 100% accurate, it will adjust the speed and power output.

So if I’m using a blender as small as 32-ounce, for example, the speed won’t be as intense as it ought to be when you use a 64-ounce jar.

This makes the A3500 a powerhouse. Because you not only control your blend texture but you have complete control over blending size. You can control how much goes into the jar and let the machine do the rest.

The 5300 comes with a single 64-ounce blender jar which is too wide for solo use. It fits about half a gallon to 2 liters. It is convenient but without the self-detect technology that is available on the A3500.

+Noise

According to my research, I found the A3500 is louder than the 5300. Even though both come with the same 2.2 HP motor and cooling fan with overheating protection. The A3500 is one of the quietest blenders to use in a kitchen as it produces only 84 dB of noise. While the 5300 is relatively louder (and I’ve also found that it rattles a bit on the highest speeds) – producing at least 97.2 dB sound.

Convenience-wise, the A3500 is a far superior pick for a quiet, vibration-free, and comfortable blending experience.

I don’t know about you but this certainly feels reassuring because I can then use my blender early in the morning without waking others.

2. Controls / Programmability

The Winner: Vitamix A3500

Vitamix A3500 Controls
Vitamix A3500 Controls

+Blending Pre-Sets

While you have 10 variable speeds on both blenders, the A3500 does offer you that added convenience of selecting from different pre-programmed blending modes. These include smoothies, hot soups, dips & spreads, and frozen desserts. The last blending mode is for self-cleaning. In total, you have 5 blending modes that are available to you at the touch of a button.

It’s not actually a “button” but a touchscreen display that you have to tap the screen to access the blending mode. The A3500 will automatically adjust the blending speed and duration to fit the texture you want.

The 5300 features 10 variable speeds – not a touchscreen, but a rotary dial – but it lacks the blending pre-sets and Bluetooth connectivity which I will discuss in just a moment.

+Bluetooth

In this category, I will also include the special feature of the A3500 which is Bluetooth connectivity. With this wireless technology, the A3500 syncs with an app on your own (Vitamix’s blending app). Offering you complete access to more blending programs and recipes in a matter of seconds. And this app is 100% free to download on any smartphone or tablet.

The app contains up to 17 more blending programs, a programmable timer, and customized recipes (over 500 recipes).

Speaking of the timer, you can set the exact duration of the timer and the blender will stop blending according to the length of time you’ve set it on. This allows you to carefully plan and set up your meal preps and walk away from the blender. It’s hands-free and intuitive to use.

3. Cleaning & Maintenance

The Winner: It’s a tie

Vitamix A3500 Maintenance
Vitamix A3500 Maintenance

+Weight

The Vitamix 5300 is a heavy-duty blender but it’s still lighter than the A3500 which weighs almost 15 pounds. The 5300, on the other hand, weighs a few pounds less – 12 pounds.

While the weight does not bother me, it may be a factor of consideration for people who want to store the blender in a cabinet. This means putting away the motor base and the blender jar in a cabinet after use. This going back and forth, to make it less burdensome, you’ll need a relatively lightweight blender. That’s exactly what the 5300 offers.

Both blenders have a 64-ounce blending capacity and they measure up to almost the same dimensions. So it is just their weight you need to take into consideration before making a decision.

+Dishwasher-Safe

Buying the A3500 makes more sense because it comes with features that are easy to use and clean. I’m talking about the dishwasher-safe parts of the A3500 that the 5300 simply does not have.

I always wanted a blender with a dishwasher-safe jar, lid, and blades. There are times when I want to make really sticky and chunky butter and the thought of cleaning the blender and blades myself after keeps me from making butter in my current blender.

But with the A3500, I don’t have to worry about cleaning at all. I can quickly run a self-cleaning cycle first and then carry the blender jar, lid, and blades to the top rack of the dishwasher. In just a few minutes, the blender looks clean and has no lingering odor or butter chunks underneath the blades.

Unfortunately, you cannot clean the 5300 in a dishwasher. So scrubbing the interior of the lid, jar, and blades in an old-school way is necessary after making a recipe like butter.

4. Utilities

The Winner: Vitamix A3500

Vitamix A3500 Utilities
Vitamix A3500 Utilities

+Warranty

What kind of warranty do you prefer? As far as the Vitamix A3500 is concerned, it costs a bit more than the 5300 but it also comes with a longer warranty and superior features. The 5300 features a 7-year warranty with none of the advanced functions of the A3500.

And the A3500, on the other hand, includes a 10-year warranty on all its important parts and features. So paying a few extra bucks should be of no concern to you if you want to extend durability and use a blender for longer than 10 years in the best of conditions.

+Control Panel

The touchscreen panel of the A3500 is very intuitive and responsive. So is the rotary dial and pulse switches of the 5300 but it’s not as versatile and multi-functional.

The touchscreen of the A3500 includes a timer option, blending modes, speed control, pulse, and power settings. It also includes a special self-cleaning mode that you have to press on and the blender will clean the jar itself after you’ve added water and a few drops of dish soap. Close the lid tight and the blender cleans itself in 20 to 30 seconds tops!

You can access more blending programs via the smartphone app that is compatible only with the A3500, not the 5300.

The 5300, on the other hand, is less complex. It has a straightforward rotary dial with different speeds from 1 to 10. And two switches for pulse and power on either side of the dial.

I will mention that though the control panel of the 5300 is good enough for daily use, the plastic construction of the dial and switches might feel a bit flimsy. The build quality of the dial switch, specifically, is made of plastic and does not feel as sturdy to me as it should be. But performance-wise, this does not interfere with anything. Both blenders are very accurate and stable to use.

Vitamix A3500 vs 5300: Similarities

All things considered, the Vitamix A3500 vs 5300 blenders have a few things in common for the quintessential user. These are…

1. Variable Speeds

Both blenders feature 10 speeds of control for adjusting the texture of the blend. This could be for smoothies, hot soups, juices, dips, spreads, sauces, ice cream, desserts, batters, etc.

Starting from level 1, which is the lowest speed, you can go up to ‘10’ without any worries. It’s everything you need to make sure you don’t mess up your blend. And the numbered speed levels help you stay on track and consistent every time.

2. 64-Ounce Blender Jar

Vitamix 64-Ounce Blender Jar
Vitamix 64-Ounce Blender Jar

The 64-ounce is a full-sized blending capacity that can contain up to 2 liters. This might be too large for some people, especially if you’re looking for a single-serve blender for making smaller servings of most blending recipes.

But 64 ounces is a versatile size for homes. It’s big enough to make pancake batter, butter, dough for pastries, and bread. And you can even relatively larger portions of smoothies and sauces in a matter of seconds.

3. BPA-Free Construction

The talk about a large blending container also brings me to mention that both the Vitamix A3500 and 5300 come with BPA-free materials. Specifically, the BPA-free Tritan plastic container that’s easy to clean and maintain. It won’t stain or retain the odor of strong ingredients like garlic, ginger, sauces, etc. Nor will it feel sticky or slimy after cleaning after you’ve made nut butter in the jar.

4. 2.2 HP Motor

Vitamix 2.2 HP Motor
Vitamix 2.2 HP Motor

Every part of the Vitamix A3500 vs 5300 relating to the motor design is the same. They both come with a 2.2 HP motor that can crush ice, make smoothies, mix the batter, knead the dough, and churn butter for seconds or minutes depending on the texture. It energizes any variation of food blending, chopping, processing, etc.

The level of power a 2.2 HP motor has for a 64-ounce blending jar is impressive. You will appreciate the blending speed and stability. And both machines are equipped with auto shut-off in case the motor gets too hot while blending hot soup for example.

Quick Rundown of Vitamix A3500

Sale
Vitamix A3500 Ascent Series Smart Blender, Professional-Grade, 64 oz. Low-Profile Container, Graphite
  • Program Settings: Five program settings (for Smoothies, Hot Soups, Dips & Spreads, Frozen Desserts, and Self-Cleaning) ensure walk-away convenience and consistent results. The A3500 pairs with the Vitamix Perfect Blend App: Unlock the Ascent Series A3500's full potential with 17 programs and 500+ recipes with the iOS + Android app.
  • Touchscreen Controls give the machine a sleek silhouette and are easily wiped clean.Electrical Ratings - 120 V, 50-60 Hz, 12 Amps. Cord: 4 feet. HP: 2.2-peak
  • You're in Control: Variable Speed Control and Pulse feature let you manually fine-tune the texture of any recipe
  • Built-In Wireless Connectivity: The motor base is able to read the container size you’ve chosen and automatically adjust program settings and maximum blending times accordingly. Add a range of compatible container sizes, building a customized blending system designed to fit your needs.
  • Programmable Timer: A built-in timer helps avoid over- or under-processing your custom recipes. Set the timer to the length of your blend, and it will turn the machine off automatically. What's in the Box: motor base, low-profile 64 oz. container, low-profile classic tamper, Simply Blending Cookbook

Last update on 2024-11-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros
  • Large 64-ounce capacity with self-detect technology.
  • You can easily use smaller blender jars.
  • The touchscreen panel is sleek and responsive.
  • Built-in Bluetooth connection for the app.
  • Programmable timer with adjustable controls.
  • Useful 4 blending modes with a self-cleaning cycle.
  • The blender is dishwasher-safe.
  • Tamper and cookbook included.
  • You can program different recipes on the app.
Cons
  • The level markings are difficult to read.
  • It is heavier than the 5300.

Quick Rundown of Vitamix 5300

Vitamix 5300 Blender, Red (Renewed Premium)
  • This Certified Refurbished product has been tested and certified to work and look like new, with minimal to no signs of wear, by Vitamix. The product is backed by a minimum 90-day warranty, and may arrive in a generic brown or white box.
  • Variable Speed Control: Easily adjust speed to achieve a variety of textures. The dial can be rotated at any point during the blend, so you’re in complete control. Dimensions: 17.25 x 8.75 x 7.25 inches
  • Pulse Feature: Layer coarse chops over smooth purées for heartier recipes, such as chunky salsas or thick vegetable soups ; Cord: 6 feet, Voltage - 120 volts
  • Low-Profile 64-ounce Container: Perfect for family meals and entertaining, while fitting comfortably under most kitchen cabinets.
  • Hardened Stainless-Steel Blades: Our aircraft-grade stainless steel blades are designed to handle the toughest ingredients, so from the first blend to the last, you get the same quality results.

Last update on 2024-11-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros
  • It makes smoothies and ice creams in seconds.
  • Powerful 2.2 HP motor with a cooling fan.
  • The motor has an automatic shut-off for overloading protection.
  • The quality of the blender and motor base is heavy-duty.
  • Lightweight and portable construction for storage.
  • Accurate and consistent blending texture.
Cons
  • No blending pre-sets or programmable timer.
  • It is a loud blender for daily use.
  • The blender jar is not dishwasher-friendly.

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References

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