Between Vitamix A3500 vs Prep 3, I would like to recommend the Vitamix A3500 because it has automated blending programs, a smart Bluetooth app, and an overall sturdier design than the Vitamix Prep 3.
For a little extra money, the A3500 is a step up from the Vitamix Prep 3. Only that it is not as powerful with a higher RPM as the Prep 3 which features a 3.0 HP motor, the A3500 comes with a 2.2 HP. It’s still within the ideal standard for a home blender. The Prep 3 has a commercial-grade motor design.
Since it costs more, it has blending presets, a digital timer, and an app. The Prep 3 is more basic in that it features only 10 speeds, no blending presets, and a pulse feature. Whereas both have the same blending capacity and exterior build quality.
Vitamix A3500 vs Prep 3: Comparision Chart
Table could not be displayed.Vitamix A3500 vs Prep 3: Differences
The Vitamix A3500 wins 3 – 1 because it is incredibly user-friendly, with more advanced features than the Prep 3. The Prep 3, on the other hand, has more power output and a faster running speed than A3500.
1. Blending Performance
The Winner: Vitamix Prep 3
+Motor
The Vitamix Prep 3 is a powerful blender with a high-HP motor than the Vitamix A3500. Perhaps this is the only reliable defense that the Prep 3 has against the A3500. It boasts of a 3 HP motor while the Vitamix A3500 comes with a 2.2 HP motor.
The motor affects the blending performance by increasing or decreasing the speed of the blades. Even though the Vitamix A3500 features variable speed and 5 program settings. And the Vitamix Prep 3 only features 10 variable speeds, no program settings.
The RPM of the highest speed setting of the Prep 3 runs faster than the Vitamix A3500. This is owing to the more powerful motor output of the Prep 3.
2. Control / Settings
The Winner: Vitamix A3500
+Blending Programs
The Vitamix A3500 makes up programmability what it lacks in power. Featuring 5 program modes for smoothies, frozen desserts such as ice cream, hot soup, dips & spreads, and self-cleaning.
The Vitamix Prep 3 does not feature pre-programmed settings. But it does come with a 10 variable speed feature that is also present in the A3500.
So why are these blending pre-sets so essential?
Well, for starters, it’s a great thing for beginners who are still learning about accomplishing different blending textures. Using the 10 variable speed dial is accurate enough but sometimes, especially when you’re in a hurry, having a blender pre-program what you exactly need, is a life-changer.
By clicking on either one of the pre-programmed blending modes, you can quickly and effectively make the most of both your time and effort in blending a smoothie, cooking hot soup, homemade ice cream, etc.
On the Prep 3, which has a speed dial, this could take a while to get used to.
+Bluetooth
Improving upon the fact that the Vitamix A3500 features specific blending modes, you can also access the companion app for more blending programs. The app consists of 17 blending modes, to be exact, and hundreds of recipes.
The A3500 pairs seamlessly with the app on your smartphone or tablet. It’s just like connect your phone to a wireless speaker. Takes less than 15 seconds and you can access your blender via an app on your phone.
This has more than a few advantages. Hands-free blending, timer controls, size adjustment from recipe and container size, and finally, real-time updates on the blending process.
Even if you’re just starting out, the A3500 can do more for you than the Prep 3. The latter does not feature any wireless connectivity, digital timer, or self-detect technology.
3. Cleaning / Maintenance
The Winner: Vitamix A3500
+Self-Cleaning Mode
The A3500 comes with a self-cleaning program that you can access in two ways: from the app or the control panel. Select the mode after you’ve added some warm water and a few drops of dish soap inside the container.
The blender will then mix the soap water for 20 to 30 seconds. After which, you simply have to rinse the jar and it’s as fresh-smelling and clean as brand new.
The Prep 3 does not feature any such self-cleaning mode. However, it does still allow you to clean the jar in a similar manner. With some adjustments on your part. Such as setting the blender up to the highest speed before turning it on.
+Dishwasher-Friendly Parts
Another great convenience about the Vitamix A3500 is its dishwasher-safe blender jar. Despite the large container size, you can rinse it in a dishwasher. It cleans easily and quickly. This only means you can use the A3500 for years and years without worrying about odor or stains or scratches on the surface of the BPA-free Tritan material.
The Prep 3 requires you to wash the blender jar by hand after every use. This adds some more time to your blending experience. But the material is BPA-free plastic so it’s durable and long-lasting.
4. Utilities
The Winner: Vitamix A3500
+Control Panel
The control panel of the A3500 comes with a touchscreen for everything. The variable speed settings, blending programs, and digital timer. So it’s definitely a step-up from the Prep 3 that comes with a control panel of buttons and a rotary dial.
Though the A3500 does feature a speed dial for adjusting the speed. But you can see what level you’re on currently on the bright display. It’s sleeker, more sophisticated-looking, and advanced than the Prep 3.
You operate all the blending programs using the touchscreen controls. It’s quite user-friendly and responsive to use on a daily basis.
+Warranty
Lastly, the Vitamix A3500 precisely because it is more expensive than the Prep 3 also features a longer warranty. Around 3 times as long as the Prep 3, to be exact. It comes with a 10-year warranty while the Prep 3 covers a warranty for only 3 years.
So it’s definitely a step back from the A3500. Unless you don’t mind paying more money for a warranty extension which is what the Prep 3 offers.
But in my opinion, you will be spending more money in getting to the 10-year mark with the Prep 3 than what the Vitamix A3500 already offers with more advanced features.
Vitamix A3500 vs Prep 3: Similarities
1. 10 Variable Speed
Both blenders come with 10 speeds. These speeds cover everything the blender does and can do to crush, blend, mix, puree, and grind different ingredients. This includes wet or dry and thick or thin ingredients. It also includes hot and cold temperatures because both blenders support friction heating.
‘Friction heating’ means the blades heat up when used for a prolonged time. This helps in making soups and dals. With the high power of the Vitamix Prep 3, I can see how this would be a fantastic choice for hot soup. But the Vitamix A3500 takes over as it features a pre-programmed blending mode for hot soup.
2. 64-ounce Container
With a 64-ounce blender, you can make upwards of 2 cups of ingredients. Or just enough to cover the blades of the blender. This is good enough for smoothies and fruits juices which are much smaller servings than say sauces or soups. But even for other recipes like butter, salad dressing, ice cream, crushed ice, etc., the 64-ounce jar is a convenient feature.
Both blenders use a cooling fan and a sturdy motor base to ensure that no overheating happens while blending. And they also come with a tamper for easy pouring and scooping during and after blending.
Quick Rundown of Vitamix A3500
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Quick Rundown of Vitamix Prep 3
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References
- Vitamix A3500 from Vitamix https://www.vitamix.com/us/en_us/shop/a3500
- Vitamix Prep 3 from Vitamix https://www.vitamix.com/us/en_us/commercial/products/vita-prep-3
I am sure you love food. Otherwise, you won’t be here. As a full-time and a part-time chef at a local restaurant, I know my way around food. Ever since I was a young girl, I enjoyed helping my mom in the kitchen.
We would often experiment with the spices, ingredients, and flavors and create great meals for my brothers and dad. Since cocking was my first passion, I decided to go in that direction. I finished culinary school, got my first job, and started developing my skills.
Later when kids came, I had all the liberty in the kitchen to combine some of the unique flavors. A lot of them were a success, but now and there I would make a couple of mistakes.