Vitamix E310 vs A3500 Review: Compare Their Performance, Functions & Design Before Deciding Which Is The Better Vitamix Blender For You

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Because of how popular Vitamix blenders are, I thought it best to compare the affordable Vitamix E310 vs A3500 which is more premium and high-priced. The latter boasts of extravagant features that every home cook will absolutely make full use of. Such as a digital timer, one-touch blend programs, and Bluetooth connectivity.

The Vitamix E310, on the other hand, has an affordable price tag with basic but steady functions. Including 10 variable speed settings, a Pulse feature, and a self-cleaning function.

For basic blending (smoothies, milkshakes, butters, batters, soups, etc.) the E310 is your pick. But if you’d like to go beyond basic blending, get more creative and inspired ideas, the Vitamix A3500 is the winner.

Vitamix E310 vs A3500: Comparision Chart

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Vitamix E310 vs A3500: Differences

The Vitamix A3500 wins 3 – 1 against the E310. It has better speed control, timing functions, and you can access hundreds of recipes and accurate measurements online using the Perfect Blend app with the A3500 blender.

1. Blending Performance

The Winner: Vitamix A3500

Vitamix A3500 Blending Performance

+Power

The small size of the E310 is powerful and consistent with a 2.0 HP motor. It has a smooth blending speed, even on the lowest setting. The maximum speed, even for a 48-ounce container, is worth pulsing and blending any wet or dry ingredient in less than a minute.

But the A3500, owing to its large container size, features a 2.2 HP motor. Its blending power is worth considering when you don’t mind paying a little extra for it. It wins against the E310 for its touchscreen digital interface and app, 5 pre-set programs, and comfortable manoeuvrability. The 2.2 HP motor ensures smooth and consistent operation.

2. Controls / Settings

The Winner: Vitamix A3500

Vitamix A3500 Controls

+Blending Programs

Moving on, the A3500 also features 5 program settings for quick and one-touch blending programs. Instead of adjusting the variable speed using the dial, you can quickly adjust the particular program you want and the machine does this automatically.

These smart functions offer the ability to blend and cook in a matter of seconds. These functions include 4 mode selections and 1 maintenance program. These include smoothies, frozen desserts, hot soups, dips and spreads, and a self-cleaning program.

The E310 features 10 variable speed settings with no pre-set programs. The A3500 also includes the 10 variable speeds for accurately adjusting any personal recipes you want to make. But for quick, automated use, these cooking programs are quite simple and effective to use.

3. Cleaning & Maintenance

The Winner: Vitamix E310

Vitamix E310 Maintenance

+Size / Weight

What would you choose – a lightweight blender or a heavy-duty one? It’s fair to pick the lighter blender because it’s more apartment-friendly. But if you’re looking to blend for larger groups, more than 3-4 people, a larger blender is not a bad thing.

That’s the difference between the Vitamix E310 vs A3500. The E310 is less bulky in weight than the A3500. It measures 11.5 lbs while the A3500 weighs 18.8 lbs. So there is a considerable difference in how both blenders feel.

The heavier weight can also contribute to slowing down or stopping altogether portability. You may not be able to move the A3500 back and forth on the countertop. But with the E310 it’s easier to do because it’s light and compact in size.

Fortunately, the A3500 is compact too – measuring 11 x 8 x 17 inches. Meanwhile, the E310 measures 11 x 8 x 18 inches, its height being an inch taller than A3500. But when you factor in the container size of the E310 (48 ounces), it’s definitely the better pick to save counter space.

+Container Size

Thanks to the remarkable and compact build quality of the E310, it’s on every list. Because you can do anything you want with the E310, it performs just like a high-end blender, the A3500 for example, in terms of performance, speed, and power.

But its affordability also includes its compact size and small container suitable for 1-3 people. Measuring 48 ounces, it can quickly and effectively blend all types of ingredients in a matter of seconds.

The 64-ounce container of the A3500 is suitable for much larger servings. One drawback to the large size is that it’s harder to clean as the blades are wide and can be difficult to clean under them. Especially when cleaning sticky ingredients or recipes like butter.

For multi-purpose use, the E310 is a fine choice. It’s lightweight, portable, and compact to use. The A3500 is quite tall so you might have to store the carafe in the cabinet if you don’t have enough height on your countertop. Thankfully, both blenders come with removable jars that are easy to store away in a cupboard somewhere.

4. Utilities

The Winner: Vitamix A3500

Vitamix A3500 Utilities

+Self-Detect Technology

The A3500 can detect which container size you’ve used and determine the correct speed settings accordingly. You can use a 48- and 64-ounce container on the A3500’s motor base. Though this package comes with a 64-ounce container, you have to buy a 48-ounce jar with self-detect technology separately to be able to use it.

The E310 does not come with this advanced technology. It’s a standard blender with variable speed settings and a Pulse feature. The A3500 offers these features too but it’s more updated than the E310 with more advanced features for better control.

+Control Panel

The Vitamix E310 comes with a sturdy Pulse button that is designed to blend/puree/chop down tougher ingredients that are hard and difficult to blend. If you’ve used a mixer before, you know exactly which ingredients I’m talking about.

The Pulse button allows you to crush ice, mash potatoes, make butter, and do lots more within a matter of seconds. It also includes the variable speed settings using a standard dial with printed levels. The speed dial and Pulse button are easy to access and do not look bulky at all. Next to the dial is the power on/off button for better energy consumption.

Compared to that, the touchscreen controls of the A3500 are superior and modern. You have the touchscreen display for the Pulse feature, variable speeds, and pre-set programs. The touchscreen also includes the digital timer with a plus and minus sign right next to it for changing the time.

The program icons are printed under the digital timer and you simply have to tap the icon to access the cooking modes. For the speed, however, there’s a sleek dial that allows you to set up from 1 to 10-speed settings. More than easy, it’s a straightforward and intuitive feature to use.

+Bluetooth

This is another feature that makes the A3500 more irresistible than the E310. Because you can sync the former with the Vitamix Perfect Blend app. This app includes manual and automatic recipes that you can create from scratch, but without any guesswork, using the blender.

You can download the app on your smartphone/tablet and it’s a free app so you don’t have to pay extra for it. You can also pair the app with a wireless food scale. This allows you to accurately measure out the ingredients before adding them to the blender.

But one of the benefits of the A3500 is that you can also skip the food scale altogether because the recipes on the cookbook (on the app) are simple to make.

The app also lets you access all the cleaning warnings of the container. If certain ingredients do not fit inside the 64-ounce container, the app will let you know. And it’ll also help you modify the same recipes to reduce the quantity. It’s quick and user-friendly through and through.

The E310 does not come with Bluetooth connectivity for app compatibility. The control panel, on the blender itself, includes the dial and buttons for quick use.

+Digital Timer

The digital timer comes in handy when you want to accurately set up the time for your blending recipes. If you’re finicky, like me, you will find more use out of this digital timer than you think.

The touchscreen display allows quick and easy alterations. Whether you’re using the blender for dough or butter, where the consistency has to be exactly right, the timer is a very helpful tool to achieve the perfect result.

You have to control the blending time on the E310 manually by starting/stopping the blending.

+Warranty

As a part of the upgraded design and digital controls of the A3500, it also includes a longer 10-year warranty. The Vitamix E310, on the other hand, comes with a 5-year warranty.

For personal household use, a kitchen appliance with a 10-year warranty is a rare thing to find. So if I were you, I wouldn’t let go of this amazing deal. The warranty guarantees insurance of all important parts of the A3500 that make it so unique and powerful for everyday use.

Vitamix E310 vs A3500: Similarities

1. Container Material

Despite the difference in container size, the E310 and A3500 have carafes that are made from the same material: BPA-free Tritan which is high-quality plastic. It’s not toxic. Nor does it retain odour or stickiness or a stain even after prolonged use. The plastic is completely human-friendly and hygienic so you don’t have to worry about it “bleeding” into your food even while blending hot ingredients such as soups.

2. Blade Material

Laser-cut stainless steel blades are sharp but not so sharp. Anything that is extra sharp is bound to lose its edge over time and use. The best thing about Vitamix blenders is that they come with rugged blades that retain their edge for the longest time. So replacing them is not necessary.

These blades run very quietly. They spin fast without heating up. Even when blending delicate ingredients, they won’t produce lumps. The blades also boast of the capability of kneading dough without ruining its texture or consistency.

3. Speed

Both the Explorian and Ascent come with a power on/off button, 10-speed settings, and a Pulse feature. The 10 variable speeds control everything from blending milkshakes, soups, kneading dough, crushing ice, and lots more in between.

There’s a central dial that sits comfortably on both blenders’ control panels to adjust the speed. It’s quite intuitive and accurate. And there’s no guesswork involved so if you’d like to experiment with different speeds, you can do so without getting confused.

4. Cleaning Functions

Both come with removable parts that are dishwasher-friendly. Take it completely off your hands to manually hand-wash the blade or the carafe at a moment’s notice. If you have a dishwasher at home, this will take care of that as well.

To clean the inside of the carafe in a different way – add warm water and a spoon of dish soap into the carafe and select the self-cleaning program on the control panel. This will also clean your carafe quickly and effectively. This cleaning method is specifically good for cleaning sticky messes under the blades. The blending force will dislodge and scrub away any residue that your hand or a dishwasher won’t be able to penetrate and clean.

Other impressive cleaning features include a cooling fan and a 2 part lid system to prevent leaking or spilling.

Quick Rundown of Vitamix A3500

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Pros

Smart and intelligent use of 5 programs.
The blades are fast and sturdy.
You can make the cake batter, dough, and butter easily.
Great for blending soups in minutes.
The setup and cleaning process is quick.
High-quality top and top lid to add smaller ingredients.
Wireless app compatibility for blending and food scale.
Digital timer included with 10 variable speed control.

Cons

The blades will heat up slightly at the highest speed setting.
Heavier than the Vitamix E310.

Quick Rundown of Vitamix E310

No products found.

Pros

Less noisy than the Vitamix A3500.
Great for use in smaller kitchens.
Jar design is ergonomic and sturdy.
The motor runs smoothly without overheating.
Easy to assemble and disassemble for cleaning.
Sturdy plastic tamper for better accessibility.
Smooth and perfectly-blended texture every time.
10 variable speed settings for complicated recipes.

Cons

Slightly taller than the A3500 despite small container.
No digital controls for blending.

Product Videos

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References:

Vitamix E310 from Vitamix https://www.vitamix.com/us/en_us/shop/e310
Vitamix A3500 from Vitamix https://www.vitamix.com/us/en_us/shop/a3500

5/5 - (2 votes)

Foodplayer Linda

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.