Costco: Vitamix Explorian E320 + PCA Package $299.99 + Shipping ($4.99) $304.98

This one or 5200 from Amazon prime?

Age old question of this or Blendtec?

Quote from vixer03 : This one or 5200 from Amazon prime?

I'm still relatively new to Vitamix, so someone else may be able to better answer you, but from my understanding, the E320 is great intro blender, but can't handle tougher items (nut butters, etc.) as well as the higher tier blenders. I have read it can have some issues with vibrations, but as a whole this blender is supposed to be able to handle almost anything. The inclusion of the PCA package was essential for me since we are heavy smoothie drinkers.

Quote from Junkbot : Age old question of this or Blendtec?

No contest.

Quote from jakuzhi : I'm still relatively new to Vitamix, so someone else may be able to better answer you, but from my understanding, the E320 is great intro blender, but can't handle tougher items (nut butters, etc.) as well as the higher tier blenders. I have read it can have some issues with vibrations, but as a whole this blender is supposed to be able to handle almost anything. The inclusion of the PCA package was essential for me since we are heavy smoothie drinkers.

Quote from vixer03 : This one or 5200 from Amazon prime?

Both will be able to put in the same amount of work despite the slight differences in spec.

In regards to smoothies, if you primarily want a smaller quantity, I would go with the 5200 because it comes with the more narrow container that doesn't require as much liquid to blend well. If you have a bigger family and blend more volume, the E320 container will work fine. Also, if you have shelves that are relatively low to your counter, the E320 is great because it is shorter. Some people like the added PCA bottles, some dont. This would be a good deal if that's an accessory you want though because it normally runs $100+.

Like OP said, the higher tiered models like the pro 750 or the ascent series will be able to do nut butters or tough blends. That said, this E320 and the 5200 model will be more than enough for most people.

Quote from ionbdybrdr : Both will be able to put in the same amount of work despite the slight differences in spec. In regards to smoothies, if you primarily want a smaller quantity, I would go with the 5200 because it comes with the more narrow container that doesn't require as much liquid to blend well. If you have a bigger family and blend more volume, the E320 container will work fine. Also, if you have shelves that are relatively low to your counter, the E320 is great because it is shorter. Some people like the added PCA bottles, some dont. This would be a good deal if that's an accessory you want though because it normally runs $100+. Like OP said, the higher tiered models like the pro 750 or the ascent series will be able to do nut butters or tough blends. That said, this E320 and the 5200 model will be more than enough for most people.

Thank you for your help and others.

Is this getting any less expensive for Black Friday?

Quote from ionbdybrdr : Both will be able to put in the same amount of work despite the slight differences in spec. In regards to smoothies, if you primarily want a smaller quantity, I would go with the 5200 because it comes with the more narrow container that doesn't require as much liquid to blend well. If you have a bigger family and blend more volume, the E320 container will work fine. Also, if you have shelves that are relatively low to your counter, the E320 is great because it is shorter. Some people like the added PCA bottles, some dont. This would be a good deal if that's an accessory you want though because it normally runs $100+. Like OP said, the higher tiered models like the pro 750 or the ascent series will be able to do nut butters or tough blends. That said, this E320 and the 5200 model will be more than enough for most people.

All Vitamix motor base are 2 HP or 2.2 HP (other than the S series which is a 0.7 HP motor) and so it will handle all things the same across models. The difference is in the shape, size, style of the container. If E310 cannot handle a nut butter the Ascent series wont be able to as well because the container is the same size and shape. The narrow and tall container in a 5200 allows it to blend small quantities while the short wide bottom containers of other models require a minimum quantity to blend them well.

If you do not require the 20oz small container and adapter, 5200 is the best model to go with for that prime day prize (I think it was $259 or $269; dont know if that prize is coming back for the holidays). Also the E320/310 series comes with small container adapter which is not easy to use. If you intend to use the 20oz container adapter regularly, make sure to check out its comfort (checkout the youtube videos) before buying.

Also note the E310 is also on sale at Vitamix.com for $289; of course it does not come with the personal cup adapter like the Costco bundle. Also Costco comes with anytime return policy.

Also note that the A3300 series brushed metal unit will be on sale for $350 starting next Friday and CyberMonday at Vitamix.com. So just make sure to analyze all options before jumping on this deal.

is anyone not going to use their personal cups and adapter?

Quote from SDNovice : All Vitamix motor base are 2 HP or 2.2 HP (other than the S series which is a 0.7 HP motor) and so it will handle all things the same across models. The difference is in the shape, size, style of the container. If E310 cannot handle a nut butter the Ascent series wont be able to as well because the container is the same size and shape. The narrow and tall container in a 5200 allows it to blend small quantities while the short wide bottom containers of other models require a minimum quantity to blend them well. If you do not require the 20oz small container and adapter, 5200 is the best model to go with for that prime day prize (I think it was $259 or $269; dont know if that prize is coming back for the holidays). Also the E320/310 series comes with small container adapter which is not easy to use. If you intend to use the 20oz container adapter regularly, make sure to check out its comfort (checkout the youtube videos) before buying. Also note the E310 is also on sale at Vitamix.com for $289; of course it does not come with the personal cup adapter like the Costco bundle. Also Costco comes with anytime return policy.

The longer and tougher blends will improve with the venting system/fan of the higher end models. It's pretty obvious the amount of air that blows out when comparing the ascent/pro 750 vs the 5200. This keeps the engine cooler. It's more of a niche demand and like i had said, any vitamix will do the job for most consumers. When I recommend a vitamix to friends or family, I usually say to get the 5200 and not the more expensive models because it covers 99% of what they need.

I am here only to provide a feedback as I have the exact same model purchased from Costco at $279 but I don't have the PCA package, which purchased separately can go for $100. I wish I had this option that time.

I was reluctant purchasing this, but after 2 years of use I am pleased with its power, performance and simplicity.

My regular use...
- Weekend Drinks: Its fun to get fresh drinks with any combo in less than 5 minutes
- Soups: Kids crave for it, yesterday I made soup in less than 10 min. including preparation time. It was delicious, super healthy with veggies and it was pretty much our dinner. I saved time, money and had a healthy dinner
- Smoothies - Now we don't have to waste any fruits, just freeze it and play around with the recipes.

The biggest issue for me is that we don't have a small container, so if we have to make small quantity we have to go back to older (not powerful) machine, which is not fun, specially after seeing Vitamix power

I wish I would have spent extra money to get more containers, specially small, and and preferably a higher end model (not for power but for more options e.g. Bluetooth and custom settings for to future proof it). Please note there is no issue with the machine and its power, its super capable and you can use manual buttons to do everything.

On top of it it's backed by Costco return policy

My friend had recommend this 5 years back, but I was hesitant. Now I regret that why I did not purchase earlier.

It comes with a 7 year full warranty from the manufacturer.