expired Posted by abecohen • Jan 15, 2024
Jan 15, 2024 3:41 PM
Item 1 of 2
Item 1 of 2
expired Posted by abecohen • Jan 15, 2024
Jan 15, 2024 3:41 PM
Vitamix 5200 Blender Professional Grade - $330
$330
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Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank Scslicker
Also open to watching for refurb/used deals.
Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank RumbleTheBison
Also open to watching for refurb/used deals.
It also didn't give me that "I went to a smoothie shop" texture. This 5200? "I went to a smoothie shop"!!!
Only thing is this: it slides on my counter. I'm sure there's grips or something to buy for that, but it irritates me. I bought the stainless steel canister to get that nice ice-cold function going or so my wife can grind up coffee beans.
I was tempted to go the route of getting a "smart" version of it, but I really just need to be able to smoothie up things or puree, so I just google what speed to do it and keep it moving. I'd go with the 5200 10/10 times, outside of the base slipping around.
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The blending container is shaped different on the newer ones. If you don't have enough in the blending container it may not mix as well. For smaller quantities, the older version is better.
Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank beanboy
As for the version at Costco, it is a newer model, but not exactly the same as the 5200 (though it does have the same functions and knobs). It does have a lower profile container than the 5200 that I like, and it comes with the two metal tumblers if that's something you want, but in my research I've seen more complaints about the E520 and problems with it than I have with the 5200. But when it's on sale for $300 like it was last month, it's definitely the better deal than the 5200.
It also didn't give me that "I went to a smoothie shop" texture. This 5200? "I went to a smoothie shop"!!!
Only thing is this: it slides on my counter. I'm sure there's grips or something to buy for that, but it irritates me. I bought the stainless steel canister to get that nice ice-cold function going or so my wife can grind up coffee beans.
I was tempted to go the route of getting a "smart" version of it, but I really just need to be able to smoothie up things or puree, so I just google what speed to do it and keep it moving. I'd go with the 5200 10/10 times, outside of the base slipping around.
Also open to watching for refurb/used deals.
G series 7500 has the widest compatibility for containers. It can accept the new self detect containers but that feature won't work. For some reason the tall narrow container is not recommended but many have used it with no issues.
Almost every review out there is for the base with the included standard container rather than comparing motor bases. Saying that one model liquifies better or is better for nut butter doesn't help much if different containers are used. The "better for small batches" issue is quickly resolved by buying the 32 oz container as an accessory for the 7500. ( $100 on sale direct two months ago ).
edit: I meant to say 5200 not 5300. It's worth noting that many professional reviewers claim that the 64 ox tall tapered narrow container "pulls the ingredients down and creates a better vortex than the 64 oz low wide 4" blade container". Serious Eats claims the noise level is the same. I doubt this but for less noise buy the Ascent. They also claim that "the 7500 lacks the high speed setting of the 5200" What? Refer to Vitamix specs. Finally, Vitamix has changed motor suppliers over the years while maintaining the same model designation. My 2012 7500 is noticeably quieter than my 2021 model.
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I would avoid the 5200 for several reasons. The motor base is an old weaker noisier design than the Next Gen 7500 ( per current specs ) The 7500 workhorse has sold in the past year for $280. Review past deals here to see the steep discounts on many models.
Secondly the tall container does not store under cupboards and it only has 3" blades. While the tall funnel-like container may perform slightly better for a few tasks I have gone back to using 4" blade containers for most tasks, especially pulse chopping veggies, ice crushing, making green juice and using it to liquify waste veg and rinds for easy drain disposal.
The 4" low outperforms imo as long as enough liquid is added to cover the blades. In nearly all complaint videos posted the user fails to cover the blades completely with liquid AND fails to dial up the speed to max. Complaints on "failure" with the motor spinning but not blending aren't failures at all. The container drive gear at the top of the motor is designed to give way for safety reasons if a spoon is left inside. It is very easily replaced at home in minutes.
I have the 32 oz accessory container to use on my 7500. It has the same narrow base and 3" blades as the tall narrow container. But it isn't funnel shaped and does not create the same vortex as other containers. I use it mostly for making fruit sorbet where no liquid is used, for mixing sauces and dressing, for quickly scrambling a few eggs for omelet. Other people like the 48 oz container which is also available in stainless steel.
Regarding the E series, they are sold as an "introduction to Vitamix". They have plastic frames. I could not rid myself of the E320 fast enough. The noise hurt my ears and the lighter weight causes the blender to dance on the counter.
I use my heavy duty Vitamix 7500 multiple times daily and never miss the auto-functions.
There are many advantages to purchasing directly from Vitamix.
Used vs certified refurbished: People often buy a new Vitamix after the container wears out. I have scored several like-new 7500 motor bases in the $50 range and then purchased a new official container for $100-$150. Always anticipate that a new container is required. The container bearings and seal will eventually wear out. The only time a motor base might be worth more is if it's still under warranty. Call Vitamix with the s/n to find out. Vitamix warranty is full parts labor regardless of who owns it with free pick up and return in about 10 days.
As for the version at Costco, it is a newer model, but not exactly the same as the 5200 (though it does have the same functions and knobs). It does have a lower profile container than the 5200 that I like, and it comes with the two metal tumblers if that's something you want, but in my research I've seen more complaints about the E520 and problems with it than I have with the 5200. But when it's on sale for $300 like it was last month, it's definitely the better deal than the 5200.
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Secondly the container which won't fit under cupboards, only has 2" blades. While the tall funnel-like container may perform slightly better for a few tasks I have gone back to using 3" blade containers for most tasks, especially chopping, ice crushing, making green juice and using it to liquify waste veg and rinds for easy drain disposal.
The 3" low outperforms as long as enough liquid is added to cover the blades.
I have the 36 oz accessory container to use on my 7500. It has the same narrow base and 2" blades as the 5300. The 2" blade containers do not create the same vortex. I use it mostly for making fruit sorbet where no liquid is used, for mixing sauces and dressing, for quickly scrambling a few eggs for omelet.
Regarding the E series, they are sold as an "introduction to Vitamix". They have plastic frames. I could not rid myself of the E320 fast enough. The noise hurt my ears and the lighter weight causes the blender to dance on the counter.
I use my heavy duty Vitamix 7500 multiple times daily and never miss the auto-functions.
There are many advantages to purchasing directly from Vitamix. You can save money on a refurb but the warranty is shortened so a major value is lost. The warranty is exceptional with pick up from home and return in 10 days or less at no charge. No charge for labor or replacing worn out parts.
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