Vitamix 5200 vs 5300 – Is the Newer Version Worth Your Money?
Since 1921, Vitamix has been manufacturing blenders for household and commercial use. And, giant companies like Starbucks and McDonalds rely on Vitamix blenders’ high-quality performance.
Over the years, the Vitamix 5200 blender stands out among the other brands in the market and become customers favorite. It is known for its powerful stainless steel hammer-mill blades that can pulverize almost anything.
Then, a newer model surpasses the 5200 model in some ways, which is Vitamix 5300. What is the difference between those two models? Which is better between Vitamix 5200 versus 5300?
The Similar Things between these Two Models
Vitamix 5200 and Vitamix 5300 have many similarities, which is why you can get confused or torn between the two. Both are powerful, high-quality appliances that can handle anything you throw into them.
A speed dial characterizes the control button of the Vitamix 5200 in the middle of the motor base. It has a very straightforward function, which is to adjust the speed of the blades. The speed dial has up to 10-speed settings.
To the left of the speed dial is the High/Variable Speed Switch. Its function is to change between the maximum speed (High) and the dial (Variable Speed). To the right is the on/off switch.
There is a lack of a pulse button, so the users tend to set it to a High-Speed setting and instantly start and stop the power button. This way, they can achieve short, intense bursts, but it is still ineffective.
Vitamix saw this as a room for improvement. They included a pulse function in the newer model 5300. Instead of the high/variable speed switch, the pulse button is located to the left of the speed dial. All other control dials and buttons of the 5300 are the same as its predecessor.
2. The containers
Both Vitamix blenders have a 64-ounce jar. The jar of Vitamix 5200 is tall and narrow, allowing you to blend single-size servings. It combines the ingredients thoroughly and thickly by preventing them from spreading too much.
However, the tall pitcher of the 5200 has a minor drawback, which is the storage. The 20-inch height can be challenging to fit inside the cabinet or counter-top. This is even more difficult if you put it on the motor base.
On the other hand, the Vitamix 5300 has a shorter pitcher. Although it is only three inches shorter, this difference is already enough to fit conveniently in smaller storage.
The Vitamix has to compensate for it, though, with a broader pitcher and larger blades. However, the full pitcher may cause the ingredients to extend farther apart, resulting in a thin texture.
3. Warranty
A 7-year warranty backs both blenders. For a reasonable price, this is already an extended warranty period. If either of the pitcher malfunctions within this period, Vitamix will repair it for free or replace it if they can’t fix it.
The Main Differences between Vitamix 5200 Compared to 5300
Both blenders share many similar features, but they also have significant differences. As a newer version, the Vitamix 5300 has some features that the 5200 doesn’t have.
Some of its parts, such as the motor and blade, are upgraded to suit most users’ needs.
1. Machine (Motor and motor housing)
The Vitamix 5200 features a 2.0 peak horsepower motor that spins the blade as fast as 37,000 rpm. It is powerful enough to crush and blend ingredients from soft to tough ones. The motor is high-quality and durable to last for various blending tasks.
The recent model, Vitamix 5300, is made with a more powerful 2.2 peak horsepower motor. Although the 0.2 sounds like a small difference, 2.2 is the highest horsepower motor that Vitamix has ever manufactured so far.
The difference is evident not in the power or capacity to blend the ingredients but in the lower noise operation of the Vitamix 5300 than the older 5200 model.
If you pay closer attention to the blending performance, you will notice that the Vitamix 5300 has more capacity to blend and has a quieter operation. In this area, it has a substantial edge over its predecessor Vitamix 5200.
2. Wattage
The 2.0-HP motor of the Vitamix 5200 functions at an adequate power of about 1,380 watts. Although it operates at a lower wattage, the integrated ball-bearing technology improves the machine’s durability and efficiency.
The Vitamix 5300 has a more powerful engine, so it operates at a sufficient power of 1,640 watts. Since it has more blending power over Vitamix 5200, it requires more power and higher wattage than the older Vitamix blender.
3. Radial cooling fan
For safety purposes, both of the Vitamix blenders are built with a radial cooling fan. The function of the fan is to prevent overheating during operation, thus increasing its lifespan. It automatically shuts the machine down when it detects overheating.
The 5300, though, has a better cooling fan because it is integrated with a thermal protection system.
4. Dimension
Both 5200 and 5300 models have almost similar dimensions. If we compare their specific sizes, the difference lies in height.
The Vitamix 5200 comes in 20.5×8.75×7.35 inches, while the Vitamix 5300 comes in 17.25×8.75×7.25 inches.
As mentioned above, the taller pitcher of Vitamix 5200 makes the blender more challenging to store. So, if you have limited space, consider buying the Vitamix 5300 instead. Plus, 5300 is practical for blending larger batches of ingredients.
5. Price
As a newer model, the Vitamix 5300 is available at a higher price. However, you have a few options. You can purchase a brand new product or buy a certified refurbished version that comes at a lower price.
The second option allows you to save at least $100, but the brand new blender’s quality has yet to be determined.
The Verdicts: Which One You Should Buy?
There is no doubt that the Vitamix 5200 and 5300 are powerful to handle a wide variety of meals or smoothies. From smoothies and salsa, to nut butter and dough, to soups and coffee, you can rely on either of them. However, there are certain factors that you should consider when choosing between them.
If you have a limited budget, the Vitamix 5200 is just enough. The 2.0-hp motor can crush, pulverize, and blend various ingredients that other brands can’t. If you can tolerate the noise and have a big cabinet for storage, then the 5200 is for you.
The Vitamix 5300 is more expensive, but it has a more powerful motor, quiet operation, and pulse function. As a newer version, it is better than the older one. If you have a budget to spare, there is no reason to not get the Vitamix 5300 over 5200.
