Vitamix 5200 Vs 5300 Which Blender Should You Buy?

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Today, our review is on Vitamix 5200 vs 5300 and it’s pretty straightforward and less complicated. Both machines are from the same blender lineup, C-Series, which means they do share on the inspiration and history tree. Just as the name, the C-Series, consists of the line of “classic” and “old-fashioned” blenders, with a super simple control panel. The models on the list are part of the Vitamix 5000, a flagship, and a favorite appliance from the 1990s.

Regardless, both Vitamix 5200 and 5300-Series came with several improvements that the engineers added to enhance the blending experience. Each blender has its unique setting, though, thus, they behave differently during and after use.

In any case, the purpose of this article is to determine these differences, as well as the similarities. I’m hoping to help you understand these Vitamix better so that you can have an idea of the good and bad to expect. Then, at the very least, you can discern and invest in a perfect solution for your situation.

You may also like: Vitamix 6300 vs 5200

Vitamix 5200 vs 5300: How do the brands differ?

Before we can look at the in-depth comparison, here is an overview of how Vitamix differentiated the 5300-C-Series from the 5200 blenders.

Image
Vitamix 5200
Vitamix 5200 Blender, Professional-Grade, Container,...
Vitamix 5300
Vitamix 5300 Blender, Red (Renewed Premium)
Release Date
 2007
2014
Model
C-Series
C-Series
Material Type
Plastic
Plastic
Available Colors
Black Red White Platinum Brushed
Stainless Red Black
Weight
10.0 lbs
11.95 lbs
Capacity
64 Ounces
64 Ounces
Motor Size
2.0- Peak HP
 2.2 HP
Special Feature
Manual
BPA-free
Variable Speed
Pulse Function
Pre-set Programs
Available Features
Heating Blending Chopping Grinding Emulsifying
Heating Blending Chopping Grinding Emulsifying
Noise Level
Around 97 dB
Around 97 dB
Extras
Tamper Cookbook Instructional DVD Getting Started Guide
Tamper Cookbook Getting Started Guide
Warranty
7 years [Extendable]
7 years [Expandable to 10 Years]
Customer Rating
-
Reviews
-
399 Reviews
Vitamix 5200
Image
Vitamix 5200 Blender, Professional-Grade, Container,...
Release Date
 2007
Model
C-Series
Material Type
Plastic
Available Colors
Black Red White Platinum Brushed
Weight
10.0 lbs
Capacity
64 Ounces
Motor Size
2.0- Peak HP
Special Feature
Manual
Variable Speed
Pulse Function
Pre-set Programs
Available Features
Heating Blending Chopping Grinding Emulsifying
Noise Level
Around 97 dB
Extras
Tamper Cookbook Instructional DVD Getting Started Guide
Warranty
7 years [Extendable]
Customer Rating
-
Reviews
-
Price Details
View on Vitamix
Vitamix 5300
Image
Vitamix 5300 Blender, Red (Renewed Premium)
Release Date
2014
Model
C-Series
Material Type
Plastic
Available Colors
Stainless Red Black
Weight
11.95 lbs
Capacity
64 Ounces
Motor Size
 2.2 HP
Special Feature
BPA-free
Variable Speed
Pulse Function
Pre-set Programs
Available Features
Heating Blending Chopping Grinding Emulsifying
Noise Level
Around 97 dB
Extras
Tamper Cookbook Getting Started Guide
Warranty
7 years [Expandable to 10 Years]
Customer Rating
Reviews
399 Reviews
Price Details
View on Vitamix

Vitamix 5200

Again, Vitamix 5200 blender is a classic model that the maker introduced to continue the rich history of their bestselling 5000 Series. If you are a tech buff, sadly, this machine may not suit your style. It compromises of a simple design, with a super basic control panel comprising only two buttons and a speed dial.

While there is Vitamix that features future technology, the classic series continues to win new owners. Especially for the Vitamix 5200, the blender consists of a vintage style, which most believe is much better, particularly in durability.

The machine packs a powerful 2 peak horsepower motor that can not only make smooth and chunky-free smoothies. But also you could use to make your own non-dairy milk, ground coffee, knead the dough, amongst other recipes.
Like many from the Ohio maker, Vitamix 5200 is effortless to operate. The stated control dial allows you to adjust the speed from the lowest through the highest. Thus, giving you better power over the ingredients.

Vitamix 5300

Strangely, there’s slight confusion on the exact come day of the Vitamix 5300. The blender, however, was supposed to be a new lineup for the 2015 market to take over from its predecessor, Vitamix 5200.

Needless to say, there were several other blender series introduced to cover on the common issues with the Vitamix 5200. These new models, however, didn’t have an exact “classical” base of the original C-Series. A good example is the Vitamix 6300 that redesigns the control panel so that it can have the three pre-programmed settings.

Anyways, the 5300 blenders came with a simple base pod, pretty close to that of the 5200-Series. The housing houses a 2.2 horsepower motor, plus a radial cooling fan and thermal protection system in case of overload.

Similarly, the Vitamix 5300 can do a wide range of food recipes, including making hot soup, frozen desserts, and green smoothies. The blender comes with a 64-ounce jar, which you can make between 6-8 cups of liquid refreshment for the entire family.

That said, let’s now do a side by side comparison of Vitamix 5200 vs 5300, identifying their differences so that you can choose the right one that you need.

Comparing the Various Features and Capabilities between Vitamix 5200 and 5300:

Vitamix 5200 Vs 5300
  • Use of Space

In case you’re wondering, yes it really matters. You might have a limited space or several kitchen appliances, which means you have to optimize what you have. As for the countertop, or otherwise the work area, both Vitamix 5200 and 5300 blender will require a similar space. They have a base dimension of 8.75 by 7.25 inches, which is to mean an 80 square inch area is more than enough.

When it comes to the storage space, though, the 5200-C-Series uses a classic tall 64-ounce container. When mounted on the base unit, the entire equipment will reach about 20.5 inches height, which can be tricky to fit in some kitchen cabinets.

Meanwhile, Vitamix 5300 uses a 64-ounce low-profile container that consists of a shorter but wider design. After setting it up, including the pitcher and the lid, the machine is usually about 17.25 inches tall. Hence, effortless to pick and return in most storage cabinets.

  • Wide/ Narrow Container Difference

Other than the storage issue, the performance between the tall classic container and the low-profile container is not quite the same. While using the former, you can work on large and small batches without difficulty due to its slenderness. This, however, is not the case for the Vitamix 5300.

The low-profile jar has wider setting, which is relatively impossible to use on small batches of ingredients. It can cause the mix to splash onto the wall and or lid, in which case you’ll have to rely on the tamper more. Even so, the wider container features longer blades [4 inches] than the tall classic jar. So, you’ll certainly chop your salad or heat the soup pretty faster.

  • How’s the blade and blending?

Like any other countertop blender, Vitamix 5300 and 5200 comes with hardened laser-cut stainless blades. They have a wet-dry blade assembly that is mostly for processing liquids and other softer materials. You can as well use the blade to process tougher ingredients like corn, rice, and other dry grains.

If you’re hoping to mill regularly, however, you’ll need an extra dry-blade container and its blunt-edged blades. It will help enhance your blending experience, as well as support the lifetime of your wet-blade pitcher.

Assuming you’re clear on the two types of blades, please do remember the Vitamix 5200 and 5300 blender has different jar widths. For this reason, the maker gave the wider low-profile a longer blade system to ensure all the ingredients come in contact with the blades. The narrow jar, apparently with the 5200 Classic, has shorter 3-inch blades but they still deliver unbeaten consistency.

  • What Colors are available?

You possibly want your kitchen to look neat and attractive. So, the appearance of your blender is a crucial factor, even if it might be nonessential.

Like most Vitamix, the 5200 comes with a standard black motor base, which is a great option if you love cool colors. If not, there is also platinum, brushed stainless steel, as well as red and white finishes that you can consider for your flashy taste.

Funny enough, Vitamix 5300 also has the option of the sleek black and stylish red. So, you can’t say the engineer didn’t look into your modest or colorful desires.

  • Which has the most power?

As shown in the above table, our two blenders deliver a different amount of power. The Vitamix 5200 has a 2.0 peak motor, which is quite powerful while drawing a 1380-watt electric charge. You can use it to blend any food material you add to the container, including even the toughest ones.

On its end, Vitamix 5300 has a 2.2 horsepower, which is a bit stronger than that of the 5200-C-Series. Hence, another reason the blender will process ingredients a couple of seconds faster than its peer.

Regardless, the two blenders are both rated at 1380 watts [or 11.5 amp]. As such, their energy consumption is quite similar. Furthermore, the tools have an automatic thermal protection system that prevents the motor from overheating and blowing out. The mechanism is some kind of thermostat as it automatically shut the machines down when the engine gets too hot.

In any case, it’s still pretty hard for Vitamix 5200 and 5300 to overheat if the vents beneath the base are flowing with cool air.

  • Ease of Use?

As mentioned earlier, Vitamix 5200 and 5300 are straightforward to operate. They are true classics, with only two buttons and a control dial on the control panel.

In either case, the dial allows you to adjust the speed of your blend, which in turn gives you better control over the blending process. If it’s a salad or salsa recipe, the variable speed knob makes it possible to chop your ingredients without turning them into a smoothie or dips.

Even so, you can’t operate the speed dial of the Vitamix 5200 directly as with the 5300 blender. The 2007-model has a High/ Variable switch on the left side of the control panel, in which case you have to select “variable” to activate the different speeds. Otherwise, setting the switch at “high” thrust the motor to the full speed upon pushing up the on switch.

  • Does it have Pre-set Programs?

The pre-programmed setting is one of the best ways to achieve perfect consistency with your blender. It usually comprises timed blend cycles that allow a blender to auto-prepare a specific diet as “instructed” by its designer. Then, the machine automatically switches off when the programmed time lapses.

Sadly, neither Vitamix 5200 nor 5300 blender has preset features. The newer model, though, has the pulse function, which is a great alternative if you want to prepare a delicate recipe under a timed period. All needed of you is to hold the “Pulse” button and just let it go when the ingredients attain the needed texture.

Unfortunately, Vitamix 5200 doesn’t have a dedicated PULSE feature. If you need to blend in short pulses, however, you could do it by setting the blender on High/ Variable switch on “High”. Then, PULSE by pushing the On/ off button up and down.

Notes

Vitamix doesn’t agree on starting your blender on high speed. You can risk burning out the motor or splashing the liquid contained in the container [if any].

  • Can You Make Hot Soup?

At the speed Vitamix blenders move, the blades tend to create a lot of friction energy. Instead of leaving it to waste, the genius maker decided to harness and put it into good use- heating the mixtures. You just need to add your cold materials in the jug and let the machine run for 5-6 minutes. The blend will surely turn steaming hot and no extra heating will be needed.

I should mention both Vitamix 5200 and Vitamix 5300 support the function. The only issue is that the machines don’t support preset programs. Hence, you will have to do the heating manually.

  • Which model is easier to Clean?

Like any other Vitamix, 5200 and 5300 blender are quick and effortless to clean. You just need to add water [preferably warm] and some drops of dish soap in the blender pitcher. Then, blend the mixture for about 60 seconds or less.

Again, these blenders don’t have smart programs like the Pro 750-Series that even has preset Self-Cleaning. So, you will have to blend them clean manually. You’ll also need to hand wash with a sponge once in a while so that you can rid the debris that might be hiding in the corners.

The container of the Vitamix 5300 has a wider mouth, which means you will find it much easier to hand-wash than the 5200-C-Series.

  • Does it come with Accessories

As a brand for the people, Vitamix does care for its customers. The brand delivers all its machines as a complete set, including the motor base, blender container, and several accessories.

Here’s a highlight of the various accessories to expect with your Vitamix 5200 and 5300 blender.

Vitamix 5200

  • Motor Base
  • 64-ounce Classic tall pitcher
  • Tamper
  • Getting Started Manual

Vitamix 5300

  • Motor Base
  • 64-ounce low-profile container
  • Tamper
  • Cookbook
  • Instructional DVD
  • Getting Started Guide

The tamper is an integral part of any countertop Vitamix blender, which is why every unit comes with one. Its purpose is to pop any air bubble trapped between the blade system, as well as push the ingredients to the blades.

  • Durability

This is the number two strong point of Vitamix products. Number one is the high performance, involving powerful motor and superior blades.

Anyways, Vitamix designed the 5200 and 5300 blenders to push through several decades, just like their other machines. They feature a well-made construction while using top-grade materials.

When you compare the two blenders closely, though, Vitamix 5200 appears stronger with the rugged polycarbonate container and denser base housing. The model is available in stainless steel and platinum finishes, which usually involves dipping plastic in liquid metal.

So, Vitamix 5200 is the winner when it comes to durability.

  • Satisfaction Guarantee and Warranty

Vitamix is one of the few brands that you can learn to appreciate during and after buying your machine. The maker has high trust in what they provide. Thus, they usually pack in the box a standard warranty of up to 7 years if your purchased product is brand new. There’s the option to extend that period up to 10 years at a small fee. More to love, Vitamix warranties cover on even the shipping cost of your faulty machine, something that’s not with many.

All this, by the way, applies to all brand’s countertops, including Vitamix 5200 and 5300 Classic series. The firm even offers a 30-day satisfaction guarantee that includes a full refund and free return shipping if you’re not 100% satisfied or you have second thoughts.

  • Pricing

As you already know, Vitamix is not a cheap brand. You have to be truly committed if you decided to have one of their benders in the kitchen. Luckily, the offered blenders are high-end and durable, with some sticking with you for more than 20 years while still functioning.

When we compare Vitamix 5200 vs 5300 at price-point, the former wins with about 30 dollars less its chat. Of course, the difference’s not much but it’s still worthwhile if you’ve liked your machine.

Vitamix 5200 vs 5300: The Winner

Truthfully, I can’t say there’s any pressing feature to differentiate Vitamix 5200 vs 5300. If it’s on performance, both blenders can shred, chop, grind, and emulsify your recipe. They pack superior motor and strong blades that even allow you to heat your made soup in under 5 minutes. Then, there’s a big bonus for a prolonged lifetime before you can think of buying another blender.

That said, however, Vitamix 5200 is a unique blender make, and so is the Vitamix 5200. Each has some strengths that the other doesn’t. For a model, you can choose the 5200 if you need guaranteed durability and you’re ok without a true PULSE feature

On the other hand, Vitamix 5300 has a shorter container, which is a big bonus in storage and processing large batches. Therefore, I believe whichever blender you pick or may not suit your needs.

To wind up, all these two blenders are quite loud during blending. They don’t have the noise dampening technology like that of the Next Generation G-Series. So, you may need to have your earmuffs nearby, especially when milling dry grain.

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