The Ultimate Vitamix Blender Buying Guide (2024)

• Capacity: 32 fl. oz
• Blending speeds: 1
• Motor: 1.2 horsepower
• Weight: 6 lbs 4 oz
• Dimensions: 8 x 7 x 16"
• Colors: Black
• Warranty: 2 years

Interested in a Vitamix blender, but hesitating to pull the trigger because of the price tag? The newestmodel, the Vitamix One, might be for you. Released in 2020, the One is the cheapest of all the Vitamix models. Note: This lower price does come with some compromises. The blender is smaller and has a lower horsepower (1.2 compared to 2 horsepower in the Explorian Series). And we did find in our testing that this model didn’t deliver the same oomph as other Vitamix blenders when it came to certain tasks, like crushing ice. However, it is extremely easy to use: Simply turn one dial on the front. Overall it’s a great starter blender for cooks on a budget.

Should I buy a refurbished Vitamix?

In addition to the models mentioned above, Vitamix offers refurbished and reconditioned blenders. These are available on the Vitamix website and from some certified sellers like Amazon. These previously owned machines are returned to the company, tuned up, and resold at a discount. Usually the fixes involve things like repairing the motor or attaching a new container, so you can be sure you’re getting a blender that looks and performs just as well as a new one.

Notably, all reconditioned Vitamix blenders come with a three-to-five year warranty. Personally, I got my first Vitamix blender as a refurbished model and found it worked identically to the ones I’d used at work, just with a couple of scratches on the body. If you want all the same power for a fraction of the original price, certified reconditioned is the way to go.

Vitamix Attachments and Accessories

Vitamix sells a variety of attachments and accessories to extend their blenders’ functionality and versatility. Extra containers in various sizes allow you to make personal-size smoothies or double batches of blended soups. Tamper holders make for compact storage. An aerating disc container makes whipping and emulsifying a cinch. A grains container can be used for grinding whole grains into flours. And a food-processor attachment makes your blender two appliances in one. Ahead, discover all top picks for Vitamix attachments.

Vitamix Aer Disc Container

Unlock your culinary creativity with the Aer Disc. This Vitamix add-on allows you to emulsify in minutes, whip up voluminous creams, muddle fruits without puréeing them, and create fantastically frothy foams. The patent-pending disc that pulls liquid ingredients through small holes in as it spins, making quick work of tasks that can be complex and/or time-consuming without this incredibly useful gadget. The Vitamix Aer Disc Container is compatible with these Vitamix series: Ascent, Legacy Series, Explorian, and the Venturist (the Venturist series was exclusively sold at Costco but is no longer stocked).

Vitamix 12-Cup Food Processor Attachment

Simplify food prep with this high-performance processor attachment that slices, dices, and chops on your behalf. Like the blender itself, the food processor attachment features stainless-steel blades and cutting discs. The attachment is compatible with the Ascent and Venturist Vitamix series.

Vitamix Blending Bowls

Sometimes you need to make small batches or single servings — and that's where these blending bowls come in extremely handy. The Vitamix blender will automatically detect that you are using an 8-ounce bowl and adjust its blend settings accordingly. These bowls are perfect when you want to make a single-serving smooth bowl, some baby food, or smaller items like spreads, nut butters, dips, and dressings. The dishwasher-safe bowls are BPA-free and come with matching lids for easy storage. The two-piece set is compatible with the Vitamix Ascent series.

Vitamix Dry Grains Container

This attachment’s laser-cut blades efficiently grind fresh grains into flours, swiftly mix batters, and even knead dough. This Vitamix container is compatible with the Ascent series.

Vitamix Blending Cup

If you want to make single-serving smoothies (or margaritas for that matter) without pulling out the full-size blender jar, this blending cup is a must-have. The blender cup also comes with a spill-proof lid, so as soon as you’re done blending your smoothie, you can pop your lid on and head out the door. The blending cup is compatible with the Ascent series, but if you use this adapter that makes it compatible with the Legacy and Explorian series as well.

Vitamix Under Blade Scraper

Generally speaking, all Vitamix blenders are super easy to clean. All you have to do is add warm water and a drop of dish soap and then turn the machine on to its highest speed and it will self-clean (no disassembly required). That method of cleaning your blender will usually get the job done—but for times when something is stuck beneath a blade and it just won’t budge, you’ll be glad to have this under blade scraper on hand.

What’s the deal with the Vitamix Immersion blender?

Maybe you don’t have space for a Vitamix blender–or any blender for that matter. Or maybe a Vitamix simply isn’t in your budget (understandable). If you’re someone who wants to make soups, smoothies, and purées, but want something a bit smaller, the immersion blender might be for you. (You can read more about the very best immersion blenders based on our product tests here.) With a 625-watt motor, Vitamix immersion blenders have five different speed options and can blend in any vessel (so long as it has a 3-inch wide opening).

Some immersion blenders come with a bunch of different accessories and attachments. Unfortunately, Vitamix requires you to purchase all accessories and attachments separately. Still, you can turn your immersion blender into a whisk or a chopper with these add-ons.

And what about the Vitamix food recyclers?

In 2020, the blender company released the FoodCycler FC-50—a super cool countertop gadget that helps reduce food waste. All you have to do is throw your veggie peels and eggshells in the bucket, close the carbon filtered lid, and press a button. Your FoodCycler will break down the scraps and turn them into nutrient-rich fertilizer. It’s a pretty quick, easy, and (most importantly) odorless process. You can check out our full review of the FoodCycler for more info. The FoodCycler comes with a removable bucket for all of your waste, a carbon filter lid, and a few additional carbon filters. You can purchase additional carbon filters as you need them.

How do I clean my Vitamix blender?

Cleaning a Vitamix blender is fairly straightforward. After using it, fill the container halfway with warm water and add a drop of dish soap. Run the self-cleaning cycle for 30- 60 seconds. Rinse the container with warm water and let dry. That's it! Your blender is clean and ready to go. For blenders that don't have a self-cleaning cycle, like the Explorian, you can just add the water and dish soap, turn the speed up slowly to halfway for about 10 seconds, up to the max for about 20 seconds, and then ramp it down slowly.