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If you are looking to buy a blender from the Vitamix range, you may consider reading on for my review of the Vitamix 5200 vs 5300. Two worthy opponents in a tough race among so many contenders.
A quick review of the below comparison table and it may become evident that the 5300 is an upgrade of the 5200.
Vitamix 5200 vs 5300 : Compare vitamix 5200 and 5300
| VS | Vitamix 5200 | Vitamix 5300 |
|---|---|---|
| PROGRAM | Variable Speed | Pulse (Variable Speed) |
| PERFORMANCE | 2 peak horsepower | 2.2 horsepower |
| HEIGHT | Taller | Shorter |
| COLOR | 5 color options | 2 color options |
| NOISE LEVEL | Noisier | Quieter |
| COST | Less expensive | More expensive |
Whether you are a first time blender buyer or perhaps a second time blender buyer, disillusioned by your first purchase, it is helpful to know what your blender will be capable of doing against what your expectations of a blender are.
Knowing what you want and expect frequently help to eliminate unnecessary options.
Finding out that a blender may perform beyond your expectations is always a bonus. For instance are you aware that the friction produced from the blades of the Vitamix blenders is sufficient to prepare a soup in minutes.
Would you believe me if I said that this soup requires no further heating and therefore no extra dishes?
Alternatively, you may have a sweet tooth and discover that Vitamix offers amazing frozen dessert recipes that can be prepared in minutes.
Apart from offering healthier alternatives to store bought desserts you may feel less guilty indulging if you are watching your waistline.
So let us clear up the features on the Vitamix 5300 and the 5200.
Vitamix 5300 Reviews
The Vitamix 5300 is a neat and powerful blender that comes in either black or red.
It is driven by a 2.2 horsepower motor that calculates to a running output of 1.85 horsepower. You may want to compare this power against some line trimmers to appreciate the number.
Despite this impressive power, the motor has been improved to run quietly. This feature seems to rank rather high amongst all reports.
The 5300 offers a pulse feature, which enables one to vary the textures of different ingredients. This may come in handy when preparing meals that involve layering of ingredients such as salsa.
A variable speed dial with 10 settings helps to control your blending process. The dial may be turned up or down at any point during the process although all blending should begin on a speed of one.
All the blending power is aided by the 4 inch (in diameter) laser cut, stainless steel hammermill and cutting blades. The description is sufficient to make one aware of the possibilities. Seeds and grains are no match.
The 5300 comes with a 64-ounce low profile container that is suitable for preparing family sized portions. Individual portions are unlikely to be successful however, freezing or sharing are always great options.
The low profile container means that the blender stands only 17.25 inches tall and is designed to fit comfortably on a counter top even if it is below overhead cupboards.
Vitamix 5200 Reviews
The Vitamix 5200 comes in some variations. For this review, I have focused on the Standard 5200.
The 5200 is very similar in appearance to the 5300; it comes in five different finishes, which may be more suitable depending on the color scheme of your kitchen.
The motor offers two horsepower with the advantage of peak performance. When starting the blending process the motor will kick off with its max 2 horsepower, after a very brief period it will reduce to 1.85 horsepower, which is its running output.
The theory behind peak performance is to improve the start of the blending process, especially for tough ingredients.
The 5200 offers a 10 speed variable dial. There is also an option of utilizing a switch that instantly changes the speed of the blades to its maximum.
The variable speed is better for varying textures however; the maximum speed is useful for items such as drinks and smooth soups.
Whilst the blades of the 5200 are made from the same material as the 5300, they measure only 3 inches in diameter. Still very impressive and just as capable.
The container is also 64 ounces but it stands 20.5 inches tall. The disadvantage is to find a storage space that can accommodate the height of the 5200.
Program settings
The 5200 and 5300 both offer variable speed control. The pulse feature was introduced on the 5300 model to aid the blending process for varying textures.
Blending Power
What is very interesting is that the running horsepower for both models calculates to 1.85. If you consider that the 5200 offers peak performance then it wins this race with more power on start-up and matched running power.
Height
The 5300 seems to have been the introduction to the low profile container. The design allows for more convenient counter top storage and should fit underneath most overhead cupboards.
The 5200 is significantly taller which may make it more difficult to find it a home on a counter.
Finishes
Another bonus with the 5200 is the five color options of black, brushed stainless, platinum, red and white. The 5300 comes in a red or black finish.
If harmony and aesthetics are important to you the additional 3 color options offered in the 5200 may make it a more suitable choice for you.
Noise Level
As mentioned, a quieter blender has been rated highly. Depending on the structure of your home and the extent to which noise travels as well as the times at which you intend to use your blender you may not have to dismiss the 5200 as a suitable option.
Cost
Being an upgrade to the 5200, you would expect the 5300 to be the more expensive blender. What is surprising is that there is not an excessive difference between the cost of the two models.
Conclusion
Well after closer examination of the features of the 5300 and the 5200, I rated the 5200 as my winner.
For me it came down to power and aesthetics.
Who can scoff at peak performance and matched running power for a lower price. And yes, I like having additional color options to match my appliances in the kitchen.
Granted my kitchen is able to accommodate a taller blender and both my children would sleep through a bomb blast so a small amount of additional noise is also not an issue for me.
The warranty for all Vitamix blenders is seven years so there is no reason to fear that the 5200 is not as tough as the 5300, even if the blades are not as wide.
Finally, I am sure that the money saved on the 5200 would afford me the opportunity to invest in a Vitamix cookbook. If you have glimpsed any of their delicious recipes than you may understand my enthusiasm to own one.
You might feel that the 5300 is the better investment based on the more convenient height, lower noise level and the pulse feature.
These are of course personal preferences and based on what we want and need. I do hope my review has helped you to clarify what you want and expect from your blender there by making your decision on a suitable blender a little easier.
