Vitamix 5200 vs 5300: Is There a Difference?
Having a great, solid, well-working countertop blender to juice your life away is important. Although, juicers are not just for healthy eaters and refreshing beverages.
They are also for any form of cooking and meal prep, providing an easy way to make sauces, dips, and more.
If you are doing a deep search, trying to find your perfect blender then you have probably had a look at Vitamix, if you have, you have probably come across the 5200 and 5300 models that are available.
Looking at these two you might think ‘ aren’t they… the same thing?’ Well actually no, they do have some differences and these differences will help you to decide which is best for you.
Together, we will have a look at these two fantastic juicer models and discover their numerous differences, helping you make a decision on which one best suits your kitchen and needs.
At a Glance
When you first take the blenders out of their respective boxes you will find their motor bases. Here we find the first distinguishing feature.
Taking the Vitamix 5200 out of its box, you will find a Classic 64-ounce container. Taking the Vitamix 5300 out of its box, you will find a Low-profile 64-ounce container. You will also find a classic (5200) or low-profile (5300) Tamper as well as a guide to getting started with your juicing.
The 5200 also trumps the 5300 here, as it includes a ‘Getting Started’ DVD as well as a Chef-inspired cookbook.
Both of these machines are also Classic C-Series machines, however, the 5300 is the only blender that uses a Low-Profile container, this is a feature that is usually only used on the newest Next-gen models. So it is somewhat surprising.
Both machines also come with Vitamix’s 7-year warranty, which also includes 2-way shipping (lifesaver1) should you ever need to use it.
The Vitamix 5200 is older than the 5300 version, but it doesn’t really seem to differ much. However, the 5300 does most a little more, but then again it is a newer version, so that is kind of expected.
Now we will have a look over these two models to see if the extra cost that comes with the upgrades fitted on the 5300 version is worth the extra bucks.
The Important Parts
Since they are C-series blenders, you might expect their containers are parts to be compatible. You would be wrong to expect this.
The containers are probably the most potent visual difference between the two. As we mentioned the 5200 uses a classic container, whereas the 5300 uses a low-profile container.
With Vitamix low-profile containers are generally only used on the Next-gen G-series, which makes this the only blender not from the G-series to use it.
This feature is quite useful and good to keep in mind if you have any low hanging cabinets where you intend on keeping your blender, it is great for adding ingredients to the container while the machine is running, or if you wanted to use the tamper.
The blades of these machines are hardened stainless steel and are dull to the touch, which is not a bad thing, having ‘dull blades; ensures consistent blending that relies on brute force rather than razor-sharp cutting. Just what you want from a juicer.
Earplugs required?
Next, a major consideration is a noise. Neither one of these machines is quieter than the other. Both have a noise level of 98 decibels, which is about the same amount of noise as a tractor would make.
This is not unusual for juicers like this, it is pretty standard. It is not quite, but you shouldn’t need earplugs unless you are intending on literally spending your whole day juicing of course.
Overview
The more recent model of the two, the Vitamix 5300, is a best-selling classic and is the model that features the unique low-profile container.
It provides consistency in its processing. With features like a nifty hi/low switch and a slightly higher HP.
Function
This juicer has a laser-cut stainless steel hammermill, with 4-inch diameter cutting blades that deliver consistency in your juicing.
Specialties
This blender is recommended for vegetable chopping, blending, grinding, churning, pureeing, and also is good for creaming, and more.
All you want from a juicer.
Features
Favorable features:
- One 64-ounce container.
- High-performance 2.1HP motor propels blades through even the toughest ingredients, delivering high-quality blending every time.
- Includes a pulse feature that can chop and puree.
- Variable speed control tamper with a unique collar design that fits the container processes for even the thickest blends.
What has it got going for it?
This juicer is small enough to fit under a majority of cabinets, so you can save on kitchen space, even if your kitchen is tiny and crowded. It produced stellar quality blends and retains consistency each time.
You can also adjust the speed control so you can achieve a wide variety of textures in your juicing. This gives you complete control over your blends.
It includes control via a speed dial, which can be used at any time during your blending, making it fantastic for recipes as thick as peanut butter or even a frozen desert. And on that note, it is also really easy to clean.
Craft
The most outstanding part of this Juicer is its 64-ounce sleek container that can fit under a cabinet.
Design features such as a radial cooling fan and a thermal protection system that make it all the better.
Power
This Juicer has a High-Quality 2.1 HP motor with fantastic performance.
Blade Technology
The stainless steel cutting blade is laser-cut. It measures 4 inches in diameter, and along with the hammer mill, it provides a persistently consistent blend.
Its duller blades mean that there will be no inconsistencies as blades dull, and rather than blending via sharpness, it blends by mashing through brute force.
Easy clean?
No one wants a blender they are going to have to spend 20 minutes cleaning. Cleaning this one is quite simple, all you need to do is add a drop of dish soap and warm water to the juicer and run it on a high setting for 30 seconds.
Then it’s done! Give it a wipe down and dry. Perfection.
The Vitamix 5200, is the bestselling Vitamix blender that falls into the C-series category.
This blender, despite its fantastic array of features, was actually released in 2007. What is surprising about this, is that despite its age, it is not outdated.
It still maintains as a very high-performing juicer/ blender, that gives you a chance to make easy and healthy meals without any fuss.
You also have complete speed control with its speed dial, this is one of our favorite things about it. Life becomes so much easier when you have control over your food processing.
Functions
The Vitamix 5200 works with a super powerful motor that blends the toughest ingredients. It has a special blade design that expertly grinds grains and prepared dough too, providing you with a versatile selection of uses.
It also has 10 variable speeds! These speeds range from smooth purees to healthy vegetable soups. You really can’t go wrong.
Specialties
This juicer/ blender is good for anything you can think of, blending, pureeing, and creaming.
It also offered even more, such as the skill of the 32- ounce grains container which can grind whole grains into bread, cereals, or baked goods. This blender is for more than just vegetable goodness.
Features
This blender has 2 containers; a 64-ounce one for blending, good for soups, purees, smoothies, and more, and it has a 34-ounce for grinding dry grains, perfect for creating dough, homemade-cereals, and bread.
It also has 10- variable speed options, that you have full control over. It is fitted with stainless steel laser-cut cutting blades and a hammermill. Like the 5300, it also has a radial cooling fan and a thermal protection system as well.
There is an accelerator tool with this juicer/ blender, that has a special collar design so that the blades do not hit the tool.
This juicer/ blender also has a durable hideaway safety cord, which we all appreciate.
What has it got going for it?
This blender has everything you need so that you can make and craft all that you need from your own home, whether it is a nutritious vegetable smoothie or a low-calorie loaf of bread. It just makes everything so much easier.
Craft
While the 5300 has a singular low-profile container, the 5200 has a 64-ounce container and a 32-ounce container, both of which are easy to store and have radial cooling and thermal protection.
You have the versatility and plenty of safety measures in place. This is what makes this blender/ juicer stand out, and it’s part of what makes it a best-seller.
Power
The motor on this juicer/ blender is efficient 2 peak HP, with a low friction ball bearing motor that assists in blending the toughest and more hardy ingredients while having durable longevity.
Blade Technology
The blades are stainless steel and laser-cut, with a 3-inch diameter and a hammer-mill. Then there is the dry grains container that has a specially-designed blade that grinds grain and can make dough.
So not only is this a juicer, but it is also capable of being like a baker’s assistant.
Container
Fitted with a 64-ounce container for blending medium or large batches of ingredients, and a 32-ounce container that can grind whole grains into a dough. They differ in height.
The Vitamix 5300 is low-profile and is space-saving, with a wider base. This is the main source of difference between these two.
Easy-clean?
Much like the 5300, this is an easy-to-clean container, with a self-cleaning feature.
Simply add water and dish soap and run the blender on high for 30 seconds and rinse with water. Easy as breathing and no unnecessary fuss.
The Differences Vs the Similarities
Pulse
One of the differences between these two is the dedicated pulse button found on the Vitamix 5300, this is found on the left-hand side of the control panel.
When used it delivers a burst of speed, which is ideal when you seek an outcome to be consistent and without chunks. This is not found on the 5200.
Cord
Both models, the Vitamix 5300 and the 5200 are cord-fitted. They have a 6ft cord each which is more than enough for pretty much any kitchen, it gives you the ability to work in most kitchen spaces without needing to be right next to an outlet.
Having a decent cord length is more important than you may think when looking for a kitchen appliance. This is one of the similarities between these two products.
Warranty
Another similarity between these two models is that the manufacturer offers a 7-year full coverage warranty on both of these products.
Under this warranty parts and labor are covered, so that any repair can be made for free within the warranty period.
It is also beneficial because they will also cover shipping costs if a product needs to be returned for repairs within this time period as well.
Speed Settings
At a glance, these two blenders seem to be identical speed-wise as well. Both have a dial in the front of the unit that allows you to choose from ten different speed settings, 1 is the slowest speed setting and 10 is the fastest. However, you can be confused by the design of the control panel as they look near identical on both of these.
They have three main parts on them, on both models, the middle is the knob for speed and the one on the right-hand side is the power on button. Then comes the differences, on the 5300 the left-hand side button is a pulse button, but on the 5200 the left-hand side button is for choosing high or varying speeds.
It is good to keep in mind that nearly all speed settings on these two devices are the same, with the exception of the left-hand side button, which has differing uses.
Tamper
Yet another similarity is that both of the models have tamper. This feature is what makes it easy to add ingredients and ensure that they are adequately evenly crushed.
There is a slight difference in the tamper, mainly from the 5300, due to its low-profile design and its space-efficiency, it can be done with more efficiency on this model.
Safety
Another similarity between these two models is their safety features. Here they do not have any differences.
They both have radial cooling fans so that when they blend at high speeds, and they produce heat, the fan will allow the heat produced to be blown out of the motor. This prevents any overheating that could damage the blender.
Both also have thermal and overheating protections. The overheating protection will reduce any possibility of electrical hazards that may occur.
This can also be vastly beneficial when it comes to prolonging the longevity of the motor as well as other internal components that the machine needs to function adequately.
Cleaning
Finally, another similarity is the self-cleaning ability you will find in both of these machines.
You only need to add warm water and a tiny bit of dish soap, then slowly increase the speed of the blender until the container is cleaned. Wipe and wash out and it is done. Really easy to clean.
Vitamix 5200: The Good and the Bad
Pros
- 32-ounce container for grinding grains and making dough.
- User-friendly design and features.
- Has similar features to the 5300 without the price tag.
Cons
- Small diameter blade when compared to the 5300.
- Lacks the pulse setting found on the later model
Vitamix 5300: The Good and the Bad
Pros
- Space efficiency.
- Powerful motor with variable applicability.
- Pulse action.
Cons
- Higher price.
- More susceptible to overheating.
