Vitamix E310 vs 5200: Which Blender Is Right for You?

Buying a Vitamix blender is a serious investment—one that can transform how you cook. Whether you’re making smoothies, soups, nut butters, or even dough, these high-performance blenders handle it all. But when it comes to choosing between the Vitamix E310 and the Vitamix 5200, things get tricky.

At first glance, they might look similar, but there are major differences in power, container size, design, and performance that can impact your experience. The E310 is compact and budget-friendly, while the 5200 is a powerhouse built for large batches and tougher tasks.

So which one is right for you? Let’s break it all down so you can confidently choose the best blender for your needs.

Vitamix E310 vs 5200: Quick Comparison Table

Before we break things down in detail, here’s a quick side-by-side comparison of the Vitamix E310 and Vitamix 5200 to help you spot their key differences at a glance.

At first glance, both blenders seem similar—they’re powerful, durable, and built for high-performance blending. But when you start comparing them side by side, a few critical differences stand out.

The Vitamix E310 is a compact and budget-friendly option, making it perfect if you don’t need to blend large batches at once. The 48 oz container is great for everyday use, whether you’re making smoothies, sauces, or soups. It also has a pulse function, which gives you more control over texture—something the Vitamix 5200 lacks.

On the other hand, the Vitamix 5200 is designed for serious blending. The 64 oz container is a game-changer if you’re blending for a family or making meal prep easier. Plus, its 2.2 HP motor is slightly stronger, meaning it blends thicker mixtures more efficiently than the E310. However, it’s taller, making storage trickier, and it costs more.

So, what does this all mean for you? If you mostly blend for yourself or a small household, the E310 is the smarter pick. If you regularly blend large batches and need extra power, the 5200 is worth the investment.

Now, let’s take a closer look at each blender, starting with the Vitamix E310.

Vitamix E310 Review: Features, Pros, and Cons

The Vitamix E310 is a powerful, compact, and budget-friendly blender that delivers the high performance Vitamix is known for. If you’re looking for a versatile blender for everyday use, this one ticks a lot of boxes.

Key Features of the Vitamix E310

1. 2.0 HP Motor – Plenty of Power for Most Tasks

The E310 packs a 2.0 horsepower motor, which is more than enough to blend tough ingredients like frozen fruits, nuts, and even ice. While it’s slightly less powerful than the 2.2 HP motor in the 5200, the difference is barely noticeable in most cases. You still get smooth, creamy blends without any struggle.

2. 48-Ounce Container – Perfect for Smaller Batches

One of the biggest differences between the E310 and the 5200 is the container size. The E310’s 48-ounce container is ideal if you’re blending for one to three people. It’s also shorter and more compact, meaning it fits easily under most kitchen cabinets—something the taller 5200 struggles with.

3. 10-Speed Control + Pulse Feature

The E310 gives you precise control over texture with its 10-speed variable dial. Whether you want a silky-smooth puree or a chunky salsa, you can adjust the speed to get the perfect consistency.

The big advantage here? The pulse function. Unlike the 5200, which lacks a dedicated pulse setting, the E310 lets you pulse ingredients for better control over chopping and blending. This makes it great for things like pesto, salsas, or nut butters where you don’t want everything completely liquefied.

4. Hardened Stainless Steel Blades – Built to Last

Just like the 5200, the E310 features aircraft-grade stainless steel blades that are incredibly durable. They can handle hot soups, frozen ingredients, and everything in between, making this blender a long-term investment.

5. Self-Cleaning – Hassle-Free Maintenance

Cleaning the E310 is as simple as adding warm water and a drop of dish soap, then blending for 30-60 seconds. No need to disassemble anything! This feature is standard in most Vitamix models, including the 5200.

Pros and Cons of the Vitamix E310

✅ Pros:
✔ More affordable than the 5200
✔ Compact size fits easily under cabinets
✔ Pulse feature provides better texture control
✔ Powerful enough for smoothies, soups, and nut butters

❌ Cons:
✘ Smaller 48-ounce container may not be ideal for large batches
✘ Slightly less powerful than the 5200 (though still very strong)

Who Should Buy the Vitamix E310?

The Vitamix E310 is best for individuals or small households who want a high-performance blender without the bulk or high price tag. If you don’t need to blend huge quantities and prefer a more compact, easy-to-store design, this is the one to go for.

But if you frequently make large batches or want more power, you might find the Vitamix 5200 more suitable.

Speaking of which, let’s take a closer look at the Vitamix 5200 and what makes it different.

Vitamix 5200 Review: Features, Pros, and Cons

The Vitamix 5200 is built for those who want more power, a larger container, and professional-level blending performance. While it costs more than the E310, it justifies its price with a stronger motor and the ability to handle larger batches effortlessly.

Key Features of the Vitamix 5200

1. 2.2 HP Motor – More Power for Tougher Blends

The 5200’s 2.2 horsepower motor is slightly stronger than the E310’s 2.0 HP motor, giving it an edge when blending dense ingredients like frozen fruits, thick smoothies, and nut butters. If you regularly blend large quantities or need a blender that can handle tougher jobs, the extra power makes a difference.

2. 64-Ounce Container – Ideal for Large Batches

One of the biggest advantages of the 5200 is its larger 64-ounce container. This is perfect if you’re making smoothies for multiple people, meal prepping, or blending soups in larger quantities.

However, this tall container may not fit under standard kitchen cabinets, which could be an issue if you’re tight on counter space. If storage is a concern, you might find the E310’s shorter 48-ounce container more convenient.

3. 10-Speed Variable Control – But No Pulse Feature

Like the E310, the 5200 also has 10-speed variable control, allowing you to adjust blending speed for different textures. However, one notable drawback is the lack of a dedicated pulse function.

While you can manually pulse by turning the speed dial up and down, it’s not as seamless as the E310’s dedicated pulse switch, which makes chopping and controlled blending much easier.

4. Stainless Steel Blades – Built for Heavy-Duty Use

Just like the E310, the 5200 features hardened stainless steel blades, capable of blending anything from frozen fruits to hot soups. These blades are designed for long-term durability and high-speed blending.

5. Self-Cleaning – Quick and Easy Maintenance

The 5200’s self-cleaning function works just like the E310’s—just add warm water and dish soap, then blend for 30-60 seconds. There’s no need to disassemble any parts, making cleanup hassle-free.

Pros and Cons of the Vitamix 5200

✅ Pros:
✔ More powerful 2.2 HP motor for heavy-duty blending
✔ Larger 64-ounce container for big batches
✔ Variable speed control for customized textures
✔ Self-cleaning for easy maintenance

❌ Cons:
✘ No pulse function, which limits texture control
✘ Tall design may not fit under cabinets
✘ More expensive than the E310

Who Should Buy the Vitamix 5200?

If you regularly blend large batches, need extra power for thick mixtures, or want a more professional-level blender, the Vitamix 5200 is a great choice.

However, if you don’t need the larger container and prefer a more compact, affordable option with a pulse feature, the E310 might be a better fit.

Now, let’s compare these two models side by side and break down their key differences.

Vitamix E310 vs 5200: Key Differences Explained

Now that we’ve covered each blender individually, let’s break down their key differences so you can decide which one is the better fit for your needs.

1. Motor Power: Is the Extra Strength Noticeable?

• Vitamix E310: 2.0 HP motor
• Vitamix 5200: 2.2 HP motor

While both blenders are powerful, the 5200’s extra 0.2 HP makes it slightly better for blending thick, tough ingredients like frozen desserts, nut butters, and dough. However, for most everyday blending tasks, the difference is barely noticeable.

💡 Takeaway: If you need a blender for heavy-duty tasks or frequently blend very thick mixtures, the 5200’s extra power could be useful. Otherwise, the E310 is more than capable.

2. Container Size: Do You Need a Larger Capacity?

• Vitamix E310: 48 oz container
• Vitamix 5200: 64 oz container

The E310’s 48-ounce container is perfect for single servings or small families, while the 5200’s 64-ounce container is better for larger batches.

One major drawback of the 5200 is its tall design, which makes it harder to store under kitchen cabinets. The E310 is shorter and fits easily in most kitchens.

💡 Takeaway: If you blend for multiple people or meal prep in bulk, the 5200’s larger container is ideal. But if storage space is a concern, the E310’s compact size is a big plus.

3. Pulse Feature: A Game-Changer for Texture Control

• Vitamix E310: ✅ Has a dedicated pulse function
• Vitamix 5200: ❌ No pulse function

The E310 has a built-in pulse feature, making it much easier to chop ingredients or create chunkier textures for things like salsa, pesto, and nut butters. The 5200 lacks this, meaning you’d have to manually pulse by turning the speed dial up and down—a less convenient method.

💡 Takeaway: If you like precise texture control, the E310’s pulse feature gives you an edge over the 5200.

4. Price: Which One Gives Better Value?

• Vitamix E310: More affordable
• Vitamix 5200: More expensive

The 5200 costs more due to its larger container and slightly more powerful motor. But if you don’t need those extras, the E310 offers similar performance at a lower price.

💡 Takeaway: If you’re on a budget and don’t need the larger capacity, the E310 gives you the best value for your money.

5. Noise Level: Is One Quieter?

Both models are loud, but the E310 tends to be slightly quieter than the 5200. That extra motor power in the 5200 means a bit more noise—something to consider if you prefer a quieter kitchen.

💡 Takeaway: If noise is a concern, the E310 might be the slightly better choice, though both are loud compared to standard blenders.

Now that we’ve compared their key differences, let’s help you decide which one is best for you.

Which One Should You Choose?

Now that you know how the Vitamix E310 and 5200 compare, let’s break it down into who should buy which model based on different needs.

Choose the Vitamix E310 If…

✅ You want a more affordable option with excellent performance.
✅ You blend smaller batches or cook for 1-3 people.
✅ You need a blender that fits under most kitchen cabinets.
✅ You want a dedicated pulse feature for better texture control.

💡 Best for: Everyday home use, personal smoothies, sauces, and those with limited counter space.

Choose the Vitamix 5200 If…

✅ You blend in large quantities or have a bigger family.
✅ You need slightly more motor power for heavy-duty blending.
✅ You don’t mind a taller blender that requires more storage space.
✅ You want a larger container for meal prep or frequent entertaining.

💡 Best for: Large families, meal preppers, and those who frequently blend tough ingredients.

Final Recommendation: Which One Wins?

Both blenders are high-quality and powerful, so it depends on what matters most to you.

• If you want the best value for everyday blending, go with the E310.
• If you blend in large batches and want extra power, go with the 5200.

Now that you have a clear comparison, it’s time to choose the right Vitamix for you and start blending!