Vitamix E320 Blender Reviews: Discover It Performance and Value

When you start looking at high-performance blenders, you’ll quickly come across the Vitamix E320—and for good reason. It’s not just another kitchen appliance. It’s a long-term tool for anyone serious about healthy eating, meal prepping, or simply getting smooth results without fuss.

But with so many models out there—and a price tag that’s not exactly pocket change—it’s fair to ask: Is the E320 worth it? What exactly can it do? And how does it compare to others?

This guide breaks everything down clearly—from features and real-life performance to noise levels, comparisons, and user experiences—so you can confidently decide whether the E320 is right for your kitchen or if another model would suit you better.

Quick Summary: About the Vitamix E320

Vitamix E320 is part of Vitamix’s Explorian Series, which is designed to offer the brand’s signature blending power at a more accessible price. While it doesn’t have Wi-Fi, touchscreens, or pre-set programs like the Ascent Series, it delivers where it truly matters: power, durability, and consistency.

With a 2.2 horsepower motor, a large 64-ounce low-profile container, and classic manual controls, the E320 is ideal for:

• Families blending for 3–6 people.

• Meal preppers are making soups, sauces, or smoothies in large batches.

• Smoothie enthusiasts who want ultra-smooth results from frozen fruits, leafy greens, and protein powders.

It skips the bells and whistles to focus on pure performance, which is what makes it attractive to practical users who prefer simplicity that lasts.

Design and Build: Low-Profile, High Impact

One of the first things you’ll notice is the low-profile 64 oz container. Unlike older Vitamix models like the 5200, which use a taller jar, the E320’s design is made to fit comfortably under most kitchen cabinets—a real win if you don’t want to drag it in and out of storage every day.

The container is made from BPA-free Tritan plastic, which is tough but lightweight. It feels strong in the hand and is resistant to cracking even after blending dense foods like nuts or frozen fruit. That said, some long-time users have noted it may develop a slightly cloudy appearance over time—especially if you blend a lot of dry grains or run it through the dishwasher often. (Tip: Hand-washing helps preserve clarity.)

The base is heavier than budget blenders, but that’s a plus—it prevents the machine from shaking during high-speed blending. You’ll also find rubber feet underneath to stabilize it on slick countertops.

Everything about the build feels solid and engineered to last—exactly what you’d expect from Vitamix, which is known for its commercial-grade construction.

Powerful Blending with 2.2 Horsepower Motor

Here’s where the E320 earns its keep.

The motor delivers 2.2 peak horsepower, translating to about 1,640 watts of blending power. That’s more than enough to handle frozen fruits, dense vegetables, nuts, seeds, ice cubes, and even hot liquids.

Let’s look at a few practical examples:

• Green Smoothies: Toss in spinach, kale, frozen pineapple, chia seeds, and ice—then blend on high. Within 40 seconds, you’ll have a creamy, fiber-free smoothie.

• Soups: Add raw carrots, garlic, broth, and spices. Blend on high for 5–6 minutes. Thanks to friction from the blades, you’ll cook the soup right in the blender—no stove needed.

• Nut Butters: If you’ve ever tried making peanut or almond butter in a regular blender, you know it overheats and gives up. The E320 powers through it with ease, especially if you use the included tamper to keep things moving.

There’s no need to stop and scrape constantly, and you won’t burn out the motor, which is a common problem with mid-range blenders.

Controls That Keep Things Simple

While some blenders are starting to feel like smartphones with all their touchscreens and apps, the E320 keeps it refreshingly simple. It uses manual controls: a 10-speed dial, a power switch, and a pulse switch.

And that’s it.

This old-school setup might feel basic, but it gives you precise control over texture and speed. For example, you can start slow to chop ingredients without over-processing, then crank it up to liquefy.

The Pulse feature is especially helpful for chunky salsas, chopping onions, or giving a quick mix to thicker blends. Think of it like a food processor feature—it’s fast, controlled bursts.

Many users who’ve used touchscreen models say they prefer this layout because there’s no learning curve or chance of digital components malfunctioning over time. Just turn the dial and go.

Real Use: How It Handles Daily Blending Tasks

This is where the rubber meets the road. So how does the E320 perform when you use it day in, day out?

Let’s walk through real-life tasks:

• Smoothies: It delivers super-smooth results—no grit, chunks, or bits of leafy greens left behind. Whether you’re using frozen strawberries, spinach, flaxseed, or even protein powder, everything gets fully incorporated.

• Soups and sauces: Add raw ingredients and blend until steaming. No stove required. This saves both time and dishes.

• Nut butters and dips: Almond butter, tahini, hummus, guacamole—the E320 handles it all. The tamper shines here, pushing thick mixtures toward the blade without stopping the motor.

• Ice cream and frozen desserts: Yes. Blend frozen bananas and cocoa powder into “nice cream,” or frozen mango and yogurt for a tropical sorbet.

• Small batches: Here’s where it gets tricky. Because the jar is wide and large, you’ll need a decent amount of ingredients to get a proper vortex going. Blending one cup of sauce or dressing? You might need to scrape more often, or consider a smaller container if you’ll do that often.

For daily use, the E320 handles almost any blendable recipe you throw at it. It’s built for serious kitchen work—not just occasional smoothies.

Noise Level: A Noticeable Tradeoff

Let’s be blunt—the E320 is not quiet.

This is one of the most commonly mentioned drawbacks by users, and for good reason. When it’s running at full speed, it can reach 90–100 decibels, which is about as loud as a lawn mower or a busy highway. So if you’re blending in the early morning while others are sleeping, it’s something to consider.

Why so loud? The powerful 2.2 horsepower motor and the airflow required to keep it cool create a roaring sound, especially when blending dense ingredients or using high speeds.

Does this make it a deal-breaker? Not for most people—but it’s important to set realistic expectations. Some Reddit users even joke about “warning their housemates before pressing start.”

👉 A few tips to reduce the noise:

• Use a silicone mat under the blender to absorb vibrations.

• Place it away from walls to avoid sound bouncing off hard surfaces.

• Avoid blending at top speed unless needed—lower speeds are noticeably quieter.

In short, the noise is a tradeoff for the raw power. If you’re okay with that, you’ll love what the E320 delivers.

Cleaning and Maintenance: Easier Than It Looks

Despite its size and power, the E320 is very easy to clean.

The container doesn’t have any weird grooves or crevices that trap food. And since the blades are fixed (not removable), there’s no need to take anything apart.

Here’s the go-to cleaning method:

1. Fill halfway with warm water.

2. Add a drop of dish soap.

3. Run on high for 30–60 seconds.

4. Rinse and air dry.

That’s it.

This is especially useful after sticky blends like peanut butter or pesto—no need to scrub under the blades with a sponge and risk slicing your fingers.

While the container is top-rack dishwasher safe, hand-washing is strongly recommended if you want to keep it crystal clear. Over time, repeated dishwasher use can lead to cloudiness, especially if you regularly blend hot ingredients or grains.

Tip: If the jar gets foggy or stained, a quick blend with baking soda and water helps restore clarity.

Maintenance-wise, there’s very little to do. Occasionally, wipe the motor base with a damp cloth. That’s about it. This simplicity is part of what makes Vitamix blenders so dependable.

Durability and Warranty: Built to Last

One of the strongest selling points of the E320—and any Vitamix, really—is how long it lasts.

You’re not just paying for power—you’re paying for longevity. This model features a metal drive system, meaning there’s no plastic connecting the blades to the motor. That results in less wear over time, better blending force, and fewer breakdowns.

The E320 also comes with a 7-year full warranty, which covers:

• All parts

• Performance issues

• Shipping both ways (if you ever need a repair or replacement)

Most users never even need to use the warranty. There are stories of people using the same Vitamix blender for 10+ years with nothing more than an occasional deep clean.

If you’re buying a refurbished E320 directly from Vitamix or a trusted retailer, the good news is—it still comes with the same warranty. So you get the same peace of mind, at a lower price point.

This long-term reliability is a big reason people stick with Vitamix, even if it costs more upfront than cheaper blenders.

E320 Compared to Other Vitamix Models

With several models floating around—like the E310, 5200, and the Ascent Series—it’s easy to get confused. So here’s a breakdown of how the E320 stacks up against other popular options.

✅ Vitamix E320 vs E310

• Power: E320 wins with a 2.2 HP motor (vs. E310’s 2.0 HP).

• Container size: E320 has a 64 oz jar; E310 uses a narrower 48 oz.

• Small batches: E310 is better suited if you mostly blend for one.

Verdict: Go with the E320 for family meals or large smoothies. Choose E310 if you live solo or prefer smaller blends. Here is our full comparison between the Explorian E310 and E320.

✅ Vitamix E320 vs 5200

• Jar shape: The 5200 has a tall, narrow jar (easier for single-serve smoothies).

• Power: E320 has a stronger motor.

• Controls: 5200 doesn’t have Pulse; E320 does.

• Noise: The 5200 is a bit quieter due to its older motor design.

Verdict: If noise is a top concern or you make mostly small portions, the 5200 may suit you. Otherwise, the E320 gives better power and modern convenience. Here is how the E320 and 5200 compare.

✅ Vitamix E320 vs Ascent Series (A3300, A3500)

• Features: Ascent models include timers, digital touchscreens, and wireless container detection.

• Price: They cost more—typically $500–$650.

• Aesthetics: Sleeker design and more modern feel.

• Noise: About the same, maybe slightly more refined in sound.

Verdict: Choose an Ascent if you want smart features and programmable recipes. Stick with the E320 if you’re after raw power, simplicity, and a lower cost. See what the ascent models look like.

Pricing, Availability, and Best Deals

The Vitamix E320 typically retails around $350–$400, depending on the seller and time of year. Sales during Black Friday, Amazon Prime Day, or seasonal clearances can drop it closer to $299.

Some of the best value bundles are found at:

• Costco: Offers dual container bundles (64 oz + 20 oz), extra accessories, or cookbooks.

• Vitamix.com (refurbished): Usually $100–$120 cheaper than new, but with the same 7-year warranty.

If budget is tight but you still want Vitamix quality, refurbished is a great option. These units are tested, cleaned, and come with new containers and accessories.

What Actual Users Say: Real Vitamix E320 Reviews

We’ve scoured Reddit threads, customer reviews, and our test kitchen notes—and here’s what users consistently report:

🌟 What people love:

• “It blends my green smoothies so smooth, you wouldn’t believe there’s spinach in there.”

• “It’s my go-to for Sunday meal preps. I make soup, hummus, and smoothies in under an hour.”

• “Simple controls. I don’t need Wi-Fi in my blender.”

⚠️ What people dislike:

• “It’s loud. No joke. But worth it.”

• “The jar is too big for one-person blends—I have to make more than I need.”

• “It started looking cloudy after a few months. Still works perfectly though.”

There’s a strong pattern here: performance is rarely questioned. It’s mostly about whether the container size and sound fit your lifestyle.

Should You Buy the Vitamix E320? Final Thoughts

The E320 is not trying to be a tech-savvy, Wi-Fi-connected kitchen robot. It’s not the quietest or smallest. But it’s powerful, practical, and extremely dependable.

✅ Buy the E320 if:

• You prepare meals or smoothies for 2+ people regularly.

• You want a blender that lasts a decade or more.

• You prefer manual, straightforward controls.

• You blend thick or tough ingredients and need raw power.

❌ Skip it if:

• You blend for just one and need a narrow jar.

• You live in an ultra-quiet space and can’t tolerate noise.

• You want modern presets, timers, or Bluetooth functions.

The Bottom Line

The Vitamix E320 is a serious blender for serious results—without the premium price of the Pro and Ascent lines. It may not be fancy, but it delivers where it counts.

If your priority is performance, durability, and value, this model is worth every penny.

Still unsure? I can help you compare bundles, pick the right size, or even find a quieter model. Just let me know what matters most to you.