How many times have you bought a blender that promises to “do it all,” only to end up with chunky smoothies, a noisy motor, and a blender that’s impossible to clean?
That’s why the Vitamix Propel Series 510 stands out. It doesn’t try to overwhelm you with unnecessary features or complicated tech. Instead, it focuses on what matters most: power, control, durability, and ease of use.
If you’ve been wondering whether the Propel 510 is right for your kitchen—or whether you should spend more (or less)—this review is for you. We’ll walk through every detail so you can feel confident about your decision.
What Is the Vitamix Propel Series 510 Blender?
The Propel 510 is part of a newer line Vitamix introduced to bridge the gap between their budget-friendly Explorian Series and the more advanced Ascent Series.
Think of it this way:
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The Explorian is like your no-frills truck—reliable and tough, but basic.
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The Ascent is like a luxury SUV—powerful with all the bells and whistles.
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The Propel 510? It’s your smart sedan. Solid performance, clean interface, and perfect for everyday use without being overkill.
It’s designed for people who want premium blending but in a more compact, approachable format. And because it comes with a slightly smaller 48 oz container (instead of the standard 64 oz), it’s especially ideal for singles, couples, or anyone with a smaller kitchen.
So if you’re blending smoothies in the morning, whipping up hot soup for lunch, or making frozen desserts after dinner—you’ll find the 510 can handle it all with ease.
Key Features of the Vitamix Propel 510
What exactly do you get when you buy the Propel 510? Let’s break it down—because these aren’t just specs, they each solve a real problem.
48 oz BPA-Free Tritan Container
Unlike the larger 64 oz containers found in models like the Vitamix 750 or A3500, the 48 oz jar makes more sense for most home users. It takes up less space on the counter and under cabinets and is easier to rinse and clean by hand. You can still make enough smoothie for 2–3 people in one go, or a hearty batch of soup for dinner.
Three Pre-Programmed Settings
This is where it gets interesting. The Propel 510 gives you just enough automation to simplify your day:
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Smoothie: Perfect for morning blends—just press and walk away
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Hot Soup: No stove needed. It blends and heats with friction alone
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Frozen Desserts: Whether it’s banana ice cream or mango sorbet, you’ll get a scoopable texture
These presets remove the guesswork, making it easy for beginners—or anyone who doesn’t want to babysit the blender.
10-Speed Variable Control + Pulse
Now, for those of us who like manual control, you’ve still got the full range. The center dial lets you control the blending speed from low to high, giving you the ability to fine-tune textures—whether you’re emulsifying a vinaigrette, chopping salsa ingredients, or puréeing soup.
The Pulse switch works like a short burst of power, great for chunkier textures or folding thick mixtures.
2 Peak Horsepower Motor
That’s serious power. It means the blender can spin the blades at up to 22,500 RPM, enough to pulverize ice, crush seeds, and liquify raw veggies. What you get is restaurant-level smoothness—without the foam or grit that cheaper blenders often leave behind.
You might not think motor power matters until you try to blend frozen spinach and dates in a basic blender and it burns out. This one won’t flinch.
Self-Cleaning and Dishwasher-Safe
If you’re like most of us, you dread cleaning appliances. The 510 solves that. After blending, just add warm water and a drop of dish soap, turn it on high for 30–60 seconds, and you’re done.
Don’t want to bother at all? The jar, lid, and tamper are dishwasher-safe too.
Sturdy Build and Warranty
The Propel 510 is built like a tank. It uses a metal drive system—unlike many budget blenders that use plastic gears that wear out. And it’s backed by a 5-year warranty, which covers not only parts and labor, but also two-way shipping if you ever need a repair.
Vitamix 510 Performance Cases
We tested the 510 in everyday situations—morning rush smoothies, post-workout protein shakes, evening soups, thick nut butters, and icy desserts. And let’s just say this: it may look compact, but it performs like a pro.
🥤 Smoothies: Silky, Consistent Results Every Time
Let’s start with what most people buy a blender for: smoothies. The 510 makes quick work of even the toughest ingredients.
Example: We threw in a classic “hard blend”—
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Frozen mango
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Raw kale
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Flaxseeds
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Protein powder
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Ice
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Almond milk
In under 45 seconds using the Smoothie preset, it turned everything into a silky, drinkable blend with no bits, grits, or separation. Even those tiny flaxseeds got completely pulverized—something cheaper blenders usually leave floating around.
The motor doesn’t whine or struggle. You just get that smooth café-quality consistency without the $10 price tag.
Tip: For green smoothies, start at low speed, then gradually increase to avoid bubbles or frothing. Or just hit the preset—it’s foolproof.
🍲 Hot Soups: Yes, It Cooks Soup
The hot soup feature isn’t a show. It works by blending at such high speeds that friction heats the ingredients to steaming hot temperatures—without needing a stove or microwave.
We tried a simple carrot soup recipe:
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Steamed carrots
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Garlic
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Onion
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Vegetable broth
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A splash of coconut milk
Set it to the Soup preset and walked away. In about 5½ minutes, the steam coming off the lid was real, and the texture? Restaurant-level creamy. No chunks. No foam. Just thick, smooth comfort.
You’ll love this in colder months. No need to dirty pots or pans—it’s all in one.
🧈 Nut Butter and Thick Blends: Surprisingly Efficient
Now, let’s talk about real blender stress tests: nut butters and thick dips.
We used raw almonds and blended themwithout oil—just to see how far the 510 could go. With the tamper and manual control, it produced smooth almond butter in about 2–3 minutes, with just one pause to scrape the sides.
Same story with hummus and cashew cream. The 48 oz jar helps here—its narrower base pulls ingredients into the blades more efficiently than a wider jar would. This saves time and avoids annoying “air pockets.”
Even cheaper food processors can’t match this level of smoothness.
❄️ Ice Crushing and Frozen Desserts: No Chunk Left Behind
Whether you’re making a frozen margarita, slushy, or banana-based “nice cream,” the Propel 510 chews through ice and frozen fruit with ease.
We tested:
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Frozen banana + a splash of oat milk = ice cream texture
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Ice cubes + lime juice + a touch of agave = smooth margarita mix
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Mixed berries + Greek yogurt = sorbet-like consistency
With the Frozen Dessert preset, it created thick, scoopable textures in under a minute.
Unlike lower-end blenders, the 510 doesn’t stall or spin ingredients around without catching them. It pulls everything down and keeps going.
🔊 Noise Levels: Noticeable but Manageable
Let’s be real—blenders this powerful aren’t whisper-quiet. The Propel 510 has a high-speed motor, and when it’s at full power, it hums like it means business.
That said, it’s noticeably quieter than older Legacy models like the 5200, thanks to improved airflow and insulation.
If you’re blending in the morning and worry about waking people up, try using the lower speeds at first. The preset modes also ramp up gradually, which helps.
Presets and Manual Control: Best of Both Worlds
One of the 510’s best traits is how it caters to both beginners and control freaks.
Presets (Smoothie, Hot Soup, Frozen Dessert)
They’re not just timers—they’re smart sequences that change speeds at specific intervals. This creates better textures and gives you consistent results with zero guesswork.
For example, the Smoothie preset starts slow, gradually ramps up, and finishes on high—exactly how a pro would do it manually.
Manual 10-Speed Dial + Pulse
If you’re more hands-on, this is where the magic happens. The tactile dial lets you adjust speed in real-time, so you can pulse salsas, whip dips, or emulsify sauces exactly how you like.
The Pulse function is great for coarse textures like guacamole or chopped veggies. You just tap it, and it gives a short, controlled burst of blending.
You’re never locked into presets—you’ve got full freedom.
Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance
If you’ve ever owned a blender that made you dread cleaning, you’re not alone. Sticky lids, residue in the corners, and hard-to-reach blades can turn a quick smoothie into a 15-minute chore.
That’s where the Propel 510 quietly shines.
Self-Cleaning in 60 Seconds
Right after blending, just:
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Fill the container halfway with warm water
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Add a drop of dish soap
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Run it on high for 30–60 seconds
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Rinse—and you’re done
No disassembly, no scrubbing. If you’re using it multiple times a day, this little feature makes a huge difference in how often you’ll use it.
Dishwasher-Safe for the Lazy Days
Too busy (or lazy) to hand wash? The jar, lid, and tamper are top-rack dishwasher safe. Even after blending nut butter, you can just toss the parts in the dishwasher and walk away.
Maintenance-Free Motor and Blades
There are no blades to unscrew, no gaskets to swap out. The stainless-steel blades are laser-cut and never need sharpening. And the motor base is sealed and built to last without servicing.
Even after months of daily use, the jar still looks clear and doesn’t fog up. And unlike cheaper blenders, the blade assembly won’t loosen or leak over time.
Who Should Choose the Vitamix Propel 510?
This blender isn’t for everyone, and that’s a good thing. Let’s help you figure out if it’s truly a fit for you.
It’s Perfect For:
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Singles or couples who want fast, reliable blending without bulky equipment
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People who mostly make smoothies, soups, nut butters, and frozen treats
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Those who want presets but don’t need smart features or Bluetooth
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Anyone upgrading from an underpowered or short-lived blender (like Ninja, Nutribullet, etc.)
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Minimalists who want performance without clutter
You Might Want to Look Elsewhere If:
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You regularly make large-batch meals or cook for a big family
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You need specialty containers, like dry-grain or personal cups
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You prefer touchscreens, countdown timers, or smart app features
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You want the absolute quietest motor possible (look into the Vitamix Pro 750 or A3500 for that)
Vitamix Propel 510 vs Other Vitamix Models
One of the most common questions we hear is: “Why not just get the Ascent? Or go cheaper with the Explorian?”
Here’s how the Propel 510 stacks up:
Propel 510 vs Propel 750
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Both have 3 presets, a pulse switch, and strong motors
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750 has a larger 64 oz jar, quieter blending, and more insulation
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510 is more compact, lighter, and about $100–150 cheaper
Verdict: Choose the 510 if you want smaller blends and a lower price, otherwise go with the Vitamix Pro 750.
Propel 510 vs Explorian E310 or E320
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Explorian is cheaper, but has no presets
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Propel has smoother finishes, quieter operation, and more convenient controls
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Motor power is similar, but the Propel is nicer to use daily
Verdict: If the budget is tight, Explorian is fine. But the Propel is a better all-around experience.
Propel 510 vs Ascent Series (A2300, A3500)
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Ascent Series = smart features (Bluetooth, digital timer, wireless jar detection)
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Propel = manual interface, fewer tech components
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Ascent jars are not backward-compatible with Legacy accessories, while Propel works with more containers
Verdict: If you want smart tech and extra accessories, go with the Ascent model. But if you want simplicity, Propel delivers.
Pros and Cons of the Vitamix Propel Series 510
Let’s sum up everything we’ve learned:
✅ What We Love
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Super smooth blends, even with fibrous greens and seeds
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Compact and countertop-friendly
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Presets + manual controls = flexibility and ease
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Simple cleaning and dishwasher-safe parts
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5-year warranty with Vitamix’s trusted customer service
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Made to last 10+ years with daily use
❌ What Could Be Better
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No digital timer or touchscreen
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The jar may feel small for big-batch cooks
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Not compatible with smart Vitamix accessories
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Slightly noisy on high speeds (but better than older models)
Is the Vitamix Propel 510 Worth It?
Here’s the honest answer: Yes—if you’re the kind of person this blender is built for.
If you’re tired of underpowered blenders, frustrated by chunky smoothies, or just want something that will last, the Propel 510 is a solid step up without going overboard.
It hits a sweet spot:
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Powerful but compact
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Versatile but not overwhelming
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Built to last, but still user-friendly
Think of it as a long-term kitchen partner—one that encourages you to eat healthier because it makes the process easier and more enjoyable.
FAQs About the Vitamix Propel 510
Can it heat soup without a stove?
Yes. The friction from the blades creates enough heat to warm soup ingredients until they’re steaming. It’s not a gimmick—it works surprisingly well.
Is 48 oz too small?
Not unless you regularly cook for 4+ people. It’s perfect for 1–2 servings and blends better for thick recipes because of the tighter jar.
Can it replace a food processor?
For most things—yes. It can chop, purée, emulsify, and blend. It’s not ideal for dough or super dry ingredients unless you add some liquid.
How does it hold up long-term?
Vitamix blenders are known to last 10+ years. Many owners report using the same unit daily for over a decade. The 510 is built with the same internals as its more expensive siblings.
Final Verdict
If you’re looking for a compact, powerful, and dependable blender that doesn’t drown you in tech or accessories you’ll never use, the Vitamix Propel Series 510 is a fantastic choice.
It has everything you need to blend like a pro—without overwhelming your counter, your budget, or your brain.