A piece of must-have equipment in every kitchen is a blender. Having this item can ease cooking tasks and help you on your journey to creating amazing smoothies and meals. A blender is an essential tool for individuals who are on a smoothie cleanse. When buying a blender, the quality, longevity, value, and versatility in use are things that people look for. This is why many people opt to purchase the brand we will talk about today.
A popular brand used for making smoothies is the ‘Vitamix’ (1). This brand is known for its quality and sleek look. Every few months, a new model of the blender is released. The Vitamix C series is known for its great quality and powerful function.
Here, we will explain the difference between the Vitamix 5200 and the newer model, the Vitamix 5300. These models look similar but they have different features. Here, we will analyze how the 5200 differs from the 5300, the similarities these blenders share will be stated and this will help us decide which blender is the better purchase.
Here are the differences between the Vitamix 5200 and the 5300:
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The blending jars or containers
This is one of the obvious differences. Immediately you see the Vitamix 5200 and 5300, you will notice how the blending jars differ. While both blenders belong to the Vitamix C series, they are not identical. The 5200 has a container that has a strong likeness to the containers on other Vitamix blenders, However, the 5300 container has a different design.
On the one hand, the container of the Vitamix 5200 is narrow at the bottom and is about 20 inches tall. This makes this blender slightly difficult to store. On the other hand, the 5300 container is broad at the bottom and is 17.5 inches tall. While this container is shorter than that of the 5200, the container of the 5300 blenders can hold an equal amount of ingredients.
Both containers have the same capacity (64 ounces). This makes Vitamix blenders a great purchase for people who wish to blend large quantities. Also, if you do not have a lot of space to store your kitchen equipment, the Vitamix 5300 is a great buy.
Individuals who store their blenders on the kitchen counter or under the cabinet may find the 5200 too tall. The height of the Vitamix 5200 has been a source of the complaint.
While this blender is quite powerful, it is more than 20 inches tall when attached to the motor, hence the complaints. To store the 5200, you may need to detach the container from the base or store the blender (while attached) in a tall cupboard.
The 5300 is a response to these problems. The height makes it convenient for storage. When looking at the containers, we recommend the Vitamix 5300.
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The Blades
The blades in the containers listed above differ as well. This is mainly because of the change in the blender containers. The blades of the 5200 are 3 inches in diameter. However, an inch was added to the blades in the 5300 to make up for the larger blending area. This increased blade length will ensure that blending is done evenly and all sides of the container are affected.
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Variety
If you enjoy having a wide range of colors to choose from when you are purchasing your kitchen equipment, you should stick with the Vitamix 5200. The 5200 is available in white, platinum, steel, and red. However, you can only choose between red and black if you wish to purchase the 5300.
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User Interface
The interface simply refers to the means through which you operate the blender. The interface of the 5200 and 5300 also differ slightly.
The layout of the buttons and knob on both blenders are similar with minor differences. While the 5200 has a high or variable speed switch that can be used as a sort of pulse function, the 5300 is unique.
The pulse function does not simply switch on and off, you can adjust the speed of the pulse. Both blenders have a speed function dial (speed 1-10) that can be used when blending ingredients. This will help you blend your ingredients to the consistency you prefer.
The Vitamix 5200 has a High/ Variable speed switch on the left side, there is a speed knob in the middle and an on/off switch on the right. The 5300 has a pulse switch on the left, the speed knob in the middle, and a start/stop switch on the right side. While the interface is not incredibly different, the Vitamix 5200 is easier to operate.
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The Motor
The Vitamix 5200 and 5300 are powerful blenders but then the Vitamix 5300 has a slightly stronger motor.
The Vitamix 5200 has a 2 horsepower motor while the 5300 has a 2.2 horsepower motor.
This increase while seemingly slight makes blending faster and easier. When placed side by side, the difference in the efficiency of both blenders may not be noticeable. However, the increased power of the 5300 is needed because of the larger blades and wider blending jar.
If you will be doing a lot of cooking, blending, crushing ice, the extra .2 horsepower is valuable and can save you a little time. In this area, the Vitamix 5300 dominates.
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Noise
Both Vitamix blenders use similar motor sizes and blades. The motors of these blenders are encased in a housing that is meant to reduce sound. Hence, the noise produced by these motors is quite similar.
It has been noticed by users that the Vitamix 5300 is a little louder than the 5200. If you live in a flat or have neighbors close by, the Vitamix 5200 is the winner here.
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Special cooling
When using high-powered kitchen equipment, it is important that the motor does not overheat and stays cool. Keeping the motor cool can prevent overheating and consequently, improve the durability of your kitchen equipment. This is where the Vitamix 5300 shines. The 5200 does not have a mechanism for cooling the motor while the blender is in use.
The means through which the motor stays cool is through the vent behind the motor. The Vitamix 5300 has a cooling fan that releases the hot air out of the vents while allowing the cool air to come in.
This allows the blender to stay cool even while in use for prolonged periods. Because of this mechanism, the Vitamix 5300 is a better choice for individuals who use their blenders a lot. This is also an ideal blender for a commercial kitchen. Furthermore, the 5300 has a thermal protection system.
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Price
The Vitamix 5300 is slightly cheaper than the 5200.
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Weight
If you intend to move your blender around, it is important to know know what it weighs before you purchase it. The Vitamix 5200 weighs 4.8 kg while the Vitamix 5300 weighs 5.4 kg.
If you leave the blender on the counter, this difference will not matter. However, if you will need to move the blender often, we recommend the Vitamix 5200.
The differences between the Vitamix 5200 and 5300 have highlighted the areas in which one machine is better than the other. However, in some areas, both machines share some similarities.
Similarities between the Vitamix 5200 and 5300
1. Both blenders can self-clean. This process involves putting a little amount of dish soap in the blender with a little water. Then, you switch on the blender and leave it on low speed until the jar is clean.
If you choose to wash your blender by hand, the Vitamix 5300 is a better purchase as it is easier to wash. The narrow base of the 5200 makes it difficult to wash the jar.
2. The Vitamix 5200 and 5300 have power cords that are 6 ft long.
3. The interface is similar. Both blenders have a speed dial knob in the middle and an on/off switch on the right. The speed dial can be used to alter the intensity of the blending process.
If you wish to make an ice smoothie or crush hard food, the highest setting will provide excellent results. However, if you just want a rough chop, the lowest setting on the speed dial can be used.
4. The housing for the motors of the Vitamix 5200 and 5300 are noise dampening.
5. The containers of both blenders have a 64-ounce capacity.
6. Each blender comes with a tamper which you can use to push down ingredients while blending. The tamper of the Vitamix 5300 cannot be used with the high profile container of the Vitamix 5200.
7. Both blenders have an air vent which assists in cooling down the motor.
8. The blades of the Vitamix 5300 are larger than those of the 5200. However, the blades of both are hardened and laser-cut stainless steel blades. These blades rotate at a similar speed of 240 miles per hour. This is sufficient to break down even the toughest of foods.
9. Both blenders have spill-proof lids that fit the blender container tightly.
10. The Vitamix 5200 and 5300 have a seven-year warranty. If the blender needs a repair before the seven-year warranty elapses, the repairs will be done for free. If necessary, the blender will be replaced and shipped to you for free.
11. Both blenders are constructed with similar materials. The containers are made with tempered glass. Hence, the containers can withstand blending hard food or produce without sustaining damage.
Should I purchase the Vitamix 5200?
If you have adequate storage space and do not intend to use this blender for prolonged periods, this is a lovely blender to have. Also, if you need an easy-to-operate blender that is not too noisy, you may find this more to your liking. Lastly, if you do not require the extra bells and whistles the Vitamix 5300 has to offer, the 5200 will impress you.
Should I go for the Vitamix 5300?
If you have limited storage space on your counter, this is the blender for you. The stronger motor and cooling mechanism make this blender ideal for the individual who does a lot of blending or has a commercial kitchen.
Also, if the price is no object, you do not mind a little noise and you are willing to learn how to use the extra functions on this blender, we recommend that you make this purchase. The Vitamix 5300 is a workhorse that is worth the money.
Which blender wins this battle?
The Vitamix 5300 and 5200 are not very different. But, the 5300 is a newer model in the Vitamix C series. This model has newer features that make it attractive and because of its cheaper price, it is better value for money.
The Vitamix 5300 is easier to store and has a better motor than the 5200. Other improvements such as a cooling fan, a pulse button with adjustable speed make the 5300 more efficient when used for longer periods.
Individuals who have used the 5200 complained that the blender stopped after a few minutes of use to cool down. This is not the case with the Vitamix 5300.
Regardless of if you are making a smoothie, crushed ice drink, nut butter, or soup, the 5300 is the only blender you need. The 5200 is fine for everyday use but the 5300 is a superior machine.
In conclusion, the Vitamix 5300 is the better purchase.
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