CNET’s key takeaways
- If you want a great Vitamix blender, you don’t have to spend $500 for a great model. Go for the VX1 instead and save yourself $120.
- The VX1 has self-cleaning and pulse modes, a sleek, modern design and doesn’t compromise on power.
- The VX1 is a larger blender at 64 ounces. If you don’t need that much blending space, opt for a personal blender, such as the $130 Ninja BlendBoss, instead.
Certain brands have become synonymous with the products they create. Think Kleenex, Sharpie, Band-Aid and even Vitamix. That notoriety can make it easier for consumers to know which brands to turn to for quality tissues, permanent markers, adhesive bandages or blenders. But choosing becomes tricky when you realize these brands offer multiple versions of their most popular products. So which model should you buy?
In the case of Vitamix, when testing the VX1 and 5200, two of its most popular blenders, for CNET’s best blenders list, I learned that more expensive doesn’t always mean better. Here’s why.
The Best Blenders: Picks for Smoothies, Dips, Soup and More
My experience with the Vitamix VX1
Launched as a replacement for the discontinued and beloved Explorian, the VX1 is now one of Vitamix’s most affordable blenders at $380. It’s also CNET’s pick for the best overall blender, since it excelled during our hands-on testing.
Vitamix VX1 vs. 5200
Both the 5200 and VX1 have a 64-ounce capacity, cord storage underneath and 10 speeds, but neither is dishwasher-safe. However, the VX1 has a few extra features, including a pulse mode, a self-cleaning program and 0.2 more horsepower. It also has a slightly smaller footprint than the 5200.
During testing, the 1440-watt VX1 outperformed 10 other models at blending raw almonds into almond butter, taking only 1 minute and 13 seconds. It also excelled at turning chickpeas into hummus in less than a minute.
As for the 1380-watt 5200, it took 1 minute and 51 seconds to blend almond butter and 1 minute and 41 seconds to blend hummus. It also took 12 seconds longer than the VX1 to blend a green smoothie.
Where the 5200 impressed
Although I preferred the VX1’s operation, the 5200 still performed well in two specific tests: blending cubed ice and butternut squash soup. It blended the former in 24 seconds to create snow-like ice, leaving just two medium cubes, while the VX1 took 26 seconds and left several large cubes. When blending the soup, the 5200 required only 12 seconds, which was five seconds less than the VX1.
The 5200 was also a smidge quieter than the VX1 when mixing a green smoothie on high speed, with a max of 93 A-weighted decibels. The VX1 was 95.1 dBA on high. Despite these wins, I don’t think the 5200 justifies such a steep price increase.
While it doesn’t have a pulse mode, the 5200 does have a “high” speed switch, which is nice if you often blend challenging ingredients that require more power and don’t want to fiddle with a speed dial.
The one I’d keep on my countertop
Numbers aside, I prefer the VX1 over the 5200 in terms of design. It has a more modern look and is visually less angular and bulky. I also like that there are three different ways to safely stop blending: an on/off switch under the base, a start/pause switch on its front and a standby mode on the speed dial.
Vitamix’s 5200 costs $500, $120 more than the $380 VX1. While both models have a limited warranty, you get seven years with the 5200, two years more than the VX1’s five-year warranty.
Overall, based on my testing, I don’t think you need to spend the extra money to get a great Vitamix blender. If you’re stuck choosing between the 5200 and VX1, I’d go with the VX1 and rest assured you won’t miss out on anything.
CNET’s Best Blender Overall
Vitamix VX1
The specs
- Price: $380
- Warranty: Five-year limited
- Dimensions: 9.5×7.8×19.6 inches
- Capacity: 64 ounces
- Weight: 12.6 pounds
- Cord length: 3.5 feet
- Speeds: 10
- Horsepower: 2.2
- Electrical ratings: 120V, 1440W
- Modes: Pulse, self-cleaning
- Dishwasher safe: No
CNET’s buying advice
- When buying a Vitamix blender, more expensive doesn’t equal better performance. I’d recommend the more affordable VX1 at $380.
- When compared to the 5200, my testing showed that the VX1 performed better in many respects, especially when blending almond butter, a green smoothie and hummus.
- If you’d prefer a more compact personal blender, CNET testers recommend the $130 Ninja BlendBoss.
Anna Gragert (she/her/hers) was previously the lifestyle editor at HelloGiggles, the deputy editor at So Yummy and the senior lifestyle editor at Hunker. Over the past 12 years, Anna has also written for the LA Times, Elle, Bust Magazine, Dazed, Apartment Therapy, Well+Good and more. At CNET, she’s a senior editor on the Healthy Home team, and her coverage includes health, wellness tech, meal kits and home and kitchen tech with a focus on the technology that aims to help us live our healthiest, happiest lives.
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