Vitamix E310 vs 5200: My Honest Daily Showdown

Choosing between the Vitamix E310 vs 5200 comes down to one simple choice. Do you need a compact blender for daily use, or a larger one for family meals? I’ve used both in my kitchen here in Austin, Texas. Counter space is tight, but family dinners often call for big portions.

The E310 fits under my cabinets and works well for quick smoothies. The 5200 shines when I make soup or prep several servings at once. After testing them side by side, I can share how each one feels in daily use so you can see which is the smarter pick for your home.

Vitamix E310 Review

I’ve been using the Vitamix E310 for a while now, and it has become one of my favorite kitchen tools. It feels strong, easy to use, and doesn’t bother with extras I don’t need. The first smoothie I made was with frozen strawberries and spinach. I expected chunks, but it turned out smooth and creamy—like something from a café.

The size is a big win too. At 18 inches tall, it fits under my cabinets, so I can leave it out all the time. On busy mornings, that makes life easier. No dragging it in and out of storage. The 48-ounce jar is just right for my family of three. It’s not huge, but it’s enough for daily use.

I’ve also tried hot soups, sauces, and nut butter. The motor doesn’t slow down, even with tough ingredients. When I blended hot tomato soup, it came out silky smooth. Cleaning is quick—warm water, a drop of soap, and a 30-second blend. Done.

What I Like

• Strong motor: Handles ice and frozen fruit without struggle. My shakes are always smooth.
• Compact size: At 18 inches tall, it fits under cabinets and stays on the counter.
• Easy to clean: A quick rinse and blend with soap is all it takes.
• Pulse switch: Great for salsa. I get a chunky texture without over-blending.
• Durable build: Feels solid and built to last for years of daily use.

What Could Be Better

• Noise level: It’s loud. I often wait until my kids are awake before blending.
• Jar size: The 48-ounce jar works for small families, but not for big groups.
• Warranty: Five years is good, but some Vitamix models come with seven.

Vitamix E310 at a Glance

Recommendation

The Vitamix E310 is a great pick for small households, couples, or anyone who blends often but doesn’t need huge batches. If you want a blender that fits neatly under cabinets and works hard every day, this one makes sense.

If you have a big family or like to meal prep in bulk, a larger model like the Vitamix 5200 might be better. But if you want a space-saving blender with power, speed, and simple controls, the E310 is a smart, long-term choice.

Vitamix 5200 Review

I’ve been using the Vitamix 5200 for months, and it feels like a true workhorse in my kitchen. It’s bigger than the E310, but that’s the point—it handles large batches with ease. The first time I made soup for guests, I blended fresh tomato, garlic, and herbs. The result was smooth, steaming hot, and ready to serve straight from the jar.

The power is the first thing I noticed. Frozen fruit, ice, nuts—nothing slows it down. I once made almond butter in under two minutes, and it came out creamy without much scraping. The tall 64-ounce jar also helps. I can prep smoothies for my whole family in one go, which is a lifesaver on busy mornings.

Cleaning is quick. I just add warm water and a drop of soap, then blend for 30 seconds. It comes out spotless. The only downside is the height. At 20.5 inches tall, it doesn’t fit under my cabinets, so I keep it on a cart. Still, the performance makes the space trade worth it.

What I Like

• Large capacity: The 64-ounce jar is perfect for family meals and meal prep. I can make soup or smoothies in big batches.
• Strong motor: It crushes ice, nuts, and frozen fruit with ease. My drinks are always smooth.
• Versatile use: Works for hot soups, nut butter, and even batters. It feels like more than a blender.
• Simple controls: A speed dial and a switch—easy to use, no guessing needed.
• Durability: Feels heavy-duty. I expect it to last for years of daily use.

What Could Be Better

• Tall size: At over 20 inches, it won’t fit under most cabinets. That matters if counter space is tight.
• Noise level: Like other Vitamix blenders, it’s loud. I avoid using it early in the morning.
• No pulse button: You can still toggle the switch for texture, but I missed having a pulse setting.
• Warranty: Seven years is good, but some newer models now offer up to ten.

Vitamix 5200 at a Glance

Recommendation

The Vitamix 5200 is a great pick for families, meal preppers, or anyone who needs big batches without fuss. If you often cook for groups or like making soup in one go, this blender won’t let you down.

If you have a smaller kitchen or only blend for one or two people, the Vitamix E310 might be a better fit. But if you want classic Vitamix power, a bigger jar, and proven durability, the 5200 is a long-term partner worth having.

Vitamix E310 vs 5200: Detailed Comparison

I’ve used both the Vitamix E310 and the Vitamix 5200. While they share the same strong motor, they serve different needs. The E310 feels compact and practical for daily use. The 5200 shines with its larger jar, which is great for families or meal prep. Here’s how they compare in real kitchen use.

Blending Power: Vitamix E310 vs 5200

Both blenders crush ice, nuts, and frozen fruit with ease. Smoothies come out silky, and soups blend hot without chunks. In daily use, the power feels the same.

Rating:

• E310: 9/10
• 5200: 9/10

Blade Quality: Vitamix E310 vs 5200

Both models use stainless steel blades that stay sharp. They cut through tough items with no problem. The larger jar of the 5200 helps the blades move more food at once.

Rating:

• E310: 9/10
• 5200: 9/10

Jar Material: Vitamix E310 vs 5200

Both jars are BPA-free plastic and light to handle. The E310 has a 48-ounce jar, good for couples or small families. The 5200 has a tall 64-ounce jar, better for groups but harder to store under cabinets.

Rating:

• E310: 8/10
• 5200: 9/10

Motor Strength: Vitamix E310 vs 5200

Both use 2.0 HP motors that don’t slow down. I tested soups, nut butter, and ice—performance was almost identical. The 5200 handles bulk better due to its larger jar.

Rating:

• E310: 9/10
• 5200: 9/10

Noise Level: Vitamix E310 vs 5200

Both are loud, as expected with high-powered blenders. I usually wait until my kids are awake to use them. No clear winner here.

Rating:

• E310: 7/10
• 5200: 7/10

Performance: Vitamix E310 vs 5200

Day to day, both perform well. The E310 is better for smaller batches. The 5200 is perfect for larger ones.

Rating:

• E310: 9/10
• 5200: 9/10

Ease of Use: Vitamix E310 vs 5200

Both models are simple to use. The E310 has a pulse button, which is great for salsa. The 5200 lacks it, but you can toggle the switch to mimic the effect.

Rating:

• E310: 9/10
• 5200: 8/10

Value for Money: Vitamix E310 vs 5200

The E310 costs less and is great for small families. The 5200 costs more but gives a larger jar and longer warranty, which suits heavy users.

Rating:

• E310: 9/10
• 5200: 8/10

Overall: Vitamix E310 vs 5200

Both are excellent, but they fit different needs. I keep the E310 on my counter for daily use. I grab the 5200 when I need big batches.

Rating:

• E310: 9/10
• 5200: 9/10

FAQs: Vitamix E310 vs 5200