Vitamix 6500 vs E320: My Honest Journey

When I first looked at the Vitamix 6500 vs E320, I wanted to know which one would fit my daily cooking best. The short answer is simple. Both use the same strong motor. The 6500 adds presets, while the E320 stays basic and costs less.

Living in Raleigh, NC, I often make big batches of smoothies for my family. Counter space is always tight, so I’ve seen how both models fit in a real kitchen. From my own use, I’ve found the 6500 works best if you like “set it and forget it.” The E320 is the smarter buy if you want the same power at a lower price.

If you’re stuck between them, this guide will help you choose the one that fits your kitchen and your routine.

Vitamix 6500 Review

I’ve used the Vitamix 6500 in my kitchen for daily meals and weekend cooking. It’s a strong, steady blender that feels built to last. The first time I made hot soup, I was amazed—it heated and blended in under six minutes, no stove needed. For busy mornings, I used it for smoothies, and the preset button saved me time when my hands were full with breakfast for the kids.

This blender does more than crush ice. It makes it soft, almost like snow. I’ve also made nut butter for snacks at home. It works fast, stays simple, and gives the same results every time. Still, it has a few downsides worth noting.

What I Like

• Strong motor: Crushes ice, nuts, and veggies with no trouble.
• Preset programs: Three settings (smoothie, hot soup, frozen dessert) save time when I multitask.
• Durability: Feels solid and steady, even with thick mixes like peanut butter.
• Big container: The 64-ounce jar works well for family meals or big batches.
• Easy cleaning: Add warm water and soap, run it for a minute, and it’s clean.

What Could Be Better

• Noise level: Loud at high speed. I wait until the kids are up before blending.
• Price: Costs more than the E320, and the main upgrade is presets.
• Size: The jar fits under cabinets, but the base takes space on small counters.
• Availability: It’s a retired model, so harder to find than newer Vitamix blenders.

Vitamix 6500 at a Glance

Recommendation

The Vitamix 6500 is best for home cooks who want both power and presets. If you multitask in the kitchen—like making soup while chopping veggies—the programs help. Families will also like the large jar for meal-sized batches.

But if presets don’t matter to you, the Vitamix E320 gives the same power at a lower price. For small kitchens or tighter budgets, the E320 or a reconditioned Vitamix may be a better pick.

If you value convenience, the 6500 is still a solid blender that can handle almost anything.

Vitamix E320 Review

I’ve used the Vitamix E320 for daily smoothies, weekend soups, and even nut butter. It’s simple, tough, and powerful. Unlike the Vitamix 6500, it has no preset buttons. But I found I didn’t miss them after a few uses. The speed dial gives enough control, and once you get used to it, you can blend the way you like.

One night I made a big batch of broccoli cheddar soup. It turned smooth and hot in minutes. For morning smoothies, it crushes ice, frozen fruit, and greens without effort. The 64-ounce jar works well when my family wants drinks together, but it can handle small portions too.

This blender doesn’t try to be fancy. It’s steady, simple, and costs less than the 6500. Still, a few things are worth noting.

What I Like

• Strong motor: The 2.2 HP motor blends ice, nuts, and greens with ease.
• Large jar: The 64-ounce low-profile container fits under cabinets and works for family meals.
• Simple controls: The speed dial and pulse are easy to use with no learning curve.
• Durable build: Feels steady even with thick mixes like nut butter.
• Better price: Gives the same power as the 6500 at a lower cost.

What Could Be Better

• No presets: I sometimes missed the “set and forget” feature when multitasking.
• Noise level: Like most Vitamix blenders, it’s loud at high speed.
• Counter space: The jar fits under cabinets, but the base is wide and heavy.
• Thick mixes: Soups and smoothies clean fast, but nut butter takes more scrubbing.

Vitamix E320 at a Glance

Recommendation

The Vitamix E320 is best for anyone who wants strong blending power at a fair price. It’s a smart pick for families who need large batches, busy parents who want quick smoothies, or home cooks who love soups and sauces.

If you prefer preset buttons or hands-off blending, the 6500 may suit you better. But if you’d rather save money and still get the same results, the E320 is the practical choice.

For me, the E320 has been a steady workhorse in the kitchen. It’s not fancy, but it gets the job done—fast, simple, and consistent.

Vitamix 6500 vs E320 Details Comparison

I’ve used both the Vitamix 6500 and E320 in my kitchen. They share the same strong motor, but the way they fit into daily cooking feels different. Here’s my honest side-by-side look at how they compare in real use.

Blending Power: Vitamix 6500 vs E320

Both blenders crush ice, nuts, and leafy greens with ease. I’ve made smoothies packed with frozen fruit, and both gave a smooth result. The 6500 sometimes feels quicker because of its presets, but in raw power, they’re equal.

Rating: 6500 – 9/10, E320 – 9/10

Blade Quality: Vitamix 6500 vs E320

Both use stainless steel blades built for heavy use. I’ve run them through soups, frozen desserts, and tough greens. They stay sharp and show no signs of wear after long use.

Rating: 6500 – 9/10, E320 – 9/10

Jar Material: Vitamix 6500 vs E320

Both come with a 64-ounce low-profile jar. I liked how easy they were to fit under my kitchen cabinets. For family batches, the size works well. Cleaning is simple with warm water and soap.

Rating: 6500 – 9/10, E320 – 9/10

Motor Strength: Vitamix 6500 vs E320

Both use the same motor, which explains why their blending power feels identical. The only edge for the 6500 is the presets, which help automate blending tasks.

Rating: 6500 – 9/10, E320 – 9/10

Noise Level: Vitamix 6500 vs E320

Neither blender is quiet. On high speed, both can be loud enough to wake kids if I blend early in the morning. The 6500 feels about the same volume as the E320.

Rating: 6500 – 7/10, E320 – 7/10

Performance: Vitamix 6500 vs E320

Both perform at the same level. Soups, smoothies, and frozen desserts come out smooth every time. The presets on the 6500 make it easier to multitask.

Rating: 6500 – 9/10, E320 – 8.5/10

Ease of Use: Vitamix 6500 vs E320

The 6500 is simpler when I’m busy, thanks to presets. The E320 requires a bit more attention but is easy to learn after a few tries.

Rating: 6500 – 9/10, E320 – 8/10

Value for Money: Vitamix 6500 vs E320

The E320 costs less and gives the same core performance. The 6500 is more expensive mainly because of the presets.

Rating: 6500 – 8/10, E320 – 9/10

Overall: Vitamix 6500 vs E320

Both are strong, reliable blenders. If presets matter to you, the 6500 is worth it. If you just want power at a better price, the E320 is the smarter buy.

Rating: 6500 – 8.5/10, E320 – 9/10

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