If you’ve spent any time researching blenders, you already know Vitamix has a loyal fanbase. I’ve owned more than one over the years, and while they all blend like champions, the differences between models can be surprisingly practical. The Vitamix 5200 and Vitamix E310 are two of the most commonly compared, mostly because they hit that sweet spot between power, price, and everyday usability.
These two models are often compared within the broader category of high-performance blenders, where small design differences can have a big impact on everyday use.
If you’re stuck trying to figure out which one is right for your kitchen, this breakdown should make the decision a whole lot easier.
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$440.00
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A Quick Overview of Both Blenders
Before diving into the details, here’s the elevator pitch.
The Vitamix 5200 is the classic tall-container powerhouse. It’s built like it expects to stay in your kitchen for a decade, and honestly, it probably will. It excels at big batches, silky textures, and long blends.
The Vitamix E310 is the compact, budget-friendlier cousin. It’s smaller, lighter, and easier to store. In my experience, it’s great for single smoothies or small family cooking, and it still carries that signature Vitamix muscle.
They’re both strong performers, but they shine in different ways.
Design and Size: Tall vs Compact
This category usually ends up deciding the winner for most people.
The Vitamix 5200 comes with a tall 64-ounce container. The shape helps pull ingredients down toward the blades, which is fantastic for creamy blends, but the height is no joke. If you plan to store it under cabinets, measure first. Mine didn’t fit under my first apartment’s cabinets without removing the lid every time, which gets old.
The E310, on the other hand, has a 48-ounce low-profile container. It fits under most cabinets, is easier to maneuver, and feels a bit friendlier for everyday use. If you don’t regularly blend huge batches, you may not miss the extra capacity.
Both use a straightforward control panel with switches and a variable speed dial, which I appreciate. No screens, no guesswork.
Performance and Power: How They Actually Blend
When it comes to raw blending ability, both models deliver the Vitamix experience.
The 5200 has a slightly stronger motor feel thanks to its design and airflow system. When I make hot soups or nut butters, it tends to run smoother with less strain. The narrow container also helps create more friction for heating blends, which is something I use much more than I expected.
The E310 still handles tough ingredients well, but in side-by-side use, it sometimes needs a bit more tamping or an extra few seconds. For daily smoothies, sauces, and chopping, it’s great. For the thickest blends, the 5200 holds a small edge.
Most people don’t realize that container shape affects performance as much as horsepower. In this matchup, that’s definitely true.
Cleaning and Everyday Convenience
This is one area where the E310 wins easily.
The narrower bottom of the 5200’s tall container can make cleaning slightly more annoying, especially if you’re working with sticky foods. A quick blend-clean usually does the job, but handwashing takes a little finesse.
The E310’s shorter, wider container is much easier to reach into. If you’ve ever tried scraping thick hummus from the bottom of a tall blender, you know what I mean.
Noise is similar between both models. Neither is quiet, but that’s the trade-off for this level of power.
Pros and Cons of Each Model
Here’s the honest breakdown.
Vitamix 5200 Pros
- Excellent at large batches
- Smooth, consistent results even with tough blends
- Classic design with proven durability
- Ideal for hot soups and nut butters
Vitamix 5200 Cons
- Tall container can be annoying to store
- Higher price
- Harder to clean by hand
Vitamix E310 Pros
- Fits easily under cabinets
- More affordable
- Easier to clean
- Great for small to medium batches
Vitamix E310 Cons
- Not ideal for large families
- Slight learning curve with thicker recipes
- Smaller container means more batch blending if you cook big
Who Each Blender Is Best For
Choose the Vitamix 5200 if:
You cook in big batches, meal prep often, or want that classic tall-jar blending style. If you’re a texture fanatic who notices even the smallest differences in smoothness, you’ll appreciate what the 5200 can do.
If you’re still weighing a few options, check out our different buying guides which can help narrow things down based on how you actually cook and blend.
Choose the Vitamix E310 if:
You want Vitamix quality but don’t need a massive container. It’s great for smaller households, tighter storage spaces, or anyone who wants a more affordable entry point into high-performance blending.
My Take After Using Both
If you asked me which one sits on my counter more often, it’s the E310. The size is just easier for daily cooking, and most of my blends don’t require the larger capacity.
But when I’m making soup for company or prepping nut butter, the 5200 is still the more capable machine.
So the real question isn’t which blender is better. It’s which blender fits your habits.
Both will last for years, both will outperform just about anything in their price ranges, and both give you that unmistakable Vitamix reliability. Pick the size and workflow that matches how you actually cook, and you won’t regret either one.
You can check the latest Vitamix E310 price and options here.
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