When I first received the unit after waiting for it to ship for a longer than acceptable period, I was surprised to see how cheaply constructed it appeared to be. The container is plastic - not what I expected for $500.
That said I have been overall happy with it. The design of the container is nice for mixing and the plunger it comes (also plastic) has really improved the quality of my mixing.
I only have used it to make smoothie/protein drinks and it has worked like a champ in mixing quickly and efficiently. I usually put a good amount of kale in these smoothies. In my old blender, I would get large chunks of kale in the smoothie but with this blender (and using the plunger) the kale is pulverized and completely integrated into my drink which I really like.
I already own a Vitamix which is 7 years old and have been very happy with it to the point where I never want to be without a Vitamix again. Since the warranty on my Vitamix had just about run out, I decided to purchase a new one and put the old one away as a back up should something go wrong with the new one. I wanted a model that performed close to my old Vitamix so I decided to try this one. So glad I went with this model. It's powerful and does everything I expect it to. On one side of the dial it has programmed features with, quite frankly, I haven't used all that much. I did try the smoothie program and it did a great job but was incredibly noisy. I prefer to use the other side of the dial where you can manually adjust the speed as you go along. But it's nice to have the programmed features should I find a need for them. I purchased the stainless steel/black and it goes perfectly with the other appliances in my kitchen. I'm very happy with this model and highly recommend it. And it comes with a 7 year warranty, which is a plus. Hopefully, I'll never need to use the warranty!
Pros: Programability, Speed of Service, Texture Quality, Durability, Easy to use, Versatility, Product features, Power
Written by a customer while visiting vitamix.com
Customer Rating
5
15 years and still going
on June 23, 2019
Posted by: dwsc
from Michigan
Gender:Male
We bought this at a show 15 years ago for making fresh baby food for our first child. Three kids later and 15 years still going strong. We had to replace the tamper and container several years back but that is all. We think that it is starting to finally show its age and might need replacing soon.
We have used this for making baby food, shakes, smoothies, and my wife bought the scale a year back and started using the recipes with it. Our daughter was diagnosed with arthritis at a young age and we used this to make vitamin enriched shakes to help her with the necessary vitamins she needed.
We constantly sharpen the blades with ice. We highly recommend it so much that my brother got one and loves his for fresh tomato soup.
It’s a Gr8 machine, I also have the big 5200. I bought this as a second for work. It’s just not near as powerful or quiet. I should have picked better ~
Response from vitamix.comBy HHCC, February 25, 2020
Hi there! The 5200 Standard model is built with the same powerful motor that the earlier models had. Our customer service team is happy to assist you with any difficulties you are experiencing with your new machine. This classic model is capable of pulverizing all of the great recipes you remember blending with your first 5200. Please reach out to us at 1-800-848-2649.
I have Bought three vitamix blenders not because they break but because I want one for each home we have. The quality and service is what makes me a repeat customer. This blender can do so much more than any other one. Because I make many plant based foods as well as smoothies, my blender is used at least 5 times a day — very happy with this product. I especially like the 5200 for me as the leaner aspect of the machine works well to cream the mousse I make.
The machine is okay- the quality of materials used now has changed - the same model vitamix I purchased about 15 years ago was better made, in my opinion.
Written by a customer while visiting vitamix.com
Customer Rating
3
Favorite Kitchen appliance
on February 25, 2021
Posted by: Jaymo
from Virginia
Gender:Female
I got my first 5200 in 2010 and it fabulously for 10 years. I've never had such a high quality machine -- even after 10 years, the only problem was that the wires at the plug wore thin. I replaced the plug and it still works perfectly, but I decided to buy a new machine so I could pass this one along to my sister.
I researched all the new options and the 5200 was still the product that seemed to best suit me and I purchased it. I've had it for 6 months and it is fine, but there is a clear difference. The middle speed control nob does not register smoothly with the motor. I can turn it up very slowly, but the motor will speed up in jumps. It is so disappointing. When on high, the machine works exactly as my other machine did, but it's frustrating that my 10 year old machine of the same model still works better than this new machine.
I don't know if this is a lemon or if it is a feature of the newer models. I still stand by Vitamix for my old machine.
Pros: Durability, Easy to use, Power
Response from vitamix.comBy HHCC, March 4, 2021
Hi there. We recommend giving our customer care team a call at 1-800-848-2649 for assistance with this!