I love this blender! The range of capability is profound and makes the smoothest soups without needing cream. Sauces are smooth and the container is strong AND lightweight and cleans with minimal effort. I expect it to stay on my counter for a decade or more.
I received the 5200 Standard Vitamix for Christmas. I carefully read through all directions and started experimenting. I'm so impressed with the absolutely smooth texture of hummus*, cashew cream, and pureed soups. SO much better than my previous blender. I cook a lot, and this is a game changer. *One thing I have learned: if it is something quite thick, it is hard to get the last of it out of the bottom of the blender (the blades aren't removable). I tried hummus in it, and though it turned out smooth and delicious, I couldn't fit the rubber scraper between the blades to get the very last of it. It certainly comes out fine, but the food processor is probably better for very thick things. This is in no way to dis the Vitamix; note I gave it 5 stars! Use this wonderful machine for soups, smoothies, pureeing nuts for things like cashew cream.
Seems like the best blender around still, but I am disappointed in what feels like a quality decrease over the years. This just feels cheaper than my older model. Louder and rattly, and smells like burning after just 10 seconds on high power. I would prefer to pay more for something that works beautifully. I hope vitamin doesn’t continue to cut corners.
Pros: Texture Quality, Durability, Easy to use, Versatility, Power
Strong enough to liquefy tree mulch!...not that I have tried. I'm sure it's great for all your lawn care needs...I mean...dietary. All your dietary needs. Who said anything about law care? But if there was a blender that could do yard work this would be the one!
Pros: Texture Quality, Durability, Easy to use, Power
We owned one of these mixers for almost a decade and loved it. We finally had to replace it because the pitcher was leaking at the bottom. The new blender releases a very bad odor when we run it. The smell is like burning plastic or oil. The blender functions OK, but we are hoping the smell doesn't mean there's something seriously wrong with this product.
Pros: Power
Response from vitamix.comBy Vitamix, February 27, 2024
Hi there! The behavior you are experiencing is completely normal for a newer machine. Although all motors are tested at the Vitamix production facility, heavy use will cause further curing of the motor windings. This curing gives off a burning smell and is typical for wound motors. This smell will quickly dissipate after a few more heavy uses.
In addition, the Vitamix motor is designed to protect itself from overheating. Sometimes the machine may emit a burning odor and/or stop temporarily because its thermal protector sensed that the machine was about to overheat. If this occurs, we recommend turning the power switch off for up to 45 minutes, allowing the machine to cool down or reset. To avoid overheating your machine in the future, be sure to ramp the machine up to the highest speed within 5 seconds of turning it on to activate the cooling fan in the motor.