I got the 5200 a few months ago and so far, I love it. Mine came with the classic tall thin pitcher which I chose because some of the reviews said that it was hard to get everything blended in the newer wider version. It blends so fast and so smooth that it puts my old blender to shame. I've wanted one of these for years, and I'm not disappointed.
Will get very smooth but takes quite a bit of time and liquid. I expected it to be easier for the price. I would have gotten the more powerful motor if it came with the thinner pitcher. I have successfully made almond butter so it is a strong machine. Also not obnoxiously loud for it’s power so that is good.
Bought my first all-steel Vitamix during a demo back in the early 80's. It finally died. I chose this replacement specifically because it has the older narrow container, and I noticed that some of the reviews of the newer models mentioned that the newer wider containers sometimes don't blend as well as the older, narrower containers. I'm quite happy with this model.
I purchased this item about 20 years ago, I have made all kinds of great things. I saw a demonstration years ago and learned they now had a small top, I love using it for my smoothies. I did make a mistake and grabbed the wrong tamper for the smaller container and the blades ate the bottom of my tamper. Be very careful and check before inserting that tamper. Hope you enjoy yours as much as I have loved mine.
Pros: Speed of Service, Durability, Versatility, Product features, Power
I bought this blender over a year ago and its still working as good as day one. I haven't had any issues blending anything to a puree. Cleaning the product is very easy. Even though you dont need to use a sponge to clean it, I advise running it with soap as instructed but then just quickly take a soft (non abrasive) sponge and wipe the insides or else you will have a cloudy and spotted container. This extra step allows it to be cleaner and easier to spot remaining things in any. Its a solid build. The middle speed knob feels a little light and cheap but It works perfectly fine. Honestly zero complaints. Buy this one if you can!!
If you’ve ever worked in a kitchen then you know this is pretty much industry standard. Puree nearly anything like a dream, this machine does much more than smoothies, I promise you that. Does have that sort of off electrical smell while using, but I’d imagine that’s the smell of new, well oiled gears a-grindin’
Pros: Speed of Service, Texture Quality, Versatility, Recipe Enhancement, Power
I bought my Vitamix with extra dry grind container for me as a reward for making it out if hospital & learning to do everything again after being hit by a speeding car as a pedestrian in 2003. I love it. It immediately replaced over 6 appliances & became literally my right hand go to for smoothies, cream soups, sauces & agua frescas. It's older as we all are & I need to take care not to run it too long or hot. I'm a compounding herbalist, so I use the dry container to make powders for encapsulation to tinctures for optimum absorption. I would love to put THE ONE, in my rental house, but we'll see. If I need to, I feel confident to replace my 5000 with the 5200.
Pros: Texture Quality, Durability, Easy to use, Versatility, Power
I am really loving my Vitamix! I've learned it is important to put smoothie ingredients into the container in the correct order for best blending, but if that requirement is met then it blends perfectly! It is also surprisingly quiet, given the power.