The best blender I've ever had. I had a waring commercial boender that lasted 15 years. I was sad that no one carried glass jars anymore but the size and the ease is impressive. Its easy to clean and the food processor attachment let me gain cabinet space because i could get rid of my stand alone one. Get the set!!
Pros: Speed of Service, Texture Quality, Easy to use, Versatility, Recipe Enhancement, Power
The Vitamix A3500 is a beautiful, smart blender that is the heart of my raw food kitchen. I use this blender multiple times daily. I love the self-cleaning function which I often use without the soap. The base and container are stable and balanced enough you can walk away while blending. Something I would never do with another blender. The container is a large capacity container. I recommend purchasing the smoothie and smaller container for smaller size blends.
The food processor attachment is just ok. I look forward to updated versions and to see how I may personally update my purchase. I would like to see a "hand" juicer and a dough "hook" attachment included for the price.
The processor has limited functionality. The only modes of processor operation are "on", "off" and "pulse". There is NO VARIABLE SPEED function for the food processor. It's really disappointing there is no variable speed function when you are use to working with one. This, in my opinion, is a design flaw.
The storage for the disc blades is bulky and when you have purchased the optional discs it became a mystery to this one on how to make the storage system work.
The accompanying recipe book is gorgeous to look at but very little is useable if you work in the Raw Food Cuisine. Since Vitamix is synonymous with Health and Raw Fooders, I suggest shooting an optional, gorgeous recipe book with some fabulous recipes from some of the top raw fooders influencers geared to the Raw Food Cuisine World. Make it a truly remarkable resource of worth and value. Consider giving the purchaser the option of which recipe book they would like to have. Otherwise, truthfully, it just sits around and collects dust.
I am happy I upgraded my Raw Food Kitchen with the Ascent 3500 but probably should have hung onto my Braun Food Processor.
Pros: Programability, Texture Quality, Easy to use, Recipe Enhancement, Power
Yesterday I made quiche for supper using the food processor attachment. I diced the vegetables, shredded cheese and whisked the eggs. Worked like a dream. Looking forward to finding even more multi use recipes. My son loves making single serving green smoothies almost daily. This is earning its space on our countertop.