When it comes to power, precision, and durability, Vitamix is the first name that comes to mind in the realm of high-performance blenders. The company’s stellar reputation has been built over the years, delivering top-quality kitchen appliances that transform our approach to food preparation. Today, we’re delving into an in-depth comparison of two of Vitamix’s most popular blenders: the Vitamix Propel Series 750 and the Vitamix 5200.
Both of these blenders are outstanding choices, boasting high-powered motors, durable designs, and a myriad of features that make them extremely versatile kitchen appliances. But which one is the right fit for you? We’ll dissect the details, including design, performance, features, and pricing, to help you decide. Vitamix Propel Series 750 vs Vitamix 5200 – let the battle begin!
Background: Vitamix Propel Series 750 and Vitamix 5200
The Vitamix Propel Series 750 and the Vitamix 5200 are both part of Vitamix’s impressive line-up of high-performance blenders. However, each model caters to a slightly different consumer segment and varies in features, aesthetics, and price points.
Vitamix Propel Series 750: The Gourmet’s Pick
The Vitamix 750 sits comfortably in the company’s Propel Series – a range designed to deliver the ultimate blending experience. Built for cooking enthusiasts and professional chefs, it features five pre-programmed settings for a range of kitchen tasks, a self-cleaning function, and an ultra-powerful 2.2 peak horsepower motor.
Vitamix 5200: The Classic Powerhouse
On the other hand, the Vitamix 5200 is a member of the company’s C-Series — the Classic Blenders. Renowned for its robustness and simplicity, the 5200 banks on a powerful 2-peak horsepower motor, variable speed control, and a high-capacity container to appeal to both home cooks and professional chefs.
Design and Build: Aesthetics and Ergonomics
The design of a blender is about more than just looks. It encompasses the blender’s dimensions, weight, the materials used, and how easy it is to handle and operate. Let’s see how the Vitamix 750 and the 5200 fare.
Vitamix 750: Sleek and Modern
The Vitamix 750 combines aesthetics with functionality. It’s a compact blender with a low-profile 64 oz container that fits under most kitchen cabinets. It’s available in three colors — brushed stainless, pearl gray, and black. The control panel is illuminated and easy-to-read, featuring a speed dial in the center, surrounded by buttons for the pre-programmed settings and the pulse feature.
Vitamix 5200: Classic and Robust
The Vitamix 5200, on the other hand, boasts a more classic design, tall and sturdy, with a 64 oz container that’s ideal for blending medium to large batches. It’s available in black, red, and white. The control panel is straightforward and easy to use, with a variable speed control dial in the center, flanked by switches for power and high/variable speeds.
Core Features: Performance and Functionality
When comparing the Vitamix 750 and 5200, it’s essential to consider their core features. These features determine the versatility of these blenders and their capacity to handle a variety of kitchen tasks.
Vitamix Propel Series 750
Pre-programmed Settings
The Vitamix 750 offers five pre-programmed settings for smoothies, hot soups, frozen desserts, purees, and self-cleaning. This feature is a lifesaver for those who prefer a ‘set-and-forget’ approach to blending.
Variable Speed Control and Pulse Feature
Like the 5200, the Vitamix 750 comes with variable speed control that allows you to fine-tune every blend. Moreover, the pulse feature offers bursts of power for chopping and blending chunky recipes.
Vitamix 5200
High/Variable Speed Control
The Vitamix 5200 offers variable speed control, allowing you to adjust the speed while blending to achieve a variety of textures. You can rotate the dial at any point, giving you complete control.
Powerful Blending
With a robust 2-peak horsepower motor and laser-cut, stainless steel blades, the 5200 can pulverize even the toughest ingredients to deliver consistently smooth blends.
Container Capacity and Design: Size Does Matter
A blender’s container size and design directly influence its capacity to handle quantities and the types of ingredients it can blend effectively.
The Vitamix 750 comes with a low-profile 64 oz container that’s designed to fit comfortably under most kitchen cabinets. It’s perfect for preparing meals for large families or entertaining guests. Moreover, the wider base allows ingredients to reach the blades more readily, making it excellent for processing thicker mixtures like nut butter or hummus.
The Vitamix 5200, on the other hand, features a classic 64 oz container. Although its taller design might not fit under some kitchen cabinets, it’s well-suited for blending medium to large batches. The narrow base makes it particularly effective for processing smaller quantities and ensuring everything is well-blended.
Cleaning and Maintenance: Keeping Things Fresh
An often overlooked aspect of owning a blender is the ease of cleaning and maintenance. After all, a blender that’s a breeze to clean will likely see more use than one that’s not.
One significant advantage of the Vitamix 750 is the inclusion of a self-cleaning setting. By adding warm water and a drop of dish soap, you can set the blender to clean itself within 30 to 60 seconds, eliminating the hassle of disassembly.
Although the Vitamix 5200 lacks a self-cleaning setting, it’s still easy to clean. Similar to the 750, you can add warm water and dish soap and blend on the highest setting for 30 to 60 seconds. Rinse and let it dry — it’s as simple as that!
Noise Levels: A Quiet Performer?
High-performance blenders like the Vitamix 750 and 5200 tend to be loud due to their powerful motors. However, the noise level can be a determining factor for those sensitive to sound.
The Vitamix 750, thanks to its design and improved airflow management, operates slightly quieter than the 5200. It’s worth mentioning that “quieter” is a relative term – it’s still louder than a typical countertop blender.
Vitamix 5200: Expect Some Noise
Being a high-performance blender, the Vitamix 5200 isn’t the quietest appliance on the block. While it isn’t excessively noisy, it’s something to consider if you’re sensitive to loud sounds or have strict neighborhood noise rules.
Warranty and Customer Support: Ensuring Peace of Mind
The after-sales service and warranty coverage provide insight into the manufacturer’s confidence in its product and its commitment to customer satisfaction.
Vitamix Propel Series 750: Reassuring Warranty
The Vitamix 750 comes with a generous seven-year full warranty covering all parts, performance, labor, and two-way shipping at no cost to you. The customer support is excellent, and the company is well-regarded for standing by their warranty.
Vitamix 5200: Stellar Support and Warranty
Vitamix offers the same seven-year full warranty for the 5200 model, demonstrating their belief in the product’s longevity. Their customer service team has a reputation for being helpful and responsive, ensuring any issues are resolved quickly.
Pricing and Value: Getting What You Pay For
In the end, the decision often comes down to cost. How do the Vitamix 750 and 5200 compare in terms of price and value?
The Vitamix 750 is a high-end blender and its price reflects this. It’s one of the more expensive models in the Vitamix range. However, with its combination of power, versatility, and convenience features (like pre-programmed settings and a self-cleaning function), many users find it well worth the investment.
The Vitamix 5200 comes in at a lower price point, making it a more budget-friendly choice. While it doesn’t have the same luxury features as the 750, it still offers a powerful motor, variable speed control, and large capacity blending – providing excellent value for its price.
Consumer Feedback: Hearing from the Users
Consumer feedback can provide valuable insights into how these blenders perform in real-world situations. Let’s delve into what users have to say about the Vitamix 750 and 5200.
Many users praise the Vitamix 750’s ability to blend a wide variety of ingredients with ease, from smoothies to hot soups, thanks to its pre-programmed settings. The self-cleaning function is also a big hit among users, making clean-up a breeze.
Customers of the Vitamix 5200 love its simplicity and power. They appreciate its ability to handle everything from ice to nuts, and its easy-to-use variable speed control. The large capacity of the container is also a plus for users who frequently cook for large groups.
The Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing between the Vitamix Propel Series 750 and the Vitamix 5200 ultimately comes down to your specific needs, preferences, and budget.
Vitamix Propel Series 750: A Premium Blend
The Vitamix 750 is the premium choice, offering the convenience of pre-programmed settings and a self-cleaning function. It’s a versatile powerhouse that can handle a wide array of tasks, from blending smoothies to making hot soups, making it an excellent choice for cooking enthusiasts or anyone looking for a high-performance, feature-rich blender.
Vitamix 5200: Simplicity Meets Power
The Vitamix 5200 is a reliable workhorse that offers robust performance and uncomplicated operation at a lower price point. It might lack the luxury features of the 750, but it still delivers a powerful blending experience that should satisfy most home cooks and professional chefs.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Can I use the Vitamix 750 and 5200 as a food processor?
Yes, both blenders can handle many tasks typically performed by a food processor, such as chopping, grinding, and pureeing. However, they may not be able to perform more specialized tasks like kneading dough or slicing vegetables into specific shapes.
Are the Vitamix 750 and 5200 dishwasher safe?
While the containers of both models are dishwasher safe, Vitamix recommends cleaning them using their self-cleaning (750) or manual cleaning (5200) method to prolong the life of the containers.
Can I use the Vitamix 750 and 5200 to make hot soup?
Yes, both models can make hot soup directly in the container. The friction from the blades can heat the soup ingredients to serving temperature within about six minutes.
Are the Vitamix 750 and 5200 suitable for making nut butter?
Yes, both models have the power to make smooth, creamy nut butter. However, you may need to use the tamper to ensure all the nuts get processed and achieve a smooth consistency.