During the 2024 holiday season, my partner’s parents asked us for our Christmas wishlist, and the first item we jotted down was a Vitamix blender. They responded that they had a vintage Vitamix in their basement and would give it to us, along with a new container for the base. What we received was the Vitamix 5000 Total Nutrition Center, which launched in 1992 and was discontinued in 2007 when the 5200 was introduced. That makes it at least 19 years old.
Though grateful to have my first Vitamix, I was skeptical that the now-vintage 5000 would perform as well as the company’s newer models. But for a year and a half, I happily used the 5000 without any performance issues. Then, this year, when I tested Vitamix’s 5200 and VX1 for CNET’s best blenders list, I was able to put my initial skepticism to the test.
From left to right, the Vitamix 5000, 5200 and VX1. Anna Gragert/CNET
Testing the Vitamix 5000, 5200 and VX1
During my testing, the 5000 kept up with the newer 5200 and VX1 — for the most part.
When blending a green smoothie, the 5000 slightly outperformed the 5200, taking 1 minute and 39 seconds, two seconds less than the 5200. However, it didn’t beat the VX1’s time of 1 minute and 26 seconds.
The 5000 triumphed over both the 5200 and VX1 when blending chickpeas into hummus in 49 seconds. The VX1 took 58 seconds, while the 5000 took 1 minute and 47 seconds.
As for pulverizing almonds into almond butter, the 5000 finished last at 3 minutes and 19 seconds. The VX1 performed best at 54 seconds, while the 5200 came in second place at 1 minute and 51 seconds.
In terms of noise, anecdotally, I would say that all three blenders are loud on high speed, and none stood out as quieter than the others.
I was surprised that the newer Vitamix blenders didn’t completely outshine the 5000, which goes to show that newer doesn’t always mean better.
The 5000 has a cool vintage look.Anna Gragert/CNET
I have one favorite in terms of design
I’d describe the 5200 as the younger, somewhat more modern sister to the 5000, with silver detailing on the front, more rounded buttons and an updated font.
The VX1 is its cooler cousin with a less bulky, angular design, icons instead of text for the controls, a shiny round dial in place of a speed control knob at the center, a smaller Vitamix logo and a shinier base material.
If I had to pick one to sit on my counter based on looks alone, it would be the VX1.
I love the VX1’s sleek, modern design.Anna Gragert/CNET
Vitamix has clearly earned its cult status
Another takeaway from my testing is that Vitamix has become known for its blenders for a reason. Even when using one of its blenders that’s at least 19 years old, it still works and holds its own against the company’s newest models. This goes to show that when you buy a Vitamix, you’re really buying a blender for life.
This extra testing has made me feel extra confident in CNET recommending the Vitamix VX1 as the best blender overall.
Vitamix has its own certified reconditioned blenders
If you want to save on a Vitamix blender but are skeptical of unauthorized resellers, you can buy a reconditioned model directly from Vitamix. These unused or lightly used blenders have undergone a 17-point inspection and come with a three- to five-year warranty. Prices start at $320.
A Certified Reconditioned 5200, for example, is $350 with a five-year warranty, but you can spend an extra $75 to extend it to an eight-year warranty.
While saving yourself cash to spend on smoothie ingredients, you’re also preventing these blenders from ending up in a landfill. It’s a win for you, your wallet and the planet.
Anna Gragert
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