Staring down two Vitamix blenders that look virtually identical is enough to make any home cook pause. For the last few weeks, my kitchen counter has been home to both the Vitamix Explorian E310 and the Vitamix Explorian E320. These are the “entry-level” titans of the Vitamix world, stripped of the digital touchscreens and Bluetooth “smart” features found in the pricier Ascent series, focusing instead on raw, mechanical power.
After a marathon of morning smoothies, late-night margaritas, and a particularly stubborn batch of homemade almond butter, I’ve realized that while they share the “Explorian” name, they cater to very different household sizes. One is the king of the personal blend, while the other is a family-sized beast that refuses to be tucked away in a cupboard.
The Key Difference: Container Capacity and Motor Muscle
The definitive key difference between the Vitamix E310 and the E320 comes down to the container footprint and the peak horsepower of the motor. The Vitamix E310 features a 48 oz classic container and a 2.0 peak HP motor. Its container is narrow at the base, which makes it the superior choice for small batches like a single-serving smoothie or a small bowl of pesto.
The Vitamix E320, by contrast, steps up to a 64 oz low-profile container and a beefier 2.2 peak HP motor. The low-profile design is wider and shorter, specifically engineered to fit under standard kitchen cabinets while sitting on the base. While the E320 can handle much larger family meals, its wider base requires more ingredients to achieve a proper vortex, making it less ideal for tiny portions. Additionally, the E320 typically carries a 7-year warranty, whereas the E310 comes with a 5-year warranty.
- Included: Explorian E310 Professional Blender motor base, 48-ounce container, and mini tamper; this kitchen blender container allows for small- to medium-capacity...
- 2 HP Motor: Equipped with a high-performance motor, this countertop blender lets you say goodbye to chunky smoothies and hello to effortless blends
- E320 Machine with 2.2 Peak HP Motor
- 64 oz Low Profile BPA-Free Tritan Container
Comparison Table: Vitamix E310 vs. Vitamix E320
| Feature | Vitamix Explorian E310 | Vitamix Explorian E320 |
| Container Size | 48 Ounces | 64 Ounces (Low-Profile) |
| Motor Power | 2.0 Peak HP | 2.2 Peak HP |
| Warranty | 5 Years | 7 Years |
| Height on Base | 18 Inches | 18 Inches (Fits Cabinets better) |
| Batch Size | Small to Medium | Medium to Large |
| Controls | 10-Speed Dial + Pulse | 10-Speed Dial + Pulse |
| Blade Size | 3-inch Diameter | 4-inch Diameter |
| Cleaning | Self-Cleaning | Self-Cleaning |
| Buy NOW | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review: My Personal Blending Diary
If you’ve never used a Vitamix, the first time you flip the switch is a shock to the system. Here is how these two compared during my real-world testing.
Design: The Cabinet Test
I live in a kitchen with standard-height cabinets, and this is where the design difference hit home. The E310 has a 48 oz container that is relatively tall and narrow. Even though it’s the “smaller” blender, it feels quite vertical.
The E320, however, uses the “low-profile” 64 oz container. It’s significantly wider at the base, which allows it to hold more volume without adding height. In my testing, the E320 felt more “stable” on the counter during heavy-duty grinds (like making peanut butter), whereas the E310 had a bit more vibration because of its higher center of gravity. If you plan on leaving your blender out on the counter 24/7, the E320 looks a bit more integrated and professional.
- Included: Explorian E310 Professional Blender motor base, 48-ounce container, and mini tamper; this kitchen blender container allows for small- to medium-capacity...
- 2 HP Motor: Equipped with a high-performance motor, this countertop blender lets you say goodbye to chunky smoothies and hello to effortless blends
Ease of Use: Tactile Controls
Both of these machines are refreshingly simple. There are no menus to scroll through. You have a Start/Stop toggle, a Pulse toggle, and a Variable Speed dial numbered 1 to 10.
Using the E310 for my daily morning smoothie was a breeze. Because the container is narrow, the blades caught my frozen blueberries and spinach immediately. With the E320, I found that if I only made a small 12 oz smoothie, the ingredients would sometimes splash against the wider walls and stay there, requiring me to use the tamper more frequently to push them back into the blades. The E320 needs volume to create that iconic Vitamix vortex.
Functions: From Ice Cream to Hot Soup
I put both through the “Hot Soup Test.” I tossed in raw carrots, ginger, broth, and a few spices. After about six minutes on speed 10, the blade friction actually brought the liquid to a steaming boil. Both handled this perfectly, though the E320’s 2.2 HP motor seemed to reach the “steaming” point about 30 seconds faster than the E310.
When it came to frozen treats, the E320 was the winner. I made a large batch of dairy-free mango sorbet. The wider base and 4-inch blades of the E320 allowed for a much faster processing of the large frozen chunks. The E310 did the job, but I had to work the tamper much harder to get the same silky consistency.
- E320 Machine with 2.2 Peak HP Motor
- 64 oz Low Profile BPA-Free Tritan Container
Performance: The Power of the Vortex
The “Vitamix Vortex” is what separates these from cheap $50 blenders. In the E310, the vortex is tight and aggressive—perfect for emulsifying a single egg for mayo. In the E320, the vortex is wider and more powerful.
One thing I noticed is that the E320’s blades are longer (4 inches vs 3 inches in the E310). This means the blade tips are traveling at a higher velocity even at the same RPM. When I ground coffee beans in the E320, the consistency was slightly more uniform than in the E310. However, the E310 is much better at “chopping” onions or veggies without accidentally turning them into a purée, simply because you have more control in the smaller space.
Vitamix Explorian E310 Blender
- Included: Explorian E310 Professional Blender motor base, 48-ounce container, and mini tamper; this kitchen blender container allows for small- to medium-capacity...
- 2 HP Motor: Equipped with a high-performance motor, this countertop blender lets you say goodbye to chunky smoothies and hello to effortless blends
Pros:
- Small-Batch Specialist: The best Vitamix for individuals or couples.
- Price: Usually the most affordable entry point into the brand.
- Precision: Easier to control for “chunky” recipes like salsa.
- Less Waste: Easier to scrape out every last bit from the narrow container.
Cons:
- Lower Capacity: Not great for meal prepping or entertaining.
- Shorter Warranty: Only 5 years compared to the 7 years on the E320.
- Vibration: Can feel a bit more “top-heavy” during thick blends.
Vitamix Explorian E320 Blender
- E320 Machine with 2.2 Peak HP Motor
- 64 oz Low Profile BPA-Free Tritan Container
Pros:
- XL Capacity: The 64 oz container is a lifesaver for family dinners.
- 7-Year Warranty: Two extra years of “insurance” over the E310.
- Powerful Motor:2 HP handles the toughest frozen ingredients with ease.
- Low-Profile: Sits comfortably under kitchen cabinets.
Cons:
- Minimum Volume: Harder to blend small amounts (requires at least 2 cups of liquid).
- Price: Higher initial investment.
- Size: Takes up a bit more “real estate” on the counter due to the wider container base.
The Final Recommendation: Which Explorian Wins?
After weeks of blending, the “winner” really depends on who you are cooking for.
I recommend the Vitamix E310 if you are a single-person household, a couple, or someone who primarily makes single-serving smoothies and small sauces. It is the most efficient machine for small tasks, and you won’t find yourself frustrated by ingredients getting lost in a massive container.
I recommend the Vitamix E320 if you have a family, like to host dinner parties, or enjoy “batch cooking” your soups and sauces for the week. The extra horsepower and the longer 7-year warranty make it a much better long-term value for a busy household. It is a “buy it once, use it for a decade” kind of appliance.
In my kitchen, the Vitamix E320 is the one that stays on the counter. The ability to make a massive batch of hot soup for the whole family in one go—and the peace of mind from that 7-year warranty—outweighs the occasional struggle with small-batch smoothies.
- Included: Explorian E310 Professional Blender motor base, 48-ounce container, and mini tamper; this kitchen blender container allows for small- to medium-capacity...
- 2 HP Motor: Equipped with a high-performance motor, this countertop blender lets you say goodbye to chunky smoothies and hello to effortless blends
- E320 Machine with 2.2 Peak HP Motor
- 64 oz Low Profile BPA-Free Tritan Container
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are these blenders dishwasher safe?
A: Officially, Vitamix recommends the “self-cleaning” method (warm water and a drop of soap on high for 60 seconds). While some newer containers are dishwasher safe, I always hand-wash my Explorian containers to prevent the plastic from clouding over time.
Q: Can I buy the 48 oz container for the E320?
A: Yes! One of the best things about the Explorian series is that the bases are interchangeable with most “Classic” Vitamix containers. If you buy the E320 and realize you need a smaller jug for smoothies, you can purchase the 48 oz container separately.
Q: How loud are they?
A: Very loud. On speed 10, both will drown out a conversation or a television. The E320 has a slightly deeper roar due to the larger motor, while the E310 is a bit more high-pitched.
Q: Do they come with a tamper?
A: Yes, both include a tamper. Note that the E310 comes with a “Mini Tamper” specifically sized for the 48 oz container, while the E320 comes with the standard “Low-Profile Tamper.”6 Do not mix them up, or you might hit the blades!
