Few kitchen decisions are as paralyzing as standing at the threshold of the Vitamix ecosystem, trying to decide between the modern entry-point and the undisputed king of the culinary world. For the last month, my kitchen counter has played host to a heavyweight bout between the Vitamix Explorian E310 and the Vitamix 5200. These two machines represent the pure, analog heart of the Vitamix brand—no Bluetooth, no touchscreens, just raw 2-horsepower motors and mechanical switches.
While one feels like a sleek, condensed version of a classic, the other is the towering “original” that has graced professional kitchens for decades. After liquefying everything from frozen berries to fibrous kale and raw carrots, I’ve found that while the results in the glass are nearly identical, the experience on the counter is worlds apart.
The Key Difference: Container Architecture and Pulse Control
The primary key difference between the Vitamix E310 and the Vitamix 5200 lies in the container design and the interface logic. The Vitamix E310 features a 48 oz container and a dedicated Pulse switch, making it a compact, versatile tool specifically designed for small-to-medium batches. Its shorter stature is purposefully built for modern kitchens where cabinet clearance is a priority.
In contrast, the Vitamix 5200 utilizes the 64 oz Classic Tall container. This container is significantly narrower at the base than almost any other Vitamix model, which creates a uniquely aggressive vortex that can handle tiny amounts of liquid better than the E310, despite its larger total capacity. However, the 5200 lacks a dedicated Pulse switch, instead utilizing a “High/Variable” toggle that requires a different manual technique for achieving chunky textures. It is also considerably taller, often requiring the container to be stored separately from the base to fit under standard cabinets.
- 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
- Included: Vitamix 5200 blender motor base, 64-ounce classic container, and tamper; this kitchen blender container allows for small- to large-capacity blends
- 2 HP Motor: Equipped with a high-performance motor, this countertop blender lets you say goodbye to chunky smoothies and hello to effortless blends
Comparison Table: Vitamix E310 vs. Vitamix 5200
| Feature | Vitamix Explorian E310 | Vitamix 5200 (Classic) |
| Container Capacity | 48 Ounces | 64 Ounces |
| Container Style | Compact / Medium | Tall / Professional |
| Interface | Variable Speed + Dedicated Pulse | Variable Speed + High/Variable Toggle |
| Total Height | 18 Inches (More compact) | 20.5 Inches (Tall) |
| Motor Power | 2 Peak HP | 2 Peak HP |
| Warranty | 5-Year Limited | 7-Year Limited |
| Cooling | Standard Convection | Radial Cooling Fan / Thermal Protection |
| Batch Size | Small to Medium | Small to Large |
| Buy NOW | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review: My Life in the Vortex
I spent weeks switching between these two blenders, making everything from my daily morning green smoothie to complex sauces that required precise temperature control through friction heat.
Design: The Space-Saving Trade-off
The moment I placed the Vitamix 5200 on my counter, I realized why people call it the “Tall” model. At 20.5 inches, it is a massive presence. In my kitchen, it simply wouldn’t fit under the upper cabinets while sitting on the base. Every night, I had to store the container next to the motor base, which takes up a lot of horizontal real estate.
The E310, at 18 inches, felt much more “at home.” It fits comfortably under my cabinets, allowing me to keep the machine fully assembled and ready to go. The E310 has a slightly more modern, rounded base design, whereas the 5200 looks exactly like a piece of commercial equipment from the 90s. If you value a “pro” aesthetic, the 5200 wins; if you value your counter space, the E310 is the obvious choice.
- 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: The “Pulse” vs. The “Toggle”
One of my biggest gripes with the Vitamix 5200 is the lack of a Pulse button. If I want to make a chunky salsa, I have to rapidly flick the main power switch on and off. It works, but it feels clumsy.
The E310 has a dedicated Pulse toggle on the left side of the dial. This was a game-changer for me when I was trying to layer textures in a hearty vegetable soup. I could easily pulse in some rough-chopped herbs at the end without turning the whole batch into a purée. However, the 5200 wins on “High” power. Its “High/Variable” switch allows you to bypass the speed dial entirely and jump straight to maximum RPMs, which is a satisfying way to finish a blend.
Functions: The Magic of the Narrow Base
Here is the secret of the 5200: because the 64 oz container is so narrow at the bottom, the blades can catch very small amounts of food. I was able to make a tiny half-cup batch of vinaigrette in the 5200 that the E310 struggled with. In the E310, small amounts of liquid tend to splash against the wider walls and stay out of reach of the blades.
Both machines handle Blade Friction Heating perfectly. I started with cold water, raw ginger, and carrots, and after about six minutes on high speed, both blenders produced a steaming-hot, velvety soup. The 5200 has an advanced Radial Cooling Fan, which I noticed made a difference when I was making back-to-back batches of thick nut butter. It stayed cooler and never triggered the thermal shut-off, whereas the E310 felt quite warm to the touch after the second batch.
- Included: Vitamix 5200 blender motor base, 64-ounce classic container, and tamper; this kitchen blender container allows for small- to large-capacity blends
- 2 HP Motor: Equipped with a high-performance motor, this countertop blender lets you say goodbye to chunky smoothies and hello to effortless blends
Performance: Smoothness and Power
In a blind taste test of a kale and pineapple smoothie, you could not tell which machine made which drink. Both motors are rated at 2 Peak HP, and they both utilize the laser-cut stainless steel blades that Vitamix is famous for. They are both loud—at speed 10, conversation is impossible—but they both deliver that professional-grade texture where even blackberry seeds seem to disappear.
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:
- Perfect for Small Kitchens: Fits under standard cabinets with ease.
- Pulse Feature: Dedicated switch for much better control over texture.
- Affordability: Generally the most budget-friendly way to own a new Vitamix.
- Intuitive Controls: The simplest interface for a beginner.
Cons:
- Limited Capacity: 48 ounces is too small if you’re cooking for a family of four or more.
- Wider Base: Not as good at very small liquid batches (under 1 cup).
- Warranty: Only 5 years compared to the 7 or 10 years on other models.
Vitamix 5200 Classic Blender
- Included: Vitamix 5200 blender motor base, 64-ounce classic container, and tamper; this kitchen blender container allows for small- to large-capacity blends
- 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:
- Versatile Batch Size: The narrow base handles small batches, but the 64 oz capacity handles large ones.
- Indestructible Build: Known in the industry as the most reliable blender ever made.
- Superior Cooling: Can handle long, heavy blends (nut butters, flours) without overheating.
- Longer Warranty: Comes with a standard 7-year warranty.
Cons:
- Too Tall: Storage is a major headache in kitchens with standard cabinets.
- No Pulse Button: Requires manual toggling of the power switch for pulsing.
- Dated Look: Some may find the aesthetic a bit too “industrial.”
The Final Recommendation: Which Legacy Wins?
Choosing between these two blenders is a matter of deciding what you are willing to sacrifice: cabinet space or batch versatility.
I recommend the Vitamix Explorian E310 if you have a smaller kitchen and you primarily cook for one or two people. Its dedicated pulse button makes it more user-friendly for everyday tasks like salsas and dips, and the fact that it fits under your cabinets means you’ll actually leave it out and use it more often.
I recommend the Vitamix 5200 if you are a “power user” or a culinary enthusiast. If you don’t mind the height and you want the one blender that can handle a single cup of dressing just as well as a massive batch of soup for a dinner party, the 5200 is the gold standard. It is a legendary workhorse that offers more capacity and a better cooling system for heavy-duty grinds.
In my kitchen, the Vitamix 5200 is the winner. While the height is a nuisance, the ability to blend any size batch in one container—combined with the extra two years of warranty—makes it the ultimate value for a serious cook.
- 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
- Included: Vitamix 5200 blender motor base, 64-ounce classic container, and tamper; this kitchen blender container allows for small- to large-capacity blends
- 2 HP Motor: Equipped with a high-performance motor, this countertop blender lets you say goodbye to chunky smoothies and hello to effortless blends
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are the containers dishwasher safe?
A: Officially, Vitamix recommends the “self-cleaning” method: warm water, a drop of dish soap, and 60 seconds on high speed. The E310 container is technically not rated for the dishwasher, and neither is the 5200. Hand-washing or the self-clean cycle will keep the plastic clear for years.
Q: Can the E310 use the 64 oz container from the 5200?
A: Yes! The E310 is part of the “Classic” family of blenders. You can purchase a 64 oz tall container later if you decide you need more room, and it will fit perfectly on the E310 base.
Q: Do these blenders come with a tamper?
A: Yes. The E310 comes with a “Mini Tamper” and the 5200 comes with the “Standard Tall Tamper.” It is crucial to use the correct tamper for the correct container to avoid hitting the blades.
Q: Is the 5200 motor more powerful?
A: Both are 2.0 HP motors. The 5200 has a more advanced cooling system (Radial Cooling), which helps it perform better during very long, thick blends, but the raw pulverizing power is identical.
