Vitamix5200 Blender, Professional-Grade, 64-ounce Container, Self-Cleaning, Black

This was a 2nd Vitamix for us, I love them. Our original Vitamix 5200 still works great. I have used it daily for a kale/matcha drink for about 5 years. I use full stalk kale, ginger, apples, etc. The Vitamix chews it up. When I am traveling at a VRBO and make the same drink with whatever cheap blender is available, it takes 3 times as long because I have to pre-chop everything and do little batches and then mix it all together. I am spoiled by the Vitamix; it is so strong it is funny. Its a power tool for the kitchen. I moved our 5yr old original Vitamix 5200 to a rental property we own so we would have its use there when we visit. So I bought this new Vitamix 5200 for our home.The new 5200 is identical in appearance, however now there is a "soft-start" feature. I assume it lowers the incoming inrush amps from the outlet? Not sure. Regardless, it is just as strong as the original, only it now starts slow then ramps up over the first few seconds. It eliminates the initial "jolt" off the original turning ON. I was OK with that jolt, but I could see how some might consider this new one an improvement. Regardless, it makes the same quick work for my green drink.I had considered purchasing a cheaper Vitamix at Costco that still had the large 64oz capacity, but read the reviews and had concerns perhaps it was lighter duty? I don't know, the HP specs appeared the same. I couldn't seem to read a review of that cheaper version where I felt I understood its shortcomings, if there were any? So instead I got another 5200 because the first one is so ridiculously strong and dependable, why not get another? Yes, it is expensive, but for me it is worth it.

I've been using it multiple times a day since purchase. It's replacing a top of the line Ninja blender. The difference between the two is astounding. These guys must have really good patenting lawyers or something, it's a wonder that nobody can reproduce What a Vitamix does. It crushes the finest Berry seeds in your smoothies. They are exactly that. Smooth. It might not seem like that big of a deal to some people, but for somebody like myself who enjoys Whole Food smoothies everyday, it is a game changer. Yes you can make soup in this. Raw vegetables, some soup base, some cheese, some water, let it work for 5 minutes or so and you have hot soup ready to enjoy full of nutrients with zero preservatives. I would recommend watching people use these on YouTube. There is a certain way to use them and a certain way to load the machine. Use the tamper! When you are making smoothies or things like hummus or nut Butters, pesto ect.....nothing is going to happen unless you use the tamper. I see complaints on here about how the blade just spins and nothing happens. Air pockets and everything freezez above the blade blah blah blah......That is impossible if you are using the tamper. After experimenting a little bit you will be able to use this blender to do absolutely anything any blender can do plus more. It's hard to spend this kind of money on a small kitchen appliance. I have held back for over 20 years and have been through countless cheap piece of crap blenders. Find a refurbished one if you want to save yourself a few hundred dollars. But it is worth every single penny. Not because they cost that much to make, but because they apparently are the only ones that can do it. They have the market cornered for truly the best blender in the world.

What a great price for the real deal! I love this blender! It can do so many things! It’s so worth the price.

It's the best blender without any bells and whistles. Pricey but again it is the BEST.It is THE restaurants' standard peace of equipment that last decades under heavy use, and restaurants will use this machine more in a week than you will in a lifetime. You most-likely will never need another blender (at least not for 15-20+ years)The design coupled with its power gives you smoothe and most consistent results. If you get into making, smoothies, purees, nuttbutters, or any blending (like soups, refried beans, and even hummus) you can't get much better outside of some fancy setting/buttons (which I find unnecessary) and maybe some safety features/failsafes (which again, I also don't find necessary, because a good rule of thumb too not stick your hand in it while on the motor...)The only con I have is it is tall and usually doesn't fit in spaces between the counter and cupboard when you put the blender on the motor. Easy solution just pull the motor out so it isn't under the cupboard. I do wish my cupboard are hight so i can have the whole blend just chilling on the counter like my Toaster. But I just do that with the bottom motor and store rest of the blender away. I would have gone for a shorter blender, but this size gives me opinions making it less of a hassle when I do need to blend more or if i need to make more than 1 or 2 smoothies. Plus I find the narrowing design towards the bottom of the blender helps with the product. Personally this size is just right for all my bending projects and it fits in most standard dishwashers, if blitzing some soapy water doesn't already do the trick.So IF you are finding yourself needing a bender, wish your smoothies felt more like SMOOTHies rather and Slushie from a certain drive-in, or want a better consistency for purees and have a easier time makingemulsions . Your journey ends here.Disclaimers:-Obviously this an investment, but if you want a great appliance this is a "buy once cry one" kind of purchase. If you DO NOT have a blender, think of how (or if) a blender be helpful to you. If your not satisfied with your cheaper bender, it's probably because it isn't a vitamix or at least not the 5200-With the Vitmix 5200 blender MAKE A HABIT of always turning the dial to 1 and flip the switch to "Variable" before and after turning it on. The power of this bad boy need a little bit of responsibility. Flipping it on while it is switched on "High" or dialed to a "10" (especially without a lid) can splatter all over the place.-This blender is also loud, you won't suffer earing damage but you'll get an earful if a baby is sleeping in the next room. Also, Late night smoothies can also run the risk of head trauma if you have a wife... blend responsibly.