The Vitamix 5200 is a full-size blender with a 64-ounce main jar, a 2-part lid, and a tamper. It has a speed dial with a wide range of speed settings, and you can use it for hot blending. However, it's pretty straightforward and doesn't have a dedicated pulse mode or any blending programs. It also isn't dishwasher-safe, although it's easy to clean by hand.
Our Verdict
The Vitamix 5200 is outstanding for multi-purpose use. This well-built, premium-looking blender has a versatile performance. It's fantastic for recipes with fibrous ingredients like smoothies and pureed soups, easily makes smooth nut butter, and is an excellent ice crusher ice well. It can also blend hot ingredients. It has a wide range of speed settings, meaning you can adjust the blending speed for different recipes. On the downside, it's on the louder side, and the jar isn't dishwasher-safe, although it's easy to clean by hand.
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Hot blends.
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Very well-built.
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Easily blends fibrous ingredients.
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Large capacity main jar.
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Quite loud at max speed.
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Not dishwasher-safe.
The Vitamix 5200 is incredible for single-serve smoothies. Although it only comes with a big 64-ounce jar, it's very well-suited for processing small batches of ingredients for a single-serve smoothie or shake. It makes a very smooth blend, meaning you won't end up with bits of kale or blueberry skin stuck in your teeth. It's also an excellent ice crusher. However, some blenders can process fibrous ingredients faster, and you may have to scrape the jar with a spatula for the best results. You can't put the jar in your dishwasher, but it's easy to clean by hand.
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Very well-built.
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Easily blends fibrous ingredients.
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Makes snow-like crushed ice.
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Quite loud at max speed.
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Not dishwasher-safe.
The Vitamix 5200 is fantastic for making multiple servings of smoothies. Even if you fill the 64-ounce jar to its full capacity, it can completely liquify fibrous ingredients, so smoothies turn out nearly completely smooth. It's an excellent ice crusher, meaning you can add ice cubes or chunks of frozen fruit. The blender is very well-built. It's not dishwasher-safe, but it's easy to clean by hand.
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Very well-built.
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Easily blends fibrous ingredients.
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Makes snow-like crushed ice.
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Large capacity main jar.
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Quite loud at max speed.
The Vitamix 5200 is amazing for crushing ice. You can simulate a Pulse mode by switching the blender on and off while set to the 'High' speed setting, which makes snow-like crushed ice in about two minutes. You can only put in around six ice cubes at a time to ensure there aren't any chunks in the mix.
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Very well-built.
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Makes snow-like crushed ice.
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Quite loud at max speed.
The Vitamix 5200 is incredible for soups. It can hot blend, and its large capacity, 64-ounce main jar is suitable for large batches of soups and sauces. It can easily blend more fibrous ingredients like kale, so you don't end up with a grainy or chunky blend. While this blender isn't dishwasher-safe, it's easy to clean with soap and hot water.
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Hot blends.
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Very well-built.
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Easily blends fibrous ingredients.
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Large capacity main jar.
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Quite loud at max speed.
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Not dishwasher-safe.
The Vitamix 5200 is fantastic for professional use. It's very well-built, and you can use the 64-ounce main jar for large batches. It can easily make smooth smoothies and pureed soups, nut butter, and snow-like crushed ice, although it can handle fewer ice cubes than most full-size blenders. You can use it to hot blend. Unfortunately, it isn't dishwasher-safe, but it's still easy to clean by hand.
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Hot blends.
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Very well-built.
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Easily blends fibrous ingredients.
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Large capacity main jar.
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Quite loud at max speed.
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Not dishwasher-safe.
- 9.0 Multi-Purpose
- 8.7 Smoothies (Single Serving)
- 9.1 Smoothies (Multiple Servings)
- 8.9 Ice Crushing
- 9.4 Soups
- 9.2 Professional Use
- Updated Sep 19, 2024: We've updated the results to more accurately reflect the blender's performance. The score for Fibrous Ingredients (Small Batches) processing changed from 9 to 6.5 because of the blending time and the need to use a spatula. The score for Fibrous Ingredients (Full Capacity) processing changed from 10 to 7 because of the long blending time.
- Updated May 10, 2024: Compared its controls and programs to the Vitamix Venturist Pro's.
- Updated Mar 20, 2024: Compared its design to the Blendtec Total Blender Classic's in cleaning.
- Updated Dec 02, 2022: Revised text to match Test Bench 1.0 results.
- Updated Aug 08, 2022: Converted to Test Bench 1.0.
- Updated Sep 18, 2020: Review published.
- Updated Sep 11, 2020: Early access published.
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The Vitamix 5200 comes in three different color variants: Red, White, and Black. We tested the Black variant, but we expect the other models to have a similar performance.
This blender is compatible with other containers in Vitamix's C-Series line of products. For example, you can purchase a 48-ounce container, a 32-ounce container, a 32-ounce Dry Grains container for blending flour and other grains, a 20-ounce cup container, and a scraper attachment, all sold separately. As these containers are different sizes, they may perform differently.
If you encounter another variant, let us know in the comments, and we'll update our review.
Compared To Other Blenders
The Vitamix 5200 is a straightforward full-size blender with a very versatile performance. It has a speed dial with a wide range of speed settings and a switch that lets you easily blend at the highest speed. If you want a blender with extra features like blending programs or a digital timer, you may prefer the Vitamix A2300 and the Vitamix A3500, which can process fibrous ingredients more quickly. This model isn't dishwasher-safe, although it's easy to clean by hand.
If you're looking for other options, check out our recommendations for the best blenders for smoothies, the best blenders, and the best Vitamix blenders.
The Vitamix 5200 is a little better than the Vitamix 7500. The 5200 blends small batches of fibrous ingredients faster and more easily, making it better for single-serve smoothies. It's easier to use for nut butter and is also lighter. On the other hand, the 7500 is quieter and makes more uniformly crushed ice.
The Vitamix A3300 and the Vitamix 5200 have different strengths. If you like extra features like blending programs or a digital display, the Vitamix A3300 is a better option. It's quieter, comes with a dishwasher-safe jar, and does a better job crushing ice. It processes fibrous ingredients faster. On the other hand, you may prefer the Vitamix 5200's simpler design. It's also easier to use for thicker mixtures like nut butter and hummus.
The Vitamix Professional Series 750 and the Vitamix 5200 perform similarly. If you like a simple design, the Vitamix 5200 is a more straightforward, quieter blender with no automatic blending programs. It's easier to use to make nut butter. However, you might prefer the Professional if you want a blender for ice crushing or prefer to use blending programs instead of manual blending.
The Vitamix 5200 and the Vitamix 5300 are very similar blenders. The 5300 is more suitable for crushing ice for recipes like slushies or snow cones, and the 5200 is better for processing small batches of fibrous ingredients, like when you're making a single-serve smoothie or shake. The 5200 is also quieter when it's running.
The Vitamix A3500 is a bit better than the Vitamix 5200. It processes fibrous ingredients faster, can make a bigger batch of crushed ice, and makes less noise when it's running. The jar is also dishwasher-safe, and its controls include automatic blending programs. However, you may prefer the Vitamix 5200's simpler design. It's also easier to use to make recipes like nut butter or hummus.
The Vitamix A2500 has more features than the Vitamix 5200, but both have a very versatile performance overall. The A2500 is part of Vitamix's Ascent Series, so it's compatible with more sold-separately jars and accessories. It also comes with a Pulse mode, blending programs, and connects with an app. The A2500 is better for crushing ice, but the 5200 blends small batches of fibrous ingredients faster.
The Vitamix A2300 has more features than the Vitamix 5200, but both have a very versatile performance overall. The A2300 is part of Vitamix's Ascent Series, so you can get different-size jars sold separately that use Self-Detect technology to adjust the settings based on their size. It also comes with a Pulse mode, and it's Bluetooth-compatible, so you can access preset modes using a companion app. It processes fibrous ingredients more efficiently. However, the 5200's narrow jar is easier to use for nut butter.
The Vitamix 5200 is a little better than the Vitamix Explorian E310. They perform similarly, but the 5200 has a bigger capacity. It's a bit quieter when it's running and has a much longer power cord. However, its jar and lid are not dishwasher-safe, unlike the Explorian's. The Explorian can also process fibrous ingredients faster.
The Vitamix Propel 510 and the Vitamix 5200 perform similarly. The Propel is better for difficult blends like crushing ice and making nut butter. It has a few automatic blending programs on its dial. However, the 5200's narrower jar makes a silkier single-serve smoothie.
The Vitamix 5200 and the Vitamix Explorian E520 are very similar blenders with slight differences. While both blenders have a fairly similar overall performance, the 5200 model is quieter than the Explorian E520. However, the Explorian E520 has two tumblers for on-the-go use and a couple of programs for blending specific recipes like smoothies.
The Vitamix 5200 is better than the Blendtec Total Blender Classic. The Vitamix has a much better build quality and does a much better job of blending small batches for recipes like single-serve smoothies. It's easier to use for recipes like nut butter. It's also significantly quieter. However, the Blendtec is a better ice crusher since its wide jar can handle more ice cubes at once than the 5200's narrow jar. It has automatic blending programs as well as a manual blending mode.
The Vitamix 5200 is a better full-size blender for multi-purpose use than the Blendtec Classic 575. The Vitamix has a significantly better build quality and does a much better job processing ingredients like nuts. It can also produce a smoother blend with small batches of ingredients. It's quieter when it's running. On the other hand, the Blendtec has more extra features, like blending programs and a digital display. Its jar and lid are dishwasher-safe, and it's more suitable for crushing ice.
The Vitamix Ascent X2 is a bit better than the Vitamix 5200. They perform pretty similarly, but the X2 blends recipes like single-serve smoothies more efficiently in its 48oz jar. It's much quieter, and its controls include automatic blending programs. The 5200 has a bigger 64oz jar and can crush bigger batches of ice cubes.
You might prefer either the Vitamix 5200 or the Breville The Q. Both offer good blending performance for a variety of recipes. The Vitamix has a much better build quality and a speed dial that gives you more control over the blending speed. On the other hand, the Breville can crush more ice at once. It's also less noisy and has a few automatic blending programs.
The Vitamix 5200 is better than the NutriBullet Blender Combo. The 5200 has a much better build quality and is more versatile since you can use it to crush ice. It's also much more suitable for processing hard ingredients like nuts and is quieter. On the other hand, the NutriBullet comes with two personal jars with to-go lids for making single-serve smoothies.
The Vitamix 5200 is a better blender for most uses than the KitchenAid K400. The Vitamix is better built, much easier to use for recipes like nut butter, and easier to clean by hand. On the other hand, the KitchenAid blender has a few automatic blending programs. Its controls include a few automatic blending programs for different recipes.
For most purposes, the Vitamix 5200 is better than the Ninja Foodi Power Pitcher System. It's better built, can hot blend, and makes a smoother puree with fibrous ingredients like kale. On the other hand, the Ninja comes with a pair of personal jars for single-serve smoothies in addition to the main jar. There's also a blade to help with forming dough and a jar specially designed for thicker recipes like smoothie bowls or nut butter.
The Vitamix 5200 is better for most purposes than the Blendtec Designer 725. The Vitamix makes a smoother blend with fibrous ingredients like kale and broccoli. It does a better job of processing hard ingredients, like nuts, and you can use it to hot blend. On the other hand, the Blendtec is easier to clean. Its main pitcher has a bigger 90-ounce capacity, and it also comes with a personal jar and to-go lid for making single-serve drinks like smoothies.
The Vitamix 5200 and the Ninja Blender Duo with Auto-iQ BL642 have different strengths, and you may prefer either one, depending on your needs. You can use the Vitamix blender for hot blending. Its main jar comes with a tamper and a two-part lid and has a significantly better build quality. In addition to its main jar, the Ninja has three differently-sized personal jars with matching to-go lids. It also makes crushed ice with a better texture.
The Vitamix 5200 is a better full-size blender than the KitchenAid Diamond. The Vitamix has a significantly better build quality and makes better nut butter, smoother blends with fibrous ingredients, and crushed ice with better consistency. It's also easier to clean.
The Vitamix 5200 is a better full-size blender overall than the KitchenAid K150. It feels better built and performs better overall. Its main jar has a bigger capacity and comes with a tamper. On the other hand, the KitchenAid is a lighter and more compact blender.
The Vitamix 5200 is better than the Ninja Mega Kitchen System for most purposes. The Vitamix has a much better build quality and a more versatile performance since it can hot blend. It can make big batches of silky smoothies and more easily process hard ingredients like nuts. It's also easier to clean by hand. On the other hand, the Ninja comes with three personal jars with to-go lids, which are fantastic for making single-serve smoothies. Unlike the Vitamix blender's, its jars, lids, and blades are dishwasher-safe.
The Vitamix 5200 is better than the Ninja Foodi Cold & Hot Blender. The Vitamix has a better build quality and is easier to clean by hand. It makes a smoother blend with fibrous ingredients like kale and does a much better job of processing hard food like nuts. On the other hand, the Ninja is a better ice crusher. Unlike the Vitamix, it has automatic blending programs, and some may prefer that its main jar is made of glass.
The Vitamix 5200 is better than the Hamilton Beach Power Elite Multi-Function. The Vitamix has a significantly better build quality and a better overall performance, especially for tougher tasks like making nut butter and crushing ice.
The Vitamix 5200 is better than the Ninja Foodi Power Pitcher SS201. The Vitamix has a better build quality. It can hot blend and make a smoother blend with fibrous ingredients like kale or broccoli. It is also much easier for tough tasks like making nut butter and cleaning it by hand. However, the Ninja can handle more ice at once, and its pitcher is dishwasher-safe, unlike the Vitamix's.
The Vitamix 5200 is better than the Vitamix ONE. The 5200 has a much better build quality and a more versatile performance. It can crush ice, blend hot ingredients, and make smooth nut butter. It's also quieter when it's running.
The Vitamix 5200 is a better blender than the Ninja DUO. It's better built and offers a more versatile performance. It can hot blend, makes a smoother blend with big batches of fibrous ingredients, and is easier to use for recipes like nut butter. It's easier to clean by hand and quieter when it's running. However, the Ninja DUO comes with personal jars with to-go lids for making single-serve smoothies. Its jars, lids, and blades are also dishwasher-safe.
The Vitamix 5200 is better for most purposes than the Ninja Professional Plus Kitchen System with Auto-iQ. It has a much better build quality and delivers a more versatile performance. It's also much easier to clean by hand. On the other hand, the Ninja comes with extra accessories, including a food processor bowl and personal jars for smoothies.
Test Results
It's a large, heavy blender. It's tall, so you may need to store it on your kitchen counter or in a large cupboard, though you can remove the main jar from the base for easier storage.
It's remarkably well-built. Like the Vitamix 7500, it's mostly made of metal and plastic, which feels very solid and sturdy. The power cable is long and thick, too. Overall, this blender feels premium and high-end.
It comes with a 64-ounce pitcher.
The jar and lid are made of plastic. Unfortunately, no part of the blender is dishwasher-safe.
The blade assembly is made up of four sharp blades that aren't meant to be removed. It can be serviced thanks to its nut assembly but removing the blades likely voids the warranty. They can also only be hand-washed.
This two-part lid seals into place when you push it down on top of the main jar. There are two ears on the sides that help hold it into place. The middle part of the lid is removable, allowing you to add ingredients or use the tamper while blending. Like the jar, the lid isn't dishwasher-safe and can only be hand-washed.
This blender comes with a long, thick power cord that can reach most outlets. It can also be stored away when not in use.
It's fantastic for processing small batches of fibrous ingredients. It makes silky puree with no leftover grains, which is great for recipes like a single-serve smoothie with leafy greens or fruit. Some blenders can do it faster, and you may need to use a spatula to push down ingredients that splash up the sides of the jar, but it's still reasonably easy to use for small batches.
It does a fantastic job of processing fibrous ingredients at full capacity. It processes big batches of ingredients like kale or broccoli into a nearly perfectly smooth blend. Some blenders are faster, but if you're making a big batch, you don't need to use the spatula since the ingredients won't splash up the jar's walls if it's full.
It's excellent for making crushed ice. It's not as good for ice crushing as wider-jarred models like the Vitamix Explorian E310, but if you work with six ice cubes at once, it easily crushes them into snow-like crushed ice. It's a little inconvenient if you want to make a lot of crushed ice since you need to work in batches.
It's fantastic for making almond butter. If you start at a low speed and slowly ramp up to max speed while guiding ingredients towards the blades with the tamper, it takes around 3 minutes to make extremely smooth, spreadable nut butter.
The Vitamix 5200 is quite loud. The majority of blenders are pretty loud, but you can find quieter full-size blenders if the noise level is a priority for you, including the Wolf Gourmet Pro-Performance and the Vitamix A3500.
It offers a wide range of blending speeds, so you can make small adjustments to the blending speed to get the consistency you want.
There's a speed dial without set increments, so you can make small adjustments rather than choosing from a set number of speed presets. You can flip the switch from 'Variable' to 'High' to blend at the maximum speed. There's no dedicated pulse mode, but you can use the switch to simulate pulses. It also lacks a digital display, so if you want a way of knowing how long you've been blending, you might prefer the Vitamix Venturist Pro.
This blender is easy to clean. It isn't dishwasher-safe, but you can easily clean up messes like smoothies and almond butter using hot water and soap. With stickier food like almond butter, you may need to use a brush to clean around the nut assembly of the blades, but the residue still comes off easily. If you want a very easy-to-clean blend, Blendtec models like the Blendtec Total Blender Classic have blunt blades that make clean-up even easier.