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The Vitamix 5200 is the blender that made Vitamix famous, and it is still one of the brand's best sellers. The Vitamix E310 Explorian is its entry-level sibling, usually cheaper, a little smaller and with a couple of modern touches.
Both have a 2-horsepower motor, and independent testers find they blend almost identically at full speed. So the choice comes down to batch size, kitchen space, controls and warranty.
Quick Answer
- Choose the Vitamix 5200 if you blend for a family or meal-prep big batches, and you want the longer 7-year warranty.
- Choose the Vitamix E310 if you want Vitamix performance for less money, need it to fit under your kitchen cabinets, and like having a pulse button.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Vitamix 5200 | Vitamix E310 |
|---|---|---|
| Container | 64 oz, tall and narrow | 48 oz, shorter and narrow |
| Motor | 2 HP | 2 HP |
| Speed control | Variable 1–10 plus High switch | 10 variable speeds |
| Pulse | No | Yes |
| Height with container | About 20.5 in | About 18 in |
| Cord | 6 ft | 4.5 ft |
| Weight | About 10.6 lb | About 10.5 lb |
| Warranty | 7 years | 5 years |
| Included | Motor base, 64 oz container, classic tamper | Motor base, 48 oz container, mini tamper |
From Vitamix's official product pages, checked October 2026. Prices change often, so we don't list them here.
Blending Power: Practically the Same
Both blenders use a 2-horsepower motor. Reviewers who have used both report that the E310 matches the 5200 at full speed, whether you're making green smoothies, crushing ice, blending hot soup by friction heat or making nut butter. RTINGS even found the E310 slightly faster with fibrous ingredients, while the 5200 ran a little quieter.
In other words, you are not giving up results by choosing the cheaper model.
Container Size: Who Needs 64 Ounces?
The 5200's tall 64-ounce container is great for big batches: smoothies for a family of four, a pot of soup or a double batch of frozen drinks. The narrow shape also creates a strong vortex, which helps with thick recipes.
The E310's 48-ounce container is still plenty for two to four servings, and its smaller base is better at blending small amounts, like a single smoothie or a little dressing, without everything flying up the sides.
Kitchen Fit: Check Your Cabinets
This is the difference most people miss. With its container in place, the 5200 stands about 20.5 inches tall, so it won't fit under typical upper cabinets and usually lives on an open shelf or in a pantry. The E310 is about 18 inches tall, so it can stay on many countertops under standard cabinets.
Measure first: check the space between your counter and the bottom of your cabinets before you order. It's the most common reason people return a tall blender.
Controls: The E310 Adds Pulse
Both have a simple dial with 10 speeds. The 5200 adds a separate High switch, while the E310 adds a Pulse switch. Pulse is handy for chunky salsa, chopping vegetables or breaking up frozen fruit, and it's the one control the 5200 lacks.
Warranty and Cleaning
The 5200 comes with a 7-year warranty. The E310 has a 5-year full warranty that covers parts, performance, labor and shipping both ways. Either way, that's far longer than most blenders. Both clean themselves: add warm water and a drop of dish soap, run on high for 30 to 60 seconds, and rinse. The E310's container is also listed as dishwasher-safe.
Know Before You Buy
- They're loud. All high-powered blenders are, and both of these are noticeably noisy at full speed.
- No preset programs. Both are manual dial blenders. If you want one-touch smoothie or soup settings, you need a pricier Vitamix model.
- 5200 height: plan where it will live before you buy.
- E310 cord is shorter (4.5 ft), so it needs an outlet nearby.
Pros and Cons
Vitamix 5200 pros: large 64 oz container; 7-year warranty; long cord; slightly quieter; proven classic design.
Cons: too tall for most under-cabinet spaces; no pulse; costs more.
Vitamix E310 pros: same blending power for less money; fits under many cabinets; pulse switch; better for small batches; dishwasher-safe container.
Cons: smaller 48 oz container; 5-year warranty; shorter cord.
Our Verdict
For most people, the Vitamix E310 Explorian is the smarter buy: the same Vitamix performance, a pulse button and a size that fits a normal kitchen. Choose the Vitamix 5200 if you regularly blend for four or more people and want the extra capacity and the longest warranty.
FAQ
Is the Vitamix 5200 more powerful than the E310?
No. Both have a 2-horsepower motor, and testers report nearly identical results at full speed.
Does the Vitamix 5200 fit under kitchen cabinets?
Usually not. With its 64-ounce container it is about 20.5 inches tall. The E310 is about 18 inches tall and fits under many standard cabinets.
Which Vitamix has a pulse button?
The E310 Explorian has a pulse switch. The 5200 does not.
How long is the warranty?
The Vitamix 5200 has a 7-year warranty and the E310 has a 5-year warranty.
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