We’ve gotten quite a few questions about the winner of the Vitamix 5200 vs. Vitamix 7500 debate, so we decided it was time to put together a precise comparison between these two popular models.
| VITAMIX 5200 | VITAMIX 7500 | |
| OUR RATING |   | |
| PRICE | $449.95 | $529.95 |
| PLATFORM | Legacy Series | Legacy Series |
| aka "Classic Series" | aka "Next-Gen Series" | |
| COLORS | Black | Black |
| Red | Red | |
| White | White | |
| Brushed Stainless | ||
| Platinum | ||
| HP | 2.0 HP | 2.2 HP |
| CONTAINER | Classic 64oz (Tall) | Low Profile 64oz (Short) |
| CONTROLS | Variable Speed | Variable Speed |
| Pulse | ||
| PROGRAMS | No | No |
| WARRANTY | 7 Years (upgradeable to 10) | 7 Years (upgradeable to 10) |
| WHY BUY |
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| Buy Vitamix 5200 | Buy Vitamix 7500 |
The Vitamix 5200 was first introduced in October 2007 as a replacement for Vitamix’s flagship model, the 5000. The updated 5200 model came with several important improvements over the older model; a more efficient motor and a shatterproof BPA-free container.
To see if either model is on sale right now, checkout our Vitamix Sale page.
But, it has been over six years since the introduction of the Vitamix 5200 and quite a bit has changed in the world, so it was time for Vitamix to make some significant improvements to their flagship product.
In January 2013, Vitamix released a newly redesigned blender, the Vitamix 7500 to the public and it has grown in popularity ever since.
A few significant changes have made their way into the Vitamix 7500 that help to set it apart from the older models. You will find these innovations on both the exterior and under the hood of the new model, so let’s take a minute to review them all.
Blender Updates in 2017
Table of Contents
Vitamix Ascent Series
In early 2017, Vitamix released their new line of Ascent blenders. While the 5200 vs 7500 debate rages on, there are new rivalries forming as we speak with the new Vitamix Ascent. We have a pretty good idea what the new debate will be, but we are waiting for more feedback. Please, drop a note below on what Vitamix blenders you’re comparing right now and that will greatly help us come up with our next great blender comparison.
Vitamix Explorian Series
In October 2017, Vitamix released another new line of blenders called the Explorian Series. They launched the series with one blender called the E310. The raw specs of the E310 are very similar to the 5200, with the most glaring difference in that it ships with a short 48 ounce container.
The big similarities are the 2.0 HP motor and the controls. The controls both offer Variable Speed Control, with very slight differences with Pulse (E310) vs High (5200). Functionally, most home cooks won’t notice the difference between the two control systems.
Where it gets interesting is the price. For brand new blenders, the Vitamix E310 is priced much lower than the 5200, and makes it a blender to seriously consider. Much of the comparisons below between the 5200 vs 7500 are relevant by substituting “5200” with “E310”.
Appearance
The most apparent difference between the two models is the appearance. The overall design of Vitamix 5200 is tall and skinny, while the Vitamix 7500 appears shorter and wider. The redesigned container of the newer models makes up for the majority of the height difference, but there are some noticeable differences with the motor bases as well.
It’s difficult to find out exactly when the style of motor base used on the 5200 was first introduced (Vitamix has been selling blenders since 1937), but similar designs can be found as far back as 1992, used for the Vitamix Total Nutrition Center. After 20+ years, the Vitamix was due for a fresh look, and the Vitamix 7500 was the first of the main product line to feature this new design.
These differences in design lead to a clear advantage for the 7500 when it comes to fitting in your kitchen space. The Vitamix 7500 is a full three inches shorter than the older Vitamix 5200s, meaning that you should likely have no problems storing it beneath your kitchen cabinets.
Container
The redesigned container of the Vitamix 7500 is a significant advancement over the 5200. The wider, shorter container of the 7500 allows more room for the blade and results in the blade diameter being a full one inch larger than that of the older model.
The additional room at the container base gives ingredients more space to move around during blending, which leads to a smoother blend and also makes it easier to remove the finished recipe once blending is completed.
Horsepower
The next major difference between the 7500 and the 5200 is the increase in horsepower found in the Vitamix 7500. A slightly more powerful motor was added to the new model that adds an additional .2 horsepower to an already powerful 2 peak-horsepower motor.
This difference may sound small, but this 10% increase is a significant addition. It means that you’ll be able to blend tough mixtures more smoothly, like nut butter, hummus, or thick smoothies and shakes.
Noise
With the Vitamix 7500, there have also been some advancements in noise reduction. Special vibration dampening technology was used to make this new model 40% quieter than older models.
This difference is significant, especially if you have a home with small children or pets, who are understandably agitated by the loud noise that a high-powered blender typically produces.
Cost
So far, it seems that everything is in favor of the new Vitamix 7500, but when it comes to total cost, the 5200 has the advantage here.
Since the 7500 is a newer model, it does cost more than the older, Vitamix 5200. The comparable 5200 package will save you $80 over the cost of the new Vitamix 7500, and this can be quite a bit of money for most people.
Our Conclusion
No matter which model you choose, be at ease knowing these are two of the most popular models Vitamix sells in the C-Series and G-Series. They are top of the line, well made, and designed to last a lifetime.
There’s a great reason why they sell these two particular models by the truckloads. Truly, both are winners and there will be other reasons beside blender features and functions that usually makes someone choose one over the other, with price usually the deciding factor.
If the extra money isn’t a factor in your purchase decision, I’d recommend going with the Vitamix 7500 without hesitation. The advancements of this newer model are a massive improvement over the six year old 5200.
However, the money part of this equation can be a big hold up for some people. Spending an extra $80 on an already expensive appliance can be a bit hard to stomach. If that is the case, our recommendation is to take a look at the Vitamix Certified Reconditioned Next Generation model.
This certified, factory refurbished package contains a nearly brand-new Vitamix 7500, Professional Series 300, or Creations Elite, all of which are essentially the same base model. You’ll also receive a brand new container, tamper, and recipe book set. The difference here is that reconditioned Vitamix models only ship with a five-year warranty, instead of the standard seven.
A factory refurbished package can save $90 over the cost of the new Vitamix 7500, which for most, is enough to justify the purchase of the next generation model.
Still not sure which Vitamix is right for you, read our full breakdown of all Vitamix models. Also come back to check on our progress for other blender comparisons. If you haven’t made up your mind that Vitamix is the right brand for you, check out our Blendtec vs Vitamix comparison.
If you have any comments or questions, feel free to add them in the comments section below.
Buy Vitamix 5200 Buy Vitamix 7500
I have a CIA model that I purchased I also have the dry container that fits on my model what I’m curious is I have the older version can I purchase the shorter version of the pitcher that will fit on my model?
I recently purchased the professional series 750 after enjoying the 500 series for several years. I was looking forward to the shorter 64oz container that the 750 provides and it certainly does fit under the cabinet nicely….however the shorter container does require you to stop the machine before adding additional ingredients to a smoothie. If you try and open the center cap, even at the lowest speed, you will have a mess all over the wall.
Which leads to a question….can you purchase a tall 64oz container for the new 750 model? If so, does anyone have the part number for the complete container with wet blade and cap?
Regardless, the 750 is a great model with noticeably more power and significantly less noise. Eventually I’ll get used to turning it off when adding additional ingredients…I hope.
You sure can! The older style (taller version) container will work just fine on the 750 model. Here’s a link to that container – 64 ounce Vitamix container.
I have a Vitamix Model VM0103 that I purchased some time in the 90’s. We forgot about it in the back of our home’s storage closet until just recently. For some reason, it got very little use back when we initially purchased it.
Once we rediscovered it, we were delighted in using it to make green juice about five times recently. Yesterday it made a loud, unhealthy-sounding grinding noise and stopped working.
Is it worth the cost of having it fixed? How do I go about doing that? I heard of an upgrade program. Will they take a Vitamix that is older and quit working as part of an upgrade?
Thank you for any help on this matter.
The cost to have it fixed will certainly vary depending on what has broken. It might make more sense to trade it in if you’re interested in upgrading. The trade-in program will give you $100 towards the purchase of a newer model, whether your old blender works or not. Here’s a bit of information about that program if you’re interested in exploring it further – Vitamix trade-in program.
We’ve had a Vitamix since 1998 and use it often. Every cook ought to have one, especially vegans. Don’t try to skimp with something cheaper. Our machine still works fine, except that it overheats now when I mix very thick recipes like millet pie filling, which thickens fast as it cools. It’s probably possible to replace parts and keep using the old one, but we have decided to upgrade instead. I can’t wait to get our new 7500 model. Whether you intend to create amazing vegan recipes or just want excellent fruit smoothies, Vitamix is the only way to go.
I have owned a 5200 since 1997. I have made soups, nut butters, smoothies, and icees. It is used 4-5 times a week. Never disappointed when I invest in quality appliances.
Had to replace the container 2 years ago- really do not put it in dishwasher – will rust out ball bearings.
Bought a ninja – big mistake. Is louder, one container broke in first 6 months and to get it replaced have to ship WHOLE ninja – not just the one container – and cost was insane. Ninja is a courser grind- not a smooth smoothie. Don’t make my mistake, wait til you can buy the right tool the first time..
And nutriblenders – ARGH – can’t even puree frozen fruit to make a smoothie.
What are the problems in using the new container on the old base for smoothies? Does the .2 hp really make that much difference? Do they make single containers and grain?flour containers that you can buy separately?
Thanks for detailed blog post.
Thanks for sharing your experience, Claire! I’ve heard countless horror stories about Ninja and Nutribullet. You really do “get what you pay for.”
As far as using a new container on the old base, it will work because the connections are the same, but it may not work as efficiently. Since the blades on the new container are slightly larger, the extra .2 HP helps to drive those larger blades.
Will you notice a difference? Probably not. But, will it make your 5200 work harder? Yes.
If you’re looking for the containers that are sold separately, here’s a link to the containers on the Vitamix website.