Buying a blender is easy. Finding the right blender? Not so much.
If you’re here, chances are you’re considering the Vitamix E320 but wondering if it’s really worth the price. Can it handle everything from smoothies to nut butters? How does it compare to other models like the E310 and 5200? And most importantly, is it the right fit for your kitchen and lifestyle?
The Vitamix E320 is a high-performance blender designed for serious blending tasks. Whether you’re crushing ice, making hot soups, or grinding nuts into butter, this blender is built to handle it all. But before you hit that “buy now” button, let’s break down exactly what you’re getting—and whether it’s the best choice for you.
Vitamix E320 vs. E310: Key Differences
The Vitamix E320 and E310 both belong to the Explorian Series, making them entry-level models compared to high-end Vitamix blenders. However, there are some important differences between the two.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Vitamix E320 | Vitamix E310 |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Power | 2.2 HP | 2.0 HP |
| Container Size | 64 oz | 48 oz |
| Blade Size | 4-inch stainless steel | 3-inch stainless steel |
| Speed Settings | 10-speed + Pulse | 10-speed + Pulse |
| Best For | Large families, batch blending | Small households, single servings |
What These Differences Mean for You
- More Power in the E320 – A 2.2 HP motor may not sound like a big jump from 2.0 HP, but when you’re blending tough ingredients like frozen fruit, nuts, and fibrous veggies, that extra power makes a noticeable difference.
- Larger Container in the E320 – If you’re blending for more than one or two people, the 64 oz container on the E320 is ideal for big batches. The E310’s 48 oz container is great for smaller servings but can be limiting.
- Bigger Blades in the E320 – The 4-inch blades in the E320 provide better blending coverage, meaning smoother results in less time.
If you often make big portions of smoothies, soups, or meal prep ingredients, the E320 is the better option. If you live alone or have limited counter space, the E310 might be a better fit.
Vitamix E320 Features and Performance
Motor Strength: Blending Power That Handles Anything
One of the biggest reasons people choose Vitamix is motor strength. With a 2.2 HP motor, the E320 easily blends tough ingredients like frozen fruit, raw vegetables, and even nuts into smooth butters. Many cheaper blenders struggle with thick mixtures, leaving chunks behind—but not this one.
Blade Design: Precision and Durability
The E320 features 4-inch stainless steel blades, laser-cut to maintain sharpness over time. These blades don’t dull like lower-end blenders, ensuring consistent performance for years.
Variable Speed & Pulse: Full Control Over Texture
With 10 variable speeds and a Pulse function, you can fine-tune the texture of your blends. Whether you want chunky salsa, creamy nut butter, or perfectly smooth soup, you’re in full control.
Self-Cleaning: No More Scrubbing
Forget scrubbing sticky residue off your blender. Just add warm water and a drop of dish soap, run it on high for 30 seconds, and rinse. It’s that simple.
The Vitamix E320 is highly versatile, but it’s not a magic bullet for everything. Here’s an honest breakdown of what it excels at, what it can handle with limitations, and where it falls short.
Versatility – My Honest Discovery
The Vitamix E320 is highly versatile, but it’s not a magic bullet for everything. Here’s an honest breakdown of what it excels at, what it can handle with limitations, and where it falls short.
What the Vitamix E320 Excels At
✔️ Smoothies & Shakes – Easily blends frozen fruits, leafy greens, protein powders, and nuts into ultra-smooth drinks. No chunks left behind.
✔️ Hot Soups – The powerful motor generates enough friction heat to warm soups without a stove. Just blend for 5-6 minutes.
✔️ Nut Butters – Handles almonds, peanuts, and cashews well. The tamper is crucial for pushing thick mixtures down.
✔️ Dips & Spreads – Makes hummus, guacamole, pesto, and salsa with a perfect texture.
✔️ Ice Cream & Frozen Desserts – With frozen bananas, milk, or yogurt, you can make dairy-free ice cream in seconds.
✔️ Flours & Doughs – Grinds oats, rice, and wheat into flour. Works for pancake batter, bread dough, and even pizza dough (but use low speeds).
✔️ Crushing Ice – Turns ice cubes into snow-like consistency, great for slushies and frozen cocktails.
✔️ Baby Food – Blends steamed veggies and fruits into smooth, easy-to-eat purees.
What It Can Handle with Some Limitations
⚠️ Thick Doughs & Heavy Batters – While it can mix batters, it’s not a stand mixer. Kneading thick doughs (like bread dough) may strain the motor.
⚠️ Juicing – It blends whole fruits and veggies into thick, fiber-rich juice, but it’s not a true juicer. If you want clear juice, you’ll need to strain it through a nut milk bag.
⚠️ Chopping Vegetables – Can chop onions, carrots, and cabbage, but you need to pulse carefully. Otherwise, you’ll get mush instead of evenly chopped pieces.
What the Vitamix E320 Does NOT Do Well
❌ Meat Grinding – Not designed for raw or cooked meat grinding. A food processor is better for that.
❌ Coffee Grinding (Fine Espresso Grind) – Can grind coffee beans, but not to an ultra-fine espresso texture. A burr grinder is better.
❌ Food Processing (Slicing & Shredding) – It can purée ingredients, but it doesn’t slice or shred like a food processor.
Vitamix E320 vs. 5200: Another Important Comparison
The Vitamix 5200 is another popular model that often gets compared to the E320. Let’s see how they compare:
| Feature | Vitamix E320 | Vitamix 5200 |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Power | 2.2 HP | 2.0 HP |
| Container Size | 64 oz | 64 oz |
| Cooling System | Advanced thermal protection | Standard cooling fan |
| Blade Size | 4-inch | 3-inch |
| Best For | High-power blending, thick ingredients | Classic reliability, simple operation |
Key Differences
- The E320 has a stronger 2.2 HP motor, meaning it blends dense ingredients more effortlessly.
- Better cooling system in the E320, preventing overheating during long blending sessions.
- The 5200 is taller and narrower, which some people prefer for fitting under cabinets.
If you want more power and better cooling, go for the E320. If you prefer a more classic design, the 5200 remains a solid choice.
Pros and Cons of the Vitamix E320
Pros
✔️ Powerful 2.2 HP motor blends everything from smoothies to nut butters
✔️ Larger 64 oz container is perfect for batch blending
✔️ Durable stainless steel blades won’t dull over time
✔️ Self-cleaning feature makes cleanup easy
✔️ 7-year full warranty for long-term reliability
Cons
❌ Takes up more counter space due to its larger size
❌ Can be loud at high speeds, though expected with a powerful motor
❌ Higher price than budget blenders, but worth it for the durability
Read Also 👉: Vitamix E310 and E320
How to Use the E320 for the Best Results
- For Smoothies: Start slow, then gradually increase speed. Use the tamper to push down stubborn ingredients.
- For Hot Soups: Blend on high for 5-6 minutes—friction from the blades naturally heats the soup.
- For Nut Butters: Use roasted nuts and blend at high speed. Scrape the sides occasionally.
- For Dough and Batters: Stick to low speeds for even mixing without over-processing.
Warranty & Durability: How Long Does the E320 Last?
Vitamix blenders are known to last 10+ years. The E320 comes with a 7-year warranty, covering repairs or replacements for manufacturer defects. The solid metal drive system ensures longevity, unlike cheaper blenders that rely on plastic parts.
Real-World Durability
- Many owners report using their Vitamix daily for years with no issues.
- The motor cooling system prevents burnout, even after long blending sessions.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Vitamix E320?
If you want a powerful, durable, and easy-to-use blender, the Vitamix E320 is a fantastic investment.
✅ Buy the Vitamix E320 if you:
- Need a high-performance blender for daily use.
- Want a large 64 oz container for bigger batches.
- Prefer a powerful 2.2 HP motor for smooth, consistent blending.
❌ Consider the E310 if you:
- Have limited counter space or only need a smaller blender.
❌ Consider the 5200 if you:
- Prefer a taller, classic Vitamix design.
Where to Get the Best Deal
For discounts, check Vitamix’s official website, Amazon, or authorized retailers.
The Vitamix E320 is a workhorse—powerful, reliable, and built to last. If you’re serious about blending, this is the one to get. 👇