Vitamix 5200 Review (2023) C-Series Classic Countertop Blender

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Key Points

  • The Vitamix 5200 is a older product that is still widely available because of its popularity
  • Like all Vitamix blenders, this product is capable of making hot soups
  • There are no preset programs or smart features on this blender.


Vitamix 5200 Blender
$397.77

The Vitamix 5200 Standard Blender is an old product, yet 13+ years later, it’s still widely popular. The reason is because it is a workhorse! It's powerful 1400-watt (2 HP) motor can make smoothies in less than a minute. Moreover, it comes with Vitamix’s classic 64 oz (1.89 L) container capable of blending 6-12 servings in one cycle.

Pros:
  • Classic design
  • Variable speed control to achieve your desired texture
  • 64 oz (1.89 L) container for big batches
  • Strong motor that can cook or heat soups
  • Long-lasting Stainless steel blades
  • Easy to clean
  • BPA-free
  • 7-year warranty
Cons:
  • Outstanding blender for a premium price label
  • Food bits can get in-between switches, and the dial
  • Technically, there is no pulse feature
  • Requires an extra adapter for a personal cup
  • The container it comes with may be too tall for some kitchen countertops
  • An older model blender
  • Not dishwasher safe
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02/18/2024 04:17 pm GMT

The Vitamix 5200 is a popular blender is a tried and true blender that is still beloved because of its quality.

Before going into detail, here is something you should know

  • This model is sort of old (but still pretty great)
  • The updated version is the Vitamix 7500, but even that is not new

Alternatives to the Vitamix 5200 Blender

However, there are newer models such as Vitamix A2300 and Vitamix E320 for almost the same price (or cheaper) with more functionalities, a more powerful motor, and a sleeker design

Note that all Vitamix blenders are able to make hot soups through the friction of the blades when using vented pitchers.

Vitamix 5200 Standard features

There are quite a few features on the Vitamix 5200, in spite of the fact that it doesn’t have preset programs or smart features. In fact, the Vitamix 5200 has one design feature that other Vitamix blenders don’t have.

Radial Cooling Fan

Because the Vitamix 5200 doesn’t have a timer or any preset programs, it is possible to run the machine too long and cause it to overheat. The radial cooling fan is a design feature that prevents this from happening.

The cooling fan kicks in when you blend thick mixtures or for more extended periods, such as when making hot soups. It prevents the safety features from kicking in and turning off the machine mid-blend.

Automatic Overload Protection

Automatic overload protection is another safety feature that protects your Vitamix 5200 from damage. It is standard on all Vitamix blenders and prevents the machine from overheating by turning it off when overloaded.

To avoid triggering the automatic overload protection, ensure you don’t overfill the container when blending harsh ingredients, like when making flour or mixing thick mixtures.

2-Peak Horsepower Motor

The 2-Peak Horsepower motor is also standard on Vitamix blenders. It allows the appliance to run at speeds powerful enough to pulverize seeds (or anything else you put in it). This is also what enables the Vitamix 5200 to make hot soups.

3-inch stainless steel cutting blades

The 3-inch stainless steel cutting blades are wicked sharp and can tear through anything you throw at them. You can use the Vitamix 5200 to grind whole grains to make your own flour or even grind fresh meat without any attachments. However, Vitamix recommends that if you frequently grind with your 5200 blender, you get the dry grains container to preserve the main blades.

6-foot cord with cord storage

vitamix 5200 cord
The cord for the Vitamix 5200 is an astounding 6 feet long.

One of my biggest complaints about countertop appliances is that the cords should be longer. That is not the case with the Vitamix 5200 blender! This appliance has an astounding 6-foot cord, but don’t let that deter you if you have a small kitchen.

There is convenient cord storage at the base that allows you to wind or unwind as much or as little cord as you need depending on where and how you use the blender.

It also has a relatively small footprint, but with the blending container attached, it is too tall to fit under most cabinets.

Technical Specifications

TypeCountertop Blender
Brand/SeriesVitamix C-Series
Model #001372
Price$$$$$
Ratings4.1 out of 5
Motor2 HP
Speed10 variable speed settings
Wattage1400 Watts
BladeStainless Steel
Container capacity64 oz (1.89 L) container
sold separately:
48 oz (1.4 L) pitcher
32 oz (946 mL) container
20 oz (591 mL) personal cup
Dishwasher safeNo
BPA FreeYes
ColorsBlack
Red
White
Dimensions 20.5 x 8.75 x 7.25 in
Cord Length6 ft. (1.8 m)
ApplicationHome & Personal Use
Warranty7 Years (an additional 3 years will have an extra cost)
Related ProductsVitamix 5300, Vitamix 750, Vitamix 500, Vitamix A3500, Vitamix E310, Vitamix E320, Vitamix 7500, Ninja Mega Kitchen System, Ninja HB152
This table shows the technical specifications of Vitamix C-Series Blender 001372.

What can you make with Vitamix 5200?

Smoothie mixed in a Vitamix 5200 blender.
Vitamix Blenders, like this 5200 model, are well-renowned for their blending ability

When it was released, people were in awe. A blender that pulverizes fruits in seconds was revolutionary at the time. It set a new standard for a high-performance blender. It also heats soups, which was incredible when it was released and is still incredible today.

Truth be told, nowadays, not all blenders can do what this blender can. Legends never die.

Just because it’s an old version doesn’t mean it’s not capable. In fact, it survived the test of time. Its siblings have been discontinued. The Vitamix 5200, however, is still here and kickin’.

Here are some of the things it can do:


a glass of green smoothie
Smoothies
crushed ice
Crushed Ice
hot soup
Hot Soup
nut butter
Nut Butter
baby food
Baby Food
salsa sauce
Sauces & Dips
salad dressing
Salad Dressing
almond milk
Nut Milk
flour
*Flour
dough
Dough
frozen dessert
Frozen Desserts
Smoothie bowls
Smoothie Bowls
Strawberry Cocktail
Cocktail
coffee grounds
*Coffee Grounds

*This will work best with the Dry Grains attachment.

Here are some important notes about how to make these items.

Hot Soups

Hot soups are made in the Vitamix 5200 through the blades’ friction. It can heat soups to 170 degrees. This is an improvement over other blenders, as most cannot run long enough to achieve this temperature.

The key here is that it happens quickly. You can make most hot soups in 6 to 8 minutes. Since there isn’t a timer, you’ll need to ensure you time your blended soup carefully to prevent overheating. The cooling fan helps prevent this, but timing is everything.

Salad Dressing

You can easily make salsas, dips, and salad dressing in this blender, even if you’re using hot ingredients. On the downside, if you want to blend vinegar and oil salad dressing, it is best to get the air disc container. This accessory will allow you to emulsify the salad dressing to combine these seemingly impossible-to-mix ingredients.

Flour and Coffee Grounds

The Vitamix 5200 can grind grains and coffee beans quickly. Still, as mentioned above, if you plan to process these things regularly, you should get the dry grains container. That accessory has special blades that can handle the load without weakening. It will save the blades on your primary 64-ounce container and make your Vitamix 5200 blender last longer.

Doughs and Other Thick Blends

Your Vitamix 5200 blender can handle dough and batter for cakes, cookies, and quickbreads. The critical thing to remember is that you must put the ingredients into the blender to avoid overloading the machine.

I remember the correct order by placing ingredients in the blender based on consistency. Liquids go on the bottom by the blades, dry ingredients at the top, and other ingredients are layered by thickness.

Putting the harder-to-blend ingredients at the top of the blender before mixing prevents the blades from becoming bound up quickly.

Personal Blends and Smoothie Bowls

This blender can do so much more. With the addition of the new attachments, the Vitamix 5200 Standard can go a long way.

You can’t make hot soups in the 20-ounce personal container or the smoothie bowl container. These containers are not vented, so you cannot use hot ingredients with these accessories.

Some other Vitamix blenders have Smart Detect, a feature that allows the blender to disable hot soup blends when using these accessories. But since the Vitamix 5200 doesn’t have preset programs or smart features, it is essential for safety reasons to remember that you can’t blend hot ingredients without appropriate venting.

Is it easy to use?

The Vitamix 5200 is easy to use, but it’s not perfect. With the new Ascent series blenders, it’s only normal to compare it to a new standard.

The base of the Vitamix 5200 Blender

First off, the controls are as simple as they come. There are just two switches and a dial. 

Earlier, I mentioned that there’s no pulse switch. But the high/variable switch can also be used as a pulse. However, it doesn’t work exactly like the newer series’ pulse feature.

Thick Blends May Require Extra Work

Now, for the not-easy part: thicker liquids will be harder to remove, considering the base is shallow. For this part, you will need a spatula that can reach the bottom of your blender.

Not Dishwasher Safe, But Still Easy to Clean

Even if the Vitamix 5200 is not dishwasher safe, it is still easy to clean. You can use the machine to clean itself. Just add warm water and dish soap, run it for about 60 seconds, rinse it, and done! You don’t even have to disassemble it!

Technology

It doesn’t have a lot of smart features to offer since it launched back in 2007. For the technology part, there are two things you should know:

  1. The motor
  2. The cooling fan.

The Motor

This machine is still considered a powerful blender. With a peak of 2 horsepower, it’s strong enough to crush nuts or ice to its smooth texture and heat soups! 

However, there is a shortcoming. It is a noisy machine. All blenders are noisy, but compared to the new updates given to Ascent Series, it really is loud. It doesn’t have the sound-dampening technology to lessen the sound.

The Cooling Fan

To prevent it from overheating, the Vitamix 5200 Standard has a built-in cooling fan. Furthermore, it has automatic overload protection to prevent the blender from overheat overheating. Now, that’s a win. Just make sure to use the high switch (to the left of the dial) frequently, as this will also maximize the use of the cooling fan.

See Vitamix 5200 Blender in Action

Vitamix 5200 Accessories

If you want to maximize Vitamix 5200’s full abilities, you might want to pair it with any of these containers.

By the way, all of these containers are BPA-free.

Classic 64 oz(1.89 L) Container -Included

Vitamix 64-ounce classic container, model no. 15856

Model # 15856

Get at Amazon →

It’s a tall and shallow container, but works perfectly. Just make sure to check your kitchen if this will fit so that you don’t need to store it. Why? Because even when you’re not using it, it’s a cool addition to your kitchen countertop.

Low Profile 48 oz (1.4 L) Container

Vitamix 48-ounce low-profile container, model no. 56085

Model # 56085

Get at Amazon →

The 64-ounce (1.89 L) low profile container will need at least 2 cups to work properly. In other words, it’s ideal to use if you have a big family. If not, then this low profile 48-ounce (1.4 L) container is more practical. It can handle small to medium sized batches of smoothies, soups, frozen desserts, etc.

48 oz (1.4 L) Stainless Steel Container

Vitamix Stainless Steel Container, model no. 067891

Model # 067891

Get at Amazon →

This 48-ounce (1.4 L) stainless steel container is an excellent choice for a long-lasting container. It is built to the high Vitamix standards. It’s beneficial if you blend a lot of hot stuff. With this, any stains or odors will not cling and will still look new after years and years of use.

Aer Disc Container

Vitamix Aer Disc Container, model no. 065421

Model # 065421

Get at Amazon →

I’m actually surprised to know that the aerating disc is compatible with Vitamix 5200. Basically, with this attachment, your blender can go beyond its capabilities. It will be able to do these jobs better: extract juice, emulsify, whip cream, or foam drinks.

32 oz (946 mL) Container

Vitamix 32 oz Classic pitcher, model no. 15842

Model # 15842

Get at Amazon →

For just 2 people or yourself, 32-ounce (946 mL) container is more than enough. It will not take a lot of space in your kitchen and it’ll be quicker to clean.

32 oz (946 mL) Dry Grains Container

Dry Grains Container, model no. 56090

Model # 56090

Get at Amazon →

Do you fiddle with flour, coffee beans, or primarily dry ingredients? If so, add the 32-ounce (946 mL) dry grains container to your arsenal. This jar is specially made for dry recipes. With unique blades that push the ingredients, you can create better consistency.

Personal Cup Adapter

Personal Cup Adapter, model no. 61724

This is another accessory you can add to make your blender more up-to-date.

With this 20-ounce (591 mL) Vitamix Personal Cup Adapter, your 5200 can work as a single-serve blender too. It can save a lot of time: simply blend your smoothie, then go out.

Model # 61724

Get at Amazon →

*Product Images and Video Courtesy of Vitamix

Is Vitamix 5200 worth it?

The Vitamix 5200 Standard is an older model, but the price isn’t much different that the newer models. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly choice and a more innovative model, go for either A2300 or E310

Either way, the Vitamix 5200 is still a high-quality blender. For a blender to not be discontinued after 13+ years, that’s an achievement and significant proof of a top-quality blender.

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