Vitamix A3500 Review (2023) Flagship Ascent Series Smart Blender

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Vitamix A3500 Brushed Stainless Blender
£861.09

Out of the hundreds of blenders that JuicingJournal has worked with, the A3500 is simply different. Industry-leading high-tech features, power, and versatility are all unrivaled. If you pair the A3500 with the Vitamix Perfect Blend App, you’ll have 17 programmed settings, taking away the guesswork for a perfect blend. We are very confident in recommending the A3500 to anyone who is looking for a professional grade blender with almost unlimited possibilities.

Pros:
  • Stylish/Professional design
  • Five built-in program settings
  • Programmable timer
  • Free access to the Perfect Blend App
  • 2.2 Horsepower motor
  • Touch interface
  • Ten variable speeds with pulse control
  • 64-ounce (1.89 L) low-profile container (Included)
  • Ounce and cup measurement markings
  • The lid plug can be used as a measuring cup
  • Industrial laser-cut hardened stainless steel blade
  • Many accessories with a Self-Detect system
  • BPA-free
  • Dishwasher-safe and self-cleaning
  • 10-year warranty
Cons:
  • Expensive price tag
  • Loud (Quieter than other Ascent models)
  • Heavy (14.92 pounds)
  • Struggles to blend super small quantities (Less than 2 cups)
  • Self-Connect Container pairing issuer reported
  • Bulky compared to other models (11 x 8 x 17 in)
  • The blade does not separate from the base for cleaning.
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02/18/2024 09:08 am GMT

The Vitamix A3500 is the king of the company’s Ascent family of blenders and one of our favorite blenders on the market. The Ascent line of Vitamix is a well-known and time-tested line of blenders.

Vitamix’s Ascent Series is one of the highest tech Vitamix offerings that also provides unrivaled functionality. JuicingJournal has reviewed all the other blenders in the Ascent family, and now it is time to take a look at the A3500.

According to Vitamix, the A3500 is perfect for making any kind of smoothie, crushing ice, hot soups, dips and nut butter, and healthy frozen treats. The A3500 pairs with many attachments, turning it into a food processor, grinder, and much more. The JuicingJournal editorial team will tell you everything you need to know about the A3500 below.

Vitamix Ascent Series A3500 Features

Let’s talk about the unique features found with this Ascent-series Vitamix blender that you can’t get elsewhere.

Color Options

One feature that we like about the A3500 is that it is offered in multiple color options. The unit is one of only a few premium smart blenders that offer multiple color choices.  We found that the list of colors will is sure to offer a style that will fit any kitchen. The unit is currently offered in the following colors and finishes:

  1. Brushed Stainless Steel
  2. White Metal
  3. Black Stainless Steel
  4. Copper Metal
  5. Graphite Metal
  6. Candy Apple Red Metal

With six fun and unique finishes, there is a color that will fit any kitchen!

Ascent Series Technology

Vitamix A3500 comes with excellent smart features. Let’s start with the A3500’s touch interface. As mentioned above, five pre-programmed settings make blending a whole lot easier. As an added safety feature, it won’t run without double-tapping.  The double-tap feature tripped us up from time to time, but after several uses, it became second nature.

If the A3500 does not have a pre-programmed setting for what you are cooking, you can use the built-in digital timer. Select the timer option and use the rotating dial to select the number of seconds you would like the unit to run. There is even a function that will record your entire process and save it for future use. The JuicingJournal team used the manual timer function to blend ice and a smoothie with no problems.  We do like that you have the ability to put together your own blending plan with the manual timer.

Perfect Blend App.

The Vitamix A3500 has built-in wireless connectivity for program updates and syncing with the Perfect Blend mobile app. Vitamix’s Perfect Blend app opens up 12 more settings, 500 recipes, and integration with Vitamix’s smart scale. The Perfect Blend app maximizes the A3500’s potential by running the unit at the optimal settings for whatever is being blended.

Perfect Blend App
Get the most out of your Vitamix A3500 Blender with the Perfect Blend App.

What can I make with Vitamix A3500?

We found that the Vitamix Ascent 3500 Series Blender will work best for making smoothies, pureeing hot soups, dips and spreads, and frozen desserts. It has a pre-programmed setting specifically for those food processing functions. When synced with the Perfect Blend app, the A3500 will perfectly blend over 300 pre-programmed recipes. 

We barely scratched the surface; just wait until you see all the accessories. When paired with some of the most popular accessories, the A3500 can be converted into a food processor, blender, grinder, and more. The versatility of the A3500 makes it easier to understand the higher price point. 

All in all, your smart blender can make smoothies, hot soups, frozen desserts, spreads, chop dry ingredients, nut butter, foam milk, salad dressing, grind spices, baby food, marinades, frozen cocktails, nut milk, thick dips, batter, acai bowl, and clean itself at a push of a button. You might need extra accessories to take advantage of all these 17 presets.

Below is a partial list of what you can do with your A3500 Blender. While we did not make all of the food items below, we did blend: smoothies, ice, tomato sauce, and a hot soup. The A3500 was able to easily handle all of the recipes that we threw at it.


cherry smoothie
Smoothies
crushed ice
Crushed Ice
soup
Hot Soup
nut butter
Nut Butter
Baby Food
Baby Food
tomato sauce
Sauces & Dips
salad dressing
Salad Dressing
nut milk
Nut Milk
flour
Flour
dough
Dough
ice cream 1
Frozen Desserts
smoothie bowl
Nut Milk
frozen cocktails
Frozen Cocktails
coffee grounds
Coffee Grounds*

*This will work best with the Dry Grains attachment.

We barely scratched the surface; just wait until you see all the accessories.

See Vitamix A3500 in action

Don’t take my word for it, watch this video:

The Vitamix A3500 Ascent Series Blender is one of the highest-rated blenders on the market. With a whopping 2.2 horsepower (1500 watts), it can easily blend the most challenging ingredient to a fine consistency. The Vitamix A3500 Blender also boasts five automatic blend settings and a timer to multitask in the kitchen efficiently.

Is Vitamix A3500 worth it?

Vitamix A3500 Ascent Smart Blender checked all the boxes. JuicingJournal highly recommends it for intermediate and advanced home cooks, chefs, and beginners who have the budget. Not only does it make ultra-fine smoothies, but it’s also a versatile culinary tool. The Vitamix A3500 is the perfect combination of technology, power, and quality. Like all Vitamix units, it is loud and expensive, but we found the trade off to be well worth the noise and the money. We have fallen in love with our Vitamix A3500!

Update: 2019

After using the Perfect Blend App, we’re not really impressed with it. It’s like a half-baked outsourced project with a lot of room for improvement. Vitamix still needs to polish the design and overall usability to reflect the brand.

One thing that annoys me is that you still must press the blender’s physical start/stop button when engaging any of the 17 blending presets from within the App. It might be a safety feature, but it doesn’t make sense from a usability standpoint.

Update: 2023

Vitamix has made substantial improvements to the Perfect Blend app. The App is much easier to use, syncs with the A3500 faster, and offers more blending plans and recipes than before. While prior versions of the Perfect Blend app were seriously lacking, the current product hits the spot. The App is available if iOS and Android devices.

Accessories

Apart from its high-tech features, the A3500 Vitamix Blender has self-detect technology. Compatible attachments like jars, cups, and bowls will automatically activate the appropriate blending time for extra precision.

All these containers are BPA-free and dishwasher safe.

64 oz (1.89 L) Container -Included

Vitamix 64 oz Container, model no. 63126

Model # 63126

Get at Amazon →

This self-detect low-profile 64-ounce (1.89 L) jar is included with your purchase. It’s the perfect all-around container for a big family, capable of making 6-12 servings of smoothies.

48 oz (1.4 L) Container

Vitamix 48 oz Container, model no. 063852

Model # 063852

Get at Amazon →

If you’re only planning on making smaller batches, this self-detect low profile 48-ounce (1.4 L) wet container is a perfect companion for the 64-oz jar. It’s convenient to have an additional jar when you’re working on multiple recipes.

48 Oz (1.4 L) Dry Grains Container

Vitamix Dry Grains Container, model no. 063884

Model # 063884

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This 48-ounce (1.48 L) low-profile self-detect container is specially made for dry grains. It features a reverse vortex that pushes ingredients away from the blade. This mechanism prevents grains from clumping at the center of the chamber for a finer and consistent grind.

Stainless Steel Container

Vitamix Stainless Steel Container, model no. 067891

Model # 067891

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If you’re a pro, you might want to include this 48-ounce (1.48 L) stainless steel container in your culinary arsenal. It’s highly durable, non-reactive, and odor and stain-resistant. You can process hot, cold, tough items and even acidic ingredients with it.

8 oz (240 mL) Blending Bowl Starter Kit

Blending Bowl Starter Kit, model no. 66196

Model # 66196

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Need a dipping sauce or perhaps a nut butter? This 8-ounce (240 mL) blending bowl starter kit is the perfect accessory for the job. If you’re only making a sauce, hummus, or nut butter in small batches, you don’t have to bring out a big container. These 8-ounce bowls self-detect enabled are more than enough.

20 oz (591 mL) Blending Cup Starter Kit

Blending Cup Starter Kit, model no. 66197

Model # 66197

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If you’re only making a smoothie for yourself, this 20-ounce (591 mL) self-detect Vitamix blending cup starter kit doubles as a to-go container. It’s made of highly durable BPA-free material that will match your active lifestyle, or if you simply want to bring smoothie at work or whatever your activity is.

12 Cup Food Processor Attachment

Vitamix Food Processor Attachment, model no. 067591

Model # 067591

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You won’t have to buy a separate food processor when you can get this self-detect Vitamix food processor attachment. It’s more convenient to own a single motor base that can perform multiple culinary tasks.

Aer Disc Container

Vitamix Aer Disc Container, model no. 065421

Model # 065421

Get at Amazon →

Take your Ascent blending machine to the next level with the Vitamix Aer Disc attachment. It’s an impressive patent-pending accessory that challenges your good old mixer. It can whip, emulsify, froth, and muddle ingredients. I have never seen a blender that can do so much.

Vitamix Perfect Blend Smart Scale and App

Vitamix Perfect Blend Smart Scale and App, model no. 061725

This Vitamix Smart Scale work hand in hand with Vitamix’s Perfect Blend App. It will guide you through its library of hundreds of recipes.

Say you want to make a smoothie; it will tell you precisely what ingredient to add and precisely how much in a step-by-step fashion. It’s not ready for prime time yet, but it’s a good start.

Model # 061725

Get at Amazon →

*Product Images and Video Courtesy of Vitamix

Technical Specifications

TypeCountertop Blender
Brand/SeriesVitamix Ascent Series
Model #61005 / VM0185
Price$$$$$
Ratings4.9 out of 5
Motor2.2 HP
Speed10 variable speed settings with pulse feature
Wattage1500 Watts
BladeStainless Steel
Container capacity64 oz (1.89 L)
Sold separately:
48 oz (1.4 L) pitcher
20 oz (591 mL) cup
8 oz (240 mL) bowl
Dishwasher safeYes
BPA FreeYes
ColorsBlack Stainless Metal Finish
Brushed Stainless Metal Finish
White
Candy Apple Red
Graphite Metal Finish
Dimensions 11 x 8 x 17 inches
Cord Length4 ft (122 cm)
ApplicationHome & Personal Use
Warranty10 Years
Related ProductsVitamix A3300, Vitamix A2500, Vitamix A2300, Vitamix V1200, Ninja Foodi Blender, KitchenAid K400, KitchenAid K150
This table shows the technical specifications of Vitamix Blender A3500.

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