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The Vitamix Ascent series blenders are a “smart blender” subset of their total blender lineup. So if you are wondering which Vitamix Ascent blender is the one that you need, you have come to the right place.
Comparing the Ascent Series Lineup
A2300 vs A2500 vs A3300 vs A3500
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| Model | A2300 | A2500 | A3300 | A3500 |
| Power | 2.2 HP | 2.2 HP | 2.2 HP | 2.2 HP |
| Stainless Steel Base Housing | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Stainless Steel Base Blade | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Noise Level | High | High | Medium | Medium |
| Speed | 10 variable speed settings | 10 variable speed settings | 10 variable speed settings | 10 variable speed settings |
| Perfect Blend App Compatible | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Programed Settings | ❌ | 3 | ❌ | 5 |
| Color Options | Black, Red, Slate, White | Black, Red, Slate, White | Brushed Stainless Steel, Black Diamond, Pearl Gray | Black Stainless Steel, Brushed Stainless Steel, White, Red, Graphite |
| Read Full Review | Read Full Review | Read Full Review | Read Full Review |
Top Vitamix Ascent Series Blenders
I’ve tested the entire line of Vitamix Ascent blenders which includes the A2300, A2500, A3300, and A3500. After hours of testing, I feel confident enough to explain how they rank relative to each other. Choosing the right Vitamix blender can be challenging, but that’s why I’m here to help!
#1 – Vitamix A3300
- Sleek Vitamix design
- Modern and intuitive interface
- Variable 10-speed dial control with pulse feature
- Compatible with Vitamix Perfect Blend App
- Includes 64-ounce (1.89 L) low-profile smart container
- Ounce and cup measurement markings
- The lid plug doubles as a measuring cup
- Laser-cut stainless-steel blade
- Built-in wireless connectivity – Vitamix Perfect Blend app compatible
- Programmable timer
- Numerous attachments to choose from with Self-Detect technology
- Dishwasher-safe and self-cleaning feature
- 10-year warranty
- High-end product with hefty price point
- Currently only offered in black and stainless steel
- Some users have problems with Self-Detect Container feature
- Self-Detect Container accessories can be expensive
- No preset programs on the unit
- 91 decibels can be considered loud by some
The A3300 is powerful, smart, affordable, and easy to clean. What else can you want from a blender? The A3300 is slightly more affordable than the A3500 without sacrificing power or quality.
I love that the A3300 comes standard with a durable steel housing to help dampen the infamous Vitamix loudness. The unit connects seamlessly to the Perfect Blend App to expand its possibilities.
The A3300 has a beautiful digital interface, a timer, and a pulse button. I have found that the built-in timer is perfect for my “set and forget” soup recipes! I do not like that the A3300 has no pre-set blending settings on the unit. Blending programs can be accessed by using the app.
Overall, the A3300 is the perfect blend of affordability and legendary Vitamix performance.
#2 – Vitamix A3500
- 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
- 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.
The A3500 is the big daddy of the Ascent family of blenders. It is the closest to a true professional blender that we have used. The A3500 is also the most expensive Ascent blender available.
I love that the A3500 is offered in six different color options. You can choose your favorite color or a color that matches your kitchen. The A3500 comes with a ten-year warranty, so you know that your investment is protected.
The five pre-programmed blending options are one of my favorite things about the A3500. If you do not need pre-set options on the unit, save some money and go for the A3300.
#3 – Vitamix A2300
- Simple and sleek design
- Ten variable speed options with pulse switch
- Compatible with the Vitamix app
- 64-ounce (1.89 L) container included
- Ounce and cup measurement markings
- The lid stopper doubles as a measuring cup
- Professional grade stainless-steel blades
- Bluetooth connectivity – Vitamix Perfect Blend App
- Digital display and timer
- A quiet blender compared to other Vitamix series
- BPA-free
- Dishwasher safe
- 10-year warranty
- Quality blender, but still expensive
- Limited timer functionality
- Plastic housing
- Moderately loud
- Error messages are not informative
The A2300 is the most affordable blender in the Ascent family. I loved using the A2300. Despite being the least expensive, it was more than capable of blending anything I tossed in. The ability to pair the A2300 to the Perfect Blend App makes up for the lack of a digital display and any settings. The unit has a pulse option, which I like to use when trying out a new recipe!
The A2300 consists of a plastic housing and is substantially louder than the A3300 or the A3500. The unit also has a digital timer that displays how long the unit has been blending.
If you have a strict budget set for a powerful blender, the A2300 is the best and most affordable option for you.
#4 – Vitamix A2500
- Modern, sophisticated design
- Appropriate pricing for a high-end blender
- Three pre-programmed settings
- Digital timer
- Plus, 17 preset programs when linked to the Vitamix Perfect Blend App
- Ten variable speeds
- 64-ounce (1.89 L) low-profile container included
- Ounce and cup measurement markings
- The lid plug doubles as a measuring cup
- Laser-cut hardened stainless steel blade
- Smart Accessories compatible
- BPA-free
- Dishwasher-safe and self-cleaning
- 10-year warranty
- High price point
- Classic switches tend to accumulate dust and food particles
- Incredibly loud
- Smart container connection issues
The A2500 is the same blender as the A2300, except with three pre-set blending options. Like the A2300, the A2500 is also built with a plastic housing and is very loud.
Both units feature an analog knob. I found it intuitive to use and feels well-built.
The A2500 usually runs $40-$70 more than the A2300. I still like the A2500, but I do not think that the three built-in features are worth the extra money. By spending a few more dollars, you can upgrade to the A3300, with is my favorite Vitamix Ascent blender.
What Makes the Ascent Series Blenders Special?
How are they different from other Vitamix Blenders?
The Ascent family is Vitamix’s premier “smart” blender line. They feature Bluetooth connectivity to the Perfect Blend App and Smart Containers. This feature allows the blender to automatically detect the type of container placed on the device. Once the container is identified, blending times and settings are automatically adjusted.
Some Ascent models have pre-programmed settings similar to the Ninja Auto-iQ feature found on Ninja blenders. Some use traditional blender controls while some have a touchscreen.
All of the Ascent blenders are will offer professional grade blending at a household price point. The Ascent series (A3300 and A3500) are encased in high-quality stainless steel. The steel cases help to dampen the “well known” Vitamix loudness.
Vitamix designed their Ascent series to feature a smaller footprint than its other blenders. (11 x 8 x 17 inches). Additionally, every Vitamix blender comes with a 10-year warranty.
Who should buy a Vitamix Ascent Blender?
The Ascent family of blenders is perfect for anyone who blends meals and recipes frequently. The Ascent series is a flexible family of blenders. The Ascent line is capable of cooking soups, blending tough fruits, and crush ice; all in one blender!
I would not recommend the Ascent family of blenders to anyone who is not going to blend regularly. All Vitamix blenders are designed and priced for serious use. There are other, cheaper blenders on the market for the occasional blender. Ninja offers an array of cheaper blenders. (Link to the Ninja Round Up)
What Vitamix Ascent Accessories Are There?
- Vitamix Ascent Series Container, 64oz. Low-Profile with SELF-DETECT
- Vitamix Ascent Series Container, 48 oz. with SELF-DETECT
- Vitamix Ascent Series Dry Grains Container, 48 oz. with SELF-DETECT
- Vitamix Stainless Steel Container, 48 oz
- Vitamix Self-Detect Blending Bowl Starter Kit, 8 oz
- Vitamix Ascent Series Blending Cup Starter Kit, 20 oz. with SELF-DETECT
- Vitamix 12-Cup Food Processor Attachment with SELF-DETECT
- Vitamix Aer Disc Container, 48 oz.
- Vitamix Perfect Blend Smart Scale and Recipe App
This low-profile self-detect 64-ounce (1.89 L) jar will fit most countertops easily. The 64oz container is ideal for large crowds and families as it can make up to 12 servings of smoothies, frozen desserts, and soups.
If you’re usually the host for gatherings, having an extra container is a good idea. Plus, when you’re only making a smaller batch, this self-detect 48-ounce (1.4 L) jar is more practical than using the big one. The 48oz container is perfect as a backup container or for smaller gatherings or families.
Apart from regular containers, there is also a 48-ounce (1.4 L) self-detect dry container. Why so many? You can also use the standard jar, but if you’re going to use your Vitamix A2300 for dry ingredients more often, you should definitely get this. Equipped with a special blade, it prevents the ingredients from cramming, resulting in a delicate and consistent texture.
The stainless-steel container is geared towards professionals. The stainless-steel container helps to retain the vivid flavors of the ingredients in your recipes. It’s resistant to stains and odors, it’s non-reactive, and most importantly, it’s durable.
The 64-ounce (1.89 L) container that comes standard with the A2300 will not work for small recipes. For example, if you’re making a sauce, you need at least 2 cups worth of constituents. That’s where this 8-ounce (240 mL) blending bowl comes in. The tiny but mighty 8oz blender bowl is worth the extra money!
When you’re only making single-serve smoothies, having a personal cup is convenient. You can have your personal cup with the Vitamix blending cup starter kit. It requires less clean up and is easy to carry around. The 20oz blending cup is perfect for pre or post-workout smoothies!
The days of having a separate food processor and blender are over. With the Vitamix food processor attachment, your Vitamix A2300 can double as a food processor. Save some space in the kitchen cabinets and toss your food processor.
Go beyond the Explorian blending capabilities with this Vitamix Aer Disc Container. You can extract juice, emulsify sauces, spreads, dips, dressings, foam drinks, or whip cream with this attachment. Adding the Aer Disc container to the E310, E320, or A2300 turns the blender into a blender / mixer hybrid.
Unlock a whole new level for your blender with Vitamix Smart Scale. Connect this with your app, which will guide you on how many ingredients you should put in. The Smart Scale app is perfect for those who measure macros in their diet.
Do You Have an Ascent Series Blender?
If so, please leave your comments or review in the comment section below. We’d love to get your feedback!
