Vitamix Ascent Series Smart Blenders – A Buying Guide for the Average Consumer

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.

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!

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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)

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!