After 22 years of using our still working Vitamix 5000 classic we thought it was time to update to a black vitamix. We picked the 5300 because it came with the short container so it would fit under the cabinet assembled and ready to go. (the tall container required us to flip it over to fit) At first we weren't so sure we made the right decision because the 5300 has different controls (using a pulse & a simple on/off switch) vs (high/variable and a on/off switch) So the old "high" switch seemed to have a little more speed than the new one but after using it a bit I don't think it really matters, it is such a small difference at top speed. The short fat container takes a little to get use to since it takes about 1.5 cups of liquid to cover the blades vs. the old one was about 1 cup. Again we have found that the blades don't necessarily need to be covered completely so we can still make 1 cup drinks. (but the new one does excel at 1.5 cups or more) All in all we are just as happy with the new one performance wise and even happier with the looks. A few noteworthy tips. There is a small power on/off toggle under the left bottom corner that glows blue when the vitamix has power. When that is off the blades do no operate at all. Kind of a double safety with kids. Secondly the pulse will only pulse at the speed it was set at when the pulse button is pressed. The blade speed doesn't change while the pulse button is down if you change the 1-10 speed dial. (just let off, change speed & pulse again) Last but not least the right side blade on/off switch is a press once for on, press the same direction a second time to turn off. It is not a toggle like the blue power switch (or like the old vitamix classic had) Again, I'm listing the differences and we are totally happy with the new vitamix, same awesome quality, slightly different controls on the 5300. Same warranty, same basic look, same awesome blended drinks. Ninja or lesser blenders can't even come close to the quality of a vitamix!

Vitamix is a game changer! It’s a GREAT way to get my greens in and my kids also. There’s so many things you can do with it and unlike my old blender, it doesn’t sound like it’s gonna explode when you use it! Such a great investment! If you’re wondering, yes, you do need this!

I had my doubts about a "mixer" that cost this much. My brother has an older model and he swears by it for the last 15 years. He's never had a problem and is always mixing smoothies. So, it went on sale at Sam's Club for $60 off and I caved. I'm glad I did. Everything my brother said about the Vitamix is true. It mixes, beats, chops, blends just about everything edible. And it truly cleans up well too. It's very powerful and rattles the surrounding things on the counter (not a bad thing). I also like that it's one of the few things I have in my house that's still American made.

I'd been using a traditional blender for veggie shakes but decided to break down and get the Vitamix. Sams had a great price on it and wanted to experience the difference. I had to blend, carrots, apples, celery, beet concoction for 5 min on my old blender however this one does it in about 45 seconds and there's no solids left only blended material. This thing is loud so you might want some shooting muffs on when using, save your ears. Also its tall with the lid on 17'' which prevents me from opening the cabinet door. I have to leave the lid off if I keep it on the counter. Its 7.5'' wide and solid and heavy duty, not going to move around on the counter! Overall happy with the purchase!

There is no comparison between the Ninja equivalent and the Vitamix. The blades on my Ninja could no longer blend frozen fruit and I am now trying to buy Made in the USA as much as possible so I purchased the Vitamix. This Vitamix blends frozen fruit literally in seconds, not minutes like the Ninja. I should have bought the Vitamix to begin with. Very happy with this purchase. I make up several smoothies and put them in individual soup mugs and put them in the freezer. Take one, microwave it for a couple of seconds and you have a real nice sherbertty kind of dessert that is a lot healthier than anything purchased in the store.

I use blender to finely chop peppers for pepper jelly. I previously owned a Ninja and thought it was great. Sadly I broke the pitcher and a new pitcher cost as much as a new Ninja, so I convinced myself a Vitamix is worth the investment. The Vitamix did a great job on the peppers and I didn’t have to deseed them because it chopped the seeds too. I am very happy with my purchase.

This blender is very powerful and takes care of anything I throw at it. Plus it’s much quieter than other blenders that have less horsepower, an added benefit considering I use it early in the morning when others are asleep. It also can hold a lot of volume for those big jobs where I want to blend my shakes for the whole day. One note: it only comes with the blade that handles liquids and frozen items. You’ll have to buy the dry blade if you’re into chopping nuts and beans on a regular basis. I highly recommend this blender!

Great blender but the 64 oz container is way too big and even the low profile doesn’t fit under my cabinets. I ordered a 32 oz container (separately) to make smoothies and it was quite expensive. For the steep price, vitamix should consider adding the 32 oz container as an accessory to the 64 oz package or at least give a discount for additional accessories.

This is a high quality, well made blender. Unfortunately the measurement markings on the jar are opaque and very small. I had to use a flashlight and a magnifying glass to see the markings while using the blender. I decided to return this item because it was too much trouble to use it. It would probably be fine for someone with perfect vision.

This thing delivers an excellent smoothie, but it smells and sounds like an un-oiled tractor! I have to hold it down onto the base at speeds above 4, not secure at all (it jumps!) I’ve been using this machine daily for two weeks and it’s for sure going back!