We had a vita mix without the variable speed -- just an one-off switch for high or low and talk carafe. The variable speed helps to blend without creating pockets of air. The shorter carafe works for me. Can fit the whole unit under the counter.

Excited to have this in my kitchen. Have eyed a Vitamix for a long time and I'm glad I finally went for it. Sometimes a new kitchen gadget reinvigorates how you cook and this has certainly been the case. Night and day compared to other blenders.

Bought it for morning smoothies because my ninja didn’t fully blend everything. The vitamix works just as I’d hoped. It’s also easy to use and clean.

This was a gift to someone who was beginning to enjoy smoothies. I already have one, and enjoy because it is so powerful, and easy to clean. It is heavy, so I leave it on my counter.

Very lovely

My family has really enjoyed this machine. It is like no other “blender“ that we have ever had. It is extremely powerful. With the power comes speed of processing which is also nice. it takes no time to blend frozen fruit for a smoothie. We also use it for other applications such as making hummus. Although the price tag is high, it is well worth it. Consider it a blender and a food processor to help justify your purchase. It also comes with a several year warranty.

I've always wanted a Vitamix. I can drink a salad much faster than I can eat one. My only negative comment is how loud the blender is. It's like having a lawn mower in the kitchen, and I have to wear hearing protectors when operating it. The neighbors know the noise, and so they know what I'm having for lunch. Something blended !

Replaced an Oster (old) I know, there is no comparison except, what what taking almost 15 minutes to blend up (smoothies) now takes less than 60 seconds. I use the order recommended and yes I do have to use the helper stick especially if most of my content is frozen. But still 60 seconds and I have my smoothie ready to drink. It is amazing. Of course this produce will perform as well as the user pays attention to the instructions. So if you throw stuff in willy nilly and are frustrated try reading the instructions and how to build the pile in the blender to get optimal results. It is much quieter than my old blender and even the new cheap blender I got because it said it would, but it didn't. Don't waste your time and money. Buy right the first time. The warrenty is why we purchased this. The results are stellar.

Previously had the 5200. This one has lower clearance with the wider jar, but I think I prefer the narrow jar of the 5200 for smaller batches. The 5300 is at least as powerful and has has a pulse button. Both the 5200 and the 5300 are outstanding machines well worth the price.

We bought this machine for Mother's Day and use it daily for incredibly creamy smoothies! We've also made sorbet and shakes without issue. The price is hard to swallow when compared to so many alternatives for less until you actually use the machine. Granted this is not for the occasional user. If you go to Orange Julius, Berry Blends, or Starbucks and want to recreate the texture of their products, this machine is what you need. If you would prefer pre-programmed, set it, and forget it options your expense will go up as you venture into the Accent Series. I've used this machine about 60 or 70 times and each use is less than a minute for smoothies and only a couple minutes for milling seeds into flour. The extra bells and whistles of Accent wasn't for me. This machine is everything that I need!