Another day, another Vitamix blender review. But who’s complaining, right?
This brand was founded in the early 1920s, and served as a consistent source of quality countertop appliances since then. That’s why if you were ever given a chance to tour the top restaurants in the world, chances are you’d see at least one of their products.
In particular, their Ascent Series has always been a top choice because of its reliability, durability, and technologically-advanced features.
To help you identify which suits your current needs, we’ll be doing a head-to-head comparison of two of their most prominent offerings: the A2500 and A3500 Smart Blenders. Together, let’s examine each one’s best attributes so, once and for all, we can once and for all decide what the better model is.
Vitamix A2500 Ascent Series Smart Blender
In many ways, the Vitamix A2500 Ascent Series Smart Blender is the middle child in this lineup of elite equipment. It introduced countless innovations, yes, but there were also some aspects that needed further improvement. To find out which is which, let’s briefly run through its best and worst features.
First things first, we really like the build of this model.
It has a 64-fluid-ounce hard-plastic container, which is great for medium-sized groups of up to six people. Chefs and caterers should benefit from having the Vitamix A2500 blender around, too. So they can do prep-work in large batches, rather than individually, saving significant time in the process.
Even though its frame isn’t made from stainless steel, users shouldn’t worry much. The Vitamix A2500 Ascent Series Smart Blender‘s internal operating system is really durable, allowing it to be used continuously for several hours.
Everything is powered by a 2.2-HP (horsepower) motor and paired with laser-cut blades, to crush even the toughest ingredients with relative ease. Not even ice cubes or coffee grounds are any match for its blending power.
One detail to take note of, however, is that it’s not as effective when mashing leafy vegetables. The Vitamix A2500 Ascent Series model seems too strong for this task, and has a tendency to over-blend. Plus, plenty of residue gets stuck around the blades. Users will need to use a small brush before it’s completely clean.
The controls may also look a bit overwhelming. It comes with a number of dials and switches that someone without any prior experience will require some familiarization. After some time, though, they should begin seeing all its benefits.
Nevertheless, the Vitamix A2500 Ascent Series Smart Blender has so many smart features, including access to an exclusive mobile app. This provides users greater flexibility, particularly when running a busy kitchen. And the best part is it won’t cost an arm-and-a-leg to own, staying true to its promise of making efficiency more affordable.
Pros
- Can be used in any type of working environment; whether residential or commercial
- Has a compact design to be easily moved around
- Comes with an extra-long power cord for easy mobilization
- The mobile app includes various additional recipes and preset functions
- Specially built for cutting ice
- Includes a length 10-year long warranty
Cons
- Not ideal for blending leafy vegetables
- Takes a while to clean especially in the tight crevices
- There are other more affordable brands out there for those with a tight budget
Vitamix A3500 Ascent Series Smart Blender
A good number of users prefer digital controls when operating their countertop kitchen appliances. Not only is it more convenient, but also lessens mistakes. The speed setting selected and remaining time are flashed on its screen for everyone to see.
Among those available options, the Vitamix A3500 Ascent Series Smart Blender probably has one of the nicest layouts.
On it, you’ll find 5 preset functions, a variable-speed dial, and an automated timer all spread out beautifully. Users no longer have to worry about pressing buttons by accident.
Customers are likewise given access to Vitamix’s mobile application, which includes 17 additional pre-programmed settings and over 500 different recipes. Our team tried it personally, and we feel that it’s a really good resource. Those having difficulty thinking of new ideas when cooking should find this very helpful.
Like every other model from the Ascent Series, the A3500 Smart Blender also has built-in wireless connectivity. This allows users to encode a wide range of pitcher sizes. When the device detects these, program settings and maximum blending times are automatically adjusted for your convenience.
Of course, you’ll need to invest in Vitamix’s specialized line of containers. Unfortunately for consumers, the A3500 model only comes with one extra-large receptacle. You’ll need to buy the other accessories individually.
When it all adds up, the Vitamix A3500 Ascent Series Smart Blender can be quite expensive. Perhaps only those opening up a food business soon, professional cooks, or those desperate for efficient meal preparation will find this worthwhile to invest in. Others would probably end up choosing something cheaper.
Besides that, foods with thicker consistencies would get stuck along the sides. This has been true when preparing shakes, butters, or sauces with very little water content. In such scenarios, we would just recommend using a spatula to scrape it off, which takes quite a bit more time.
Other than those two issues, though, as a whole, the Vitamix A3500 Ascent Series Smart Blender remains one of the best kitchen appliances around. Its combination of power, toughness, and convenience offered allows it to operate at a high level for many years.
Pros
- Great for heavy-duty jobs like crushing ice or blending hard fruits
- A comprehensive mobile app serves as a wealth of ideas
- The control panel layout is very clean; easy to see by everyone
- Comes in six different colors to choose from
- Has 2 additional preset functions (5 in total)
- Pitcher is big enough; it has line guides when mixing ingredients together
Cons
- Thicker foods get stuck along the sides more frequently
- Users will need to invest in more accessories to maximize all its functions
- Not priced for someone just beginning their food journey
Face-to-Face: Vitamix A2500 vs A3500 Comparison
On the surface, both these blenders may seem similar. Almost identical, even. But that’s only because they are top-of-the-line machines. In order to find out which of them is better, we need a head-to-head comparison.
In this next section, the Vitamix A2500 and A3500 Ascent Series Smart Blenders will be pitted against each other. We’ll compare and contrast their best and worst features based on factors that consumers deem most important.
Hopefully after this rigorous battle, one contender will remain victorious, and be crowned as the best of the best countertop blender.
Size and Build
When buying a countertop appliance, consumers will always check its build. The shape, size, and overall frame can greatly affect how easy (or difficult) it is to operate. After all, you don’t want something that’s too cumbersome, right?
Thankfully, both the Vitamix A2500 and A3500 Smart Blenders aren’t so bulky. Each one measures roughly 17-inches in height, and has a wide base for providing extra stability. You’ll hardly feel any shaking when it’s running at top speeds.
Both are roughly the same weight, too, with only a 4-lb difference in favor of the A3500 model.
Given their build, these blenders are perfect for busy households or professional kitchens. They won’t take up much space, and aren’t so difficult to move, either. Having a much longer 4-foot power cord really comes in handy when carrying it around.
More importantly, they are put together very durably, capable of withstanding harsher working conditions. When we used them, it felt as if they could keep going at a high level for extended periods. Which is why in terms of size and build, we have no choice but to call a draw. Buyers should get their money’s worth, regardless of the blender chosen.
Design and Layout of Controls
Have you ever heard of being aesthetically functional? This means that an item looks good because it serves a greater, often more practical purpose. The general layout and design looks well-thought out, so users won’t find it challenging to navigate the controls.
The Vitamix A2500 Ascent Series Smart Blender is a really good example. Although its controls are manually operated, they are easy to comprehend. It has a variable-speed dial right smack in the middle, with two switches for pulsing and powering up on each side.
Almost everything was laid out nicely, except for the three preset functions, which were a bit difficult to locate.
Our team thought this was already the best, until we saw what the Vitamix A3500 Smart Blender offered. Digital controls really are superior, whether in terms of appearance or ergonomics. As a whole, it better suits people who often multi-task, too.
Even though it still uses manual controls for turning the machine on, the preset commands have now been separated. This really helped declutter this space, and actually, put more emphasis on these functions. The variable-speed dial has likewise been replaced with two touchscreen buttons, which is another really practical innovation.
We only hoped it displayed a bigger timer. Beyond that minor issue, however, the Vitamix A3500 Ascent Series Smart Blender is almost perfect in terms of design and control layout. As an added bonus, you can select from its six available colors.
Quality of Pitcher
Typically, we would include this when discussing a blender’s overall design. But upon further review, our team noticed some variations between the Vitamix A2500 and A3500 model’s pitcher quality, which could greatly affect a user’s experience. Let’s go through our findings together, shall we?
In terms of size, there wasn’t much distinction. Both blenders sport an extra-large pitcher that measures approximately 64-fluid-ounces. This is ideal when preparing soups, stews, and smoothies in batches for up to six people.
These containers are made from extra-hard plastic, making them very durable. They can be refrigerated, and exposed to either cold or hot temperatures without breaking. As such, users would often use them when storing excess food.
This all seems pretty standard, except for how each pitcher is shaped. We noticed the grooves on the A2500 Smart Blender are placed more strategically, allowing thicker contents to flow out more seamlessly. In comparison, sauces or butters would get stuck on the A3500’s canister.
It’s a really minor issue our team noticed when using both machines. However, we felt consumers needed to know about it. Therefore, the edge in terms of pitcher quality must be given to the Vitamix A2500 Ascent Series Smart Blender.
Overall Blending Power
We are very pleased with how strong these two appliances are. They are both powered by a hefty 2.2-HP (horsepower) that’s powerful enough to blend any ingredient. And yes, this includes those that lesser machines have difficulty with, including ice cubes, coffee grounds, and all types of nuts.
To complement this strong motor, the Vitamix A2500 and A3500 both come with laser-cut stainless steel blades. These won’t become dull or get warped, even after long periods. Plus, as the cutters spin continuously, it emits increased heat, which indirectly warms up what you are blending. This is what we call Blade Friction Technology.
Very few other options can come close to what these two Vitamix blenders offer in terms of blending power. Once again, professional chefs and restaurant owners (just to name a few) will really benefit from having something like this in their kitchen.
These can simplify what we once thought were difficult cooking tasks.
Price
It’s not surprising that machines like these won’t come cheap. However, there is also quite a significant difference between the Vitamix A2500 and A3500 Ascent Series Smart Blenders. So which one offers better value for money?
As we mentioned earlier, the A3500 model’s major upgrade comes in its digitized control panel layout and two additional preset functions. Everything else is basically identical. Now, the question we have to answer is – would this be worth the cost of an extra hundred dollars?
In our team’s opinion, the answer is no. Which means it’s the Vitamix A2500 Smart Blender that offers greater value for money. All those really important facets have already been covered by its initial price.
Probably it’s only those top-tier cooking professionals who can appreciate, and will be willing to spend on the additional features.
Warranty
If you plan on buying either of these blenders for business purposes, we recommend studying its warranty package very carefully. This will come in handy when parts get broken or repairs are needed.
Thankfully, Vitamix usually extends a pretty generous 10-year limited guarantee, which includes complementary labor and free replacement of pieces caused by negligence in manufacturing. All customers are covered by its amazing after-sales service program, led by their incredibly helpful frontline staff.
Although many consumers overlook this aspect, we feel the complete opposite. Warranty is a sign of how much companies stand behind their products.
So even if it costs extra, only prioritize options that prioritize this, too.
What Consumers Say About Each One
Another resource never to take for granted is the customer reviews section. Existing customers won’t ever think twice about giving feedback. So as current buyers, let’s take advantage of this to qualify all the earlier information we collected.
So without further adieu, here’s a summary about how the general public perceive both these contenders from Vitamix.
Vitamix A2500 Ascent Series Vitamix Blender
Scoring a 4.7 out of 5 from 970 global reviews is no easy feat. This means a majority of people must believe in its effectiveness.
Unsurprisingly, the comments paint a similar picture, too. Many have shared they appreciate the superb blending power it offers and how this machine is such a big help when preparing meals. Many have even gone as far as proclaiming it the best mid-tier blender on the market.
While we will reserve our judgment until later, we are definitely impressed about how highly others see the Vitamix A2500 Smart Blender.
Vitamix A3500 Ascent Series Smart Blender
Equally impressive is the rating for the Vitamix A3500 model. It narrowly beats out its competitor by achieving an 89-percent satisfaction rating, and a score of 4.8 stars out of 5. What amazing numbers!
Reading all the additional remarks only reinforces this truth.
We’ve gone through so many positive reviews stating how it’s a high quality piece of equipment, particularly when crushing eyes and making smoothies. The blending power is perhaps everyone’s favorite feature because difficult tasks before are suddenly simplified.
Our team can go on and on, raving about its countless best attributes. But we’ll end by saying that very few blenders can do what it is capable of accomplishing.
Conclusion
Now to the exciting part.
Even though the Vitamix A3500 blender was able to introduce so many amazing innovations, we still have to crown its predecessor as the better option. By an ever so little margin.
As we’ve shared earlier, the Vitamix A2500 Ascent Series Smart Blender offers an amazing combination of strength, durability, and convenience to its users. It also costs significantly less, which will be to the delight of, well, everyone.
No wonder there are so many people who trust in its capabilities. And as of right now, you can add our team to that list, too.
