While both the Vitamix 5300 and E320 are two of the most popular blender brands in the market, which is the right choice for you? We've compared the two brands and looked at construction, performance, and price to see which is the better blender in 2021!
The Vitamix 5300 combines performance and versatile control with its variable speeds, pulse control, and powerful motor. The low-profile, 64oz container makes serving large batches a breeze, and allows for easy storage under kitchen cabinets.
The Vitamix E320's powerful 2.2HP motor pulverizes virtually any ingredient, allowing you to make a wide variety of blended recipes. The 10 variable speed dial along with the pulse switch provides fine-tuned control over blends, and like 5300, this blender also features a low-profile, 64oz container for easy storage and scraping.
Both the Vitamix 5300's and the E320's lid and removable plug has a 2oz measurement line for precision. Its vented construction allows you to bring blended recipes to piping-hot temperature in the container, or add ingredients while mixing. Because they're identical, the lids won't be a deciding factor when choosing between these two models.
Both the Vitamix 5300 and the E320 feature laser-cut, stainless-steel hammermill cutting blades measuring 4" diameter. This means that both models do well at grabbing ingredients and maintaining an even blend throughout all stages of the blending process than shorter blades. These blades are great for chopping foods with the pulse feature or blending frozen fruits for thick smoothies.
The Vitamix E320's base is made of BPA free plastic and metal, and comes in red or black. When the container sits on top of the base, the whole unit is 18" tall, and 8" by 11" wide. It features a clean control display with a start/stop switch, a variable speed control dial, and a pulse switch. The start/stop switch allows you to start or stop your blends at any time, the dial allows you to move between 10 different speeds throughout the blending process, and the pulse switch blends at the speed set on the dial for as long as you hold the button. Four rubber feet on the bottom of the base prevent slippage in storage and while blending.
The 5300's base looks similar to the E320's, featuring the same functions on its control display, although the dial and switches have a sleeker, more updated look, giving the 5300 a more modern feel. For this reason, the 5300 may be more display worthy than the E320. The 5300 is also slightly smaller than the E320. At 17.25" tall, and 8.75" by 7.25" wide, the 5300 is a more suitable choice if you have limited counter space, or want to store your blender underneath kitchen cabinets.
Both the Vitamix 5300 and E320 feature Vitamix's 2.2HP motor, which is Vitamix's strongest household motor available. Not only does the 2.2HP motor pulverize virtually any ingredient—its strength also makes this motor longer-lasting, as it can handle frequent blends better than the Vitamix 5200 for example, which has a slightly less powerful, 2HP motor. While both blenders have the same motor power, the 5300 is slightly quieter at high speeds due to its newer design.
Because the E320 and 5300 have the same 2.2HP motor, 4" steel blades, 10 variable speeds, and pulse function, their versatility is identical. Both of these blenders have no problem crushing ice for drinks, chopping fresh produce for other recipe prep, or making piping hot soups in minutes. Here's a list of popular blended recipes you can make with either of these blenders:
While both blenders can make all of these recipes, only the E320 comes with Vitamix's signature cookbook. The cookbook makes creating all sorts of blends easier and less time consuming!
Both the E320 and 5300 can be cleaned by adding dish soap and water to the container, snapping on the lid, and turning the blender onto speed 1. Slowly increase the blender speed to 10 for 30-60 seconds, and then rinse and drain your container. Vitamix recommends this cleaning method to make your containers last. It's also an easy and quick way to clean your blender!
E320
As an older Vitamix model with a less modern feel, the E320 is less than the 5300, and much less than Vitamix's newest Ascent models, like the A3500. All of the necessary tools such as the low profile tamper and 64oz low-profile container are included, so you won't have to worry about buying extras.
5300
The 5300 is more expensive than the E320, as it's a more up-to-date Vitamix model with a sleeker look, and it does pack all of the power that the E230 has in a slightly smaller frame. You'll receive a low-profile tamper and a 64oz low-profile container like the E320, so you won't have to worry about buying extra containers (like you might with Vitamix's Ascent models).
5300
The 5300 offers a 7-year warranty, as this blender is incredibly durable and made from high quality materials that are built to last. An extended warranty of an extra 3 years is available on this model for $75.
E320
The E320 also comes with a 7-year warranty, as this blender is extremely durable, but the extra 3-year warranty that comes with the 5300 isn't available. Taking good care of this blender extends its life, but as an older model, it's clear that Vitamix isn't ready to promise that this blender will last for a decade.
Both the Vitamix E320 and 5300 offer a 30-day, in-home risk-free trial so that you can be sure you've made the right choice. Returns made in the initial 30 days are granted free of charge. After the 30-day period, you'll have to pay a percentage of what you originally paid as a "restocking fee," and the shipping cost. Vitamix doesn't accept returns after one year.
Both the Vitamix E320 and 5300 have variable speed control, a pulse function, powerful motors, and are able to make soups, sauces, spreads, smoothies, frozen desserts, nut butters, and more. Both come with a 7-year warranty, and both are made by one of the most reputable blender brands on the market, So, which one should you choose?
While both models are nearly identical in versatility and performance, 3 key features set them apart: motor noise, size, and the price & warranty.
The E320 is a great choice if you're not worried about counter space, and are a blender lover who would like to explore how versatile a Vitamix blender is. The motor is strong enough to create hot soups, and the variable speeds and pulse control allow you control over consistencies of your blends. Essentially, this blender has all the key functions of a classic, high-performing blender. However, this model is noisier than the 5300, and doesn't come with the extra 3-year warranty option, so the lower price point may cause you to spend more money in the future.
On the other hand, the 5300 is a great choice if you're more familiar with blending anything from soups to nut butters, but need extra counter space and like being able to extend your warranty. If your kitchen lacks storage space but you enjoy making large batches, the 5300's smaller size makes storage easier. It's .75 inches shorter than the 5200, and about 2 inches narrower, which may be the difference between easy storage (or lack thereof) in smaller spaces.
Whether the Vitamix E320 is a better fit for you, or you prefer the benefits Vitamix 5300 has to offer, the options to buy these are endless (and a little overwhelming). Fortunately, we've done the work for you. We've researched high and low and found the best pricing for each of these blenders to be on Amazon!
Get the E320 and 5300 here, today!
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