Vitamix E520 Blender Review & Buying Guide: A Comprehensive Look at the Explorian Series E520
If you’re in the market for a high-performance blender that delivers outstanding versatility and durability, the Vitamix E520 Blender may be what you’re looking for. Part of Vitamix’s renowned Explorian series, this blender combines power, precision, and user-friendly features at a more accessible price point compared to some of the brand’s higher-end models. Whether preparing smoothies, soups, nut butter, or even dough, the Vitamix E520 blender promises to deliver the performance you need. In this review, we’ll explore the Vitamix Explorian E520’s pros, cons, build quality, jar capacity, and much more to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your kitchen.
Vitamix E520 Blender Overview
The Vitamix E520 blender is marketed as an entry-level, yet powerful option in the Vitamix Explorian series. It boasts several impressive features that bring Vitamix’s quality to a wider audience. But does it live up to the reputation of its more expensive counterparts? Let’s break it down and review the Vitamix E520’s performance, features, and value.
Pros of the Vitamix E520 Blender
Powerful Motor and Performance
One of the standout features of the Vitamix E520 blender is its 2.0 horsepower motor. This power allows the blender to handle a variety of tasks with ease, including crushing ice, blending frozen fruits, and making soups. Whether you’re preparing creamy smoothies or silky-smooth soups, the Vitamix E520 blender ensures that even tough ingredients are blended perfectly.
Variable Speed Control and Pulse Feature
The Vitamix E520 blender offers variable speed control, which gives you the flexibility to choose the right texture for your blend. The pulse function is another useful feature, especially for chopping or mixing ingredients. This allows you to maintain control over the consistency, which is perfect for recipes like salsas or chunky dips.
Durable Build Quality
Vitamix is known for building high-quality, long-lasting blenders, and the E520 is no exception. The body of the blender is made from durable plastic, while the blade and motor base are constructed to withstand heavy use. The Vitamix blender Explorian series E520 is sturdy and built to last, making it a worthwhile investment for those looking for a long-term kitchen companion.
User-Friendly Design
When it comes to ease of use, the Vitamix E520 blender does not disappoint. The simple, intuitive controls ensure that even beginners can use it with ease. The variable speed dial and pulse button are easy to operate, and the blender’s compact design ensures it doesn’t take up too much space in the kitchen.
Vitamix E520 Blender Bundle Options
Many buyers choose to purchase the Vitamix E520 blender bundle from retailers like Costco. These bundles often include additional accessories such as extra containers or a recipe book, offering greater value for money.
Cons of the Vitamix E520 Blender
No Pre-Programmed Settings
While the Vitamix E520 blender is a powerhouse, it lacks the pre-programmed settings found on higher-end Vitamix models like the Vitamix A3500. This means you’ll need to manually adjust the speed and use the pulse function, which might be a bit cumbersome for some users who prefer one-touch blending.
Price
The Vitamix E520 blender price is certainly higher than some competitors in the market, especially when compared to brands like Ninja. For example, the Ninja Foodi Power Blender vs Vitamix E520 debate often highlights Vitamix’s superior performance but at a higher cost. While it’s more affordable than top-tier Vitamix models, it’s still considered an investment.
Noise Level
Like most high-powered blenders, the Vitamix E520 blender can be loud during operation, especially when blending tough ingredients like frozen fruits or ice. However, this is a common trait among high-performance blenders.
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The Vitamix E520 comes in either ‘Βlack’ or ‘Gray’. We tested it in ‘Gray’, and you can see the label for the unit we’ve tested here. Since the differences are purely cosmetic, we expect both color variants to perform similarly.
If you come across another variant, let us know in the forums, and we’ll update our review.
Compared To Other Blenders
The Vitamix E520 is on the lower end of the price range for Vitamix blenders. It has a similar design to the Vitamix Explorian E310, except it has a few automatic blending programs on its dial. Its 64-ounce capacity is bigger, and it comes with a pair of 22-ounce tumblers with straws. You can’t use these tumblers for blending, unlike the personal jars that come with blenders like the Vitamix Venturist V1200 and the Blendtec Designer 725, but you can buy a personal jar and adapter separately from Vitamix. Unfortunately, this blender is very loud, so it can be annoying if you do a lot of blending.
If you’re looking for more options, look at our lists of the best blenders, the best blenders for smoothies, and the best blenders for frozen drinks.
Vitamix Explorian E310
You may prefer either the Vitamix Explorian E310 or the Vitamix Explorian E520. The biggest difference is their capacity: the E520 has a 64-ounce jar, and the E310 has a 48-ounce jar. The E520 is a bit better suited for processing large batches of fibrous ingredients and ice-crushing. It also has a few automatic blending programs and a pair of tumblers with straws. They’re meant for serving drinks like smoothies, but you can’t use them for blending, unlike the personal jars that usually come with blenders. On the other hand, the E310 a much better choice for processing small batches of fibrous ingredients, like for a single-serve smoothie.
Vitamix 5200
The Vitamix 5200 and the Vitamix Explorian E520 are very similar blenders with slight differences. While both blenders have a fairly similar overall performance, the 5200 model is quieter than the Explorian E520. However, the Explorian E520 has two tumblers for on-the-go use and a couple of programs for blending specific recipes like smoothies.
Dimensions and Build Quality
The Vitamix E520 blender has a compact and relatively lightweight design compared to other Vitamix models. Its dimensions are about 17.5 inches tall and 7.5 inches wide, which means it won’t take up too much space on your countertop. Despite its size, the E520 feels sturdy and reliable, and the blender’s motor base has been designed to minimize vibrations during operation.
Jar Capacity and Materials
The Vitamix E520 blender comes with a 64-ounce container, which is ideal for making large batches of smoothies, soups, or sauces. This capacity is perfect for families or for preparing meals in advance. The container is made from BPA-free plastic, which ensures durability and safety. The clear container also makes it easy to monitor your ingredients as they blend.
Blades and Lid
The Vitamix E520 blender is equipped with high-quality laser-cut stainless steel blades, which are designed to last and provide consistent performance. These blades are capable of handling tough ingredients with ease, from ice to fibrous vegetables. The lid fits securely, ensuring no spills or leaks while blending. It also has a removable plug that allows you to add ingredients while the blender is running.
Power Cord
The Vitamix E520 blender comes with a 6-foot power cord, which gives you ample flexibility in terms of placement on your countertop. The cord is long enough to reach most outlets without being too cumbersome.
In the Box
The Vitamix E520 blender typically comes with the following items in the box:
- Vitamix E520 motor base
- 64-ounce container with lid and plug
- User manual
- Recipe guide
Some bundles, like the Vitamix E520 blender bundle, may also include extra containers or accessories, providing additional value for your purchase.
Controls and Programs
The Vitamix E520 features a simple control panel with a variable speed dial and pulse function. Unlike some other Vitamix models, it does not have preset blending programs like smoothies or soups. While this might be a downside for those looking for more convenience, it provides more control for users who want to adjust the blending speed based on their specific needs.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning the Vitamix E520 blender is a breeze. The container, lid, and blades are all dishwasher-safe, making post-blending cleanup simple. If you prefer to handwash, the blender is easy to clean with warm water and a drop of dish soap. Simply blend the mixture for a few seconds, rinse, and you’re done.
Vitamix E520 Blender Recommendation
After evaluating the features, performance, and value of the Vitamix E520 blender, it’s clear that this model is a fantastic option for anyone looking for a powerful and reliable blender. The Vitamix Explorian E520 offers great performance with its powerful motor, large jar capacity, and easy-to-use controls. While it lacks pre-programmed settings, it makes up for it with versatility and durability.
If you’re someone who blends often and needs a blender that can handle tough ingredients like ice and frozen fruits, the Vitamix E520 blender is a great choice. It offers exceptional value for money, especially if you opt for the Vitamix E520 blender bundle from Costco.
In conclusion, the Vitamix E520 blender is highly recommended for those who are looking for a powerful, durable, and user-friendly blender that can handle various tasks with ease. The Vitamix E520 reviews consistently praise its performance, and while it may be priced higher than some competitors, it offers excellent value for money in terms of longevity and versatility.
Final Verdict:
The Vitamix E520 blender is a solid choice for anyone serious about blending and looking for a high-performance, long-lasting appliance. Whether you’re preparing smoothies, soups, or nut butter, it delivers reliable results every time. Consider purchasing the Vitamix E520 blender Costco bundle for added convenience and extra value.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Vitamix E520 Blender
The Vitamix E520 blender comes with a 2.0 horsepower motor. This powerful motor allows the blender to handle tough ingredients like frozen fruits, ice, and fibrous vegetables with ease. Whether you’re making smoothies, soups, or nut butters, the motor ensures smooth and consistent results every time.
No, the Vitamix E520 does not come with preset programs, unlike higher-end Vitamix models such as the Vitamix A3500. Instead, it offers variable speed control and a pulse function, giving you full control over the blending process. This allows for customized textures and consistency, making it perfect for those who prefer to manually adjust settings.
The Vitamix E520 blender features a 64-ounce container. This generous size is perfect for preparing large batches of smoothies, soups, or sauces, making it ideal for families or meal prep.
Yes, the Vitamix E520 blender is very easy to clean. Both the container and lid are dishwasher safe. Alternatively, you can clean the blender manually by adding warm water and a drop of dish soap to the container and blending it for a few seconds. This quick cleaning method ensures minimal effort and time spent on maintenance.
Absolutely! With its 2.0 horsepower motor and high-quality stainless steel blades, the Vitamix E520 blender is more than capable of crushing ice and blending frozen fruits. It’s perfect for making frozen drinks, smoothies, and sorbets.
While the Vitamix E520 blender price is higher than some other blenders on the market, its value for money is exceptional. The blender offers outstanding durability, high performance, and versatility, making it an excellent investment for those who blend regularly. Additionally, if you purchase the Vitamix E520 blender bundle from Costco, you may get extra accessories, adding even more value.
When comparing the Ninja Foodi Power Blender vs Vitamix E520, the Vitamix E520 stands out in terms of motor power, build quality, and overall durability. The Vitamix has a more robust 2.0 horsepower motor, whereas the Ninja blender might offer more budget-friendly options. However, the Vitamix E520 is built to last longer and offers superior blending results for tough ingredients.
When you purchase the Vitamix E520 blender, the box includes:
- Vitamix E520 motor base
- 64-ounce container with lid and plug
- User manual
- Recipe guide If you purchase a Vitamix E520 blender bundle, you may also receive additional accessories such as extra containers or recipe books.
The Vitamix E520 jar is made of BPA-free plastic, which is durable and safe for food use. The lid is designed to fit securely and has a removable plug to allow for adding ingredients while blending. Both parts are dishwasher safe, making cleanup easy and hassle-free.
Yes! The Vitamix E520 blender can blend hot ingredients and even make hot soups. The powerful motor generates enough friction to heat ingredients, so you can enjoy freshly blended, warm soups without needing a stove.
Like most high-performance blenders, the Vitamix E520 can be relatively loud, especially when blending dense ingredients or crushing ice. However, this is a common trait of powerful blenders, and the noise level is comparable to other models in the Vitamix lineup.
Yes, the Vitamix E520 blender is user-friendly, even for beginners. The simple variable speed dial and pulse button are easy to operate. There’s no complicated interface, making it a great choice for those new to high-performance blenders.
Yes, the Vitamix E520 comes with a 7-year warranty, which covers any defects in materials or workmanship. This warranty ensures that you’re investing in a durable product that is built to last, and if any issues arise, you’ll be covered.
The Vitamix E520 blender comes with a 6-foot power cord, which offers flexibility in terms of placement on your countertop. You can easily place it where you need it without worrying about the cord being too short.
Yes, the Vitamix E520 blender is powerful enough to make nut butter and dough. Its high-speed blades can easily break down nuts into smooth nut butter, and it can also mix dough for bread or pizza, making it a versatile kitchen tool.
