Vitamix 5200

Should you buy the Vitamix 5200?

The Vitamix 5200 is the blender for someone who plans to own one blender for the next fifteen years. Wirecutter has recommended it for nearly a decade, its Quality score of 97 is the highest single factor score in our blenders and stand mixers group, and the 7-year full warranty covers parts, labor and shipping both ways. It ranks third. It costs $479.99, which is $150 more than the newer Vitamix VX1 with a stronger motor, so it is a choice about warranty and pedigree rather than power. If daily use and longevity matter more than price, this is it.

Where it earns its score

• Quality score of 97. A 2.0 peak HP motor around 1,380 W, a cooling fan, thermal-protection shutoff and 3 in laser-cut stainless blades in a 64 oz Tritan container.
• Seven-year full warranty. Warranty scores 92. Parts, performance, labor and two-way shipping are all covered.
• Hot soup from friction. Runs long enough to heat soup in about 6 minutes, and self-cleans in 60 seconds.
• Reliability 89, Satisfaction 88. A long track record with very few surprises.

What to know first

• No presets, no timer. Features scores 50, the lowest factor. A 10-speed dial and a High switch is all you get.
• Tall. At 20.5 in with the jar on, it will not sit under standard cabinets.
• Loud and it vibrates. High speed is noisy, and the thermal shutoff can trip on very thick loads until the motor cools.
• Value is 70. The VX1 offers a bigger motor for $379.95, so you are paying about $150 for two more years of warranty.

Questions buyers ask