VitamixAscent X5 Blender, Professional-Grade, 10 Preset Blending Programs, 48-ounce Container, Self-Cleaning, Brushed Stainless

WOWZER…this thing blends through ANYTHING and FAST. It is an EXCEPTIONAL kitchen appliance. The sleek stainless steel design is both aesthetically pleasing and durable. I made a smoothie with frozen passion fruit, frozen cut pineapple, frozen spinach leaves, and 4 ice cubes. I simply pre-set the VITAMIX to the smoothie option via the dial. It shows you a little tamper emoji, which was accurate because I ended up needing it.From there I inserted the tamper and let the blender run itself. It did an INCREDIBLE job making my smoothie. It was SO smooth, with no ice bits or any frozen fruit in sight. I couldn’t believe the difference in my smoothie. Now keep in mind, I am not a VITAMIX virgin in any way shape or form. I still have the VITAMIX 5200 with the 48oz container and it still runs great. However, it aesthetically looks like it was built in 1952 lol. Mine is about 15 years old. So it is important to note, I am comparing my experience to that model.The 2nd time I used this VITAMIX, I made a CARAMEL FRAPPUCCINO. I have a touchscreen (fancy) fully automatic espresso machine, that I used in collaboration with this to make my “FRAPP.” I added 3 espresso shots to my ice, milk, 2 pumps of caramel and even added sweetener. I set the dial to the FRAPPÉ setting and let it run itself. LET ME TELL YOU, it was the BEST Frappuccino I have ever made. I am BEYOND pleased with this model. It is a MAJOR upgrade from the VITAMIX 5200 model and even better than the touchscreen POWER XL blender I was using previous to this.What’s more, it’s easy to clean by setting the dial to the bubble's emoji and letting it clean itself! I simply add some water and spray the dawn inside beforehand. When it’s done you only need to rinse it. It’s THAT simple. I did not experience any leaking or have any issues. Just a fun blending experience. It is great for both professional chefs and home cooks alike. I HIGHLY recommend this one!NOTE: IF YOU ARE UN-SURE OF HOW TO USE THE TAMPER, MAKE SURE TO WATCH A VIDEO OF HOW TO PROPERLY USE IT. IN MY 20’S WHEN I FIRST OBTAINED MY FIRST VITMAIX, I MADE THE MISTAKE OF BREAKING MINE, DUE TO IM-PROPER USE. I promise you, it makes the biggest difference when done right. This alone, will up your VITAMIX GAME.

The media could not be loaded. As a mom of six feeding a small army each day, I consider my Vitamix one of my best friends in the kitchen. I always try to convince family/friends it's worth every penny. Despite the high cost, if mine ever broke (it hasn't), I'd replace it immediately. Fortunately, with this new 10 yr warranty, I don't see that being a problem any time soon.This is an upgrade for me, after owning the legacy Vitamix 5200 for the last 15 years. I've never had a problem and it's never let me down, but I have kids going to college and decide to order this newer one for me and let them use my older one. So, my opinions are based on my experience with my older machine, and with my mother's Blendtec.The Ascent X5 is a pretty stellar upgrade. The machine is sleek and I love the stainless steel option, which has a more modern feel and is a better match for my kitchen (but really, it still has a fair amount of black). The touch-screen buttons feel fancy, are easy to use (not a press, just the lightest of touch) and the knob for selections and variable speed is so great. The new power button on the right underside is a little to get used to, but pretty simple once you get used to it. The base is big and heavy, but still about the same size, but with a larger motor (12 amp). This machine is lower profile with the 48oz carafe and it's an easy fit under our kitchen cabinets on the counter.Speaking of the carafe, it's a nice upgrade with a more secure lid, which locks in place and includes a clear lid and stopper. The stopper includes a little bit of a measuring cup for addl liquids, with 1/2 and 1 oz markings on the side (see photo). It's a little sad I can't use my older carafes with this blender. The Ascent series requires the SELF-DETECT containers, so I'm limited to this included 48 oz, which is tricky for our big family. I had to order the 64 oz container before I could really LOVE this new setup. So, if you have a need for the larger container, maybe consider various bundles.The blend power and smoothness is stellar, the programs are a fun new upgrade (but not crucial for me). I adore the cleaning cycle, because I feel like it's a little more hands off and I can attend to other things. The included recipes are fun and Vitamix always has great things to share in their marketing. I'm convinced there's no other blender out there that I've ever seen/used that gets a smoother blend. It allows me to do all the sneaky things: nuts, flax or broccoli in the kids' smoothies; blending beans into their tomato sauce.For me, a Vitamix is a huge part of a healthy lifestyle. I can more easily prepare and enjoy more fresh foods and make more things from scratch than I used to. So easily to use once you get the hang of it, ever useful, with exceptional quality all the time.Really my only downside, this is a loud machine. I'm used to it, but it really is loud. I don't believe it's as loud as the Blendtec, however. We did some side-by-side comparisons between my Vitamix 5200 and this Ascent X5, and they are remarkably similar. We couldn't tell a difference.

I received the Ascent X5 to try out. I already had an older Vitamix that I’ve enjoyed using for the past few years, however it’s not as nice as this new model. The base and the blending container are stored separately and they really don’t take up too much space. This unit is digital and I love all of the preset options. The smoothie setting always blends everything up perfectly. It starts slow to avoid spills and will gradually speed up automatically at a preset time.I primarily use this blender for smoothies. The X5 also has programs specially for making nut butter, frappe, smoothie bowl dips and spreads, non dairy milk, frozen cocktails, and spice grinding. While I Haven’t used all of them yet, the nut butter and non dairy milk are great. I Love that its a fool proof setting and I don’t need to adjust the speed or time on my own. The lid also fits very securely and never leaks, unlike on my old model.The new blending container is just about perfect at a 6 cup capacity. I find this size is a lot better for smoothies than my old 8 cup. Cleaning it is always a breeze. It’s worth noting that the the machine is loud on the higher settings, but I rarely ever use those settings. This blender is extremely powerful overall. I love this new model, It’s easy to use and the pre programmed settings are always helpful. It’s a beautiful design as well!

For almost 800 you would think it would be prefect. The tamper holder on the side won't stay in place at ALL. When trying to clean it in the way they say in the manual, half the time soapy water shoots out the top and runs all over the counter-and that's with my hand pushing down on the lid. A true piece of garbage. Save your money and buy a cheap brand.