If you’re tired of blenders that quit on tough jobs or leave chunks in your smoothies, let me tell you—the Vitamix E520 changes everything.
I’ve blended my way through countless mornings, and this machine’s power and ease make it a must-have for anyone serious about their kitchen game.
Whether you’re whipping up family meals or personal treats, its reliability and versatility scream value. Don’t wait; buy one today and transform how you blend forever.
My Hands-On Journey With The Vitamix E520
I remember the day my Vitamix E520 arrived like it was yesterday.
Unboxing it, I was struck by its sturdy build—the sleek black base with that iconic dial and the wide 64-ounce container that promised big things.
I plugged it in right away, eager to see if it lived up to the hype.
My first test?
A simple green smoothie with kale, frozen berries, banana, and almond milk. I tossed everything in, selected the smoothie program, and hit start. In under a minute, it was velvety smooth—no fibrous bits or uneven texture that I’d battled with my old blender.
The 2.2 horsepower motor roared to life, but the results? Pure magic. You know that satisfaction when something just works? That’s what I felt.
Over the next few weeks, I put it through its paces. One evening, I decided to make hot soup from scratch. I chopped carrots, onions, garlic, and potatoes, added broth, and let the E520’s friction heat do the rest on the hot soup setting.
No stove needed—it came out piping hot and creamy, like I’d simmered it for hours. I shared it with friends, and they couldn’t believe it was blender-made. “How does it get so hot?” one asked. I explained the blade speed generates heat, and they were hooked.
Then came frozen desserts. I blended frozen bananas with cocoa and a splash of milk on the frozen dessert program—instant dairy-free ice cream that rivaled store-bought stuff.
The pulse feature was a game-changer for chunkier textures, like when I made salsa with fresh tomatoes and herbs. Just a few pulses, and it was perfectly diced without turning to mush.
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing at first. The noise startled me initially—it’s loud, like a jet engine in your kitchen—but I got used to it, especially since blends finish so quickly. I also appreciated the two 24-ounce tumblers that came with my bundle; they’re perfect for on-the-go shakes.
I take one to work daily, blending protein powder, spinach, and fruit right in the tumbler adapter. Cleanup?
A breeze—fill with warm water and soap, blend on high, rinse. No scrubbing needed. After a month, I’d integrated it into my routine: breakfast smoothies, lunch soups, even grinding nuts into butter. It’s not just a blender; it’s my kitchen sidekick.
You might think, “Do I really need this?” But once you experience the effortless power, you’ll wonder how you lived without it. My energy levels improved from nutrient-packed drinks, and I’ve saved money skipping takeout. If you’re like me, always experimenting, this machine unlocks endless possibilities.
Pros of The Vitamix E520
Let me share why I think the E520 stands out in so many ways. It’s not just hype; these features have made a real difference in my daily use.
- Unmatched Blending Power
You and I both know that power matters in a blender, and the E520 delivers with its 2.2 horsepower motor.
I’ve thrown in whole fruits, veggies, and even nuts, and it pulverizes them into silkiness every time.
Whether I’m making almond butter or crushing ice for cocktails, the blades spin at speeds that create a vortex, pulling everything down without needing constant tampering.
This means less hassle for you—no stopping to scrape sides mid-blend.
In my kitchen, this power has turned tough tasks into quick wins, like blending fibrous greens that my previous machines couldn’t handle.
- Versatile Program Settings
What I love most is the three pre-set programs: smoothies, hot soups, and frozen desserts. You just load up, choose one, and walk away—it times itself perfectly. For smoothies, it ramps up speed gradually to avoid splatters, then blasts through for creaminess.
The soup setting heats ingredients through friction alone, so you get steaming results without extra pots. And frozen treats?
It churns out sorbets or nice creams that taste gourmet. Plus, the 10 variable speeds let you fine-tune for custom blends, like pulsing for chunky guacamole. This versatility keeps things exciting; I’ve experimented with everything from dips to doughs.
- Large Capacity for Family Use
The 64-ounce low-profile container is a big win if you’re blending for more than one person. I often make batches for my household—enough smoothie for four without splitting loads.
It’s wide at the base, which helps with even blending, and fits under most cabinets despite the size. You can scale recipes easily, from single servings to party prep. I’ve used it for big salads dressings or soups that last days, saving time on meal prep.
If you cook for groups, this capacity feels like a luxury.
- Durable Build and Warranty
Built like a tank, the E520 uses aircraft-grade stainless steel blades and a robust base that doesn’t wobble. I’ve dropped the container once—no cracks or issues.
The 7-year warranty gives peace of mind; Vitamix stands by their products, and I’ve heard stories of them replacing parts hassle-free. For me, this durability means it’s an investment that pays off over years, not a disposable gadget.
- Easy Operation for Beginners
Even if you’re new to high-end blenders, the controls are intuitive—a dial for speed, switches for programs and pulse. No confusing apps or buttons. I showed my partner how to use it in minutes, and now we both rely on it.
This simplicity encourages you to blend more often, turning healthy habits into routines.
Cons of The Vitamix E520
No product’s perfect, right? Here’s what I’ve noticed that might bug you.
- Noticeable Noise Level: I won’t sugarcoat it—the E520 is loud during operation. That powerful motor revs up, and in a small kitchen, it echoes. I’ve timed blends to avoid waking the house, but if noise sensitivity is your thing, it could be a drawback. Earplugs help, or just embrace the short burst.
- Higher Price Point: At around $400-500, it’s not cheap. I hesitated before buying, wondering if a budget option would suffice. But after using it, the quality justifies the cost—still, if you’re on a tight budget, it might feel steep initially.
- Stiff Lid Design: The lid seals tightly for safety, but sometimes it’s a wrestle to remove, especially when full. I’ve gotten the hang of it, but you might find it annoying at first.
- No Advanced Tech Features: Unlike pricier models, there’s no Bluetooth or self-detect for containers. It’s manual in that sense, which I prefer for reliability, but if you want smart integrations, look elsewhere.
Maintenance Tips For Your Vitamix E520
Keeping your E520 in top shape is straightforward, and I’ve learned a few tricks to make it last.
- Daily Cleaning Routine: After each use, I fill the container halfway with warm water and a drop of dish soap, then blend on high for 30-60 seconds. Rinse thoroughly, and it’s spotless—no residue from sticky blends like peanut butter. This self-cleaning saves scrubbing time. You should do this immediately to prevent buildup; dried bits are tougher.
- Deep Cleaning for Stubborn Stains: If your container clouds from minerals or turmeric, soak it in a vinegar-water mix (1:1) for hours. Then, blend with baking soda and lemon juice for a gentle scrub. I’ve restored mine to crystal clear this way. Use a soft cloth inside—avoid abrasive pads to prevent scratches. For odors, blend citrus peels with water.
- Base and Controls Care: Wipe the base with a damp cloth after use; never submerge it. I use a soft towel to dry, keeping switches grime-free. If spills happen, clean promptly to avoid stickiness. This keeps the motor running smoothly.
- Blade and Container Inspection: Check blades monthly for dullness—though they last years. If blending slows, contact support. Store the container upright to air dry fully, preventing mold. I invert it on a rack.
- Long-Term Storage Advice: If not using daily, store in a dry spot. Unplug the base. For travel, secure the lid tightly. Following these, my E520 looks new after months.
Comparing The Vitamix E520 To Other Brands
Now, let’s talk how the E520 stacks up against competitors. I’ve researched and tested similar models, so here’s my take.
- Vitamix E520 Versus Blendtec Total Classic
When I compare the E520 to the Blendtec Total Classic, the first thing that jumps out is design. The Blendtec has a square jar that’s great for scraping, but the E520’s rounded low-profile container creates better vortex action for smoother blends.
Power-wise, Blendtec’s 3 HP edges out the E520’s 2.2, making it faster on ice, but I find the E520 handles hot soups better without overheating risks. Noise? Both are loud, but Blendtec feels slightly quieter. Programs are similar, though E520’s are more intuitive for beginners.
Durability favors Vitamix with its longer warranty—7 years versus Blendtec’s 8, but Vitamix’s build feels sturdier in my hands. Price is close, but if you value creamier textures over raw speed, I’d lean E520.
You might prefer Blendtec for its blunt blades that are safer to touch, but I’ve never had issues with E520’s sharp ones.
- Vitamix E520 Versus Ninja Professional Blender
Switching to the Ninja Professional, the difference is night and day in build quality. Ninja’s plastic feels lighter and less premium than E520’s robust setup. Power?
Ninja’s 1000 watts can’t match the E520’s horsepower for tough jobs like nut butters—Ninja leaves grit, while E520 delivers silk. The E520’s variable speeds give you control Ninja lacks with its preset buttons. Capacity is similar, but E520’s low-profile fits better under counters.
Noise levels are comparable, but Ninja vibrates more. Warranty? Ninja’s 1 year pales against 7. Cost-wise, Ninja’s cheaper, appealing if you’re entry-level, but for longevity, E520 wins. I’ve seen Ninjas wear out faster; if you blend daily, upgrade to E520 for that pro feel.
- Vitamix E520 Versus KitchenAid 5-Speed Blender
Against the KitchenAid 5-Speed, the E520 shines in versatility. KitchenAid’s 0.9 HP motor struggles with fibrous veggies or ice, where E520 breezes through. Speeds?
KitchenAid has five, but E520’s ten plus programs offer precision. The jar on KitchenAid is glass, nicer for aesthetics, but E520’s BPA-free plastic is lighter and shatter-resistant. Heat blending isn’t KitchenAid’s strength— no friction heating like E520.
Noise is lower on KitchenAid, a plus for quiet homes, but blends take longer. Warranty is shorter at 5 years max. Price? KitchenAid’s more affordable, great for occasional use, but if you’re serious, E520’s power justifies the spend. I appreciate KitchenAid’s style, but performance-wise, E520 dominates.
- Vitamix E520 Versus Other High-End Options
Broadening out, versus brands like Breville or Cuisinart, the E520 holds its own with superior motor and blade tech. Breville’s Super Q is quieter with a vacuum feature, but E520’s simpler—no extras you might not need.
Cuisinart’s Velocity is budget-friendly but lacks the finesse for emulsions. Overall, E520 balances power, ease, and value better for most users.
Also Read: Comparison of Vitamix Explorian And 5200 Blenders.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The E520 has a wider low-profile container, pre-set programs, and is louder; the 5200 uses a taller narrow jar and is quieter without programs.
The 5200 is often top-rated for its balance of power, quietness, and simplicity, though it depends on your needs.
The E520 offers a larger 64-oz container, pre-set programs, and 7-year warranty; the E310 has 48-oz capacity and 5-year warranty without programs.
Yes, its durable build, powerful blending, and long warranty make it a solid investment for frequent users.
Wrapping Up: Make The Vitamix E520 Yours Today
In the end, the E520 has revolutionized my blending world with its power and simplicity. If smooth, versatile results matter to you, this is the one.
Grab it now—you won’t regret the upgrade to effortless kitchen mastery.