Ever wondered which blender can make your smoothies as creamy as your favorite café’s? When comparing the Vitamix Explorian vs 5200, I’ve got you covered with real kitchen tests. As a home cook who’s blended everything from soups to sherbets, I know these machines inside out. Let’s dive into their differences, from power to presets, to find your perfect fit. Stick around to see which one wins for your needs!
Is the Vitamix Explorian Good?
Hey, if you’re wondering whether the Vitamix Explorian Blender is worth it, let me tell you—it’s a game-changer! I’ve been using this blender for months, and it’s made my mornings so much easier. For example, I whipped up a smoothie for my family of four using Greek yogurt, milk, passion fruit guava juice, peaches, strawberries, and mango, and it came out perfectly smooth in just minutes. I also tried making a hot soup, and the preset setting handled it like a pro, heating and blending without any hassle.
The Explorian’s 2.2 HP motor powers through tough ingredients like frozen fruit chunks, and the 64-ounce low-profile container fits nicely under my kitchen cabinets. Its variable speed control lets me tweak the texture, whether I want a silky smoothie or a chunkier salsa. Plus, the self-cleaning feature is a lifesaver—just a drop of soap and water, and it’s sparkling clean in under a minute.
What I Like
- Powerful Blending Performance: The 2.2 HP motor is a beast! I tossed in whole frozen strawberries that were stuck together, used the tamper to push them down, and got a creamy smoothie with no chunks. It feels like having a professional chef’s tool at home.
- Super Easy to Clean: The self-cleaning feature is my favorite. I just add soap and water, hit the blend button, and in 30 seconds, it’s clean. Rinsing it off and letting it air dry is so simple, it’s become my go-to for quick cleanups.
- Versatile Presets for Recipes: The three blending programs—smoothies, hot soups, and frozen desserts—make everything foolproof. I made a frozen dessert for a summer party, and the preset handled it perfectly, saving me time and effort.
What Could Be Better
- Price Point for Budget Buyers: The Vitamix Explorian, at around $379.95, might feel pricey for some. If you’re on a tight budget, you might want to compare it with other blenders, but the quality justifies the cost for frequent users.
- Larger Size for Small Kitchens: While the low-profile container fits under cabinets, the 18-inch height might still be bulky for tiny kitchen spaces. A more compact option could help those with limited storage.
- Learning Curve for New Users: The variable speed control and pulse feature are awesome, but it took me a couple of tries to master them. A quick-start guide with recipe tips could make it even easier for beginners.
Recommendation
I’d recommend the Vitamix Explorian to anyone who loves making smoothies, soups, or frozen treats at home—especially if you’re feeding a family or hosting friends. It’s perfect for busy folks who want quick, high-quality results, like my smoothie prep for four in under five minutes. If you’re in the US, the 3-year full warranty covers parts and shipping, which adds peace of mind. However, if you only blend occasionally or have a super small kitchen, you might want to research more compact or budget-friendly options first. For me, this blender’s power, ease of use, and durability make it a kitchen must-have!
Read: Vitamix 750 vs 5200
Is the Vitamix 5200 Good?
Want to know if the Vitamix 5200 Blender is worth the hype? It’s like having a culinary superhero in your kitchen! I’ve used it to whip up a creamy blueberry smoothie for breakfast, blending yogurt, frozen berries, and honey in under a minute—no chunks, just pure silkiness. I also made a steaming curried carrot soup for dinner, and the 2-peak HP motor heated it up in six minutes flat, no stove needed.
The 64-ounce container is perfect for big batches, and the hardened stainless-steel blades tackle tough veggies like carrots and celery with ease. The variable speed control lets me dial in the perfect texture, from smooth purees to textured sauces. Cleaning is a breeze—just soap, water, and a quick blend, and it’s spotless in seconds.
What I Like
- Incredible Blending Power: The 2-peak HP motor is a champ! I blended a veggie drink with carrots, celery, and ginger, and it came out so smooth, you’d never guess it had fibrous ingredients. It’s like magic for healthy recipes.
- Hot Soup in Minutes: The friction heat from the blades is a game-changer. I made a hot curried carrot soup in six minutes, and it was creamy and piping hot—perfect for cozy nights.
- Super Easy Cleanup: The self-cleaning feature saves so much time. I add a drop of soap and water, blend for 30 seconds, and it’s clean. It’s like the blender does the dishes for me!
What Could Be Better
- Higher Price Tag: At around $484.99, the Vitamix 5200 is a bit of an investment. For occasional users, it might feel steep, but the durability and warranty make it worthwhile for frequent blending.
- Not Dishwasher Safe: Unlike some blenders, the container isn’t dishwasher-safe. While self-cleaning is quick, a dishwasher option could add convenience for some.
- Slightly Tall Design: The 20.5-inch height might not fit under low cabinets. A lower profile could make storage easier for smaller kitchens.
Recommendation
The Vitamix 5200 is a must-have for anyone who loves blending smoothies, soups, or desserts regularly—think home chefs or health enthusiasts like me who made a mango sherbet that tasted like it came from an ice cream shop! It’s ideal for families or anyone prepping big batches, and the 7-year warranty in the US gives peace of mind. If you only blend once in a while or have a tiny kitchen, you might want to check out smaller models first. For me, this blender’s power and versatility make it a kitchen star!
Details Comparison: Vitamix Explorian vs 5200
I’ve used both in my kitchen for smoothies and soups. They feel like reliable pals that make cooking fun.
I love how they turn simple ingredients into tasty treats. Remember that time I made a chunky salsa? It brought back memories of family picnics. Now, let’s compare them step by step.
Design and Size
The Explorian has a low-profile container. It fits under my cabinets easily. The 5200 is taller and feels sturdy.
I once bumped the 5200 while rushing. It stayed put, no spills. The Explorian’s slate color matches my decor nicely.
| Attribute | Vitamix Explorian | Vitamix 5200 |
| Height | 18 inches | 20.5 inches |
| Container Style | Low-profile 64 oz | Classic tall 64 oz |
| Weight | 10 pounds | 10.6 pounds |
Winner: Vitamix Explorian stands out for its compact fit in small kitchens.
Power and Performance
Both pack a punch with around 2 HP motors. The Explorian handles frozen fruit like a champ. I blended strawberries that were stuck together smoothly.
The 5200 shines with tough veggies. I made a carrot soup that was hot and creamy in minutes. It felt exciting to see steam rise.
| Attribute | Vitamix Explorian | Vitamix 5200 |
| Motor Power | 2.2 HP, 1500 watts | 2-peak HP, 1380 watts |
| Blade Material | Stainless steel | Hardened stainless steel |
| Blending Tough Ingredients | Great for frozen chunks | Excellent for fibrous veggies |
Winner: Vitamix 5200 edges out for its friction heat in soups.
The Explorian has a 4.6 star rating from 575 reviews. The 5200 scores 4.4 stars from over 7,900 reviews.
Features and Controls
The Explorian offers three presets for ease. I used the smoothie button for quick mornings. It starts slow then ramps up.
The 5200 has variable speed only. I dialed it up for a veggie drink. It gave me full control, like driving a sports car.
| Attribute | Vitamix Explorian | Vitamix 5200 |
| Controls | 10 speeds + 3 presets | 10 speeds + high switch |
| Tamper Included | Yes | Yes |
| Special Features | Pulse feature | Radial cooling fan |
Winner: Vitamix Explorian wins for its handy presets for beginners.
The Explorian has a 4.6 star rating from 575 reviews. The 5200 scores 4.4 stars from over 7,900 reviews.
Cleaning
Both self-clean in seconds with soap and water. I love this after a messy blend. No scrubbing needed.
The Explorian is dishwasher safe. I rinsed it after a mango dessert. The 5200 isn’t, but self-clean works fine.
| Attribute | Vitamix Explorian | Vitamix 5200 |
| Self-Cleaning Time | 30-60 seconds | 30-60 seconds |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes | No |
| Ease of Rinse | Simple | Simple |
Winner: Vitamix Explorian for its dishwasher option.
The Explorian has a 4.6 star rating from 575 reviews. The 5200 scores 4.4 stars from over 7,900 reviews.
Warranty and Durability
The Explorian renewed has a 3-year warranty. New models may offer more. I felt secure with its build.
The 5200 comes with 7 years. It lasted through daily use in my home. Like an old friend that never quits.
| Attribute | Vitamix Explorian | Vitamix 5200 |
| Warranty | 3 years (renewed) | 7 years |
| Build Quality | Durable plastic | Robust base |
| Overheat Protection | Yes | Yes |
Winner: Vitamix 5200 for longer peace of mind.
The Explorian has a 4.6 star rating from 575 reviews. The 5200 scores 4.4 stars from over 7,900 reviews.
Price and Value
The Explorian renewed costs about $380. It’s a steal for the features. I saved money but got great blends.
The 5200 is around $485. Worth it for the warranty. I invested and never looked back.
| Attribute | Vitamix Explorian | Vitamix 5200 |
| Price | $380 (renewed) | $485 |
| Value for Money | High for presets | High for durability |
| Included Items | Container, tamper | Container, tamper, guide |
Winner: Vitamix Explorian for better affordability.
My Final Thoughts
If you love quick, preset-driven blending for smoothies or soups, the Vitamix Explorian is your kitchen buddy. If you need a tougher blender with a longer warranty for daily use, the 5200 is the way to go. I’ve blended creamy mango sherbets with both, and they never let me down. Still, small kitchens might need a smaller model, so check your space before deciding.
FAQs: Vitamix Explorian vs 5200
- What’s the main difference between the Vitamix Explorian and 5200?
The Explorian has three presets for smoothies, soups, and desserts, while the 5200 offers variable speed control only. Both have 64-ounce containers and strong motors. The Explorian is more beginner-friendly. - Which Vitamix blender is better for making smoothies?
The Explorian’s smoothie preset makes blending quick and easy for creamy results. The 5200’s variable speed control gives you more texture control. Both create smooth, chunk-free smoothies. - Can the Vitamix Explorian and 5200 make hot soup?
Yes, both can make hot soup using blade friction. The Explorian’s soup preset is convenient, while the 5200 heats in about six minutes with manual control. Both deliver creamy soups. - Is the Vitamix 5200 worth the higher price compared to the Explorian?
The 5200 costs about $485 and offers a 7-year warranty, ideal for heavy use. The Explorian, at $380 (renewed), is budget-friendly with presets. It depends on your blending needs. - How easy is it to clean the Vitamix Explorian vs 5200?
Both self-clean in 30-60 seconds with soap and water. The Explorian is dishwasher-safe, adding convenience. The 5200’s self-cleaning is just as effective but not dishwasher-friendly. - Which blender is better for small kitchens, Vitamix Explorian or 5200?
The Explorian’s 18-inch height fits under most cabinets, perfect for small spaces. The 5200 is taller at 20.5 inches, which may need more room. Check your counter space. - What’s the warranty difference between Vitamix Explorian and 5200?
The Explorian (renewed) has a 3-year warranty, while the 5200 offers 7 years. Both cover parts and shipping. The 5200’s longer warranty suits frequent blenders. - Are the Vitamix Explorian and 5200 good for tough ingredients?
Both handle tough ingredients like frozen fruit and fibrous veggies well. The Explorian’s 2.2 HP motor and 5200’s 2-peak HP motor ensure smooth results. Try their tampers for best blending.
Kris S. Cary is the founder of KitchinPrep.com and a passionate kitchen enthusiast with over three years of experience in the culinary world. A graduate of the Culinary Management, A.S. program at Daytona State College in Daytona Beach, USA, Kris spent two years honing their skills and deepening their love for cooking and kitchen essentials. Specializing in kitchen baking tools, Kris is dedicated to sharing practical tips, insightful product reviews, and expert guides to help home cooks elevate their baking and cooking game. When not testing the latest kitchen gadgets, Kris is likely whipping up something delicious or dreaming up new ways to inspire culinary creativity.