With Vitamix being such a big brand with a variety of options to choose from, buyers are often left with the question; which Vitamix blender is the best choice for me? More often than not, when this question comes up, two blenders come to mind: the Vitamix 5300 and the Vitamix e310. Today, we will be helping you answer this question, settling the Vitamix 5300 vs e310 debate once and for all!
Without wasting further ado, let’s get straight to it!
Meet the Blender – Vitamix 5300
- Blender Type: Countertop Blender
- Peak Wattage: 1640 W
- Pitcher Capacity: 64-ounce (1.9 L)
When we talk about Vitamix blenders, the 5300 is one of the first blenders that comes to the mind of users. A member of the Vitamix Classic Series lineup, this is one of the classics. First launched in 2007 this is one of the oldest Vitamix blenders still in the market today. With such a rich history, the Vitamix 5300 is quite a reliable blender.
The 5300 features a design that is a mix between the classic Vitamix and Next Generation design. It’s got a classic motor base design that is solid and well-balanced but forgoes the classic pitcher design for a next-gen Low-Profile pitcher. The motor base features two levers that act as the Pulse and the Power controls and a control knob in the center that serves as the Speed control. It features no pre-set blending programs. The pitch features a 64-ounce (1.9 L) capacity and a two-part lid with an additional opening for a taper.
What you get in the box
- Motor base
- 64-ounce (1.9 L) Pitcher with a two-part lid
- Large taper
- Cookbook
You might also find these articles useful; What Does Pulse Mean on a Blender and How Many Watts Does a Blender Use
Meet the Blender – Vitamix e310
- Blender Type: Countertop Blender
- Peak Wattage: 1471 W
- Pitcher Capacity: 48-ounce (1.4 L)
A member of the Explorian Series, the Vitamix e310 is one of Vitamix’s most straightforward blenders. First launched in October 2017, the e310 is a relatively newer addition to Vitamix’s lineup of blenders but was built with the same features and capabilities as the tested and trusted Classic Series.
The e310 comes with a motor base much similar to what you’d find on one of the classic series blenders. Featuring simple controls and no automatic blending programs, the blender comes with just a power switch, a Pulse switch, and a control knob for controlling blending speeds. The e310’s pitcher features a smaller 48-ounce (1.4 L) capacity which while smaller than what you’d find on most Vitamix blenders, is still good enough to meet the average user’s daily needs. The pitcher is dishwasher-safe and comes equipped with a two-part lid and a taper for your mixing needs.
What you get in the box
- Motor base
- 48-ounce (1.4 L) Pitcher with a two-part lid
- Mini taper
- Cookbook
Similarities Between the Vitamix 5300 and e310
In many ways, the 5300 and the e310 are pretty similar blenders. They have the following in common:
- Both blenders share a similar classic Vitamix base design.
- They have similar switch and control knob configurations.
- Both have no automatic blending program pre-installed by the manufacturers.
- They both have a peak wattage of over 1,000 W.
- They both feature two-piece lids that have provisions for a taper.
- They both have similar blade designs.
- They both aren’t designed to have their blades removed.
- They can both be used for hot blending.
Although both of these blenders are quite similar in looks, they are still very different blenders with quite a number of differences. Below are the most noticeable of these differences.
Differences Between the Vitamix 5300 and e310
| Properties | Vitamix 5300 | Vitamix e310 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | More expensive than the e310 | Cheaper than the 5300 |
| Capacity | 64-Ounce (1.9 L) | 48-Ounce (1.4 L) |
| Wattage | 1380 watts | 1380 watts |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes | Yes |
| Special Feature | Radial cooling fan and thermal protection system | Manual |
| Cord Lenght | 3.9 ft (1.2 m) | 6.2 ft (1.9 m) |
| Item Weight | 12 Pounds | 10.5 Pounds |
| Pitcher Design | Features a curvier pitcher interior. Allows for better vortex formation when blending | Features a more square-like pitcher interior. |
| Warranty | 7 Years | 5 Years |
The 5300 is a bigger blender than the e310. With a 64-ounce capacity and a peak wattage of 1640 W, the blender is better suited for multi-batch blending than the e310. The e310 isn’t all that smaller, however, and its 48-ounce capacity and peak wattage of 1471 are still good enough to handle most day-to-day blending needs. It also features a longer cord than the 5300 and is dishwasher-safe, so that’s something you might want to consider.
Vitamix 5300 and e310; Which is Best for Me?
Since both the 5300 and e310 are quite similar blenders, both blenders would fit just fine into the average family. That being said, there are a few things you might want to consider before making a choice.
Price vs Size
The 5300 is significantly more expensive than the e310. Being a bigger blender with more power, it is not hard to see why this is the case. For day-to-day blender use, the difference in the peak wattage of these blenders would be of little consequence, so in the end, it boils down to a question of size or price.
If the size difference between these two blenders doesn’t really matter to you, then, in our opinion, you might be better off going for the cheaper e310. If you prefer the bigger 5300 though, then you would just have to spend a few extra dollars.
If you would be choosing the 5300 despite its higher price, you might want to try getting it on sale from stores like Amazon. This could help you get it at a cheaper price.
Cleaning ease
Both the Vitamix e310 and the 5300 aren’t designed to have their blades removed. While they both have a nut underneath the jar that lets you detach and reattach the blades, doing this would void the warranty of the blenders. As such, you’d need to clean the blenders with the blades attached. This makes both blenders a bit difficult to clean.
The e310 is a bit better than the 5300 in this case though, seeing as it is dishwasher-friendly while the 5300 is not. So if you would prefer a blender that is easier to clean and can go into your dishwasher, then the e310 is the best choice for you.
Performance
Both the e310 and the 5300 are great blenders and perform admirably. Having a higher peak wattage though, the 5300 performs just a bit better than the e310, being able to handle heavier tasks. Crushing ice for example is a lot easier, smoother, and faster on the 5300 than it is on the e310. This makes the 5300 a better option for commercial use and heavy-duty tasks. With the e310 being a smaller blender, though, it has a slight advantage over the 5300 when used for processing smaller amounts of ingredients.
Conclusion
Both the e310 and the 5300 are great Vitamix blenders, and any of them would be more than enough for all your day-to-day blender needs. The 5300 is a bigger blender with a higher peak wattage however and generally performs just a bit better than the e310. It is however also significantly more expensive. The e310 on the other hand is dishwasher safe and a cheaper alternative. It is also a slightly better choice for preparing single-serving smoothies and shakes, so if you are more interested in that, then the e310 might be a better option for you.