Back in 2007, Vitamix introduced their popular C-series 5200 blender, which replaced the then-flagship 5000 model. The 5200 came with several improvements that made users fall in love with it, including a motor that worked more efficiently and a pitcher that was shatter-proof. It was quite forward-thinking for its time.
Six years later, Vitamix introduced one of its next-generation models: the G-series 7500, which gave users a bit more power and versatility than the older models.
In this article, we’re going to be comparing the old and new: the C-series 5200 and the G-series 7500 Vitamix models, so that you can decide which one will best suit you.
Just because the former is the older model doesn’t mean that it’s not as good. In fact, you’ll see that it still holds its own against most other high-end blenders in the market today.
A Brief Comparison: Vitamix 7500 vs 5200
Here is a brief summary of the features of the two blenders:
Vitamix 5200
- Capable of peak 2.0 horsepower, meaning you can blend even hard the hardest of ingredients
- Comes with a classic 64oz container, which might make under cabinet storage a bit difficult
- Has two main speed settings: High and Variable. The latter activates the variable speed dial which allows you to get a variety of blend consistencies
- At $450, it’s cheaper than the Vitamix 7500
- It comes with a 7-year warranty
- It comes in black or white.
Vitamix 7500
- Capable of peak 2.2 horsepower
- Makes less noise than the 5200 when running
- Comes with a Low Profile 64oz container which is easier to store
- Like the 5200, it also has a variable speed knob
- It comes with a Pulse toggle that’s great for achieving chunky consistencies
- Costs around $530 brand new, so it may be a bit expensive
- Comes with the same warranty as to the 5200
- There’s an additional color option: red
As you can see, both blenders are quite capable and can stand their own against most other high-end blenders on the market. There are a few key differences between the Vitamix 5200 and 7500, which we will address in the next section of this article.
Vitamix 5200 vs 7500: Analysis of Features
In this section, we’re going to take a closer look at the main features of the two blenders, highlighting both the similarities and differences. Hopefully, at the end of this section, you’ll have a clearer idea of which blender, whether the classic 5200 or the next generation 7500, is a better fit for your household.
The Motor
As mentioned above, the Vitamix 7500 has a slightly more powerful motor that is capable of 0.2 more horsepower than its predecessor. That being said, this doesn’t make a huge difference when it comes to blending power.
Both can blend any tough ingredient you place in the containers, although the 7500 might do it a bit more efficiently. In addition, things like smoothies and spreads may have a smoother consistency if you use the latter.
The main difference between the motors has to do with the amount of noise they make. Most older blenders are relatively noisy and the Vitamix 5200 is no exception. In contrast, the 7500 comes with suspended housing for its motor that’s designed to provide 40% less noise output. That’s right, the 7500 is about 40% quieter than the 5200!
Hence, if you need to use the blender for extended periods of time every day or you’ve got children or pets that dislike loud noises, then perhaps the 7500 is the better blender for you.
The Blades
Both blenders have blades made of aircraft-grade stainless steel, meaning that you won’t have any trouble blending any kind of hard food.
Accommodated by the wider base of the Vitamix 7500, its blades are actually an inch wider in diameter than those of the 5200 (which are 3 inches in diameter). The result is a greater cutting area and therefore a more even blend consistency.
The Design
Perhaps the biggest difference between the Vitamix 7500 and its predecessor is the design. Understandably, the 5200 has a more classic design which is typical of the era it was introduced in. In comparison, the 7500 is sleeker and more modern looking. Hence if you’ve got a contemporary aesthetic in your home kitchen, then perhaps the latter is a better fit for it.
Another important distinction is the height of the two blenders. One of the biggest complaints customers have about the Vitamix 5200 is that at 20 inches in height, it’s too tall for under cabinet storage. In contrast, the 7500 is two and a half inches shorter, which makes it the perfect size for any kitchen with traditional dimensions.
This doesn’t mean that the 7500’s pitcher can’t hold as much food as the 5200’s. The former is wider than the latter, which makes up for the lack of height.
Both blenders come with wet pitchers out of the box, which is less suited for dry ingredients. However, you can easily purchase different types direct from Vitamix.
The Controls
At first glance, it might seem like both the Vitamix 5200 and 7500 have an identical control layout. But that isn’t the case. Both blenders have:
- A variable speed dial, where you can select speeds from 1 to 10 to achieve any sort of consistency and texture
- On/off switch. This is labeled Start/Stop in the 7500 but it does the same thing – control the blades.
What the Vitamix 7500 has that its predecessor doesn’t is the Pulse button. This causes the blades to switch to a faster chopping action. The result is that you get a chunky consistency which is quite useful if you love making salsa.
The Price
Vitamix blenders are high-end. They give you enough power to blend almost anything (even a hard block of cheese) and are built so sturdily that they’ll last you longer than most other blenders on the market. They even come with a warranty that lasts for seven years! Hence, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that they’re more expensive than your average blender.
The Vitamix 5200 is priced at $450 brand new but you can get a refurbished one on Amazon for about a $100 less. On the other hand, a Vitamix 7500 costs about $530 if you buy a brand new one. Hence, if you’re on a tight budget, then the 5200 is what we recommend.
What Can These Blenders Make?
Despite the fact that the Vitamix 7500’s motor has 10% extra horsepower and a wider blade/cutting area, there isn’t much of a difference in performance when compared to the 5200.
Both these blenders will handle everything from a soup to a green smoothie thanks to the variable speed control.
However, the 7500 is obviously better at getting chunkier textures because of the pulse feature.
Vitamix 5200 vs 7500: Our Verdict
Both Vitamix blenders are powerful, easy to use and durable, and are sure to satisfy the average user. It doesn’t matter whether you use it to make nut butter or the occasional smoothie, these blenders have you covered.
Even with the larger blades and the faster motor of the 7500, there isn’t a huge difference in performance between the two, which makes this decision even harder. However, if we had to choose, we’d go with the Vitamix 7500. Here is why:
- The shorter container means that under-cabinet storage isn’t a problem
- The bigger blades mean more even textures
- The pulse button is quite useful for food prep, especially for salsa and sauce recipes
- The noise dampening is very convenient for extended use.
You’ll find that other expert reviews echo our sentiments.
What Should You Get?
Just because the Vitamix 7500 is the overall better blender doesn’t mean that the 5200 isn’t great. In fact, it can hold its own against most other high-end blenders in its price range. That’s why it’s still in production twelve years since its introduction.
If you don’t have $530 to spend on a blender, don’t mind a bit of noise or the fact that you need to store the blender upright on your counter, and don’t make salsa often, then you could be just as happy with a 5200.
If, on the other hand, you do need the pulse feature, have a kitchen with traditional cabinet dimensions, make food with chunky textures often and don’t like loud noises in the house, then it’s best you go with the Vitamix 7500 instead.
And that’s all you need to know about the Vitamix 7500 and 5200. Hopefully, now you’ll have a better idea of which is more suited to you.
