Vitamix Ascent X Series

The Vitamix Ascent X Series, is the next generation of the well received Ascent Series released in 2017.

While the previous Ascent blender release brought an improved blending container, blending control, and a reduction in sound level, the Ascent X Series brings an improved modern aesthetic design with new technology and better usability. All models also include a tamper holder.

VITAMIX ASCENT X SERIES BLENDING PERFORMANCE

Vitamix is known to be the leader in performance blending and the new Ascent X Series does not disappoint. It is hard to believe the Ascent Serious could get any better, but that is exactly what they did with the X Series.

When the Vitamix Smart System blenders were initially released they introduced the future of blending with SMARTRAC’s custom-built Near Field Communication (NFC) tags. The containers have an electronic tag embedded that communicates information to the blender base. The Ascent X Series continues with this feature plus all X models have blending and slef-cleaning programs to aid in your creations and clean up.

POWER

If you are familiar with Vitamix you already know their blending power is unmatched for home. The Ascent X Series keeps the same 12 amp, 2.2 horsepower as other Ascent models. All you need to know about the power of this new Series is that it is powerful enough to take care of any task in your home kitchen without any concern or compromise.

ASCENT X WARRANTY & DURABILITY

Vitamix continues to offer the industry’s best blender warranty at 10 years for their new releases. They continue to keep their status as one of the best customer service providers when it comes to honoring their warranty. When purchased direct through us you begin with a no questions asked return for 60 days. After that you can remain confident for the remaining 10 years that Vitamix will take care of any inherent issues.

ASCENT X SERIES DESIGN & FEATURES

The design of the Ascent X Series is super sleak and clean. We feel this is the best looking blenders Vitamix has come up with. They also have done a fine job keeping everyone happy no matter their preference in features. The Ascent Series presents a nice blended offering of traditional dial and switch controls and an advancement in usability with flat touch sensor controls & digital readouts. The main differences between the Ascent models is in the controls.

VITAMIX X SERIES

The Vitamix X Series includes all the features of the Ascent Series and takes it to the next performance level. The X Series is Vitamix’s latest premium blender line. Its updated design combines an intuitive interface with a sophisticated, modern look for any home. If you are looking for the best of the best Vitamix has to offer, the X Series is a must check out.

ASCENT X2

The Vitamix Ascent A2300 covers the solid basics that defines Vitamix. The 1-10 variable speed dial is prominent in the center, a pulse switch on the left, and an on/off switch to its right. Added to the basics you can see a Digital timer above the speed dial. This timer simply counts up while blending indicating the blend duration. While not apparent at first use, the timer turns out to be a really nice feature; it allows you track time and perfect blends to the extent you want. The A2300 is a great choice for taking advantage of the best of what these blenders offer without spending more of features you may not want or need.

ASCENT X3

The Vitamix Ascent A2500 has the same controls and design as the A2300 with the addition of three program settings on the dial for Smoothies, Hot Soup, and Frozen Desserts. In addition to counting up when using the variable speed, the timer will count down when using a program cycle, displaying the remaining time left for the blend cycle. This is the only timer difference between the A2500 and the A2300. If blending programs is a feature high on your priority the the extra $40 for the Vitamix A2500 is a good choice.

ASCENT X4

For the same cost as the A2500, the Vitamix Ascent A3300 replaces the program cycles of the A2300 with a programmable timer. Instead of choosing between 3 set programs, you set how much time you want to blend; when the timer reaches zero it shuts off. We love this new feature as it offers the most flexibility in “programmed” blending since you are not limited to only the programs as provided on other models. The A3300 also replaces all switches with flat touch controls, another nice-to-have feature. The 1-10 variable speed dial remains in the center with a different look, because the speed of the dial is indicated on the digital readout rather than the dial itself, it always begins at zero when you begin to blend – we love this! The A3300 is our favorite model as we feel this model is the best value of the series because of its modern interface design and programmable timer feature. The extra cost compared to the A2300 is well worthwhile.

ASCENT X5

Combining all the possible features is the Vitamix Ascent A3500. Add $100 to the cost of the A3300 and you get everything the Series offers. It includes all the touch controls and programmable timer of the A3300, and adds two more program settings, Dips & Spreads and Self-Cleaning to Smoothies, Hot Soup, and Frozen Desserts for a total of five programs. We do wish the digital display was larger, especially the timer numbers. Ultimately, that extra $100 over the 3300 is just giving you the five program settings and a few additional color choices.

For the ultimate in Ascent Series experience there is the A3500 Gold Label. For a little more you can get the latest and greatest.

Also available in limited quantities Reconditioned while supplies last.

See how they compare to the new » Vitamix Propel. blenders

RECONDITIONED VITAMIX ASCENT X SERIES

Certified Reconditioned Ascent X Series are not yet available as the series has been newly released. Give it some time, it tipically takes about six months before they become available.

Reconditioned Vitamix are an excellent choice for those on a tighter budget or wanting bigger savings. Every blender is like new, must pass a rigorous test and comes with a new container. More info on » Reconditioned Vitamix Blenders.

Previous Ascent Series are available on a limited basis:

» Reconditioned A2500

» Reconditioned A3500

VITAMIX ASCENT X COMPARISON CHART

VITAMIX ASCENT COMPARED TO G-SERIES

How does the Vitamix Ascent Series stack up against the the others?

As far as power and performance goes, the blenders in these two series are for all intent purposes the same. What we see is an upgrade in design and technology, mostly in appearance and in the container changes (as detailed below). And of course the warranty is bumped up to 10 years, three more than the G-Series.

A2300 vs 7500

While the introduction of the Vitamix 7500 brought a major, almost revolutionary, change to Vitamix blenders, in comparing the 7500 vs A2300 there is not much difference. Aside from the aesthetic design changes most everything about the A2300 and 7500 is the same including the controls.

What is new in the A2300 is the digital timer display. Other than being a nice convenience showing how long the blender blends, it doesn’t offer a whole lot more. Perhaps for those who closely follow recipes that include blending times, it could be a welcomed benefit. Of course it is generally better to purchase the latest model but if budget is a major consideration, a 7500 or even a Reconditioned 7500, when available, could be a the wiser choice over a A2300.

A2500 vs 750

Like the comparison of the A2300 with 7500, the A2500 vs 750 follows much of the same with the obvious difference being the timer. All the same functions with a change in design. One difference to note is that while the A2500 has 3 blend cycles, the Pro 750 comes with 5 blend cycles (like the A3500). It also has the option for the brushed stainless color finish.

As with the previous comparison, if budget is a deciding factor then you have to look seriously at the Reconditioned 750 over the A2500. If more program cycles or stainless finish or lighted switches ranks high on priority then perhaps the Vitamix 750 is the better choice.

A3300 vs 780

Like the Vitamix 780, the Ascent A3300 model introduces the flat touch buttons interface to the series. To be honest, we are not big fans of the 780 because the layout isn’t ideal. The touch speed control just never felt right and the layout of the controls is odd and not as “pretty” as other models. So we were very happy to see the variable-speed knob return to the Ascent Series top-line models with flat touch controls. The main difference between the A3300 and the 780 is the the programs versus timer.

The 780 has the same five program cycles that the 750 possesses while the A3300 has the programmable timer in place of program cycles. As we mention above, we like the program timer of the Ascent A3300. For us, the A3300 is a better choice over the 780 especially considering that the 780 is as much as $200 more. Of course, when available, the Reconditioned 780 is worth a look at $399.

A3500 vs 780

The A3500 takes the A3300 to the next level so naturally it will be the better choice over the 780 which is more expensive. We really don’t see a reason to purchase a new 780 over a A3500. Again, if budget is a major concern, the Reconditioned 780 is definitely worth considering since it has the five program cycles like the A3500. But unless you love the design of the 780 vs A3500 enough to pay more by all means go for it.>

VITAMIX ASCENT COMPARED TO VENTURIST SERIES

Venturist vs Ascent – How the Series Compare?

With nearly every new major release there is a new hybrid release for Costco. While difficult to find, the Smart System release stays true to form by introducing the Venturist Series following the Ascent Series. The blenders having some clearly defined “mixed model” design differences to differentiate them to be “exclusive” to Costco.

Venturist V1200 vs A2300 vs A2500. The V1200 most closely resembles the A2300 while the V1500 adds programs just like the A2500. While they have the new technology of the Smart System blenders, the Venturist Series blenders have the look and feel of the older Vitamix Classic blenders. The bases are bulkier with controls more like the Classic G-Series blenders. Costco fans will find delight in seeing them on the shelves when they shop but personally we prefer the refined design and cleaner controls of the Ascent blenders. See our Vitamix V1200 Review for additional info.

CONTAINERS

With the new Ascent Series comes a whole new set of blending containers.

SELF-DETECT Technology – what is that?

Probably the “biggest” technology advancement of the Ascent, and future Venturist Series, is the inclusion of their Self-Detect container system. Simply put, embedded into each container is a tag that communicates with the blender base to tell it what kind of container is on top. The idea is that the blender can automatically adjust its output based on the container you are using.

COMPACT 64 OUNCE

Likely the most noticeable thing when seeing the new Series models is that the container is completely clear, it appears as though there is no lid on the top of the container. While there is no more black top and no more black sure grip handle rest assured that the lid is included.

We really like that now you can see into your container while blending. We do miss the soft grip handles of the other containers and the lid just doesn’t feel as durable as the black one. Time will tell though.

48 OUNCE

Historically the 48 ounce has been our favorite size container. The narrow bottom provides efficient blending while the sufficient size allows for good sized blends. The 48-oz is available in both the standard wet blade and with the dry grains blade. If you plan on making your own flour and grinding grains then the dry-grains container is recommended.

48 OUNCE AER DISC

The new Vitamix container release is the exciting Aer Disc Container. The Aer is a 48-oz container with a disc blade in place of the 4 prong pointed blade. It is designed for aerating and fine-tuning delicate smooth blends like emulsions, foams, whipped cream, mousses and more. The disc blade delivers an easy way to create new texture blends in the kitchen.

20 OUNCE

In addition to the larger blending containers, there are more containers available for the Ascent Series. The popular personal size 20-ounce blending cup is available for the Ascent Series. This is the same on-the-go smoothie blending cup that was introduced with the personal series models, and comes in a two-pack.

8 OUNCE

The newest container to the Vitamix family is the 8 ounce blending bowl. Designed for dips, baby food, dressings and other small-batch blending. Also good for storing your creation. In our experience the bowls are too small for our use. It’s just not enough volume for us so we prefer the 48-oz container.

CONCLUSION

The controls of the Ascent Series have improved over the previous Next Generation G-Series models. The variable speed control has gotten tighter allowing for improved control and they finally step into the 21st century with flat touch controls and digital readout which we’ve seen with Blendtec for many years.

If you are in the market to purchase your first Vitamix, then an Ascent Series is the perfect choice. If you are working with a tight budget and can’t afford a new Ascent then consider a reconditioned Classic Vitamix. We find the A3300 the best value, due to the programmable timer. It provides flexible “pre-programs” without paying top dollar for the A3500. If you are looking to upgrade to a new Vitamix and you have a set of containers you use, then you need to consider if the upgraded features are worth the extra cost of replacing your containers. If you want to keep your containers you can upgrade to a Propel Series blender.

Truly, the only criticism we have is that the digital readout is smaller than we would like. Perhaps we will see larger displays on future Vitamix Ascent Smart System releases?

VITAMIX ASCENT SERIES BEST BUYS

Below are links to the best prices for Vitamix Ascent on the Internet. There are 3 top choices:

» Direct from Vitamix
» Sur La Tab
» Amazon