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 an even more improved modern aesthetic design with new technology along with better usability. All models come standard withe the 48oz container. You may think this is a downgrade… but we say it is about time! The 48oz container has always been our favorite because it is the most efficient Vitamix container and allows for a under-the-cabineet low profile. Well done. This series has also added the inclusion of 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 X 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 X models are in the controls, the number of blend cycles and some advanced user features.

ASCENT X2

The Ascent X2 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. Additionally the X2 comes with 3 program settings – Smoothies, Frozen Desserts, and Soups – and a 48oz container. The X2 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 Ascent X3 has the same functional features as the X2 with an upgraded flat panel control buttons instead of switches. The variable speed dial also gets an upgrade. The 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! If flat controls and a more modern aesthetic is high on your priority then the extra $ for the X3 is a good choice.

ASCENT X4

For the same cost as the A2500, the Vitamix Ascent X4 introduces Vitamix’s “premium shell” offering a different look to the blender including metalic. The X4 adds two additionl blend cycles for a total of 5 – Smoothies, Frozen Desserts, Soups, Frozen Cocktails, and Dips & Spreads. The X4 also has flat touch controls, and the updated variable speed dial, both nice-to-have feature. Addionally, the X4 introduces the Tamper Indicator feature. This detects when a blend is not moving due to cavitation and provides an indication onscreen to use the tamper. No more wondering if a tamper is needed. We feel extra cost compared to the X4 is well worthwhile with additional function that is yummy and very useful.

ASCENT X5

Combining all the possible features is the Ascent X5. Add $50 to the cost of the X4 and you get everything the Series offers. It includes all the touch controls, Tamper Indicator, and programmable timer of the X4, and it doubles the program settings to TEN – Smoothies, Frozen Desserts, Soups, Frozen Cocktails, Dips & Spreads, Smoothie Bowl, Frappé, Nut Butters, Non-Dairy Milks, and Spice Grinding. The Ascent X5 for the win – the ultimate blending experience.

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

CONTAINERS

SELF-DETECT Technology – what is that?

Probably the “biggest” technology advancement of the Ascent Series was the inclusion of the 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 you can see into your container while blending and they broght back the soft grip handles of the other containers.

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 X have improved over the previous Ascent models. Everything about these new models is tighter, more efficient, and more aesthetically pleasing. We like the more sleek and simplified control panel.

If you are in the market to purchase your first Vitamix, then an Ascent X is the perfect choice. If you are working with a tight budget and can’t afford a new Ascent X then consider a reconditioned Vitamix. 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 classic containers you can upgrade to a Propel Series blender.

VITAMIX ASCENT X 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