Kitchen

Vitamix Ascent X5 Professional-Grade Blender

The Ascent X5 takes the Vitamix formula and adds modern smarts: programs, a timer and touch controls. It's the pick if you want Vitamix performance without babysitting the dial.

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Key features

• 10 automatic programs for smoothies, soups, nut butters and more
• A digital timer and touch controls make blends repeatable
• A 48 oz container that fits more easily under cabinets than the tall classic jar
• A tamper indicator tells you when to push thick blends
• Self-cleaning program in about a minute

Best for

Frequent blenders who want Vitamix power with programs and convenience.

Things to consider

• It's a top-end blender; the classic 5200 blends just as well for less
• The 48 oz container is smaller than the 5200's 64 oz
• More electronics than the simple, analog classics

Verdict

A great high-end blender if you want presets and a timer. If not, the 5200 is the value pick.

Consider instead

Vitamix 5200 Professional-Grade Blender, 64 oz. — Vitamix 5200 for a simpler, larger-capacity classic.