I have wanted this model for quite some time and decided to purchase it while on sale (a rarity for Vitamix). This blender was ranked highest on America's Test Kitchen and is one that I'd used before at a friend's house. This blender makes green smoothies that are smooth and taste better than the sum of its parts (some blenders make green smoothies that taste like drinking salad, very unpleasant). Life is no Yoke is a great reference for recipies and help on which vitamix to pick. To get a sense of why the 5200 is so great, watch America's Test Kitchen (ATK) review on youtube. I admit now that I own it, I would consider the stainless steel assent series for its purported quieter operation and perhaps the presets would be nice, yet I like that the this blender jar is supposed to make more velvety smoothies/ sauces per ATK. I wear a watch and know that 60 seconds is perfect for all the smoothies I've made, so living without the presets isn't so bad especially if you can buy this model for a few hundred dollars less (you can make all of the same recipes as the more expensive models). Another consideration is height, as it will not fit under typical cabinets. For me this is not an issue as I have a microwave oven above my countertop which provides the additional headspace for me to store my assembled blender on the countertop, alternatively, you could store the base next to the jar or buy a short jar (but be warned the jars are expensive). This is one of the few appliances I like to keep on my countertop for frequent use, it makes creating healthy sauces and smoothies a breeze, and if you're buying a blender at this price point, you'll want to use it frequently. Lastly, appearance: I don't mind this blender's aesthetics, but you may not like it, it's certainly more utilitarian than the metal trims, if looks are very important to you, you may decide to spend more for a blender that better suites your kitchen and style.

We make smoothies 2-3 times a week and have burned though several blenders. I decided to take the plunge and see if this one would last longer. The blending power is impressive. It is loud, very loud, but so powerful you don't have to run it for very long at a time. I'm happy with my purchase.

I've had this blender since 2020 but when Covid hit we didn't use it. I bought two because I was starting a business. I never ended up doing the business because it was so difficult doing all the paper work for a business during the Covid time. So I literally pushed the blender to the side and never used them.
I just recently started using it like the ending of 2022 very sparingly and one of the blenders totally bugged out and stopped working completely. Such a bummer and I spent a good amount on this product. I had the warranty for it but I don't think it's a lifetime. Gosh what a waste!

I had a ninja blender before this, I feel the vitamax is way better. Where you attach the base to the motor, it's made out of metal unlike the ninja which is plastic. So if you want a long lasting blender, I recommend this one.

Sometimes it's best to get the basic version of a kitchen appliance because all the bells and whistles can lead to a breakdown in function. I chose this Vitamix blender because 1. I always wanted one and 2. I grabbed it when it was on sale for Prime Day. I researched the different models and found that this "basic" one had all the power that Vitamix is famous for without the complaints that some people have for the more elaborate models. I wanted a container that could self-clean -- more on that later -- and could power through ice cubes and frozen fruit without leaving chunks behind. I wanted to be able to prepare hot soups as easily as hummus and milkshakes. I got everything I wanted; however, this Vitamix is not perfect.

First, I had to return my first blender because it leaked through the bottom. My second one worked as it should, but it bothers me that Vitamix lacked the quality control to catch the first defect. I had to wonder if I received a returned blender. For this model of Vitamix, the blade is supposed to be sealed to the bottom of the container; it cannot be removed. This design is critical for not only leak-free blending but also for cleaning.

My second complaint has to do with how narrow the bottom of the container is. Vitamix does sell a wide-bottom container, but it is pricey since that, too, has the blade permanently installed. I have to use the included plunger at times to make sure everything in a full container gets processed.

Last, because this is a basic model, it does not have pre-programmed settings for smoothies, soups, frozen drinks, etc., and you must control how long and how fast the blades move to reach your desired result.

But, oh, the power! My strawberry daiquiris get made in almost no time, and, with a push or two through the lid, get completely and smoothly processed. I have an Oster Versa, and while in many ways it operates the same as the Vitamix, it is slower to get the same results. The friction created by the blades on high eventually heat up the contents for steaming pureed soups, but they won't be on long enough to, say, warm your milkshake. It has a swtich for two blade speed settings: high and variable. When variable speed is switched on, you have ten speeds to select within it. You will have to learn which speeds are best for which applications, but it all works flawlessly.

Because the blade is permanently attached, cleaning is a breeze. You never risk cutting your fingers because all you have to do is fill the container halfway with hot water, add a little dish soap, blend on high, and then rinse. Cleaning accomplished.

I applaud Vitamix for including both a printed owner's manual and a recipe book. When I'm in the kitchen learning to use a new appliance, I don't want to have to run back and forth to my computer or squint at my phone's small screen. Because Vitamix has included this "Introduction to High-Speed Blending," my understanding of all this blender can do has been expanded, thanks to the select recipes. I never would have dreamed of trying some of the techniques without it.

I've discovered that there's a reason so many Vitamix owners swear by it. Although I cannot compare to Blendtec, its main competitor, I know that it is superior to other friction blenders I've owned. While the Oster Versa is great for the price, Vitamix remains king in my book.

-- Debbie Lee Wesselmann