When it comes to blenders, I’m not a snob. My family uses them for smoothies, milkshakes, and similar basic drinks frequently. I also blend my own flours from whole grains. My trusty blender from Costco has always served me well.
Testing the Vitamix Ascent X5 blender, however, made me realize what a more professional blender can do for me in the kitchen. Paired with the self-detect food processor, it’s fast becoming a go-to tool in my kitchen.
The X5 base is easy to read and use.
S.E. Slack
Key Features and Findings
Overall, I really like the Ascent X5. Vitamix offers four blenders in it Ascent X series; the X5 is the top of that line. The series in general offers a Self-Detect feature, which is what prompted us to test this blender from a smart kitchen perspective.
Here’s what I found as I tested this smart blender in my very average kitchen:
Design: The blender and food processor accessories are made from a tough plastic, which keeps both fairly lightweight. The digital timer is clear and easy to see; it counts both up and down as well as sets specific blend times.
The base of the X5 is pretty heavy (14 pounds!) but that’s to be expected given the horsepower (2.2 HP). I tested the brushed stainless design but you can also get it in graphite. I wish the base were shorter, however, so the base and blender could be stored as one unit in my cabinets or on my shelves.
Plentiful features: All the models in the Ascent line provide a 48-ounce container with a comfortable soft-grip handle, wireless connectivity, a variety of speed controls (plus pulse), and a digital timer.
The interface is clear and easy to use and the size was adequate for my family; I never felt like I needed more capacity although I realize this is not necessarily the largest blender on the market.
Programs: The X5 comes with 10 blending programs, plus you can adjust the digital timer as needed. The number of programs is a bit mind-boggling for someone like me; they show up on the interface easily but I had to consult the manual to figure out what the various symbols meant.
There is an ‘Add 15 Seconds’ option, which was very handy in several cases. (I tend to overestimate additional timing and this helped me get it right.) The interface tells you when to use the tamper with thick blends as well as when your blender is overheating.
Ascent series food processor blades are well-marked and simple to use.
S.E. Slack
Self-detect: This tech feature is what interested me the most about this blender line. The concept is that the base will automatically detect which container is placed on it and automatically adjust settings accordingly.
I tested this using the food processor attachment and was a bit stymied at first. I finally figured out that if everything is not perfectly snapped together, it simply won’t work. Not a difficult concept, I know, but the warning on the base that should tell me the problem wasn’t very helpful. I kept seeing the symbol that means the container wasn’t seated on the base properly but nothing told me that I hadn’t snapped in a piece of the food processor properly.
Once the issue was resolved (listen for the snaps!), however, l found the feature very easy to use. The settings on the base change according to the attachment you’re using, which made the transition from blender to food processor simple.
Food Processor Attachment Info
The food processor attachment works with Self-Detect bases in both the Ascent and Venturist lines. It comes with the base, 2 reversible slice/shred discs, disc storage case, work bowl lid, 2 food pushers for large and small jobs, a work bowl, and 1 multi-use blade.
The food processor attachment works easily with Self-Detect mode.
S.E. Slack/Lifewire
Specs to Know
Blender
Capacity
48 oz
Programs
10
Power
2.2HP
Height
17 inches
Width
7.8 inches
Depth
9.7 inches
Weight
14.4 lbs
Blade
Non-removable
Dishwasher safe
Yes
Lid Type
2-part; friction
Self-cleaning
Yes
Food Processor
Capacity
12 cups/48 oz
Programs
10
Measurements
11.75 x 8.5 x 12.75 in.
Weight
6.17 lbs
Materials
Tritan and stainless steel
Dishwasher safe
Yes
The Bottom Line
Vitamix is known for its attention to detail and high-quality products. The Ascent X5 delivers on both with unflinching power and design. Add in the food processor attachment (or other attachments) to take advantage of the Self-Detect feature and your blender goes from one useful kitchen tool to the next in seconds.
The Self-Detect feature, honestly, is where the value lies for me: I can keep one base while performing different tasks. The blender does have the ability to help you whip up hot soups, grind spices, make nut butters, and even create a smoothie bowl. It goes from one to the next with ease.
The self-cleaning feature is a bonus and makes cleanup a breeze; blending performance is top-notch on everything I tried. Plus, it’s pretty darn quiet for a blender!
While I understand the safety aspect of locking lids, I also wish they were a bit easier to use. It was fairly difficult to snap and unsnap lids; perhaps that will get easier the more I use the blender. If that’s my only beef with the blender and food processor, it’s not much of a detractor for a purchase.
The price is steep, yes. Most blenders of this quality are similarly priced; this isn’t the average discount blender that you’ll need to keep replacing every year or two. This one is built to last for years and comes with a 10 year warranty.
Keep an eye on Amazon if you’re in the market for this blender and grab one the next time a deal pops up to lighten the sticker shock.
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