Vitamix Ascent vs. Legacy: Which of These Should You Buy?

Fans of Vitamix blenders know that it offers quite a powerful and customized solution for blending almost anything, from smoothies, soups, nut butters and more. Vitamix popular series is named the Legacy Series, which includes models:  5200, 7500, 750 PRO and 780. Vitamix has also released a series called the Ascent Series which includes models: A2300, A2500, A3300, A3500.

The question always is, which of these blenders will make the best choice? And in this case, which Series do you go for? That’s what we’ll try to help you with in this post.

You can read our comparison between Vitamix 780 vs 750 here.

Vitamix Ascent Features and Comparisons:

  • Easily adjust the texture of your dishes and drinks using the Variable Speed Control and Pulse.
  • Variable Speed Control lets you fine tune the texture of the food or drink you’re preparing.
  • 1 to 10 speed dial.
  • Built-in Wireless Connectivity in the base of the blender will automatically adjust the maximum blending times depending on the container you choose.
  • Different containers are available for purchase separately.
  • Built-in digital timer helps you with processing your recipe manually and takes the guess work out of your tasks.
  • Included jar is 64 0z capacity.
  • 2.2 HP peak motor.
  • Includes a 10-year full warranty.

Click here to learn more about Vitamix Ascent, read the customer reviews and buy it.

Compare Vitamix Ascent Models: A2300 vs. A2500 vs. A3300 vs. A3500, What’s The Difference?

Let’s start with the difference between A2300 vs. A2500:

  • The Ascent A2300 has all the features mentioned above: 1 to 10 speed dial, pulse and variable control switches, digital timer and built-in wireless connectivity. On top of all that, the A2500 has 3 Pre-sets for Smoothies, Hot Soups and Frozen Desserts).

The A3300 and A3500 are a step up from the A2300 and A2500 as the feature a touch panel instead of switches:

  • A3300 has 1 to 10 speed dial, Touch start/stop, touch pulse, touch programmable timer.
  • A3500 has the speed dial, also 1 to 10, Touch start/stop, touch pulse, touch programmable timer and additionally, 5 presets for smoothies, hot soups, dips and spreads, frozen desserts and self-cleaning.

What About Other Specification and Power?

  • All Ascent models come with the same powerful 2.2 HP motor, 64 oz container, tamper and cookbook.
  • Color availability depends on the model. Some models have more color options that others.
  • The base will be housed in either plastic or stainless steel, also depending on the model.

Available Accessories For Vitamix Ascent:

Ascent accessories have the label Self-Detect Technology on them. This means that they are compatible with the wirelessly connected based that will automatically adjust maximum blending time in accordance with the container you’re using.

As of the writing of this post (August 2017), there are only two additional containers you can get:

The Blending Cup Starter Kit:

Includes two 20-oz double-walled to-go cups with lids and a blade base. The cups are BPA-Free and dishwasher safe.

Blending Bowl Starter Kit:

Includes two 8-oz bowl containers with lids and a blade base. These too are also BPA-Free and dishwasher safe.

Check Vitamix.com for more accessories.

Which Vitamix Ascent Model Should You Choose?

  • Decide whether or not the touch display makes a difference to you and if you’re willing to pay more for it. If that’s something you’d like, then your choice is between models A3300 and A3500. If the pre-sets are helpful for you, your choice should be A3500, if not, then A3300.
  • If touch display is not for you, then you have A2300 and A2500 to choose from. And the only difference here is presets. If you don’t need the presets, then go for the A2300, if you want them, then A2500.

Vitamix Ascent vs. Legacy (Professional Series 750), What’s The Difference?

Now you know all about the features of Vitamix Ascent, let’s see how it’s different than the Legacy Series.

Design:

  • There are some differences in the design between the Legacy and Ascent, whether in the base and container. The rubber handles on the container of the Legacy are now just plastic handles on the Ascent. Same goes for the lids. The Ascent has clear plastic lids unlike Legacy’s black rubber lids.
  • As for the base, since the Ascent now has a digital timer display and touch screen, then naturally, the design will look slightly different than the Legacy’s.

Technology:

The Ascent features built-in wireless connectivity in its base. That’s something that the Legacy series doesn’t have. But what is this feature exactly and is it important?

The wireless connectivity on the Ascent is of two types: NFC (near field communication) and Bluetooth. The NFC tags on the containers and base communicate and the base will not run unless it recognizes the container and therefor adjusts the maximum blending time accordingly. This also means that old containers (Legacy compatible ones) will not work with the Ascent. So that’s certainly something to consider before you buy any Ascent model.

As for Bluetooth connectivity, Vitamix has not advertised a specific use for it, but it is there so your blender remains relevant and usable for future innovations. This is great news since it means that your blender is not something to be disposed of anytime soon, but will remain usable and up to date for years to come.

Dishwasher Safe:

  • The new Ascent containers are dishwasher safe, unlike Legacy’s containers. However, Legacy blenders do have Self-cleaning feature.

Warranty:

  • Legacy models had  7 years of full warranty.
  • Ascent models all have a 10 years full warranty.

Which Do You Buy? Vitamix Ascent or Legacy?

We always like to recommend the latest design for a new purchase, and that would be the Ascent Series. When buying an Ascent Series blender you’re getting:

  • New technology: wireless connectivity is the probably the biggest difference between the Ascent and Legacy. Although it might seem like a gimmick, but it’s actually quite useful. When your base is able to set the maximum speed for each container depending on the size, this means there’s no chance of overworking the motor by mistake. But that’s not all, it also means your blender will be up to date and compatible with whatever innovations Vitamix will come up with.
  • New container design that is finally dishwasher safe. Because you’re not always using easy to clean ingredients, having a dishwasher safe container makes a difference.
  • On the downside, as of now, the Ascent has only a 64oz full container, a to-go cup and bowl containers. So the Legacy series has more options at container sizes. But we’re pretty sure more containers will be available for the Ascent soon.

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