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VITAMIX EXPLORIAN REVIEW
E310 vs E320
Oh, yes - my Vitamix Explorian Review is here!
As the original Blender Babe (read: blender nerd) you can imagine how excited I get whenever an "affordable" blender like the Vitamix Explorian Series like this gets dropped, especially when it’s from Vitamix!
But I’d understand if everyone might not share my enthusiasm - only because these companies keep coming out with so many new products so it can get confusing to figure out what the difference really is between all of these new blenders and figure out Which Vitamix to Buy (but don’t you worry, that’s why I’m here)!
I’m going to help you understand what the deal is with the Vitamix Explorian Series, and quickly break down its two models: the E310 vs E320.
I’ve also been getting a lot of questions about the Vitamix E320 vs 5300 so we'll compare these two very similar models as well.
VITAMIX E310 vs E320 QUICK COMPARISON
Vitamix E310
$349.95 NEW |
|---|
2 HP Motor |
48 oz Container |
17" tall 10 Variable Speeds + Pulse Colors: Black  |
5 Year Warranty |
Vitamix E320 w/ Programs
N/A NEW $349.95 $249.95 RECON |
|---|
2.2 HP Motor |
64 oz Container |
18" tall 10 Variable Speeds + Pulse Colors: Black, Red  |
5 Year Reconditioned |
Vitamix 5300
$359.99 RECON |
|---|
2.2 HP Motor |
64 oz Container |
17.2" tall 10 Variable Speeds + Pulse Colors: Black, Red |
5 Year Warranty |
COST
As always, I like to get cost out of the way first. Remember that for using our links you also will receive free shipping and exclusive free gifts.
- Vitamix E310: $349.95 (USA), $449.95 (CANADA)
- Vitamix E320 with Programs: $349.95 $249.95 (USA) and $469.95 $369.95 (CANADA) Please note: This $100 off exclusive discount will be reflected at checkout.
- Vitamix 5300: Reconditioned: $359.95 (USA), $449.95 (CANADA)
The Vitamix Explorian E310 - Best Value on a NEW Vitamix
Previously, the only way you could get a Vitamix for under $400 is to go refurbished - still a legit way to go - but now, the Vitamix Explorian E310 is a way to own a brand new Vitamix if you’re on a budget!
The price (along with other factors discussed below) is one of the reasons the Vitamix E310 is one of my most recommended Vitamix models now because it's one of the lowest prices possible for a NEW Vitamix blender, at only $349.95 (note there's a budget friendly payment plan option as well.)
This blender is GREAT for singles, couples, small spaces and those who do not want to buy an additional jar (good for small to medium sized blends).
With Vitamix's risk-free guarantee, you can try it out for awhile and if you want to change the model or decide it's not for you, Vitamix pays for return shipping!
The Vitamix Explorian E320 - The Most Affordable Option
The Vitamix Explorian E320 with programs (certified reconditioned) is listed as my best Vitamix on a budget for families because it has a price that's hard to beat with Blender Babes' exclusive deal!
With our Exclusive Deal it's $100 OFF the Vitamix Explorian E320 with programs. at only $249 (regular price is $349.95 USA) and for $369 in Canada (regular price $469).
Please note: The $100 off will be reflected your cart at checkout.
Not only does the refurbished Vitamix Explorian E320 have the exact same power and features as more expensive models such - but it has an updated design with the 3 most popular automatic settings - smoothies, soup and frozen desserts.
The Vitamix E320 vs 5300
I've been getting a lot of questions about the Vitamix E320 vs 5300, since they look so similar and have mostly the same features - but are priced differently.
The Vitamix 5300 is mostly sold Certified Reconditioned for $359, which is usually more expensive than better options (see the Vitamix Explorian E320 with programs above!).
The Vitamix Explorian E320 with and without programs are better priced, so unless there's a screaming deal on the 5300 I'd go with another model.
Benefits of Purchasing Through Blender Babes
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DESIGN
The Vitamix E310 and E320 body style looks most like the Next Generation Series models, but with a slight update. Most noticeably, the base rocks a curved bevel on either side, sort of like the Ascent Series body.
Power
The Vitamix E310 features a 2 peak horsepower motor, while the Vitamix E320 models feature a slightly more powerful 2.2 peak horsepower motor.
- Will a 2.0 peak horsepower Vitamix blender give you the same results that you get with the 2.2 peak horsepower Vitamix blender?
Good question.
The answer is yes! - The slightly higher peak horsepower is only there to better drive the (longer) 4-inch blade of the 64 oz low-profile containers.
Controls / User Friendliness
Perhaps the Explorian’s biggest limitation is that it can’t do “walk-away” blending because there are no program settings.
Also, the Explorian doesn’t have the fancy touchscreen, or the Perfect Blend Smart Scale, or container Smart Detect sensor.
For both the Explorian models, the controls are super simple and consist of only three things:
- The Variable 10-Speed dial
- The Pulse switch
- The On/Off switch
So that's all there is to it. No more, no less.
Size and Color
1. The Vitamix Explorian E310 measures 8 wide x 11 deep x 17 high (inches), weighs 10.5 lbs and comes in black only.
2. The Vitamix Explorian E320 with programs measures 8 wide x 11 deep x 18 high (inches), weighs 10.5 lbs and comes in black and red.
3. The Vitamix 5300 measures 7.2 wide x 8.8 deep x 17.2 high (inches), weighs 12 lbs and comes in black and red.
Containers
The Vitamix E310 comes with a 48 oz container with 3 inch blade.
- Slightly shorter than the 64 oz low profile container.
- Fits under most kitchen cabinets
- Container is more narrow at the bottom and can therefore blend smaller and single serve portions.
- To blend more than 2 servings you will want to get the tall 64 oz container.
- The Vitamix E310 is also compatible with the 32 oz wet and dry grains containers, as well as the personal cup adaptor which allows you to blend 20-oz single-serving size to take on the go.
The Vitamix E320 comes standard with a 64 oz low profile container with a 4 inch blade.
- The 64 oz low profile container allows a Vitamix to fit under most 18" kitchen cabinets
- It has a 4 inch blade and wides base of all Vitamix containers
- It must have at least 2 cups of ingredients to blend properly and therefore cannot blend smaller and single serve portions.
- To blend less than 2 servings will want a smaller Vitamix container, such as the 32 oz wet jar.
- The Vitamix E320 is also compatible with the 48 oz wet jar, 32 oz wet and dry grains container and the personal cup adaptor.
- NOTE: I sometimes find Vitamix containers for less on Amazon.
NOISE
I get asked a lot about the Vitamix noise level so I wanted to make sure to include this test during this Vitamix Explorian Review, including compared to the 5300.
So we went ahead and performaed a decibel reading on each blender's lowest setting and highest setting for the Vitamix E310 vs E320 vs 5300.
Note: This is without food in the jar. It will be loudest when there's ice or frozen fruit, or really hard ingredients like making Vitamix almond butter.
Vitamix E310:
Vitamix E320:
Vitamix 5300:
VITAMIX EXPLORIAN REVIEW NOISE VERDICT
The bottom line here is they are ALL loud on high speed, however the Vitamix 5300 is the winner of this test, which was surprising since this is an "older" model.
- The Vitamix 5300 was the quietest on the highest speed.
- The Vitamix E310 had the lowest decibel on speed low (however most blending is done on Speed 10)
PERFORMANCE
The new Explorian series offers all the performance, power, and reliability we’ve come to know and trust from Vitamix, but at a lower price.
They’re able to do this by offering a machine stripped of all the bells and whistles - such as the touch screen, presets, or any of the wifi or auto-sensor innovations you’ll see from their high-tech Vitamix Ascent Series.
Consider the Vitamix Explorian Series your basic, no-frills Vitamix.
While the Vitamix Explorian E310 and E320 (and 5300!) are simple and pared-down, you can absolutely make ALL the same recipes that any other Vitamix will give you:
Hot Soups
One of my favorite things is Vitamix soup recipes. I can take raw veggies and turn them into silky soups in minutes. The best part - I don’t even need to heat the soup on the stove because the friction from the blades alone will heat up your mixture to a hot serving temperature, right in the container!
The Vitamix E320 is slightly more powerful with a 2.2 HP motor than the Vitamix E310, however they can both make soup hot in about 6 minutes starting with cold water or broth.
Frozen Desserts
I love Vitamix ice cream recipes that include frozen bananas and fruit (aka "nice cream"). But you can take any frozen ingredients and whip up your own yummy ice creams and sorbets - though to make a lot of these frozen treats, you’ll have to use the tamper.
Both the Vitamix E310's 48 oz container and the E320's 64 oz container will each come with its own perfectly sized tamper.
Sauces and Purées
A Vitamix will take the hardest and coursest of ingredients and turn them into smooth mixtures and sauces!
Perfect for homemade baby food recipes and your favorite hummus or pesto.
Grinding Nuts and Coffee and More
A Vitamix Explorian Series blender can also act as a coffee grinder, and is powerful enough to churn out healthy, homemade nut butters.
Mixing Batters and Dough
A Vitamix will not only allow you to mix your own batter for cakes, waffles, muffins, and the like, but it can also knead thick doughs for bread and pizza.
WARRANTY
The Vitamix E310 comes with a 5-year warranty. This is another way Vitamix is able to cut the price, as 5 years is shorter than the 7 or 10 year warranties we’re used to seeing on their other new products.
The new Vitamix E320 does come with a 7-year warranty and the certified reconditioned Vitamix E320 with programs comes with a 5 year warranty.
A Certified Reconditioned Vitamix 5300 also has a 5-year warranty, like all refurbished Vitamix models.
VITAMIX EXPLORIAN SERIES REVIEW RECAP
- There is no touchscreen, there are no program modes. The Vitamix Explorian Series gives you only the bare essentials
- Has the 10-variable speed dial which allows you the precision to create mixtures to your desired consistency
- Has the Pulse feature, allowing you to chop and process chunkier, heartier layers over your smoother soups and purées
- Cleans itself in 30 to 60 seconds with just a drop of dishwashing soap and water, no disassembly required
- Comes with BPA-free container with a durable, laser-cut blade made from hardened, stainless steel
- Is lower priced than the Vitamix Ascent Series (which goes up to $619).
BOTTOM LINE
Other than the aforementioned basic features, does the Explorian give you the full suite of innovative conveniences like program presets (for walk-away blending), or fancy wireless technology (offered by Vitamix’s Ascent line)?
Well, no...
In conclusion, does the brand new Explorian still pack the same performance punch we’ve come to expect (and love) from Vitamix, at a lower price tag?
Oh yes.
I hope I answered all of your questions with this Vitamix Explorian Review but if not, please ask in the comments or you can also contact me directly.
Congrats to our Vitamix Super Giveaway winners Charity M, Chip C and Susan G!
