Update: Check out my review of the Vitamix Stainless Steel container (released in July 2020). In my opinion, it is better than the Waring one described below. Here’s a direct link to the new container.
A number of people have asked me if there is a stainless steel or glass Vitamix jar. If you’ve been wondering, this page is for you!
Vitamix used to make their containers out of stainless steel, but in the early ’90s they switched over to transparent polycarbonate to allow you to see what you are blending. (The old stainless steel Vitamix containers are not compatible with the current Vitamix models.) Then in 2007 Vitamix switched over to BPA-free Tritan copolymer. Some people don’t like the way a plastic container gets scratched up over time, and others are concerned about preparing food in any sort of plastic container. Mother Jones has covered how BPA-free may not be helpful when it comes to avoiding estrogenic plastics.
I personally don’t think the risk is high, and I am continuing to use my Tritan containers, but I understand if you want to avoid them.
Waring makes a line of high speed blenders that uses the same 12-splined coupling that Vitamix does, and somewhat surprisingly, the Waring pitchers fit on current Vitamix models. Further, Waring makes a stainless steel container that fits the Vitamix drive shaft. [This page includes affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase after clicking a link, Joy of Blending may receive a percentage of the sale. (Thank you!)]
Keep in mind, however, that neither Waring nor Vitamix have approved their products for use with the other company’s products, so if any damage occurs, the warranty may be voided. But this is the only stainless steel option for current Vitamix models. Another option is to buy the Waring model that comes with this container, although the Waring warranty is not as long as Vitamix’s, and they are not as home-customer friendly as Vitamix.
The other thing to note is that the rubber centering pad (the black rubber piece on the top of the base with four posts that the jar sits on) of the consumer Vitamix models is not a perfect fit for the Waring container. The posts are slightly too high. So instead of the container sitting on the pad, it sits on the tops of the posts, about 1/8″ off the pad. It is functional like this, but it seems slightly less stable, and it means that the drive shaft is not fully engaged. The gap looks like this:
I see a few options. You could just leave it, as is, and it would probably be fine. Or you could trim the posts by ~1/8″, although you would probably have to seal them because they are hollow, and I suspect that if you cut off the tops, then they would be open, which is non-ideal. I think you could seal them with some silicone glue.
The best option, in my opinion, is to get a different centering pad. It turns out that Vitamix makes a centering pad (15578) with shorter posts for some of their commercial models.
I checked, and the 15578 centering pad fits perfectly on the consumer Vitamix models. It allows you to use the Waring jar with no gap, and it also works with the Vitamix jars. The image at the top of this page shows the Waring Jar on a Vitamix 7500 using this 15578 centering pad, with no gap. (The centering pad is easy to swap on and off: it’s flexible, and it’s a pressure fit—you just pull it up, or push it on.)
This 15578 centering pad works on both C- and G-Series Vitamix models, which covers all of the home models sold since the early 1990s, with the exception of the smaller S-Series personal blenders. Here’s a link to the centering pad on Amazon. It also works on the commercial Vita-Prep and Advance machines. [Update: the 15578 centering pad does not fit on the Explorian Series, because Vitamix slightly changed the plastic posts that poke up into the pad. You can still use the CAC90 with the Explorian pad, but you will have the slight gap shown in the photo above. The CAC90 will not work with the Ascent Series, because it does not have a NFC chip.]
The stainless steel container is not cheap. Its price fluctuates on Amazon, so check for current prices.
Finally, keep in mind that the Vitamix tampers are not compatible with the Waring jar.
If you’re curious about what the different centering pads look like, clockwise from top left in the following images are the pads for the Vitamix Advance, Waring, Vitamix G-Series, and Vitamix C-Series:
Note the taller style posts on the C- and G-Series Vitamix pads. Also note the indentations on the bottoms of the Vitamix pads are identical (that’s where the four posts on the base secure the pad), but The Waring indentations are different. The Waring pad cannot be used on Vitamix bases.
And this is what the bottom of the Waring container looks like:
The stainless steel jar blends satisfactorily. You obviously can’t see how things are blending as easily. I haven’t done this, but if you really miss the tamper, you could make your own out of wood dowels. (Drill through a smaller cross bar at the appropriate height to prevent it from hitting the blades.)
There is no glass jar for any high-speed blender. Vitamix has said that this is because of safety concerns. They do not want a glass jar to shatter when someone accidentally drops a metal spoon into it when it’s running.
Thank you for this info; I’ve ordered all of the parts from Tundra and I hope it works out!
Will the stainless steel jar also fit a blendtec?
No; Blendtec uses a different shape coupling for their jars. I have never come across a stainless steel jar that would fit on a Blendtec.
Hi, do you happen to have a picture of blendtec’s coupling and this stainless steel jar’s insert for it? I would like to see the difference and get an idea if adjusting a few minor things would be able to retrofit or not.
Thanks
I do not think that adapting it would be practical. And even if you could make an adapter, Blendtec motors spin the opposite direction of Vitamix and Warring (the blades are directional).
I don’t have a picture handy, but I can tell you that while Blendtec and Vitamix both use a 12-splined shaft, Vitamix’s has a significantly larger diameter. Also, the Vitamix container base is significantly wider.
Thank you for your informative response.
You’re so SO awesome for figuring this all out and then posting for the rest of us!! I ordered everything from Tundra through your links. Thank you SO much!
I’m a neurotic plastic-phobe, but still use my Tritan Vitamix a lot, but I think will use it much more now with the stainless Waring container for hot soups, etc.
Thanks again!!
Hi again,
I’m presuming that the Waring stainless steel jar link on Amazon and also the link you provided to the Tundra are the same product, yes???
Yes, same product. The difference is that those Tundra links are for the individual components.
Thanks a lot for this! do you have any idea where I could get a tamper that would work with this new setup? We recently bought our very first Vitamix and at first I didn’t think we’d use the tamper really but while waiting for the stainless steel jar we now use the tamper pretty regularly…
Thanks!
As far as I know, you’d have to make one yourself. I’ve seen people make them out of dowels by attaching a cross-bar type piece at the right height.
Hi! I just ordered two 5300 machines today they the factory sale! I used your code on both! Also, will this centering pad work on a VM 5000 machine as well as the 5300? It would be nice to use the waring container on both. You have the best site.. You were the only one who told any consumers about the factory sale! That says a lot and I will remain loyal and tell all my foodie friends about this site.
Awesome! And yes, the centering pad I mention above should work on both the 5000 and 5300.
Sorry. One last question. If I get the conversion kit for a pitcher from a 3600/4000
can I use it on a 5000 or 5300 base? By conversion I mean to change the nut at the bottom from a 6 point to a 12……
As far as I know, there was never a conversion kit for containers. There was a conversion kit to convert a 3600 to a 4000 base.
Before the 5000 and equivalent models the base connection was male, but the base connections are now all female. So it’s not just a question of changing to a 12-splined shaft.
That conversion kit was for the brief period when there was a 12-splined female container.
To use those vintage metal Vitamix containers, I’m pretty sure you need a vintage base. One other thing to keep in mind is that the vintage containers can start to leak as their gaskets break down, and replacement gaskets are hard to find.
Wonderful info as always. Thank you.
Hi
Thank you for the information. I am in the Uk and wanted a Vitamix 300, but because of the plastic issue, was thinking about getting the Waring Xtreme with stainless steel container. The Vitamix is £499, the Waring is £629 plus over £200 for the stainless container. Does the stainless steel container work better on the Waring base, or is it as effective on the Vitamix base with the fittings you describe? Big difference in price, so appreciate your thoughts. I need to make oat milk 2-3 times a week, and want the best blended possible to reduce straining to minimum. Many thanks. Ruth
I don’t think there’s a difference in effectiveness.
Adam, sorry to follow with more questions. I was going with the 300 because of a couple of videos showing the 300 doing better at liquifying apples and carrots than the 5200, also seemed to make peanut butter a bit easier. So I guessed that it would blend the oat milk better, too. Be grateful for your view on this, as I have also heard that the 5200 actually has a stronger vortex so might actually do the job better. Is this right? But now I’m wondering that if the 300 does blend better, is this down to the new shape of the container, and bigger blades, rather than just the motor? Because if it is, and I’m going to use the stainless steel container anyway, should I just get the 5200, rather than the 300? I’d be really grateful for your thoughts, as you clearly know these machines and what they can do inside out. Many thanks. Ruth
Fair question. There’s a lot of confusing/misleading information out there.
In terms of how the base spins the blades at maximum speed, there is no significant difference between the 300 and 5200. The differences in blending performance that you saw people discussing most likely had to do with the different containers. The 300 is often described as more powerful, but I’ve measured them and there is no difference in maximum power.
There are differences on the 300 base compared to the 5200: it is a tiny bit quieter, it is supposed to be a bit more efficient at keeping the motor cool, and it has a pulse switch. Whether these features are worth paying extra for is up to you. I don’t think you’d be disappointed with a 5200 though.
Hi Adam
Thank you so much for your help. You have managed to cut through all the confusion and take the stress out of the decision making. For me, the pulse switch isn’t an issue, I’ve seen people use the on/off switch to pulse and I’m happy to do it this way; noise isn’t really an issue as I reckon it is only on for short periods at a time; a better cooling system is attractive, but the 5200 has been used for years so it’s tried and tested and I have confidence in it lasting well even with the less efficient cooling system. If I go for a reconditioned 5200, the difference in price between this and the 300 will almost cover the cost of the stainless steel container. I really had ruled out the 5200, so I can’t thank you enough. I only wish I could buy the 5200 through you, but I need the 220v. I now plan to get the 5200, get used to using it for a bit with the vitamix container, then get the stainless steel container and base attachment through your tundra link. I am finally beginning to get excited about getting my blender, instead of worrying about making the wrong decision! I would love to let you know how I get on, if you would be interested! Once again, many thanks. Ruth
I’m glad I could help! All of your points make sense, and I think you’re making a good choice. No worries about the commission. On a whim I just decided to join the Amazon UK Affiliate program, so if you haven’t already ordered and want to order from Amazon UK, here’s the link to the Reconditioned 5200. Otherwise, if you want to help, you could recommend my site to anyone who might be interested. And yes, I would like to hear how it goes for you once your machine arrives.
Hi Adam
I haven’t ordered yet, so will definitely use your link, it might be a few weeks before I do. Have you also got a link to get the 32oz wet container on Amazon UK through your site, as I might get this for making hummus in small amounts. Will the 32oz also do peanut butter? I think it’s a good idea for you to link up to the UK. I’ll pass on your details as well. Ruth
Thank you! Here’s a link to the Amazon UK 32oz wet container. And yes, the you can make peanut butter in it.
Hi Adam,
I’d like to replace the plastic container on my Vitamix 5200 with the stainless steel container. How do I remove the centering pad from my Vitamix 5200 so I can replace it with the one you recommend? I don’t want to break it when I remove it.
The pad is flexible and I don’t think you could break it by removing it. Lift it by one of its corners and it should peel up and off.
Thanks! It was a lot easier than I thought!
Hi Kathy,
Just wondering how the Waring container is working for you? I am thinking about buying it.
I have a Vita Mix super 5000, and am thinking of ordering the Waring SS carafe, what do I need to convert it? Thanks!
Your model uses the same centering pad as the current C-Series models (e.g. 5200). That means you can use the Waring container without converting anything, but for maximum stability, you can get the centering pad with shorter posts mentioned above.
Does anyone know if the blades from the Vitamix container can be retrofitted to the Waring stainless container?
Which Waring stainless steel container fits the Vitamix Pro 500 model? And which base centering pad should be used?
The Pro 500 uses the same coupling to the container as all other current full size Vitamix models, so you can do exactly what is described above.
Tritan is not free of EDCs, endocrine-disrupting chemicals. They are what BPA is.
The studies I’ve read have shown some leaching of EDCs when Tritan has been microwaved, autoclaved and/or had a high exposure to ultraviolet light. None of which the Vitamix container is exposed to. I’m not worried about this.
These guys make one available in europe too. 304 Stainless stell. Says it fits vitamixes.
Better than shipping the waring from yankeeland.
€295. Comes out cheaper too after duties and shipping.
http://www.harrexco-hochleistungsmixer.de/zubeh%C3%B6r/
have you tried it ? im thinking about this combination but didnt find any reviews..
Hello,
I wanted to know – is there a way to fit the stainless steel jug to a vitamix s50 series blender. Also, does it fit Omniblend V and optimum 9400?
Thank you!
Ethan
There’s no way to fit the Waring container onto a Vitamix S50. The S-Series models use a different coupling.
From what I’ve heard, I think it would fit Omniblend/Optimum machines, but I have not tested myself.
Thank you for this great post. I came across a study indicating that some Tritan products, even unstressed (no UV, microwaving, or autoclaving), can leach estrogen-mimicking compounds:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4063249/
This seems to be a relatively new area of research, and I have two toddlers, so I am concerned. You say that you are not concerned, and I would very much appreciate more insight into your opinion. I love my Vitamix and hate to give it up!
I would like to try your suggestion and order the stainless steel container, but I don’t quite understand how well it can be expected to work. I don’t really understand what makes the Vitamix blend as well as it does – is it the motor AND the blades, or primarily the motor? If the blades play a part, will the container you suggested work as well? I believe you said the Vitamix base plus stainless container setup is satisfactory in its blending- can you expand on that here? Does it blend as well as the intact Vitamix? Am I correct in assuming the blades are inseparable from the container? Thanks so much!
The evidence I’ve seen so far seems relatively weak, and I view the potential risk as outweighed by the benefits of facilitating healthy whole foods eating. In that paper they found some estrogenic activity (EA), but not with all Tritan tested, suggesting that maybe the EA they saw was due to added dyes. They also soaked the plastics for 10 days, much longer than food should ever be in a Vitamix. And finally, there is some question about the authors’ conflict of interest based on the fact that they are owners/employees of two companies: one that makes the EA test, and one that makes plastics without EA. (The manufacturer of Tritan has tests that they say show it does not have EA.) But if you want to avoid the plastics, the Waring container works well.
As far as what makes a Vitamix work, it is indeed a combination of the motor and blades (and container too). I have not done exhaustive side-by-side testing, but I’ve had good results with the Waring container. As I mention in the post, the biggest differences are not being able to see what you’re blending as well, and not having the tamper (but you could make a tamper for it). It is possible to remove the blades from these containers, but Vitamix discourages people from doing it because it is easy to strip the threads. If you are wondering if the Vitamix blades can be used on the Waring, I have not tested; the Waring blades work perfectly well.
Thank you for your response, I decided to continue using my Vitamix container for some uses and the stainless steel option for others. I just purchased the stainless pitcher from the link in your post 🙂
Hey great solutions.
Wolf also has a new blender (2015 and 2016) that is high powered. I like it because it can fit under and counter and not so tall. Do you know if this solution would work with this Wolf model WGBL100S. I am not sure how to proceed trying to figure this out unless I buy several products so, your insights would be appreciated. Thanks,
Catherine
I don’t have experience with the Wolf blender, so I’m not sure. My guess is that it’s not going to work, but you never know. The first thing to check is to count the teeth on the Wolf drive shaft. Does it have 12? If not, it’s definitely not going to work. If it does, I think the next step would be to just try and see if it fits.
Hi,
I am in the UK, the jug is nearly £700 on Amazon UK or £192 on Ebay UK,I find that prohibitive. I know I can purchase directly from the US, but there are custom charges which are a lot.
However, I notice there is also a Waring stainless steel jug Pro Speciality CAC35U which is a 1 litre capacity on Ebay UK at a much better price of £40. I know it is 1/2 the size, but does it also fit the Vitamix 5200? Thank you in advance.
I have not seen that container in person, but from the description I am pretty sure that it won’t work with a Vitamix.