The Ascent Series is Vitamix’s latest line of blenders, which they are calling the Smart System. Vitamix sent me the A2300 and A3500 to review. The other models have different combinations of the same features, so this is a comprehensive review of all four models. [Disclosure: If you make a purchase after following a link from this site, Joy of Blending may receive a referral commission (at no cost to you), and I am grateful for your support.] The Ascent models blend just as well as previous Vitamix models. The most notable new feature is wireless connectivity, though there are a range of other changes.
Note that you can lower your upfront cost of Vitamix purchases by paying over time with Vitamix’s generous payment plans.
Contents
- 1 Differences between Ascent Models
- 2 Which Ascent model is best for you?
- 3 Wireless Connectivity
- 4 Other New Features
- 5 Subtle Differences
- 6 What is the future of older models?
- 7 Container Compatibility
- 8 Color Options
- 9 Premium Metal Finish Options
- 10 Is the Ascent Series for you?
- 11 Vitamix Ascent vs. Legacy models
- 12 Summary
Differences between Ascent Models
The difference between Ascent models is their control interface and color/finish options. The A3300 and A3500 use a knob and touchscreen, while the A2300 and A2500 use a knob and physical switches. The A2500 and A3500 have program modes plus manual control, while the A2300 and A3300 have manual control only.
A2300 | A2500 | A3300 | A3500 | |
variable speed | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
pulse | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
count-up timer | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
built-in programs* | 3 | 5 | ||
touchscreen | ✓ | ✓ | ||
user-set countdown | ✓ | ✓ | ||
premium dial | ✓ | ✓ | ||
metal base option | ✓ | ✓ | ||
price | $499 | $549 | $549 | $649 |
recon price | $399 | $499 |
Which Ascent model is best for you?
If you want an Ascent model, there are essentially two decisions to make:
- Do you want to pay more for premium controls and metal base options? (Premium controls include a robust touch interface, digital knob, and a countdown timer.)
Yes ⇨ A3300 or A3500. No ⇨ A2300 or A2500. - Do you want to pay more for preset program modes? (I have a discussion of presets on my Which Vitamix page.)
Yes ⇨ A2500 or A3500. No ⇨ A2300 or A3300.
Beyond the options of touchscreen or switches, preset program modes, and finish options, the Ascent models are identical, and offer the same blending performance. (Actually, one minor difference between them is that the touchscreen models have the settable countdown timer.)
Wireless Connectivity
Compared to previous Vitamix models, the major new development is wireless connectivity technology. The Ascent bases use near-field communication (NFC) to identify which container is being used. (There is an NFC tag embedded in the bottom of the container.) This allows Ascent models to use both full-size containers and small personal-size containers. In addition to the 64-oz container that comes with Ascent models, there are optional 20-oz and 8-oz containers.
The container detection allows the programs to adjust their times based on which container you are using.
The Ascent models only run when they recognize a container. This means that previous Vitamix containers that don’t have NFC tags will not work with the new models.
The Ascent models also have Bluetooth, which allows you to use the free Perfect Blend App to send programs to the blender. This includes the A2300 and A3300, which do not have built-in programs. Vitamix has also suggested that they will continue to roll out new features that use the Bluetooth connection.
Other New Features
Timer Display
All Ascent models feature a digital timer that counts up and displays the seconds and minutes of manual blends. The motor automatically stops after 6½ minutes when using the large 64-oz container, 7½ minutes for 48-oz, and 1¼ minutes for the 8-oz and 20-oz containers. (The 8-oz and 20-oz containers are unvented, so extended blending could build up too much pressure.) These automatic cutoffs mean that even the Ascent models without programs (A2300 and A3300) effectively have a soup program. Just ramp up the speed to high, then the motor will turn itself off after 6½ minutes. (The soup program on the A2500 and A3500 runs for 5¾ minutes.)
The A2500 and A3500 have program modes, and when running a program, the timer counts down the time remaining. The A3300 and A3500 have the option of manually setting a specific amount of time, which the timer counts down from and then automatically stops the motor.
Here is a video tour of the touchscreen features of the A3500 (the A3300 is identical except it does not have the program buttons):
New Lid
The Ascent lid is clear, instead of the previous black lids. I never thought about the black lids blocking the view before, but after using the clear lid, I find myself appreciating the better view. The Ascent lid also has snap fasteners that make a satisfying click when they are locked on. (It reminds me of the Glasslock food containers, which I like.) In this video you can see Vitamix’s head chef demonstrating the A3500, and you can hear the lid click on:
The Ascent lid also forms a better seal. The seals on the old lids are usually fine, but if you blend a large amount of thin liquid, they can leak a bit. The Ascent lids stay sealed in situations where the old lids could leak.
Dishwasher-Safe Container
Previously, Vitamix said that only the S-Series containers were dishwasher safe. Now this full-size container is dishwasher safe. For normal use, most people will be better off just running it with soapy water, but for the occasional thick and sticky blend, being able to run it through the dishwasher will be nice.
10-year warranty
Previous Vitamix models came with either 5 or 7-year warranties. Vitamix warranties are great because if your machine needs service, they cover shipping both ways. They also often offer first-time courtesy replacement for items damaged by user error/negligence
New Styling
The Ascent models have more curves, and a clean bevel. They are designed to look good from all sides, including the back. They moved the label from the back to the bottom, so if you use it on a kitchen island, the back of the machine looks more polished.
Digital Knob (A3300 and A3500 only)
The A3300 and A3500 have a digital knob. It is still a physical knob, but it does not have absolute position. Every time you turn the machine on, or after a blend is stopped, the speed setting resets to one. This is nice because it prevents the potential to accidentally leave the speed on high and make a mess by unexpectedly starting at max speed. The knob has a nice feel, and it gently clicks between speed settings. (It moves from 1 to 10 in half-step increments.)
More Containers
The 20-oz container container is the same size and shape as the to-go cup on the S-Series, but the screw-on blade assembly is different. (The S-Series 20-oz and the Ascent 20-oz are not interchangeable because they have different magnets for container detection.) The 8-oz container uses the same blade assembly as the 20-oz, but the container is much shorter. It’s great for blending small amounts of things like sauces and salad dressing.
The 8-oz and 20-oz containers are completely sealed during blending, so you cant use a tamper, which means you can’t use them for blending thick blends like spreads or frozen desserts.
The 48-oz container is great for blending blending smaller batches of things that need the tamper. It has 3” blades instead of the wide 64-oz container’s 4” blades, and a narrower bottom that allows it to blend smaller volumes more easily. (The difference in minimum volume to blend thick recipes easily is ~36 vs. ~24 oz.)
Vitamix has said that they have plans to release additional accessories, which will likely only work on Ascent models. Update: the Vitamix Food Processor Attachment is now available, and it’s only for Ascent and Venturist models.
Subtle Differences
Dimensions
The overall dimensions are similar to G-Series Vitamix models. The Ascent base is about ¼” shorter. The Ascent base plus container and lid is also about 1/4” shorter than G-Series models, which puts it at 17¼”. The base footprint is 8×10¾”
Power Cord
The power cord length is 4 ft instead of 6 ft on C and G-Series models. Like previous models, Ascent models allow you to stow excess cord by wrapping it around the bottom, and it secures out of sight.
Speed
The maximum speed is the same as the G-Series models (~23,000 RPM).
The minimum speed is slightly slower than G-Series models, but the difference is barely noticeable (1,400 RPM vs 1,600 RPM).
More noticeably, as you turn up the speed knob, the speed first increases more gradually, then more quickly. (The G-Series models increase evenly across the full range.) It’s easier to understand with a plot:
Also, the Ascent models have a similar microprocessor speed control to the G-Series, which maintains speed regardless of load, up to the maximum output of the motor. (See my speed measurement page for more details.)
Also similar to G-Series models, there is a soft start. If you start the motor at high speed on a Classic Vitamix, the motor immediately goes at full throttle, but G-Series models automatically ramp up the speed. The soft start on A-Series is not quite as soft as on G-Series (~1.8 sec vs. 2.4 sec to get to maximum speed). This could make high-speed pulsing slightly more effective.
64-oz Container
The Ascent 64-oz container is very similar to the G-Series Container. It weighs ~4% more (1240g vs 1190g). With the lid, the container is same the same height. Without the lid, the Ascent container is ~1/4” taller, because the Ascent lid is shorter. The pour spout is slightly different, but so far I haven’t noticed a big difference.
Physical Controls
For people who prefer physical switches over touchscreens, the A2300 and A2500 deliver. The A2300 and A2500 have pulse and start-stop paddle switches, which work nicely. The variable speed knob is bigger and the numbers are more visible than on previous Vitamix models. The speed knob also adds an off position, which makes turning the machine off more convenient (and can help prevent accidentally starting it).
On-Off Switch
Ascent models have an on-off switch towards the rear bottom of the right side. This is the same position as G-Series models. The Ascent base shell has a little lip over the switch to protect it from spills, which the G-Series does not have.
Rubber centering pad
The Ascent centering pad that the container sits on has more curves. It’s a bit more stylish, but the top of it is also not perfectly flat like the old ones. This means that the container can rock slightly, but it’s not a big deal. I guess the advantage is that it slopes away from the hole in the middle, which means that if you spill a lot of liquid on the top of the pad, it will drain off the sides, instead of into the motor in the middle. I’ve never seen it be a problem with the old design though.
Packaging
Vitamix replaced molded styrofoam in the box with a clever cardboard design, which is a nice benefit for the environment. The cardboard holds everything securely, even if the box is inverted.
What is the future of older models?
My Vitamix source says the C-Series is likely being discontinued. I don’t know when they will go out of stock for good. My source also says that they plan to continue making the S-Series, plus the Pro 750 and 780, at least through 2017.
Container Compatibility
Legacy containers cannot be used on the Ascent series, because they do not have NFC tags. Interestingly, the Ascent series drive shaft is the same as the C- and G-Series drive shaft, so you can use the Ascent full-size container on C- and G-Series bases. (Vitamix says the wide container shouldn’t be used on C-Series bases, but I don’t think it is a big problem—just be a bit more careful about not overheating the motor.) However, the inside of the 4 centering posts are different on the Ascent series, which will prevent you from using the Ascent 20-oz and 8-oz containers on legacy models.
It’s too bad that Legacy containers can’t be used on Ascent models. My understanding is that this is primarily a safety concern. Vitamix needed a container detect system to be able to use the screw-on blades, so that the blender wouldn’t run with the blades exposed. Vitamix engineers came up with a clever solution: the screw-on blade assembly has an NFC chip with a magnetic reed switch, so that the NFC chip only activates when the container is properly screwed on. The advantage of this setup is that it doesn’t require any cumbersome locking devices.
Color Options
A2300: White, Black, Slate, and Red
A2500: White, Black, Slate, and Red
A3300: Black and Brushed Stainless
A3500: Brushed Stainless, Black Stainless, Candy Apple Red, Copper, Graphite, and White
Premium Metal Finish Options
At the top of the line, the A3300 and A3500 offer premium finish options. The Brushed Stainless, Black Stainless, Copper, and Graphite all use a solid metal shell on the base, instead of the plastic used on other Vitamix machines. I don’t think it makes a difference in durability, because the plastic they use is plenty tough, but the metal adds elegance. The metal also blocks the motor noise better than plastic, so these models are a bit quieter. The Brushed Stainless and the Black Stainless both have a subtle brushed texture, and the Graphite has a finely speckled finish. Here are some photos, which you can click to expand (left to right, Brushed Stainless, Black Stainless, and Graphite):
The Black Stainless in the photo above comes with darker chrome accents on the front, but the current Black Stainless comes with the standard chrome accents.
Is the Ascent Series for you?
If you will only be using the smaller container, the S-Series bases are more compact, so they could be a good choice for a tight kitchen space. If you don’t like the look of the digital timer, you might want a Legacy model.
I am sure some people will raise concerns about the new, more advanced, models having more things that could go wrong and be harder to fix. My first response is that the new models come with the 10-year warranty, so at the minimum you will be covered for that long. I’m guessing that the microprocessors should last for a very long time, but we won’t know for sure what the lifespan of these new models will be until they start aging. Vitamix has been selling models with microprocessor speed control (6300/Pro 500 and G-Series) for about 6 years, and I haven’t heard of any problems with the microprocessors failing.
Vitamix Ascent vs. Legacy models
Here’s an overview of how Ascent models differ from the current non-Ascent Vitamix models (aka Legacy models):
- Warranty: 10 years for Ascent vs. 5 or 7 years for Legacy
- Containers: Ascent models require Ascent containers (with Self-Detect chip).
The following are new features on Ascent models:
- Timer display counts up minutes and seconds (all Ascent models) and counts down to automatic shutoff on A3300 and A3500
- Clear lid with better locking mechanism
- Fully dishwasher-safe containers
- Sleeker styling
- Container detect allows use of small 8-oz and 20-oz containers without bulky adapter, and programs adjust automatically based on container.
- Bluetooth connectivity: send programs to blender from Perfect Blend app.
All for about the same price as Legacy models!
There is some talk of Ascent models being quieter, but I’ve found them to be about the same as the G-Series (which is a bit quieter than the C-Series).
Summary
The Ascent series offers a range of improvements over previous models. Vitamix plans to release more containers and wireless features for Ascent models, so getting an Ascent is buying into the future of Vitamix. The distinguishing features on all Ascent models are: timer display, app connectivity, 10-year warranty, clear snapping lid, and fully dishwasher safe containers. Here are links to Ascent models at Vitamix.com.
Has the $20 off stopped working? I tried it recently and my order would never go through.
Thanks!
I just checked, and I still see the $20 off applying to Ascent machines in the shopping cart. Try a new session by clicking through in another browser or in incognito/private mode. Let me know if you still run into problems. Try to get your order in today though, because prices are scheduled to go up at midnight ET.
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Thanks for a great review. Can you please give me advice i am between ascent 2500 and 3500 series, but now i read that the previous models for example 7500 are better for almond butter than ascent models. That was on the c-net review,can you give me advice and tell me is it true that the older models are better?
Thanks for your prompt answer.
Best regards.
Kristian
Unfortunately that CNET reviewer did not know what they were talking about, and their comparison with the 7500 is inconsistent. As far as I can tell, they did not do side-by-side testing, and the reviews were performed by different reviewers. If you look at the comments on the A3500 CNET review, you’ll see one from me that they have never addressed.
The Ascent models make almond better just as well as the 7500.
Thanks you very much for your prompt answer.
You give me a lot of help. I am from Croatia and i will buy vitamix from Croatian general distribution.
Best regards,
Kristian
Now i was talking with Croatian distributer for vitamix and he said very sad thing that i can’t buy in europe vitamix ascent 3500 in graphit color i can buy only in brushed stainless metal finish it’s really sad.😞
I never owned a vitamix and looking to order one in the next couple days. I am going all in and getting an Ascent 3500. So I’ve talked to a couple longtime vitamix users and they have the older mechanical type with the switches. Now, when I talked about these newer type models with the touch button controls and digital dial they were of course looking at the chance of more things to fail. I usually look at these things as well but…….I know this is the future of these mixers so I say why not but it does get me thinking. What are your thoughts on this? Also, is the 3500 Graphite model a textured/rough finish? Thanks
There is added complexity, but I haven’t seen any reason to believe that it won’t be perfectly long-lasting. Plus, these machines have long warranties, which should help allay any such fears.
I do not think of the Graphite as textured/rough, but I just pulled it out, and you could describe it as very finely textured. I think it feels smooth to the touch, but if you look at reflections in it, you can see that they are slightly diffused by the fine speckled texture. (Did you see my photos of the metal finish options above?)
Thank you for the quick response. Right, the Ascent series does have the best warranty than any other series which is great and is one of the main reasons for wanting this series. Well, I am still sold on the 3500 and can’t wait. My hang up is choosing the color ha! I did look at your photos beforehand and as clear and nice as they are the photos are still hard to get the true feel of that. So is the speckled texture a duller type of finish then? It is completely black though right? It’s See, I was up in Cleveland over Christmas and was going to stop by the company store to get a good look at them and found out that it’s no longer open now. I tried a retailer and they dont carry those colors on hand. It’s either the Gaphite or black stainless I’ll go with. Oh well, I’ll figure it out. I do appreciate your time and all the info. Thank you!
I wouldn’t call the Graphite black; it’s more of a dark gray. And the Graphite is less shiny than the Black Stainless, so you could call it duller. It’s not totally matte though.
$144 for the 48oz container is a bit steep. I wonder if you could transfer the nfc chip from the 64oz container that comes with the Ascent models to a classic 48 or 32oz container? Those are available used for much less on ebay.
The NFC chip is embedded in the retainer nut. It seems like trying to get it out could be asking for trouble. I’m not sure if the Ascent retainer nut would fit on one of the classic containers. Vitamix changed the retainer nut on Ascent models so that it can’t be unscrewed with the classic Vitamix wrench. It’s possible that you could rig something up, but it would definitely void the warranty.
I did try cloning an Ascent container NFC chip onto a blank NFC tag, but I didn’t get it to work. They have some sort of encryption that prevents simple cloning.
Thanks Adam. It’s interesting they went to the trouble of encrypting the nfc tags. I guess they’re worried bout someone else making knock-off containers because then they couldn’t sell them for $150ea 🙂
When you mention voiding the warranty, you’re only referring to the container, right? If the motor fails, they’re not going to ask you to send your (modified) container along with it, are they?
I think the encryption (or maybe it’s just some sort of copy-protection) is a standard feature of the modern tags.
I believe that using any non-approved part voids the warranty on the whole thing. I also think it depends on the case whether or not they ask for the container back.
Hi.i live in hong kong I am trying to buy a2300 ideally with a 48oz and 8oz jar. Would you know who ships a 220v to this part of the world.
Regards
I believe you can order from Amazon.co.uk. I don’t think there is a 48-oz container for the 220v Ascent machines yet. (And don’t try to order a US container, because the NFC chips are coded to the machine type, so you’d need one that is specifically sold for the 220v Ascent models.)
Would you know Vitamix will release a vacuum carafe for this series in future?
I do not know if they will. I sort of doubt they will, but ultimately I don’t know. If you’re interested in vacuum blending, the good news is that it’s pretty easy to adapt the stock Ascent containers to hold a vacuum. See: Ascent Vacuum Blending
Hey, thank you for making it so easy for us to choose the right Vitamix. I want to buy A3500. I want to make soups and I have seen in the recipe that we have to steam carrots and potatoes and such hard veggies before it goes to vitamin. Is it true?
It’s not really about whether the vegetables are hard or not. (A Vitamix can blend any hard vegetable.) It’s a question of how the vegetables taste, and in many cases cooking them will make them taste much better. There are a few classic Vitamix vegetable soup recipes that use vegetables that taste good without having to be cooked: Thai Ginger and Southwest Tortilla Soup. If you look through my Vitamix soup recipes, there are a few more ones that use raw vegetables, and plenty more that use cooked ones.
May I add a comment?
Vidya, if you decide you like the way your soups taste with cooked veggies (I know I do), you can make a bunch of foil packs that contain the veggies called for in the recipes you like. Roast them all at 350º/175º or so for at least 40 minutes, let them cool, then label and pop them in the freezer. You can either let them thaw overnight or all day (in the container, if you like) or, if you’re making soup on the fly, pop them in the oven so they at least partially thaw. If you use heavy foil, you can re-use it at least once. And incidentally, I’ve yet to see a Vitamix soup recipe that uses raw potatoes.
Don’t forget that if you’re so inclined, you can start with boiling hot liquid when you make soup; this will help your soup get hot if your veggies are really cold.
IF I can’t afford the a3500. Would you get the 3300 or the 2500? I know with one model you sacrifice the touch controls and with the other model you sacrifice the presets. What is your opinion? Are those the only differences between the 3300 and the 2500?
I personally would get the A3300, because I don’t use the presets. I think the central dial on the A3300 and A3500 feels nicer. The A3300 and A3500 also have a settable countdown timer, but I don’t use that either. I really like the metal base options, which are only available on the A3300 and A3500. These differences are summarized in a table above.
Hi! Could you please tell me what is the centering pad part number for the ascend line? I’m trying to use the new food processor attachment with my 7500. Thanks a bunch!!!
That will not work