All of Vitamix’s latest models come with preset program modes in addition to manual controls. You can select a program, and then the machine will automatically move through a set of speeds designed for that type of blend. I figured some people would be curious to see exactly what the programs do, so I recorded all eleven program sequences on an X5. You might learn a bit about Vitamix’s recommended blending technique (TLDR: turn up to max speed for almost everything!), and it might also help decide between the Ascent X4 and X5 models, whose only difference is 5 extra programs on the X5.
The X2 and X3 have 4 programs: Smoothie, Frozen Desert, Hot Soup, and Self Clean.
The X4 has 6 programs: Smoothie, Frozen Desert, Hot Soup, Frozen Cocktail, Dips & Spreads, and Self Clean.
The X5 has 11 programs: Smoothie, Frozen Desert, Hot Soup, Frozen Cocktail, Dips & Spreads, Smoothie Bowl, Frappé, Nut Butter, Non-Dairy Milk, Spice Grinding, and Self Clean.
Program Speed Plots
The following plots are the speed setting versus time with the X5’s standard 48-oz wet container. (Ascent models have a non-linear mapping between speed setting and actual speed, so this does not directly correspond to actual speed. The speed doesn’t change as much per speed setting at the low end as it does at the high end. Also, all of the machines with programs ramp up gradually in between speeds, so the actual speed does not have the sharp steps shown in the plots.)
If you appreciate this info, please support my site by purchasing via one of my Vitamix links, or by referring others to my site. Here is my Ascent X Series Review.
The program icons in the plots are the ones that Vitamix uses on the X5, and the tamper icon indicates which programs need the tamper: Smoothie, Frozen Desert, Dips & Spreads, Smoothie Bowl, and Nut Butter. (Smoothies do not always need the tamper, but it’s good to have it ready in case the ingredients get stuck above the blades.)
Thoughts on Vitamix’s programs
The main weakness of the programs is that within a type of blend, the optimal speed sequence and time will depend on what and how much you are blending. Even on Vitamix’s latest models, the programs still go through a pre-specified set of speeds, regardless of what is happening in the container. (Vitamix does adjust the programs depending on which container you use, so they run a bit longer in the 64-oz container.)
It’s nice to see Vitamix incorporating a version of the bubble removal trick to the Hot Soup program, which they did not include in their original Hot Soup program.
I think it’s weird that the Self Clean program doesn’t go up to full speed, because I think full speed can help get the container cleaner. It doesn’t make a difference for many blends, but on the occasion when you have something sticky to clean out, the extra power can help, and I don’t see how it hurts for other blends.
Also some of the programs are super close to others. The differences between Smoothie, Frozen Cocktail, and Dips & Spreads are pretty subtle, and I highly doubt that there is a practical difference between them. I think the main function of these similar programs is to remind you of all of the different things you can make.
Similarly, Smoothie Bowl, Non-Dairy Milk, and Nut Butter look extremely similar. You can also get pretty close to these three programs by selecting Frozen Dessert, and then pressing the +15 seconds button. I suppose another difference is whether the machine is reminding to use the tamper or not. (The X4 and X5 tell you when to use the tamper.)
I previously recorded programs on a few older models.
