In recent years Vitamix has greatly expanded their range of containers. (Each container in the photo above is different!) Here I will explain which containers work with which machines.
Contents
- 1 Are all Vitamix containers interchangeable?
- 2 Vitamix Container Compatibility Chart
- 3 Types of Vitamix Bases
- 4 Types of Vitamix Containers
- 5 Interchangeability of Classic 64-oz Containers
- 6 Space Saving 20-oz vs Smart System 20-oz
- 7 Unadvertised uses of the Personal Cup Adapter
- 8 Interchangeable Blades
- 9 Tamper Compatibility
Are all Vitamix containers interchangeable?
No! (They used to be, but with more recent releases, that is no longer the case. Unfortunately, outdated information persists online.)
I will cover all household Vitamix machines sold since the early 1990s, based on hands-on experience. I do not have direct experience with the older metal machines, and for those I recommend checking with this seller on eBay.
Vitamix Container Compatibility Chart
Here’s a chart with an overview of compatibility:
*PCA = Personal Cup Adapter
Types of Vitamix Bases
Each Vitamix machine has one of three types of container interfaces (left to right below): “Space Saving,” “Classic,” and “Smart System.
Space Saving Machines
These models came out in 2014, and they are smaller than Classic machines. They can only be used with the two containers that they come with (20-oz and 40-oz screw-on blade containers). They have been alternatively called Personal Series and S-Series. There are three different models: S30, S50, and S55.
Classic Machines
Most models sold since the early 1990s fall into this category. These models include the C-Series, G-Series, and Explorian Series. The Classic machines can be used with all containers, but they require the Personal Cup Adapter to use the screw-on blade containers.
Full list: 4500, 5000, 5200, 5300, 6000, 6300, 6500, 7500, 780, Aspire, Aspire GC, CIA Creations, CIA Professional Series, Creations Elite, Creations Gallery, Creations GC, Creations II, Explorian E310, Explorian E320, Professional Series 200, Professional Series 300, Professional Series 500, Professional Series 750, Total Nutrition Center, Total Nutrition Center 3, TurboBlend Three Speed, TurboBlend Two Speed, TurboBlend VS, VM0101, VM0102, VM0103, VM0109, VM0197.
Smart System Machines
Vitamix released these models in December 2016. They use NFC to detect that a container is in place, so they can only be used with containers that contain an NFC chip. Their containers are indicated with the phrase “SELF-DETECT.” These models include the Ascent and Venturist models: A2300, A2500, A3300, A3500, and V1200.
Types of Vitamix Containers
Space Saving Containers
Integrated blade
N/A
Screw-on blade
40-oz
Classic Containers
Integrated blade
Screw-on blade
Smart System Containers
Integrated blade
You can recognize these containers at a glance because they have clear lids.
Low-Profile 64-oz w/ SELF-DETECT
48-oz Dry Grains w/ SELF-DETECT
Screw-on blade
8-oz cups only w/ SELF-DETECT; or bundled with blade base
20-oz cup only w/ SELF-DETECT; or bundled with blade base
Interchangeability of Classic 64-oz Containers
I mentioned that all Classic containers fit on all Classic machines. One caveat is that Vitamix says that the Low Profile 64-oz container is not compatible with certain machines. They say that the wide container requires machines with 2.2 peak horsepower, and that the 5200 and similar machines only have 2 peak horsepower. However, I’ve made power measurements, and there isn’t a 10% difference in power between those types of models. The only significant difference is the airflow design on machines that look like the 7500 vs machines that look like the 5200. However, Vitamix started selling 5200-style bases with the wide container (5300 and 6500), so they must have decided that they can handle it. Just be a bit more mindful of not overheating the machine, and a wide container on a 5200-style base works fine.
One other thing to keep in mind with using a wide container on the 5200 is that all of the machines that come with a wide container have an electronic “soft start.” That means if you start the machine at maximum speed, instead of immediately giving it full power, the speed control will ramp up the speed over about two seconds. This is easier on the machine, and might be a reason that Vitamix doesn’t want people using wide containers on 5200-style bases. It’s always best practice to start on low and quickly ramp up the speed, but it’s even more important with the higher resistance faced by the longer blades in the wide container.
Vitamix claims that the tall/narrow classic 64-oz container is incompatible with the 7500 and similar machines. However, the base-container interface is the same on the 5200 and 7500. Moreover, the bottom of the tall/narrow 64-oz container is identical to the bottom of the 48-oz container, which Vitamix says works on both 5200- and 7500-style machines. Bottom line: using a tall classic 64-oz container on a 7500 base works fine.
Space Saving 20-oz vs Smart System 20-oz
On first glance these 20-oz containers look the same, but they are not! They can both be used with the Personal Cup Adapter, but they are not interchangeable between Space Saving and Smart Series models. The difference is on the lips of the cups. The Space Saving one has two tabs, which both contain small round magnets. The Smart System one has a wider lip that extends all the way around the cup, and it has two elongated magnets.
Unadvertised uses of the Personal Cup Adapter
Vitamix does not advertise it, but, the Personal Cup Adapter uses the same threading/blade as the Space Saving 40-oz container and the Smart System 8-oz cups. Online Vitamix only sells the 40-oz container bundled with a Space Saving machine. However, if you call them, you can buy it by itself. Last I checked, it was $54.95.
Update: Some people have been unable to unscrew the 8-oz container from the Personal Cup Adapter. Vitamix has issued this statement “The 8oz Blending Bowls should not be used with the Personal Cup Adapter under any circumstances. Doing so can result in damages that may not be covered by your warranty.” That said, I, and multiple people I know, have used them together without any problems.
These containers are great for blending small amounts, and they can be a nice addition to the wide, low-profile 64-oz container. They are even narrower than the other narrow Vitamix containers, so they allow blending the smallest possible amount in a Vitamix. (Their blade is 2.5″ across, instead of 3″ for the other narrow containers, and 4″ for the wide containers.)
Interchangeable Blades
Vitamix does not intend for home users to ever remove an integrated blade assembly from a container. This is because you can run into problems when you reattach it if you screw it on too tight, too loose, or cross-threaded. For that reason, removing the blade assembly voids the warranty. However, for anyone who understands risks, I want to share this compatibility information. The only two containers that use the same blade assembly are the 32-oz container, and the tall/narrow 64-oz container. Even though the blade in the 48-oz container looks the same, the 48-oz blade assembly is not interchangeable with the 32-oz or narrow 64-oz containers.
Vitamix sells a wrench for removing the blades. In case you’re wondering why they sell the wrench when removing the blade assembly voids the warranty, I believe it is because the wrench is nominally for their commercial line. However, it also fits most home models. It does not work with Smart System containers, because they use a different retainer nut. If you need to make a repair and you are out of the warranty period, changing the blade (carefully!) could save you some money.
Tamper Compatibility
Vitamix makes three different tampers.
Classic Tamper
The Classic Tamper is mainly for the tall 64-oz container. Because of the intermediate flange, it also works with the rubber lid 48-oz and 32-oz containers.
Mini Tamper
The Mini Tamper only works with the rubber lid 48-oz and 32-oz containers.
Low-Profile Tamper
The Low Profile Tamper is for the 64-oz low-profile classic container, all of the Smart System containers, and the Space Saving 40-oz container.
We have the Vitamix 6000 model VM 0102B. We are looking for a 20 oz container. I believe we need an adapter as well. Can you recommend where we can find this? Thanks fir your help with this.
You need the Personal Cup Adapter, which comes with a 20-oz cup.
my vitamix model VM0127 is not listed in your article… can you recommend which containers are compatible with my machine?
thanks.
It’s not listed because that’s a commercial machine, but any of the containers that fit Classic models will work with it.
I need a container for a vitamix 5000 which one is the one I need, or compatible with that
That’s a classical machine. See above for compatible containers. If you want the container that’s closest to the one it came with, that’s the 64-oz classic.
Hi, I have the Vitamix E320 and I see the newer smart containers will fit this machine. My question is would a lid from the new smart container fit on the same size container from on my E320. I ask this as I’m looking to convert my Vitamix to hold a vacuum for vacuum blending and thought it cheaper to try and source a new smart lid rather than pay £140 buying a complete container. The new smart containers are apparently fairly easy to convert to make them vacuum pump compatible. Where as the container that comes with the E320 will not hold a vacuum as the lid does not seal tight enough.
Interesting question! I never thought to try that before, since the new lids are not sold individually. I just tried, and the 64-oz Ascent lid does fit on the 64-oz E320 container, but it’s a bit tight and it’s not as easy to put on and off as it is on the Ascent container.
Ohh interesting. I’m happy to struggle taking it on and off. Do you think it would hold an air tight seal to create a vacuum. I’m sure I can get my hands on one if I try hard enough:)
Do you know if the E320 and E310 lid is the same? Trying to see if an E310 lid will fit on an ascent. Thanks!
Nope, the lids are not the same
I have a Vitamix Creations (VM0109) and trying to find a dry grains container. Does anyone know which container I need? I’m struggling to find any reference to a standard Creations model or the VM0109. Thanks
Any Vitamix dry container will work with your machine
Great – thanks Adam
I’m trying to use the new Food Processor attachment with my Professional Series 750. Is there some way I can do that?
Unfortunately the Food Processor Attachment is only compatible with the Ascent and Venturist models.
I have a V1200 and I am looking for a low profile container. Do they exist for this model.
Yes: Smart System Containers
Thank you!
Hello, I read all of this article. I’m still not sure about my question. I have a professional series 750 model. I have a 64oz low profile container. Is there a classic or TALL container that is compatible with my Vitamix?
Yes, your machine is compatible with all of the classic containers, including the tall 64-oz.
Hi,
I have vitamix model VM0109, I am looking for a small jar, could you please recommend a jar that could be used for wet grinding, blending and dry grinding.
32-oz
I have an E310 machine. Is there a 64oz container than can fit without having to change the blade or assembly?
All of the Vitamix 64-oz containers will fit on the E310
So from what I understand the classic 64-ounce container is compatible with the professional 750, but they say it’s not on there website is there a reason why they say it isn’t compatible?
There must be some reason, but I don’t know what it is. They are compatible.
I had the same concern, because on the Canadian Costco site, it says the tall 64-ounce container can be used with the Pro 750. So, I wrote to Vitamix for a clarification. Here is what I received via email:
“While the Classic 64 ounce container is not designed to operate with the Vitamix Professional series 750 it is compatible and can be used with it. Because the motor is more powerful than the Classic C series blenders that the tall container is designed to operate with there can be some issues with use. The container may be less stable than the Low profile container that is designed to work with the Pro 750. “
Thanks for relaying what Vitamix said. However, I think I owe my readers an explanation of why I think that Vitamix’s guidance on this is wrong. 1) I measured motor power and found that the G-Series motor (in the Pro 750) is not actually more powerful than the C-Series motor. 2) Any taller and narrower container is going to be “less stable” than a shorter wider container. But the classic tall container has been proven to be sufficiently stable, so the relevant question is, is it less stable on a Pro 750 than a C-Series, and the answer is, there is no difference in stability. As far as I can tell, Vitamix came up with this recommendation for marketing reasons, and then created these weird justifications for it.
Thanks. I wrote to Vitamix about two years ago with the concern, regarding using the tall container with a Pro 750. At that time, they said it is not compatible with that blender. Unfortunately, I did not save that email. This week, I saw the tall container on the Canadian Costco site, and when it said it is compatible with the Pro 750, I decided to write to Vitamix again. This time, their answer is different. I usually stand by the blender as it starts up, just in case the container shakes a bit at first. I like the narrow width of the tall container. My niece has that on a C series blender and I like using it.
Hi, I have the v1200i machine. Just purchased a vm0137 dry grains container but doesn’t work. Any idea which one I need please?
The V1200i requires the international containers, and unfortunately I don’t think that they have released an international dry container.
Will either the 32oz or 48oz Advance Container, with the Advance blade, work with the Vitamix 5200 or 5300? The 5200 and 5300 look exactly like the previous/current Drink Machine Advance models.
Yes, but you would need to change to the Advance centering pad, and it’s not officially supported
Anybody have any experience with the non-OEM containers coming out of China which claim to be Vitamix compatible?
(Does Vitamix make it’s containers in China anyway?)
My Vitamix conatiner died after 4-5 years, and if they are not going to last, I don’t see why I should pay $150 for one. I am looking for a bargain on a classic-compabitle container of any size.
I do not have direct experience with them, but I’ve heard plenty of stories of such containers being inferior. If you have to replace a knock-off after a year, you’re not actually saving money. And I’m pretty sure Vitamix still makes their containers in the US.
Does anyone know if a replacement blade can be purchased for the Creations Elite??
My blade says STM102R. I purchased a replacement blade from Vitamix (via Amazon) and while it did fit my container the threading wasn’t long enough for it to fit back into the base.
Short answer is I do not think so.
I’m guessing that you have a 48-oz container, and you purchased a replacement blade for 32-oz and 64-oz classic containers. Vitamix does not officially support home users replacing blades themselves, so replacement blades are officially intended for commercial users (i.e. smoothie shops etc.). There are commercial versions of the 32-oz and 64-oz containers that are basically identical to the home ones, but there is not commercial 48-oz container like the one that I’m guessing you have. So, as far as I know you need to replace the whole container.
Thanks for that information!
I just bought a e320 Explorian series VM0197! my question is i think this means mines a classic? and different containers work with mine? Is this right also at bottom of my container/Blade it looks like its plastic everything else metal just hope it lasts is this true?and above on where you have all the 4 green checks under classic is this under for mine please if you could answer these questions it would ease my mind!!Please!! Thank you!!!Thank you so much!!!💌💐😁🙏
Classic, yes
Hi- I have a Professional 750 Low Profile. I just ordered a replacement blade but it isn’t the same as the one that came it. All four blades on the new one are short, as opposed to having two longer ones, and the base is shorter. Before installing and using the new blade, are these in fact interchangeable? Thank you
It sounds like you bought a blade for a narrow container, and no, the wide and narrow container blades are not interchangeable.
You’re right- thank you for clarifying that
Hi, Looking for a replacement wet container of Model VM0109, do all C model type fit it? any suggestion?
Yes. If you want one that’s the same as the one it came with, get the classic 64-oz. Or if you don’t need the full volume, you can go with the 32 or 48-oz.
Thanks, Adam. I think I might go for the same one.
Mine is a VM0109. Will the personal cup and 8oz bowl work on this model? I simply love this 2 new accessories. Thank you.
You’d need the Personal Cup Adapter. And see the warning above.
I have a VM0100A. I believe that it is considered the Classic, but I do not see it listed under the classic models that you have listed. Thanks
Yes, Classic. It’s not listed because it’s a commercial unit, but it fits the same Classic containers.