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 Unfortunately, outdated information persists online.)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.
Hi, I am new to the vitamix brand. I would like to purchase the professional series 750 or the A3500. My hesitation is which will present the most limitations. I mostly will use it for personal smoothies and juicing, however I want to experiment with pestos, dressings, and soups. Which would be the better purchase?
Both work great for all of the uses you mentioned, and I recommend picking whichever you like the looks of better.
In terms of limitations:
The Pro 750 would limit your ability to use new accessories (currently Food Processor Attachment and 8 oz cups). Whereas the A3500 would limit your ability to use older/used containers that predate the Self-Detect technology.
I just wanted to say how much I appreciate this web page. I was trying hard to figure out whether my 5000 could use the “classic” 32oz container and I was stumped until I read your page. Thank you very much!
What dry blade container would I use for my vitamix vm 103?
Any Vitamix dry container will work with that model. Including this one
I own Vitamix Prep3 which has 64oz Jar. I am looking for :
1. compatible dry mix blender, preferably of smaller capacity, 20-48 oz
2. compatible personal blender of 20 oz capacity.
Can you help?
All the classic containers will work on that machine.
Will the 5200 container be interchangeable with the Vitamix 5000
Yes
I have a Creations II with a 48-ounce container. I need a new lid plug, but Amazon and Vitamix do not list such a part and I don’t know if the 32-oz or 64-oz plugs are interchangeable with my container. Can you tell me if the 32 or 64 oz plug will fit the 48 oz lid? Thanks.
I don’t have access to all those containers right now to double check, but I’m pretty sure they’re all different. Call Vitamix to get the right one.
Adam, thank you for this amazing site. I have a quick question for you. I am trying to buy a new Vitamix that can help with both the juices/soups in large quantities but also the small stuff like a bit of ginger-garlic paste etc in small quantity. In other words, I need one machine that can support both 64 oz and 8 oz jars. Which of the models (across classic and the new smart ones) would you suggest best suits my purpose?
To properly use the 8 oz jar you need a Self Detect machine, which means Venturist or Ascent. Pick based on looks and price. At the low-price end, consider the Recon V1200, which will blend just as well as the more expensive ones. A3500 is nice and fancy.
Looking for a wet contaner for a vita mix commercial/house hold food preparing machine model VM0103 variable speed super total nutrition center
That is a Classic machine. Compatible containers are listed above:
Thanks for this article! It’s great! I have a 5200 and after 10 eyars my jar had a crack in it. I ordered an E320 from Costco for the bigger jar but the variable speed dial felt cheap and the motor felt like it rattled and was janky. The tamper feels like a cheap wiffle bat. I decided to return it and stick with my 5200 motor with a new jar.
Am I understanding you correctly that a vitamix 780 can be modifies to use the 8oz cup if I have a personal cup adapter?
Yes, but it’s not an approved use. See the warning above
Hi Adam, thanks for the clarifications. I’m puzzled with my latest purchase that I assumed compatible. I have an older VM0109 and recently got a classic 64oz container (with padded handle). However, the centering pad of my Vitamix seems too small and the container only fits loosely on the four rubber pillars. Do I need a new centering pad and if yes is it the centering pad 000791?
It’s normal for the container to fit a bit loose, and for there to be some rotational play. Can you actually fully rotate the container when it’s on the base?
Fully rotating is not possible but at least 20 degrees, since the difference is about half an inch measured on one side.
Thanks for your information here. I have a very old VM0100a Bar boss edition and need a new container, even the classic ones in your article don’t look like they will match. Looking for 32 or 48 oz or anything that fits. Thanks.
I don’t cover the commercial units, but I’m pretty sure the home containers will in fact work on your machine.
Hmmm, is it the case that the classic containers don’t physically fit on the smart base or they fit but don’t use the auto-sensing ? I have one on the smart base units and did not even realize they put this “feature” / limitation in it. There doesn’t seem to be a 32 oz option for the new units ? Silly !
Classic containers fit on smart bases, but they are not compatible because classic containers do not have a Self Detect chip. The Self Detect is what enables them to have accessories like the Food Processor attachment.
will a 64oz container for the 5300 fit the 5000 series
Yes
I got E310 Vitamix model
I want to use a small 8 oz jar . Can I get 8oz jar with an adaptor for E 310 model
See above
I just inherited a Vitamix VM0145 “Quiet One”. Looking for the standard/most practical pitcher that goes with it. Any advice is appreciated! Thank you!
I’ve got a Pro 750 and don’t like the look of the cup adapter that is made for it as it has walls that look like it would make it a pain to clean. Can you use the one for the Accent series with the NFT and just not have the NFT chip function? https://www.vitamix.com/us/en_us/shop/blending-cup-and-bowl-starter-kit
Nope
Hi Adam,
Thanks for putting together this great site. We have a 7500 bought about 13 years ago and need to replace the 64 0z container. Can I buy any G series 64 oz container?Do you have a suggestion as to where to buy one?
Thanks!
Any 64-oz Vitamix container will work. You can buy from Amazon or direct from Vitamix.
Hi,
Could you advise if there is a clear lid that will fit on the professional 300 and the TNC5200? TIA
Not with their stock containers, but you could use one of the Ascent containers with a clear lid on those bases.
Why won’t the 8oz container be used on the professional series machines? I have email Vitamix and the advise for accent series only. BUT they have no intention of making a 8oz for spice grinding…. Another machine needs to be purchased….