VitamixAscent X5 Blender, Professional-Grade, 10 Preset Blending Programs, 48-ounce Container, Self-Cleaning, Brushed Stainless

The media could not be loaded. As a mom of six feeding a small army each day, I consider my Vitamix one of my best friends in the kitchen. I always try to convince family/friends it's worth every penny. Despite the high cost, if mine ever broke (it hasn't), I'd replace it immediately. Fortunately, with this new 10 yr warranty, I don't see that being a problem any time soon.This is an upgrade for me, after owning the legacy Vitamix 5200 for the last 15 years. I've never had a problem and it's never let me down, but I have kids going to college and decide to order this newer one for me and let them use my older one. So, my opinions are based on my experience with my older machine, and with my mother's Blendtec.The Ascent X5 is a pretty stellar upgrade. The machine is sleek and I love the stainless steel option, which has a more modern feel and is a better match for my kitchen (but really, it still has a fair amount of black). The touch-screen buttons feel fancy, are easy to use (not a press, just the lightest of touch) and the knob for selections and variable speed is so great. The new power button on the right underside is a little to get used to, but pretty simple once you get used to it. The base is big and heavy, but still about the same size, but with a larger motor (12 amp). This machine is lower profile with the 48oz carafe and it's an easy fit under our kitchen cabinets on the counter.Speaking of the carafe, it's a nice upgrade with a more secure lid, which locks in place and includes a clear lid and stopper. The stopper includes a little bit of a measuring cup for addl liquids, with 1/2 and 1 oz markings on the side (see photo). It's a little sad I can't use my older carafes with this blender. The Ascent series requires the SELF-DETECT containers, so I'm limited to this included 48 oz, which is tricky for our big family. I had to order the 64 oz container before I could really LOVE this new setup. So, if you have a need for the larger container, maybe consider various bundles.The blend power and smoothness is stellar, the programs are a fun new upgrade (but not crucial for me). I adore the cleaning cycle, because I feel like it's a little more hands off and I can attend to other things. The included recipes are fun and Vitamix always has great things to share in their marketing. I'm convinced there's no other blender out there that I've ever seen/used that gets a smoother blend. It allows me to do all the sneaky things: nuts, flax or broccoli in the kids' smoothies; blending beans into their tomato sauce.For me, a Vitamix is a huge part of a healthy lifestyle. I can more easily prepare and enjoy more fresh foods and make more things from scratch than I used to. So easily to use once you get the hang of it, ever useful, with exceptional quality all the time.Really my only downside, this is a loud machine. I'm used to it, but it really is loud. I don't believe it's as loud as the Blendtec, however. We did some side-by-side comparisons between my Vitamix 5200 and this Ascent X5, and they are remarkably similar. We couldn't tell a difference.

This Vitamix Ascent X5 blender is a true marvel, representing the pinnacle of their home blending technology. It's an extremely well-made appliance, built to last, a testament to its durability backed by an impressive 10-year warranty. The brushed stainless steel base gives it a sleek, sophisticated look that will undoubtedly enhance any kitchen countertop.The 48-ounce container is perfectly sized, making it effortlessly fit under most cabinets while also being highly practical for daily use, especially for crafting smaller batches. Operating the X5 is wonderfully straightforward, thanks to its 10 intuitive preset blending programs, covering everything from silky smoothies and indulgent frozen desserts to hearty soups, refreshing frozen cocktails, and even precise spice grinding. Need a little extra blending time? The handy "add 15 seconds" button is a brilliant touch. It also comes complete with a pusher and a clever holder that attaches to the base, and I appreciate the thoughtful indicator light that signals when the pusher might be beneficial.Cleaning is surprisingly simple despite the integrated blades in the container. The self-cleaning program does an excellent job, and for added convenience, the container is dishwasher safe. The powerful motor absolutely devours tough ingredients like ice cubes, fibrous vegetables, and frozen fruit, consistently delivering exceptionally smooth, perfectly blended results. While it's marketed as quieter than earlier models, let's be real – at higher speeds, it's still a powerhouse, and a bit of noise is entirely expected from such a high-performance blender. This blender also boasts compatibility with all self-detect accessories and is adept at handling hot foods, including delicious homemade soups.If you're someone who appreciates all the bells and whistles and demands top-tier performance, the Ascent X5 is definitely worth considering. While the premium price point might seem high at first glance, the Ascent X5 is built to last a long time and can often be found on sale, making it a valuable investment. We are absolutely thrilled with this appliance and are eagerly exploring the myriad of recipes in the comprehensive softcover recipe book.