Vitamix 5200 review: it’s a legend for a reason

‘My Vitamix whips up morning smoothies made with greens, seeds, and plenty of frozen fruit in less than a minute.’ Photograph: Courtesy of Vitamix

When I reviewed nearly a dozen models to find the best blenders for the Filter, I was already quite familiar with one of the brands I was testing: Vitamix. My parents bought me a refurbished Vitamix Turbo Blend 4500 in 2010, and I’ve used it to make smoothies, pesto and other kitchen concoctions ever since. Vitamix is the founding father of the premium blender category, known for its impressive warranties, extensive accolades, and steep prices, especially on the more hi-tech models.

Introduced in 2007, the Vitamix 5200 is considered its “legacy” model, still holding strong nearly two decades later despite newer models like the digital Ascent X line popping up around it. At $500, the Vitamix 5200 is still a daunting investment, but if you’re a home cook looking to take your smoothies, soups and sauces to the next level, it’s well worth it. Here’s why.