Vitamix Professional Series 200 vs. 500: Which Blender Is Better?

Vitamix blenders can pulverize almost any ingredient into a smooth purée or creamy smoothie with their powerful motors and razor-sharp blades. But with several models, deciding which Vitamix is right for your kitchen can be tough. Two of the most popular and affordable models are the Vitamix Professional Series 200 and 500 blenders. While both can handle tough ingredients, there are some key differences in performance, preset programs, and overall functionality. For serious home cooks and smoothie enthusiasts, choosing between the Vitamix Pro 200 and Pro 500 raises one big question: Which blends ingredients to perfection with the greatest ease? Let’s compare these two blenders to help determine the best choice for your blending needs.

Quick Glance Highlights

Regarding performance and power, the Vitamix Pro 500 comes out ahead. With a 2.2 peak horsepower motor, the Pro 500 operates at higher speeds for smoother blending. It’s built to last longer than the Pro 200 and has a 7-year warranty. The Pro 200 has a less powerful motor and a 5-year warranty. However, the Pro 200 is more affordable and can still blend tough ingredients thanks to its aircraft-grade stainless steel blades. For most home cooks, the durability and smoothness of the Pro 500 make it the better long-term investment if you can afford the higher price tag. But the Pro 200 remains a decent budget-friendly option.

Features of the Vitamix Professional Series 200

With its high-performance blending capabilities, the Vitamix Professional Series 200 is popular for smoothie enthusiasts and home cooks. This versatile blender offers many of the key features that make Vitamix machines stand out.

Motor Power and Performance

The Vitamix Pro 200 houses a two-peak horsepower motor that spins the aircraft-grade stainless steel blades at 37,000 rpm. This powerful motor can heat soup by friction as it blends and turns ice into snow in seconds. The Pro 200 easily crushes ice, whole fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, and tough greens like kale. Its blades will even grind grains into flour. While less advanced than the pricier Vitamix models, the Pro 200 motor easily handles most blending tasks.

Container Size and Design

This Vitamix comes with a 64-ounce low-profile BPA-free container made of durable Tritan plastic. The wide container base promotes good circulation and infiltration of ingredients for smooth blends. Designed to fit under most kitchen cabinets, the low-profile jar has clear measurement marks to follow recipes precisely. A spill-proof vented lid seals tightly. The lid has a removable plug for adding ingredients while blending.

Control Panel and Settings

Vitamix keeps controls simple on the Pro 200 model. It has high and low-speed settings and a pulse lever to burst ingredients briefly. The blender runs continuously at your chosen speed setting until manually turned off. There are no pre-programmed settings. However, this makes the Pro 200 very user-friendly to operate. Just choose your speed and blend time.

Additional Features and Accessories

A tamper comes included to help process thick mixtures in the container. The Pro 200 has a cord wrap underneath to keep countertops tidy. This Vitamix carries a 5-year warranty covering parts and performance. Optional accessories like extra containers, tampers, and blade assemblies are available.

With its strong motor, durable container, and straightforward controls, the Vitamix Professional Series 200 delivers exceptional results without all the bells and whistles. For reliable high-speed blending day after day, it’s a smart investment for any kitchen.

Features of the Vitamix Professional Series 500

The Vitamix Professional Series 500 is a top-of-the-line blending machine for homes and restaurants with outstanding performance and versatility. This powerful blender comes equipped with many features that make food prep simple.

Motor Power and Performance

The Vitamix Pro 500 houses a 2.2 peak horsepower motor that spins blades at 37,000 rpm. With this high-torque motor, the Pro 500 tackles the toughest ingredients. It heats soup by friction, grinds flour, chops vegetables, and blends smoothies perfectly smooth. The variable speed control gives you precision when blending.

Container Size and Design

This Vitamix comes with a 64-ounce Tritan plastic container that fits under most cabinets. The wide base creates a vortex to fold ingredients. The spill-proof vented lid seals tightly and has a plug for adding ingredients while blending. Measurement markings help follow recipes.

Control Panel and Settings

The Pro 500 has a variable 10-point speed dial, allowing precise speed control, plus a pulse lever for short bursts. It offers program settings for smoothies, frozen desserts, and hot soups that adjust blending times and speeds automatically. The digital display shows your selection.

Additional Features and Accessories

A tamper helps process thick mixtures in the container. The Pro 500 motor base has sound-dampening technology for quieter blending. This Vitamix carries a 7-year warranty covering parts and performance. Optional wet and dry containers, blades, and other accessories are available.

With its powerful motor, pre-programmed settings, variable speed dial, and noise reduction features, the Vitamix Pro 500 makes it easier than ever to achieve perfect blends and food prep in your kitchen.

Comparison of the Vitamix Professional Series 200 and 500

The Vitamix Pro 200 and Pro 500 are both excellent blenders, but there are some key differences to compare that can help you choose between these two models.

Differences in Motor Power and Performance

The biggest difference is the Pro 500 has a more powerful 2.2 peak horsepower motor, while the Pro 200 motor has two peak HP. The Pro 500 runs at slightly higher speeds for smoother blending. It’s better for grinding grains and handling thicker mixtures. But the Pro 200 still has plenty of power for most tasks.

Differences in Container Size and Design

Both models include the same 64-ounce Tritan containers with measurement marks. The container design is identical on the Pro 200 and Pro 500—no significant difference.

Differences in Control Panel and Settings

The Pro 500 adds a variable speed dial for more control over textures, plus pre-programmed settings for common recipes. The Pro 200 only has high/low speeds.

Comparison of Features and Accessories

Both Vitamix models come with a tamper and 5-7-year warranties. The Pro 500 has a quieter motor and carries a higher price tag. But the Pro 200 costs less than the Pro 500 while still delivering excellent blending.
In summary, the more expensive Pro 500 has some enhanced capabilities, but the Pro 200 retains core Vitamix blending performance at a lower cost. Choose the Pro 500 for maximum power and settings or the Pro 200 for basic blending on a budget.

Pros and Cons of the Vitamix Professional Series 200 and 500

Vitamix offers several professional-grade blender models to choose from. When deciding between the Vitamix Pro 200 and Pro 500, considering the pros and cons of each can help you pick the best fit.

Pros and Cons of the Vitamix Pro 200

• Pros: The Pro 200 is Vitamix’s most affordable model at around $300. It still has a powerful 2 HP motor to blend tough ingredients smoothly. The Pro 200 requires simple operation – choose low or high speed. Its 64-ounce container fits under cabinets. A 5-year warranty covers the blender.
• Cons: With no variable speed or presets, the Pro 200 offers less control over textures. It’s louder when running. The Pro 200 may not grind grains or knead dough quite as well as pricier models.

Pros and Cons of the Vitamix Pro 500

• Pros: The Pro 500 has a more powerful 2.2 HP motor and blade speeds of 37,000 rpm for the smoothest blends. It offers variable speed control and pre-programmed settings. A 7-year warranty shows the Pro 500 is built to last. It runs quieter than the Pro 200.
• Cons: At around $550, the Pro 500 costs significantly more than the Pro 200. The extra settings and speed control create a slight learning curve for beginners.

Considerations for Different Users

For those on a budget, the Pro 200 offers great performance for hundreds less. Frequent smoothie makers will appreciate the Pro 200’s power and simple controls. Home cooks who only occasionally blend or grind likely don’t need the Pro 500 upgrades.

Avid home chefs who use their blender daily will benefit from the Pro 500’s power and ease of use. The variable speed makes it easier to fine-tune textures. Its presets automate common tasks like frozen drinks and hot soup.

Both Vitamix models deliver blending excellence – choosing the right one depends on your needs and budget.

FAQs

Do the Pro 200 and Pro 500 differ in ease of use?

The Pro 500 holds a slight edge for ease of use thanks to its variable speed dial and programmable settings. With the Pro 200, you choose either high or low speed, which requires manually stopping and starting to achieve your desired consistency. The Pro 500 lets you fine-tune speeds as you blend. Its presets also automate smoothie, frozen dessert, and hot soup recipes. However, both models have user-friendly, intuitive controls overall. Remember that neither model has a feed chute for adding ingredients while blending.

How do the warranties compare between the two blenders?

Vitamix offers a longer warranty on the Pro 500 than the Pro 200. The Pro 500 comes with a 7-year full warranty, while the Pro 200 has a 5-year comprehensive warranty. This reflects the Pro 500’s more heavy-duty design and components. The coverage includes parts and labor on both models. Vitamix is known globally for its exceptional customer service and warranty protection. But the extra two years of warranty provides even more peace of mind for Pro 500 owners.

What are the dimensions of each Vitamix model?

The Vitamix Pro 200 measures 8.75 inches wide x 7.25 inches deep x 20 inches tall with its 64-ounce container in place. It weighs around 11 pounds. The Pro 500 blender has nearly identical dimensions, measuring 9.4 inches wide x 7.7 inches deep x 17.5 inches tall with its 64-ounce container. It tips the scales at around 11 pounds as well. So, neither model takes up significantly more room on your kitchen counter. Just make sure you have clearance above both units when raised to blend.

How do the prices of the Pro 200 and Pro 500 compare?

One of the biggest differences between these Vitamix blenders is price. The Pro 200 is Vitamix’s most affordable model, typically retailing for $289 – $349. In contrast, the more robust Pro 500 normally sells for $529 – $599. So you’re looking at around a $240 price gap between the two. This significant difference reflects the Pro 500’s more powerful and versatile performance. For budget buyers who still want Vitamix blending, the Pro 200 offers excellent value. But for serious cooks who use their blender daily, the Pro 500 may be worth the investment.

Which blender is better for grinding grains and kneading bread dough?

Thanks to its faster blade speeds and torque, the Vitamix Pro 500 can grind dry grains into flour more efficiently than the Pro 200. Its 2.2 peak horsepower motor and variable speed dial also give you better control when kneading and pulsing stiff bread dough. While the Pro 200 has enough strength for occasional grinding and bread making, the Pro 500 is better suited as an all-in-one mixer and grain mill for bakers. You’ll achieve more uniform flour and get better gluten development when kneading dough in the Pro 500.

What colors do the Pro 200 and Pro 500 come in?

Vitamix has historically only produced blenders in basic black-and-white color options. The Pro 200 is offered in black, white, and red finishes. The Pro 500 comes in brushed stainless steel, black, and white colorways. So, each model gives you a few exciting or unique color choices. The Pro 500’s brushed stainless finish is arguably the most appealing, but for the most part, these are neutral, standard blender colors. If a bright or fun color is important to you, these Vitamix models likely won’t satisfy you.

In summary, which of these blenders is better for most home cooks?

For its superior power, variable speed control, broader range of functions, and quieter performance, the Vitamix Pro 500 is considered the better option for most home blending needs. However, the Pro 200 still excels at basic high-speed blending tasks for hundreds less. For occasional use in making smoothies and shakes, the Pro 200 gets the job done almost as well for a fraction of the investment. But if you plan to use your Vitamix frequently for recipes like soups, nut butter, and artisan bread, the Pro 500’s capabilities are worth the higher price. In the end, choosing between these two great Vitamix blenders comes down to your budget and blending needs.

Related Video: Vitamix® Pro 200 Blender: Your first blend

Final Words

Choosing between the Vitamix Pro 200 and Pro 500 comes down to priorities. For those wanting maximum power and performance for smoothies and purées, the Pro 500 is the clear winner. Its more powerful motor, variable speed control, and range of presets deliver incredibly smooth results every time. However, the Pro 200 still packs impressive blending capabilities, just with less finesse. Given its significantly lower price point, the Pro 200 is ideal for budget-conscious buyers who still want Vitamix quality. While the Pro 500 outperforms overall, the Pro 200 holds its own—so choose based on your needs and budget. You can’t go wrong with either of these impressive Vitamix blenders.