Vitamix E520 Blender Package: A Comprehensive Review
Blenders are an essential kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, nut butters, and more. With so many models on the market, it can be tricky to determine which is the best option for your needs and budget.
If you’re short on time, here’s the key takeaway: The Vitamix e520 is a popular mid-range blender that offers performance and features found in more expensive models, at a reasonable price point. If you’re looking for a powerful blender that can handle tough ingredients with ease, the Vitamix e520 is an excellent choice.
In this comprehensive 3000+ word guide, we’ll provide a detailed overview of the Vitamix e520 blender, including its key features, performance, accessories, pros and cons, and how it compares to other Vitamix models.
We’ll also offer tips on how to get the most out of your e520 and provide delicious recipe ideas. Whether you’re considering purchasing the e520 or want to learn more about using your existing model, this article will tell you everything you need to know.
Vitamix e520 Overview
The Vitamix e520 Blender Package is a powerful and versatile kitchen appliance that offers a wide range of features to enhance your culinary experience.
Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, this blender is designed to meet all your blending needs and more.
In this comprehensive review, we will delve into the various aspects of the Vitamix e520 to help you make an informed decision.
Specifications and Key Features
The Vitamix e520 Blender Package comes with a 2.2 horsepower motor, which allows it to blend even the toughest ingredients with ease. It features a 64-ounce low-profile container, making it perfect for both small and large batches.
The blender also offers ten variable speeds, giving you full control over your blending consistency. Additionally, it includes a pulse feature for quick bursts of power when needed.
Motor and Blending Performance
The powerful motor of the Vitamix e520 ensures smooth and consistent blending every time. Whether you’re making smoothies, soups, or nut butter, this blender can handle it all.
Its high-performance blades are designed to crush ice and pulverize even the toughest ingredients, resulting in silky-smooth textures. With its variable speed control, you can achieve the perfect blend for any recipe.
Controls and Settings
The Vitamix e520 Blender Package features a user-friendly control panel with intuitive settings. It offers ten variable speeds, allowing you to adjust the blending speed according to your preference.
The pulse feature is conveniently located for easy access, providing quick bursts of power for precise blending. The blender also has a built-in digital timer, which helps you achieve consistent results every time.
Design and Build Quality
The Vitamix e520 Blender Package boasts a sleek and modern design, making it a stylish addition to any kitchen countertop. It is built to last, with a durable construction that can withstand regular use.
The low-profile container is designed to fit under most kitchen cabinets, saving valuable storage space. The blender is also easy to clean, with all the parts being dishwasher-safe.
Accessories Included
When you purchase the Vitamix e520 Blender Package, you also get a range of accessories to enhance your blending experience. It includes a tamper, which helps you push ingredients towards the blades for optimal blending.
Additionally, it comes with a cookbook that provides a variety of recipes to inspire your culinary creations.
Using the Vitamix e520
The Vitamix e520 is a versatile and powerful blender that can handle a wide range of tasks in the kitchen. Whether you want to make smoothies, soups, nut butter, or even grind grains, this blender has got you covered.
Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your Vitamix e520:
Tips for Achieving Smooth Blends
To achieve smooth and creamy blends with your Vitamix e520, it’s important to follow a few simple steps.
First, make sure to add liquid ingredients first, followed by soft ingredients and then hard ingredients. This will help the blender to blend everything evenly and smoothly.
Also, start at a low speed and gradually increase it to avoid any splattering.
Finally, don’t overfill the blender jar, as it can hinder the blending process. By following these tips, you’ll be able to create perfectly smooth blends every time.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning the Vitamix e520 is a breeze.
Simply fill the blender jar halfway with warm water and a drop of dish soap, then blend on high for 30 seconds. Rinse thoroughly, and your blender will be clean and ready for the next use.
It’s also important to regularly check and clean the blender’s base, making sure that no food particles or debris have accumulated. This will help to maintain the performance and longevity of your Vitamix e520.
Helpful Accessories to Consider
The Vitamix e520 blender package comes with several helpful accessories that can enhance your blending experience.
One such accessory is the tamper, which allows you to push ingredients down into the blades while the blender is running, ensuring that everything is blended evenly.
Another accessory worth considering is the dry container, which is specifically designed for grinding grains, nuts, and seeds. This container can help you achieve finer and more consistent results when making your own flour or nut butter.
Additionally, there are various recipe books and online resources available that provide inspiration and guidance for using your Vitamix e520 to its full potential.
For more information on using the Vitamix e520 blender, you can visit the official Vitamix website. They provide detailed instructions, recipes, and troubleshooting tips to help you make the most out of your blender.
Vitamix e520 Recipes
Smoothies
One of the most popular uses for the Vitamix e520 blender is making delicious and nutritious smoothies.
With its powerful motor and sharp blades, this blender can easily blend a variety of fruits and vegetables into a smooth and creamy drink.
Some popular smoothie recipes to try with the Vitamix e520 include:
- Strawberry-Banana Smoothie: Blend together fresh strawberries, ripe bananas, yogurt, and a splash of orange juice for a refreshing and fruity treat.
- Green Detox Smoothie: Combine spinach, kale, cucumber, apple, lemon juice, and a handful of ice for a nutrient-packed and energizing smoothie.
- Mango-Pineapple Smoothie: Mix together ripe mangoes, juicy pineapples, coconut milk, and a squeeze of lime for a tropical and creamy delight.
Soups and Purées
The Vitamix e520 blender is not just for making smoothies, it is also great for preparing soups and purées.
The high-speed motor of the blender can easily heat ingredients through friction, allowing you to make hot and velvety soups in minutes.
Some popular soup and purée recipes to try with the Vitamix e520 include:
- Butternut Squash Soup: Blend together roasted butternut squash, vegetable broth, onions, garlic, and spices for a warm and comforting soup.
- Tomato Basil Soup: Combine fresh tomatoes, basil leaves, vegetable broth, onions, and garlic for a flavorful and creamy tomato soup.
- Roasted Red Pepper Purée: Blend roasted red peppers, garlic, olive oil, and spices for a versatile and delicious purée that can be used as a dip or spread.
Nut Butter and Flours
The Vitamix e520 blender is also capable of making homemade nut butter and flour. By blending nuts or grains at high speeds, the blender can transform them into smooth and creamy nut butter or fine and consistent flours.
Some popular nut butter and flour recipes to try with the Vitamix e520 include:
- Almond Butter: Blend almonds until creamy and smooth, adding a pinch of salt or sweetener for extra flavor.
- Oat Flour: Blend rolled oats until they turn into a fine powder, which can be used as a gluten-free alternative in baking recipes.
- Cashew Cheese: Blend cashews, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and spices for a dairy-free and creamy cheese substitute.
Frozen Desserts
If you have a sweet tooth, the Vitamix e520 blender can also help you make delicious frozen desserts. From creamy ice creams to refreshing sorbets, the possibilities are endless. Some popular frozen dessert recipes to try with the Vitamix e520 include:
- Chocolate Banana Ice Cream: Blend frozen bananas, cocoa powder, and a splash of almond milk for a guilt-free and creamy chocolate treat.
- Mixed Berry Sorbet: Blend a variety of frozen berries, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a touch of honey for a refreshing and fruity sorbet.
- Mint Chocolate Chip Frozen Yogurt: Blend Greek yogurt, fresh mint leaves, dark chocolate chunks, and a bit of honey for a creamy and indulgent frozen dessert.
With the Vitamix e520 blender and these delicious recipes, you can explore a wide range of culinary possibilities and create healthy and tasty dishes in the comfort of your own home. So, why not give it a try and let your creativity flow?
Vitamix e520 vs Other Models
Vitamix e320
The Vitamix e520 blender package is a top-of-the-line option that offers exceptional performance and versatility in the kitchen. When comparing the e520 to the Vitamix e320, there are a few key differences to consider.
Firstly, the e520 features a more powerful motor, allowing it to handle tougher ingredients and achieve smoother blends. With a 2.2 horsepower motor, the e520 is capable of tackling even the toughest fruits, vegetables, and ice with ease.
Additionally, the e520 boasts a larger container capacity, coming in at 64 ounces compared to the e320’s 64-ounce container. This means that the e520 is better suited for larger batches of smoothies, soups, and other blended creations.
Vitamix 5200
Another popular model to compare the Vitamix e520 to is the Vitamix 5200. Both blenders offer impressive performance and durability, but there are a few differences that set them apart.
One notable feature of the e520 is its convenient preset programs, which allow users to easily achieve consistent results every time. The 5200, on the other hand, does not offer this feature.
Additionally, the e520 boasts a quieter motor compared to the 5200, making it a great choice for those who value a quieter blending experience.
The e520 also comes with a tamper, which can be useful for pushing ingredients down into the blades for more efficient blending.
Vitamix 7500
When comparing the Vitamix e520 to the Vitamix 7500, there are a few key differences to consider.
The 7500 is known for its powerful blending capabilities, thanks to its 2.2 horsepower motor. This makes it a great option for blending tough ingredients, such as frozen fruits and ice.
However, the e520 offers the added convenience of preset programs, which can make blending tasks even easier. These programs allow users to achieve consistent results with the touch of a button, making it ideal for those who want to simplify their blending process.
Vitamix A3500
The Vitamix A3500 is another model that is often compared to the e520.
The A3500 features a sleek and modern design, with a touchscreen interface that makes it easy to select the desired blending settings. The e520, on the other hand, has a more traditional control panel with manual dials.
Both blenders offer powerful performance and durability, but the e520 stands out with its convenient preset programs and larger container capacity.
These features make the e520 a great choice for those who want to tackle larger blending tasks and achieve consistent results.
Pros and Cons of the Vitamix e520
Pros
The Vitamix e520 Blender Package offers a multitude of benefits that make it a top choice for blending enthusiasts. Here are some of its key advantages:
- Powerful Motor: The e520 is equipped with a robust motor that delivers exceptional blending performance. It can effortlessly pulverize even the toughest ingredients, ensuring smooth and consistent results.
- Versatility: This blender comes with a variety of blending options, allowing you to create a wide range of recipes. From smoothies and soups to nut butters and frozen desserts, the e520 can handle it all.
- Durable Construction: The Vitamix e520 is built to last. It features a sturdy, high-quality construction that can withstand heavy daily use. This durability ensures that your investment will pay off in the long run.
- Easy to Clean: Cleaning up after blending can be a hassle, but the e520 makes it a breeze. With its self-cleaning function and dishwasher-safe components, you can have your blender sparkling clean in no time.
- Excellent Warranty: Vitamix stands behind the quality of its products, and the e520 is no exception. It comes with a generous warranty that provides peace of mind and ensures customer satisfaction.
Cons
While the Vitamix e520 Blender Package has numerous advantages, it’s important to consider its potential drawbacks as well:
- Price: The e520 is a premium blender, and its price reflects that. It may not be the most budget-friendly option, which could be a deterrent for some potential buyers.
- Size and Weight: This blender is on the larger side, which means it may take up more counter space than smaller models. Additionally, its weight could make it less portable if you plan on taking it on the go.
- Noisy Operation: Like many powerful blenders, the e520 can be quite noisy during operation. If you have a noise-sensitive household or live in an apartment building, this could be a consideration.
- Complexity: While the e520 offers a wide range of features, some users may find it to be more complex than simpler blender models. It may take some time to fully understand and utilize all of its capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the e520 good for daily use?
The Vitamix e520 Blender is absolutely perfect for daily use. Its powerful motor and versatile features make it an ideal choice for blending, pureeing, and chopping a wide variety of ingredients.
Whether you’re making smoothies, soups, or even nut butter, the e520 can handle it all with ease.
Its durable construction ensures that it can withstand the demands of daily use without any issues. So go ahead and use it every day without worrying about wear and tear!
What’s the difference between the e310 and e520?
The main difference between the Vitamix e310 and e520 blenders lies in their power and capacity.
The e310 has a 2.0 peak horsepower motor and a 48-ounce container, while the e520 boasts a more powerful 2.2 peak horsepower motor and a larger 64-ounce container. This means that the e520 can handle larger batches and tougher ingredients more efficiently.
So, if you frequently blend larger quantities of food or use tougher ingredients, the e520 would be the better choice for you.
How long is the warranty?
The Vitamix e520 Blender comes with a generous 7-year warranty. This warranty covers any defects in materials or workmanship, ensuring that you can enjoy your blender for years to come.
Vitamix is known for its exceptional customer service and commitment to quality, so you can rest assured that your blender is protected.
In the rare event that you encounter any issues, simply contact Vitamix’s customer service, and they will assist you promptly.
Does it come with any free gifts or bonuses?
Yes, the Vitamix e520 Blender package comes with some exciting free gifts and bonuses.
Along with the blender itself, you will receive a tamper tool, a cookbook with delicious recipes, and a getting started guide to help you make the most out of your blender.
These additional items are designed to enhance your blending experience and provide you with inspiration for creating a wide range of delicious recipes.
So not only do you get an amazing blender, but you also get some valuable extras to elevate your culinary adventures!
Conclusion
With its powerful 2.2 peak HP motor, aircraft-grade stainless steel blades, and variable speed control, the Vitamix e520 is designed to smoothly process even the toughest ingredients with minimal effort on your part.
This mid-range blender offers exceptional performance and durability at a price that’s hundreds less than premium Vitamix models.
The Vitamix e520 is an ideal choice if you’re seeking a high-performance blender that can handle daily use and challenging recipes. Its 64-ounce container has plenty of room for blending large batches.
And with the built-in pulse feature and tamper tool, you can easily process thick mixtures or chunky blends. While it may lack some of the advanced features of pricier Vitamix models, the e520 delivers power and functionality.
If you’re ready to step up your blending game, the Vitamix e520 is a smart investment. Be sure to take advantage of its cookbook and online recipes to get the most out of this versatile machine in your kitchen.