Picked for one job

What blender offers the best manual control?

Top pick

Vitamix 5200

Vitamix 5200

A responsive variable dial, a separate High switch and a tall jar that shows circulation changes clearly keep the cook in control of the Vitamix 5200.

Why it suits this job

  • Responsive dial
  • Vortex signals
The catch
On the base, the tall jar might not fit beneath standard upper cabinets.
Go with Breville the Q if
Quick cold blends run from a polished set of controls
More reasons we picked it
  • Pulse
  • Span of textures

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Speed changes made directly, in a jar that reacts well to them.

Guide updated , Product data updated , Amazon.com / United States

By the numbers

What the data shows

What we found across the high-end blenders we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.

How many fit

Only 1 of the 29 models checked meet every need here: “I want my fruit smoothies very smooth”, “I often blend fibrous greens”, “I want to blend soup and heat it”, “Sauces, dips and dressings are what I make”, “My blending is for a family or group”, “Most of the time I make one or two servings”, “I like controlling speed directly”, and “I want a long warranty”.

1 model fits, out of 29 checked
Show the facts and the math
Models in the comparison
29 models
Sources
6 covering these models
Product data updated

How we countedThe count uses each product's current fit ratings for “I want my fruit smoothies very smooth”, “I often blend fibrous greens”, “I want to blend soup and heat it”, “Sauces, dips and dressings are what I make”, “My blending is for a family or group”, “Most of the time I make one or two servings”, “I like controlling speed directly”, and “I want a long warranty”. A need with no documented match is not counted.

The facts and sources behind each product in this recommendation
ProductNeeds it meetsFacts we checkedSources
Vitamix 5200
  • Silky smoothies
  • Green smoothies
  • Hot soups
  • Dips and sauces
  • Large batches
  • Small batches
  • Control by hand
  • Long warranty
  • Small through large batches suit the shape of the classic 64-ounce container.
  • Manual control comes from a variable dial and a separate High switch.
  • A seven-year limited warranty and a 30 to 60 second soap-and-water cleaning routine are listed by Vitamix.
Breville the Q
  • Silky smoothies
  • Green smoothies
  • Hot soups
  • Dips and sauces
  • Large batches
  • Control by hand
  • The Q comes with a 68-ounce Tritan jug and a Breville rating of 1,800 watts.
  • Green smoothies, smoothies, soup and frozen desserts are covered by four one-touch programs.
  • A separate pulse and ice-crush control sits beside five manual speeds ranging from Mix through Mill.
Vitamix Propel 750
  • Silky smoothies
  • Green smoothies
  • Hot soups
  • Dips and sauces
  • Large batches
  • Control by hand
  • Long warranty
  • Holding 64 ounces, the low-profile container can go in the dishwasher.
  • Smoothie, Hot Soup, Frozen Dessert, and Dip and Spread are the programs.
  • A low-profile tamper and seven-year limited warranty come from Vitamix.

3 options

The top pick and the alternatives

01
Vitamix 5200

Vitamix, Black, classic 64-ounce container

5200

This long-running manual Vitamix is valued for a narrow tall jar, a responsive dial and the ability to cope with modest and large loads alike.

Top pick ifHands-on control and a jar shape that has proven itself

Key facts

  • Small through large batches suit the shape of the classic 64-ounce container.
  • Manual control comes from a variable dial and a separate High switch.

The catch

On the base, the tall jar might not fit beneath standard upper cabinets.

02
Breville the Q

Breville, BBL820SHY, Smoked Hickory

the Q

This fast 1,800-watt blender comes with a roomy 68-ounce jug, a useful frozen-dessert program and an interface cleaner than most kitchen systems offer.

Best forQuick cold blends run from a polished set of controls

Key facts

  • The Q comes with a 68-ounce Tritan jug and a Breville rating of 1,800 watts.
  • Green smoothies, smoothies, soup and frozen desserts are covered by four one-touch programs.

The catch

It runs quieter than some open-base rivals, yet the Q has no real sound enclosure.

03
Vitamix Propel 750

Vitamix, Black, low-profile 64-ounce container

Propel 750

Built for families, this Vitamix has four recipe programs, a squat dishwasher-safe jar and direct ten-speed control.

Best forBig premium batches while staying below Ascent pricing

Key facts

  • Holding 64 ounces, the low-profile container can go in the dishwasher.
  • Smoothie, Hot Soup, Frozen Dessert, and Dip and Spread are the programs.

The catch

Very small recipes fare better in the 48-ounce Propel 510 than in this wide, low-profile jar.

Ready to buy

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