The catch
Vitamix Explorian E310
There are no automatic food programs.
Side by side
Vitamix Explorian E310 vs Vitamix Propel 510: The 48-ounce jar and speed count stay the same, and Propel adds programs
Quick verdict
Every blend on the E310 is manual. The Propel 510 adds smoothie, hot-soup and frozen-dessert programs but keeps the 48-ounce jar and ten speeds.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
Container capacity does not grow with the program upgrade
Both sets begin with the same 48-ounce nominal vessel, so the reason to choose Propel is repeatable cycle selection.
Where this comes from
Each of the manufacturer specifications for E310 and Propel 510 lists a 48-ounce container.
The catch
Vitamix Propel 510
The Propel 750 and Ascent X series have longer warranties than its five-year term.
Vitamix Explorian E310
- Why pick it
- You judge the endpoint by watching the texture
- A plain pulse-and-dial base is all you want
- The catch
- There are no automatic food programs.
Vitamix Propel 510
- Why pick it
- You keep making the three recipe types that have programs
- Presets and manual control both appeal to you
- The catch
- The Propel 750 and Ascent X series have longer warranties than its five-year term.
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What this page compares
Blending stays entirely manual on the E310. The Propel 510 layers on smoothie, hot-soup and frozen-dessert programs and still has a 48-ounce jar and ten speeds.
Judging the endpoint by hand, or three automatic food programs
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
Sauces made manually, checking texture visually
Ten speeds and pulse are offered on both.
- Vitamix Explorian E310
- Good
- Vitamix Propel 510
- Good
A morning smoothie cycle you repeat
A named automatic smoothie cycle comes with Propel.
- Vitamix Explorian E310
- Good
- Vitamix Propel 510
- Better fit
Household recipes of medium size
A 48-ounce vessel is where both start.
- Vitamix Explorian E310
- Good
- Vitamix Propel 510
- Good
A storage opening of nearly eighteen inches
Before operating clearance, Propel is listed as half an inch shorter.
- Vitamix Explorian E310
- Caution
- Vitamix Propel 510
- Better fit
In practice
Differences you will notice
Container capacity does not grow with the program upgrade
Both sets begin with the same 48-ounce nominal vessel, so the reason to choose Propel is repeatable cycle selection.
How we worked this out
Each of the manufacturer specifications for E310 and Propel 510 lists a 48-ounce container.
The automatic controls can be justified by three recurring recipes
Propel’s three presets line up directly with a routine built around smoothies, soup and frozen dessert, which a mostly manual salsa routine does not.
How we worked this out
E310 lists variable speed and pulse with no food presets, while Propel lists Smoothie, Hot Soup and Frozen Dessert.
Published heights differ by just half an inch
A marginally lower storage opening can fit Propel, but lid removal and tamper use during operation need extra room on either.
How we worked this out
The 0.5-inch difference comes from a published height of 18 inches for E310 and 17.5 inches for Propel 510.
Option A
Vitamix, E310 Black
Explorian E310
This 48-ounce Vitamix is controlled manually, with ten speed settings, pulse and a mini tamper in the box.
- Best for
- Medium-sized batches for cooks who like to judge the texture on their own
Facts we checked
- 48-ounce container
- Pulse and ten variable speeds
- Two-horsepower motor
- Comes with a mini tamper
- Full warranty of five years
Option B
Vitamix, Black, 48-ounce container
Propel 510
Three automatic recipes and the familiar ten-speed dial come in a practical mid-size Vitamix with a friendlier price.
- Best for
- Compact size, Vitamix performance, useful presets
Facts we checked
- Smoothies, Hot Soup and Frozen Dessert are automated by three settings.
- Both the 48-ounce BPA-free jar and its lid can go in the dishwasher.
- Included are ten variable speeds, pulse and a mini tamper.
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Vitamix Explorian E310 | Vitamix Propel 510 | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Container | 48 ounces | 48 ounces | Both have equal nominal batch room. |
| Food programs | None | 3 named cycles | Repeated recipe types can be automated on Propel. |
| Manual speeds | 10 plus pulse | 10 plus pulse | Direct texture control is kept on both. |
| Published size | 9 × 8 × 18 inches | 9 × 7.5 × 17.5 inches | On current specifications, Propel comes out slightly narrower and shorter. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Vitamix Explorian E310
- On paper, the 48-ounce container offers less room than the classic 64-ounce Vitamix jar.
With Vitamix Propel 510
- Party batches outgrow the 48-ounce jar, although it is easy to live with day to day.
Change of plan
When the answer changes
A morning smoothie cycle you repeat
Go with Vitamix Propel 510. A named automatic smoothie cycle comes with Propel.
A storage opening of nearly eighteen inches
Go with Vitamix Propel 510. Before operating clearance, Propel is listed as half an inch shorter.
Decision guide
How to decide
Choose between full manual blending on the E310 and smoothie, hot-soup and frozen-dessert programs on the Propel 510, which keeps the 48-ounce jar and ten speeds.
Jar size will not separate these models
A 48-ounce container, ten variable speeds and a mini tamper come with each. For a smaller household, either works, and there is no difference in nominal batch size to weigh.
What gets added is automation
On the Propel 510, smoothie, hot soup and frozen dessert cycles run automatically, whereas the E310 leaves speed and endpoint to you. What you gain is easier repetition of those recipes. It is no evidence of better texture.
Both still allow manual recipes
Variable speed and pulse are there on both machines for salsa, sauces and other textured preparations. If your favorite recipe seldom fits the three presets, the main thing the Propel offers may sit unused.
What this page can’t tell you
- Manufacturer specifications can establish equipment and capacity, but this comparison did not independently test any cooking or preparation outcomes.
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 8 of the 29 models checked meet every need here: “I like controlling speed directly”, “I want walk-away programs I can rely on”, and “Most of the time I make one or two servings”.
8 models fit, out of 29 checkedShow the facts and the math
How we countedThe count uses each product's current fit ratings for “I like controlling speed directly”, “I want walk-away programs I can rely on”, and “Most of the time I make one or two servings”. A need with no documented match is not counted.
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamix Explorian E310 |
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| Vitamix Propel 510 |
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Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Open either model on Amazon for the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Vitamix Explorian E310
You judge the endpoint by watching the texture
See price & reviews on AmazonVitamix Propel 510
You keep making the three recipe types that have programs
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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