Vitamix E520 vs V1200: Comparison + Best Deals

Vitamix E520 and V1200 are Costco-exclusive models, but they are now available on Amazon as Renewed Premium Vitamix blenders at affordable prices!

The V1200 is a Venturist Series Vitamix that shares the same features, containers, and accessories as the Ascent Series blenders, like the Vitamix A2500.

V1200 has a 2.2-HP motor, a programmable timer, built-in wireless technology, a 64-oz low-profile container, and a 20-oz blending cup with SELF-DETECT!

The E520 is an Explorian Series Vitamix with a 2-HP motor, three blending programs, a 64-oz low-profile container, and two 24-oz tumblers with straws. 

Without the chilly tumblers, Amazon’s E520 Renewed Premium deal has a 3-year full warranty and costs $100 cheaper than the V1200 Renewed Premium deal!

Vitamix E520 vs V1200: Pick the E520 Renewed Premium Deal!

The Vitamix E520 Renewed Premium costs about $349.95 on Amazon, which is a super cool deal that I would grab without any second thoughts!

But it doesn’t come with the two 24–oz reusable chilly tumblers. This price only includes the Vitamix E520 blender base and a 64-oz low-profile container.

E520 has three blending programs for Smoothies, Hot Soups, and Frozen Desserts, which are super handy for walk-away blending convenience. 

Despite being a Renewed Premium product, you should expect this blender to serve you for many years, probably a decade, even with daily use!

The “Renewed Premium” tag means it is completely certified and reconditioned by Vitamix technicians, so it looks and works like a new Vitamix!

Vitamix E520 vs V1200: Motor Bases

The Vitamix E520 and V1200 motor bases are quite different, given that the two blenders belong to two different Vitamix platforms. 

E520’s Motor Base + Control Settings

The Vitamix E520 has a 2-peak horsepower motor that still delivers the iconic Vitamix blending performance for consistent results and textures. 

Being an Explorian Series blender, its motor base has a basic build quality with a standard finish, unlike the Ascent Series blenders’ premium finish!

But as a standard for all Vitamix blenders, it features a radial cooling fan and thermal protection system for a reliable and long-lasting operation!

The Vitamix E520 has straightforward control settings. It has a variable speed control knob to adjust the speed settings and use the three blending programs

It also has a pulse switch to control the results precisely, an On/Off switch to start/stop the blending process, and a power switch with a blue LED.

Vitamix Explorian E520 vs Venturist V1200 Review - Verity Kitchen
“Vitamix E520 vs V1200 Comparison”

V1200’s Motor Base + Control Settings

On the other hand, the Vitamix Venturist V1200 has a slightly powerful 2.2-peak horsepower motor for consistent blending results all the time!

Like the E520, it has a variable speed control knob in the middle to manually adjust the speed settings from 1 to 10 for controlled blending.

Despite being a Venturist Series Vitamix, it has the same features and specs and uses the same containers and accessories as the Ascent Series Vitamix blenders.

As such, V1200 also features a programmable digital timer that lets you set the blending times for custom recipes, and the blender with turn off automatically!

It also has built-in wireless SELF-DETECT technology and Bluetooth connectivity that lets you unlock a whole new world of Vitamix Blending!

The V1200 also has a pulse switch and an On/Off switch. It features a radial cooling fan and a thermal protection system for long-lasting, reliable operation!

Vitamix E520 vs V1200: 64-oz Low-Profile Container

Both E520 and V1200 come with a 64-oz low-profile container. But their containers have different designs and aren’t compatible or interchangeable!

E520’s 64-oz Low-Profile Container

The Vitamix E520 has a 64-oz low-profile container that appeared in 2011 with the first two Classic G-Series blenders, the Vitamix 7500 and Professional 750.

It’s a BPA-free, dishwasher-safe, and self-cleaning container with a black lid that tightly snaps into place to avoid splattering while blending liquids.

This container is super easy to clean – add warm water halfway and two drops of dish soap, blend for 30 seconds, pour the soapy water over the lid, and rinse!

V1200’s 64-oz Low-Profile Container with SELF-DETECT

The Vitamix V1200 has a 64-oz low-profile container with SELF-DETECT that also comes with the Ascent Series blenders, including the Vitamix A3500.

It’s also a BPA-free, dishwasher-safe, and self-cleaning container with a transparent lid that snaps in place to prevent splattering liquid ingredients.

This container is also pretty easy to clean! You can even connect the V1200 to your smartphone/iPad and access the convenient Self-Cleaning preset program.

Vitamix E520 vs V1200: Extra Included Accessories!

Vitamix E520 and V1200 come with some extra accessories as a package, which makes them such great Vitamix deals that you should consider!

Low-Profile Tamper

The E520 comes with the standard low-profile tamper, while the V1200 comes with the S2 low-profile tamper. The tamper sticks are handy for pushing stubborn ingredients down the blades for silky-smooth consistent textures.

Two Reusable 24-oz Chilly Tumblers with Straws

The E520 comes with two 24-oz reusable chilly tumblers with steel straws when you get it brand-new as a Costco-exclusive model from a nearby Costco!

But Amazon’s Renewed Premium E520 deal doesn’t include the tumblers. It only has the motor base, a 64-oz low-profile container, and a low-profile tamper. 

Yet, for its super affordable pricing, I would still get this deal for the 3-year full warranty that gives you all the “insurance” and peace of mind you need!

20-oz Blending Cup with a Blade Base

For $100 more than what Amazon’s E520 Renewed Premium costs, you can get the V1200 with a 64-oz low-profile container and 20-oz blending cup!

The 20-oz blending cup comes with a motor base and a swappable spill-proof lid that allows for drinking your delicious smoothies and shakes on the go.

This Amazon V1200 Renewed Premium deal comes with a 5-Year full Vitamix warranty, including parts, performance, labor, and two-way shipping.

But if you can afford the extra $100 on what the E520 costs, I recommend getting the Vitamix A2500 brand-new instead of the V1200 Premium Renewed!

The A2500 brand-new has a 2.2-HP motor, three blending programs, a 64-oz low-profile container, and built-in SELF-DETECT and Bluetooth.

The three convenient blending programs include smoothies, hot soups, and frozen desserts. They are the same programs you get with the Vitamix E520!

A2500 comes with a whopping 10-Year full warranty when you get it brand-new! It’s also pretty easy to use, with premium build quality and an elegant feel!

The brand-new A2500 doesn’t come with the 20-oz blending cup, but you can get the Vitamix Blending Cup Bowl Starter Kit separately!

The starter kit has a 20-oz blending cup with a spill-proof lid for travel, an 8-oz blending bowl, and a compatible blade base for the cup and bowl.

Vitamix Explorian E520 vs Venturist V1200 Review - Verity Kitchen
“Vitamix Explorian E520 vs Venturist V1200 Comparison”

Vitamix E520 vs V1200: Blending Performance!

Both Vitamix E520 and V1200 offer reliable blending performance and deliver consistent results and textures despite the slight difference in motor power!

Noise Levels!

But they operate at high noise levels, especially when blending tougher ingredients like ice, nuts, and frozen fruits at medium to high settings. 

But the noise is bearable since you will have the blender running for a few minutes, sometimes seconds, before achieving your desired results and textures!

Blendtec Professional 800 – Best Quieter Blender!

The Blendtec Professional 800 is an excellent choice for a quieter blender. It has a 65-decibel noise level when blending at the highest settings!

This noise level sounds like a normal conversation. It won’t distract people seated on the couch in a house with an open-plan kitchen!

Someone in the other room won’t notice the blender running, even when fully awake. So, you won’t disturb people in their sleep or neighbors!

Blendtec Professional 800 costs twice the price of the E520 Renewed Premium on Amazon. But the price is worth the blender with a 10-year warranty. 

It has the iconic Blendtec 90-oz Wildside+ jar, easy-to-use control settings with an 11-speed touch slider, and convenient preset blending programs.

The Vitamix The Quiet One – Best Quieter Vitamix!

If you’re a Vitamix enthusiast, maybe you prefer a Vitamix over any other blender, then get the Vitamix The Quiet One for the best quieter Vitamix!

It has the same noise levels as the Blendtec Professional 800 but is extremely pricey! It costs thrice the price of the E520 Renewed Premium on Amazon!

Vitamix E520 vs V1200: Best Cheaper Alternatives!

The E520 Renewed Premium is the most affordable blender between the two! But at about $350, some people might still not afford this deal!

Vitamix Explorian E320 – Cheapest Vitamix Blender

The Vitamix Explorian E320 Renewed Premium is the perfect cheaper Vitamix alternative to the E520.  It comes with the same 64-oz low-profile container!

The Vitamix E320 has a basic build quality with simple control settings and comes with a 3-year full warranty when you get it as a Renewed Premium deal!

It looks and works like a brand-new E320! The container you get with it is actually brand new. The deal is slightly under $300, which is a huge bargain!

NOTE: Here is my expert review on how the Vitamix E520 compares to the E320 and the best recommendations depending on your blending needs!

Ninja BL610 Professional – Cheaper Vitamix Alternative

If you’re not ready to invest in a Vitamix, I suggest you get a cheaper Vitamix alternative blender that can serve you for a year or two!

This in-depth guide features the best cheaper alternatives to Vitamix, including the Ninja BL610 Professional with a large 72-oz container and costs under $100!

Vitamix E520 vs V1200: Warranty

As mentioned, the brand-new E520 has a 7-year full warranty, while a Renewed Premium deal on Amazon comes with a 3-year full warranty!

A brand-new V1200, on the other hand, has a 10-year full warranty, while a Renewed Premium deal on Amazon comes with a 5-year full warranty!

All full warranties cover everything: parts, performance, labor repairs, and two-way shipping to the Vitamix Service Center!

Vitamix E520 vs V1200: FAQs & Answers!

1. Is Vitamix E520 Worth it?

Yes, the Vitamix E520 is worth the money when you get it as a Renewed Premium deal from Amazon with a 3-year full warranty! It has a 2.2-HP motor, three convenient blending programs, and a 64-oz low-profile container!

2. Is Vitamix E520 Good for Smoothies?

Yes, the Vitamix E520 will make awesome smoothies. It has a Smoothies blending program, and the large 4-inch blades will pulverize even the toughest ingredients, including frozen fruits and tiny seeds, for a silky-smooth consistency!

3. What Comes with Vitamix E520?

The Vitamix E520 comes with:

  • 2-HP E520 Motor Base.
  • 64-oz Low-Profile Container.
  • Low-Profile Tamper.
  • Simply Blending Cookbook.

Vitamix E520 vs V1200: Final Word!

Vitamix E520 and V1200 are professional-grade blenders built to deliver reliable performance and consistent blends for years with regular daily use!

But the E520 stands out between them when you get it as a Renewed Premium blender from Amazon. It has a large 64-oz low-profile container and a tamper!

The E520 also has three automatic blending programs for Smoothies, Hot Soups, and Frozen Desserts, which offer walk-away blending convenience.

However, I recommend getting a brand new Vitamix A2500 for just an extra $50 instead of Amazon’s V1200 Renewed Premium deal!

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