The Vitamix e320 a new-generation blender model that was designed with the intention of taking performance and technological features to the next level. This blender forms part of Vitamix’s Exlorian series of blenders. There are two blenders in the Explorian series, the Vitamix e320, and the Vitamix e310.
The Vitamix e320 is labeled as a blender that is kinder to your wallet, compared to other high-end blenders. Keep in mind that this blender is less expensive when being compared to high-end blenders, but it is considerably more expensive than conventional blenders that you would get from Walmart.
However, is this budget friendly Vitamix blender worth purchasing? Will this blender satisfy your needs? To help you figure out whether the Vitamix e320 is the blender for you, I have conducted my research and gathered all the information that you need to know about the Vitamix e320. At the end of this, you will definitely know whether this is the right blender for you.
Table of Features
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Vitamix e320 |
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| Motor Power | 1440 watts |
| Blades | Wet Laser-sharp Stainless-steel |
| Dimensions | 11 x 8 x 18inches |
| Weight | 12.57 pounds |
| Pre-set Programs | None |
| Variable Speed Controls | Ten Variable Speed Controls |
| Pulse Technology | ✓ |
| Accessories | 64-ounce blending jar
Low-profile Tamper |
| Self-Cleaning | ✓ |
| Noise Level | Noisy |
| Warranty | Seven Years |
What is the Vitamix E320?
The Vitamix e320 forms part of the Vitamix Explorian series of blenders. Vitamix only has two blenders in its Explorian series, namely, the Vitamix e320 and the Vitamix e310. Both of these Vitamix Explorian blenders come with a simple control interface that does not include any pre-set functions. The control interface includes ten variable speeds that you can control at your will, along with pulse technology.
The Vitamix e310 comes with a smaller medium blending jar, 48 ounces to be exact. On the other hand, the Vitamix e320 comes with a large 64-ounce blending jar. It would be crucial of you to take note of the fact that the blending jar is made from BPA-free plastic. Not only is the blending jar made from BPA-free plastic, but it is also a low-profile blending jar. It is shorter and wider than the more traditional Vitamix 64-ounce blending jars. This blending jar has been designed to better fit in kitchen cabinets.
The Vitamix e320 also includes wet stainless-steel blades that are built in such a way that they create a vortex when in use. The Vitamix e320 blender features quite a powerful blender. The motor that comes with the Vitamix e320 is on par with that which comes with the Vitamix 7500.
Now that you have a rough idea of what to expect from the Vitamix e320, let us dive further into each feature and discuss them in detail.
Features Of Vitamix E320
Motor
The Vitamix e320 features a powerful 1440 watt motor that peaks at 2.2 horsepower. The Vitamix e320 is an undeniably powerful blender. The reason behind the power generated by the Vitamix e320 does not only lie in the motor power but also behind the low profile container. The low profile blending jar coupled with the powerful blender results in such power optimization that anything that you place within the blender will be pulverized within mere minutes.
Blades
The Vitamix e320 comes with incredible wet stainless-steel blades that are 4 inches long. These blades are designed in such a way that they create a vortex effect when they are in use. The vortex effect is especially remarkable because it moved ingredients towards the blades. This ensures that all the ingredients have direct contact with the blades, resulting in perfectly smooth blends. The powerful motor, low profile blending jar, and these blades are the perfect combination for a magnificent bender.
Dimensions and Weight
The Vitamix e320 is wider than the other Vitamix blenders. It is also shorter than the other Vitamix blenders. The change in the conventional Vitamix dimensions is to ensure that blenders can be stored away in kitchen compartments. Wider and shorter blenders can be stored away easier than taller blenders. The exact dimensions of the Vitamix e320 are 11 x 8 x 18. The exact weight f the Vitamix e320 is 12.57 pounds.
Preset Programs
Unfortunately, the Vitamix e320 does not include any pre-set programs. Pre-set programs make blenders a lot easier and more convenient to use. The remove the thought-process behind making certain blends because your perfect blend would only be a button away. However, due to the fact that the Vitamix e320 does not include any pre-set programs.
You would have to undergo quite a bit of thinking, as well as trial and error to figure out how long you should allow your ingredients to remain in the blender to achieve a certain texture. This is of course not a train smash, but as a blender that aims to be technologically advanced, we would expect it to include pre-set programs. On the other hand, some people enjoy the thought process that goes into trying to figure out the exact time to allow your blender to run.
Some have argued that the thought process forms part of the experience. It is like purchasing a new phone and simply browsing through it to understand it and be surprised by each feature, rather than sticking to a manual.
Variable Speed Controls
This blender comes with 10 different variable speed controls. These variable speed controls can be controlled and altered at your will. You can even change the speed setting while your blender is in use. You can change the speed by making use of the speed dial that is found on the motor base. These different variable speed controls allow you to achieve a wide range of textures and achieve your perfect blend with great ease.
Even though the Vitamix e320 does not include any pre-set setting, variable speed controls can help you achieve your perfect blend. There are large online communities that share their experiences with their Vitamix blenders. If ever, you get stuck, I would suggest taking a look at the information in those communities.
Pulse Technology
The Vitamix e320 includes pulse technology for added control and precision. The pulse feature can be used via the switch on the left hand side of the Vitamix e320. You can use the pulse feature by setting the variable speed dial to your preferred speed setting, then you can use the switch to activate the pulse feature.
The blender will work in quick pulses at your selected speed. This feature comes in handy when you are trying to accurately chop ingredients, without completely pulverizing them. With the pulse feature, your ideal texture is only a switch away!
Blending Jar
The Vitamix e320 comes with a lovely low profile blending jar. Not only is the blending jar low profile, but it is also made from BPA-free plastic. This full size 64-ounce blending jar is ideal for a large family. You can make large batches in one go for about 4-6 individuals. This blending jar is considered to be low profile container because it is shorter and wider.
The Vitamix e320 blending jar comes with a two-part lid. The one part is smaller and it fits inside the larger lid. This smaller lid can be removed from the larger lid, that covers the entire blending jar. This two-part lid is especially useful when you need to gradually add ingredients while the blender is in use, or if you simply do not want to go through the effort of removing and placing the larger lid back onto the blending jar, several times.
When you are blending your ingredients and have to add more ingredients, you can simply remove the smaller lid and add the extra ingredients in that small gap. The smaller lid is not only a lid, but it can be used as a small measuring cup. The smaller lid has markings on it, that indicate one ounce and half an ounce. This small jar can hold a small a maximum of two ounces. This means that when you purchase the Vitamix e320, you will not have to purchase an external measuring cup, you would be able to use your lid as a measuring cup when measuring your ingredients.
Accessories
When you purchase the Vitamix e320, you can expect to find a motor base in the box. The motor base has a 6ft cord attached to it. This cord is long enough to allow you to move your blender around in your kitchen. The length of the cord increases the viable options, in terms of where you can place your blender.
The Vitamix e320 blender also comes with a low-profile tamper. You can use this tamper to move ingredients around in the blending jar while it is in use. This allows you to move stubborn ingredients towards the blades and ensure that your blend is consistently smooth. The low profile tamper ultimately improves your Vitamix blending experience.
Within the box, you will also find the BPA-free 64-ounce blending jar, as well as a recipe guide. Within this recipe book, you will find several recipes that you should try with your Vitamix e320. You can also use your recipe book as a guide when trying some of your own recipes, it will give you an idea of how long and on which setting you should allow your blender to run when making certain blends.
Cleaning
Hand cleaning is easy to perform on the Vitamix e320. This is because the blending jar is a low profile blending jar, meaning that the base is wide enough to allow you to insert your arm with a lower risk of you harming yourself on the blades.
However, if you are not a fan of hand cleaning your appliances, you would be relieved to know that the Vitamix e320 is capable of cleaning itself. All you need to do is simply pour some water into your bending jar. Thereafter, you need to put a few droplets of dishwashing soap into your blending jar and allow your blender to run for a while. Within minutes, your blending jar will be completely clean with minimal effort on your end.
Unfortunately, the Vitamix e320 is not dishwasher safe. I would not suggest even attempting to place it in your dishwasher, because it will cause damage to your blending jar. Although some Vitamix blenders are dishwasher safe, the blending jar that comes with the Vitamix e320 is not. In terms of cleaning, your options are limited to hand washing and self washing.
Warranty
When you purchase the Vitamix e320, you are guaranteed a standard warranty of seven years. This warranty is quite exceptional, especially for such a small appliance. The warranty that comes with the Vitamix e320 is longer than the one that is offered by the Vitamix e310.
Since the warranty lasts for seven years, this means that Vitamix is absolutely certain that the Vitamix e320 should remain fully functional for at least seven years. Unexpected/catastrophic damaging of the Vitamix e320 is fully covered by the warranty, as well as the gradual deterioration of the appliance.
When your appliance has to be fixed, Vitamix will cover the shipping costs associated with the repair of your Vitamix e320. This means that Vitamix will pay the shipping cost from and to the repair location. However, the warranty does not cover damages that come from repeated use or rather damages that fall under the scope of cosmetic damages or when you utilize your Vitamix blender in a commercial capacity.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Powerful Motor
- Easy controls
- Built to last
Cons
- Quite Noisy
- No pre-set programs
- Not Dishwasher safe
Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Blender?
Size
When you are considering whether or not to purchase a blender, you should consider the size of the blender relative to the size of your kitchen, as well as the size that would best satisfy your needs.
Blenders come in varying sizes, somewhere out there is a blender that is the perfect size for you. If you live alone and you do not intend on making large batches, then a personal or medium-sized blender would be sufficient for you. The same applies if you have limited cabinet space in your kitchen. However, if you have a large family or would be required to make large batches for whatever reason, then a full-sized blender would be the better option for you.
Speed And Power
The speed and power of the blender are also crucial factors that you should consider when purchasing a blender. If you are going to use your blender for tasks that require high-speed blending and a powerful blender, then it would be wise for you to purchase a bender that features faster speeds and more power.
If you purchase a less powerful blender, it may become damaged because it would be unable to handle the tasks. On the other hand, if you do not intend on making anything that requires a powerful blender and high speeds, then a conventional blender would be more than enough for you. Keep in mind that when the speed and power of a blender increase, the price of the blender also increases.
Accessories
Knowing what you intend to use your blender for is a key factor when considering which blender to purchase. Blenders typically include different accessories. If you intend to use your blender to process food and make nut butter, then I would suggest purchasing a blender that has a food-processing attachment. This will eliminate the need to purchase a completely separate food processor. Not only is this option cheaper than buying each device separately, but it also helps you save space in your kitchen.
If you are someone who is constantly on the go, then you should opt for a blender that includes a personal blending, that can be used as a drinking cup bottle, as an attachment. As someone who is busy, this accessory can be a massive time-saver, because you will not have to worry about cleaning extra dishes or purchasing an external bottle to store your beverage when you are on the go.
Frequently Asked Questions Of Vitamix E320
Q.) Does the Vitamix e320 include an Automatic overload protection system?
Yes, the Vitamix e320 does include an automatic overload protection system. Your Vitamix e320 will shut down automatically if your motor starts to overheat. This protection feature protects your motor from being seriously damaged when something causes it to overheat. When your blender shuts down because of the automatic overload protection system, you will have to wait for your motor to cool down before you can use your blender again. You would typically have to wait for 45 minutes before you can use your blender again.
Q.) How can I prevent my Vitamix e320 from overheating?
You need to thin out your blends with some sort of liquid. Blenders typically have a hard time blending super thick mixtures. When blenders struggle to blend something, the extra effort results in the motor overheating. I would suggest adding some liquid to your blend to thin it out while it is in the blender. Gradually add the liquid through the small lid while the blender is in use. I would also suggest that you use the tamper to more ingredients around in the bender. Some ingredients may get stuck in the blades, causing the motor to overheat. If you notice that some ingredients are stuck, use your tamper to free them.
Q.) How do I know that my Vitamix e320 is overheating?
If the blades of your blender suddenly stop working and you begin to smell an unusual odor, specifically a burning odor, then it means that your Vitamix e320 is overworked. Upon picking up the burning smell, you need to immediately switch off your blender. Even though your blender includes an automatic overload protection system, you should not allow your blender to continue working if you pick up the burning smell.
Q.) Can I buy a refurbished Vitamix e320 blender?
Yes, you can buy a refurbished Vitamix e320 blender. However, if you opt for the refurbished Vitamix e320 blender, I suggest opting for a blender that has been ‘certified renewed’. Vitamix’s refurbishing process is far more thorough than many other blender brands. Vitamix puts the blender through a thorough 17 step refurbishing process that includes Vitamix checking that each blender component is fully functional and replacing any components that no longer work. Vitamix also replaces any missing component or blender accessories, such as the low profile tamer and the recipe book. Thereafter, Vitamix puts the blenders in brand new packaging.
Purchasing a refurbished blender is especially advantageous because you are basically purchasing a brand new Vitamix e320, for a much lower price. The only disadvantage associated with purchasing a refurbished Vitamix e320 is that you will only receive a five year warranty instead of seven years worth of warranty.
Conclusion
The Vitamix e320 blender is a device that is relatively easy to operate. It is just as easy to operate as the Vitamix e310. The controls include the on and off switch, the pulse switch, and the variable speed dial. In terms of simplicity, this is as simple as it gets when shopping for a Vitamix blender. The Vitamix e320 does not include any pre-set setting, so you would have to undergo a longer thought process before using it.
The Vitamix e320 comes with a large blending jar that is ideal for blending large batches. The 64-ounce blending jar is ideal for large families. Along with the large blending jar, the Vitamix e320 includes a powerful motor and laser-sharp blades that create a vortex effect when your blender is in use.
This blender also offers a lengthy warranty period of 7 years. If you are in the market for a powerful blender, that includes a full size blending jar and a lengthy warranty then I would strongly suggest purchasing the Vitamix e320.
If you are strongly determined to purchase a Vitamix blender but you are on a budget restraint, the Vitamix e320 would be the perfect option for you. This blender offers you the Vitamix experience while not breaking your bank. You essentially get the best of both worlds with the Vitamix e320.