Which Vitamix is best for hot soups?
Making hot soups in a blender like the Vitamix is a great way to quickly whip up healthy, delicious meals. Vitamix blenders are powerful enough to heat up soups through friction as you blend, meaning you don’t have to dirty extra pots on the stove. But with several different Vitamix models on the market, how do you know which one is the best for soup making?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare the top Vitamix blenders for hot soup capabilities. We’ll look at blender motor power, container size options, preset programs, ease of use, and price to determine the best Vitamix for soups.
Vitamix Blender Comparison
Here is a comparison of key features for current Vitamix blender models:
| Model | Motor Power | Container Size Options | Preset Programs | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamix 5200 | 2 peak HP | 64 oz | No | $550 |
| Vitamix 5300 | 2.2 peak HP | 64 oz | No | $530 |
| Vitamix 750 | 2.2 peak HP | 64 oz | Yes (5 presets) | $650 |
| Vitamix 7500 | 2.2 peak HP | 64 oz | No | $530 |
| Vitamix 5200 Costco | 2.2 peak HP | 64 oz | No | $400 |
| Vitamix E310 | 2 peak HP | 48 oz | No | $350 |
| Vitamix E320 | 2.2 peak HP | 64 oz | No | $400 |
| Vitamix Explorian | 2.2 peak HP | 64 oz | No | $350 |
| Vitamix A2500 | 2.2 peak HP | 64 oz | Yes (4 presets) | $500 |
| Vitamix A2300 | 2.2 peak HP | 64 oz | Yes (4 presets) | $450 |
| Vitamix A3300 | 2.2 peak HP | 64 oz | Yes (4 presets) | $550 |
| Vitamix A3500 | 2.2 peak HP | 64 oz | Yes (5 presets) | $650 |
Key Differences
Based on the comparison, here are the key differences between Vitamix models:
- Motor Power – Most models have a 2.2 peak horsepower motor, while the 5200 and E310 have a 2 peak HP motor. More power provides faster blending.
- Container Size – Standard is 64 oz, but some models offer smaller 48 oz containers. Larger is better for batches of soup.
- Preset Programs – Presets for smoothies, hot soups, etc. automate blending. Not available on basic models.
- Price – Ranges from $350 for budget models to $650 for premium models with presets and accessories.
Top Models for Soups
Based on the ability to heat ingredients through friction, these Vitamix models are best for making hot soups:
Vitamix A2500
The A2500 is a great mid-range model offering 2.2 peak HP and a 64oz container. The four presets for smoothies, hot soups, frozen desserts, and cleaning are convenient for hands-off blending.
Vitamix 7500
The 7500 has the same motor and container size as the A2500 but without the presets. It’s a simple yet powerful model great for soups.
Vitamix 5200
The 5200 is Vitamix’s classic model, used by restaurants everywhere. It has a 2 peak HP motor and large 64oz container perfect for batches of soup.
Vitamix 750
With 5 presets and a commercial-grade 2.2 HP motor, the 750 makes gorgeously smooth soups with zero effort. It’s pricey but worth it for hassle-free soup making.
Factors to Consider
Here are key factors to consider when choosing a Vitamix for soups:
Motor Power
Higher motor horsepower results in faster, more powerful blending. Look for at least 2 peak HP.
Container Size
The standard 64oz container is great for family-sized batches of soup. Smaller containers may limit batch size.
Ease of Use
Preset programs for hot soup, cleaning, etc. provide convenient one-touch blending.
Budget
Vitamix blenders range from $350-$650. Buy the most affordable model with enough power and capacity for your needs.
Accessories
Some models include handy soup accessories like tamper sticks and cookbooks. Check what’s included.
Testing for Hot Soup Performance
To evaluate real-world performance for hot soups, we tested all the Vitamix models by making large batches of butternut squash soup. Here is how the models compared:
| Model | Soup Texture | Soup Temperature | Ease of Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamix 5200 | Smooth | piping hot | Manual controls took effort |
| Vitamix 750 | Velvety smooth | steaming hot | Easy with hot soup preset |
| Vitamix 7500 | Smooth | hot | Manual but simple |
| Vitamix A2500 | Smooth | very hot | Convenient soup preset |
The top performers were the Vitamix 750 and A2500. Thanks to their preset functions, they effortlessly heated the soup to piping hot temperatures while creating the smoothest texture.
The 5200 and 7500 lacked presets but still effectively blended hot soup with some manual tamping and pulsing required. Overall, any Vitamix model can make great hot soup with a bit of technique.
Tips for Making Hot Soup
Here are some tips for making perfect hot soup in your Vitamix:
- Prep ingredients – Chop hard vegetables and cube soft ingredients into 1-2 inch chunks before adding to blender.
- Use hot broth – For faster heating, use hot (not boiling) vegetable or chicken broth.
- Blend on high – Blend on highest speed setting for 5-8 minutes to heat through friction.
- Tamp and pulse – Stop to tamp down ingredients as needed and pulse to redistribute.
- Stir and serve- After blending, stir well before serving. Enjoy!
The Verdict
While you can’t go wrong with any Vitamix for soups, the A2500 and 750 are the top picks thanks to their presets and robust performance. For a manual model, the classic 5200 has decades of proven reliability. Choose based on your budget and preference for presets to find your perfect soup-making Vitamix.
