Vitamix Ascent vs Legacy: A Battle of Old Versus New

In just minutes, you will discover which is better for you in the Vitamix Ascent vs Legacy comparison.

Spoiler alert! Both series are awesome but its a matter of which will suit your needs best.

Vitamix blenders are classified into three main series, with the two most popular being the Ascent and Legacy. The Vitamix Legacy series of blenders have been around for a long time, creating a revered niche for themselves in the market. Blenders in the Ascent series are new to the game but no less powerful.

So, how do you decide between the Vitamix Ascent vs Legacy? To make this decision, you need to know the workings and distinctive features of both series, and you can find all that right here on this page.

Vitamix Ascent A2300 – Check Price

Vitamix Legacy (model 6300 certified refurbished) – Check Price

The Vitamix Ascent vs Legacy: A Battle of Old Versus New

Models

The Vitamix Ascent series comprises 4 models, the A2300, A2500, A3300, and A3500. On the other hand, the Legacy series however, is much more exhaustive, spanning several mini-series and includes models such as the 5200, 5300, 6300 (mostly available as a certified refurbished blender), 6500, 7500, Pro 750 and Pro 780 among others.

Design and Construction

On comparing these two series, the first thing you would notice is a change in the design. Legacy blenders embody a traditional and yet elegant design style. Ascent blenders are the modern-day blenders for a globally evolving world with their sleek, efficient looks.

With a Legacy blender, you get rubber handles and lids, while the handles and lids in the Ascent series are made of clear plastic. For both series, their moving parts (blades, coupler etc.) are made from stainless steel while the non-metallic parts are BPA-free.

Control Panel and Touch Feature

The base of all Vitamix blenders features a control panel. Here, you can switch on your blender, adjust your blending speed, and access the pulse feature and preset blending functions (if available).

Apart from the Pro 780, the panel of all Legacy blenders are designed with manual switches, levers, knobs, and dials. The Pro 780, the Legacy’s most recent offering, comes with a touchscreen control panel. Hence, you can only operate your Pro 780 by touch.

The control panels of the first two models in the Ascent series (the A2300 and A2500) are designed with manual switches, while the panels of the A3300 and A3500 are touch-operated. However unlike Legacy’s 780 completely-touchscreen panel, the A3300 and A3500 have a manual dial amidst their other touch controls.

Variable Speed Control

Blenders in both series are designed with 10 speed settings. All Ascent Blenders and most Legacy blenders come with a speed dial for choosing any of these 10 speed options. But there are some exceptions, the most notable exception to this design is the Legacy’s fully-touchscreen Pro 780. The speed of the Pro 780 can only be controlled by sliding your fingers on the right-hand side of its touchscreen panel either upward (to increase the speed) or downward (to decrease the speed).

Pulse Setting

Any modern blender worth its salt should be designed with a pulse function, and you can’t get more modern than the Ascent blenders. While all 4 Ascent blenders have this pulse feature, the mode of accessing it differs. The A2300 and A2500 come with a manual pulse lever. Thanks to the touch feature of the A3300 and A3500, you can just touch the pulse icon on the panel and activate the pulse function.

While most models in the Legacy series are designed with a pulse setting, the 5200, known as an older yet highly dependable blender, lacks the pulse feature. All Legacy blenders, with the exception of the 5200 and Pro 780, come with a manual pulse control.

Click here to see the Vitamix Ascent A2300

Click here to see the Vitamix 6300 certified refurbished(Legacy model)

Preset Functions

Timed blending functions make it easy and effortless to prepare smoothies and hot soups. However, not all Vitamix blenders come with these preprogrammed settings. Vitamix 6300, 6500, Pro 750, and Pro 780 are the only Legacy models with preset functions, the first two having just 3 (Smoothies, Frozen Desserts, and Soups) while the Pro blenders come with 5 (Smoothies, Frozen Desserts, Soups, Purees, and Clean).

The A2300 and A3300 are the two Ascent blenders without preset functions. While the A2500 comes with 3 preset functions (Smoothies, Hot Soups, and Frozen Desserts) while the A3500 has 5 (Smoothies, Hot Soups, Frozen Desserts, Dips and Spreads, and Self-Cleaning).

Digital Timer

Vitamix sometimes refer to its Ascent series as smart system blenders and for good reason. First of all, they are the only Vitamix blenders with digital timers on their control panel. You use the digital timer to manually set the time it would take for your customized recipe to blend. Once the blending starts, the time begins to count down on the display screen, and the blender shuts down once the specified blending time has ended.

Container Compatibility and Bluetooth Capability

The Ascent series are designed to work only with Ascent containers. These containers are dishwasher safe and include a 64-ounce blending jar, 20-ounce to-go blending cups, and 8-ounce blending bowls. Also, the base of the blenders is designed with a Self-Detect technology that detects the Ascent container placed on it and adjusts its performance, speed, and capability to suit the container. Also, and this is a big point, the base is Bluetooth-capable.

Legacy containers are available in more options and sizes, however they are not dishwasher-safe. Although the dishwasher is not necessary as cleaning is super simple. Just fill the container with a good amount of water, add a couple drops of soap and blend. Another noteworthy detail to consider is that the legacy blender base is compatible with all Vitamix containers but is not Bluetooth-capable.

Both the Vitamix Ascent and Legacy come with what’s known as low-profile containers. That’s a plus to me for the reason that they’re more convenient. While we love our Vitamix 6300 the darn container is too tall to fit on the counter and underneath the top cabinets. This, to me, is the best spot for it go. It allows it to be tucked away, fully assembled, but visible, and conveniently available in a moment.

Okay, so having a taller pitcher isn’t the end of the world. But, i’m just saying, if we knew we had a choice of a low profile pitcher in the beginning before we purchased that’s the one we would have gone with.

Motor

Vitamix’s blenders are reputed to be powerful and their motors are responsible for this. Legacy models are usually fitted with a 2 HP motor which provides adequate power for blending. Ascent blenders are more powerful with a 2.2 HP motor.

Warranty

All blenders in the Ascent Series are backed by Vitamix’s full 10-year warranty while the Legacy series are covered by a lesser warranty period of 7 years.

Pros and Cons of the Vitamix Ascent series

Pros

• Well-constructed and durable
• Containers are dishwasher-safe
• More powerful motor
• A digital display timer on the base
• Bluetooth capable

Cons

• Compatible with only Ascent containers

Pros and Cons of the Vitamix Legacy series

Pros

• Sturdy construction
• Durable
• Works with all Vitamix containers
• Powerful motor

Cons

• Containers are not dishwasher safe
• No Bluetooth feature
• No digital display timer

Summary

You know, there’s a lot to think about in the Vitamix Ascent vs Legacy comparison. Especially because both series boast several wonderful blenders that would immensely satisfy your kitchen needs. So for that reason, we can narrow down your decision to these points; do you need a ‘smart’ blender, do you prefer a dishwasher safe pitcher?

Its automated features make the Ascent series stand out and its Bluetooth capability ensures the blender can seamlessly fit in with future Vitamix innovations. If its specific container compatibility is an issue, then maybe you should consider the Legacy models. We chose a Legacy model, the 6300, and we are very happy with it. You can check out our review here.

Click here to buy the Vitamix Ascent A2300

Click here to buy the Vitamix 6300 certified refurbished (Legacy model)