VitaMix Models - Essentially the Same!

I've had my VitaMix TNC (Total Nutrition Center) since 1994.  The TNC V-S (variable speed) was the first model that VitaMix released after their infamous steel container with spigot models (3600 and 4000).  Each of these VitaMix models has the same model number on the back label (VM0103).  Same machine!

VitaMix TNC verus VitaMix 5000 versus Vitamix 5200

Every VitaMix released since 1994 has been based on the TNC 1993 design and other than a few tweaks, not much has changed since.

{The NEWEST Vitamix models from 2013 forward do have some additional features like presets.  You may want these newest features.  You may not need them though, so do your homework!  The basic power of the Vitamix and blades are the same though.  2+ HP up to 37,000 rpm}

• VM TNC has the same 2+ HP motor, with up to 37,000 rpm as the Vitamix 5200
• VM TNC has both high and variable speeds controls (1-10)
• VM TNC uses the same 64 oz containers with the same blades (either wet or dry).
• The container materials have evolved to no BPA and the lid design has been improved.  I upgraded my 64 oz container in 2008.
• There are smaller containers now available in addition to the 64 oz standard.  The 32 oz is the new one I just purchased.  There's also a 48 oz container.  However, not every container will fit so make sure you check with Vitamix!
•  The tamper design changed with the 5000 model.  I now have an updated tamper that will work with both the 64 oz and 32 oz containers.
• Starting with the VM 5000 the high/variable switch was changed to a vertical orientation instead of horizontal but other than orientation, it works the same and is in the same place on the base (left of the center dial).
• Lots of cosmetic and label changes over the years, along with the VitaMix logo and the addition of colors for the bases (black, white, red, stainless).

VM Centering Pad

The design difference on the base (the workhorse part of the machine) from when I purchased my VM in 1994 is the use a rubber centering pad, which was standard starting with the 5000 models.  That's a simple upgrade and one that is required to use the smaller containers on an older Vitamix base.  I'm awaiting the arrival of a centering pad so I can start using my 32 oz container. 

Other than that and the cosmetic changes over the years, my 1994 VitaMix TNC is the same as the 5200 model that many purchase today.  Even the "pro" VitaMix models have the same underlying engineering and design.  However, Vitamix has come out with newer models (6000 and up series) so check the specs and see if new features are important to you!

VitaMix has a lot of models, but don't get confused.  They have some fancy pre-programmed settings in their higher end models, but you will pay extra $$$ for those features.  The manuals and recipe books have been upgraded and that too is part of the increased cost.  The essentials are the same:  a variable speed setting with 10 speeds on a dial and a high speed (take me to the moon, rocket ship) setting. 

There are 3 container sizes now instead of just the one that was manufactured when I purchased my Vitamix in 1994.  Most Vitamix models still come standard with the tall 64 oz container.  There's also a 48 oz container (which does require a separate blade to fit the base) and a smaller 32 oz container (which uses the exact same blade as the 64 oz size container).  Changing a blade is super easy and fast with the Vitamix plastic wrench, so you can use the same blade in both the 64 oz and 32 oz containers.  Those are the 2 size containers I like.  That said, do your homework!  If you are confused if a container will fit the base you want to purchase, then check with Vitamix customer service.

Want to keep your your Vitamix on the counter and have the base + container fit under your kitchen cabinets?  Simple.  You need the shorter 32 oz (or 48 oz) container.  That's it.  The VM bases are the same.  These newer containers are shorter and that's what allows the VM blender to fit under your kitchen cabinets.

What about purchasing a separate dry blade container?  Unless you know you're going to grind a lot of grain, you really don't need a separate dry container.  It's a nice-to-have, but not essential unless you are into grinding grains to make flour.  Grinding grain will, over time, mar the finish of a plastic container.  That's why VitaMix started selling a separate "dry" container with a separate dry blade.

And what about the newest Vitamix model 6300?  Same base, same machine, same containers, higher cost!

My Advice:

If I were in the market to purchase a VitaMix today I would purchase a used machine (look on ebay) or even just a used base and then purchase a new container separately, with one blade.  You'll save hundreds of $$$.  You'll see listings for the Vitamix 5000 or Total Nutrition Center or the Vitamix 5200.  Except for the labels and base color, each is essentially the same machine!