The Vitamix A2300 is the most affordable Ascent Series blender, while the A3500 is the top-of-the-line model of the platform.
Yet, both blenders have a premium build quality with a powerful 2.2-horsepower motor for a reliable and durable blending performance.
Both have built-in wireless SELF-DETECT technology and Bluetooth connectivity. They come with a large 64-oz low-profile container with SELF-DETECT.
Vitamix A2300 and A3500, along with the other Ascent Series blenders, the A2500 and A3300, only differ in their overall exterior build designs and control settings.
All four are built for high-performance blending to deliver exceptionally consistent results and smooth textures even when blending tough ingredients with tiny seeds.
So, which Vitamix you choose between the A2300 and A3500, and also the A2500 and A3300, is a matter of personal preferences, and by extension, the money you’re willing to spend!
The same applies to any other Vitamix buying decision, including the cheapest Explorian E310 and E320 and the premium-built Vitamix Propel 510 and 750.
Vitamix A2300 vs A3500: Best Value – Pick the A3500 Brushed Stainless Finish Deal!
I did an in-depth comparison review, click here, of the four Ascent Series blenders, the A2300, A2500, A3300, and A3500. It has my best recommendations!
A2300 has the same built design and control settings as the A2500. But the A2300 costs $50 cheaper since it lacks the three blending programs you get with the A2500.
Vitamix A2300 and A2500 have the iconic classic-exterior build design with an elegant variable 10-Speed control dial, a digital timer, a pulse switch, and a start/stop switch.
The Vitamix A2500’s dial also controls its blending programs for smoothies, hot soups, and frozen desserts, making it the better blender!
Vitamix A3300 and A3500 have a sleeker exterior build design, an easy-to-wipe clean touchscreen panel, a programmable timer with +/- buttons, a pulse button, and a start/stop button.
Their variable speed control dial is digital with a premium feel. The speed settings are displayed on the touchscreen. But A2300 and A3500 speed settings are marked on the dial like the classic Vitamix blenders, including the 5200.
The Vitamix A3500’s touchscreen panel has icons for its five built-in blending programs for smoothies, hot soups, frozen desserts, dips & spreads, and self-cleaning, which are lacking in the A3300.
The five convenient blending programs are the only difference between the two, which is why the Vitamix A3300 costs about $100 cheaper than the A3500.
One crucial detail is that the A3300 and A3500 come in a Brushed Stainless Metal Finish, slightly quieter than the other color variations and the A2300 and A2500.
The metal finish provides better sound dampening than the other A3500 finishes, including Copper Finish, Candy Apple Red, Black Stainless Finish, White, and Graphite Finish!
The A2300 and A2500 come in Black, White, Red, and Slate colors. All four Ascent Series blenders have a massive 10-Year full warranty for your peace of mind.
Now that you clearly understand the Vitamix Ascent Series blenders, I recommend picking the A3500 Brushed Stainless Finish over any other model!
But if you’re looking for the most economical choice, get the Vitamix A2300. It’ll still give you consistent blending results and smooth textures, just like the A3500.
The A2300 lacks the program settings, but you can pair it with your smartphone or iPad to use the 17 blending settings of the Vitamix Perfect Blend app.
The four Ascent Series blenders have built-in Bluetooth to connect to your Android or iOS device. So any blender you pick gives you access to this innovative app!
The Cheapest Deal 2023: If you want to spend below $400, I recommend picking the Vitamix A2500 Certified Reconditioned Deal from Amazon (Renewed Premium).
These Reconditioned deals are often available from time to time. It looks and works like new and comes with a whopping 5-Year full warranty and a brand-new 64-oz low-profile container with SELF-DETECT.
The Certified Reconditioned A2500 costs about $100 cheaper than a brand-new A2300, and you get to enjoy the three convenient blending programs!
NOTE: Vitamix recently released the A3500 in more color variations with Gold Label Accents, including the Matte Navy, Brushed Gold, Matte Sage, and White.
Vitamix A2300 vs A3500: Comparison Chart
| Vitamix Blender | Vitamix A2300 | Vitamix A3500 |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Ascent Series | Ascent Series |
| Motor Power | 2.2-HP | 2.2-HP |
| Height (with Container) | 17 Inches | 17 Inches |
| Weight (with Container) | 11.86 lbs/5.5 kg | 14.92 lbs/6.8 kg |
| Variable Speed Control | Premium Knob | Digital Dial |
| Blending Programs | – | 5 |
| Pulse Feature | Physical Switch | Tactile Button |
| Programmable Timer | – | Yes |
| Touch Screen | – | Yes |
| Container Size | 64-oz Low-Profile with SELF-DETECT | 64-oz Low-Profile with SELF-DETECT |
| Self-Cleaning | Yes | Yes |
| Dishwasher-Safe | Yes | Yes |
| Tamper Included? | S2 Low-Profile Tamper | S2 Low-Profile Tamper |
| Warranty | 10-Year | 10-Year |
| Colors | Black, Red, White, & Slate | Brushed Stainless Finish, Copper Metal Finish, Candy Apple Red, Black Stainless Metal Finish, White, & Graphite Metal Finish |
| Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Vitamix A2300 vs A3500: Performance Comparison
Vitamix never compromises on the performance of all its blenders. It doesn’t matter if you pick the cheapest Explorian E310 or the high-end Vitamix A3500.
Powerful 2.2-Horsepower Motor
Full-size Vitamix blenders feature a 2-HP and a slightly powerful 2.2-HP motor for high-performance blending operation even after many years of use.
The A2300 and A3500, along with the other Ascent Series blenders, have a powerful 2.2-horsepower motor for consistent blenders and textures.
The high-powered motor provides these machines with all the power needed for multi-purpose use, making them super versatile blenders and food processors.
Metal Drive System
All Vitamix blenders, including the legacy models like the iconic Professional 750, have a metal drive system for a reliable and durable blending performance.
The motor delivers over 20,000 RPM at the highest speed setting. The metal drive system ensures you enjoy this high-powered performance for many years.
Radial Cooling Fan and Thermal Protection System
The A2300 and A2500, and all other Vitamix blenders, have a high-quality radial cooling fan and thermal protection system for reliable and long-lasting operation.
High-Quality Stainless Steel Blades
Vitamix A2300 and A3500, along with the other Ascent Series blenders, come with the Vitamix 64-oz low-profile container with SELF-DETECT.
The Vitamix 64-oz low-profile container with SELF-DETECT has a high-quality, 4 inches aircraft-grade, laser-cut stainless steel hammermill and cutting blades.
The wireless SELF-DETECT technology allows the blenders to detect and read the container and adjust its program settings and blending times.
The Ascent Series blenders only work with SELF-DETECT containers. It’s the reason they are also known as the Vitamix smart system blenders.
The 64-oz container has clear markings for ounce and cup measurements. It is made of BPA-free plastic and self-cleaning, and dishwasher-safe.
Noise Levels
As mentioned, the Vitamix A3500 Brushed Stainless Finish has better sound dampening for a slightly quieter operation, making it the better choice!
This color variation has a noise level of 84 decibels when blending at the highest speed settings. It’s the same level as the A3300 Brushed Stainless Finish.
Remember, while these blenders are slightly quieter, they are still quite loud. Actually, loud enough to wake people from sleep when living in a small apartment.
The Vitamix A2300, A2500, and the other color variations of the A3300 and A3500 have a noise level of 84 to 89 decibels, which is slightly higher.
But these blenders are slightly quieter than the cheaper Explorian Series E320 and the loudest Vitamix 5300, with a noise level of over 98 decibels.
I recommend checking Vitamix Quiet One and the Blendtec Professional 800 if you want a quieter blender. But these two are pretty expensive!
10-Year Full Warranty
Vitamix A2300 and A3500 have a 10-Year full warranty, covering everything, including parts, performance, labor, and two-way shipping, for your peace of mind!
Vitamix A2300 vs A3500: Controls Comparison
Vitamix A2300 and A3500’s main differences are their control settings and overall design. It’s how one Ascent Series blender differs from the other!
Premium Variable Speed Control Dial
Both blenders have a premium variable speed control dial for manual speed adjustment. But the A2300’s dial has a classic design with 1 to 10-speed markings.
The A3500 dial is stylish-looking and digital with no speed markings. The speed adjustments are digitally displayed on the touchscreen control panel.
It also features half-speed adjustments, totaling 19-speed settings, including 0, 1, 1+, 2, 2+,3, 3+, 4, 4+, 5, 5+, 6, 6+, 7, 7+, 8, 8+, 9, 9+, and 10!
Touchscreen Panel
Vitamix A3500 has a responsive touchscreen control panel that seamlessly works even when you touch it with a wet finger.
Blending Programs Icons
Vitamix A3500 has five convenient blending programs for smoothies, hot soups, frozen desserts, dips & spreads, and self-cleaning.
The icons for the five programs are engraved on the touchscreen panel, so you can easily tap on them. The process is pretty easy and very responsive!
NOTE: The five blending programs are the only features not present on the A3300. Otherwise, the A3300 and A3500 are nearly identical!
Digital Timer vs Programmable Timer
The A3500’s touchscreen panel has +/- tactile buttons for using the programmable timer, which lets you set the maximum blending time.
It’s super easy to use and works like the microwave programmable timer 😀 The blender will automatically stop when the time you have entered is complete.
The A2300 has a digital timer screen on top of the variable speed control dial. But this timer isn’t programmable and lacks the +/- buttons.
The digital timer only displays how long your blend has been running or how much time is left when using the Vitamix Perfect Blend app.
Pulse & Start/Stop
A2300 has the Vitamix classic-style physical switches for pulsing and starting/stopping, while A3500 has tactile buttons for the same.
The switches and buttons are conveniently placed on the right and left sides of the premium variable speed control dials for easy operation.
NOTE: Despite their differences in exterior design and control settings, both blenders are easy to use. They both have a convenient power switch on the side!
Vitamix A2300 vs A3500: FAQs & My Brutally Honest Answers!
Is the Vitamix A3500 Worth It?
Yes, the Vitamix A3500 is worth the money! It has a premium build quality, a responsive touchscreen, a useful programmable timer, and five blending programs.
What is the Difference Between Vitamix Ascent A2300 and A3500?
The Vitamix A3500 is a little better than the A2300. It has an intuitive touch panel, a programmable timer, and five blending programs, including self-cleaning.
Vitamix A2300 has a classic-styled variable speed control dial, it lacks an intuitive touchscreen panel, and its digital timer is not programmable.
Which Vitamix is Less Noisy?
The Vitamix A3500 Brushed Stainless Finish is slightly quieter than the A2300, making it the least noisy of the two Ascent Series blenders.
Vitamix A2300 vs A3500: My Verdict + Recommendations!
Vitamix A3500 has a programmable timer, a touchscreen, and five programs for smoothies, hot soups, frozen desserts, dips & spreads, and self-cleaning.
When you get it with the Brushed Stainless Finish, it will blend at slightly quieter noise levels than the Vitamix A2300, which comes in Black, White, Red, and Slate.
Vitamix A3500 costs about $150 more and is 100% worth paying for, given that you’ll get a premium Vitamix blender that will serve you for many years!
Remember, the A3300 is nearly identical to the A3500. It also has a touchscreen, a programmable timer, and a digital dial. But it only lacks the five blending programs!
Yet, the A3300 costs $100 cheaper than the A3500, and you can still get it with the slightly quieter Brushed Stainless Finish, which I highly recommend.
Remember, all Ascent Series blenders have built-in Bluetooth to connect your mobile device to use the 17 Vitamix Perfect Blend app blending programs.
If you mostly blend custom recipes and know their average processing times, you don’t need the A3500’s preset programs, including for self-cleaning!
You can use the A3300’s programmable timer to set the maximum blending time, and it’ll stop automatically when the time is complete, just like a preset program!
I blend my smoothies for 60 seconds, cocktails for 45 seconds, self-clean for 30 seconds, hot soups for 6 minutes, and so on. So, no need for programs for these!
That said, if you want to enjoy the features and benefits of the Ascent Series blenders while paying the lowest price possible, get the affordable Vitamix A2300!
