The Vitamix A2500 and A3500 have built-in convenient blending programs lacking in the two other Ascent Series blenders, the inexpensive Vitamix A2300 and the A3300.
A2500 has three programs for Smoothies, Hot Soups, and Frozen Desserts, while A3500 has five, these three plus Dips & Spreads and Self-Cleaning.
Although their overall exterior build designs and control settings differ, both have a premium build quality for long-lasting, high-performance blending!
Both have a powerful 2.2-horsepower motor, built-in wireless SELF-DETECT technology, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 64-oz low-profile container with SELF-DETECT.
Vitamix A3500 has a sleek-looking touchscreen panel, a programmable timer, a digital premium variable speed control dial, and tactile buttons.
The A3500 costs about $100 more than the A2500. And it is 100% worth the money because the A2500’s digital timer isn’t programmable and also lacks the super convenient self-cleaning program!
TIP: Vitamix A3500 Brushed Stainless Finish is slightly quieter than its other color variation since the stainless metal finish provides better sound dampening.
I highly recommend getting the A3500 with Brushed Stainless Finish for its top-of-the-line features! Learn more about how it compares with other Ascent Series blenders in different color variations and specs.
Vitamix A2500 vs A3500: Best Value – Pick the A3500 Brushed Stainless Finish Deal!
The A2500 has the classic Vitamix design with a premium variable speed control knob with speed settings labels, a pulse switch, and a start/stop switch.
The variable speed control knob lets you manually adjust the speed settings and use the blending programs. Just like the Vitamix Professional 750!
The A2500’s digital timer only displays how long your blend has been running or how much time is left when using the three program settings.
But the A3500’s programmable timer also allows you to set the maximum blending time and auto-stops the blender when the time entered is complete.
It’s for the two extra blending programs, a programmable timer, and a sleeker design that the A3500 costs about $100 more than the A2500!
The built-in Bluetooth connectivity lets you connect these blenders to your iOS and Android mobile device to access 17 more automatic blending programs via the Perfect Blend app.
These programs include the five you get with the A3500, plus nut butter, baby food, marinades, dry chopping, spice grinding, and cocktails, among others!
As mentioned, the A3500 Brushed Stainless Finish is slightly quieter than the A2500 and other Ascent Series color variations.
The stainless metal finish provides better sound dampening. I’ve best explained this in detail in this other comparison guide between Vitamix A3300 vs A3500.
NOTE: The Vitamix A3300 also comes in a Brushed Stainless Finish costing the same as the A2500, and while it lacks built-in blending programs, its timer is programmable!
The Vitamix A3500 Brushed Stainless Finish is the blender I would pick between the A2500 and A3500 if cost isn’t an object in my buying decision.
That said, the Vitamix A2500 is my favorite Ascent Series blender for its physical switches, classic-style premium variable speed control knob, and three blending programs. A2500 comes in Black, Red, White, and Slate colors!
Apart from the Brushed Stainless Finish, Vitamix A3500 also comes in Copper Finish, Candy Apple Red, Black Stainless Finish, White, and Graphite Finish!
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 A2500 vs A3500: Comparison Chart
| Vitamix Blender | Vitamix A2500 | 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 | 3 | 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 A2500 vs A3500: Performance Comparison
Any Vitamix blender model you pick will provide you with exceptionally high blending performance for consistent blends and smooth textures.
It doesn’t matter whether it’s the cheapest Explorian Series E310 and E320, the premium-built Vitamix Propel 750, or the Ascent Series A2500 and A3500.
Vitamix never compromises on performance! All its blenders are built to blend the toughest ingredients and tiniest seeds to a smooth consistency.
What sets extry-level models like the Explorian E310 apart from high-end models like the Propel Series 510 is their build quality and control settings.
All four Ascent Series blenders are highly engineered for a reliable blending performance, multi-purpose use, and durability to serve you for at least ten years!
2.2-Horsepower Motor
Vitamix A2500 and A3500 have a powerful 2.2-horsepower motor providing over 20,000 RPM when blending with the highest speed setting.
These speeds are staggeringly high, allowing the Vitamix stainless steel blades to cut through and pulverize any blendable ingredient within seconds.
Vitamix also includes a high-quality radial cooling fan and thermal protection system for reliable and long-lasting operation.
Vitamix 64-oz Low-Profile Container with SELF-DETECT
The A2500 and A3500, along with the other Ascent Series blenders, come with the Vitamix 64-oz low-profile container with SELF-DETECT.
The four Ascent Series blenders only work with SELF-DETECT containers. It’s the reason they are also known as the Vitamix smart system blenders.
NOTE: The originally Costco-exclusive Vitamix Venturist V1200 also has built-in wireless SELF-DETECT technology and Bluetooth connectivity.
The container and all its components are BPA-free, top-shelf dishwasher-safe, and self-cleaning. It also has clear markings for cup and ounce measurements!
High-Quality Stainless Steel Blades
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.
Metal Drive System
Vitamix A2500 and A3500 have a metal drive system connecting the high-powered motor to the container’s blades for a reliable and long-lasting operation!
Other Ascent Series Compatible Containers & Accessories
Ascent Series blenders are compatible with the 48-oz stainless steel and 48-oz Aer Disc containers, and all SELF-DETECT containers and accessories including:
- Vitamix 20-oz blending cup. An excellent container for making smoothies and shakes for drinking while going to work, the gym, or school.
- Vitamix 8-oz blending bowl. It does an awesome job when preparing tiny portions of your favorite recipes, like grinding and chopping ingredients.
- Vitamix 12-Cup Food Processor attachment. That turns your Vitamix into a food processor that can shred, slice, chop, and knead, among others!
- Vitamix Dry Grains 48-oz container with SELF-DETECT. The suitable container for milling grains grinding coffee beans, and kneading dough.
- The Vitamix Wet 48-oz container with SELF-DETECT. A smaller version of the 64-oz low-profile container with 2.8-inch blades instead of 4-inch.
All of them are BPA-free, self-cleaning, and dishwasher-safe. Learn more about the Vitamix containers compatibility, accessories, and replacement guide!
Noise Levels
Vitamix A2500 and A3500 are slightly quieter than the Explorian Series E320 and Classic C-Series blenders like the 5200 and the loudest Vitamix 5300.
The average noise level of the four Ascent Series blenders is 84 to 89 decibels when blending at the highest speed settings, which is still loud!
As mentioned, the Vitamix A3500 Brushed Stainless Finish has better sound dampening with a slightly lower noise level of under 84 decibels.
If you are looking for a near-silent blender, I recommend checking Vitamix Quiet One and the Blendtec Professional 800. But they are quite pricey!
10-Year Full Warranty
Vitamix A2500 and A3500 have a 10-Year full warranty, covering everything, including parts, performance, labor, and two-way shipping for your peace of mind!
Vitamix A2500 vs A3500: Controls Comparison
Vitamix A2500 and A3500’s main differences are their control settings and exterior design. It’s what sets one Ascent Series blender from the other!
Classic vs Digital Premium Variable Speed Control Dial
Both blenders have a premium variable speed control dial for manual speed adjustment. But the A2500’s dial is classic-styled, while the A3500’s is digital.
The Vitamix A2500’s dial has the standard classic design with labels for speeds 1 to 10 and the smoothies, hot soups, and frozen desserts blending programs.
The A3500 dial is stylish-looking and digital with no labels. 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.
A3500’s Blending Programs Icons
Vitamix A3500 has five convenient blending programs for smoothies, hot soups, frozen desserts, dips & spreads, and self-cleaning.
The icons/symbols for the five programs are engraved on the touchscreen panel, so you can easily tap on them, unlike the A2500, which uses the dial.
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 touchscreen panel has +/- tactile buttons for using the A3500’s 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 A2500 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 A2500’s three program settings.
Physical Switches vs Buttons
A2500 has classic-style physical switches for the pulse and start/stop, while A3500 has tactile buttons for the pulse and start/stop.
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 super easy to use. They both have a power switch on the side.
Vitamix A2500 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 A2500 and A3500?
The Vitamix A3500 is a little better than the A2500. It has an intuitive touch panel, a programmable timer, and five blending programs, including self-cleaning.
Vitamix A2500 has a classic-styled variable speed control dial and three blending programs. It lacks a touchscreen, and its digital timer is not programmable.
Which Vitamix is Less Noisy?
The Vitamix A3500 Brushed Stainless Finish is slightly quieter than the A2500, making it the least noisy of the two Ascent Series blenders.
Vitamix A2500 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 A2500, which comes in Black, White, Red, and Slate.
Vitamix A3500 costs $100 more, which is 100% worth paying, given that you’ll get a premium Vitamix blender that will serve you for many years!
The A3500 is also available in Copper Finish, Candy Apple Red, Black Stainless Finish, White, Graphite Finish, and four A3500 Gold Ascent Labels.
The Best Deal: The Vitamix A3300 is built like the A3500 with a touchscreen, a programmable timer, and a digital premium dial. It only lacks the five blending programs!
Yet, the A3300 costs the same as the A2500, which is $100 cheaper than the A3500! And you can still get it with the slightly quieter Brushed Stainless Finish.
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 want the best deal, you should get the Vitamix A3300 Brushed Stainless Finish. It’s $100 cheaper, sleek-looking, and slightly quieter!
In fact, if you mostly prepare custom recipes with your Vitamix and know their average blending times, you don’t need the A3500’s preset programs.
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!
The Affordable Deal: 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!
The A2300 is built like the A2500 with a digital timer, a premium dial, and physical switches. It only lacks the three blending programs but costs about $50 cheaper!
