Ascent Series is a high-end Vitamix platform featuring four blender models with a premium build quality for high-performance blending and durability.
All have a powerful 2.2-horsepower motor that can blend the toughest ingredients and pulverize the tiniest seeds to smooth consistencies and textures.
Vitamix also calls them smart system blenders, featuring built-in digital timers, wireless SELF-DETECT technology, and Bluetooth connectivity.
All four Ascent Series blenders, including the inexpensive A2300 and my personal favorite A2500, have a 64-oz low-profile container with SELF-DETECT.
Between Vitamix A3300 and A3500, I prefer the A3300 since it’s $100 cheaper! The A3300 with Brushed Stainless Finish is slightly quieter than other color variations!
Vitamix A3300 vs A3500: Best Value – Pick the A3300 Deal!
Vitamix A3300 and A3500 are nearly identical-looking with similar overall build design, specs, and control features. They also have the same container!
Both have a sleek-looking touchscreen panel with a programmable timer, a digital variable speed control knob, and tactile pulse and start/stop buttons.
But Vitamix A3500 has five blending programs for Smoothies, Hot Soups, Frozen Desserts, Dips & Spreads, and Self-Cleaning, which are lacking in the A3300!
For the five convenient blending programs, the A3500 costs about $100 more than the Vitamix A3300, which in my opinion, is quite steep!
With the built-in Bluetooth, you can connect the A3300 to your smartphone or iPad to access and use the Vitamix Perfect Blend app.
The app has 17 blending programs, including the above five and 500+ Vitamix recipes. It works with all four Ascent Series blenders, including the A3500.
So, you don’t need to spend the extra $100 on the A3500 just for the programs. But having them built-in in the blender is more convenient than using the app!
The A3300 comes in Brushed Stainless Finish, Black, and Pearl Gray colors, while the A3500 comes in Brushed Stainless Finish, Copper Finish, Candy Apple Red, Black Stainless Finish, White, and Graphite Finish!
The Brushed Stainless Finish provides better sound dampening allowing them to blend slightly quieter than the same blenders in the other color variations.
But if I were to pick between the A3300 and A3500, I would get the Vitamix A3300 with Brushed Stainless Finish!
With the programmable timer available on both blenders, I can always set the maximum blending times for my recipes for walk-away convenience!
It will countdown your set time and auto-turn off when complete. If you make custom recipes, the timer is much better than preset blending programs!
Vitamix recently released the A3500 in three more color variations with Gold Label Accents, including the Matte Navy, Brushed Gold, Matte Sage, and White.
Vitamix A3300 vs A3500: Comparison Chart
| Vitamix Blender | Vitamix A3300 | 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 | Digital Dial | Digital Dial |
| Blending Programs | – | 5 |
| Pulse Feature | Button | Button |
| Programmable Timer | Yes | Yes |
| Touch Screen | Yes | 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 | Brushed Stainless Finish, Black, & Pearl Gray | 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 A3300 vs A3500: Performance Comparison
Ascent Series blenders are exceptionally well-built for high-performance blending to always deliver consistent results even after years of use!
It doesn’t matter if you choose the Vitamix A3300 or A3500! You’ll get consistent results and textures, even when blending tough ingredients and tiny seeds.
The inexpensive Vitamix A2300 will still deliver the same consistency. The A2500, as well! Learn more about the Vitamix Ascent Series comparison!
Simply put, what sets one Vitamix Ascent Series blender apart from the others are the control settings and not blending performance or build quality.
All four blenders have a premium build quality for reliable blending performance, multi-purpose use, and durability to serve you for at least ten years!
2.2-Horsepower Motor
All Ascent Series blenders have a powerful 2.2-horsepower motor that spins the blades at over 20,000 RPM when blending with the highest speed setting.
The high-powered motor allows them to cut through the toughest ingredients and pulverize the tiniest seeds to a smooth consistency within a few seconds.
NOTE: Like all other Vitamix blenders, the A3300 and A3500 have a radial cooling fan and thermal protection system for reliable and long-lasting operation.
Vitamix 64-oz Low-Profile Container with SELF-DETECT
Vitamix A3300 and A3500, along with the A2300 and A2500 Ascent Series blenders, come with the 64-oz low-profile container with SELF-DETECT.
The SELF-DETECT technology allows the motor base to detect and read the container size and automatically adjust its program settings and the maximum blending times.
Therefore, the four Ascent Series blenders can only work with SELF-DETECT containers, hence their other name, Smart System blenders.
The 64-oz low-profile container with SELF-DETECT and its two-part lid are BPA-free, self-cleaning, and top-shelf dishwasher-safe. It has clear markings for cup and ounce measurements.
It has a high-quality, hardened aircraft-grade, laser-cut stainless steel hammermill and cutting blades measuring 4 inches.
Like all Vitamix blenders, both A3300 and A3500 have a metal drive system connecting the high-powered motor to the container blades for a reliable and long-lasting operation!
Other Ascent Series Compatible Containers & Accessories
Ascent Series blenders are compatible with all the SELF-DETECT containers and accessories, including the 48-oz Stainless Steel and 48-oz Aer Disc containers.
1. Vitamix Blending Cup Bowl Starter Kit with SELF-DETECT
I highly recommend getting the Vitamix Blending Cup Bowl Starter kit. It has a compatible blade base, a 20-oz blending cup, and an 8-oz blending bowl.
The 20-oz blending cup is an excellent accessory container for making on-the-go smoothies and shakes to drink while going to work, school, or the gym.
The 8-oz blending bowl is quite handy for preparing tiny portions of your favorite recipes, chopping ingredients, grinding spices, and making baby food.
The blade base is compatible with the two accessory containers and has built-in SELF-DETECT technology to work with the four Ascent Series blenders.
2. Vitamix 12-Cup Food Processor Attachment with SELF-DETECT
The Vitamix A3300 and A3500 also allow you to use the Vitamix 12-Cup Food Processor attachment, which turns your Vitamix into a food processor.
Most Vitamix enthusiasts, chefs, and other users agree the Vitamix food processor works better than most dedicated food processors!
The Vitamix 12-Cup Food Processor attachment can shred, slice, chop, and knead, among others! It has multiple blades for all your food preparation.
3. Vitamix Dry Grains 48-oz Container with SELF-DETECT
If you regularly blend dry grains or grind coffee beans like me, the Vitamix Dry Grains 48-oz container with SELF-DETECT is a must-have!
It features the Vitamix dry-grains blades that blend with reverse vortex, creating a powdery effect. Learn more about Vitamix containers, accessories, wet vs dry blades, compatibility, and replacement guide!
The Dry Grains container is perfect for milling whole grains, mixing batter, kneading thick yeast dough, and so on! It’s also BPA-free and dishwasher-safe.
4. Vitamix 48-oz Aer Disc Container
The Vitamix 48-oz Aer Disc is another must-have accessory container for cocktails enthusiasts and people who enjoy hosting house parties.
It features a 12-hole stainless steel blade that acts as a muddler and cocktail shaker, extracting essential oils and juice while chilling drinks.
The Aer Disc is one of the most versatile Ascent Series accessories. It can muddle, whip, foam, emulsify, and chill drinks without crushing the ice.
5. Vitamix Wet 48-oz Container with SELF-DETECT
The Vitamix Wet 48-oz container with SELF-DETECT is a smaller version of the 64-oz low-profile container with SELF-DETECT.
It has the same high-quality, hardened aircraft-grade, laser-cut stainless steel hammermill and cutting blades measuring 2.8 inches.
It is a perfect container size for blending small to medium batches of your favorite recipes. It suits a family of one or two people!
The container and its two-part lid are BPA-free, self-cleaning, and dishwasher-safe. It has clear markings for cup and ounce measurements.
Noise Levels
Vitamix A3300 and A3500 are slightly quieter than other loud Vitamix blenders like the Explorian Series E310 and E320.
But they are still loud when blending at the maximum speed settings. They have an average noise level of 84 to 89 decibels.
Vitamix A3300 and A3500 with Brushed Stainless Finish are much quieter, with noise levels of about 84 decibels!
If you are looking for a near-silent blender, I recommend checking Vitamix Quiet One and the Blendtec Professional 800!
10-Year Full Warranty
Vitamix A3300 and A3500 have a 10-Year full warranty, covering everything from parts to performance, labor, and two-way shipping at no extra cost to you!
Vitamix A3300 vs A3500: Controls Comparison
The main difference between Vitamix A3300 and A3500 is their control settings. It’s what sets one Vitamix Smart System blender from the other!
Touchscreen Panel & Programmable Timer
Unlike the A2300 and A2500, the A3300 and A3500 have a touchscreen panel and a programmable digital timer with +/- tactile buttons.
The touchscreen interface is very responsive and intuitive. It seamlessly works even when you touch it with wet fingers.
The programmable timer displays how long your blend has been running or how much time is left on your program setting (for Vitamix A3500).
The programmable timer allows you to set the maximum blending time and stops the blender automatically when the time you have entered is complete.
When using the Perfect Blend app’s programs, the timer displays how much time is left, and the blender stops automatically when the process is complete!
Digital Premium Variable Speed Control Dial
Unlike the standard premium variable speed control knob of the A2300 and A2500, the A3300 and A3500 have a digital premium variable speed control dial.
It doesn’t have markings for speeds 1 to 10, but rather, the speed you select is digitally displayed on the touchscreen panel.
You also get 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!
A3500’s Five Blending Programs
Vitamix A3500 has five convenient blending programs for Smoothies, Hot Soups, Frozen Desserts, Dips & Spreads, and Self-Cleaning.
NOTE: The five blending programs are the only features not present on the A3300. Otherwise, these two blenders are nearly identical!
Pulse & Start/Stop Buttons
On one side of the digital premium variable speed control dial is a tactile pulse button and a start/stop button on the other!
The start/stop button is a safety feature to start or stop the blending process manually! Both also have a conveniently-placed power switch on the side!
Vitamix A3300 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, five blending programs, a touchscreen panel, a programmable timer, easy-to-use controls, and a large 64-oz low-profile container with SELF-DETECT.
How Much Horsepower Does a Vitamix A3500 Have?
Vitamix A3500 has a 2.2-horsepower motor that’s powerful enough to cut through the toughest ingredients and pulverize the tiniest seeds to consistency.
What is the Difference Between Vitamix A3300 and A3500?
The Vitamix A3500 has five blending programs for Smoothies, Hot Soups, Frozen Desserts, Dips & Spreads, and Self-Cleaning, which are lacking in the A3300. Both have a touch panel and a programmable timer.
Is the Vitamix A3300 Worth It?
Yes, Vitamix A3300 is 100% worth it! It has a premium build quality and costs $100 cheaper than the A3500. Yet, the programmable timer and built-in Bluetooth compensates for its lack of on-blender preset blending programs.
Does Vitamix A3300 Have Programs?
No, Vitamix A3300 lacks the blending programs you get with the A3500 and A2500. But it works with the Vitamix Perfect Blend app that has 17 blending programs and 500+ Vitamix recipes.
Does the Vitamix Food Processor Work with the A3300?
Yes, the Vitamix A3300 is compatible with the Vitamix 12-Cup food processor attachment with SELF-DETECT. The combination becomes a full-featured kitchen system, allowing you to speed through your food prep tasks.
Which Vitamix is Less Noisy?
Vitamix A3300 and A3500 with Brushed Stainless Finish are the least noisy of all the Vitamix household blenders. The metal finish dampens the noise level for quieter blending operation.
How Much Horsepower Does a Vitamix A3300 Have?
Vitamix A3300 has a 2.2-horsepower motor that’s powerful enough to cut through the toughest ingredients and pulverize the tiniest seeds to consistency.
Is Anything Better than Vitamix?
Yes, Blendtec Professional 800 is a better blender, food processor, and full-featured kitchen system than any Vitamix blender ever made! It’s the blender I would pick for its near-silent blending operation!
What is the Lifespan of a Vitamix?
Your Vitamix blender should serve you for at least ten years with proper maintenance, even with regular, daily use! Some Vitamix enthusiasts have claimed their blender served them for over 15 years, which is phenomenal!
Vitamix A3300 vs A3500: My Verdict + Recommendations!
The Vitamix A3500 has five blending programs for Smoothies, Hot Soups, Frozen Desserts, Dips & Spreads, and Self-Cleaning on top of what the A3300 offers.
But it costs $100 more! Yet, you can conveniently use these blenders with the Perfect Blend app, which has 17 blending programs, including the above five!
Both also have a programmable timer that allows you to set the maximum blending time and stops the blender automatically when the time is complete.
If you mostly prepare custom recipes with your blender and know their average blending times, then you don’t need the A3500’s preset programs.
In that case, you should get the Vitamix A3300 with Brushed Stainless Finish, which is about $100 cheaper than the A3500 with Brushed Stainless Finish.
And if a slightly quieter operation isn’t important to you, both blenders are available in other colors, including Gold Label Accents, to suit your preferences.
