The Ascent Series Vitamix A2500 is the perfect alternative to the Costco-exclusive Vitamix E520. They both have three convenient blending programs!
The three blending programs for Smoothies, Hot Soup, and Frozen Desserts offer walk-away blending convenience and multi-tasking.
Both Vitamix E520 and A2500 are exceptionally easy to use, with a variable speed control knob for adjusting the speed from 1 to 10 and using the blending programs.
They also have a pulse switch to precisely control the blending process and an On/Off switch to Start/Stop the blender, which prevents accidental blending!
Both blenders come with a large 64-oz low-profile container. But the A2500’s container has the SELF-DETECT technology and a transparent lid!
Vitamix A2500 also features a built-in digital timer that counts the blending time like a stopwatch, so you can always get consistent results and textures.
Vitamix E520 vs A2500: My Verdict – Get Vitamix A2500!
I will always pick the Vitamix A2500! It’s my favorite Vitamix blender model for its perfect balance of easy-to-use analog controls, three convenient blending programs, and built-in wireless connectivity!
In all my Vitamix blender reviews and comparison guides, I have consistently hailed the A2500. Here are my ten reasons why you, too, should pick it:
- The Vitamix A2500 has a robust build quality designed to last many years while serving reliably with multiple daily uses.
- Its 2.2-horsepower motor complements the build quality by offering an industry-leading professional-grade blending performance.
- It features three built-in automatic blending programs for Smoothies, Hot Soups, and Frozen Desserts for walk-away blending convenience.
- It has a premium variable speed control knob in the middle to manually adjust its speed settings from 1 to 10 and use the three blending programs.
- On one end of the knob is an On/Off switch to Start/Stop the blending; on the other, there is a pulse switch to precisely control the blending process.
- It has a digital timer conveniently placed at the top of the knob. It counts the blending time, so you can always get consistent results.
- It has a large 64-oz low-profile container with SELF-DETECT to prepare your favorite Vitamix recipes in large batches!
- The built-in SELF-DETECT technology lets you use the blender with various Vitamix containers, including the 20-oz blending cup!
- Its built-in Bluetooth lets you connect it to your mobile device to access 17 more blending programs and 500+ recipes via the Perfect Blend app.
- Lastly, the A2500 comes in four colors; Black, Red, White, and Slate, so you can pick the color that complements your kitchen theme!
What’s more, the Vitamix A2500 has a whopping 10-Year full warranty covering everything from parts, performance, labor, defects, repairs, and two-way shipping to the service center at no extra cost to you!
| Vitamix Model | Vitamix E520 | Vitamix A2500 |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Explorian Series | Ascent Series |
| Motor Power | 2-HP | 2.2-HP |
| Height (with Container) | 17.5 Inches | 17 Inches |
| Variable Speed Control | Yes | Yes |
| Blending Programs | 3 | 3 |
| Pulse Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Container Size | 64-oz Low-Profile | 64-oz Low-Profile with SELF-DETECT |
| Warranty | 7-Year | 10-Year |
| Colors | Black & Slate | Black, Red, Slate, and White |
| Price | Check Price at Vitamix’s Shop | Check Price on Amazon |
Vitamix E520 vs A2500: Motor Bases
So far, you already know I recommend the Vitamix A2500, primarily for its build quality with a combination of easy-to-use controls and wireless connectivity.
I’ll now showcase how the Vitamix E520 and A2500 motors bases compare in terms of horsepower, controls, and overall blending performance.
2-Peak vs 2.2-Peak Horsepower Motor
The motor power is one of the two things that Vitamix never compromises in all its blenders, and the other one is the stainless steel blade quality!
The Vitamix A2500 has a powerful 2.2-HP motor that delivers remarkably consistent blending results even when processing tough ingredients like nuts.
E520 has a 2-HP motor, about 10% less powerful than the A2500. But, the motor power difference is unnoticeable when you compare their performance.
You should, therefore, get consistent results with either blender! However, the A2500 will often give your desired results faster than the E520!
Both blenders will make you silky-smooth smoothies, bar-quality crushed ice, awesome nut butter, baby food, desserts, hot soups, and much more!
But remember, the A2500 has a better motor base build quality and a much longer full warranty of ten years, which makes it a better buy than the E520!
At the time of this writing, Vitamix hasn’t shared any information about the motor base of the E520, but it’s an Explorian Series model, so expect a basic build quality!
The other Explorian Series blenders, Vitamix E310 and the affordable E320 have a basic motor base build quality, which justifies their inexpensive pricing.
TIP: If you are looking for cheaper Vitamix alternatives that cost as low as $50, I recommend you check this other guide with the ten inexpensive blenders I recommend if you can not yet afford the Vitamix investment!
All full-size Vitamix blenders have a radial cooling fan and thermal protection system for reliable blending performance and long-lasting operation!
Vitamix E520 vs A2500: Control Settings
Both Vitamix E520 and A2500 have straightforward controls that are super easy to use, even for someone who has never used a blending machine before!
Variable Speed Control
The variable speed control is standard in all full-size Vitamix blenders, and both the Vitamix E520 and A2500 have it in the middle of the motor base!
In both blenders, the variable speed control knob allows you to adjust the speed settings from 1 to 10 and use the three convenient blending programs.
Three Blending Programs
As mentioned, both Vitamix E520 and A2500 have three blending programs for Smoothies, Hot Soups, and Frozen Desserts.
After years of producing the best blending machines, Vitamix noticed that most people tend to make these three recipes with their Vitamix!
So, you can always enjoy walk-away blending convenience when making your delicious smoothies, hot soups, and desserts!
All you need is to add your ingredients to the 64-oz low-profile container, set the variable speed knob to the right blending program, and start the blender.
The blender will automatically stop once the process is complete. You can even walk away and do other things in the house!
Pulse Switch
They both have a Pulse switch which is quite useful to precisely control the blending process for consistent textures in all recipes!
Digital Timer
The Vitamix A2500 has a built-in digital timer that counts like a stopwatch. It’s useful when preparing custom recipes in batches to achieve consistent results!
SELF-DETECT Technology
All Ascent Series blenders, including the A2500, have the SELF-DETECT technology, so they will only work with SELF-DETECT containers!
It’s basically an NFC chip that allows the blender to recognize the container in use and adjust its settings and maximum blending times for consistent results.
Other SELF-DETECT accessories you should probably get include the Vitamix Blending Cup Bowl Starter Kit and the Vitamix Food Processor Attachment.
The Vitamix Blending Cup Bowl Starter Kit has a 20-oz blending cup for smoothies and shakes and an 8-oz bowl for baby food, spices, and much more!
The 12-Cup Vitamix Food Procesor is a food processor attachment that uses the A2500 blender base to chop, shred, slice, mince, knead, and mix ingredients.
Bluetooth Connectivity
A2500 and the other Ascent Series blenders, including the overall best Vitamix A3500 and the inexpensive Vitamix A2300, have Bluetooth connectivity.
The built-in Bluetooth lets you connect your blender to your Android, iPhone, or iPad device and access 17 blending programs and 500+ Vitamix recipes.
It pairs and works with the Vitamix Perfect Blend app available on Google Play Store and Apple Store for download to the supported devices!
With the Perfect Blend App, you will unlock a whole new world of Vitamix blending potential with super convenient blending programs, including:
- Smoothies;
- Nut Butter;
- Hot Soup;
- Self-Cleaning;
- Marinades;
- Baby Food;
- Salad Dressings;
- Frozen Desserts;
- Dry Chopping;
- Spreads;
- Spice Grinding;
- Cold Skim Milk Foam;
- Frozen Cocktails;
- Nut Milk;
- Thick Dips;
- Batter; and,
- Acai Bowls.
These extra blending programs are super convenient, especially if you often do dry chopping, spice grinding, and make frozen cocktails like me!
Vitamix E520 vs A2500: 64-oz Low-Profile Container
Both Vitamix E520 and A2500 come with a large 64-oz low-profile container suitable for processing large batches and preparing family-sized recipes.
But the two containers are different in appearance and aren’t interchangeable. The E520’s 64-oz low-profile container has a black lid and a clear lid plug!
The Vitamix A2500’s 64-oz low-profile container has SELF-DETECT so the A2500 blender can recognize it. It also has a transparent lid and lid plug!
Self-Cleaning & Dishwasher-Safe
The containers are made of BPA-free plastic and are dishwasher-safe and self-cleaning. The Perfect Blend app has an automatic Self-Cleaning program!
Larger 4-Inch Blades
Both 64-oz low-profile containers have larger 4-inch blades of the same quality, allowing you to achieve consistent results in all your blends!
All Vitamix blades are made of aircraft-grade, laser-cut stainless steel that is hammermill to pulverize ingredients at high speed to ensure consistency!
A Low-Profile Tamper is Included!
Both E520 and A2500 come with a low-profile tamper that is useful for pushing stubborn ingredients down the blades for consistent results.
Two 24-oz Chilly Tumbler Cups with Straw
The Vitamix E520 has two reusable 24-oz chilly tumbler cups with steel straws to take your smoothies and shakes on the go to work, gym, school, etc.
Vitamix E520 vs A2500: Noise Levels!
The Vitamix A2500 runs slightly quieter than the E520, but you can barely notice the difference in noise level unless you use a sound-measuring device!
Most Vitamix blenders, including high-end models like the Vitamix Professional 750 and Vitamix Propel Series 750 are pretty loud when blending with the high-speed settings.
But the iconic Vitamix blending performance justifies the high noise levels that deliver consistent results within a few minutes, sometimes seconds!
The Vitamix The Quiet One!
If you prefer a quieter Vitamix, the Vitamix The Quiet One has a noise level of 65 decibels but costs twice the price of the Vitamix E520 and A2500!
To illustrate this noise level, someone awake in the bedroom won’t notice the blender is running even if you live in a tiny apartment in Manhattan 😀!
At close-up, it sounds like a normal, healthy conversation between two people seated on the couch on a lazy summer evening when nobody wants to shout!
The Blendtec Professional 800 Alternative!
The Vitamix The Quiet One is exceptionally great but hefty priced! Its perfect alternative is the Blendtec Professional 800!
It also has a noise level of 65 decibels when blending in the highest speed setting. But it costs about $400 cheaper than the Vitamix The Quiet One!
It also comes with the iconic Blendtec 90-oz Wildside+ jar, an easy-to-use interface with an 11-Speed touch slider, and preset blending programs.
Vitamix E520 vs A2500: Warranty
All Vitamix blenders come with a full warranty covering everything from parts replacement to performance, labor, and two-way shipping at no extra cost to you!
The Vitamix E520 has a 7-Year full warranty, while the A2500 has a 10-Year full warranty! The decade-long warranty is one of the reasons I prefer the A2500!
All Vitamix blenders are US-made! They are built for industry-leading durability and reliable performance even with multiple daily usage!
Vitamix E520 vs A2500: FAQs + My Brutally Honest Answers!
Is Vitamix A2500 Worth it?
Yes, the Vitamix A2500 is worth the money! It has a premium build quality with a 2.2-HP motor, three blending programs, a digital timer, easy-to-use controls, built-in wireless connectivity, and a large 64-oz low-profile container!
Is Vitamix A2500 Good for Smoothies?
Yes, the Vitamix A2500 makes delicious smoothies. Its smoothie blending program and the 64-oz low-profile container with SELF-DETECT with large 4-inch stainless steel blades pulverize veggies and fruits for perfect silky-smooth consistency.
What is the Difference Between Vitamix A2500 vs A2500i?
The difference between the Vitamix A2500 and A2500i is that the A2500 has a 120V electrical power rating for use in the US and Canada. In contrast, the A2500i has a 220 – 240V power rating for use in Kenya, the UK, Australia, South Africa, and Europe!
Vitamix E520 vs A2500: My Verdict + Recommendations!
The Vitamix E520 and A2500 are professional-grade blenders built to deliver top-notch blending performance for consistent blends all the time!
The A2500 wins between the two for its powerful 2.2-HP motor, simple controls, a 64-oz low-profile container with SELF-DETECT, and three program settings for Smoothies, Hot Soup, and Frozen Desserts!
The Vitamix A2500 costs almost the same as E520. But it has premium build quality and Bluetooth connectivity that lets you connect your mobile device!
