With Vitamix blenders finding their way into homes since the 1930’s, it is no wonder so many professional and amateur chefs rely on them. With the next generation G-Series came some improvements that found their way back to the classic C-series blenders. The Vitamix 5300 and Vitamix 6500 benefit from some of these upgrades.
Which one is best for you? In this article I will discuss the differences and similarities of the models. I will also show you the two models side by side and cover their features in detail. Read the entire article below to learn which model will best fit your kitchen. However, if you just have to know right now: The Vitamix 6500 is the better choice.
Contents
Differences between Vitamix 5300 and 6500
Since both models fall into the classic, or C-Series of Vitamix blenders, they have a lot in common. However, they do have a few differences. Let’s look at those now:
- The 6500 has more color options than the 5300 does.
- The 5300 does not have any preset power settings. The 6500 has three presets.
- There is up to a $150 price point difference in the models.
Similarities between Vitamix 5300 and 6500
What they have in common may be enough to sell you on one model or another.
- Both models come with the stout, low profile 64 ounce pitcher.
- Each of these C-Series models come with the G-Series 2.2 peak horsepower motor.
- Both the 6500 and the 5300 use the classic base station design.
- Neither offer the noise dampening insulation of the G-Series.
- The 5300 and the 6500 have a pulse option.
- Vitamix has included a variable ten speed control dial for each model.
- Both of the blenders have 4-inch stainless steel blades.
- All Vitamix blenders, including the 6500 and the 5300, come with the Vitamix seven year warranty.
Side By Side Comparison
Now I will show you the two Vitamix blenders side by side so you can compare them for yourself.
| Vitamix 5300 | Vitamix 6500 | |
| Model Series | C-Series | C-Series |
| Assembled Height | 17.25 inches | 17.25 inches |
| Pitcher | Low Profile Wet 64 ounce | Low Profile Wet 64 ounce |
| Motor | 2.2 peak HP | 2.2 peak HP |
| Noise Reduction | No | No |
| Preset Controls | No | 3 |
| Pulse Control | Yes | Yes |
| Speed Controls | 10 | 10 |
| Blades | Laser Cut Stainless Steel 4-inch | Laser Cut Stainless Steel 4-inch |
| Colors | Black or Red | Black, Red, White, Brushed Stainless, Platinum |
| Warranty | 7 Years | 7 Years |
| Price | Check on Amazon | Check on Amazon |
Features and Options Details
Let us now take a deeper look at the features of these two blenders to see what is really going on under the hood.
1. Motors
The C-Series has used the standard 2.0 horsepower motors for years. With the introduction of the G-Series, Vitamix gave the motor an upgrade. The new motor increases the horsepower by ten percent. These new motors have made their way to other series’ line ups and the 5300 and the 6500 both take advantage of the new motor.
The new motors are more efficient, more powerful with 2.2 peak horsepower and offer an even longer life expectancy. The later is quite impressive as the standard motor has a life expectancy of over 20 years. The motors haven’t been out long enough to fully test their longevity, but the expectations is at least 25 years.
The downside here is that both models use the C-Series base and housing which doesn’t allow for insulation, noise dampening or the cooling efficiency of the G-Series.
Bottom Line: This round is a tie. Both the 6500 and the 5300 have the new generation motor.
2. Noise Levels
Blenders make noise. Most of them make a lot of noise. The motors are high powered and will make a lot of noise. Depending on what you are blending will only add to that noise (I’m looking at you ice cubes). While the new generation motors will run slightly quieter, you won’t be able to tell with your own ears.
The G-Series housing has fan assisted cooling and noise dampening insulation that reportedly reduces motor noise by 40 percent. However, the C-Series housing have radiated cooling and no dampening insulation.
Radiated cooling is just a fancy way to say that the spinning motor draws in ambient air from outside into the motor chamber to help keep it cool. It helps, but the motors will heat up during long blending sessions.
Bottom Line: Another tie round. The two models are loud and will continue to be loud.
3. Controls and Switches
Both the Vitamix 6500 and the Vitamix 5300 have 4 control switches with very little differences. The first switch is the main power switch. When this switch, located on the front of the machine below the main control panel, is off, nothing operates. When it is turned on, power is supplied from the power outlet to the Start/Stop switch.
The Start/Stop switch is a two position toggle that controls the motor. When the power switch is on and the Start/Stop is moved to the Start position, the motor will rotate and spin the blades at speeds depending on the variable speed dial position.
The variable speed position dial is where the one difference comes in. I will talk about that in a moment. First, the other toggle switch: Pulse. This is a single position switch. This means that unlike the Start/Stop switch, when you press the Pulse switch up and let go, it will return to the off position.
Pulse is a quick jolt that allows you to quickly chop or medium blend ingredients without creating a puree. This option is used in a lot of recipes and for quick chopping during meal prep.
Let’s get back to the dial. The dial on the 5300 has ten positions numbers 1 through 10. This is a numerical representation of the speed of the motor, and thus, the blades. Ten is the highest speed and will result in the motor reaching it’s peak 2.2 horsepower potential.
Depending on the speed you have the dial set to, this is the speed the blades will blend when the Start/Stop switch is activated. The difference in the 6500 comes in with the addition of three alternate settings.
The first of the three presets is Hot Soup. When you put the switch in this setting the blender will run for about ten minutes. It will churn your soup and the friction of the blades will heat your soup to serving temperature. You can heat and eat without having to fire up the stove top.
The second preset is for Frozen Foods. If you make sorbets, ice cream or other frozen treats, this setting will come in handy. It will make the ingredients reach the correct consistency and will shut off to prevent over blending.
The third preset is for Smoothies. This may be the most popular setting. You add your ingredients, set the switch and walk away. When your smoothie is ready, the perfect consistency and ready to drink, the blender will turn off to prevent over blending.
Bottom Line: The 6500 wins. The presets make all the difference.
4. Pitchers
One other feature that the Vitamix 6500 and 5300 take advantage of the G-Series with is the stout, low profile pitcher.
The most common complaint of the 5200 model was that the pitcher was too tall to store under cabinets and too slender to effectively clean by hand. Vitamix redesigned their pitchers to be smaller in height and wider throughout. The added width allows for easier cleaning by hand all the way down to the blades.
The stout pitcher is three full inches smaller than the standard pitcher and easily fits under most every cabinet without having to disassemble the blender.
I should note that some people enjoy the taller and slender pitcher. They claim that the vortex is better, the mixing is faster for small batches and clean up isn’t “that hard.” This is a personal preference, as always. I, on a personal note, like the stout pitcher much better. I haven’t noticed a difference in blends, no matter the batch size.
One other thing I should point out: the pitcher shipped with these models is a wet pitcher. These are slightly thinner walled pitcher designed for wet ingredients. While the blades and motor are strong enough to blend dry goods, I don’t recommend it.
Dry goods, such as nuts, will blend just fine. The problem is the pitcher itself. The hard ingredients will scratch and mar the pitcher, resulting in a more difficult to clean unit that appears cloudy and unkempt. Vitamix sells dry pitchers as well as pitchers in various capacities for all of your blending needs.
Bottom Line: Yet another tie. Both models utilize the stout, low profile pitcher.
5. Blades
The blades had to be changed to fit the new pitchers. The old style blades were three inches wide. The new blades are an entire inch longer at four inches.
The blades are still made using hammermilled laser-cut stainless steel. They are still dull to the touch (please believe me, you don’t need to touch them to find out), and are of near identical angles.
The only difference here is that the wider pitcher allows for longer blades. The blend quality and mixing is still the same.
Bottom Line: Yet another tie. Both blenders have the 4-in stainless steel blades.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everyone has questions about major purchases. I will take on the most common asked questions and give you the answers.
Q1: Does the Hot Soup setting really heat soup?
A1: Well it sure doesn’t plant trees. Yes, the Hot Soup setting will heat your soup. There are two issues with this as I see it.
First, the soup won’t be so hot you have to blow it before you eat it. It eventually will be that hot if you let the blender go long enough, but at that point it is just more energy efficient to turn on your stove. The images online of steam pouring out of the pitcher are a bit exaggerated. However, it will be warm enough to enjoy.
Second, these two models do not offer the noise reduction of the G-Series, so you will be running a loud blender for about ten straight minutes. This can be annoying to say the least.
Q2: Are these pitchers BPA free?
A2: Yes, the pitchers are BPA free. They are also shatter proof and will last you a very long time.
Q3: How do I clean these pitchers and lids?
A3: There are two methods to cleaning and I highly suggest you do both.
The first method, as explained by Vitamix, is to use the blender to clean itself. You will fill the pitcher half to two-thirds full with hot water and add a few drops of dish soap. Putting the blender on low allow it to churn the water as it swishes around. Slowly increase the speed until the water reaches the top of the pitcher and lid. Allow it to run here for a couple of minutes and then rinse the pitcher and lid clean.
The second method is to use hot water and dish soap along with a sponge and elbow grease. This will eliminate the build up of bacteria inside the pitcher and get anything the self cleaning method may have missed.
It is suggested to use the self-clean method after every single use, then after every tenth use or so, use the hand washing method.
Q4: Do these blenders come with a tamper plunger?
A4: Yes! I should have mentioned that earlier. Both models will come with a tamper plunger to push down lighter or stubborn ingredients. They also come with an owners manual and user’s guide.
You can also find certain packages that will include a cookbook, and while this isn’t a deal breaker it is nice to have recipes for you to follow when using your blender.
Q5: 64 ounces is nice, but I am single and don’t always need that much, can I make smaller amounts?
A5: Of course you can. You simply add less ingredients. If you are following a recipe you may need to do some math to reduce the amounts, but the blender will handle any amount you use (providing it isn’t over 64 ounces worth, of course.).
You may also be interested in investing in some of the other pitchers that Vitamix sells. They have pitchers that come in 48 and 32 ounce sizes. When you go this route you should make sure it is designed to fit your model. The tall slender pitchers of the other C-Series models (such as the 5200) will not fit or work with the 6500 or the 5300.
Q6: I hate leaving stuff behind, do I need to scrape to get everything out of the pitcher?
A6: Not usually. The pitchers have been designed to release the blends easily and without fuss. However, this will greatly depend on what you are mixing. Certain things that are thicker or stickier will need some help. Things such as nut butter or cookie dough will need assistance.
You can use a rubber spatula to rake the pitcher clean with relative ease.
Q7: I have read that these two models are actually in the G-Series, you are saying they are in the C-Series. Which one is it?
A7: A good question. This comes up a lot when companies have new technology that they add to prior series models. This is the case here. The motor and the stout pitcher are form the G-Series.
However, there are certain ways to tell. With the Vitamix blenders, the easiest and most sure way to tell is to locate the main power switch. The bases are different in the C and G-series models but even a visual inspection can be confusing.
If you locate the power switch, though, you will be sure. In the G-Series the power switch is located on the back of the base station, on the right hand side. In the C-Series blenders the power switch is on the front side of the blender, just below the main control panel on the left hand side.
What I Like About The Vitamix 5300
- Upgraded 2.2 HP motor.
- Pulse control.
- Stout, low profile pitcher.
- Seven year warranty.
What I Like About The Vitamix 6500
- High powered 2.2 HP motor.
- Pulse Controls.
- Three preset options.
- Seven year warranty.
In Conclusion
Everything considered, the 5300 and the 6500 are near identical models. They are both members of the C-Series models. Both of them have a pulse option, a stout pitcher, and a high powered 2.2 HP motor.
Of all the differences the presets and cost difference are the major factors. If you want a blender with a next generation motor, long life expectancy and to save a bit of money, the 5300 might be the right choice for you.
However, if you want everything the 5300 has to offer as well as more color options, along with three preset blending options, the 6500 should be near the top of your choices list. For me, the presets alone are worth everything. They save time, prevent over blending and make meal prep a lot easier.
For this reason alone, the 6500 is my choice for today’s winner.
