Maybe humans have taken Jedi mind tricks too far: touch screens and hand gestures; controlling devices with our voices; seeing through doorbells. Our appliances are now a part of it. With the glass touch screen on the Vitamix 780, will it make a difference? Is the Vitamix 750 still the best?
Today I will examine each of these in detail. I will cover the differences in the models as well as the similarities. I will show you the two models side by side and answer your burning questions about them. However, if you are an impatient Padawan, then know that I believe the 750 is still the better option.
Contents
The Differences of the Blenders
The blenders come from the same series and model line. However, there are some differences you should be aware of.
- The 780 has a hardened glass all touch control panel; the 750 has knobs and toggles.
- The layout of the controls is slightly different on the two models.
- The Vitamix 750 has more color options than the 780.
- The 750 comes with an instructional DVD; the 780 does not.
The Similarities of the Models
The Vitamix 780 and 750 share a lot of things in common as well. Here’s a look at the most important commonalities.
- Both blenders use the G-Series 2.2 peak horsepower motor.
- The 780 and 750 each have noise reduction insulation in the housing.
- Each blender makes use of a six foot power cord.
- They each have a seven year warranty.
- The pitchers are the latest low profile design.
- Both use four inch stainless steel laser cut blades.
- The 750 and 780 come with five preset options.
- They also both have a Pulse control.
- Each model includes and tamper plunger and a cookbook.
Side By Side Comparison Chart
I made a handy, easy to read chart just for you. Look at it!
Vitamix 750 | Vitamix 780 | |
Series | G-Series | G-Series |
Motor | 2.2 HP | 2.2 HP |
Noise Dampening | Yes | Yes |
Touch Screen | No | Yes |
Pulse | Yes | Yes |
Presets | 5 | 5 |
Auto-Clean | Yes | Yes |
Color Options | Red, Black, Brushed Stainless | Red or Black |
Pitcher | Low Profile 64 ounce, Wet | Low Profile 64 ounce, Wet |
Tamper Plunger | Yes | Yes |
Cookbook and DVD | Yes | Cookbook Only |
Warranty | 7 Years | 7 Years |
Price | Check on Amazon | Check on Amazon |
Features and Options In Depth
Let’s take a deeper look at what is going on with the blenders, and where one is better than the other.
1. Motors
The motor in the G-Series models is an upgrade from the Classic (C-Series) line up with a ten percent increase in power. The new motors have a peak output of 2.2 horsepower. The high horsepower is needed because Vitamix uses dull to the touch, laser cut, stainless steel blades.
This is designed to effectively pulverize and blend your ingredients without just turning them to mush, which sharp blades tend to do. While the blades are dull to the touch, they still have a point on them and could cut you. Care should be taken when having to deal with blade contact, such as during cleaning.
The motors spin the blades at over 24000 RPMs which result in perfectly blended smoothies, purees and soups. The motors are also encased in a noise dampening insulation and fan cooled. The cooling fan reduced overheating and allows the motor to run for extended periods without activating the failsafe cut off.
Bottom Line: This round is a tie. Both models have the same 2.2 HP motor.
2. Noise Reduction
Does it work? Well, yes. If it didn’t they wouldn’t legally be allowed to market it. You should be asking: does it work WELL? That answer is a resounding maybe.
Reports are that the Vitamix 780 is quieter than the 750 and that the G-Series as a whole is up to 40 percent quieter than the C-Series. The 40 percent reduction is true (if it is actually 40 percent, is hard to say). The new motors with fan cooling and noise dampening insulation panels is noticeably more quiet than the C-Series motors without the dampening panels.
However, it is false that the 780 is quieter than the 750. Individual studies using decibel meters (you can find them on YouTube) actually show the 780 slightly louder. In terms of 1 or 2 db, your ear won’t notice. They are still loud. 88 to 95db on average, which is the same as a belt sander or a lawn mower. They are loud.
The noise reduction does help, but between the two models, there isn’t a noticeable difference.
Bottom Line: Another tie. The are loud. It’s part of the process of blending foods.
3. Pitchers
The G-Series, which includes the 780 and 750, redesigned the pitchers (you may call them containers, carafes, jugs, etc.) to accommodate some complaints from the previous models. The major complaint was that the pitchers were too tall and made storage difficult. Another complaint was that people liked to leave the blender where it was and found adding ingredients to be a pain due to the height.
The old style pitchers were slender and tall and when on the base, measured 20.5 inches tall. The new style is an average of an inch wider at the base and three inches shorter in height. This results in a fully assembled blender topping out at only 17.5 inches.
Storage on the counter top and under cabinets is now much easier. Adding ingredients through the lid while under the cabinets is easier as well. Some people now complain that with the wider pitcher you have difficulty making small batches as the blades won’t create as good of a vortex.
Luckily, Vitamix makes different capacity pitchers. You can get wet or dry pitchers in 64, 48 or 32 ounce capacities. The Vitamix 750 and 780 come with a 64 ounce wet container that is BPA free and shatterproof.
Bottom Line: This is also a tie. There can’t be a winner when the pitcher is the exact same.
4. Control Panels
Aside from the color of the base stations, the control panels really are the only major difference. The 750 has the standard G-Series panel with two toggle switches and a variable speed control dial. The 780 doesn’t have any toggles or dials and instead uses a touch screen for control.
On the 750 you will find the main power switch on the back side near the power cord. When this is flipped on, power is sent from the electrical outlet to the Start switch. The start switch is a two position toggle that controls the power supplied to the motor. When it is down, or off, nothing on the blender will operate. Once you flip it to start, the motor will spin the blades based on the settings of the dial.
The variable speed dial has fifteen settings. You will see the numbers 1 through 10 on the top of the dial and around it to the right. This is the general speed setting with 10 being the highest, or fastest. The other five settings are the preset controls. They are marked with icons for: Purees, Hot Soup, Frozen Treats, Smoothies and Self Cleaning.
If the dial is on one of these settings the blender will operate until the thickness or consistency (or heat, for soup) is reached. When it is, the motor will shut off. The other toggle is the Pulse toggle. This will jolt the blades quickly to chop, cut or minimally blend your ingredients.
The Vitamix 780 has all of these exact settings. Start, Pulse variable speeds 1 through 10 and the five presets. The difference is there are no knobs or toggles. Instead everything is touch based, like your smart phone. The variable speed is a slide lever on the right side of the panel. You use your finger to adjust it up or down.
The rest act like buttons and will illuminate when you press them so you know which one is selected. I should note that the 750 panel lights up as well. Other than the physical power switch on the back of the machine, every other function is touch based.
The touch screen is made from hardened glass that is shatter and crack resistant. It would take a lot to crack or break this screen, but that is not a challenge to try. You can even operate the blender with wet fingers. One of the cool features is that only your touch will activate it, so spills from the pitcher or drops as you add ingredients won’t set it off.
Bottom Line: The 780 wins. Touch screen controls take a bit to get used to but are fun and easy.
5. Includes
Besides the base, blender and pitcher with lid, you also get a few extras in your box when you purchase a new unit. The first extra you get is a tamper, or plunger. This is a plastic tool used to push stubborn or light ingredients down towards the blade so that everything gets blended.
The other thing you will get is a cookbook that has 300 pages full of recipes you can make with your blender. It will include recipes that are designed using the presets on the control panels.
If you get a Vitamix 750, you will also get a bonus DVD. This DVD covers every aspect of the blender and how it should be used. It will cover your controls, presets and show you how to prepare the food before you drop it in the blender.
Bottom Line: The 750 wins this one. Having the DVD isn’t essential, but it is there so it’s a win.
6. Recall Alert!
I will briefly cover this now because it seems to still be an issue people are concerned about. When the G-Series was first introduced people started noticing tiny black specs in their blends. It turns out that the Teflon seals and o-rings of the pitcher would flake off and end up in your food.
Obviously this was cause for concern. The masses were infuriated that Vitamix had a “do nothing” approach to the ordeal. These masses I call: non-researchers. It turns out Vitamix did do something. The redesigned the blades and reduced the o-ring friction and issued a voluntary recall.
What does this mean? It means that the issue that started in August 2015 was resolved in August 2015. If you have an affected model (this would include the 750, 7500, 5300, 300 series and a few others), you simply contact Vitamix, verify your serial number and they will send you a new pitcher. Simple as that.
The occurrence of the Teflon specs is still found today, usually in third party sellers who either refused or just didn’t care to return their blenders and continue to sell them. Because it is a voluntary recall it won’t end any time soon. If you happen to get one of these models, it is a simple fix.
Bottom Line: The 780 wins. I guess. It wasn’t effected by the recall, so it wins by default.
Frequently Asked Questions
I will now answer some of the most common questions about the G-Series’ 750 and 780 blenders.
Q1: How in Heck does a blender make hot soup?
A1: If you open the box fast enough you will see a gang of miniature elves with tiny lighters climb inside the housing (they are Jedi trained, so it is safe.). On a serious note, it is all done through blade friction.
The setting will make the blades spin at high speed for about ten minutes. This will increase the friction which in turn will heat the soup to a serving temperature. I wouldn’t be fooled by the steaming pitchers you will see in images on the Internet, but it will make your soup very well blended and warm enough to eat.
Q2: Is this dishwasher safe?
A2: The base and motor should never be placed in the dishwasher. Neither should the pitcher, blades or lid. It is not dishwasher safe. To clean the 750 or the 780 you can use the self cleaning preset.
You simply fill the pitcher half to two-thirds full with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap. Press the self clean preset and it will stop when it is clean. Then you just rinse the lid and pitcher and you are ready for your next blend.
Q3: I live in Europe. If I buy a Vitamix while I am vising the States, will the warranty carry over?
A3: No. The United States blenders are hard wired for 110 volt power. Because the European nations use 220 volts you will need to use a power converter to use the blender. This will automatically void the warranty, but even so, Vitamix in the US is not authorized to uphold a warranty in another country.
Your best bet is to by a blender at home that is wired for 220 volts and have the warranty there.
Q4: Why is the base so heavy?
A4: So toddlers don’t run down the hall with your blender. The unit weighs right around 12 pounds. This is needed to support the torque and spin of the motor and blades. It keeps the unit steady while blending so it doesn’t topple or spill.
Q5: Can I blend nuts and dry goods?
A5: You can. The pitcher that comes with the units is a wet pitcher. This means it is designed to be used with wet ingredients such as fruits, vegetables, etc.
While you can blend nuts and other hard, dry foods, they will scratch and mar the container. This will give the pitcher a milky and dirty look. It will also give areas for bacteria to hide and grow. If you plan to mix dry goods you should invest in a dry pitcher. Vitamix sells different wet and dry pitchers for both models in various capacities, 64, 48 and 32 ounces, plus single serve cups.
What I Like About the Vitamix 750
- High power 2.2 HP motor.
- Real stainless steel base, not plastic.
- Pulse control option.
- Seven year warranty, upgradeable to 10 years.
What I Like About the Vitamix 780
- Touch screen controls that illuminate.
- Stout, low profile pitcher.
- Cookbook included to use all of the presets.
- Sleek, modern look.
In Conclusion
The latest models of the G-Series truly are hard to beat. With either the 750 or the 780, you really can’t go wrong. Which one is better?
When it comes to noise, performance, life expectancy and quality, they are identical. If you want to save a bit of money and don’t need the latest and greatest in touch screen capabilities, the Vitamix 750 should make the top of your options list.
However, if you want to be able to practice your Jedi tricks on the hardened glass touch screen and blend with confidence and have the latest model available, the 780 might be your next purchase. If you already own a 750, there is no real need to upgrade. The touch screen is the only difference here and that alone isn’t worth the purchase price.
The cost, to me, isn’t worth the touch panel being the only upgrade, and for that, the 750 is still the better option.