is costco vitamix different

During the September Vitamix Days Sale buying direct is a better deal than anywhere else. These are their biggest discounts of the year. Save up to 50% off on a variety of machine types, for a few days only!

It used to be that the only way to buy a Vitamix was by mail order direct from the company or from a live demonstration. However, in recent years Vitamix has expanded into many retail stores, so there are a lot of places you can buy a Vitamix.

Comparison shopping can be confusing because Vitamix sells different model names in different stores. However, there aren’t that many feature differences, so it’s not too hard to figure out. Check out my Vitamix comparison page for recommendations and an overview of the differences. This page describes the models carried by specific retail stores. Vitamix has pricing agreements with retailers, so in most cases pricing for the same model is consistent across retailers, and store coupons generally exclude Vitamix.

Joy of Blending has an affiliate relationship with some of these retailers, which means that if you make a purchase after following one of these links, Joy of Blending may receive a percentage of the sale, at no added cost to you. I joined affiliate programs where available, but I am including non-affiliate links as well. Affiliate merchants are marked with (+). All other things being equal, it’s best for me if you order by clicking through to Vitamix.com(+), which cuts out the middle man, and gets me a better commission. As a thank you, I offer priority support to people who order machines direct (just forward your order confirmation to [email protected], and I’ll put you on the list). Finally, buying direct also gets your warranty registered automatically.

The best deal is often not found in retail stores: Vitamix guarantees Certified Reconditioned to be just as good as new, and they come with a 5-year iron-clad warranty. I also maintain a promotions page, which lists any current Vitamix.com and .ca promotions.

costcoCostco was one of the first retail stores to sell Vitamix machines. First they were only sold during “road show” demonstrations, but now Costco stocks some Vitamix models on their shelves. There are two models unique to Costco: the 5300 and 6500, although the 5300 is now also available reconditioned elsewhere. Vitamix created these models specifically for Costco, as lower cost options that fit under standard kitchen cabinets. They combine the older-style base with the newer short/wide 64-oz container. The only difference between the 5300 and the 6500 is that the 6500 adds 3 preset program modes.

Costco also sometimes sells the 5200, which has the classic base, and a tall/narrow 64-oz container. Costco sometimes adds an S to the name (e.g. 5200S or 5300S). The models ending in S are the same as their non-S counterparts, except they come with more minimal accessories: a shorter, non-color cookbook, and no instructional DVD.

Vitamix made a model line specifically for QVC(+) called “Creations.” The Creations models are identical to other models sold by Vitamix, except that they come with 5-year warranties instead of 7-year warranties (see my comparison chart for the equivalent models).

One unique thing is that QVC gets many more different colors than any other venue, so if you want an unusual color, QVC may be your best choice. Generally, they are only a good deal when they are featured as a Today’s Special Value, and it is the right model for you. Even then, you can often beat the TSV price with a Certified Reconditioned model.

is costco vitamix different

Vitamix at Best Buy

best_buyBest Buy sells the Pro 200, Pro 500, S50 and S55.

Vitamix at Sur la Table and Williams-Sonoma

Sur la Table(+) and Williams-Sonoma have the same Vitamix lineup, which is mainly Professional Series models. Note, however, that the Pro models are identical to other Vitamix models. The only difference is the name, and the cookbooks come with more elaborate recipes. (The Pro 300 is the same as the 7500, the Pro 200 is the same as the 5200, and the Pro 500 is the same as the 6300; the Pro 750 does not have a non-pro version, but it is the same as the 7500, except for the addition of presets.)

One thing to look out for is that Williams-Sonoma consistently lists elevated “suggested” prices, to make shoppers think they are saving tons of money. But the thing is, I’ve been closely monitoring Vitamix pricing for the past four years, and I’ve never seen models priced at their suggested prices anywhere. So, take them with a major grain of salt.

Target(+) stocks the Vitamix Pro 200 in stores, which is equivalent to the 5200. Sometimes they have the Pro 500 and S50 as well. Target also sells C-Series Certified Reconditioned models, online only.

amazonAmazon.com(+) sells almost all of the models found on Vitamix.com. Their prices change constantly, so you have to check to see how they compare at any given time. One thing to watch out for on Amazon is third party sellers. Some unscrupulous sellers try to pass off used machines as new. I recently found out that Amazon commingles inventory, so trying to only buy from third party merchants with good reviews won’t necessarily save you the hassle of dealing with a defective machine.

Vitamix machines sometimes show up on Groupon Goods(+). They have always been Certified Reconditioned models, and the pricing on Groupon is the same as on Vitamix.com.

The Vitamix models at Macy’s(+) have even more inflated “regular” prices than Williams-Sonoma! Ignore the suggested retail values, as they are completely made up. Like Williams-Sonoma and Sur la Table, Macy’s has the top-of-the-line Pro Series. Remember, though, that there’s no difference in blending performance between the pro and non-pro models.

bloomingdalesBloomingdales sells the mid to high-end Vitamix models (except they don’t have the S-Series).

Vitamix 750 vs Vitamix E520 from Costco Performance Comparison

FAQ

What is the difference between E520 and 750?

The Vitamix Propel 750 is a little better than the Vitamix Explorian E520, mostly because it’s much quieter. The Propel also has a few extra blending programs. However, the Explorian comes with a pair of tumblers with straws that you can transfer your drink into, but they aren’t blending jars.

What is the downside to Vitamix?

Vitamix blenders are known for their powerful performance in breaking down tough ingredients with ease and their high-quality construction. These models are also long-lasting and easy to use. The main downsides of these blenders are that they can be expensive, heavy, and harder to clean than more compact options.

What is the warranty on a Vitamix from Costco?

Costco-Exclusive Venturist Pro The Venturist Pro offers iconic Vitamix performance, compatibility with a wide range of containers and attachments, and the peace of mind that comes from a 10-year full warranty.

Are all Vitamix blenders the same power?

The Explorian motor is rated at 2 hp, the Legacy Series motors are all 2.2 hp (with one exception), and the Ascent Series all feature a 2.2-hp motor as well. The Legacy Series is Vitamix’s classic line of blenders, which have been in production for many years.

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