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Vitamix A3500 Review: Is It Worth the Investment?
Our editorial team compared specifications, buyer feedback, and key decision factors to bring you an honest review of the Vitamix A3500. This high-end blender offers powerful performance and smart features, but comes with a premium price tag. Read on to see if it's right for you.
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The Vitamix A3500 is a top-tier blender that delivers exceptional blending performance, from silky smoothies to hot soups. Its variable speed control and five preprogrammed settings make it versatile and easy to use. The build quality is superb, with a durable metal base and aircraft-grade stainless steel blades. However, it is noisy, and the 64-ounce container can be heavy for some users. At its high price, it competes with other premium blenders like the Blendtec Designer 725. If you blend daily and want the best, the A3500 is a solid investment; if you blend occasionally, a mid-range model may suffice.
How it scores
The good and the annoying
- Powerful motor blends even tough ingredients smoothly
- Five preprogrammed settings for convenience
- Variable speed control with precise pulse feature
- Durable metal base and aircraft-grade stainless steel blades
- Self-cleaning cycle with a drop of dish soap
- Very loud during operation
- Heavy 64-ounce container may be hard to handle
- High price compared to other high-end blenders
- Touchscreen controls can be finicky with wet hands
Published July 18, 2026 · Reviewed by the Unbiased Advice & Insights editorial team · How we research and score
Our editorial team compared specifications, buyer feedback, and key decision factors to bring you an honest review of the Vitamix A3500. This high-end blender offers powerful performance and smart features, but comes with a premium price tag. Read on to see if it's right for you.
Design and Build Quality
The Vitamix A3500 features a sleek, modern design with a metal base that feels sturdy and premium. The 64-ounce Tritan container is clear, BPA-free, and impact-resistant. The aircraft-grade stainless steel blades are laser-cut and durable. The control panel is a touchscreen with a variable speed dial and five preset buttons for smoothies, hot soups, frozen desserts, dips and spreads, and self-cleaning. The base has a built-in timer and a pulse feature. The blender is heavy at about 12.5 pounds, which adds stability but makes it less portable. Overall, the build quality is excellent, though some users report that the touchscreen can be unresponsive if fingers are wet.
Performance
The A3500's 2.2 horsepower motor is incredibly powerful. It pulverizes ice, frozen fruit, kale, and nuts into silky smooth textures in seconds. The presets are well-calibrated: the smoothie program blends for about 45 seconds, producing consistent results. The variable speed dial allows fine control for tasks like chopping or emulsifying. The tamper helps push ingredients down for thick blends. The blender can also make hot soup by friction heat, reaching steaming temperatures in about 6-8 minutes. Performance is top-notch, comparable to the Blendtec Designer 725, though the Blendtec may handle smaller batches slightly better.
Ease of Use
The touchscreen interface is intuitive, with clear icons for each preset. The variable speed dial is smooth and responsive. The timer displays remaining time, which is helpful. The presets are convenient for one-touch operation. However, the 64-ounce container is large and heavy, making it cumbersome to lift and pour, especially for smaller users. The lid seals tightly but can be difficult to remove at first. The tamper is stored in the lid, which is handy. Overall, ease of use is high, but the weight and size may be a drawback for some.
Noise Level
Like most high-power blenders, the Vitamix A3500 is loud. At high speeds, it produces a sound level around 85-90 decibels, comparable to a lawnmower. The presets run at high speeds, so they are noisy as well. Some users find it disruptive early in the morning or in open-plan kitchens. There is no significant difference in noise compared to the Blendtec or other Vitamix models. If noise is a concern, you may want to consider a quieter blender, though few high-performance options are truly quiet.
Cleaning
Cleaning the A3500 is straightforward. The self-cleaning cycle with warm water and a drop of dish soap works well for most residues. For tougher buildup, a quick scrub with a brush may be needed. The container is dishwasher-safe, but the blades can dull over time if washed in the dishwasher frequently. The base should be wiped with a damp cloth; never submerge it. The lid and tamper are dishwasher-safe. Overall, cleaning is easy, though the large container can be awkward to fit in some dishwashers.
Common Buyer Complaints
Some users report that the touchscreen becomes less responsive over time or after exposure to moisture. Others find the 64-ounce container too large for single servings, leading to waste or difficulty blending small quantities. A few customers have experienced leaking from the lid after extended use. The high price is a common complaint, especially when compared to the similarly performing Vitamix A2500. Noise is frequently mentioned as a downside. Finally, the lack of a smaller container included in the box is a missed opportunity for versatility.
More guides
See our full buying guides hub and our research and scoring methodology. We compared specifications and verified owner feedback; we did not physically test every product.
Specs that matter
| Motor power | 2.2 horsepower (approx. 1640 watts) |
| Container capacity | 64 ounces (1.9 liters) |
| Container material | BPA-free Eastman Tritan copolyester |
| Blade material | Hardened stainless steel, aircraft-grade |
| Speeds | Variable speed dial plus 5 presets |
| Weight | Approximately 12.5 pounds |
You are a daily smoothie maker, want the smoothest results, and appreciate smart features like presets and a timer. You value durability and are willing to invest in a long-lasting appliance.
You are on a tight budget, blend only occasionally, or are sensitive to noise. Also consider skipping if you prefer a lighter blender or a smaller container for single servings.
Questions before you buy
Can the Vitamix A3500 make hot soup?
Yes. The friction from the blades heats the soup to a steaming temperature after about 6-8 minutes of blending. The container is heat-safe, so you can blend hot liquids safely.
Is the Vitamix A3500 compatible with the Vitamix app?
Yes. The A3500 has Bluetooth connectivity and works with the Vitamix Perfect Blend app, which offers guided recipes and can adjust blending times automatically.
How does the A3500 compare to the Vitamix A2500?
Both have the same motor and container. The A3500 adds a touchscreen interface, five presets, and Bluetooth. The A2500 has a simpler dial and fewer presets, but is significantly cheaper.
Is the 64-ounce container too large for a single person?
It can be. For single servings, you may need to scrape down the sides or use the included tamper. Vitamix also sells a 48-ounce container separately for smaller batches.
How do you clean the Vitamix A3500?
Add warm water and a drop of dish soap, then run the self-cleaning cycle for 30-60 seconds. Rinse thoroughly. The container is dishwasher-safe, but hand washing the blades is recommended.