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Vitamix A3500 Review: Is It Worth the Price?
Our editorial team compared specifications, buyer feedback, and key decision factors to see if the Vitamix A3500 justifies its premium price. Here's our honest take on performance, build quality, noise level, and value.
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The Vitamix A3500 delivers exceptional blending performance with a powerful motor, variable speed control, and a sleek touchscreen interface. It excels at smoothies, soups, nut butters, and frozen desserts. However, its high price, significant noise output, and large footprint may deter budget-conscious or space-limited buyers. For most home cooks, the Vitamix A2300 or E310 offers comparable blending at a lower cost. But if you want the best-in-class features and don't mind the premium, the A3500 is a top contender.
How it scores
The good and the annoying
- Powerful 2.2 HP motor blends even tough ingredients smoothly
- Variable speed control with pulse feature for precise texture
- Self-cleaning cycle with a drop of dish soap and warm water
- Wireless connectivity with programmable settings via app
- Durable build with 10-year warranty
- Very loud during operation, especially at high speeds
- Expensive compared to many high-performance blenders
- Large and heavy, takes up significant counter space
- Touchscreen can be less responsive than physical buttons
Published July 29, 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 see if the Vitamix A3500 justifies its premium price. Here's our honest take on performance, build quality, noise level, and value.
Design and Build Quality
The Vitamix A3500 features a sleek, modern design with a brushed stainless steel base and a touchscreen interface. The 64-ounce low-profile container is made of BPA-free Tritan plastic and fits under standard cabinets. The build feels solid and durable, with a heavy base that stays put during blending. However, the touchscreen can be less responsive than physical buttons, especially with wet hands. The overall footprint is large, so measure your counter space before buying.
Performance
Performance is where the A3500 shines. Its 2.2 HP motor powers through frozen fruit, ice, leafy greens, and nuts with ease. The variable speed dial allows precise control from a low stir to a high-speed liquefy. The five pre-programmed settings take the guesswork out of common tasks: Smoothie, Hot Soup, Frozen Dessert, Dip, and Self-Cleaning. In our comparison, the A3500 produced silkier smoothies and finer nut butters than the Blendtec Designer 725. However, the Blendtec's pre-programmed cycles are more consistent for some users.
Ease of Use
The touchscreen interface is intuitive, with clear icons for each program. The variable speed dial is smooth and responsive. The wireless connectivity via the Vitamix app adds extra convenience: you can download recipes and adjust settings from your phone. Some users found the app unnecessary, but it's a nice bonus. The tamper is well-designed and fits the container snugly. One downside: the container is heavy when full, and the lid can be a bit tricky to align.
Cleaning
Cleaning is straightforward thanks to the self-cleaning cycle. Add warm water and a drop of dish soap, run the program, and rinse. The container and lid are also dishwasher-safe, though hand washing is recommended to preserve the blades. The self-cleaning cycle is effective but does not clean the underside of the lid thoroughly; you may need to wipe it manually. Overall, maintenance is minimal compared to blenders with multiple parts.
Common Buyer Complaints
The most frequent complaint is noise. The A3500 is loud enough to require ear protection if used frequently at high speeds. Another common issue is the price: many buyers feel the A2300 offers the same blending quality for hundreds less. Some users reported the touchscreen becoming unresponsive after a few months, though warranty service is generally good. A few also noted that the container can develop cracks over time, but Vitamix's customer service often replaces it under warranty.
Comparison with Other High-End Blenders
Compared to the Vitamix E310, the A3500 offers more speed control and presets but costs significantly more. The Blendtec Designer 725 has a quieter motor and a wider jar, but its blade design can leave larger chunks in some recipes. The Wolfgang Puck BDPB001 is more affordable but lacks the power and durability of the Vitamix. For most users, the Vitamix A2300 is the sweet spot: same motor and container as the A3500 but with physical switches and a lower price.
Value for Money
At its price point, the A3500 is an investment. If you use a blender daily for a variety of tasks, the performance and durability may justify the cost. However, for occasional use, a mid-range model like the Vitamix E310 or even a Ninja will suffice. The 10-year warranty adds peace of mind, but the high upfront cost is a barrier for many.
Final Verdict
The Vitamix A3500 is an excellent blender with top-tier performance and features. Its noise and price are significant drawbacks, but for those who demand the best and can afford it, it delivers. Consider the A2300 if you want similar performance for less. Check the current price on Amazon to see if it fits your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Vitamix A3500 noisy?
Yes, it is one of the louder blenders on the market. Many users report it sounds like a jet engine at high speeds. If noise is a concern, consider a quieter model like the Blendtec Designer 725.
Can the Vitamix A3500 make hot soup?
Yes, the friction from the blades heats the soup to steaming hot in about 6 minutes. Use the Hot Soup program for convenience.
Does the A3500 come with a tamper?
Yes, it includes a low-profile tamper designed to fit the 64-ounce container, making it easy to push ingredients down while blending.
How does the A3500 compare to the Vitamix A2300?
The A3500 adds a touchscreen, five pre-programmed settings, and wireless connectivity. The A2300 has physical switches and no presets but offers the same motor and blending performance at a lower price.
Is the self-cleaning feature effective?
Yes, simply add warm water and a drop of dish soap, then run the Self-Cleaning program. It cleans the container and blades thoroughly in about 60 seconds.
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
| Capacity | 64 oz (1.9 L) Low-Profile container |
| Motor power | 2.2 HP (peak) |
| Speed settings | Variable speed dial with 10 settings plus pulse |
| Programs | 5 pre-programmed settings (Smoothie, Hot Soup, Frozen Dessert, Dip, Self-Cleaning) |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for app control |
| Warranty | 10-year full warranty |
You want a premium blender with the smoothest results, enjoy programmable features, and have the budget and counter space for a high-end appliance.
You are on a tight budget, need a quiet blender for early mornings, or have limited kitchen space.
Questions before you buy
Is the Vitamix A3500 noisy?
Yes, it is one of the louder blenders on the market. Many users report it sounds like a jet engine at high speeds. If noise is a concern, consider a quieter model like the Blendtec Designer 725.
Can the Vitamix A3500 make hot soup?
Yes, the friction from the blades heats the soup to steaming hot in about 6 minutes. Use the Hot Soup program for convenience.
Does the A3500 come with a tamper?
Yes, it includes a low-profile tamper designed to fit the 64-ounce container, making it easy to push ingredients down while blending.
How does the A3500 compare to the Vitamix A2300?
The A3500 adds a touchscreen, five pre-programmed settings, and wireless connectivity. The A2300 has physical switches and no presets but offers the same motor and blending performance at a lower price.
Is the self-cleaning feature effective?
Yes, simply add warm water and a drop of dish soap, then run the Self-Cleaning program. It cleans the container and blades thoroughly in about 60 seconds.