Welcome to our comprehensive review of the Vitamix E320 Explorian Blender, a standout model from the renowned Vitamix brand, known for its high-quality, durable kitchen appliances. The Vitamix E320 Explorian is marketed to both novice and experienced culinary enthusiasts, claiming to offer a blend of functionality, power, and simplicity.
But does it meet the mark?
As we dive into the nuts and bolts, we’ll critically assess the Vitamix E320 Explorian, examining its features, performance, and overall value.
Our aim is to offer a balanced perspective, highlighting both the strengths and areas where the E320 could improve. The goal here is to ensure you have all the information you need to decide whether this blender meets your personal kitchen needs.
Table of Contents
Vitamix E320 – At a Glance
Vitamix E320
Professional-Grade Blender-
Powerful 2.2 horsepower motor
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Large 64oz container
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User-Friendly Interface
The Vitamix E320 Explorian Blender, a model renowned for its robustness and efficiency, stands out in the market for its blending prowess.
This machine is powered by a 2.2 horsepower motor, ensuring that it can handle a wide range of ingredients, from the toughest nuts to the softest fruits, achieving a consistent blend every time.
The E320 comes with a 64-ounce container, which is sizeable enough for family meals yet designed to fit under most kitchen cabinets, offering a blend of convenience and practicality.
The Highlights
- A variable speed control that ranges from 1 to 10, allowing precise control over the texture of your blend.
- A pulse feature, enhancing the blender’s versatility by enabling it to tackle recipes that require coarse textures.
- An efficient cooling system paired with a thermal protection mechanism, designed to prolong the appliance’s lifespan.
- A tamper, facilitating the blending of thick or stubborn mixtures without the need to stop and stir.
While these features reflect the E320’s ability to serve up a variety of kitchen tasks, from pureeing to grinding, it’s important to note that this model strips back some of the more advanced features found in higher-end Vitamix models. to maintain its affordability.
WHAT WE LIKE
- Robust 2.2 horsepower motor
- Simple, intuitive controls
- Durable construction
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
- Noticeably loud operation
- Bulky for small kitchens
- Lacks advanced technological features
The Features of the Vitamix E320
Let’s breakdown the main standout features of the E320.
Power
The Vitamix E320’s 2.2 horsepower motor is probably its most standout feature. The motor provides ample power to blend even the toughest ingredients into a smooth consistency.
However, it’s important to note that while the power is impressive, it can lead to louder operation compared to less powerful blenders. It’s something you’ll especially want to consider if you’re an apartment dweller or have noise-sensitive family members.
Capacity
The 64-ounce container is a significant benefit for those who prepare meals for larger families or entertain guests frequently.
It allows for large batches of soups and smoothies in a pinch. We particularly appreciated the low-profile design, which is thoughtfully crafted to fit under standard kitchen cabinets.
That said, if you’re living that bachelor life, or have a smaller household this large size might not always be practical. In testing, we found that blending smaller quantities of product in larger pitcher sizes often result in less effective blends.
Useability
When it comes to the E320, Vitamix emphasizes ease of use, and we love that about this model.
Incorporating intuitive controls with a variable speed dial and a pulse feature, this user-friendly interface ensures that even newbies quickly become proficient in operating the blender.
However, the simplicity of the controls means that there are no pre-programmed settings, which could be a drawback for users who prefer more automation in their blending jobs.
Versatility
The E320’s versatility is another one of its key advantages.
The inclusion of a tamper is especially beneficial for processing thick or stubborn mixtures without needing to stop and stir.
While the blender is versatile, it’s worth mentioning that it doesn’t come with additional containers or specialized blades, which are available with some other Vitamix models. potentially limiting its range of applications compared to more expensive options.
Performance and Test Results
The Vitamix E320 Explorian Blender’s performance is a key thing that we looked for, especially its ability to deliver consistent and smooth blends.
The 2.2 horsepower motor equips the E320 with the capacity to handle a wide array of ingredients, from tough, fibrous vegetables to frozen fruits and ice. Users can expect a uniform blend, whether they are making smoothies, soups, or sauces.
The precision of its variable speed control allows for fine-tuning the texture, ensuring that the outcome meets the user’s expectations, whether they prefer a coarse chop or a silky smooth blend.
One thing we should note however is that while the E320 excels in creating uniform blends, its performance can vary depending on the quantity and type of ingredients used. Users may need to utilize the tamper more frequently with thicker mixtures or larger batches to ensure all ingredients are incorporated evenly.
But with a little bit of patience, even the most demanding ingredients will end up yielding the desired texture, thanks to that workhorse of a motor.
Speed and Noise Levels
In terms of speed, the Vitamix E320 offers a wide range, accommodating various blending needs. The ability to adjust speed on the fly provides users with control over their blending process, allowing for real-time texture adjustments.
Yet, sometimes with great power comes great noise. The E320 is not a quiet machine, especially at higher speeds.
Users should be prepared for a noticeable level of sound during operation, which could be a consideration for those with noise sensitivities or living in shared spaces.
Popular Vitamix E320 Alternatives
If you’re looking to invest in a Vitamix model, depending on your individual needs it’s worth considering a couple other performance blenders that may work just as well, if not better for you. It of course comes down to your lifestyle. Here are two of our top-picks for other blenders to consider.
Alternative #1: Blendtec Classic 575
Compared to the Vitamix E320, the Blendtec Classic 575 stands out with its robust motor and adaptable blending functions.
Offering pre-set programs tailored to different blending needs, it also boasts manual speed control for personalized blending experiences. With its patented wingtip blade and WildSide+ jar design, it ensures efficient blending and consistently smooth outcomes.
Alternative #2: Ninja Professional Blender BL660
The Ninja Professional Blender BL660 comes out as a cost-effective alternative to the E320, while still retaining solid performance. Equipped with a potent motor and Total Crushing Technology, it effortlessly handles ice and tough ingredients.
Its generous pitcher capacity and included single-serve cups cater to varying batch sizes, enhancing convenience. With multiple speed settings and a pulse function, the BL660 provides precise control over blending consistency, ensuring versatile blending experiences.
As an added bonus, if you’re curious how the Vitamix E320 stacks up to other Vitamix models, we got you covered in that department as well.
Conclusion
The Vitamix E320 Explorian Blender is an excellent choice for those seeking a durable, powerful, and versatile blender and are willing to invest in quality. It’s particularly suited for families or individuals who are into making a diverse range of recipes and large batches.
However, if you prioritize advanced features like digital displays, preset programs, or a quieter operation, you might want to explore other options within the Vitamix range or consider other brands that focus on those specifics.
Ultimately, the E320 stands out as a reliable, high-performance appliance that upholds Vitamix’s reputation for quality, making it a worthy consideration for those looking to blend efficiency with simplicity in their kitchen routines.
Vitamix E320
The E320 distinguishes itself with a potent blend of power, versatility, and durability. Its robust motor, user-friendly interface, and capacity to handle a variety of culinary tasks make it a standout option for those seeking a high-performance blender.
However, it’s crucial to acknowledge the E320’s limitations, including its noise level, size, and the absence of advanced features found in some of its higher-priced counterparts. These factors may influence your decision depending on your specific needs and kitchen environment.