Vitamix Ascent X4 Blender

This blender is a power house and is more efficient with a single 4 prong blade in the bottom than the ninja with its multi tier blade setup it does an incredible job churning and circulating the contents. The blending container itself is 48oz and it’s just short enough to fit under our kitchen cabinets while not in use which other blenders I’ve owned do not. I like the narrower base of the container making lower portions easier to blend. Making things like the peanut butter like in the video I included or almond milk a breeze and smoothies are ( even berry seeds are broken down). The 10 year warranty is a real big plus for me. I like buying based on warranty coverage and this one supersedes anything else. I do find it slightly annoying that the only difference I can find between the x4 and x5 models is a $50 price difference and the only thing I can find different is 5 more presets for smoothie bowl, frappé, nut butters, non-dairy milks, and spice grinding. So the x4 has smoothies, frozen desserts, soups, frozen cocktails, and dips and spreads. 3 of the ones on the x5 are the main 3 I’ll be using the blender for and I’m just surprised that even though they both do they same jobs they made 2 different models that are only separated by the presets programmed in. And I feel like they put some of the most common ones in the more expensive model. This is an opinion I have no facts to back that up but just seems silly to me. Regardless it doesn’t mean this blender isn’t a super efficient work horse worthy of all the stars. I have one other critique and that’s the rubber handle. This is my first Vitamix but I have read that earlier models had them and they went to an all plastic handle and some people I saw reviewing this model like the return of the rubber grip. I did however after making my peanut butter set the machine to cleaning cycle and the rubber grip vibrated off the plastic handle. It just slips back on but with it was better attached or even glued on. I thought about gluing it myself but wasn’t to thrilled of the idea of modifying a brand new expensive blender.

I bought a Vitamix in 1999, and it’s still going strong to this day. I have used and abused it over the years and it just keeps on going. I wanted to get a more modern version that has electronic optionsfor pre-programmed features like smoothies, etc. I have to admit that I was a little concerned that Vitamix would follow the trend of many popular, formerly high-quality brands by making products *look* better while lessening overall quality. I’m relieved to report that as far as I can tell, this machine is still a high quality machine that I would expect from Vitamix. The base and motor sounds feel and sound familiar… like an old friend. I love that even though there are pre-programmed functions, you still have the option to run the machine like an old Vitamix. That is, on/off and a dial to hone in on the perfect speed for what you’re making. You can turn it on and go without having to navigate menus to find a “manual” mode. For professional chefs and experienced home cooks, this is important.

The pre-programmed options are great. Combined with the extensive recipe book, you can make flawless recipes! If you’re a beginner home cook, this machine could change your life.

One thing I made all the time in my previous Vitamix is hummus, so that’s the first thing I tried in the new one. And when I say I make hummus, I start by making tahini from sesame seeds and oil. The Vitamix handled this step flawlessly. In seconds, I had a beautiful tahini base for my hummus. Next I added chickpeas, lemon, salt and a bit of water. This Vitamix made a beautiful, super creamy and smooth hummus. I know some people like hummus that’s a little rough, but I prefer a super smooth one and that’s completely doable in this Vitamix.

I was kind of hoping that in their years of R&D that they would have found a way to make it easier to get thick food like hummus out of the canister more easily, but that’s a big ask. So I did have to use a spatula to get all the goodness out of the bottom.

I have made some smoothies, mayo and potato soup — all things my previous Vitamix did effortless, and this new model handles all these tasks without complaining. It truly is a beautiful machine and I’m really excited to keep using it and trying new things.

My only concern for the future is the electronics side of things. I hope they engineered that as well as the motor and other physical aspects. With the old Vitamix, there are 2 switches and a dial. There’s not much to go wrong as long the motor is working. And Vitamix makes powerful and quality motors, which is why my 25 year-old Vitamix shows no signs of slowing down today. Since I can’t really test the electronics side of things, I’m really hoping they did put the R&D and build quality into that side of things as well.

Overall, I’m super happy with this latest professional grade model and am so happy that Vitamix is still making high-quality and user-friendly products!

I have been using the Vitamix Ascent X4 Blender for a period of time, and I can confirm that it truly lives up to its highly-regarded reputation. It is a fantastic new kitchen gadget. I have been truly satisfied with its performance, design, and versatility.

The Vitamix Ascent X4 features a stylish, modern design that enhances any kitchen counter. The premium appearance of the Black Stainless Steel finish and the sturdy construction both evoke confidence. The strong foundation guarantees it remains stable while in use, which is a big advantage. The user-friendly controls and touchscreen make it easy to switch settings, and the included timer enables accurate blending without the need for constant monitoring. The +15 second button is a handy function for any recipe that require a little extra blending time.

In terms of performance, this blender is very powerful Equipped with a 2.2 HP motor, it can manage almost any task. Its five preset options (Smoothies, Frozen Desserts, Soups, Frozen Cocktails, and Dips & Spreads) provide reliable outcomes on each use. The Vitamix Ascent X4 effortlessly handles blending fruits and veggies for smoothies, nuts for nut butter, or ice for frozen drinks. Despite being tough ingredients, such as kale, they are blended smoothly without any chunks left behind, I’ve used other blenders before, and none have achieved the same smoothness and consistency as this one.

The 48-ounce BPA-free container is the perfect size for my typical needs, easily handling 1-4 servings. The soft-grip handle makes it comfortable to use, and the included tamper is invaluable for thicker blends, with a handy storage spot on the motor base.

One of my favorite features is the variable speed control. It allows me to adjust the speed as needed, which gives me more control over the texture of whatever I’m making. When I want a chunky salsa, I use a lower speed, and for creamy soups, I ramp it up to high. The pulse function is also handy for quick bursts of power.

When it comes to noise level, this blender is similar to most others in that it is not very quiet. Nevertheless, considering the motor’s strength, the noise is anticipated and not excessively bothersome. But at its maximum level, the blender is loud.

I also adore the self detect technology, which is another amazing feature. The blender changes its settings depending on the size of the container, which is convenient when using the smaller containers I bought individually. It saves time for me when I’m in a hurry and don’t want to manually change the settings.

It is extremely simple to clean the Vitamix Ascent X4. The amazing self-cleaning feature requires only dish soap and warm water to clean itself in under a minute. The container can be safely washed in the dishwasher, but I hardly ever have to use it because the self-cleaning feature works so well. The fixed blades eliminate the need for disassembly when cleaning, which is a bonus.

The level of craftsmanship is top notch, and Vitamix is recognized for its long lasting nature, may be that’s why Vitamix confidently supports its product with a 10-year warranty. After going through numerous reviews from experienced users who have owned their blenders for many years, I believe this is a durable investment.

When it comes to the cost, it’s definitely a significant expense and I did have some doubts initially whether spending that much on a blender is wise decision or no Nevertheless, after using it, I can confirm that it’s worth each penny. If you often mix smoothies, soups, or other meals, this blender’s performance, durability, and versatility make it a great investment for any kitchen.

The Vitamix Ascent X4 Blender in sleek Black Stainless Steel is outstanding. It is very easy to use and designed for durability. Whether you’re blending a basic smoothie or trying out intricate recipes, this blender is ready for the job. Its top-notch choice due to its elegant design, intelligent features, and handy self-cleaning capability. Despite the high cost, the product’s effectiveness and durability justify the expense. If you are truly committed to blending, this is the perfect blender for you.

This review is for the Vitamix Ascent X4 Blender. The Ascent-X line of mixers are four new products from Vitamix. Each of the mixers, the X2 through the X5, comes with a varying number of programs that automatically vary the mixing speed and time to provide the best results for certain recipes. The X4 has 5-preset programs.

Okay, I get it. This blender is expensive, but I feel it is worth the price when you consider that you are purchasing a commercial grade piece of equipment that will last.

The Vitamix blenders have a long history of being professional grade, and are widely used in commercial applications such as coffee shops, bars, and restaurants. In my experience, Vitamix only has one serious competitor and that is Blendtec. I’ve been a Blentec user for more than 15 years, and in my opinion the Vitamix is by far the better blender. Professional users seem to agree as Vitamix is more widely used commercially than Blendtec

The Ascent x4 comes with a Self-Detect 48-ounce Container. The Self-Detect feature allows the blender to adjust the speed and programs to different size blending jars as well as the food processor bowl. Other self detect containers include a 64-ounce container, a stainless steel container, a food processor, a container for dry grain processing, and a “frothing” gizmo called the Aer-Disc.

Being a commercial quality blender, the Vitamix is built to do the toughest jobs. Years ago the Blendtec became famous for grinding up an iPhone. Vitamix tests their design’s durability by grinding up wooden blocks. The Vitamix blender comes with a 10-Year warranty, which is almost unheard of these days. I suspect that this will be the last blender I will ever buy. Considering how much I’ve spent on lesser blenders that don’t last, I’d call the $700 price tag on this Vitamix a bargain.

Pros:
– The Vitamix is a commercial quality blender for home use
– The styling of the new X-Series is less industrial looking than their previous blenders
– It comes with a very well written and illustrated user’s manual (which is a rarity these days)
– The container bearings and blades are replaceable. (Blendtec containers are trash if a bearing goes bad)
– The speed is easily controlled using the front dial, where most other blenders have set speeds controlled by push buttons. Sometimes you need a speed that is between 4 and 5.
– There are programs that make blending certain recipes almost automatic
– The blender has a timer to show how long something has been mixing.
– The pulse feature is great for “chopping” foods such as when making salsa or crushing ice.
– This blender is quiet. It just does it’s job without sounding like it’s tearing itself apart.
– It fits under most upper cabinets so it can be left on the counter if you like.
– It has a “gripping area” on each side so it is easy to lift out of a cabinet if you decide not to leave it on the counter. (This is what I do as I have limited counter space)
– Food doesn’t stick to the container, making it easier to clean.
– It handles ice and frozen fruit like it wasn’t even there. I’ve had blenders that didn’t last a month making smoothies and frozen drinks.
– The container shape and blades create a good mixing vortex for complete mixing
– The blenders container shape, blade configuration, and speed control allows blending without introducing a lot of air. (This has been a problem for me using other blenders) Of course if air is wanted, the speed control can be used to create a nice air grabbing vortex. If more air is needed, there is a container for that.
– It’s heavy. I count this a pro as it reflects the high build quality and the fact that it has a very powerful motor
– It comes with a 10-Year warranty.

Neutral:
– Vitamix touts its Self-Cleaning function as a feature. Cleaning a blender this way is not unique.
– Dishwasher safe… Using the dishwasher will shorten the life of the container bearing a tiny bit.
– The rubber sound deadening material on the top of the motor unit is slightly harder to wipe clean than the plastic parts of the base.
– It can make hot “friction soup”. I’ve found it is better to make bisque or cream soups on the stove, letting the flavors meld before blending. The good news is this blender is built to take the heat.
– It comes with a snap on holder for the tamper. This may work well for a blender that is left on the counter, but I found that it gets in the way if you store it inside a cabinet. It’s nice that Vitamix had the forethought to make this an option.

Cons:
– It is expensive. However, I believe that it is worth the price.
– Add-on blending containers are more expensive than I feel they should be.
– There are no “small” blending containers available. As with all blenders, there is a minimum amount of material needed for the blender to be able to mix. I found it difficult to make a small batch of salsa in the 48oz container.
– The black plastic handle cover on the container occasionally falls off.

Doesn’t work at all. Vitamix service refuses to provide warranty. Costs me $350 to return it.

The motor base top portion on which the jar is rest is uneven causing the jar to wobble. I kept the jar on the kitchen counter and it does not wobble. Poor quality for the price. Also, there is no personal blender jar attachment yet supported. They need to get their Quality act straight. Rather than being superficial, focus on quality craftsmanship and customer first, and introduce options of jars to go along with Ascent and Ascent X series

I’ll cut to the chase for anyone who simply wants to know if Vitamix blenders are worth the investment. My answer is yes. Unequivocally.

This is my second Vitamix. My first one (the 6300) is about 7 years old & STILL going strong, but I was happy to have the opportunity to try this new Ascent X4 because of the presets for many of the things I commonly blend. The 5 presets (smoothies, frozen desserts, soups, frozen cocktails, and last but not least, dips & spreads) take the guesswork out of which settings to use for many of the types of foods & beverages that I make on a regular basis.

So far, I’ve used the presets on my Ascent X4 to blend smoothies & frappes and to clean my container when I’ve finished using it. (Btw, not that it was difficult to do this manually with my 6300, but I love the self-cleaning feature!) In addition, even though there’s no preset for it on this model I was still able to make a great, super-smooth batch of almond butter with help from the “dips and spreads” setting, too!

More things I love about the Ascent X series:
– 10-year warranty — almost unheard of these days
– smart technology that tells me when I should use the tamper (if I’m not already using it)
– clever tamper storage that conveniently fits on either side (I’ll never need to hunt for it again!)
– ability to blend manually without using a preset and includes a “pulse” feature
– additional 15 seconds can be added with one touch on the “15+”
– motorized base accepts all self-detect containers, including a food processor (I can hardly wait to get that one!)
– container is dishwasher safe (it self-cleans exceptionally well but some might like this option)
– easy to see when it’s *powered on — lights appear on the display, or off — no lights (*Btw, the power button is hidden on the lower right side of the base beneath the edge. I say this because I had trouble finding it myself, lol.)

I’ll end with the fact that Vitamix stands 100% behind their products and the company has STELLAR customer service. If there’s any issue with your blender or its components it’s easy to contact them by phone. Not only do you get to talk with a real person, but those who answer calls are friendly, knowledgeable & helpful. I speak from experience.

I know this is a commercial blender, and I know there is a learning curve involved, so maybe my first experience is not the machines fault but mine. But it was such a simple task it left me wondering.

I ordered some pina colada mix from island oasis, and to try out the machine, I put in about 10 ounces of mix and about 14 oz of ice, and it seemed to struggle to blend it and got stuck a couple of times, and then after running the automated mix program a few times, it eventually came out close to what I wanted. It did come out a bit watery though.

Now, I am using ice from a fridge and ice at a bar might be a different quality that might affect the outcome.

But for a $700 blender with automatic settings it should be fool proof.

I will continue to mess with it, and if I see that it is user error I will come and update and increase my rating.

Also, there is nuance with a high end product like this, and I know that comparisons between this and cheaper blenders show that the quality of a blend for soups and sauces on this will be much more consistent etc and just higher quality in general. So if you are going to be making soups and sauces all of the time and are picky with final results, this very well may be worth the price. If you normally don’t care about nuance, then a ninja blender should be fine.

The design is nice. For me personally once I experienced the 64oz container there was no going down to 48oz. Also they remove the timer which I like to use. Set it and forget it. Why couldn’t they put the rubber handle on the a3500. Or add the tamper. Instead I had to purchase the tamper attachment separately. C’mon mates. I see comments about smaller batches but except for ice cream I really haven’t had any trouble with blending. In summary if you have the a3500 this to me is an unnecessary buy.

I received the Vitamix Ascent X4 Blender yesterday, and it has already made a huge impression! My wife is so happy with it, and we’re both impressed with how well it works. It blends everything smoothly and efficiently, just as advertised.

The 48-ounce container is perfect for our needs, and the self-cleaning feature is a great bonus—it’s so easy to use. This blender is definitely a winner in our kitchen. If you’re looking for a professional-grade blender that delivers on its promises, this is the one! Highly recommended!