Whereas trying to find the most effective blenders, you may discover that Vitamix’s Explorian E310 comes extremely really useful for its energy, sturdy design and intuitive interface, particularly because it was the most cost effective Vitamix mannequin at $380 and infrequently on sale for a lot much less. After hours of testing and evaluating general worth, we dubbed the mighty Explorian the “greatest blender for most individuals” and stamped it with an Editors’ Alternative badge.
As we started retesting blenders for an up to date record in 2026, we found that, regardless of its reputation and significant acclaim, the Explorian Collection is now not out there. Based on a model consultant, it is at present being phased out at retailers and hasn’t been out there on the Vitamix web site since March 1, apart from reconditioned models.
“The E310 served as our entry-level blender for over a decade, however we knew there have been methods to enhance, so we launched the VX1 as our new and improved blender for the first-time Vitamix purchaser,” the identical Vitamix rep informed CNET. The VX1 launched in February.
How the brand new VX1 compares to different Vitamix fashions
At $380, the VX1 is similar value because the E310. Functionally, it is just like the Vitamix 5200, the model’s legacy mannequin, with a 64-ounce container, however the VX1 has a pulse mode, and its design higher matches the look of the extra fashionable Ascent X Collection.
From left to proper: Explorian, 5200, Ascent X2 and VX1
Notably, the VX1 additionally consists of self-cleaning: Add water and a drop of dish cleaning soap, then flip the dial to the self-cleaning mode to start out a 60-second whirlpool of suds, though you do not want a particular characteristic to observe this identical course of with different Vitamix fashions. (I do it with my now-vintage Vitamix 5000.)
Evaluating the VX1 and Explorian specs facet by facet, the VX1 provides a further 16 ounces of container area, making it barely bigger at 9.5 by 7.8 by 19.6 inches. It additionally has a extra highly effective 2.2-horsepower motor in comparison with the Explorian’s 2.0 hp.
On the draw back, the VX1 is not dishwasher-safe just like the Explorian, however it does have that new self-cleaning mode.
All in all, the VX1 seems to be a big improve from the Explorian for a similar value. We will not wait to placed on our testing gloves and report again with the findings.
The specs for the (left to proper): Vitamix 5200, E310, Ascent X5 and VX1.
The Explorian additionally had a full five-year guarantee, whereas the brand new VX1 provides solely a five-year restricted guarantee. Not like the complete guarantee, the nontransferable restricted model will solely cowl the unique proprietor for defects in supplies or workmanship — not regular put on and tear from unusual family use. There’s additionally no possibility for a full refund, so you possibly can solely get a machine restore or substitute for the VX1.
Earlier than the Explorian is totally discontinued, you possibly can nonetheless purchase it from retailers like Crate and Barrel, Amazon, Walmart (on sale for $360) and Finest Purchase.
Within the meantime, I will be testing the VX1 and 5200 fashions to see how they measure up and whether or not the VX1’s creation was well worth the Explorian’s demise.
