Vitamix Ascent X5 Blender, Professional-Grade, 10 Preset Blending Programs, 48-ounce Container, Self-Cleaning, Graphite

This thing does it all. It has pre-programmed routines for most common blending tasks. My personal favorites have been making smoothies, shakes, and other frozen beverages. I also recently got an ice cream maker and have used my Viramix to puree various fruits or other components to mix into my home made ice cream.This machine is an absolute beast that almost scares me with the amount of power it has. It's fairly loud when blending frozen ingredients, but not crazy loud like I expected and it completes its programs so quickly that it's done before you know it. Whether it's mixing liquids with frozen fruits and ice cubes or creating a puree from fresh fruits this thing doesn't miss a beat. I was also amazed at just how quickly it manages to turn solid objects into liquid form. I believe this would give that BlendTec guy a run for his money.Is this machine worth the high price tag? I would have to leave that up to you to decide. Other Vitamix blenders may be just as effective, but require more manual operation since they don't include the smart capabilities or built-in programs, but for what this offers in utility, durability, and capability, I'd say it's worth it to me.Really the only thing I don't really like about it is that the screen just uses icons to represents the programs so if you haven't memorized all the icons (and there's a lot of them) you need to have a cheat sheet lying near by to know which option to select. Luckily it comes with a manual that explains that. I also comes with a nice recipe book full of instructions and photos for all the different things you can try out using all of the built in programs.This device has transformed my kitchen and I continue to search for new ways to integrate it into my normal cooking routines. There's many functions I've not tried yet. I think next I'd like to try to make my own nut butters and maybe even incorporate that into my ice cream.

WOWZER…this thing blends through ANYTHING and FAST. It is an EXCEPTIONAL kitchen appliance. The sleek stainless steel design is both aesthetically pleasing and durable. I made a smoothie with frozen passion fruit, frozen cut pineapple, frozen spinach leaves, and 4 ice cubes. I simply pre-set the VITAMIX to the smoothie option via the dial. It shows you a little tamper emoji, which was accurate because I ended up needing it.From there I inserted the tamper and let the blender run itself. It did an INCREDIBLE job making my smoothie. It was SO smooth, with no ice bits or any frozen fruit in sight. I couldn’t believe the difference in my smoothie. Now keep in mind, I am not a VITAMIX virgin in any way shape or form. I still have the VITAMIX 5200 with the 48oz container and it still runs great. However, it aesthetically looks like it was built in 1952 lol. Mine is about 15 years old. So it is important to note, I am comparing my experience to that model.The 2nd time I used this VITAMIX, I made a CARAMEL FRAPPUCCINO. I have a touchscreen (fancy) fully automatic espresso machine, that I used in collaboration with this to make my “FRAPP.” I added 3 espresso shots to my ice, milk, 2 pumps of caramel and even added sweetener. I set the dial to the FRAPPÉ setting and let it run itself. LET ME TELL YOU, it was the BEST Frappuccino I have ever made. I am BEYOND pleased with this model. It is a MAJOR upgrade from the VITAMIX 5200 model and even better than the touchscreen POWER XL blender I was using previous to this.What’s more, it’s easy to clean by setting the dial to the bubble's emoji and letting it clean itself! I simply add some water and spray the dawn inside beforehand. When it’s done you only need to rinse it. It’s THAT simple. I did not experience any leaking or have any issues. Just a fun blending experience. It is great for both professional chefs and home cooks alike. I HIGHLY recommend this one!NOTE: IF YOU ARE UN-SURE OF HOW TO USE THE TAMPER, MAKE SURE TO WATCH A VIDEO OF HOW TO PROPERLY USE IT. IN MY 20’S WHEN I FIRST OBTAINED MY FIRST VITMAIX, I MADE THE MISTAKE OF BREAKING MINE, DUE TO IM-PROPER USE. I promise you, it makes the biggest difference when done right. This alone, will up your VITAMIX GAME.