If you’re looking to step into the world of high-performance blenders without emptying your wallet, the Vitamix E310 Explorian is one of the most compelling options on the market today. Marketed as Vitamix’s entry-level model, the E310 offers all the essential capabilities and rugged reliability the brand is known for — but at a fraction of the cost of its high-end cousins like the A3500 or 750 Pro.
Despite being marketed for beginners, the E310 is anything but basic. It’s a professional-grade blender with the power to emulsify, pulverize, and heat food to velvety perfection. In this in-depth review, we’ll break down its design, performance, features, strengths, and limitations to help you decide if this is the right fit for your kitchen.
Features
Brand | Vitamix |
Color | Black |
Special Feature | Blends |
Capacity | 48 Fluid Ounces |
Product Dimensions | 11"D x 8"W x 18"H |
Style | Blender |
Recommended Uses For Product | Blending, Emulsifying, Chopping, Creams, Coffee, Grinding |
Power Source | Corded Electric |
Number of Speeds | 10 |
Voltage | 120 |
Material Type Free | BPA Free |
Blade Material | Stainless Steel |
Warranty Type | 5-year full warranty covers parts, labor and return shipping both ways. |
UPC | 703113640681 810002431227 |
Global Trade Identification Number | 00703113640681 |
Manufacturer | Vitamix |
Item Weight | 10.5 pounds |
ASIN | B0758JHZM3 |
Country of Origin | USA |
Item model number | VM0197 |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Care instructions | Dishwasher Safe |
Assembly required | No |
Number of pieces | 4 |
Warranty Description | 5-year full warranty covers parts, labor and return shipping both ways. |
Batteries required | No |
Import | Made in USA |
- Variable Speed Control: Ten variable speeds allow you to refine every texture with culinary precision, from the smoothest purées to the heartiest soups
- Pulse Feature: Layer coarse chops over smooth purées for heartier recipes, such as chunky salsas or thick vegetable soups
- 48-ounce Container: Ideal for blending medium batches for small family meals
- Hardened Stainless-Steel Blades: Our aircraft-grade stainless steel blades are designed to handle the toughest ingredients, so from the first blend to the last, you get the same quality results
- Self-Cleaning: With a drop of dish soap and warm water, your Vitamix machine can clean itself in 30 to 60 seconds
- Design Feature: Radial cooling fan and thermal protection system
- What's in the Box: motor base, 48 oz. container, mini-tamper
🔧 Build Quality & Design: Tough, Timeless, and Built to Last
The first thing you’ll notice about the Vitamix E310 is how solid it feels. There’s nothing cheap or plastic-y here — from the aircraft-grade stainless steel blades to the sturdy motor base and cooling system, this blender is built for serious use.
- Dimensions: 11″ D x 8″ W x 18″ H
- Weight: 10.5 lbs (hefty but not overly bulky)
- Color Options: Black, Red, Slate
- Jar Material: BPA-free Eastman Tritan® Copolyester
- Motor: 2 HP (1400 watts)
Unlike many blenders in its price range, the E310 has no digital controls, timers, or pre-programmed settings. Instead, it embraces simplicity with:
- A ten-speed rotary dial
- A Pulse switch
- A Start/Stop toggle
This analog setup appeals to users who value full control and tactile feedback over flashy screens. And best of all, there’s less that can go wrong.
Features
Brand | Vitamix |
Color | Black |
Special Feature | Blends |
Capacity | 48 Fluid Ounces |
Product Dimensions | 11"D x 8"W x 18"H |
Style | Blender |
Recommended Uses For Product | Blending, Emulsifying, Chopping, Creams, Coffee, Grinding |
Power Source | Corded Electric |
Number of Speeds | 10 |
Voltage | 120 |
Material Type Free | BPA Free |
Blade Material | Stainless Steel |
Warranty Type | 5-year full warranty covers parts, labor and return shipping both ways. |
UPC | 703113640681 810002431227 |
Global Trade Identification Number | 00703113640681 |
Manufacturer | Vitamix |
Item Weight | 10.5 pounds |
ASIN | B0758JHZM3 |
Country of Origin | USA |
Item model number | VM0197 |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Care instructions | Dishwasher Safe |
Assembly required | No |
Number of pieces | 4 |
Warranty Description | 5-year full warranty covers parts, labor and return shipping both ways. |
Batteries required | No |
Import | Made in USA |
- Variable Speed Control: Ten variable speeds allow you to refine every texture with culinary precision, from the smoothest purées to the heartiest soups
- Pulse Feature: Layer coarse chops over smooth purées for heartier recipes, such as chunky salsas or thick vegetable soups
- 48-ounce Container: Ideal for blending medium batches for small family meals
- Hardened Stainless-Steel Blades: Our aircraft-grade stainless steel blades are designed to handle the toughest ingredients, so from the first blend to the last, you get the same quality results
- Self-Cleaning: With a drop of dish soap and warm water, your Vitamix machine can clean itself in 30 to 60 seconds
- Design Feature: Radial cooling fan and thermal protection system
- What's in the Box: motor base, 48 oz. container, mini-tamper
⚡ Blending Performance: Power Where It Counts
💪 2 Horsepower Motor
The E310’s 2 HP motor is the real hero here. Whether you’re working with frozen fruit, raw vegetables, or nuts, this blender has no problem creating ultra-smooth results. There’s no stalling, burning, or struggling — it plows through ingredients without breaking a sweat.
Compared to blenders in the $100–$200 range, the difference in power is night and day. Where lesser blenders might leave chunks or need frequent stops and stirs, the E310 just works — reliably and fast.
🔄 10-Speed Control
The variable-speed dial gives you incredible finesse. You can:
- Chop garlic or onions at low speeds
- Create thick dips or batters at medium speeds
- Puree soups, smoothies, and sauces at high speeds
There’s no preset timer — you’ll control everything manually, which is ideal for those who love culinary control.
🔃 Pulse Feature
The Pulse switch adds another layer of versatility. It’s perfect for rough chopping, mixing chunky salsas, or giving texture to soups without completely blending them.
Features
Brand | Vitamix |
Color | Black |
Special Feature | Blends |
Capacity | 48 Fluid Ounces |
Product Dimensions | 11"D x 8"W x 18"H |
Style | Blender |
Recommended Uses For Product | Blending, Emulsifying, Chopping, Creams, Coffee, Grinding |
Power Source | Corded Electric |
Number of Speeds | 10 |
Voltage | 120 |
Material Type Free | BPA Free |
Blade Material | Stainless Steel |
Warranty Type | 5-year full warranty covers parts, labor and return shipping both ways. |
UPC | 703113640681 810002431227 |
Global Trade Identification Number | 00703113640681 |
Manufacturer | Vitamix |
Item Weight | 10.5 pounds |
ASIN | B0758JHZM3 |
Country of Origin | USA |
Item model number | VM0197 |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Care instructions | Dishwasher Safe |
Assembly required | No |
Number of pieces | 4 |
Warranty Description | 5-year full warranty covers parts, labor and return shipping both ways. |
Batteries required | No |
Import | Made in USA |
- Variable Speed Control: Ten variable speeds allow you to refine every texture with culinary precision, from the smoothest purées to the heartiest soups
- Pulse Feature: Layer coarse chops over smooth purées for heartier recipes, such as chunky salsas or thick vegetable soups
- 48-ounce Container: Ideal for blending medium batches for small family meals
- Hardened Stainless-Steel Blades: Our aircraft-grade stainless steel blades are designed to handle the toughest ingredients, so from the first blend to the last, you get the same quality results
- Self-Cleaning: With a drop of dish soap and warm water, your Vitamix machine can clean itself in 30 to 60 seconds
- Design Feature: Radial cooling fan and thermal protection system
- What's in the Box: motor base, 48 oz. container, mini-tamper
🍲 Container Size & Versatility
The 48 oz. container is slightly smaller than Vitamix’s standard 64 oz. jar, making it better suited for:
- Individuals and small families
- Kitchens with limited storage space
- Smaller-batch recipes like smoothies, sauces, dressings, or baby food
The container has clearly marked measurements, a vented lid with removable plug (for adding ingredients mid-blend), and a tamper that helps push down thick mixtures without stopping the blender.
If you regularly make very large batches, you may find the 48 oz. capacity a little limiting. But for everyday use, it’s practical and easy to manage.
🧼 Cleaning and Maintenance: Incredibly Easy
One of the standout features of all Vitamix blenders is their self-cleaning capability. To clean the E310:
- Add warm water + a drop of dish soap
- Run on high for 30–60 seconds
- Rinse and you’re done
The container and lid aren’t dishwasher safe, but cleanup is so quick and simple you won’t need the dishwasher. Maintenance is also minimal — the motor is built for longevity, and the cooling fan plus thermal protection help prevent burnout.
💡 Features Breakdown
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Motor Power | 2 HP (1400 watts) |
Speeds | 10 manual speeds + Pulse |
Container | 48 oz. BPA-free Tritan jar |
Blades | Laser-cut, aircraft-grade stainless steel |
Cleaning | Self-cleaning with warm water + soap |
Safety | Radial cooling fan + thermal protection system |
Warranty | 5-year full warranty |
Features
Brand | Vitamix |
Color | Black |
Special Feature | Blends |
Capacity | 48 Fluid Ounces |
Product Dimensions | 11"D x 8"W x 18"H |
Style | Blender |
Recommended Uses For Product | Blending, Emulsifying, Chopping, Creams, Coffee, Grinding |
Power Source | Corded Electric |
Number of Speeds | 10 |
Voltage | 120 |
Material Type Free | BPA Free |
Blade Material | Stainless Steel |
Warranty Type | 5-year full warranty covers parts, labor and return shipping both ways. |
UPC | 703113640681 810002431227 |
Global Trade Identification Number | 00703113640681 |
Manufacturer | Vitamix |
Item Weight | 10.5 pounds |
ASIN | B0758JHZM3 |
Country of Origin | USA |
Item model number | VM0197 |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Care instructions | Dishwasher Safe |
Assembly required | No |
Number of pieces | 4 |
Warranty Description | 5-year full warranty covers parts, labor and return shipping both ways. |
Batteries required | No |
Import | Made in USA |
- Variable Speed Control: Ten variable speeds allow you to refine every texture with culinary precision, from the smoothest purées to the heartiest soups
- Pulse Feature: Layer coarse chops over smooth purées for heartier recipes, such as chunky salsas or thick vegetable soups
- 48-ounce Container: Ideal for blending medium batches for small family meals
- Hardened Stainless-Steel Blades: Our aircraft-grade stainless steel blades are designed to handle the toughest ingredients, so from the first blend to the last, you get the same quality results
- Self-Cleaning: With a drop of dish soap and warm water, your Vitamix machine can clean itself in 30 to 60 seconds
- Design Feature: Radial cooling fan and thermal protection system
- What's in the Box: motor base, 48 oz. container, mini-tamper
🥦 What Can It Make?
Here’s just a sample of what you can make with the E310:
- Smoothies (silky-smooth, no chunks)
- Nut butters (peanut, almond, cashew)
- Hot soups (friction heat warms to steaming in minutes)
- Frozen desserts (sorbets, ice cream, frozen banana “nice cream”)
- Salsas & sauces (chunky or smooth)
- Doughs & batters
- Baby food
- Protein shakes
- Dressings & marinades
- Hummus, guac, and dips
📊 Comparison: E310 vs Other Vitamix Models
Feature | E310 | E320 | 5200 |
---|---|---|---|
Container | 48 oz | 64 oz | 64 oz |
Motor | 2.0 HP | 2.2 HP | 2.0 HP |
Controls | Manual | Manual | Manual |
Presets | None | None | None |
Price | $$ | $$$ | $$$$ |
The E310 stands out for its affordability, compact size, and Vitamix-level blending power. It’s less powerful than the E320, but more compact and easier to store — perfect for small households.
Features
Brand | Vitamix |
Color | Black |
Special Feature | Blends |
Capacity | 48 Fluid Ounces |
Product Dimensions | 11"D x 8"W x 18"H |
Style | Blender |
Recommended Uses For Product | Blending, Emulsifying, Chopping, Creams, Coffee, Grinding |
Power Source | Corded Electric |
Number of Speeds | 10 |
Voltage | 120 |
Material Type Free | BPA Free |
Blade Material | Stainless Steel |
Warranty Type | 5-year full warranty covers parts, labor and return shipping both ways. |
UPC | 703113640681 810002431227 |
Global Trade Identification Number | 00703113640681 |
Manufacturer | Vitamix |
Item Weight | 10.5 pounds |
ASIN | B0758JHZM3 |
Country of Origin | USA |
Item model number | VM0197 |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Care instructions | Dishwasher Safe |
Assembly required | No |
Number of pieces | 4 |
Warranty Description | 5-year full warranty covers parts, labor and return shipping both ways. |
Batteries required | No |
Import | Made in USA |
- Variable Speed Control: Ten variable speeds allow you to refine every texture with culinary precision, from the smoothest purées to the heartiest soups
- Pulse Feature: Layer coarse chops over smooth purées for heartier recipes, such as chunky salsas or thick vegetable soups
- 48-ounce Container: Ideal for blending medium batches for small family meals
- Hardened Stainless-Steel Blades: Our aircraft-grade stainless steel blades are designed to handle the toughest ingredients, so from the first blend to the last, you get the same quality results
- Self-Cleaning: With a drop of dish soap and warm water, your Vitamix machine can clean itself in 30 to 60 seconds
- Design Feature: Radial cooling fan and thermal protection system
- What's in the Box: motor base, 48 oz. container, mini-tamper
👍 Pros & 👎 Cons
✅ Pros:
- Professional-grade power at a lower cost
- Precise manual control with speed dial + pulse
- Excellent for smoothies, soups, nut butters, and more
- Durable, stainless steel blades
- Self-cleans in 60 seconds
- Compact size for small kitchens
- Comes with a 5-year warranty — rare at this price
❌ Cons:
- No digital display or presets (manual-only operation)
- A bit loud (expected for a high-powered blender)
- 48 oz. container may be small for big families
- Not dishwasher-safe
- Doesn’t include extra accessories like cups or scrapers
Features
Brand | Vitamix |
Color | Black |
Special Feature | Blends |
Capacity | 48 Fluid Ounces |
Product Dimensions | 11"D x 8"W x 18"H |
Style | Blender |
Recommended Uses For Product | Blending, Emulsifying, Chopping, Creams, Coffee, Grinding |
Power Source | Corded Electric |
Number of Speeds | 10 |
Voltage | 120 |
Material Type Free | BPA Free |
Blade Material | Stainless Steel |
Warranty Type | 5-year full warranty covers parts, labor and return shipping both ways. |
UPC | 703113640681 810002431227 |
Global Trade Identification Number | 00703113640681 |
Manufacturer | Vitamix |
Item Weight | 10.5 pounds |
ASIN | B0758JHZM3 |
Country of Origin | USA |
Item model number | VM0197 |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Care instructions | Dishwasher Safe |
Assembly required | No |
Number of pieces | 4 |
Warranty Description | 5-year full warranty covers parts, labor and return shipping both ways. |
Batteries required | No |
Import | Made in USA |
- Variable Speed Control: Ten variable speeds allow you to refine every texture with culinary precision, from the smoothest purées to the heartiest soups
- Pulse Feature: Layer coarse chops over smooth purées for heartier recipes, such as chunky salsas or thick vegetable soups
- 48-ounce Container: Ideal for blending medium batches for small family meals
- Hardened Stainless-Steel Blades: Our aircraft-grade stainless steel blades are designed to handle the toughest ingredients, so from the first blend to the last, you get the same quality results
- Self-Cleaning: With a drop of dish soap and warm water, your Vitamix machine can clean itself in 30 to 60 seconds
- Design Feature: Radial cooling fan and thermal protection system
- What's in the Box: motor base, 48 oz. container, mini-tamper
💬 Real Customer Reviews: What Are Buyers Saying?
The Vitamix E310 has earned a 4.6-star rating with over 5,000 reviews, and the praise is consistent:
⭐ “The best blender I’ve ever owned. Smoothies are next-level — even kale disappears completely.”
⭐ “No gimmicks, just power. I love the manual control. It’s built like a tank.”
⭐ “I’ve replaced 3 cheap blenders over 5 years. This one will last a decade.”
A few buyers wished it had digital presets, but for those who value performance over tech fluff, the E310 delivers.
🏁 Final Verdict: A Blender That’s Powerful, Simple, and Built to Last
The Vitamix E310 Explorian Blender proves that entry-level doesn’t mean underpowered. With its 2 HP motor, variable speeds, and rugged design, it tackles any blending task with ease and control. While it lacks modern bells and whistles, its raw power and durability make it a blender that will serve your kitchen for years.
For home chefs, health enthusiasts, and smoothie lovers alike, the E310 is one of the best long-term investments in any kitchen — especially for those looking to upgrade from unreliable, underpowered blenders.
⭐ Overall Rating: 4.8 / 5
“Simple. Strong. Superb. The E310 offers true Vitamix performance without the premium price tag.”
Features
Brand | Vitamix |
Color | Black |
Special Feature | Blends |
Capacity | 48 Fluid Ounces |
Product Dimensions | 11"D x 8"W x 18"H |
Style | Blender |
Recommended Uses For Product | Blending, Emulsifying, Chopping, Creams, Coffee, Grinding |
Power Source | Corded Electric |
Number of Speeds | 10 |
Voltage | 120 |
Material Type Free | BPA Free |
Blade Material | Stainless Steel |
Warranty Type | 5-year full warranty covers parts, labor and return shipping both ways. |
UPC | 703113640681 810002431227 |
Global Trade Identification Number | 00703113640681 |
Manufacturer | Vitamix |
Item Weight | 10.5 pounds |
ASIN | B0758JHZM3 |
Country of Origin | USA |
Item model number | VM0197 |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Care instructions | Dishwasher Safe |
Assembly required | No |
Number of pieces | 4 |
Warranty Description | 5-year full warranty covers parts, labor and return shipping both ways. |
Batteries required | No |
Import | Made in USA |
- Variable Speed Control: Ten variable speeds allow you to refine every texture with culinary precision, from the smoothest purées to the heartiest soups
- Pulse Feature: Layer coarse chops over smooth purées for heartier recipes, such as chunky salsas or thick vegetable soups
- 48-ounce Container: Ideal for blending medium batches for small family meals
- Hardened Stainless-Steel Blades: Our aircraft-grade stainless steel blades are designed to handle the toughest ingredients, so from the first blend to the last, you get the same quality results
- Self-Cleaning: With a drop of dish soap and warm water, your Vitamix machine can clean itself in 30 to 60 seconds
- Design Feature: Radial cooling fan and thermal protection system
- What's in the Box: motor base, 48 oz. container, mini-tamper