Whats in the box and included with this machine.

When opening up the Vitamix 5200 box, you’ll find the Motor Base, 64oz classic container, tamper, DVD, getting started guide, and a cookbook that actually has a lot of great recipes. With the container attached, the unit is 20.5 inches tall by 7.3 inches wide and 8.75 inches from front to back. The Vitamix 5200 is covered by a 7 year warranty, including free shipping both ways if you need to use your warranty. All the components for all Vitamix blenders are made and assembled in the USA.

Lid

Quick and easy sealing that also lets you add ingredients or use the included tamper while you blend.

The lid on the 64oz container features rubber seals that grip the top sides of the jar to ensure proper sealing. In the center there is a removable piece of clear plastic that lets you add ingredients while the machine is running and allows you to vent steam created when making hot recipes. This is also where the tamper is inserted to free thick/frozen ingredients without needing to to stop the blender, remove the container from the base and push them around with a spatula.

Jar

The 64-ounce classic container is engineered to create a vortex with your ingredients giving a consistent blend for years.

The 64-ounce BPA-free classic container was designed for the Legacy blenders. The walls of the classic container are engineered to strategically move the ingredients around the jar in a vortex to ensure a powerful and consistent blend. The jar is a little over 3 inches taller than the G-Series 64-ounce container, so it may be more difficult to store on a countertop under cabinets.

Blades

The blades are engineered to provide the most consistent blend possible. They never wear down and offer consistency for years.

Thanks to the 64-ounce classic containers design, the ingredients are thrown against the blades at the bottom of the jar in a cyclone pattern. The stainless steel are engineered to provide the perfect blend and compliment the containers design to keep your ingredients moving around properly within the container. Since the blades don’t revolve around sharpness, they’re not only simple to clean, but provide consistent blends for years.

Power

A 2 horsepower motor has plenty of power for ice, smoothies and thicker recipes like hummus.

The Vitamix 5200 is the "standard" for high-performance blenders. This machine has the ability to blend pretty much anything you put in it- featuring a 2 horsepower motor driving the stainless steel blades. The assembly attaching the blades to the motor base is a metal-to-metal connection which functions better than other plastic connections found in similar to lower end blenders.

Interface

The variable speed dial is very good for ramping up speed when you need it most for stubborn ingredients. Pulse toggle is a definite bonus that comes in handy when you require more speed.

The interface of this machine are as straight-forward as it gets. There is a rubber variable speed control lets you raise or lower the speed and if your ingredients are really stubborn there is a pule toggle that gives the machine a jolt of extra power. The rubber power toggle is dead simple as well, being a giant switch that gives a tactile response as you toggle it on or of.

Noise Level

Not the most quiet kitchen appliance, but you'll typically run it for 30-45 seconds at a time anyways.

The Legacy blenders are very loud but all high performance blenders are going to be loud. This blender will wake up a sleeping house at 6am after your morning run, but wont draw too much attention while making a nutrient-rich lunch or dinner for 30-45 seconds. If you need something a little more quiet, check out the Vitamix G-Series blenders that feature more advanced noise dampening technology.

Source: I've awoke my household many times after an early morning run. Sorry guys.

Clean Up

Cleaning your Vitamix gently with a sponge will keep it looking great for years.

While Vitamix and some demonstrators say you can clean your Vitamix using the "water and small amount of soap" mixture- I don't advise using this method. I recommend investing in a dish sponge and use the dish soap to scrub out all of the contents of the container on your own. These blenders are very powerful and not cleansing your container free of all the minerals that attach themselves to the walls of the container could increase your chances of ou container becoming cloudy or discolored. Cleaning thoroughly after each use is the best practice get the most out of your container.

Storage

If your cabinets are higher than 22 inches, a Vitamix 5200 can fit underneath with ease. Otherwise, check out the Vitamix 6300.

Since they see so much use, high performance blenders tend to live on their owners' countertops for most of their lives. The major drawback of the classic series is their container height. It's not the most friendly to average and below hanging cabinets in the kitchen. Storing an appliance you use multiple times a week can be a pain, so I urge potential owners to measure their cabinets (seriously)- if you're thinking of purchasing a Legacy make sure your cabinets can fit a 22 inch blender. If they can't, consider looking at the G-Series of blenders. Blend Guides recommendation: the Vitamix 6300.

I'd recommend this blender to just about everyone on a budget and wanting to get a Vitamix.

This is the most affordable high-performance blender available. It's a very capable blender that I'd feel confident recommending to just about anyone. It's simple to use with the variable speed dial. If a stubborn ingredient needs to be blended more you can simply raise the speed on the machine up to 10. The pulse button is perfect for quick, high-speed bursts for making things like chunky salsa. Overall a great affordable Vitamix, but if you want some programmed settings (Smoothie, Frozen Desserts and Hot Soup), check out the Vitamix 6300.