At $500+, a blender has to be exceptional. Both the Vitamix A3500 and Blendtec Designer 675 are — and they're the two machines that come up every time serious home cooks or smoothie-daily households start researching. Vitamix is beloved by professionals and home cooks alike. Blendtec is slightly more powerful on paper and has a unique flat blade design. The gap between them is smaller than the marketing suggests.
Vitamix A3500
Honestly, the Vitamix A3500 shines for daily smoothies and hot soups; the Blendtec Designer 675 has a slight edge for nut butters and dense blending tasks. Both are exceptional and either will outlast most kitchen appliances you own.
Specs Comparison
| Spec | Vitamix A3500 | Blendtec Designer 675 |
|---|---|---|
| Motor power | 2.2 HP (1640W) | 3.0 HP peak |
| Speed settings | 10 variable + high | 5 pre-programs + pulse |
| Container sizes | 20oz / 32oz / 48oz / 64oz | 32oz Twister / 90oz WildSide+ |
| Blade type | Angled stainless (vortex) | Flat ultra-sharp blade |
| Noise level | ~88–92 dB | ~90–94 dB |
| Warranty | 10 years | 8 years |
| Price (MSRP) | ~$649 | ~$549 |
Motor and Blending Power
The Vitamix A3500 runs a 2.2 horsepower motor (about 1640 watts). The Blendtec Designer 675 runs at 3.0 peak horsepower — significantly more on paper. In practice, the Blendtec's power advantage is most noticeable on very thick blends: nut butters, frozen fruit smoothies with little liquid, and crushing ice from scratch.
The Vitamix achieves its results through variable speed control and longer blend times — its tamper lets you push ingredients into the blade for viscous mixes. The result is comparably smooth outcomes through different means.
For ice cream and frozen desserts, the Blendtec's raw power wins. For daily smoothies and soups, Vitamix's variable speed control produces equally excellent results.
Blade Design
Blendtec's flat, ultra-sharp blade design is unique in the category. The blade doesn't extend to the container walls, which makes cleaning notably easier but requires more liquid to blend effectively.
Vitamix's angled stainless steel blades create a vortex that draws ingredients down continuously. The result is very thorough blending with the right liquid-to-solid ratio.
Both designs produce smooth results, but Blendtec's flat blade is easier to clean by hand and poses less laceration risk during cleanup.
Container Options
Vitamix has an enormous container ecosystem — 32oz, 48oz, 64oz, and the personal-size 20oz container, all compatible with the A3500 base. This is one of the best reasons to choose Vitamix long-term.
Blendtec Designer 675 comes with a 90oz WildSide+ jar as the primary container. A Twister Jar is available for thick blends. The ecosystem is smaller but the WildSide+ jar shape is notably good at creating a vortex for large batches.
For household cooks who want to blend everything from a single smoothie to a large batch of soup, Vitamix's container range is unmatched.
Noise
Both machines are loud. That's the reality of high-power blenders. Vitamix and Blendtec sell enclosures to reduce noise, and both are about 90 dB at full speed — similar to a running lawn mower.
Vitamix's variable speed control lets you ramp up slowly, which reduces the shock of the initial noise. The Blendtec's preset programs go straight to high speed.
If you live in an apartment or blend early in the morning, either machine will wake light sleepers nearby.
Vitamix A3500 Strengths
- Variable speed dial gives precise control over blend texture
- Enormous container ecosystem — 20oz personal cup to 64oz full-size
- Excellent vortex for smoothies and soups with tamper for thick blends
- 10-year warranty on all certified refurbished and new machines
Blendtec Designer 675 Strengths
- 3.0 peak horsepower — more raw power for dense, thick blends
- Flat blade design is easier and safer to clean by hand
- Large 90oz WildSide+ jar handles big batches without refilling
- Pre-programmed cycles handle smoothies, soups, and ice cream automatically
Vitamix A3500 Weaknesses
- Loud at full speed — 90 dB is hard to ignore in an open kitchen
- Tamper is needed for thick blends, which adds a step
- Heavy at 12.5 lbs — not easy to move off the counter daily
Blendtec Designer 675 Weaknesses
- Less container variety than Vitamix's ecosystem
- Pre-programs go straight to max speed — no gradual ramp-up
- At max power, it's the loudest machine in this comparison
Best For
- a: Daily smoothie drinkers, soup makers, and anyone who wants container flexibility for different batch sizes
- b: Nut butter enthusiasts, frozen dessert makers, and large-batch households who want max raw power
FAQ
Is the Vitamix A3500 worth it vs a cheaper Vitamix model?
The A3500 adds touchscreen controls, built-in timer, and wireless base detection (auto-selects programs based on container size). The base Ascent series (A2300) does 90% of the same at $100 less.
Can the Blendtec Designer 675 blend hot soups?
Yes — Blendtec's soup pre-program heats soup via friction from the blade. Start with warm (not boiling) liquid and vent the lid when blending anything hot to avoid pressure buildup.
Do either machines come with a noise enclosure?
Not standard — both Vitamix and Blendtec sell sound enclosures as accessories for $100–$150 extra. Commercial operations almost always use them; home users vary.