Frequently Asked Questions

The Vitamix motor is designed with Automatic Overload Protection to protect itself from overheating.  If the motor overheats:

Turn the power off for up to 45 minutes, allowing the machine to cool down or reset.  Reset time will be extended if high room temperarutes exist.  To reduce the reset time, remove the container, unplug the machine, and use a hair dryer on the cool setting to  blow air into the center section of the bottom of the motor base.

If you are still unable to start your machine, please contact customer service.

Although all motors are tested at the Vitamix factory, heavy use will cause further curing of the motor windings in new machines.  This curing gives off a burning smell and is typical for wound motors.  This smell will quickly dissipate after a few heavy uses.

In addition, the Vitamix motor is designed with Automatic Overload Protection to protect itself from overheating.  If the motor should overheat, it may emit a burning smell.  

If this occurs, turn the power off for up to 45 minutes, allowing the machine to cool down or reset.  Reset time will be extended if high room temperarutes exist.  To reduce the reset time, remove the container, unplug the machine, and use a hair dryer on the cool setting to  blow air into the center section of the bottom of the motor base.

There will always be some texture when whipping with the Aer Disc container.

Yes.

Remove the dressing from the container.  Add some hot water to the container (cover the disk) and put the lid on.  Start the machine (with container and hot water), then drizzle the dressing through the lid plug, this will allow the ingredients to emulsify.

Yes, skim milk is needed to make cold and hot foam.  The foaming process works as a result of the amount of fat, protein and sugar in skim milk.  The culinary team has tested various types of milks including alternative milks.

Cold foam 35-40℉, hot foam 145-185℉.

Cold foam approximately three times the volume, hot foam approximately two times the volume.

Cold about 30 minutes, hot should be used at the time it is made.

Yes, with the exception of the space saving models.

SELF-DETECT technology is part of all Ascent™ Series blenders and their containers. This means your machine knows which container size you are using, and automatically adjusts program settings and maximum blend times accordingly.

In addition to optimizing your blends, SELF-DETECT® containers also offer an added level of safety. On models with program settings, certain programs like hot soup are disabled for the (8- and 20-ounce) Blending Bowls and Blending Cups. On models without program settings, the blender will shut off after 1:15 of blending in the 8- and 20-ounce containers, because they don’t have vented lids like the full-size containers do. Vitamix Ascent Series blenders will not begin blending if the container isn’t sitting properly on the base, or if the detachable blade base for the smaller containers isn’t properly attached.

At this time, the Tamper Holder is only compatible with the C®- and G®-Series machines. Our product development team is currently working on a new Tamper Holder for the Ascent Series, so be sure to stay tuned for updates!

If you have a Tamper for the 64-ounce low-profile container (compatible with our G®-Series, then yes! Your old container will not work with the new machines, but the Tampers are the same.

No, the previous containers do not contain our latest SELF-DETECT® technology, so your Ascent™ Series blender will not start until a compatible container is properly sitting on the motor base. This new technology is designed to optimize your blends, and provide added safety benefits. We will have new container sizes available soon for the Ascent Series, so stay tuned for updates!

Unfortunately the Vitamix Blending Cups and Blending Bowls purchased in or from the United States are not compatible with Vitamix Ascent Series A2300i, A2500i, and A3500i machines. The Blending Cups and Blending Bowls are designed specifically for use with Vitamix Ascent Series high-performance blenders in the U.S. only. Vitamix is working to design Blending Cups and Blending Bowls for use with A2300i, A2500i, and A3500i machines in Europe, and will announce the release of those containers at a later date.

You can extend the original warranty by three years for any new or Certified Reconditioned blender in our C®-, G®-, or Personal Series, as long as your unit is still covered under its orginal warranty! Find out more by contacting our customer care team at 1-800-848-2649.

Every Vitamix machine purchase qualifies for no-interest Easy Payments through PayPal Credit. Terms and conditions apply. See details.

Each Ascent Series blender stands 17 inches tall with the lid in place, so these units will fit beneath most standard cabinets! We recommend measuring how much space you have from the bottom of your cupboards to the top of your counter to be sure you have enough space.

All Vitamix Ascent Series blenders include SELF-DETECT® technology, meaning they will detect the container you’re using and automatically adjust blend settings to improve your recipes and enhance safety. On models with program settings, certain programs like hot soup are disabled for the 8- and 20-ounce containers. On models without program settings, the blender will shut off after 1:15 of blending in the 8- and 20-ounce containers, because they don’t have vented lids like the full-size containers do.

If you’re using an 8-ounce Blending Bowl or 20-ounce Blending Cup, your Ascent Series machine will disable the hot soup program. This is because the smaller containers do not have vented lids to release steam like the full-size containers do.

Yes, our 20-ounce Blending Cups come with flip-top lids that are perfect for traveling with a smoothie, or pouring blended dressings and sauces over your salads and entrees. The 8-ounce Blending Bowls come with airtight storage lids that are stackable for easy storage!

The lid plug is vented to release steam when you’re making hot soups and sauces. You can remove the lid plug while the machine is running in order to use the Tamper or add more ingredients to your blend. The lid plug is also marked with 1-ounce (1/8 cup) and ½-ounce measurements to help you measure liquids without dirtying another dish.

The blade assembly for your 8-ounce Blending Bowls and/or 20-ounce Blending Cups is dishwasher-safe! We recommend washing the detachable blade assembly on the top rack.

The new 64-ounce low-profile container with SELF-DETECT® technology can be used on our G®-Series blenders. But since your G-Series motor base does not have SELF-DETECT technology, it will simply function as a standard container. New containers work on older blender models, but older containers do not work on the new Ascent™ Series blenders.

This symbol is there to let you know there is not a container seated on the motor base properly, so you will not be able to start the machine. Once you place a container on the motor base, the symbol will disappear.

Counting Down - When using the preset programs on your Ascent™ Series blender, as the program runs the timer will count down how much time is left on the program. Once it hits 0, the program is done and your machine will stop automatically. When you set the programmable timer on the A3300 or A3500, it will also count down to display how much time is left on the blend, and stop the machine automatically when the time is complete.

Counting Up – When using the variable speeds on your Ascent unit, the time will reflect how long you have the unit running. This makes longer blending tasks, like soup, easy to do without needing another timer!

The standard digital timer will count up to display how long your blend has been running. This helps you avoid losing track of time and letting your blend get too thin, or becoming impatient and not blending long enough. If your machine has program settings, the standard timer will also count down to show how much time is left on your program setting.

The programmable timer performs the above functions, but also lets you set it to a certain blend time. It will then count down to display how much time is left, and will stop the machine automatically when blending is complete.

Unfortunately, you are not able to change the timer while the machine is running. Please stop the machine and enter the time desired.

Using the timer is easy! When using Variable Speed or Pulse modes, the timer will count up automatically. With Ascent™ Series models featuring a programmable timer (A3300 & A3500), the timer will count down from the selected time and the machine will stop automatically once the cycle has reached 0:00.

The program settings on Ascent™ Series blenders are determined by the container type present on the motor base, so program blending times and speeds may vary.

The message you are seeing means that an error has been detected in the system. Please provide us with the error code you are receiving, as well as your Vitamix Serial Number and contact information, and we will have someone reach out directly to assist further!

To exit sleep mode, simply rotate the speed dial or press any button on the control panel to wake the blender up!

Unfortunately the Vitamix Blending Cups and Blending Bowls purchased in or from the United States are not compatible with Vitamix Ascent Series A2300i, A2500i, and A3500i machines. The Blending Cups and Blending Bowls are designed specifically for use with Vitamix Ascent Series high-performance blenders in the U.S. only. Vitamix is working to design Blending Cups and Blending Bowls for use with A2300i, A2500i, and A3500i machines in Europe, and will announce the release of those containers at a later date.

Our Research and Development Team is continuously researching product development. Currently, we have not found a suitable glass or stainless container design to meet the strict safety and performance requirements Vitamix places on its products.

Ready for the latest Vitamix blender? We'd like to help you upgrade and recycle your old machine for you. See if your current machine qualifies for our Trade-In Program.

Depending on the year your machine was made, the name of your Vitamix model can either be found on the front of the motor base, or on a label on the bottom of the motor base.  You can also determine which model you have by contacting customer service.

 Have your serial number available at the time of the call.  The serial number is located on the back or bottom of your machine's motor base, below the bar code.

Please refer to our Return Policy for instructions on how to return your Vitamix product. If your purchase was made through one of our retail partners, please refer to that store's return policy. 

Although all motors are tested at the Vitamix factory, heavy use will cause further curing of the motor windings in new machines.  This curing gives off a burning smell and is typical for wound motors.  This smell will quickly dissipate after a few heavy uses.

In addition, the Vitamix motor is designed with Automatic Overload Protection to protect itself from overheating.  If the motor should overheat, it may emit a burning smell.  

If this occurs, turn the power off for up to 45 minutes, allowing the machine to cool down or reset.  Reset time will be extended if high room temperarutes exist.  To reduce the reset time, remove the container, unplug the machine, and use a hair dryer on the cool setting to  blow air into the center section of the bottom of the motor base.

The grinding sound may indicate that the blade bearing assembly is starting to break down.  Please contact customer service to troubleshoot this problem.

The high-pitched sound may indicate that the blade bearing assembly is starting to break down.  Please contact customer service to troubleshoot this problem.

The Vitamix motor is designed with Automatic Overload Protection to protect itself from overheating.  If the motor overheats:

Turn the power off for up to 45 minutes, allowing the machine to cool down or reset.  Reset time will be extended if high room temperarutes exist.  To reduce the reset time, remove the container, unplug the machine, and use a hair dryer on the cool setting to  blow air into the center section of the bottom of the motor base.

If you are still unable to start your machine, please contact customer service.

The Vitamix motor is designed with Automatic Overload Protection to protect itself from overheating.  If the motor overheats:

Turn the power off for up to 45 minutes, allowing the machine to cool down or reset.  Reset time will be extended if high room temperarutes exist.  To reduce the reset time, remove the container, unplug the machine, and use a hair dryer on the cool setting to   blow air into the center section of the bottom of the motor base.    

If you are still unable to start your machine, please contact customer service.

Check Your Speed
The Vitamix machine performs best on high speed to pulverize food and process thick mixtures.

Check Your Quantity
Processing cooked potatoes, cooked rice or cooked beans creates a heavier than normal load on the machine.  You may want to consider reducing the food quantity placed in the container by half (depending on how much food you started with) and possibly adding a bit of liquid.

Follow Order of Ingredients
When following Vitamix recipes, be sure to place ingredients into the container in the order listed.  If using your own recipe, follow this order for full-size containers: liquid ingredients first (water, juice, yogurt), followed by softer ingredients (tofu), then juicier fruits and vegetables (grapes, cucumbers), firmer fruits and vegetables (apples, carrots), frozen ingredients (frozen berries), and finally ice.  Dry ingredients like protein powders should follow the ice.

Use the Tamper
If ingredients are not freely circulating, the tamper can be used to improve the flow of food.  While the machine is running and with the lid firmly in place, insert the tamper through the lid plug opening and hold it in one of the corners of the container.  As the food travels around the side of the container, the tamper directs it right into the blades.  If there is an air pocket around the blade, the tamper will release the air pocket and create a continuous flow of food through the blades.

If you notice your motor is no longer turning the blades, you should unplug the machine, remove the container from the motor base, and look at the drive socket (the plastic circle surrounding the metal coupling where the container meets the base).  The drive socket should be well-attached, but able to spin freely.  If the drive socket is cracked, solidly attached and unable to move, or easily removed, contact customer service.

The container will slightly move on the motor base when the machine is turned on.  But if your motor base is wobbling on the countertop, there is an issue with your drive socket or the rubber feet on the bottom of the machine.  Please contact customer service.

Grease on or around the machine may indicate an overfilled bearing, or that the blade bearing assembly seal is starting to break down.  If the problem persists, please contact customer service.

The blades in Vitamix containers never need to be sharpened. They are hammermill blades designed to pulverize, not slice. If you feel your blend quality has changed, there could be a different problem with your machine. Please contact customer service.

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