The Vitamix VX1 and Vitamix X2 share the same 2.2-horsepower motor, variable speed control, pulse function, and automatic self-cleaning program. Both can handle smoothies, frozen desserts, hot soups, sauces, nut butters, and other demanding recipes.
The differences are convenience, container size, storage, warranty, and accessory compatibility.
The Vitamix VX1 is a straightforward variable speed blender with a tall 64 ounce container.
The X2 has a shorter 48 ounce container, 3 automatic blending programs, a digital timer, self detect containers, and a 10-year full warranty.
At regular pricing, the Vitamix VX1 costs $379.95 while the X2 costs $549.95. A difference of $170.
The design of these two machines are also different, so the design also plays a part. I LOVE the X2 in the midnight blue that I have it in. Shamelessly, if it came down to looks, I would choose the X2 in the midnight blue, especially if you have navy cabinets in your kitchen!
If you're still on the fence, let's dig into the details between these two machines.
The Vitamix VX1 comes with a tall 64-ounce Classic container, two-part lid, lid plug, and Classic tamper.
The Vitamix X2 includes a 48-ounce BPA-free container, two-part lid, lid plug, S2 low-profile tamper, and a tamper holder that attaches to the motor base.
The Vitamix VX1 uses the same tall 64-ounce container found on the Vitamix 5200 that works well with both small and large batches. Its narrow shape also allows the included tamper to reach thick mixtures such as frozen desserts and nut butters.
The Vitamix X2’s 48-ounce container is intended primarily for low and medium volume recipes. A small batch of sauce, or a family-sized soup that does not require the full capacity of a 64-ounce container.
The Vitamix VX1 has the clear advantage for large batches. Its container provides 16 additional ounces of capacity.
However! The Vitamix X2 has the storage advantage. The Vitamix X2 17 inches tall with its container installed, while the Vitamix VX1 is 19.6 inches tall. The X2 is easier to fit on a countertop, under kitchen cabinets. The Vitamix VX1 may need to be stored with its container beside the motor base, which takes up more room on you counter.
I (and my wife) personally don't like that look, so if we had to store the motor base and container next to each other on the counter all the time, we would probably just put it away in a cabinet. And if it's out of sight, I'm less likely to make smoothies!
The Vitamix VX1 has a 2.2 horsepower motor and an electrical rating of 1,440 watts.
Its control panel includes:
The Vitamix VX1 has physical switches and dial. You select a speed, press Start, and manually adjust the dial until the recipe reaches the desired texture. The Pulse switch operates at the speed selected on the dial, making it useful for chopping, coarse textures, and recipes such as salsa.
The Vitamix VX1 does not include automatic programs for smoothies, soups, or frozen desserts. Its Self-Cleaning cycle is the only automatic program.
The Vitamix X2 also has a 2.2-horsepower motor, and is 1,500 watts.
The X2 has variable speeds 1 through 10, Pulse, Start/Stop controls, a Self-Cleaning program, and a separate master power switch. The X2 has a digital display and 4 automatic blending programs:
The Vitamix X2’s digital timer counts upward during manual blending and counts down when an automatic program is running. This is useful when following recipes that specify an exact processing time.
The display also provides container-detection information, sleep-mode feedback, and error or overheating notifications (I have not run into any error or overheating notifications yet, so I can't say what those are like!).
The Vitamix VX1 has a 5-year limited warranty.
The Vitamix X2 has a 10-year full warranty covering parts, performance, labor, and standard two-way shipping.
A longer warranty does not improve blending performance, but it's nice to have in an appliance that may be used several times each week. It's nice to have 5 additional years of warranty, for an additional $170, imo.
The Vitamix VX1 is compatible with the 32 oz, 48 oz, and 64 oz containers, including wet, dry-grains, stainless-steel, and Aer Disc options. It is also compatible with the separately sold Personal Cup Adapter.
However, the VX1 does not support the Vitamix 12-Cup Food Processor Attachment or the newer SELF-DETECT blending-cup and blending-bowl blade base.
The X2 has built-in wireless SELF-DETECT technology. It recognizes compatible Ascent and Venturist containers and adjusts the blend times and speeds depending on the container used.
The Vitamix X2 also works with food processor, so if you're looking to add the food processor, the X2 is the machine for you.
Both machines have an automatic Self-Cleaning program, add a couple of drops of dish soap, secure the lid, select the Self-Cleaning setting, and press Start. The program runs automatically and stops when the cycle is finished.
The major difference is dishwasher compatibility.
The Vitamix VX1’s 64-ounce Classic container is not dishwasher safe. You have to use the self cleaning program, or hand wash.
The X2’s container and lid are dishwasher safe.
The Vitamix X2 wins this category because it gives you both cleaning options: a cleaning cycle, hand washing, but most importantly.. it's dishwasher safe!
Warranty
Vitamix VX1: 5-year limited warranty
Vitamix X2: 10-year full warranty
Motor Power
Vitamix VX1: 2.2 horsepower
Vitamix X2: 2.2 horsepower
Electrical Rating
Vitamix VX1: 120 volts, 1,440 watts
Vitamix X2: 120 volts, 1,500 watts
Container Capacity
Vitamix VX1: 64 ounces
Vitamix X2: 48 ounces
Height with Container on Motor Base
Vitamix VX1: 19.6 inches
Vitamix X2: 17 inches
Dimensions
Vitamix VX1: 9.5 x 7.8 x 19.6 inches
Vitamix X2: 9.75 x 7.75 x 17 inches
Weight
Vitamix VX1: 12.6 pounds
Vitamix X2: 13.6 pounds
Pulse Function
Vitamix VX1: Yes
Vitamix X2: Yes
Automatic Recipe Programs
Vitamix VX1: 0
Vitamix X2: 3
Self-Cleaning Program
Vitamix VX1: Yes
Vitamix X2: Yes
Digital Timer
Vitamix VX1: No
Vitamix X2: Yes
SELF-DETECT Technology
Vitamix VX1: No
Vitamix X2: Yes
Food Processor Attachment Compatibility
Vitamix VX1: No
Vitamix X2: Yes
Separate Start/Stop Switch
Vitamix VX1: Yes
Vitamix X2: Yes
Separate Master Power Switch
Vitamix VX1: Yes
Vitamix X2: Yes
Dishwasher Safe Container
Vitamix VX1: No
Vitamix X2: Yes
Included Accessories
Vitamix VX1: Motor base, 64-ounce Classic container, and Classic tamper
Vitamix X2: Motor base, 48-ounce container, S2 low-profile tamper, and tamper holder
Product specifications come from Vitamix’s official product pages, compatibility information, and owner’s manuals.
The Vitamix VX1 is the better value choice if you want strong blending performance and a large container. It has the same 2.2-horsepower as the Vitamix X2, but for $170 less. However, it only has a 5 year warranty.
The Vitamix X2 has three automatic programs, a digital timer, smart container detection, food processor compatibility, dishwasher safe container, a shorter design, and a 10 year warranty.
The Vitamix X2 is worth the extra money if youwant a blender that fits more easily beneath cabinets, dislike washing containers by hand, or want to use the Food Processor Attachment.
Overall winner for value and large batches: Vitamix VX1
Overall winner for convenience and long-term ownership: Vitamix X2
