Vitamix
Vitamix 5200
$499.95
Released 2007
Best Blenders · head-to-head
Vitamix 5200 vs KitchenAid K400 Variable Speed Blender
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. KitchenAid K400 Variable Speed Blender is cheaper at $249.99. Every spec and price links to its source.
KitchenAid
KitchenAid K400 Variable Speed Blender
$249.99Cheaper
Released 2019
Which is better: the Vitamix 5200 or KitchenAid K400 Variable Speed Blender?
The KitchenAid K400 Variable Speed Blender wins 1 of the 1 specs we compare head to head; the other wins 0. The KitchenAid K400 Variable Speed Blender is the cheaper at $249.99. The KitchenAid K400 Variable Speed Blender both leads on specs and costs less — the straightforward pick.
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Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | Vitamix 5200 | KitchenAid K400 Variable Speed Blender |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $499.95 | $249.99 |
| Brand | Vitamix | KitchenAid |
| Released | 2007 | 2019 |
| Motor watts | 1380 | 1200 |
| Jar capacity (oz) | 64 | 56 |
| Speed settings | 10 | 5 |
| Preset programs | 0 | 3 |
| Dishwasher safe | No | Yes |
| Noise dampening | No | No |
| Warranty years | 7 | 5 |
| Release year | 2007 | 2019 |
Sources — Vitamix 5200: vitamix.com (verified 2026-06-15). KitchenAid K400 Variable Speed Blender: prnewswire.com (verified 2026-06-15).
What's the difference between the Vitamix 5200 and KitchenAid K400 Variable Speed Blender?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (6 of 7). Matching specs are omitted.
- Motor watts: Vitamix 5200 1380 vs KitchenAid K400 Variable Speed Blender 1200
- Jar capacity (oz): Vitamix 5200 64 vs KitchenAid K400 Variable Speed Blender 56
- Speed settings: Vitamix 5200 10 vs KitchenAid K400 Variable Speed Blender 5
- Preset programs: Vitamix 5200 0 vs KitchenAid K400 Variable Speed Blender 3
- Dishwasher safe: Vitamix 5200 false vs KitchenAid K400 Variable Speed Blender true
- Warranty years: Vitamix 5200 7 vs KitchenAid K400 Variable Speed Blender 5
What reviewers say
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
Vitamix 5200
Two whitelisted outlets cover the exact Vitamix 5200. Wirecutter (NYT) gives full hands-on testing across smoothies, soups, nut butter, mayo and a multi-year test-kitchen stint; Reviewed (USA Today) covers it inside a Vitamix roundup with lighter, spec-leaning notes. Both rate it a top-tier, durable performer—best for smoothies, soups and nut butters—held back mainly by its steep price and its ~20-21 inch height. (2 sourced reviews, 1 lab-tested.)
Praised: Excellent, consistent blending performance; Sturdy, durable build backed by a 7-year warranty; Precise variable-speed control.
Flagged: Too tall (~20-21 in) to fit under many cabinets; No presets; stripped-down controls; Steep price relative to non-Vitamix blenders.
KitchenAid K400 Variable Speed Blender
Both whitelisted reviewers tested the K400 hands-on. They agree on the sturdy die-cast metal base, the wide range of color options, and a smooth, glossy result on an emulsified dip (Tom's Guide's hummus, TechRadar's mayo). They diverge sharply on smoothies and value: TechRadar (2021) rated it a strong all-round performer with silky, bit-free smoothies, while Tom's Guide (2025) got a gritty smoothie and judged it overpriced next to a cheaper Ninja. TechRadar separately flagged uneven hazelnut blending. (2 sourced reviews, 2 lab-tested.)
Praised: Sturdy, weighty die-cast metal base that stays stable at full speed; Smooth, glossy result on an emulsified dip — Tom's Guide's hummus and TechRadar's mayo; Wide range of color options to match a KitchenAid kitchen.
Flagged: Control-dial gripes: small preset symbols (TechRadar) and a wobbly, insecure-feeling knob (Tom's Guide); Uneven hazelnut blending — a mix of powder and larger pieces, with residue stuck under the blades; Premium price feels like paying for the brand versus a cheaper, better-performing Ninja.