Frequently Asked Questions

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 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.

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 temperatures 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 temperatures 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 temperatures 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.

Since all Vitamix blenders are able to perform the same variety of culinary techniques, including silky smoothies, textured sauces, hot soups, and frozen desserts, you can select a product based on the size you need and the controls you prefer.  Answer a few questions in our Blender Recommender, and we'll suggest the product we think is right for you.

Our Research and Development Team is continuously researching product development. Currently, we have not found a suitable glass 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.

Vitamix demonstrators are on location throughout the country.  Find a Vitamix retail location near you with an upcoming demonstration.

Because Vitamix has an in-state presence, state law requires the company to collect and remit sales tax based on the applicable state rates, plus local taxes. All orders are charged sales tax based on the ship-to location. Some states require state, county, city, and even special levy sales tax.

Yes, Vitamix has been a member of the Better Business Bureau since 1967.

If your Vitamix blender was purchased directly from our website, we've already  registered it for you.  If your machine was purchased from a Vitamix show, another online store, or retail location, you can register your machine online.

For the specific details of your warranty, please refer to the warranty certificate that came with your machine, or contact customer service. Please 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.

Depending on the model you own, you may be able to download a copy of your owner's manual. Some owner's manuals are available for download.  If your manual is not available online, please contact customer service to request a copy.

Contact customer service, and have your serial number available at the time of the call. The serial number is located on the back or on the bottom of the motor base, under the bar code.

Please click here to learn more about recalled Vitamix products, and enter your serial number to find out if your product has been recalled.

The shipping and handling fee is dependent on the carrier, contents of the package, and distance.

Repairs normally take 2-3 business days to complete. Additional time will be needed for shipping and handling. Contact customer service for an estimated delivery time, and have your serial number available at the time of the call. The serial number is located on the back or on the bottom of the motor base, under the bar code.

Please visit our online Service Center for more information about having your Vitamix® machine repaired.

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 temperatures 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 temperatures 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 temperatures 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 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.

Yes, it is normal for this to happen as the coupling is aligning with the drive socket.

The machine stopped because its thermal protector sensed that the machine was about to overheat. Turn the power switch off for up to 45 minutes, allowing the machine to cool down or reset.  Reset time will be extended if high room temperatures exist.  To reduce the reset time, unplug the machine, remove the container, and blow air into the center section of the bottom of the base with a hair dryer on the cool setting.

Below are some tips to prevent overheating when processing thick mixtures with a Vitamix® If these suggestions do not improve the performance of your machine, please contact Customer Service.

Check Your Speed:

When starting the machine, make sure the Variable Speed Dial is turned to 1(or, the ‘Stop’ position).  Turn the machine on and turn the Variable Speed Dial from 1 to the highest speed your Vitamix has within five seconds.  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:

Place ingredients into the container in the order listed in your Vitamix recipe. If working with your own recipe, start with the most liquid ingredients first (water, juice), followed by softer ingredients (tofu, yogurt), then juicier fruits and vegetables (grapes, cucumbers), firmer fruits and vegetables (apples, carrots), frozen ingredients (frozen berries), and finally ice. If you use protein powders, they 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 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.

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.

Some Owner’s Manuals are available for download here. If your manual is not available online, contact customer service to request a copy.

The minerals from fruits, produce, and leafy greens can cause a film on your container. We recommend pouring one cup of white vinegar into the container and filling it half-full with warm water. Let the container soak in an upright, standing position for several hours, then pour the contents out and use a soft pot scrubber to clean the inside of the container. Be careful while cleaning around the blade assembly as the blades are sharp.

Refer to your Owner’s Manual for complete cleaning instructions.

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℉.

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 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!

Effective January 1, 2025, warranty service for your FoodCycler product will be transitioned from Vitamix to Food Cycle Science, the original manufacturer of the FoodCycler products. As the original manufacturer, they possess unparalleled expertise in servicing and maintaining these innovative food waste recyclers. For warranty claims and service after January 1, 2025, please contact Food Cycle Science at: [email protected].

Most Vitamix blender models are capable of heating soups to a steamy temperature of 170°F, so we do not recommend adding anything to your container that exceeds that temperature. Please reference your blender’s Owners Manual for more information.

The 20-ounce container can be used to transport hot liquids, but cannot be used to blend hot recipes or ingredients because it does not have a vent to release steam.

Our unique Variable Speed Dial enables the Vitamix® machine to perform dozens of kitchen tasks without attachments by letting you control the speed of the blades. You can use it to chop, grind, whip, blend, heat, stir, purée, prepare frozen desserts, and so much more. Watch online video demonstrations to learn how the Variable Speed Dial can be used to achieve a variety of textures.

The tamper allows you to accelerate the process of blending very thick and/or frozen mixtures that cannot be processed in a regular blender. Using the tamper maintains food circulation by preventing air pockets from forming.

The minerals from fruits, produce, and leafy greens can cause a film on your container. We recommend pouring one cup of white vinegar into the container and filling it half-full with warm water. Let the container soak in an upright, standing position for several hours, then pour the contents out and use a soft pot scrubber to clean the inside of the container. Be careful while cleaning around the blade assembly as the blades are sharp.

The tamper allows you to accelerate the process of very thick and/or frozen mixtures that cannot be processed in a regular blender. Using the tamper maintains circulation by preventing air pockets from forming. Many recipes can be created without the use of the tamper, but thicker recipes require the tamper to process them efficiently. While the machine is running, and only through the lid plug, use the tamper to press ingredients into the blades as you make frozen ice creams and nut butters, or puree fruits and vegetables.

You can check product compatibility by visiting the Compare All Models section on the website, or by clicking the ‘Specifications’ tab located on any blender product detail page.

The blades in the Standard Container pull food down through the blades during processing. Conversely, the blades in the Dry Grains Container push foods up and away to keep the grains from compacting. This makes it the better choice for grinding whole grains or simulating the kneading process.

Vitamix® does recommend the purchase of a Dry Grains Container if you will be processing large amounts of whole grains into fresh flours. However, it is okay to use the Standard Container if your desire is to occasionally grind whole grains.

Certified Reconditioned machines have been returned to Vitamix by their original owner, and have undergone a meticulous, 17-point inspection and reconditioning process. Not just any blender can earn this title. Our Certified Reconditioned machines have been hand-selected for their like-new appearance and performance. Every Certified Reconditioned blender is backed by a 5-year full warranty and 30-day guarantee. Shop Certified Reconditioned machines

All reconditioned machines are given a new container and tamper. Supporting materials, such as cookbooks are also replaced. Upon quality inspections for mechanical functionality and appearance, technicians recondition or replace any component that does not meet Vitamix® standards.

Vitamix utilizes the same blending technology that was originally developed for household machines in its commercial models. Commercial units are designed for applications in restaurant and foodservice businesses. Vitamix offers many different models and custom designs, tailored to the specific needs of each commercial client. Each commercial model has a National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) sticker, stating that it is certified for use in foodservice businesses. Commercial machines come with a three-year limited warranty and an operational manual. They are not accompanied by other support materials, such as cookbooks. Some commercial machines have 3-horsepower motors. The motor works in conjunction with the fan to help keep the machine cooler, thereby extending its life in a commercial application. Even under extreme household use, blenders will not see the use expected in most commercial applications.

Visit our online store to find the right Vitamix machine for your home kitchen.

The Vitamix® blades reach speeds fast enough to create friction heat that can bring ingredients to steaming hot in four to six minutes. The Vitamix machine also quickly crushes and blends ice and frozen ingredients before enough friction heat is created to melt the mixture.

The dimensions vary based on the selected model. Refer to the specifications tab of each product description in our online store for dimensions.

The motor is a 120 VAC single phase universal with variations based on your model. Refer to the specifications area of each product page in our online store for additional information.

The Vitamix machine is built with a high-efficiency motor equipped with a radial cooling fan and has a built-in thermal protection system to prevent overload and motor burnout.

Please reference your blender’s Owners Manual for more information or access the Product Specifications tab located on the product detail page.

Your selected payment method is charged when each purchased item is shipped. If your order is sent in multiple shipments, you may see multiple corresponding charges on your account, which will add up to your order total.

Yes, please contact customer service to request a copy of your receipt.

We’re sorry for this inconvenience. Please contact a sales representative who can help you with your order.

Looking for your shipment? Check your inbox for an email containing tracking information (and make sure it's not stuck in Spam). For more information, please refer to our Shipping Policy.

The shipping and delivery timeframes below are estimations only, not guarantees. Actual delivery times are subject to product availability, destination address, and the shipping option you’ve chosen. Once your items ship from our warehouse, you will receive a shipment notification email with tracking information. Please note that Priority shipping is not available in Canada.

Standard Shipping - 3-5 business days

Priority Shipping - 2 business days

If you created an account with us, you can log in to track your order status. To do this, log in to your account, and click on "Online Order History." However, we do send an email notification to the email address on the customer account when each order is placed.

We're able to offer free, faster shipping on larger orders by implementing an automated shipping system that occasionally separates orders into multiple shipments to increase speed and efficiency. As a result, items from a single order may arrive at different times.

Certain bundles were created to provide maximum convenience to customers, making it easy to add several complementary products to the shopping cart at once. Those products may leave our facilities at different times, resulting in multiple shipments.

Creating an account makes online shopping easier with the ability to save addresses and track online orders. You can also save your favorite recipes, so they’re always accessible when you need them.

If you purchased your machine at www.vitamix.com, at a Vitamix® Factory Outlet, or by calling Vitamix directly, your machine has already been registered for you. If you purchased your machine from a Vitamix show or from another online store or retail location, you can register your machine online. If you purchased outside the U.S., please contact your local dealer for product registration.

Yes, if you purchased through:

1. Vitamix® Customer Care (1-800-VITAMIX)
2. www.vitamix.com

If you purchased your machine from another retail location, you can register your machine online. If you purchased outside the U.S., please contact your local dealer for product registration.

Registering your machine with Vitamix® helps us update you with product notifications as necessary, and ensures efficient service if you ever need a repair.

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.

The serial number is located on the back or on the bottom of the motor base, under the bar code.

To find out if your machine is under warranty, contact customer service and have your serial number available, which can be found on the back or bottom of your machine’s motor base, under the bar code.

To update your warranty information, contact customer service and have your serial number available, which can be found on the back or on the bottom of the motor base, under the bar code.

To find out how many years are remaining on your warranty, contact customer service and have your serial number available, which can be found on the back or bottom of your machine’s motor base, under the bar code.

For the specific details of your warranty, please refer to the warranty certificate that came with your machine. You may also contact customer service, and have your serial number available at the time of the call. The serial number is located on the back or on the bottom of your machine's motor base, under the bar code.

Yes, the warranty is transferable.  We will honor the remaining warranty based on the original date of purchase.

The warranty for any Vitamix machine is only valid in the country where it was purchased. If the machine undergoes any damage while it is being used in another country, it must be returned to the country where it was purchased for repairs, at the owner's expense.

IMPORTANT RESTRICTION: VITAMIX MAY RESTRICT WARRANTY SERVICE FOR OUR PRODUCTS TO THE COUNTRY WHERE VITAMIX OR ITS AUTHORIZED DISTRIBUTORS ORIGINALLY SOLD THE PRODUCT.

Vitamix does not recommend use of our products outside of the country where such products were sold and built to be used.

•      Our products are approved and certified to country-specific safety standards.

•      Each country may require a different voltage and frequency, power cord and plug for the same product.

•      After-sales service may not be available outside of the country where Vitamix or any of its authorized distributors originally sold a product, as our authorized distributors and repair technicians stock repair parts that may be country-specific.

We are so certain that you will see the value and benefits of using your Vitamix® machine each day that we are happy to offer a risk-free, 60-day, in-home trial. If you are not completely satisfied with the performance of your Vitamix machine, simply return it within 60 days for a full refund—Vitamix will even pay for return shipping if you are in the U.S. or Canada. Vitamix stands behind its products, and our commitment to your satisfaction is our top priority. If you purchased your machine from a retailer, please contact the store for the details of its return policy.

Please contact customer service to receive a Return Authorization Number and instructions for returning your product.

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.

If you are a U.S. or Canadian customer, you will receive free return shipping as part of the Vitamix® 60-day trial. Contact customer service for a pre-paid return shipping label and Return Authorization Number.

Yes. Vitamix is happy to help you trade your existing Vitamix machine for a current model through our Trade-In Program.

Contact customer service for instructions on trading your existing Vitamix machine for a new model.

The shipping and handling fee is dependent on the carrier, contents of the package, and distance.

Yes. You can receive a one-time discount code to use on your purchase by signing up to receive promotional emails and SMS messages (optional) from Vitamix. Some exclusions may apply.

During certain Vitamix sales promotions, the usage of discount codes are strictly prohibited or excluded for select products at checkout.

We’re proud to give a little back to those who have given so much. Verified members of the Military, First Responders, Medical Professionals, Nurses and Teachers are eligible to receive a discount at checkout through ID.me.  U.S. customers only. Some exclusions apply.