Vitamix Venturist vs Ascent (2021): Which Blender Should You Buy?

While the budget Explorian series is a staple in many homes, the premium blenders offered by Vitamix are also worth a look. The Vitamix Ascent series, for instance, boasts state-of-the-art design, wireless connectivity, and self-detect containers and accessories. Among these blenders, the Vitamix Ascent A3500 is clearly the most feature-packed.

The Vitamix Venturist V1200 also belongs to the brand’s smart series with the rest of the Ascent blenders. However, the Venturist lacks some premium features, making it a slightly inexpensive ‘premium’ blender. But is it a good enough alternative to the Ascent A3500? Or should you upgrade to Vitamix’s top-of-the-line blender instead?

Vitamix Venturist vs Ascent Comparison Chart

Design

The Vitamix Ascent A3500 sports a more premium design compared to the Vitamix Venturist.

When it comes to design, the Vitamix Ascent A3500 is clearly more high-end compared to the Vitamix Venturist V1200. The A3500 comes with a metal base that houses its motor and features the blender’s intuitive touch-sensitive controls. This console includes a minimalist-looking round dial placed between a pulse button and a start/stop key. Above this arrangement, you’ll find the preset keys along with a discreet LED panel.

The Venturist V1200, on the other hand, combines elements of Vitamix’s budget blenders and flagship models. Here, you get a front panel that resembles that of the Vitamix E320 and E310, particularly the pulse and start/stop switches. Between these switches, you’ll find a pointer knob for the variable speed settings as well. But the V1200 also takes a page out of the Ascent 3500 by featuring an LED display for its timer.

Because of its stainless steel finish, the Ascent A3500 is about three pounds heavier than the Venturist V1200. The choice of material also gives it a little more stability during the blending process. Nonetheless, both blenders have identical back vents. Out of the box, both also include the same 64-ounce low-profile container. If you opt for the V1200, however, you’ll also get a 20-ounce container cup.

Performance

Vitamix’s premium Ascent 3500 delivers more consistent blends compared to Venturist 1200.

Despite the difference in design, you get identical 2.2-peak horsepower motors on both the Vitamix Venturist V1200 and Ascent 3500. This is more than enough to drive the 4-inch blades of the blenders’ accompanying 64-ounce containers. In addition, the motors are designed to protect themselves from overheating by automatically shutting off.

Now, Vitamix shares that the laser-cut blades are crafted from hardened stainless steel. Together with the capacity of the container, expect to handle large batches of blends with either the Venturist or the Ascent 3500.

Users similarly vouch for the power of both blenders. The Venturist V1200 and Ascent 3500 are capable of handling a variety of ingredients — from soft fruits and vegetables to hard ice and tough nuts. However, the 3500’s metal base does a better job at minimizing noise. As mentioned in the design, the hefty base acts as a stabilizer that reduces the vibration of the machine.

Some consumers have shared that the A3500 is more consistent with its blends, too. With the V1200, there have been occasions wherein users had to spoon ingredients around to get a better mix.

Controls and Other Features

Unlike the Vitamix Venturist V1200, the Ascent 3500 comes with five program settings.

The control panel on both Vitamix blenders is indicative of their respective features. As expected, you get basic controls on the Venturist V1200. The blender comes with a 10-speed dial, along with a pulse button. Meanwhile, users can adjust the timer using the plus and minus keys beside the display.

The Ascent 3500, on the other hand, adds to the functions available on the V1200. Vitamix’s premium blender comes with five program settings. These presets are for smoothies, frozen desserts, soups, dips and spreads, and self-cleaning. While these programs are pre-loaded, you can still adjust the timer as you see fit.

Both the Vitamix Venturist V1200 and Ascent 3500 enjoy wireless connectivity, too. Through the use of NFC technology, they can automatically recognize the container you’re using — provided the containers are SELF-DETECT. This simply means the machines will adjust blend settings based on the size of the container you use. In the case of the Ascent 3500, some programs will also be disabled if you’re using the wrong container.

Ease of Use

Both the Vitamix Venturist V1200 and Ascent 3500 are easy to set up, use, and clean.

Vitamix blenders are pretty straightforward to use. This remains true with both the Vitamix Venturist V1200 and Ascent 3500. Setting up the blenders is hassle-free, and the controls are simple enough to master quickly. Of course, some users might find the preset programs of the A3500 add to the learning curve. Once you’ve gotten the hang of these settings, however, expect a more convenient blending experience.

Like other Vitamix blenders, you get a low-profile tamper with the Venturist and the Ascent. The nifty tool helps remove air pockets in your mix so you get a smoother consistency of whatever you’re blending. The 64-ounce containers themselves come with a clear lid for easy monitoring. They also feature measuring marks, so you can prepare a meal on the container itself.

Now, these machines require minimal upkeep. For instance, you can simply fill the Venturist V1200’s container halfway with warm water and a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Next, you lock the container to the base and set the machine to run on Variable Speed 1 for about 30 to 60 seconds; rinse and drain afterward. On the Ascent A3500, cleanup is even easier since you get a dedicated self-cleaning mode.

Verdict

The Vitamix Ascent 3500 is the best Vitamix blender to get. If you have budget constraints, however, then the Vitamix Venturist is a reasonable alternative.

With their powerful motors and smart containers, the Vitamix Venturist V1200 and Ascent 3500 are functional and dependable blenders. Any of the two will be a welcome addition to one’s kitchen. However, the Vitamix Ascent A3500 offers a few extras that make it a more compelling purchase. Vitamix’s premium blender has a sleeker design and is equipped with convenient pre-programmed settings. It also blends more consistently and operates more quietly than the Venturist.

However, the Ascent A3500 is on the top-end of the price spectrum. If you’re not keen on spending over $500 on a blender, then missing out on program settings might be a good compromise. This should make the Venturist worth the consideration. The blender comes with the same motor as the Ascent 3500 and works with SELF-DETECT containers. The controls may be basic, but they should be more than enough when whipping up smoothies, desserts, cocktails, and more. Plus, a renewed Vitamix Venturist V1200 will save you at least $100.

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