The Explorian E310 and E320 Blenders are the budget Vitamix models that were introduced in 2017. These are the only Classic models released after introducing the most advanced Smart System Product Line models. These Explorian models have the typical Vitamix blender’s power and functionality but have a minimalist look and feel and an attractive price. They are a great deal cheaper than the premium Smart System and Classic Product Line Vitamix blenders.
Read our honest review here to determine if this economy Vitamix is the blender you are looking for.
Check here our article Which is the Best Vitamix Blender to Buy? – All Models Comparison Guide 2020 for model clarification guide.
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Table of Contents
Functionality and Versatility
Smoothie: The blender makes perfectly smooth and free-of-chunks smoothies from absolutely any raw fruit or veggies, including carrots, beets, lemons, pineapple, etc. It obliterates any berries into a juice-like texture without any seed residues left in the drink.
Green Smoothies: The Vitamix Explorian E310 and E320 blenders are more than perfect for making green smoothies from any type of leafy greens, including spinach, kale, cabbage, collard greens, or fibrous celery.
Ice Crushing and Frozen Treats: The machine pulverizes the ice into the perfect snow consistency without any effort. So it can produce snow cones, ice cream, slushy drinks, or restaurants like Daiquiris. A tamper is an essential tool while processing ice or frozen ingredients.
Whole Juice: The Vitamix blenders are not juicers and will not make the classic style juice, but they are ideal for creating smooth smoothies, aka “whole juice.” You can separate fiber from the liquid using the strainer or nut milk bag for the best result.
Soup and hot ingredients: This gadget is designed to handle hot ingredients. So it is not only able to process hot liquid for soup and make bulletproof coffee but can heat liquid with friction. The machine will heat the liquid from the room to the steaming 200 F/94 C temperature within just 6 minutes of continuous blending.
Chopping, food prep: The machine is equipped with 10 variable speeds and pulse function and thus can prepare chef-quality hummus, salsa, guacamole, salad dressings, and other dips and sauces. The pulse function is also helpful for chopping veggies and nuts. So you have no problem making perfect cauliflower rice or pesto. In addition, this machine will be indispensable for processing cashew or vegan almond cheese if you are vegan.
Pureeing and baby food: This fantastic machine can puree almost everything from potatoes to carrots without any liquid added and produce flawless mashes or baby food.
Nut milk: The Vitamix Explorian E310 and E320 machines have more than enough power to process nuts and water into perfectly homogeneous nut milk. Use a nut milk bag to separate fiber for better recipe results.
Nut butter: It makes excellent almonds, cashew, peanut butter, or any other nut butter without adding any oil. Just place raw or roasted nuts into the jar and turn the blender on. You will have to use a tamper to push nuts down to create a better vortex, and within 1 or 2 minutes, you will get the creamiest and most delicious nut butter.
Dough and batter: The Explorian E310 and 320, the standard WE T blades container, kneads without much effort perfect bread or pizza dough and prepares cookies or pancakes batter. You may also opt for the DRY blade container if you often use the blender to prepare dough or grind the flour.
Grinding and milling: While a particular Vitamix DRY blade container is available for flour milling and grinding tasks, this blender with a standard WET blade container can also function as a spice grinder if needed. For example, it can finely grind flax seeds, make powdered sugar, or ground coffee. But, most importantly, it also makes baking quality flour from any grains and seeds such as wheat, rice, buckwheat, and even the tiniest amaranth.
This gadget can do SO many things that it quickly replaces a few kitchen appliances, such as food processors, coffee grinders, and ice cream makers.
Speed Settings and Programs
The Explorian E310 and E320 control panels are identical for both models. It is minimalist and simple to use.
It has 10 variable speeds Dial Knob, Off/On, and Pulse Switches. You regulate the speed by turning a dial. The transition between speeds is smooth. The low speed is really low (around 1400 — 1600 rpm), and the high speed is so incredibly fast that designed to heat liquids with frictions (23000 rpm — 28500 rpm depending on blade size). The speed control is very soft-start, and if you start accidentally at maximum speed, it will not ramp up but instantly increase to the top speed. You activate the Pulse function by pressing the pulse lever after choosing the needed speed at the dial knob.
Such a wide range of speeds allows a lot of control over the blending process. The medium speed works for blending soft smoothies’ ingredients, while the high is helpful for hard ingredients and seeded berries. The Pulse feature is handy for chopping veggies and nuts and is also good when making salsa and sauces.
Base Unit and Motor Power
The E310 and E320 Explorian models come with identically designed base units and similar powerful Vitamix 2.2HP (1464 watts), and 12 Amps motors. In addition, the base exterior design carries out some features from both Classic and Ascent Vitamix models.
The minimalistic Explorian E310 and E320 models have the Power On/Off switch on the bottom of the base unit. However, unlike the premium classic Vitamix Pro 750 and 7500 models, do not light up the control panel when the power is on. At the same time, the curvy Accent features allow the Explorian model to use the convenient tamper holder accessory.
The machine base is heavy and well-made; it is also very sturdy and does not travel across the counter even at the highest speed. In addition, both E310 and E320 gadgets are equipped with radial cooling fans and thermal protection, so the blenders automatically stop operating if the motor is overheated or overloaded. The thermal procession system is usually in tall high-end blenders and is designed to extend the blender’s life expectancy.
The Vitamix E310 and E320 motor have a ball bearing technology design that means it delivers efficient power and reduces wear of the motor, ensuring its fantastic durability. No wonder the Vitamix machines outperform blenders with much high wattage. The blender’s performance depends not only on the motor wattage but also on the set of factors such as motor technology, derive connection construction, blade design, and the pitcher combination of factors such as the motor’s design and drive connections jar shape and the blade technology.
P.S. The Vitamix website has some misleading information regarding the E310 and E320 motors. It is said that E310 has a 2.0HP motor while E320 has a 2.2HP engine. However, their blender base indicates the same VM0197 motor model, corresponding to the 2.2HP. I contacted Vitamix, and they confirmed that E310 and E320 machines both have 2.2HP motors.
Containers
The E310 and E320 gadgets come with Eastman Tritan Copolyester premium quality, durable, temperature (up to 200F/94C), and shatter-resistant and glass-like see-through plastic pitchers.
There is no Vitamix blender that exists with the glass container because no glass cannot withstand high stress. The Vitamix blender is exposed under the 2.2 HP motor and high blade speed. However, in July 2020, Vitamix released a new optional stainless steel container for customers who choose not to use plastic in their kitchen.
The Explorian E310 features a 48 oz narrow-body and low-profile container with a plastic grip. At the same time, the E320 model has a 64 oz widebody low-profile container and rubber grip.
Both types of containers have a nice spout for pouring liquid out. The jars have ounces, cups, and milliliters graduations to adapt all recipes. Both jugs are equipped with an identical black rubber lid, clear plug, and custom-made tampers (9¾ inches long for 48 oz. and 11 inches long for 64 oz. low profile jugs).
There is no Vitamix blender that exists with the glass container because no glass cannot withstand high stress; the Vitamix blender is exposed under the 2.2 HP motor and high blade speed. However, in July 2020, Vitamix released a new optional stainless steel container for customers who choose not to use plastic in their kitchen.
Tamper: Both Vitamix E310 and E320 models come with custom-made tampers. You usually will not need this tool to make smoothies and other liquid recipes. Still, it is beneficial for assisting with creating a better vortex when you process thick mixtures such as nut butter or frozen treats recipes.
Wet Container vs. Dry Container
Although the 48 oz. (E310) and 64 oz. (E320) WET containers that come with any Vitamix blender package can process both wet and dry food equally well, but milling and grinding in this container will gradually make it cloudy. So if you do a lot of baking and grain milling, the optional 32 oz DRY blade container is available that will more professionally mill flour (without caking effect) and knead the dough.
Small Batches vs. Large Batches
As was mentioned above, the Vitamix Explorian E310 blender comes with a 48 oz narrow bottom low profile container, while the E320 model features a 64 oz wide bottom low profile container.
The difference between the size of the blade fitting into the diameter of a 48 oz narrow bottom wet container (E310) and 64 oz wide bottom wet container (E320) is more meaningful than just their capacity and shape. The primary factor is how they process small and large volumes of food.
The narrow 48 oz container (E310) is better suited for processing small batches of food, while the wide 64 oz jug (E320) handles large recipes. The minimum volume of food for the 48 oz container handles is 1–1.5 cups, while the minimum for the 64 oz container is 2–3 cups (depending on the thickness of the ingredients). If you try to process smaller batches in a wide bottom 64 oz container will splash the food around. In addition, the quality of the homogenizing results will not be as good as the typical Vitamix user is getting used to.
So, the 64 oz. A widebody container (E320) is inefficient in blending small volumes like baby food, mayonnaise, nut butter, etc. In contrast, the 48 oz container (E310) is very good at processing those small recipes. But the 64 oz widebody container perfectly handles a large amount of food in one cycle, while in the 48 oz jar, you will have to run the same volume in two cycles. The wide bottom 64 oz container is also more functional for dry chopping food than the narrow containers.
So, the E310 model will suit smaller households of 1–4 people better, while the E320 wide bottom 64 oz container will be suitable for larger families serving 5 or more people.
The owners of the E320 model with a widebody jar may be benefited from ordering the extra 48 oz or 32 oz narrow bottom container to improve their Vitamix experience when processing small portions of food.
Blades
The Vitamix E310 and E320 blenders are equipped with absolutely identical designs, but different size blades and are permanently inbuilt into the container. The E310 blender has 3 inches of four-prong blades built into a 48 oz narrow-body jar, while the E320 machine comes with 4 inches of four-prong blades built into the 64 oz widebody container.
The blades are made from laser-cut air-craft quality stainless steel with an all-metal drive system that ensures perfect work. In addition, all Vitamix machines are equipped with a ball-bearing type of blade system that provides a better lifespan, more efficiency, and less effortless performance.
Although the blades could be removed with a special Vitamix wrench but not recommended if not instructed by the manufacturing service.
Ease of Using and Cleaning
Assembling, disassembling, and operation: As was already mentioned, the Vitamix Explorian E310 and E320 blenders come with the blade assembly inbuilt into the container. Thus they are straightforward to assemble and use.
Assembling the blender takes only a few simple steps (1) fill the container with ingredients (liquids first, then dry and soft food, leafy greens, hard fruits and veggies, and finally an ice and frozen ingredients), (2) place the lid with the plug on the top of the jar until the two tabs snap onto the container lip, (3) secure the container onto the base. Now it is ready to use. Unfortunately, the blender does not have any locking system for the jar; you place the container on the base unit, and the four shafts keep it stable.
The operating blender is also a straightforward process; you have to (1) select the speed 1, (2) press the On/Off switch to start it running, (3) you can also select the required speed by rotating the dial knob any time when blender running, (4) when blending is finished, select the Variable Speed 1 and press On/Off switch for soft blender stop. You can also use the tamper when thick processing mixtures to help with the vortex.
Cleaning: Both Explorian E310 and E320 jars with the inbuilt blades, lids, and tamper are dishwashers safe. However, it is better to clean it following the self-cleaning procedure, which is a no-brainer task and includes a few simple steps (1) rinse the jug out, (2) fill it in half with the warm water, and a few drops of soap and (3) run it for the 30 seconds on the highest speed, (4) then rinse again and dry with the cloth.
After blending a thick mixture before placing the jar into the dishwasher or starting a self-cleaning procedure, you may need to extra hand clean it to remove all left outs or run the machine couple of cleaning 30-sec cycles to clean the sticky food from the jar walls.
Warranty and Customer Service
The Vitamix Explorian E310 Blender comes with five(5) years of (reflected in the blender is a lower price) FULL WARRANTIES, while the E320 machine has the 7 years refurbished models with three (3) years of FULL WARRANTIES.
The full warranty covers parts, labor, shipping, and returns shipping both ways. In addition, the Vitamix warranties are transferable, and you will be covered with a full warranty even if you bought a second-hand gadget.
You can register your warranty for a new or pre-owned blender online at vitamix.com/warranty or by calling the Customer Service Department (1.800.848.2649/ 1.440.235.4840).
Vitamix customer service is the best in the business. They are very friendly and helpful, answer all your questions, and are available over the phone during business hours.
Vitamix Explorian E310 vs. Explorian E320 Blenders
Both blenders are designed, motor power, control panel, and functionality identical.
The Vitamix E320 and E310 models differ ONLY by type of containers and blades. E310 Blender has a 48 oz narrow bottom container with a permanently inbuilt 3 inches WET blade system, while the E320 machine has a 64 oz wide bottom container with inbuilt 4 inches WET blades.
The difference seems negligible at first sight, but in fact, it means if you have a small household, you better buy an E310 blender, while if you serve more than four people every day, you are better off with a bigger jar E320 machine.
But it is more than just that. The Vitamix initially made all its blenders regardless of jar capacity with narrow bottom containers and 3 inches blades. The Vita-mix company first released the blenders with low profile wide bottom 64 oz containers with Next Generation Series models. Since then, some Vitamix veteran users have started to complain about Vitamix blenders’ worsening quality.
The problem was, in fact, that 64 oz low-profile wide-bottom jugs do not process small batches of food as well as narrow-bottom containers. So to achieve the have a comparable quality of food blending, you have to process 1.5 cups of ingredients in a narrow bottom jar vs. 4 cups of ingredients wide bottom jug.
Most owners of Vitamix E320 blenders with 64 oz wide bottom containers will undoubtedly prepare a few small recipes like salad dressings, mayonnaise, nut butter, baby food, and frozen desserts. So, they may benefit from buying an additional narrow bottom jar with 32 oz or 48 oz capacity to maintain the Vitamix blending quality.
Remember that buying a Vitamix E310 blender with a narrow bottom container will give you more versatility with small recipes than with E320 machines with a wide bottom container.
Explorian E310 | Explorian E320 | |
Base unit with Motor power | 2.2HP (1464 watts) | 2.2HP (1464 watts) |
Control Panel | 10 variable speeds, pulse, and On/Off lever | 10 variable speeds, pulse, and On/Off lever |
Container | 48 oz, narrow body | 64 oz, wide body |
Blades | 3‑inch diameter | 4‑inch diameter |
Tamper | 9¾ inches long | 12½ inches long |
Warranty | 5 years Full | 7 years Full
Reconditioned 3 years Full |
Set Includes
- Base unit with 2.2HP motor;
- 64 oz. or 48 oz. Container with lid;
- Tamper;
- User Manual;
- Cook Book;
- Warranty card.
For more Vitamix recipes, check their website here.
Optional Accessories and Attachments
Both 48 oz narrow bottom (E310) container and 64 oz wide bottom container E320 are interchangeable between both machines. Besides, any Explorian blender is compatible with all Vitamix Classic containers. So, there are a few jugs (replacement or additional) available to use with these machines:
- 48 oz Stainless Steel Container:
- 48 oz wet narrow bottom container;
- 64 oz wet narrow bottom container;
- 32 oz wet narrow bottom container;
- 32 oz dry container;
- Personal Blender Attachment with Personal Cup Adapter and two (2) 20 ounces Single Serve Cups;
The Vitamix also sale some other useful accessories:
- Perfect Blend Smart Scale and Recipe App;
- Tamper Holder;
- Blade Scraper.
Special Features
Colors: The Vitamix Explorian E310 machine is only black, while the E320 blender comes in black and red colors.
Certified Refurbished: The discounted Vitamix Explorian E320 certified refurbished model is available with a 3‑year Full Warranty.
Use in countries outside of the USA/Canada: The blenders sold in the USA or Canada are equipped with 110–120 voltage; they could be operated in the North and South America region, Taiwan, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and other countries with the same voltage.
The brand makes 220 — 240 volts models for international use, and you can find them via local distributors. The gadgets with a 110–120 voltage system could be used only via a voltage transformer in countries with a 220–240 system.
Noise
The Explorian E310/E320 is a very powerful machine; no wonder it is noisy. Even though it is one of the quietest machines among the high-end blenders, it still outputs around 90 decibels at the lowest speed and 97 decibels at the highest speed.
The silicon pad underneath the base will dampen the noise coming from the working gadget. Alternatively, most sensitive to noise, people can use earplugs.
Dimensions
Both Explorian E310 and E320 blenders have only 11in x 8in/ 28cm x 20cm footprints and will not occupy a lot of your kitchen counter space. Both models E310 and E320, with the containers on the base unit, have an 18in/46 cm profile and fit under standard upper cabinets. The 4.5ft cord is coil reeled neatly underneath the base.
Vitamix E310 and E320 Explorian Blender Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Has a reasonable price for a powerful High-end blender;
- Versatile and performs all functions like any other Vitamix machine;
- Built to last;
- Very easy to use and clean;
- Extended warranty compared to other brands;
- The Vitamix Explorian E310/E320 fits under most kitchen cabinets;
- Has excellent customer service;
Cons:
- The new E310 and reconditioned E320 blenders have a shorter warranty than other Vitamix models.
Consumer Reviews
The Vitamix deserves its reputation to be the best machine in the industry, and Explorian E310 and E320 blenders are not an exception to it. Almost epic jubilation this blender has reaped over the years is genuine. Add the best customer service in the industry, and you can grab nearly ideal gadgets for your kitchen.
Vitamix E310 and E320 Explorian Blender Price
Yes, the Vitamix blenders are pricey and cost 2–3 times more than the ordinary entry-level blenders, but they also work a few times better. The Explorian machines are the ones that must meet the requirement of the entry-level consumer who is looking for Vitamix; they are cheaper than the majority of other models.
The E310 and E320 cost less than the Ascent series and older classic series models (yet, often available at a discounted price) with most retailers and have the 5 (five) years and 7 (seven) years Full Warranty, respectively. In contrast, the certified reconditioned E320 model is available twice as cheap as the legendary Vitamix Pro 750 blender and comes with a 3‑year Full Warranty. Additionally, all Vitamix machines are built to last and will likely serve you for 15 or more years.
Amazon often offers a discounted price for the Explorian models.
BUY NOW via Amazon
BUY NOW via Vitamix
Summary
If you want a no-brainer but GOLD STANDARD blender for a minimal price, the Explorian E310 and E320 must be your choice. It is a high-performance bargain machine that performs all the functions any other Vitamix blender does but has a simple design with no “bells and whistles” features the more expensive Vitamix models built with.
Also, it has a choice between blenders for small and large households. The Vitamix Explorian E310 model will better suit a smaller home with 1–4 people because its smaller 48 oz containers can process small volumes of food well. In comparison, the E320 model will be the option for families of 5 and more people because it will handle the larger batches of food in one cycle and process the larger minimum food recipes.
Nevertheless, the bigger households may buy an additional smaller 48 oz. or 32 oz narrow bottom container for processing small portions tasks for salad dressings, nut butter, and frozen desserts.
Besides, if you want to compare this recent budget Vitamix model with the classic Vitamix budget machine, read our comprehensive Vitamix 5200 Blender Review.
Check here relevant articles:
Which is the Best Vitamix Blender to Buy? – All Models Comparison Guide 2020 for models clarification guide,
Vitamix Certified Refurbished Blenders – Are They Worth Consider? find out about bargain options,
Vitamix Classic Containers — Guide 2020 to learn about all Vitamix containers types,
Vitamix Aer Disc Container Review professional bar-style container,
Vitamix Stainless Steel Containers Review the new container so many customers waited.
Explorian containers are dishwasher safe (like the ascent series). Combined with the 48 ounce size which will blend small quantities and fit in a fridge door, make this (I think) the best option for small families and singles at any price.
Is the E10 good for making smoothes for 2–4 people? We are a family of 4. One 14yo and I e 11 yo.
Hi Danielle, The Vitamix E310 has a 48 oz pitcher capacity and it is more than enough for 2 people to make smoothies and also for 4 people. It will output at maximum filled capacity 2 cups X 24 oz and 4 cups X 12 oz. You can also run another smoothies cycle, with Vitamix it usually takes less than a minute. Certified reconditioned Vitamix E320 comes with 64 oz pitcher.
What about UK 220watts E310 model? Also 2.2 HP instead of 2HP as stated in the manual?