The Vitamix Propel 510 was a top performer in our Testing Lab. Here's why you'll want to add it to your cart ASAP.
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Shopping for a new blender? If you have your heart set on a Vitamix, it’s fair to assume that you’ll be making a rather hefty investment. Therefore, you’ll want to make sure you select the right model for your lifestyle and budget. Currently, Vitamix has five different blender lines with a wide range of prices and features. The Vitamix Propel 510 is one of the brand’s mid-priced models.
In our efforts to find the best blenders for every cook, our Product Testing Team put 14 different models to the test, including four Vitamix models. While they all boasted quality construction and outstanding performance, the Vitamix Propel 510 stood out above the rest. Here’s everything our testers had to say about the Vitamix Propel 510.
On Sale
We Tried It
Vitamix Propel 510
The Vitamix Propel 510 was our pick for best overall Vitamix blender, thanks to its sheer power and mid-range price point.
What is the Vitamix Propel 510?
The Vitamix Propel 510 is a full-size blender that features a high-performance motor housed in a sturdy base and a 48-ounce container with a durable rubber lid. Its basic interface is comprised of one easy-to-use dial and two switches.
This blender has variable speed control and a pulse feature, so you can manually tweak the consistency of any recipe. It also has three program settings—smoothie, hot soup and frozen dessert—which are exceptionally helpful for those extra busy meal times. Speaking of meals, the Vitamix Propel comes with a handy recipe book as well as a mini tamper. It comes in four colors and is compatible with a variety of Vitamix accessories.
How We Tested It
As mentioned above, our Product Testing Team took 14 blenders into the Testing Lab. We identified top-selling, full-size blenders from the most popular brands.
During testing, our team evaluated the functionality, performance, maintenance and overall value of each blender. They paid special attention to ease of use, processing time, smoothness, consistency and blending power. They also measured the peak noise level of each blender, in decibels, on the highest setting during the ice crush test. The same tests were performed on every blender.
Smoothie Test
Once the team assembled and measured the Vitamix Propel 510, they were ready to get cooking. Or, rather, blending. They opted to make an almond, kale and banana smoothie. Ingredients included 1/4 cup of almonds, torn kale leaves, one banana, two dates, one half of a peeled orange, 1/4 cup of almond milk and 1/2 cup of ice. Our testers followed the manual’s instructions regarding ingredient order and turned on the automated smoothie setting.
After 40 seconds, our team poured the smoothie through a colander to evaluate how well the Vitamix blended all of the ingredients together. They were pleased by the consistent green color but did find a handful of unprocessed ingredients. “There were a handful of date pieces, the largest being a pea-sized chunk,” explains editorial coordinator Sydney Manning. “Overall, though, it was overall fairly smooth and well incorporated.”
Ice Test
Next, our team moved on to the ice crush test. For this test, they filled the blender halfway with ice and pulsed on two, using consistent, quick pulses for 30 seconds. After 30 seconds, the ice was fairly consistent throughout, with some finer ice on the bottom and some of the larger chunks at the top. Our team noted that the ice started to get stuck at the bottom halfway through the test. However, they are confident that scraping or tamping would have helped dislodge the ice that was stuck.
Peanut Butter Test
For the final test, our team added four cups of peanuts to the container in hopes of making peanut butter. They turned the Vitamix on at the lowest setting and, after seven and a half minutes, were able to get all of the peanuts blended into butter. Admittedly, this test didn’t go as smoothly as the others. It took them some time to figure out the correct settings, and they noticed a rubber smell coming from the motor while processing. Not only that, but the peanut butter was chunkier than they would have liked.
Another thing they didn’t love about the Vitamix Propel 510 was the rubber lid. “The lid is annoying and not user-friendly due to the rubber tabs that need to be clasped onto the side,” explains Sydney. “Plus, you can’t always tell if they’re fully clipped into place. As a longtime Vitamix owner, I can attest to the cumbersome rubber lids. It’s my least favorite part of my Vitamix, but it’s not a reason to pass on this wonder blender. Our Product Testing Team agrees.
“Vitamix has an extensive list of blenders, and the Propel 510 is a great mid-tier model. It performs well and will last you years while still being reasonably priced,” raves Sydney.
Pros
- Performed well on smoothie and ice tests
- Mid-tier price point
- Pulse function
- Three preset blend options
- Sturdy construction
- Cord management
- Easy-to-use interface
Cons
- No self-clean function
- Lid isn’t easy to put on or take off
Product Comparison: Vitamix Propel vs. Explorian
In terms of raw specs, the Propel 510 and Explorian E310 are quite similar. Both use a 48-ounce container and a powerful motor (roughly 2 hp) suited for household blending tasks. The Explorian has 10 variable speeds and a pulse function, while the Propel 510 builds on that foundation by adding three preset blending programs (smoothies, frozen desserts, hot soups), giving it more convenience. The Propel is a bit lighter (9.6 lb vs. ~10.5 lb for the E310) and offers a longer 6 ft cord, which gives more flexibility in kitchen placement.
From our testing, the Propel stands out in hands-on use where the addition of preset programs and a sturdy build help it shine during smoothie and ice tests. The pulse function on both models gives you manual control, but the Propel’s preset modes give it an extra edge in ease-of-use. Where the Explorian holds an advantage is its simplicity and cost: without presets or extra features, it’s often more affordable and less “busy” to operate. And while we note the Propel’s lack of self-cleaning and a finicky lid as drawbacks, those same traits are shared by many in the classic line—including the E310—which also lacks advanced cleaning automation.
In short: if you prioritize added convenience and presets without jumping into the premium tier, the Propel 510 offers a compelling upgrade over the Explorian. But if your focus is on getting the essential blending performance at the lowest feature-premium, the Explorian is still a solid, no-frills choice.
Where to Buy the Vitamix Propel 510
On Sale
We Tried It
Vitamix Propel 510
The Vitamix Propel 510 was our pick for best overall Vitamix blender, thanks to its sheer power and mid-range price point.
The Vitamix Propel 510 retails for $500 and can be purchased directly through the Vitamix website. It can also be purchased on QVC and Amazon.
FAQ
Which Vitamix should I buy?
Vitamix currently has five models to choose from, ranging in price. In order to narrow things down, you can answer a few simple questions on the Vitamix blender recommender. Once you complete the questionnaire, they will determine the two best blenders for your unique needs.
Why is my Vitamix so loud?
During testing, the Vitamix Propel 510 measured 100 decibels on the highest setting during the ice crush test. This is slightly louder than a subway train but not quite as loud as a power mower. While this may sound loud, it’s worth noting that this is among the quieter blenders we tested.
Is Vitamix dishwasher safe?
The Vitamix Propel’s container and lid are dishwasher-safe
Why You Should Trust Us
Our expert product testers have years of experience researching and testing products in order to recommend the top housewares to Taste of Home readers. Over the years, our team has carefully examined everything from food processors to toasters so you can outfit your kitchen with confidence. For our series on the best blenders, our expert product testers brought 14 different models into the Testing Lab for close inspection. They spent an estimated 75 collective hours on this test, including researching, sourcing, intaking and testing the blenders. Our team performed 10 tests on each model and collected roughly 400 data points.
I have spent the last eight years deeply entrenched in the e-commerce space. During my tenure, I have personally tested and evaluated numerous products in order to find the best options for every lifestyle and budget. Moreover, I’ve been a proud Vitamix owner since 2015 and can personally speak to the brand’s overall quality and performance over time.
Elise Jesse
Elise is a home cook and recipe developer known for family-friendly dishes, trendy bakes and entertaining ideas.
