Vitamix Is Quietly Releasing The Popular (and Affordable) Explorian. I Found Out Why
When looking for the best blenders, you’ll find that Vitamix’s Explorian E310 comes highly recommended for its power, durable design and intuitive interface, especially since it was Vitamix’s cheapest model at $380 and is often sold for less. After hours of testing and evaluating the total amount, we called the Great Explorian “the best blender for most people” and stamped it with an Editor’s Choice badge.
As we begin to re-evaluate the compilers of the revised 2026 list, we find that, despite the popularity and critical acclaim, the Explorian Series is no longer available. According to a product representative, it is currently discontinued in stores and has not been available on the Vitamix website since March 1, except for refurbished units.
“The E310 has served as our entry-level blender for over a decade, but we knew there was room for improvement, so we’re introducing VX1 as our new and improved blender for the first Vitamix consumer,” the same Vitamix representative told CNET. The VX1 launched in February.
How does the new VX1 compare to other Vitamix brands?
At $380, the VX1 is the same price as the E310. Functionally, it is similar to Vitamix 5200the brand’s legacy model, with a 64-ounce container, but the VX1 has a pulse mode, and its design better suits the modern look. Ascent X Series.
From left to right: Explorian, 5200, Ascent X2 and VX1
Of note, the VX1 includes self-cleaning: Add water and a drop of dish soap, then turn the dial to self-cleaning mode to start a 60-second whirlpool, although you don’t need a specific feature to follow this same process as other Vitamix brands. (I do it with my current Vitamix 5000.)
Comparing the VX1 and Explorian specs side by side, the VX1 offers an additional 16 ounces of container space, making it slightly larger at 9.5 by 7.8 by 19.6 inches. It also has a 2.2-horsepower engine compared to the Explorian’s 2.0 hp.
On the downside, the VX1 isn’t as safe as the Explorian, but it does have that new self-cleaning feature.
Overall, the VX1 seems to be a huge improvement from the Explorian at the same price. We can’t wait to put on the testing gloves and report back on our findings.
Details of (left to right): Vitamix 5200, E310, Ascent X5 and VX1.
The Explorian also had a full five-year warranty, while the new VX1 only offers five years. limited warranty. Unlike a full warranty, the non-transferable limited version will cover the original owner only for defects in performance or workmanship — not normal wear and tear from normal home use. And there’s no full refund option, so you can only get a mechanical repair or replacement of the VX1.
Before the Explorian is completely discontinued, you can still buy it from the same retailers Crate and Barrel, Amazon, Walmart (retails for $360) and Best Buy.
In the meantime, I’ll be testing the VX1 and 5200 models to see how they measure up and if the VX1’s build was worth the Explorian’s demise.
