Blenders come in handy for so many recipes, from morning smoothies to hearty soups and decadent desserts. If you're on the hunt for a new blender, you may be unsure which to choose amidst the myriad options on the market. Bestcovery is here to help! We're testing popular blender brands to help you find the perfect one for you. Below is my honest review of the Vitamix Propel 510, including what I liked, what I didn't, and whether or not it's worth the investment.
Disclosure: Bestcovery received a sample of the Vitamix Propel Series Propel 510 to review.
What Was Tested
For this review, I tested the Vitamix Propel Series Propel 510. It came with a motor base, a 48-ounce container, a smaller tamper, and a mini cookbook for beginner recipes. I already own a Vitamix and was surprised by the smaller container and tamper. However, it actually serves my family better. It makes the right-sized items for better portion control. I also appreciate that it makes daily and individual use much easier.
Performance
Just like a NASCAR race, speed is an essential part of blending. The Vitamix Propel 510 has three separate settings, so you can set it and forget it for basic blends. I liked the ten variable speeds because they let you easily perfect every texture. The two-horsepower motor is enough to blend through even the toughest ingredients to make awesome recipes in a snap. However, what really sets this blender apart is the dial that lets you gradually increase the speed to fit your needs.
Ease of Use
Because of the design, the power switch was difficult to find on my first use. However, once I found it and got some power, it worked really well! The pulse button is solid, and I enjoyed the three primary settings to make smoothies, hot soups, or ice cream/frozen desserts.
Cleaning
As a long-term Vitamix user, I usually add a couple drops of dish soap and one to two cups of water, then run the blender for a minute or two. This has always provided a thorough cleaning to my former models. However, the Propel 510 comes with dishwasher-safe lids. The smaller container also fits inside my dishwasher, so I call that a big win!
Design and Durability
I appreciate the versatility of this blender, as it comes in a range of color options to complement any home's aesthetics. No one wants an ugly blender that stands out in the kitchen! With colors like black, red, white, and slate, you can effortlessly integrate it into your kitchen decor. All of Vitamix's containers, including the Propel 510, are made from BPA-free Eastman Tritan™. This gives me peace of mind, knowing there aren't harmful chemicals in the plastic touching my food. Tritan plastic is also incredibly durable. We purchased our first Vitamix blender in 2008, and it's still going strong even after moving to different climates and enduring a lot of wear and tear.
Pre-Programmed Cycles
The Vitamix Propel 510 has three program settings — Smoothie, Hot Soup, and Frozen Dessert. I love that these allow the convenience of setting and forgetting it while still delivering consistent results. This blender also has Variable Speed Control and Pulse features that let you manually adjust the texture of any recipe. The pulse setting is perfect for heartier recipes, like chunky pasta sauce and thick vegetable soups.
Noise Level
Like all blenders, the Vitamix Propel 510 is pretty loud. I've tested a few models now, and this one is on the higher end of the noise spectrum. You can't have a conversation in the kitchen while blending up a recipe. So, if you plan to host guests for margarita night, this might not be the best blender.
Cost
The Vitamix Propel 510 has a hefty price tag of $479.95. It's definitely a decision-making investment. But this isn't your Mama's old blender that only lasts a couple of seasons. Vitamix has been a part of my family's kitchen for over 15 years. If you need a blender that will last, this is the one to consider. If you're just looking to try out a blender, this might not be the right fit for you.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Dishwasher safe and easy to clean
- Made from BPA-free plastic
- High-performance motor that blends tough ingredients with ease
Cons:
- Has a high price tag of $479.95
- One of the loudest blenders I've tried
- The power switch can be difficult to find
Final Thoughts
The Vitamix Propel 510 is great for people who prefer making smaller homemade recipes or want to blend daily. Its compact size caters well to individual servings and midsize blends, offering convenience and functionality for everyday use. However, if you need to prepare larger quantities of smoothers or other recipes, you'll need to purchase larger containers.
Overall, with its durable construction and versatile features, the Propel 510 is an excellent purchase that will last a long time. If you want to purchase one for yourself, you can find it here.
