Vitamix Explorian Renewed Premium Review: Legendary Power, Unbeatable Value

Are you dreaming of owning a high-performance blender that can pulverize anything you throw at it, from fibrous kale to solid ice cubes, but find the price tag of a brand-new, top-of-the-line model a bit intimidating? You are not alone. The desire for professional-grade kitchen appliances that deliver silky smoothies, steaming hot soups, and perfectly smooth purées often clashes with budget realities. This is precisely the gap that the Vitamix Explorian with Programs, Renewed Premium aims to fill. It offers the legendary power and durability Vitamix is famous for, combined with the smart value of a certified renewed product. This isn't just a blender; it's an accessible entry point into a world of culinary excellence. For home chefs looking to upgrade their kitchen and enjoy the unmatched quality of a Vitamix, this model presents a compelling, budget-conscious opportunity. This in-depth review will break down every aspect of this powerhouse appliance, from its robust motor to its convenient self-cleaning function, to help you decide if it's the right investment for your kitchen. If you're ready to say goodbye to chunky smoothies forever, you can find the best deal on this blender here: Check Price on Amazon.

Product Scorecard

• Build Quality: 9/10 - With laser-cut stainless-steel blades and a durable metal drive system, this machine is built to last for years of consistent performance.
• Value for Money: 10/10 - It expertly balances affordability with professional-grade performance, offering the full Vitamix experience at a fraction of the cost of a new model.
• Ease of Use: 8/10 - The three automatic blending programs and intuitive dial control make it incredibly simple to operate, though new users may need a slight learning curve to perfect liquid-to-solid ratios.
• Performance: 9/10 - A powerful 2.2 HP motor effortlessly breaks down the toughest ingredients for consistent, silky-smooth results every time.

What Exactly is the Vitamix Explorian with Programs (Renewed Premium)?

The Vitamix Explorian with Programs is designed as an accessible choice for home chefs who crave the legendary quality of Vitamix without the premium price tag of their top-tier new models. It’s a full-sized countertop blender that brings commercial-grade power and versatility into the home kitchen. What makes this specific model, the "Renewed Premium" version, so special is the incredible value proposition. This isn't a used blender from a third-party seller; it's a product that has been returned to Vitamix and has undergone a rigorous 17-point checklist inspection to ensure it meets the company's high standards of performance and appearance. Essentially, you are getting a machine that, as one customer noted, "looks and works like brand new," complete with the peace of mind that comes with a substantial 3-year limited warranty directly from Vitamix. This blender package includes the powerful motor base, a large 64-ounce low-profile container, and the essential low-profile tamper, giving you everything you need to start blending right out of the box. It represents a strategic choice for consumers who want to invest in a long-lasting, high-performance appliance that can transform the way they cook and eat.

A Deep Dive into the Core Features

What truly sets a Vitamix apart from its competitors are the thoughtfully engineered features that work in harmony to deliver unparalleled results. The Explorian with Programs is packed with the brand's signature technology, ensuring every blend is a success. Let's break down the components that make this machine a star performer in the kitchen.

The Powerhouse: A 2.2 Horsepower Motor

At the core of this blender is a high-performance 2.2 horsepower motor. This isn't just a number on a spec sheet; it's the driving force that allows you to say goodbye to chunky, unappetizing smoothies forever. This level of power enables the blender to effortlessly break down even the most challenging ingredients. Think fibrous produce like kale stems, tough ginger root, whole nuts, and frozen fruits. Where lesser blenders struggle, stall, or leave behind gritty textures, the Explorian powers through, creating flawlessly smooth and consistent blends. This raw power is also the secret behind one of Vitamix's most famous features: the ability to make hot soup. The sheer speed of the blades generates enough friction to heat ingredients to serving temperature right in the container, a feat that is simply impossible for blenders with weaker motors. The motor is connected to the blade assembly via a durable metal drive system, ensuring longevity and efficient power transfer, unlike cheaper blenders that often use plastic components that can wear down and break over time.

Total Control: 10 Variable Speeds and a Pulse Function

While raw power is essential, control is what elevates a good blender to a great one. The Explorian with Programs gives you complete command over your culinary creations with an intuitive control dial offering 10 variable speed settings. This range of speeds allows for incredible textural precision. You can use the lower speeds for gentle mixing, creating chunky salsas, or emulsifying dressings. As you turn up the dial, you can move through chopping vegetables to creating smooth purées, and finally, reaching the highest speeds for liquefying ingredients into silky smoothies or grinding grains. In addition to the speed dial, a dedicated Pulse Function offers a burst of power at the speed selected on the dial. This is perfect for making coarse chops, crushing ice for cocktails, or kneading dough. This combination of variable speed and pulse provides the versatility to create a vast array of recipes, far beyond what a simple on/off blender could ever achieve. One user mentioned they primarily use the adjustable speed part over the presets, highlighting the value of this manual control. Ready to take control of your blending? Check out the Vitamix Explorian here: Check Price on Amazon.

Walk-Away Convenience: Three Automatic Blending Programs

For those who value convenience and guaranteed results, the three built-in Blending Programs are a game-changer. These pre-programmed cycles automatically adjust the blending speed and duration to achieve the perfect consistency for specific tasks, allowing you to simply select a program and walk away. The programs include:

• Smoothies: This program is designed to start slow to pull ingredients into the blades before ramping up to high speed to completely pulverize fruits, vegetables, and ice, resulting in a perfectly smooth, drinkable texture every time.
• Hot Soups: This program is calibrated to run for the extended period necessary to use friction heat to bring your ingredients from cold to steaming hot, ready to serve directly from the container.
• Frozen Desserts: This cycle is engineered to handle frozen ingredients, creating smooth sorbets, ice creams, and fruit desserts without over-mixing and melting the contents.

As one happy customer pointed out, these automatic programs are great because they "start slow to mix, then ramp up to grind/blend," demonstrating the intelligent design that ensures consistent, effortless results.

The Perfect Blend: The 64-Ounce Low-Profile Container

The included 64-ounce container is a marvel of engineering. Its large capacity is perfect for making family-sized meals, blending large batches for meal prep, or entertaining guests. A key design element is its "low-profile" shape. With a height of 18 inches, the entire blender unit is designed to fit comfortably under most standard kitchen cabinets, a thoughtful touch for modern kitchens where counter space is at a premium. The container is made from BPA-free material, ensuring your food is safe from harmful chemicals. It is also conveniently dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup. The true genius of the container, however, lies in its design, which works in tandem with the blades to create the iconic "Vitamix Vortex." As the blender runs, the shape of the container systematically folds ingredients back down towards the blades, ensuring that everything is blended evenly and efficiently. This eliminates the need to constantly stop the machine and scrape down the sides, resulting in a faster, more complete blend. You can even add more ingredients through the lid plug while the machine is running, making it easy to adjust recipes on the fly.

Built for a Lifetime: Stainless-Steel Blades and Durability

Vitamix's reputation for durability is legendary, and the Explorian is no exception. The blades are not just sharp; they are laser-cut from hardened stainless steel. This precision manufacturing process ensures they are strong enough to power through fibrous produce, frozen fruit, and hard nuts for years without dulling or bending. Because the blade assembly is built directly into the container, it creates a secure, leak-proof system that is also incredibly easy to clean. This robust construction, combined with the all-metal drive system that connects the container to the motor base, guarantees that the blender can withstand the rigors of daily use, offering consistent blends for years to come. This commitment to quality is what makes a Vitamix an investment, not just a purchase.

Performance in the Kitchen: More Than Just a Smoothie Maker

While this machine is a professional-grade blender for smoothies, its capabilities extend far beyond morning beverages. Its power and versatility unlock a new world of culinary possibilities for the home chef. You can make everything from hot dishes to cold treats, all in one container.

• Silky Smoothies and Juices: This is where the Vitamix truly shines. It will completely liquefy fruits, vegetables, seeds, and ice, creating a perfectly smooth, nutrient-packed drink with no grit or chunks.
• Steaming Hot Soups in Minutes: One of the most magical Vitamix features is its ability to make hot soup using only the power of friction. Simply combine your ingredients and run the blender on the Hot Soup program or on high speed for about six minutes. The blade friction will heat the contents to a steaming serving temperature.
• Flawless Frozen Desserts: Create delicious, healthy frozen treats in seconds. The powerful motor crushes frozen fruit and ice with ease, allowing you to make everything from sorbet and ice cream to frosty cocktails. The included tamper is essential here, allowing you to push the frozen ingredients down into the blades without ever touching them.
• Versatile Kitchen Tool: Beyond the obvious, this blender can serve as multiple kitchen appliances in one. Use it to make purées, sauces, nut butters, non-dairy milks, grind whole grains into flour, or even knead dough for bread and pizza. The possibilities are truly endless.

Pros and Cons: Real User Experiences

To get a clear picture of the product, it’s best to hear from those who use it every day. Here’s a summary of the key points from customer reviews.

Pros

• The renewed product looks and works like it's brand new, with some users reporting the container and tamper were completely new.
• It is a "star performer" in the kitchen, making smoothies that go down easy.
• The blender is extremely powerful and has no issue "chewing through ice cubes."
• The automatic programs are a valued feature, intelligently starting slow to mix before ramping up to high speed.
• Cleaning is described as a "breeze" thanks to the self-cleaning function and the built-in blade design.
• The machine appears to be very durable, holding up well after several months of use.
• Vitamix customer service is noted as being responsive by email when questions arise.
• It produces "very good" results for frozen smoothies when used with the tamper.

Cons

• The blender can be "a bit noisy on higher settings," and "It is loud," although users often note this is expected for such a powerful machine doing "big jobs."
• It can jam if there isn't enough liquid added at the start, requiring the user to add more liquid to get it blending again.
• One user questioned whether the motor is truly 2.2 HP and 1500 watts, as they couldn't find those exact specs for a new Explorian model, leading to some specification confusion.
• It was observed to be louder than other Vitamix models, specifically the V1200 from Costco.

The "Renewed Premium" Promise: A Smart Investment

The term "renewed" or "refurbished" can sometimes cause hesitation, but Vitamix's "Renewed Premium" program is designed to inspire confidence. Each blender in this program undergoes a rigorous 17-point checklist inspection performed by Vitamix technicians. This process ensures that every single component, from the motor to the blades to the control dial, meets the company's stringent standards for performance and quality. Any parts that don't pass the inspection are replaced. The blender is also thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. The most significant benefit, however, is the warranty. While the generic product specifications might list a 1-year warranty, the official product description for this Renewed Premium model clearly states it comes with a 3-year limited warranty. This is a substantial guarantee that demonstrates Vitamix's confidence in its renewal process and provides the buyer with long-term peace of mind, making the value proposition of this model incredibly strong. Choosing this option is a smart way to get a like-new product with a solid warranty. Get yours today at Check Price on Amazon.

Effortless Cleanup: The Self-Cleaning Feature

One of the most dreaded parts of using a blender is the cleanup. Trying to safely clean around sharp blades at the bottom of a container can be tedious and hazardous. Vitamix has brilliantly solved this problem with its self-cleaning function. There is no disassembly needed. To clean the Explorian, you simply add warm water and a single drop of dish soap to the 64-ounce container. Then, secure the lid, place it on the motor base, and run the blender on high speed for 30 to 60 seconds. The power of the motor and the vortex action will scour the container walls and blades clean. After the cycle is done, just pour out the soapy water, give it a quick rinse, and it's ready for your next blend. This feature saves an immense amount of time and effort, making it great for busy families and anyone who wants an easier way to eat healthily without a complicated cleanup process. This convenience encourages more frequent use, helping you get the most out of your investment.

Is the Vitamix Explorian with Programs Right for You?

This blender is an exceptional choice for a wide range of users, but it's particularly well-suited for a few key groups.

• The Budget-Conscious Quality Seeker: If you have always wanted a Vitamix but have been deterred by the price, this Renewed Premium model is your answer. It delivers the full, professional-grade experience and durability at a significantly lower cost. You can get yours now through this Check Price on Amazon.
• The Health and Fitness Enthusiast: For those who make daily smoothies, protein shakes, or fresh juices, the Explorian is a game-changer. Its ability to completely liquefy ingredients makes for better-tasting, better-textured drinks and helps unlock more nutrients from your food.
• The Creative Home Chef: If you love to experiment in the kitchen, this blender will become your most-used appliance. Its versatility allows you to create everything from hot soups and sauces to nut butters and flours, expanding your culinary repertoire.
• Busy Families and Meal Preppers: The large 64-ounce container and the incredible speed of the blender make it perfect for preparing large batches of food, whether it's a smoothie for the whole family or a week's worth of soup.

It is important to consider the potential downside mentioned by users: the noise. This is a high-performance, 2.2 HP machine, and with that power comes a significant sound level, especially on the highest settings. While most users find it acceptable and expected for the job it's doing, it is a factor to consider if you live in close quarters or are particularly sensitive to noise.

The Final Verdict

The Vitamix Explorian with Programs (Renewed Premium) is an outstanding product that masterfully delivers on its promise of balancing affordability with professional-grade performance. It packs the immense power, unwavering durability, and incredible versatility that the Vitamix brand is celebrated for into an accessible, budget-friendly package. The combination of a 2.2 HP motor, precise variable speed control, and convenient pre-set programs makes it a joy to use for novices and experienced chefs alike. Features like the brilliantly designed low-profile container and the effortless self-cleaning function demonstrate a thoughtful approach to user experience. While it can be loud, the noise is a small trade-off for the sheer power and flawless results it delivers. The "Renewed Premium" designation, backed by a 17-point inspection and a robust 3-year warranty, removes any doubt about its quality and reliability. If you are ready to elevate your kitchen game, create healthier meals with ease, and invest in an appliance that will last for years, this blender is an unequivocal top choice. It is, without a doubt, one of the best values on the market for anyone serious about blending. Make the investment in your culinary future today Check Price on Amazon.