Vitamix Ascent X3 Professional-Grade Blender, 3 Programs, Shadow Black

Why it's worth it

The Ascent X3 adds a 2.2 HP motor, touch controls, three automatic programs and containers the base recognizes on its own. It's for households where several people blend and nobody wants to learn a speed dial.

The Ascent X3 is what you buy when you want the machine to make the decisions. Three automatic programs cover smoothies, hot soups and frozen desserts, and a self-cleaning program handles the rest. You press a button, walk away, and come back to a finished blend. For anyone who hasn't memorized how to ramp a speed dial — which is most people — that's the whole value proposition.

The self-detecting containers are the feature that actually changes daily use. Attach a different container and the base recognizes it over a wireless link, then adjusts its maximum speed and program times to match. You can't over-process a small container by running it at full-jug settings. If your household is building out a system with personal cups and attachments over time, this is the only base here that grows with you.

From our review of 5 countertop blenders for smoothies, by David Sinclair, Managing Editor

What we like

• +The Ascent X3 is what you buy when you want the machine to make the decisions
• +The self-detecting containers are the feature that actually changes daily use
• +The 2.2 HP motor is the strongest Vitamix offers on this list, and owner feedback confirms it does the ugly jobs
• +The ten-year full warranty is the longest term any major blender brand offers

What to know

• –It costs more than the 5200 for features a lot of people will use twice and forget
• –Touch controls and wet hands are an awkward pairing
• –The smart features do nothing for noise — it's about as loud as the 5200