Vitamix Commercial Blenders: Setup, Blending and Care

The Vitamix machines on the Norpex listing

The Norpex listing spans Vitamix machines for food prep and beverages. The Vita-Prep 3 (062826) lists an approximately 3 peak output horsepower motor, and the Vita-Prep with variable speed control (EB62827) lists approximately 2.3 peak output horsepower with a 64 oz container. The XL (05201) is a 4.2 HP variable speed food prep blender.

For beverages, the Drink Machine Advance (EB62824) is a 48 oz machine at approximately 2.3 peak output horsepower, and the Drink Machine 2-Speed (62828) holds 64 oz at the same rating. The Quiet One (EB36019) is a 48 oz, 3 peak hp machine, the Quick & Quiet (071771) is a 40 oz, 2.7 hp blender with a sound enclosure, and the Touch & Go Advance (EB068255-ABAB) is a 32 oz, 2.3 peak hp model with 4-inch blades. The Mix'n Machine (0570) frozen treat mixer lists a 3440 RPM bare motor speed. The listing also includes the Rinse-O-Matic container rinser and immersion blenders, including an 18-inch stainless model (67991), and consumer Ascent and Explorian models appear by name.

Setting up: electrical, placement, container and lid

The Vita-Prep and Vita-Prep 3 owner's manual specifies 120 VAC at 50/60 Hz, drawing 11.5 A for the Vita-Prep and 13 A for the Vita-Prep 3, on a three-prong grounding plug. It requires an earthed outlet and forbids removing the ground prong, adapters and extension cables, and the Drink Machine owner's manual adds that the appliance must never plug into a timer or an outlet controlled by a switch. Have a qualified, licensed installer or electrician confirm the outlet and circuit to local code before the machines go into service.

Keep the cord from hanging over a counter edge or touching hot surfaces, unplug before cleaning or changing parts, and shut the power switch off at night. The Vita-Prep's 64 oz container locks with a two-part lid: push one side of the rim under one container tab and push down over the opposite tab, and turn the lid plug clockwise to lock it and counterclockwise to remove it. The centering pad must sit properly on the base, a container must never go onto an operating base, and the container must never come off before the blades stop, since removing it while the drive socket rotates strips the drive spline teeth.

Blending: speeds, loading, the tamper and thermal protection

Both manuals load the container the same way: liquids and soft foods first, solid items and ice last, and never above the MAXIMUM CAPACITY line. The Drink Machine manual's Ingredient Load Order runs liquids, dry goods, leafy greens, fruits and vegetables, then ice and frozen ingredients kept no colder than -18°C (0°F). The video Blending Best Practices 101: How to Load a Container covers loading tips that improve blend quality and decrease blend time.

On the Vita-Prep, always start with the variable speed dial at 1 and the High/Variable switch in Variable, never on High, and process on High as much as possible, because the manual notes that High engages the motor's cooling fan while blending too long at too low a speed overheats the machine. On the Drink Machine Two-Speed, start on LOW, switch to HIGH until the blend is done, then return to LOW before switching off.

The tamper works through the lid plug opening to release air pockets and keep the mixture circulating, with the container no more than two-thirds full. Lids and tampers are not interchangeable between container styles and sizes, and on the Drink Machine Two-Speed standard 2.0 L (64 oz) container the tamper is limited to 30 consecutive seconds.

The video Thermal Protection covers avoiding overheating on dense, high-volume or long-duration blends. Automatic Overload Protection shuts the motor off if it overheats; the Vita-Prep manual says to switch off, turn back on after 5 minutes to check the reset, and allow up to 45 minutes for a full reset. The 5-speed immersion blender owner's manual limits continuous runs to 4 minutes at a time, with a 1 minute motor rest between uses.

Programs on the Drink Machine Advance

The Drink Machine Advance's Program Dial selects pre-programmed settings, and the machine shuts off automatically at the end of a program. The owner's manual lists six programs and notes the machine is optimized for the 1.4 L (48 oz) Advance container; other Vitamix standard containers may require programming adjustments. A custom programming chip inserts into the port on the bottom of the Advance base and re-programs the six pre-set programs within 5 seconds. To reset the factory settings, remove the container, press the On/Off switch to OFF, hold the Pulse button while pressing the switch to ON, and the switch flashes to confirm.

• Program 1, Single Thin: 15 seconds, 49 percent top speed, for 350 to 700 mL frappes, frozen cocktails and smoothies.
• Program 2, Double Thin: 21 seconds, 49 percent top speed, for 700 to 1500 mL frappes and cocktails.
• Program 3, Thick Single Smoothie: 26 seconds, 100 percent top speed, for 350 to 700 mL smoothies.
• Program 4, Thick Single Smoothie: 32 seconds, 100 percent top speed, for 700 to 1500 mL smoothies.
• Program 5, Hard Pack Shake: 25 seconds, 87 percent top speed, for 500 to 600 mL milkshakes.
• Program 6, Hard to Blend: 45 seconds, 100 percent top speed.

Cleaning containers and the Rinse-O-Matic

The Vita-Prep manual's cleaning routine fills the container half full of warm water with a couple of drops of dish detergent, locks the two-part lid, and runs from variable speed 1 up to 10 then High for 30 to 60 seconds before rinsing and draining. Its sanitizing routine adds 1-1/2 teaspoons of liquid bleach, a 1-1/2 minute stand and air drying without rinsing. Both manuals say to wash the lid, lid plug and tamper in warm soapy water and wipe the unplugged motor base with a damp cloth without immersing it, and the centering pad can be removed for washing.

The Drink Machine manual says to rinse the container immediately after use, because dried product around the blade assembly can weaken or tear the bearing seal on restart. Its cycle runs half a container of warm 43°C (110°F) soapy water for 30 seconds, low then high on the Two-Speed and Program 1 on the Advance, then a warm water rinse. Sanitizing fills the container three-quarters full with 7.4 mL (1.5 tsp) of household bleach in 1.9 L (2 qt) of water, runs 30 seconds on high, stands 1-1/2 minutes and runs empty for 5 seconds, with no rinse afterward. The manual also forbids abrasive cleaners, concentrated bleach, automatic dishwashing detergents, oven cleaners, scouring pads and quaternary sanitizers on polycarbonate, and dishwasher washing is not recommended.

The video Overview: Rinse-o-Matic shows how the rinser reduces time spent cleaning containers. Its manual says the unit is to be installed to comply with applicable plumbing codes: place the container upside down with the bottom internal surface on the plunger, never the blades, and press for 2 to 5 seconds. Use cold water only at 25 psi (1.72 bar) minimum and 110°F (43°C) maximum, disconnect the unit after closing time, inspect the sprayhead weekly for wear, and never expose it above 140°F (60°C).

Blade assembly wear and replacement

The Drink Machine manual says to check the blades daily for loose, nicked or missing parts and never run the appliance with a damaged assembly. Never tighten the acorn nut on top of the blade assembly; if it is loose, replace the assembly immediately, and never let the assembly soak in water.

The Vita-Prep manual calls for periodically inspecting the drive socket for wear, cracks or breaks and replacing it with the extra drive socket enclosed with the blender. It also says to rotate the blade bearing assembly by hand to confirm it turns without hesitation and does not spin too freely, and the Drink Machine manual adds inspection of the drive spline and drive socket with the retainer nut wrench.

The video Blade Assembly Replacement gives step-by-step instructions for changing the blade assembly on a Vitamix commercial machine, and the video Equipment Longevity covers preventative maintenance and cleaning to maximize equipment life. The Vita-Prep manual states that any repair, servicing or replacement of parts must be performed by Vitamix or an authorized service representative.

Troubleshooting and service

If the appliance will not run, the Drink Machine troubleshooting table says to check that the power cord is firm in the outlet, confirm the On/Off switch is ON and the switches are clean and moving freely, and try a new outlet. If the circuit protector keeps tripping, unplug and contact a qualified electrician, and for an overload allow the motor to cool up to 45 minutes, checking after 5.

Increased vibration, leaking from the bottom of the container or increased container noise points to the blade assembly: check for loose, damaged or nicked components and tighten the retainer nut until snug. A blade assembly that spins freely by its drive spindle with no resistance, or a drive socket with a fine crack or worn teeth, needs replacing, and a selection that starts the wrong program calls for a factory reset.

For anything these remedies do not resolve, the manuals direct you to Vitamix Commercial Technical Support; the troubleshooting table notes that a loud grinding noise from the blender motor means contacting them to replace the motor bearings. Any repair, servicing or replacement of parts must be performed by Vitamix or its authorized service network. Ask Norpex if you have questions about which model suits your kitchen.

Videos from the maker

Common questions