Vitamix Explorian E310 Review
A compact, genuinely powerful Vitamix for small households — with one spec conflict to know about before measuring your cabinets.
By The Kitchen Bench Research Team · Updated for 2027 · Independent · Reader-supported · No paid placements
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Bench verdict
A compact, genuinely powerful Vitamix for small households and daily blending — with one spec conflict you should know about before measuring your cabinets: Vitamix’s own pages disagree on its depth.
Where the E310 fits in the Vitamix range
The Explorian E310 is Vitamix's smaller-footprint, 48-ounce blender. That container size is the key buying decision. It is well matched to one- or two-person households, single smoothies, soups for a small pot, and sauces — and less well matched to large-batch blending, where a wider, larger container blends more evenly and needs less tamping.
Power is not the constraint here. Vitamix describes a 2 HP peak-output motor, and the US owner manual lists 120 V, 50/60 Hz, 11.5 A, 1400 W. Regional voltage and wattage vary by country, so the US figures in this review apply to the US model only.
A spec conflict, stated openly
Vitamix's own pages conflict on depth. The owner manual and one Vitamix product page give 11 x 8 x 18 inches; other Vitamix pages give 9 x 8 x 18 inches. Height (18 inches) and width (8 inches) are consistent. This review therefore does not publish a single depth figure. If the blender must fit under a cabinet or in a specific gap, measure the unit or confirm depth with Vitamix for the exact model and region you are buying — an 18-inch height alone can also rule out under-cabinet storage.
Weight, by contrast, is consistent across Vitamix pages at 10.5 lb (4.76 kg). That is heavy for a countertop blender, and it matters if you plan to lift it in and out of a cupboard daily.
Using and cleaning it
Vitamix lists 10 variable speeds, a Pulse feature, a radial cooling fan and thermal protection, a metal drive system, and a mini-tamper in the box alongside the motor base and 48-ounce container. The container is BPA-free Tritan, with laser-cut stainless-steel blades of 3-inch diameter.
Cleaning is one of its practical strengths. Vitamix's self-clean method is a drop of dish soap with warm water, run for 30–60 seconds, without disassembly. The container, lid and lid plug are listed as dishwasher-safe on Vitamix pages — but that claim does not extend to the motor base, which must never be submerged. Follow the owner manual for your model.
Alternatives worth comparing
The Blendtec Total Classic is the closest long-standing rival in this class and is worth comparing on jar shape, controls and warranty for your region. The Ninja Professional Plus (and its Nutri-Blender Pro family) is the lower-price comparison most buyers actually cross-shop: compare container size, noise, and what each maker actually warranties before deciding that price alone settles it. Vitamix's stated warranty for the E310 is a 5-year full warranty covering parts, performance, labour and two-way shipping — check the warranty document for your country, as terms can differ.
Verified specifications
| Container | 48 oz / 1.4 L, BPA-free Tritan |
| Dimensions | Height 18 in, width 8 in; depth CONFLICTS across Vitamix pages (9 in vs 11 in) — see review text |
| Weight | 10.5 lb / 4.76 kg |
| Power (US model) | 2 HP peak output; 120 V, 50/60 Hz, 11.5 A, 1400 W (owner manual) |
| Controls | 10 variable speeds; Pulse feature |
| Blades | Laser-cut stainless-steel hammermill and cutting blades, 3-in diameter |
| In the box | Motor base, 48-oz container, mini-tamper |
| Warranty | 5-year full warranty covering parts, performance, labour and two-way shipping (Vitamix product page; check your region's terms) |
Pros and cons
Strengths
- ✓ Strong motor for a compact 48-oz blender
- ✓ Self-cleaning in 30–60 seconds without disassembly
- ✓ Metal drive system and thermal protection stated by Vitamix
- ✓ 5-year full warranty as stated by Vitamix
Limitations
- ✗ Depth is inconsistent across Vitamix's own pages — measure before buying for a tight space
- ✗ 18-inch height may not fit under cabinets
- ✗ Heavy at 10.5 lb if stored in a cupboard
- ✗ 48-oz container is small for large-batch blending
Who should — and should not — buy it
Best for
Small households, daily smoothie and soup makers, and buyers who want Vitamix power in a smaller container and are happy to keep it on the counter.
Skip if
Large-batch blenders, cooks who need to store the blender in a low cupboard, or anyone for whom a 10.5 lb lift is a daily problem.
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Frequently asked questions
How tall is the E310?
18 inches high, 8 inches wide. Depth is the problem: Vitamix pages give both 9 and 11 inches, so confirm depth for your exact model before buying for a tight gap.
Is the container dishwasher-safe?
Vitamix lists the container, lid and lid plug as dishwasher-safe. The motor base is not — never submerge it.
What is in the box?
Motor base, 48-ounce container and mini-tamper, as listed by Vitamix.