Walking into the world of high-performance blending usually starts with a single realization: your $50 department store blender is actually just a glorified fan that occasionally moves frozen strawberries around. When I finally decided to upgrade to a Vitamix, I found myself staring at two nearly identical machines: the Vitamix Propel 510 and the Vitamix Explorian E310.
Both are compact, both sport the 48-ounce container that actually fits under kitchen cabinets, and both have that signature 2 HP motor that sounds like a jet engine taking off on your counter. However, after a month of pulverizing almond butter, steaming-hot tomato soup, and enough green smoothies to turn my kitchen into a rainforest, I’ve found that the “gut feeling” of using these two machines is remarkably different. One feels like a precision manual tool for a hobbyist, while the other feels like a modern appliance designed for someone who is perpetually ten minutes late for work.
The Key Difference: Automation vs. Manual Labor
The fundamental difference between the Vitamix Propel 510 and the Explorian E310 is the presence of pre-programmed settings. The Propel 510 features three dedicated buttons for Smoothies, Hot Soups, and Frozen Desserts, allowing the machine to manage the blending speeds and shut off automatically.
The Explorian E310 is a fully manual machine, relying on a variable speed dial and a toggle switch to control the texture. While they share the same 2 HP motor, 48-ounce container, and 5-year warranty, the Propel 510 is essentially a “smarter” version of the E310 designed for convenience and consistency.
Comparison Table: Vitamix Propel 510 vs. Explorian E310
| Feature | Vitamix Propel 510 | Vitamix Explorian E310 |
| Preset Programs | 3 (Smoothies, Soups, Desserts) | None (Manual Only) |
| Container Size | 48 Ounces | 48 Ounces |
| Motor Power | 2 Peak HP | 2 Peak HP |
| Pulse Function | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions | 9″D x 7.5″W x 17.5″H | 11″D x 8″W x 18″H |
| Warranty | 5-Year Limited | 5-Year Limited |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes (Container & Lid) | Manual Wash Recommended |
| Blade Material | Laser-Cut Stainless Steel | Laser-Cut Stainless Steel |
| View Current Price on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review: My Experience Behind the Blade
I’ve spent the last few weeks treating these blenders like they were on the line at a busy café. Here is how that experience translated into real-world kitchen use.
Design: The Battle of the Countertop Footprint
At first glance, these two look like they were separated at birth. They both use the “low-profile” 48-ounce container, which is a godsend if you live in a house with standard-height upper cabinets. I could slide both machines back against the backsplash without any clearance issues—something you can’t do with the taller Vitamix 5200.
The Propel 510 feels slightly more refined in its aesthetic. The dial is integrated with the program icons, making the interface look cleaner. The Explorian E310 feels more like a piece of lab equipment. It’s a bit more “boxy,” and the switches are thick and tactile. One minor thing I noticed: the E310 has a slightly deeper base (11 inches vs. 9 inches for the Propel), which meant it took up just a tiny bit more room on my prep station. If you have a very narrow countertop, the Propel 510 is the more compact athlete.
Ease of Use: The “Walk Away” Factor
This is where the Propel 510 justifies its existence. On a Tuesday morning when I’m trying to pack a lunch and get out the door, being able to hit the “Smoothie” button on the Propel 510 is a game-changer. The machine starts slow to pull the greens down, ramps up to high speed to liquefy the frozen fruit, and then stops. I don’t have to stand there.
With the Explorian E310, you are the pilot. You have to start at speed one, quickly turn the dial to ten, and stay there until you see the four-sided “Vitamix Vortex” form and the texture looks right. It only takes 45 to 60 seconds, but it requires your undivided attention. If you’re the type of person who likes to multi-task, the E310 will feel like it’s tethering you to the counter. However, if you like the “feel” of cooking, there is something incredibly satisfying about the mechanical click of the E310’s toggle switches.
Functions: Pulverizing Power and Pulse Control
Mechanically, these two are identical. When I threw a handful of raw almonds and some oil into both to make almond butter, the results were indistinguishable. Both machines used their 2 HP motors to turn solid nuts into creamy butter in about two minutes.
One thing I appreciated about both is the Pulse function. If you’re making a chunky salsa or a rough-chopped pesto, you need that pulse. In my testing, the Pulse on the Propel 510 felt a bit more “digital”—there was a tiny, split-second delay between pressing the button and the blades moving. The E310’s pulse felt immediate and raw. It’s a small detail, but for someone who makes a lot of textured sauces, the E310 felt slightly more responsive to my touch.
Maintenance: Cleaning Up the Mess
Both blenders are “self-cleaning” in the sense that you can put a drop of soap and some warm water in the jar and run them on high. They both come out sparkling.
However, the Propel 510 container is officially rated as dishwasher safe. While I generally prefer to hand-wash my Vitamix containers to prevent the plastic from becoming “cloudy” over the years, there are days when a sticky peanut butter mess requires the heavy artillery of a dishwasher. The E310 container isn’t officially marketed as dishwasher-safe, so it requires a bit more hands-on care. For a busy family, that dishwasher-safe rating on the Propel 510 is a major “quality of life” point.
Vitamix Propel 510 Professional Grade Blender
Pros:
- Automation: 3 programs take the guesswork out of smoothies, soups, and desserts.
- Consistency: The same result every time without having to monitor the dial.
- Dishwasher Safe: Easier cleanup for heavy-duty messes.
- Compact: Slightly smaller base footprint than the Explorian.
Cons:
- Price: You pay a premium for those three program buttons.
- Interface: Digital dial has a very slight delay compared to manual switches.
Vitamix Explorian E310 Professional Grade Blender
Pros:
- Value: Usually the most affordable entry point into the “Professional Grade” Vitamix world.
- Tactile Control: Manual switches feel sturdy and offer immediate response.
- Same Power: You aren’t sacrificing any motor strength for the lower price.
- Reliability: Simple electronics often mean a longer lifespan for the control board.
Cons:
- No Programs: You must stand by the machine for the duration of every blend.
- Manual Cleanup: Not officially dishwasher safe.
- No “Auto-Stop”: If you get distracted, you can easily over-process your food.
The Final Recommendation: Which One Should You Buy?
After a month of living with both, my conclusion is that you’re paying for “time.”
I recommend the Vitamix Propel 510 if you have a routine. If you make a smoothie every single morning and you want to be able to walk away to put on your shoes or pour your coffee, the Propel is worth the extra money. It turns a manual task into a background task. It’s the perfect blender for the modern, busy household that wants professional results without the professional effort.
- Included: Propel Series 510 blender motor base, 48-ounce container, and tamper; this kitchen blender container allows for small- to medium-capacity blends
I recommend the Vitamix Explorian E310 if you are on a budget or if you actually like the process of blending. If you’re a hobbyist chef who wants to control the exact speed ramp-up for a delicate emulsion or a chunky gazpacho, the E310 gives you that raw, manual connection to the motor. You get the exact same “Vitamix power” as the more expensive models, just without the fancy brain.
- Included: Explorian E310 Professional Blender motor base, 48-ounce container, and mini tamper; this kitchen blender container allows for small- to...
In my own kitchen, the Vitamix Propel 510 wins purely on the strength of that “Soup” program. Throwing in cold veggies and broth, hitting a button, and coming back 6 minutes later to a steaming hot meal is a kind of kitchen magic I’m not willing to give up.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Do these blenders really make the soup “hot”?
A: Yes! There is no heating element inside. The blades spin at such a high velocity that the friction actually boils the liquid. It takes about 5 to 6 minutes, but it comes out steaming.
Q: Can the 48-ounce container handle large batches?
A: It’s ideal for 2-4 people. If you’re meal prepping for a family of six, you might find yourself needing to do two rounds. For most daily users, the 48-ounce size is actually preferred because it’s easier to clean and store.
Q: Is the E310 louder than the Propel 510?
A: All Vitamix blenders are loud. They average about 90-100 decibels at full speed. Neither of these models is significantly quieter than the other; you’re going to wake up the house if you’re blending at 6:00 AM.
Q: Are the blades sharp?
A: Surprisingly, no. Vitamix blades are intentionally “blunt.” They rely on the sheer power of the motor and speed to pulverize food rather than a sharp edge. This makes them much safer to clean than blenders with razor-sharp blades.
Q: Will they fit under my cabinets?
A: Both of these models are roughly 17.5 to 18 inches tall. Most standard kitchen cabinets are hung 18 inches above the counter, so it will be a tight fit, but they generally slide right under.
