Updated on 4/27/2017. Costco offers $75 off on this item, dropping the price to $324.99. The price is valid from April 27, 2017 through May 21, 2017. Costco May’s Coupon Book.
Updated on 4/24/2017. Costco offers $75 off on this item now, dropping the price to $324.99, valid through 4/26/2017.
Costco Item #975486
Costco Price: $374.99
Compare to $469.00 (as of Nov 3, 2015 @ 00:11 GMT, Details. We get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.) at Amazon.com at the time of writing
Vitamix 5300 is a lesser-known family member of Vitamix C-Series. The best seller in Vitamix C-Series is model 5200. The retail price for Vitamix 5300 is $529 while 5200 is $449. Costco’s offer of $374.99 after $25 manufacturer’s instant discount on the 5300 model beats all other offers on current market. This offer expires on 11/22 before the Thanksgiving. Amazon’s lowest offer is $489.93 from a third party seller. Costco is also offering $449.99 after $50 manufacturer’s discount for the model 5200. This offer will end at the same time as the 5300.
Apple to Apple
Comparing with its sibling 5200, the 5300 replaces the HI/LOW switch with a pulse switch, which is more practical when it comes to layer course chops over smooth purées for heartier recipes. With the low profile design, 5300 is just 17.3 in high with the jar over the base, which makes it easily fit almost any kitchen cabinet. While most reviewers are happy with their smoothie made from frozen fruit, one reviewer pointed out 5300’s shorter wider container failed to work for thick frozen smoothies. It would not vortex the mixture well as the 5200’s tall narrow container. If you plan to make very thick smoothies using all frozen fruit, 5300 might not be a good choice.
Apple vs Pear
Vitamix and Blentec both are the leaders in the professional blender market. Blentec used to running Costco road show once in a while. But in recent couple of years, we only see Vitamix booth in Costco warehouse. It’s always very hard to say one is better than the other. As a long time Blentec owner, the only complaint I would make was the noise of the motor. I have to wear a pair of ear plugs while working on my smoothie. Quite a few reviewers reported the noise level of Vitamix 5300 is lower than the Blentec Total Blender. But please be aware that the Blentec Total Blender is equipped with a commercial-quality 3 HP motor while 5300 has a 2.3 HP motor. Blentec Total Blender sells at $399 on Amazon. Blentec offers 3 years on the jar and 1 year on the motor base while Vitamix offers 7-year full warranty.
The bottom line, you would not regret to get this Vitamix 5300 from Costco. In the worst case you really changed your mind after purchasing, you know the customer service at Costco. That’s why we all love shopping at Costco.