What Happened to the E310
The Explorian E310 had been Vitamix's most affordable new blender for over a decade. It earned consistently strong reviews, an Editors' Choice badge from CNET, and became a staple recommendation on equipment lists from cooking publications and food bloggers alike.
Vitamix stopped selling the E310 directly on its website around March 1, 2026. Remaining stock is still available at third-party retailers — including Amazon, Crate & Barrel, Walmart, and Best Buy — but those units will sell through without restock.
The company's stated reason: "We knew there were ways to improve," according to a Vitamix representative quoted in coverage of the transition. The VX1 is that improvement.
The New VX1: What Changed
The VX1 launched in February 2026 at the same $379.95 price point as the E310. According to Vitamix, it is positioned as "the new and improved blender for the first-time Vitamix buyer." Key upgrades over the E310:
- Motor: 2.2 HP (up from 2.0 HP)
- Container: 64-ounce classic container (up from 48 ounces)
- Pulse mode: Added for precise burst-style blending
- Self-cleaning program: Add warm water and a drop of dish soap, run the 60-second self-cleaning cycle — no disassembly needed
- Design: Matches the aesthetic of Vitamix's newer Ascent X series
The VX1 is compatible with all Vitamix 48- and 64-ounce containers and ships with a motor base, the 64-ounce classic container, and a tamper tool. It is rated at 1440W / 120V.
What the VX1 Gives Up Compared to the E310
The upgrade is not one-sided. The E310 had a 48-ounce container that many home cooks found easier to store and clean; the VX1's 64-ounce container is larger and takes up more counter and cabinet space.
More importantly: the E310 container was dishwasher-safe. The VX1 is not. That is a meaningful change for people who relied on that convenience.
The warranty also differs. The E310 carried a full five-year warranty covering defects and normal wear. The VX1 comes with a limited five-year warranty that covers defects only — not wear and tear. That narrower coverage is worth factoring in over a product with a five-year lifespan.
Pricing and Availability
- VX1 regular price: $379.95 (currently listed at $299.95 on Vitamix's website as of mid-May 2026)
- E310: Available at select retailers while supplies last — check Amazon and Crate & Barrel if you prefer the smaller container or dishwasher-safe feature
- Reconditioned E310 units may also be available through Vitamix's certified reconditioned program
The $299.95 sale price on the VX1 makes it the best value the model has seen since launch. Whether that holds through summer is unclear.
Why This Matters
The E310 was one of the most recommended entry-level blenders in the US market for years — a rare case where a premium brand offered genuine performance at a price that wasn't punishing. Its discontinuation removes a well-understood, battle-tested option from the table.
For home cooks currently comparing blenders, the VX1 is the natural successor and represents a legitimate upgrade in motor power and capacity. But the loss of dishwasher-safe cleaning and a narrower warranty are real downsides — not cosmetic ones. Home cooks who do high-volume blending (smoothies, soups, nut butters) will likely benefit from the 64-ounce container and more powerful motor. Those who blended occasionally and prized convenience may want to grab an E310 at a third-party retailer while stock lasts.
The transition also signals that Vitamix is actively refreshing its lineup, which could mean continued updates to other legacy models in the years ahead.
Conclusion
Vitamix's decision to retire the E310 and launch the VX1 is significant for anyone in the market for a first-time high-performance blender. The VX1 is a stronger machine on paper — more power, more capacity, cleaner design — but it does give up the dishwasher-safe convenience and broader warranty that made the E310 a low-maintenance choice. If you've been on the fence about a Vitamix, the current $299.95 VX1 sale price is the lowest the new model has been.