Vitamix Ascent Series A2300 Smart System Blender, Black

The Vitamix A2300 belongs to the Ascent Series, Vitamix's line of smart-system blenders. It pairs a motor base rated at 2.2 peak horsepower with a roomy 64-ounce low-profile container.

The controls are hands-on. Variable speed control lets you fine-tune the texture, the pulse function adds a coarser chop on top of a smooth blend, and a built-in digital timer helps you keep track of blending times. The included container uses Vitamix's Self-Detect system, so the motor base automatically adjusts its maximum blending time to suit the container size. Built-in wireless connectivity is intended to let the blender pick up new Vitamix features over time, and the base also works with other Ascent and Venturist Series containers, sold separately.

In the box you'll find the motor base, the 64-ounce container, a low-profile tamper and a Simply Blending cookbook. Vitamix backs the A2300 with a 10-year full warranty that covers parts, performance, labor and two-way shipping, making it a good fit for anyone who blends regularly.