Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I was very interested in trying this model Vitamix as I currently own an older model (the 5000) and have been drooling over the newer features. No, there was nothing at all wrong with my 5000 and it still worked perfectly but I really liked the newer container with the better handle grip...and the grass is always greener, right? The short version? If you have an older model that still works, there really is no need to spend the money to upgrade. There are slight differences between the two, but each gives you the same results. If you've never had a Vitamix and are tempted, you would not go wrong with this model. THE MINOR DIFFERENCES: 5000: Nothing happens when you plug it in. 6300: When you plug it in, a blue light comes on (see photos). 5000: The lid is a bit hard to get on. 6300: The lid style changed and it's much easier to get on/off. 5000: The container has a simple plastic handle. 6300: The container style has changed and it has a more molded hand grip (see photos) which makes it easier to handle. 5000: There are two toggle switches--one to switch from variable to high speed and one to turn the machine on/off. 6300: There are two toggle switches--one for pulse and one to start/stop the machine (the machine is ON when you plug it in). 5000: When making a smoothie (juice, yogurt, protein powder, frozen whole strawberries), I just use high speed and it works fine. 6300: When making a smoothie, there's a smoothie setting. It wasn't as powerful as the high speed setting on the 5000 but it did get it mixed it just took a bit longer. Overall, it's a great machine. That said, I personally don't see the need for the specific settings (smoothie, frozen desserts, soup) but they don't hurt anything. I've also never had a need for the pulse setting, but now that I have it, I will try it.