The Breville Super Q Blender and the Vitamix A3500 are two heavyweights in the premium blender market, but they excel in different areas. The Super Q from Breville focuses on combining powerful performance with significantly quieter operation, while the A3500 from Vitamix leans into legendary durability, precision control, and smart, connected features.
Here's a detailed comparison to help you decide which of these top-tier blenders is the right one for your kitchen.
Breville Super Q Blender
The Breville Super Q is engineered for home chefs who demand professional-grade power without the industrial-level noise. It's best known for its advanced noise suppression technology, making it one of the quietest high-speed blenders available. It combines this with a sleek design and a set of intuitive pre-programmed settings that deliver consistent results for everything from smoothies to milled flour.
- What it is: A high-performance blender designed for powerful, versatile blending with a strong emphasis on quiet operation.
- Key features: Advanced noise suppression technology, a powerful motor, 5 one-touch programs (Smoothie, Green Smoothie, Soup, Frozen Dessert, Mill), 12 speed settings, and a commercial-grade blade design.
- Price: Around $600 - $700.
- Style: Modern and sleek with a robust brushed metal base and an intuitive button and dial interface.
- Materials/Construction: Features a sturdy die-cast metal base, a 68-ounce BPA-free Tritan blending jar, and stainless steel blades.
- Pros: Significantly quieter than most competitors. Powerful motor handles tough ingredients with ease. Comes with a personal blender cup attachment for single servings. Pre-programmed settings are intuitive and effective. Sleek, premium look.
- Cons: A bit tall and may not fit under all standard kitchen cabinets. Its user interface, while clear, lacks the high-tech appeal of the Vitamix touchscreen.
This blender is perfect for anyone in an open-concept living space or who simply hates the loud roar of a typical high-speed blender, offering power and versatility without the noise penalty.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/blenders/bbl920.html
Vitamix A3500 Ascent Series Blender
The Vitamix A3500 is a flagship model from a brand synonymous with durability and raw power. Considered by many to be the gold standard in blending, the A3500 pairs a famously powerful motor with modern tech features like a sleek touchscreen interface, programmable timer, and wireless connectivity. It's built as a long-term investment for users who want unmatched performance and reliability.
- What it is: A smart, high-performance blender known for its durability, professional-grade blending power, and advanced features.
- Key features: Touchscreen controls, five pre-programmed settings (Smoothies, Hot Soups, Dips & Spreads, Frozen Desserts, Self-Cleaning), variable speed control dial, programmable timer, and SELF-DETECT Technology that works with various container sizes.
- Price: Around $650 - $750.
- Style: Elegant and minimalist, featuring a smooth, easy-to-clean touchscreen that gives it a sophisticated, contemporary aesthetic.
- Materials/Construction: It has a high-quality die-cast metal base, a 64-ounce BPA-free Tritan container, and hardened, laser-cut stainless steel blades.
- Pros: Built to last for decades with exceptional durability. Superior blending performance for ultra-smooth textures. Touchscreen is sleek and easy to clean. Wireless connectivity allows for firmware updates. Backed by a 10-year full warranty.
- Cons: Noticeably louder than the Breville Super Q. Higher price point. Touchscreen controls might lack the tactile feedback some cooks prefer.
The A3500 is the ideal choice for serious home cooks, health enthusiasts, and anyone who sees a blender as a foundational, long-term appliance for their kitchen.
Shop this product: vitamix.com/us/en/shop/a3500
Breville Super Q vs. Vitamix A3500 Comparison
Performance & Features
Both blenders are exceptionally powerful, but they approach the user experience differently. The Breville Super Q is centered around its noise suppression, which is a major advantage for those sensitive to sound. Its controls combine physical buttons and a dial, which can feel more direct and intuitive for quick adjustments. The Vitamix A3500, on the other hand, embraces technology with its clean touchscreen and variable speed dial. Its wireless connectivity is also a key differentiator, receiving firmware updates that can improve performance over time - a feature the Breville lacks.
Dimensions & Scale
The blenders are similar in overall size, but with slight differences. The Breville Super Q has a slightly larger 68-ounce container compared to the Vitamix A3500's 64-ounce one. Both are well-suited for making large batches for families or meal prepping. In terms of countertop footprint, they are comparable, though both are quite tall and prospective buyers should measure the clearance below their kitchen cabinets.
Materials & Construction
Here, both brands shine. Each blender features a sturdy metal base that provides stability and speaks to their premium build quality. They also use high-end, BPA-free Tritan for their containers and hardened stainless steel for their blades. However, Vitamix has a longer and more established reputation for building machines that last for decades, often passed down through generations. While the Breville is extremely well-made, the Vitamix A3500 has the edge if bulletproof longevity is your primary concern.
Price & Value
These blenders are priced closely at the premium end of the market, typically within $100 of each other. The Super Q starts at a slightly lower price point and often comes bundled with a personal blending cup, adding immediate value. The A3500 is slightly more expensive, but its value proposition is rooted in long-term reliability and an excellent 10-year warranty that covers all parts, labor, and two-way shipping. Choosing which provides better value depends on whether you prioritize upfront features (like quietness) or long-term investment and brand-backed durability.
Style & Versatility
Aesthetically, both models are designed for modern kitchens. The Breville Super Q’s brushed metal finish and button interface feel professional and functional. The Vitamix A3500 offers a more minimalist, high-tech look with its flush touchscreen and sleek lines. Its ability to automatically detect different container sizes (sold separately) gives it slightly more versatility for different tasks, from grinding spices to making small batches of dips.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both blenders are fantastic choices, but they cater to slightly different needs and kitchen environments.
Choose the Breville Super Q if:
- Noise level is a major concern for you or your family.
- You want excellent performance with easy-to-use, "set it and forget it" pre-programmed cycles.
- You appreciate the value of an included personal blender attachment.
- You prefer the tactile feel of physical buttons and dials over a touchscreen.
Choose the Vitamix A3500 if:
- You're looking for a long-term investment in an appliance known for exceptional durability.
- You want the smoothest, most professional-quality blends possible.
- You are attracted to smart features like a touchscreen, programmability, and wireless updates.
- The backing of a 10-year full warranty provides significant peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Breville Super Q and Vitamix A3500?
The single biggest difference is noise. The Breville Super Q uses special technology to operate much more quietly than the Vitamix A3500. The A3500's main differentiators are its renowned long-term durability, smart touchscreen interface, and a superior 10-year warranty.
Which blender is better for green smoothies?
Both are exceptional and will liquefy tough greens like kale and spinach with ease, resulting in perfectly smooth textures. The Breville has dedicated pre-sets for both a "Green Smoothie" and a regular "Smoothie", while the Vitamix has a single "Smoothie" program. Power-wise, you will get fantastic results from either machine.
Can these blenders make hot soup?
Yes, both blenders can make hot soup using friction from their high-speed blades. You simply add your ingredients and run the blender on its highest speed (or dedicated "Soup" program) for about 5-7 minutes. The blade friction will heat the contents to a steaming hot temperature right in the jar.
Is the Vitamix really worth the extra money?
For many people, yes. The premium price reflects its made-in-the-USA build quality, exceptional long-term reliability, powerful motor that resists overheating, and a comprehensive 10-year warranty. It's considered an investment that often lasts 15-20 years or more.
How difficult are these blenders to clean?
Both are very easy to clean. They both have a self-cleaning cycle - just add a drop of dish soap and some warm water, then run the clean program or blend on high for 30-60 seconds. Rinse the jar, and you're done.
Which one will fit under my kitchen cabinets?
This is an important measurement to check. The Vitamix A3500 is about 17 inches tall, while the Breville Super Q is slightly taller at around 18 inches. Standard clearance between a countertop and upper cabinets is 18 inches, so the Breville may be a very tight fit or may not fit at all in some kitchens.
What does the Vitamix's "smart technology" actually do?
The SELF-DETECT technology in the A3500 allows the blender base to recognize which container you've placed on it (e.g., the standard 64oz jar vs. a smaller personal cup) and adjusts its blend programs accordingly. Its wireless connectivity also enables firmware updates, potentially adding features in the future.
Which warranty is better?
Vitamix offers a 10-year full warranty that covers all parts, performance, labor, and two-way shipping, which is the industry gold standard. While Breville offers a respectable 7-year limited warranty, Vitamix's 10-year full warranty is superior as it is more comprehensive and demonstrates the brand's confidence in its product's longevity.
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