Vitamix Ascent Series Smart Blender A3500 Introduction

The Vitamix Ascent Series Smart Blender A3500 is a state-of-the-art kitchen appliance designed for culinary enthusiasts seeking precision and versatility. Launched in January 2017, this innovative blender is manufactured by Vitamix, a leader in blending technology. Priced at approximately $599.95, the A3500 features five smart program settings, built-in wireless connectivity, and a sleek touchscreen interface, making it ideal for creating smoothies, soups, and more with ease and consistency.

Accessories

Accessories are available for creative recipe development. Visit vitamix.com for product offerings and inspiration. 

WARNING To Avoid Injury. NEVER TOUCH MOVING PARTS. Keep hands and utensils out of containers and cups during blender operation. DO NOT insert fingers or utensils around the blades while the blades are spinning. The blades will continue to spin until they come to a complete stop at the end of the blend cycle. Allow the blades to come to a complete stop before handling the blade base and cups. Firmly tighten the blade base onto the cup or bowl before blending. If the cup becomes un-threaded from the blade base during operation, turn the machine OFF and wait until the motor and blades come to a complete stop before attempting to remove the cup and blade base from the motor base. 

WARNING

• To Avoid Possible Burns, Never Start on Speeds Above 1 when Processing Hot Liquids in a Large Container. Escaping steam, splashes or contents may burn. Always start on Variable 1, then slowly increase to 10.
• DO NOT use your 20 oz. (0.6 L) cup or 8 oz. (225 ml) bowl to heat ingredients or to blend hot liquids. Heated ingredients and liquids may create internal pressure which could cause the cup to burst and cause injury.
• DO NOT continuously use your machine for more than 75 seconds for the 20 oz. (0.6 L) cup or 8 oz. (225 ml) bowl. If a cup becomes warm to the touch or steams or vents, immediately stop blending ingredients and turn off or unplug blender. Allow the cup and ingredients to cool to room temperature before removing the blade base. Parts will become hot with extended use.
• DO NOT touch the drive socket in the blender base or the drive spline in the blade base.
• To avoid damage or personal injury, DO NOT use the cups (including the blade base or lids) in the microwave.

Specifications 

• Voltage: 120 V
• Height (with 48 oz. container on base): 14 inches
• Frequency: 50 - 60 Hz
• Width: 8 inches
• Amps: 12 Amps
• Depth: 11 inches

CAUTION

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

PARTS AND FEATURES

Blender with Variable Speed

Blender with Variable Speed and Programs

Control Panel

• Technology - The blender, containers and cups communicate through wireless technology. Each container is programmed to run on the base for optimum performance according to it’s size and functionality. 
• Legacy Vitamix Containers - Legacy Vitamix containers will not work with your Ascent blender base. Legacy machines are Vitamix C Series, G Series and S Series. For more information about Vitamix products, please go to vitamix.com. 
• On /Off (I/O) Switch - The On/Off switch (I/O) is located on the right side of the base. The On/Off switch controls power to the machine. 
• Sleep Mode - The blender will enter sleep mode if the control panel is not used after 30 seconds. The screen will dim and then a spinning vortex will appear on the control panel. To exit sleep mode, touch any part of the control panel. 
• Two Touch Operation - The control panel is designed to require two interactions of the controls to activate the blending cycle. 
• Container Detect - This symbol will be displayed on the control panel until a container is put on the blender base. The blender will not operate without a container in place. The control panel will display Variable 1 and a container/cup icon when ready for use. 
• Start/Stop () - Stop the blender at any time by pressing Start/Stop () 
• Variable Speed Dial - The Variable Speed Dial gives you manual control from Variable 1 (slowest) to 10 (highest). 
• Pulse () - The blades will rotate at the speed displayed on the control panel when pressed. 
• Using the Timer - The timer will count up when using variable speed until Start/Stop is pressed. Each container is programmed with a specific maximum run time. The blender will shut down automatically when the maximum run time has elapsed. 
• To program a time for the blend: This feature is only available when using Variable Speed. Program times are not adjustable with the timer function. This feature will count down from the set time and the blender will shut off automatically. Press the + icon to increase blend time. To decrease time, press the - icon. The + and - icons do not work during the blend. To stop, press Start/Stop. 
• Programs - The icons are listed in Vitamix recipes. The blender will stop at the end of the program automatically. Programs can be stopped by pressing Start/Stop at any time. Program times are not adjustable with the timer function. When Start/Stop is pressed mid-program; Blender will stop and Variable Speed 1 will display. If you want to run a program, select a program and press Start/Stop. Smoothies , Frozen Desserts, Soups, Dips and Spreads, Self-Cleaning 
• Error Codes - If you see an error code on the display (E1, E2, E3, E4), make note of the numbers on the display after the error code. Call Vitamix Customer Service for help with the issue. Recording the numbers isn’t necessary, but will give the Customer Service team more information to help with the issue. 
• Motor - The motor is designed to protect itself from overheating. If the blender will not start immediately check to make sure you have plugged the unit in and the On/Off switch is On. If the motor has overheated, allow the motor to cool for 20-45 minutes. 
  Tips to prevent ‘overloading’ your blender: Process only Vitamix recipes when learning to use the blender. Do not process recipes at lower speeds than recommended. Do not process recipes at higher speeds than recommended. Do not process recipes for longer than recommended. Use your tamper to process thicker mixtures and keep ingredients moving around and through the blades.
• Tamper - Lids and tampers are not interchangeable between different container styles, types and sizes. Use the tamper that was supplied with your blender. The container should not be more than two-thirds full when the tamper is used during blending. To avoid overheating, DO NOT use the tamper for more than 30 consecutive seconds

Container, Lid, Lid Plug and Tamper 

CAUTION 
Rotating Blades Can Cause Damage. Lids and tampers are not interchangeable between different container styles, types and sizes. Use the tamper that was supplied with your blender.

• Always use the lid and the lid plug when operating the blender.
• Never operate the blender without checking to make sure that the lid is securely locked in place.
• The lid plug is marked so it can be used as a measuring cup.
• Insert the lid plug through the lid plug opening. Lock the plug in place by turning clockwise. To remove, turn counter-clockwise and lift out.
• Remove the lid plug to use the tamper or to add ingredients.
• Legacy Vitamix containers (C, G and S Series) will not operate on the Ascent blender base.

Description

Stylish and contemporary, the Vitamix Ascent Series Smart Blender A3500 will look great in any home. Its powerful 2.2 HP motor effortlessly blends even the toughest ingredients, guaranteeing a consistent and smooth result every time. Even though it's small, the 64-ounce Tritan container is free of BPA and can manage huge batches. It also fits on most counters.

With the intuitive touchscreen interface, you can choose from a number of pre-programmed options or tweak the time and pace manually. With the Vitamix Perfect Blend app, which is available through wireless networking, you have access to a plethora of recipes and blending techniques.

BLENDING of Ascent Series Smart Blender A3500

Note: The cups mentioned here are optional accessories of the Ascent Blenders. Please visit www.vitamix.com for more information. 

CAUTION To Avoid Possible Burns, Never Start on Speeds Above 1 when Processing Hot Liquids. DO NOT blend hot liquids in the cups. Escaping steam, splashes or contents may burn. To secure the contents, lock the lid and lid plug securely in place prior to operating the blender. Always start on Variable 1, then slowly increase to 10.

1. The On/Off switch is on the right hand side of the base. Press the On/Off switch to the On (I) position. After the blender is turned on, “Vitamix” will appear on the control panel. This symbol will be displayed on the control panel when no container is on the blender base.
2. Load your container according to your recipe or the load order in the illustration here. 
   Note: Recipe ingredients for cups load in the opposite order of the large containers. DO NOT blend hot liquids in the 20 oz. (0.6 L) cup or 8 oz. (225 ml) bowl. 
   IMPORTANT! Always use the lid and the lid plug on the Large Container when the machine is in operation. Never operate the blender without checking to make sure that the lid and lid plug are securely locked in place.
3. Perform one of the following:
   • Large Containers - Put the lid onto the container. Push the lid down into place until the two tabs snap onto the lip of the container. Insert the lid plug. Turn the lid plug clockwise to lock.
   • Cups - Put a seal on the bottom thread of the blade base. The seal should fit snugly and evenly around the thread. Thread the blade base onto the cup in a clockwise direction.. Firmly tighten the blade base onto the cup or bowl before blending.
4. Put the container (or cup and blade base) onto the blender base. 0:00 will display when a container/cup is detected and the blender is ready to operate.
5. Perform one of the following:
   • To use variable speed:
     a. Turn the variable speed dial counter-clockwise until Variable Speed 1 appears on the control panel. 
     b. Press Start/Stop. The blades will begin to turn and the timer will count the minutes and seconds that the blend has been processing. To set a blend time, use the +/- icons on the controls. 
     c. Rotate the Variable Speed Dial between 1 and 10 during the blending cycle to increase or decrease the speed of the blades. 
     d. At the end of the blend, rotate the Variable Speed Dial counter-clockwise until Variable 1 is displayed and press Start/Stop.
   • To use Programs: Note: The soup program is not available for use with the cups. DO NOT blend hot liquid in the cups. 
     a. Press the icon for the desired program. (The default program time and variable speed setting will display on the control panel). 
     b. Press Start/Stop to start the program. (The blender will automatically stop at the end of the program.) Press Start/Stop at any time to stop the program.
6. If the mixture stops circulating:
   • Large Containers - Insert the tamper through the lid plug and stir until it ‘burps’. If this does not work, press the On/Off switch to stop the motor. Remove the container from the blender base and use a rubber spatula to press the air bubble away from the blades. Add liquid if necessary. Replace the lid and lid plug. Return the container to the blender base and continue blending.
   • Cups - Press the On/Off switch to stop the motor. Wait until the blades stop rotating. Remove the cup and adapter from the blender base. Turn the cup over. Unthread the adapter from the cup. Stir the ingredients. Add liquid if necessary. Reattach the adapter, place on blender base and continue blending.
7. After blending, wait until the blades completely stop before removing the lid or container/cup from the blender base. 

Tips to prevent ‘overloading’ your blender:

• Process only Vitamix recipes when learning to use the blender. Do not process recipes at lower speeds than recommended. Do not process recipes at higher speeds than recommended. Do not process recipes for longer than recommended. Use your tamper to process thicker mixtures and keep ingredients moving around and through the blades.

Setup Guide

You may program your Vitamix A3500 Ascent Series Smart Blender by

• Get everything out of the box and give everything a good wash.
• Connect the blade assembly to the container and lock it into position on the motor base to assemble the blender.
• Use the touchscreen interface to configure your blender by choosing the right preset program or by manually setting the parameters.
• You may connect your Vitamix Perfect Blend to your wifi network by downloading the app and then following the on-screen directions to couple your blender.
• Run a short cleaning cycle with water and a little detergent before first use to remove any manufacturing residue and make sure all parts are clean.

CARE AND CLEANING

BEFORE FIRST USE

1. Wipe the base with a warm damp cloth and wipe clean with a dry, soft cloth. Wash the container, cups, lids, lid plug, and tamper with warm, soapy water. Rinse all parts. Wipe dry with a dry, soft cloth.
2. Choose a space on the counter that is level, dry and clean. Plug the blender into a grounded, 3-prong outlet.

Note: Your Vitamix container is designed to be completely cleanable without removing the retainer nut and blade assembly. DO NOT attempt to remove the retainer nut or blade assembly from the container. Our Normal Cleaning and Sanitizing procedures or a dishwasher cleaning cycle will ensure a complete and thorough cleaning of your container and it’s components. If your container is damaged, please do not use. Contact Vitamix Customer Service IMMEDIATELY for assistance. 

Care and Cleaning of Large Containers

 To Clean:

1. Fill the container half full with warm water and add a couple of drops of dishwashing liquid.
2. Snap or push the complete 2-Part lid into the locked position.
3. Perform one of the following procedures: 
   Variable Speed: 
   1. Press the Start / Stop. 
   2. Slowly increase variable speed to 10. 
   3. Run the machine for 30 to 60 seconds. 
   4. Rotate the Variable Speed dial back to Variable 1. 
      Model A3500, press the Self-Cleaning Icon () to select. Press Start/Stop. The program will stop automatically when complete.
4. Rinse and drain all pieces.

To Sanitize:

1. Follow the cleaning instructions above.
2. Fill the container half full with water and 1 ½ teaspoons of liquid bleach.
3. Snap or push the complete 2-part lid into the locked position.
4. Perform one of the following procedures: 
   Variable Speed: 
   1. Press the Start / Stop. 
   2. Slowly increase the variable speed to 10. 
   3. Run the machine for 30 to 60 seconds. 
   4. Rotate the Variable Speed dial back to Variable 1. 
      Model A3500, press the Self-Cleaning Icon () to select. Press Start/Stop. The program will stop automatically when complete.
5. Allow mixture to stand in the container for an additional 1 ½ minutes.
6. Pour bleach mixture out. Allow container to air dry. Do not rinse after sanitizing.

Lids, Lid Plug, Centering Pad and Tamper
The parts are dishwasher safe. If preferred, wash the parts in warm soapy water. Rinse clean under running water, then dry. 

Accessories 
Refer to the care and cleaning instructions included with the accessory for more information. 

Blender Base 

1. Turn off and unplug the blender. 
   • WARNING To Avoid Injury and Damage. To avoid inadvertent activation, turn off and unplug the blender before cleaning. 
   • WARNING Electrical Shock Hazard. Always unplug before cleaning the blender base or when not in use. Do not put the blender base in water or other liquid.   Failure to follow instructions can cause death or electrical shock.
2. Wash the outside surface with a damp, soft cloth or sponge that has been rinsed in a mild solution of liquid dish soap and warm water. Do not place the blender base in water. The centering pad can be removed for more thorough cleaning. The centering pad is dishwasher safe.
3. Immediately dry all surfaces and polish with a soft cloth.

Cups, Lids, Blade Base and Seal

WARNING

• To Avoid Injury. NEVER TOUCH MOVING PARTS.
• Keep hands and utensils out of containers and cups during blender operation.
• DO NOT insert fingers or utensils around the blades while the blades are spinning.
• The blades will continue to spin until they come to a complete stop at the end of the blend cycle. Allow the blades to come to a complete stop before handling the blade base and cups.
• Firmly tighten the blade base onto the cup or bowl before blending.
• If the cup becomes un-threaded from the blade base during operation, turn the machine OFF and wait until the motor and blades come to a complete stop before attempting to remove the cup and blade base from the motor base.

WARNING

• To Avoid Possible Burns, Never Start on Speeds Above 1 when Processing Hot Liquids in a Large Container.
• Escaping steam, splashes or contents may burn. Always start on Variable 1, then slowly increase to 10.
• DO NOT use your 20 oz. (0.6 L) cup or 8 oz. (225 ml) bowl to heat ingredients or to blend hot liquids. Heated ingredients and liquids may create internal pressure which could cause the cup to burst and cause injury.
• DO NOT continuously use your machine for more than 75 seconds for the 20 oz. (0.6 L) cup or 8 oz. (225 ml) bowl.
• If a cup becomes warm to the touch or steams or vents, immediately stop blending ingredients and turn off or unplug blender. Allow the cup and ingredients to cool to room temperature before removing the blade base.
• Parts will become hot with extended use.
• DO NOT touch the drive socket in the blender base or the drive spline in the blade base.
• To avoid damage or personal injury, DO NOT use the cups (including the blade base or lids) in the microwave.

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

WARNING: To avoid the risk of serious injury when using your Vitamix® blender, basic safety precautions should be followed, including the following. READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS, SAFEGUARDS, AND WARNINGS BEFORE OPERATING BLENDER.

1. Read all instructions.
2. Do not use blender for other than intended use.
3. Not intended for use by or near children or persons with reduced physical, sensory, or mental capabilities or lack of experience and knowledge. Close supervision is necessary when any blender is used by or near children or incapacitated persons. Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the blender.
4. WARNING: To avoid inadvertent activation, turn off and unplug before cleaning.
5. CAUTION: In order to avoid a hazard due to inadvertent resetting of the thermal cut-out, power to this blender must not be supplied through an external switching device, such as a timer, or connected to a circuit that is regularly switched on and off by the utility.
6. DO NOT IMMERSE. To protect against risk of electrical shock, do not put the blender base in water or other liquid.
7. Unplug from outlet when not in use, before putting on or taking off parts, and before cleaning.
8. lways check that the blender is OFF before plugging cord into wall outlet. To disconnect, turn OFF the blender, then remove plug from wall outlet.
9. To protect against risk of electrical shock turn the appliance OFF, then unplug from the outlet when not in use, before assembling or disassembling parts and before cleaning. To unplug, grasp the plug and pull from the outlet. Never pull from the power cord.
10. Illuminated icons and numbers on the control panel indicates ready to operate. Avoid inadvertent contact with the touch screen.
11. Avoid contacting moving parts.
12. Do not operate any blender with a damaged cord or plug or after the blender malfunctions, or is dropped or damaged in any manner. Call Vitamix Customer Service at 1.800.848.2649 or 1.440.235.4840 or email [email protected] at once for examination, repair, replacement, or adjustment. If purchased outside the U.S.A. or Canada, contact your local Vitamix dealer.
13. GFI circuit breakers might be installed in your kitchen. Look for them in outlets near sinks. If the blender won’t operate, unplug the blender. Reset the wall outlet or circuit breaker. If the circuit breaker continues to trip, unplug the blender from the outlet. Allow the blender to sit for 24 hours before attempting to use it again. Contact Vitamix Customer Service if the problem persists.
14. Alteration or modification of any part of the blender, including the use of any part or parts that are not genuine authorized Vitamix parts, may cause fire, electric shock, or injury and will void your warranty.
15.  The use of attachments not expressly authorized or sold by Vitamix for use with this blender, including canning jars, may cause fire, electric shock, or injury. Use in this way will void your warranty.
16. Do not use outdoors.
17. Do not let cord hang over edge of table or counter.
18. Do not place on or near a hot gas or electric burner, in or on a heated oven.
19. Keep hands and utensils out of container while blending to reduce the risk of severe injury to persons or damage to the blender. A rubber scraper or spatula may be used, but only when the blender is not running.
20. The tamper provided must be used only when the main part of the lid is in place.
21. Blades are sharp. Clean around the blade assembly in the container with extreme care to avoid injury. To reduce the risk of injury, never place a blade assembly on the motor base unless assembled to the Vitamix container.
22. Care should be taken when handling the sharp cutting blades, emptying the container and during cleaning.
23. Do not leave foreign objects, such as spoons, forks, knives or the lid plug, in the container as this will damage the blades and other components when starting the blender and may cause injury.
24. Never attempt to operate with damaged blades.
25. Never attempt to operate with the centering pad removed.
26. Always operate blender with lid and lid plug firmly in place. The lid plug should be removed only when adding ingredients and when using the tamper.
27. When blending hot liquids or ingredients in the 48 oz. container, use caution; spray or escaping steam may cause burns. Do not fill container to the maximum capacity. Always begin processing on the lowest speed setting, variable speed 1. Keep hands and other exposed skin away from lid opening to prevent possible burns.
28. To avoid injury and damage, keep hands and utensils, other than the tamper provided, out of container while blending. The cover must remain in place when using the tamper through the lid plug opening. A utensil may be used in the container only when the it has been removed from the motor base.
29. DO NOT use your 20 ounce cup or 8 ounce cup to heat ingredients or to blend hot liquids. Heated ingredients and liquids may create internal pressure which could cause the cup to burst and cause injury.
30. DO NOT continuously use your machine for more than 2 minutes with the 20 ounce cup or 45 seconds for the 8 ounce cup.
31. If a cup becomes warm to the touch or steams or vents, immediately stop blending ingredients and turn off or unplug blender.
32. When making nut butters or oil-based foods, do not process for more than one minute after the mixture starts to circulate in the container. Processing for longer periods can cause overheating.
33. Make sure that the container or cup and blade base are flush with the centering pad to ensure that the drive spline is engaged with the drive socket before operating.
34. Make sure to use the seal on the blade base and tighten the cup adequately to the blade base before blending.
35. Never place the blending adapter onto the blade base without the cup attached.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS WARNING To Avoid Injury. Read and understand instruction manual before using this machine. 

IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS FOR SAFE USE
This product is intended for HOUSEHOLD USE ONLY and is not intended to be used for commercial purposes. Do not leave your Vitamix blender unattended when operating. Any repair, servicing, or replacement of parts must be performed by Vitamix or a Vitamix authorized service representative. 

NOTICE: THE FAILURE TO FOLLOW ANY OF THE IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS AND IMPORTANT

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SAFE USE
IS A MISUSE OF YOUR VITAMIX BLENDER THAT CAN VOID YOUR WARRANTY AND CREATE THE RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY. 

WARNING Electrical Shock Hazard. Use grounded outlet only. DO NOT remove ground. DO NOT use an adapter. DO NOT use an extension cord. Always unplug before cleaning the motor base or when not in use. Do not put the motor base in water or other liquid. Failure to follow instructions can cause death or electrical shock.

Troubleshooting

If you're having trouble starting your blender,

• Before using it, make sure the plug is in correctly and the outlet is operational.
• Verify that the container's latches are tightly fastened to the motor base.

If you experience problems with the way the two merge together,

• Make sure the container isn't too full of ingredients and look for any clogs in the blade assembly.
• Contact Vitamix customer service or consult the user manual if you encounter any technical difficulties.

Never put your hands or any object inside the container while it is running; following safety recommendations is the best way to avoid injuries.

Ascent Series Smart Blender A3500 Pros & Cons

Pros

• Strong Motor: Mixes even the most stubborn substances with ease.
• Highlighted Features: Wireless connectivity, programmable timer, and touchscreen interface.
• Long-Lasting Performance: Top-notch materials guarantee that this product will last.
• Useful in Many Settings: Perfect for all your mixing needs.
• The 64-ounce jar is perfect for large quantities thanks to its large capacity.

Cons

• Expensive: Retailing at approximately $649, it can be too pricey for certain consumers.
• Its powerful motor means it might be noisy when in use.
• The blade assembly and container can be more difficult to clean than those of other blenders, which might be a challenge for some users.

Customer Reviews

Its user-friendly design and powerful motor, the Vitamix Ascent Series Smart Blender A3500 has received rave reviews from satisfied customers. Features like the customizable timer and wireless connectivity are highly regarded by many for their advanced capabilities. Nevertheless, there have been complaints from certain users regarding the noise level and the difficulty of cleaning compared to comparable blenders.

Many people think it's too expensive, but after using it, they realize that it's worth it because of how well it works.

WARRANTY 

10-Year full Machine Warranty

PRODUCT REGISTRATION. Vita-Mix Corporation (“Vitamix”) strongly encourages you to register your purchase by completing and returning the product registration card that came with this Blender. You can register online at https://vitamix.com/warranty 

 Failure to register your product purchase will not diminish your warranty rights. However, registering your purchase will allow Vitamix to better serve you with any of your customer service needs.

WHAT IS COVERED. Vitamix warrants to the owner that if this Blender (a “Blender” consists of a motor blender base, any container(s), lids and tamper(s) purchased together) fails within 10 years from the date of purchase due to a defect in material or workmanship or as a result of normal wear and tear from ordinary household use, Vitamix will, within 30 days of receipt of the returned blender, repair the failed Blender or component part of the Blender free of charge. If, in Vitamix’s sole discretion, the failed Blender or component part of the Blender cannot be repaired, Vitamix will elect to either (A) replace the Blender free of charge or (B) refund the full purchase price to the owner, unless Vitamix receives prior written notice of the owner’s preference.