Vitamix A3500 Ascent Series Smart Blender User Manual

Vitamix A3500 Ascent Series Smart Blender

Specifications

Voltage: 120 V
Height (with 64 ounce container on base): 17 inches
Frequency: 50 – 60 Hz
Width: 8 inches
Amps: 1400 Watts
Depth: 11 inches

IFETEL Statement:
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Bluetooth

Turn on your Blender to make it discoverable.
Load the Vitamix App on your Bluetooth device and follow the App instructions for connecting to the Vitamix Blender and downloading content.

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 THE BLENDER.

Read all instructions.
Do not use a blender for anything other than its intended use.
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.
WARNING: To avoid inadvertent activation, turn off and unplug before cleaning.
CAUTION: 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.
To protect against the risk of electrical shock, do not put the blender base in water or other liquids.
Unplug from the outlet when not in use, before putting on or taking off parts, and before cleaning.
Always check that the blender is OFF before plugging the cord into a wall outlet. To disconnect, turn OFF the blender, then remove the plug from the wall outlet.
Illuminated icons and numbers on the control panel indicate ready to operate. Avoid inadvertent contact with the touch screen.
Avoid contacting moving parts.
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 service@vitamix.com at once for examination, repair, replacement, or adjustment. If purchased outside the U.S.A. or Canada, contact your local Vitamix dealer.
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.
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.
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.
Do not use outdoors.
Do not let the cord hang over the edge of the table or counter
Do not place on or near a hot gas or electric burner, in or on a heated oven.
Keep hands and utensils out of the 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.
The tamper provided must be used only when the main part of the lid is in place.
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.
Care should be taken when handling the sharp cutting blades, emptying the container, and during cleaning.
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.
Never attempt to operate with damaged blades.
Never attempt to operate with the centering pad removed
Always operate the blender with the lid and lid plug firmly in place. DO NOT remove the 2-part lid while the blades are rotating. Only remove the lid plug to add ingredients and to use the tamper.
When blending hot liquids or ingredients in the 48 oz. container, use caution; spray or escaping steam may cause burns. Do not fill the 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.
DO NOT use your 20-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.
DO NOT continuously use your machine for more than 75 seconds with the 20-ounce cup.
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.
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.
Make sure that the container or cup and personal cup adapter are flush with the centering pad to ensure that the drive spline is engaged with the drive socket before operating.
Make sure to use the seal on the blade base and tighten the cup adequately to the blade base before blending.
Never place the personal cup adapter onto the blade base without the cup attached.

Parts and Features

A3500 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.
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 60 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.
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 or your distributor for 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

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 counterclockwise 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.

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

Blending

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

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 symbolwill be displayed on the control panel when no container is on the blender base.
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. (240 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.
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.
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.
If the motor base does not recognize the cup or bowl, tighten the blade base further onto the cup or bowl and place it back on the motor base. If the problem continues, contact Vitamix Customer Service for support.
Perform one of the following:
- To use variable speed:
  - Turn the variable speed dial counter-clockwise until Variable Speed 1 appears on the control panel.
  - 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.
  - Rotate the Variable Speed Dial between 1 and 10 during the blending cycle to increase or decrease the speed of the blades.
  - 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.
  - Press the icon for the desired program. (The default program time and variable speed setting will display on the control panel).
  - 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.
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 the blender base, and continue blending.
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.

Care and Cleaning

BEFORE FIRST USE:

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.
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 its components. If your container is damaged, please do not us it. Contact Vitamix Customer Service IMMEDIATELY.

Care and Cleaning of Large Containers:

To Clean:

Fill the container half full with warm water and add a couple of drops of dishwashing liquid.
Snap or push the complete 2-Part lid into the locked position.
Perform one of the following procedures:
- Variable Speed:
  - Press the Start / Stop.
  - Slowly increase the variable speed to 10.
  - Run the machine for 30 to 60 seconds.
  - 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.
Rinse and drain all pieces.

To Sanitize: (Bleach) (Full-size Containers)

Follow the cleaning instructions above.
Fill the container half full with water and 1 ½ teaspoons of liquid bleach.
Snap or push the complete 2-part lid into the locked position.
Perform one of the following procedures:
1. 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.
2. Model A3500, press the Self-Cleaning Icon to select. Press Start/Stop. The program will stop automatically when complete.
Allow mixture to stand in the container for an additional 1 ½ minutes.
Pour the bleach mixture out. Allow the container to air dry. Do not rinse after sanitizing.

To Sanitize: (Vinegar) (Full-size Containers)

Follow the cleaning instructions above.
Prepare the vinegar solution: for the 64-ounce container, dilute 16-ounce (473 ml) of vinegar in 16-ounce (473ml) water.
Snap or push the complete 2-part lid into the locked position.
Perform one of the following procedures:
- Variable Speed:
  - Press Start / Stop.
  - Slowly increase the variable speed to 10.
  - Run the machine on variable speed 10 for 2 full minutes.
  - Rotate the Variable Speed dial back to Variable 1. Press Start/Stop.
Allow the mixture to stand in the container for an additional 3 full minutes. The total contact time of the vinegar solution in the container should equal 5 minutes.
Pour the vinegar solution out of the container over the inside surface of the 2-part lid. Repeat the sanitization procedure a second time.
Allow the container and lid to air dry. Do not rinse after sanitizing. If necessary, rinse immediately before next use.

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.

In-Place Cleaning: (20 ounce and 8 ounce cups)

Fill the container half full with water and add a couple of drops of dishwashing liquid. DO NOT BLEND HOT WATER.
Put a seal on the bottom thread of the adapter. The seal should fit snugly and evenly around the thread. Thread the adapter onto the cup in a clockwise direction just until tight.
Put the cup and adapter onto the base.
Press Start / Stop. Slowly increase the variable speed to 10.
Run the machine for 30 to 60 seconds.
Rotate the Variable Speed dial back to Variable 1. Press Start / Stop.
Rinse and drain all pieces.

To Sanitize: (Bleach) (20 and 8 ounce cups)

Follow the cleaning instructions above.
Fill the container half full with water and 1/2 teaspoon of liquid bleach. DO NOT BLEND HOT WATER.
Put a seal on the bottom thread of the adapter. The seal should fit snugly and evenly around the thread. Thread the adapter onto the cup in a clockwise direction just until tight.
Put the cup and adapter onto the base.
Press Start / Stop.
Slowly increase the variable speed to 10.
Run the machine for 30 to 60 seconds.
Rotate the Variable Speed dial back to Variable 1. Press Start / Stop.
Allow mixture to stand in the container for an additional 1 ½ minutes.
Pour the bleach mixture out. Allow the container to air dry. Do not rinse after sanitizing.

Warranty and Service

5-Year Full Machine Warranty

PRODUCT REGISTRATION.
You can register online at vitamix.com/warranty or by calling our Customer Service Department at 1.800.848.2649 or 1.440.235.4840. 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.
WHO CAN SEEK WARRANTY COVERAGE?
This Warranty is extended by Vitamix to the owner of this Blender for personal household use only. This Warranty does not apply to products used for commercial, rental, or resale purposes. Should ownership of the blender change during the 5-year period, please update the Blender’s owner information at vitamix.com.
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 5 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.
WHAT IS NOT COVERED?
This Warranty does not apply to Blenders used commercially or in non-household applications. This Warranty does not cover cosmetic changes that do not affect performance, such as discoloration or the effects of the use of abrasives or cleaners or food build-up. This Warranty is only valid if the Blender is used and maintained under the instructions, warnings, and safeguards contained in the owner’s manual.
Containers: Grinding certain herbs and spices in the container/cup will result in cosmetic marring of the container/cup and may cause the blades to wear prematurely. Traces of sand, coarse, gritty, and abrasive herbs will also cause the blades to wear prematurely. Herbs may contain volatile oils, which cause the container/cup to retain the oils and cause permanent discoloration. Your container/cup and blades are not covered under the Vitamix warranty under these circumstances. Vitamix will not be responsible for the cost of any unauthorized warranty repairs. REPAIR, REPLACEMENT, OR REFUND OF THE PURCHASE PRICE ARE THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES OF THE PURCHASER AND THE SOLE LIABILITY OF VITAMIX UNDER THIS WARRANTY. NO EMPLOYEE OR REPRESENTATIVE OF VITAMIX IS AUTHORIZED TO MAKE ANY ADDITIONAL WARRANTY OR ANY MODIFICATION TO THIS WARRANTY WHICH MAY BE BINDING UPON VITAMIX. ACCORDINGLY, THE PURCHASER SHOULD NOT RELY UPON ANY ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS MADE BY ANY EMPLOYEE OR REPRESENTATIVE OF VITAMIX. IN NO EVENT, WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, INDEMNITY, WARRANTY, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), STRICT LIABILITY OR OTHERWISE, SHALL VITAMIX BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, LOSS OF PROFITS OR REVENUES. Some states do not allow limits on warranties. In such states, the above limitations may not apply to you. Outside the U.S.A. and Canada, other warranties may apply.
WHAT VOIDS THIS WARRANTY.
Abuse, misuse, negligent use, alteration of the Blender, exposure to abnormal or extreme conditions, or failure to follow the operating instructions in this manual will void this Warranty. The Warranty is also void if repairs to the Blender or any part of the Blender are performed by someone other than either Vitamix or an authorized Vitamix Service Provider or if any part of a Blender subject to this Warranty is used in combination with a motor base or container that is not expressly authorized by Vitamix.
HOW TO OBTAIN A RETURN AUTHORIZATION UNDER THIS WARRANTY.
In the event that you need service or repair, please call Vitamix Customer Service at 1.800.848.2649 or 1.440.235.4840. You will be asked to provide the date of purchase and proof of purchase for any blender that has not been registered with Vitamix. For blenders subject to this Warranty, you will be provided with a return authorization number, up-to-date shipping instructions, and a pre-paid return pick-up label. Vitamix will pay standard shipping costs on the return of a Blender for warranty service and repair, and for return shipment of the blender to you after the warranty repair or replacement. The purchaser is responsible for the costs of special shipping requests.

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Vitamix A3500 Ascent Series Smart Blender User Manual