Vitamix Ascent X4 Blender User Manual

Vitamix Ascent X4 Blender

Specifications

Voltage: 120 V
Frequency: 50 – 60 Hz
Power (max): 12 Amps
Height: with 48 oz. / 1.4 L container on motor base: 17.00 inches / 43.2 cm
Depth: 9.75 inches / 24.8 cm
Width: 7.75 inches / 19.7 cm

Important Safeguards

THE FAILURE TO FOLLOW ANY OF THE IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS AND IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS FOR SAFE USE IS A MISUSE OF YOUR VITAMIX APPLIANCE THAT CAN VOID YOUR WARRANTY AND CREATE THE RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY.
The instructions appearing in this manual cannot cover every possible condition and situation that may occur. Common sense and caution must be practiced when operating and maintaining any appliance.
Strictly follow the care and cleaning instructions provided in this manual.
NEVER use the appliance for anything other than its intended use.
This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory, or mental capabilities, or lack of experience or knowledge, unless they have been given supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance by a person responsible for their safety.
Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the appliance. Keep the cord out of reach of children.
Remove and discard packaging materials, the power plug cover, and promotional labels before using the appliance for the first time.
NEVER unplug the appliance by pulling on the cord. To unplug the appliance, grasp the power plug and pull from the outlet.
NEVER come in contact with moving parts, especially the blades.
NEVER operate the appliance with loose, nicked, or damaged blending blades. Check the blending blades prior to each use and replace if damaged.
NEVER tighten the acorn nut (on the top of the blade assembly). If loose, replace the blade assembly immediately.
NEVER place the appliance on or near a hot gas or electric burner, or where it could touch any other source of heat.
NEVER modify the plug in any way. If the appliance will not operate, unplug the appliance and reset the household electrical system circuit protector. If the circuit protector continues to trip, unplug the appliance from the outlet and contact a qualified electrician.
NEVER allow the power cord to hang over the edge of a table or counter, touch hot surfaces, or become knotted.
ALWAYS ensure the appliance is completely and properly assembled before operation, including the unwinding of the power cord fully before use.
The blending blade assembly is very sharp. Handle carefully and keep out of reach of children.
NEVER use attachments other than those provided with the appliance or offered separately from Vitamix. The use of attachments, including preserving jars, not sold or recommended by Vitamix, may cause fire, electric shock, or injury and will void the warranty.
Alteration or modification of any part of the appliance, 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.
ALWAYS ensure the appliance is unplugged from the power outlet before cleaning the motor base or centering pad, or touching parts that move.
NEVER fill the container above the “MAXIMUM CAPACITY” line to avoid the risk of injury caused by damage to the lid and container.
When blending hot liquids or ingredients in the container, use caution; spray or escaping steam may cause burns.
ALWAYS begin processing on the lowest speed setting, Variable Speed 1. Keep hands and other exposed skin away from the lid opening to prevent possible burns.
Extreme caution must be used when moving an appliance or container filled with hot oil or other hot liquids; spray or escaping steam may cause burns.

TAMPER HOLDER INSTALLATION

Parts and Features

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 appliance.

Container, Lid, Lid Plug, and Tamper

NOTE: Previous Ascent-compatible SELF-DETECT® containers will work with the Ascent X Series, however, not all programs will be available.

12-Cup Food Processor Attachment with SELF-DETECT (VM0215)
48-ounce Aer™ Disc Container (VM0190)
48-ounce Container with SELF-DETECT (VM0190)
48-ounce Dry Grains Container with SELF-DETECT (VM0190)
48-ounce Stainless Steel Container (VM0216)
64-ounce Low Profile Container with SELF-DETECT (VM0184)

The blender and containers communicate through wireless SELF-DETECT technology. Each container is programmed to run on the motor base for optimum performance according to its size and functionality.
ALWAYS leave the lid on when operating the appliance and remove ONLY the lid plug to use the tamper or to add ingredients.
NEVER use the tamper for more than 30 consecutive seconds to avoid overheating. The container should not be more than 2/3 full when the tamper is used.
NEVER operate the appliance without ensuring the lid is securely locked in place.
NOTE: The appliance will run without a lid on the container, but a lid MUST be attached to contain the ingredients during processing.
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 rotating it clockwise. To remove, turn the plug counter-clockwise and lift it out.
Lids and tampers are NOT interchangeable between different container styles, types, and sizes. Use only the tamper and lid supplied with your appliance. If you do not have the correct tamper for your container, contact Vitamix Household Technical Support.
ALWAYS load the container according to the Vitamix recipe directions or the Load Order Illustration (see page 8).

Motor Base

The motor is designed to protect itself from overheating.
If the appliance will not start immediately, check to ensure the appliance is plugged in and the On/Off Switch is ON.
If the motor has overheated, allow the motor to cool.
See “User Notifications” on page 6.

On/Off Switch – Controls power to the machine and is located on the lower right side of the motor base.

Display

Two-Touch Operation – Requires two interactions of the controls to activate the blending cycle.
Container Detect – Displays on the control panel, and the appliance will not operate until a compatible SELF-DETECT container is properly positioned on the motor base.
Sleep Mode – Dims the screen if the control panel is not used for 30 seconds. To exit sleep mode, rotate the Variable Speed Dial to the desired speed or program for the next blend.
Screen Saver – Displayed if the control panel is not used for 60 seconds. To exit screen saver mode, rotate the Variable Speed Dial to the desired speed or program for the next blend.
Error Code – Shows numbers on the display indicating the appliance has experienced a fault. Document the error code number and contact Vitamix Household Technical Support for resolution.
Timer – Counts 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.
Programs – Operates the appliance for preset times and will stop automatically at the end of the program.
When the Start/Stop is pressed in the middle of a program, the machine will stop, and the program time will reset on the display to the beginning of the run time.

Menu – (Only on Ascent X4 & X5 Models)

Displays the available programs once the container is placed on the motor base. Use the Variable Speed Dial to scroll through the available programs. The Program Icons are displayed in Vitamix recipes and can be found on page 7.

Self-Cleaning – Runs the cleaning cycle after water and dishwashing liquid have been added to the machine and the lid and lid plug are in place. See page 9 for cleaning procedures.
Add Time – (Only on Ascent X4 & X5 Models)

Increases the program blend time by 15 seconds.

NOTE: The Add Time button can only be pressed two times to add a maximum of 30 seconds to the blend time, as long as the run time does not exceed the maximum run time for the container to avoid motor overheating. Once the Add Time limit has been reached, the following will appear on the display:

Pulse – Rotates the blade at the speed displayed on the control panel when pressed and is located on the left side of the control panel.

Variable Speed Dial – Provides manual speed control from Variable 1 (slowest) to 10 (highest). On Ascent X4 & X5 models, the dial is also used to scroll through the program options.

Start/Stop – Starts or stops the blending at any time and is located on the right side of the control panel.

Blending

TIPS TO PREVENT OVERHEATING

Process only Vitamix recipes when learning to use the appliance.
NEVER process recipes at lower or higher speeds than recommended. Speed is indicated both numerically and visually by the completion of the circular indicator around the number, as illustrated below.

USER NOTIFICATIONS

Overheating Notification – NEVER process recipes for longer than recommended. Over-processed blends can result in the incorrect recipe texture and overheat the appliance. The temperature indicators help identify overheating conditions.
Use Tamper Notification – Use the tamper to process thicker mixtures and keep ingredients moving around and through the blades.
The tamper indicators, available on the Ascent X4 and X5 models, help during recipe programs to determine the best times to use the tamper. The tamper indicator is available for specific recipe programs and is not available when using Variable Speed.

BLENDING IN THE CONTAINER

Press the On/Off Switch on the lower right side of the motor base (see page 5 for location) to the ON (I) position.
Load the container according to the Vitamix recipe directions or the Load Order Illustration.IMPORTANT! ALWAYS operate the appliance with the lid and lid plug firmly in place when the machine is in operation. NEVER remove the lid while blades are rotating. Only remove the lid plug to add ingredients and to use the tamper.
Place the lid onto the container:
• Push down on the lid until the two tabs snap onto the lip of the container.
• Insert the lid plug and turn clockwise to lock it into the lid.
Place the container with the lid onto the motor base, and Variable Speed 1 will display.
NOTES:
• Displays on the control panel and the appliance will not operate until a compatible container is properly positioned on the motor base.
• The appliance will run without a lid on the container, but a lid MUST be attached to contain the ingredients during processing.
TO USE VARIABLE SPEED
1. TO USE VARIABLE SPEED:
  1. Turn the dial clockwise to Variable Speed 1.
  2. Press Start/Stop and the blades will begin to turn. The timer will count the minutes and seconds that the blend has been processing.
  3. Rotate the dial between Variable Speed 1 and 10 during the blending cycle to increase or decrease the speed of the blades.
  4. At the end of the blend, press Start/Stop to stop the appliance.
2. TO USE PROGRAMS (X3 MODEL):
  1. Press the desired program button.
  2. The default program time and Variable Speed setting will show on the display.
  3. Press Start/Stop to start the program. The appliance will stop automatically at the end of the program, or press Start/Stop at any time to stop the program.
3. TO USE PROGRAMS (X4 & X5 MODELS):
  1. Press the Menu button to display the programs.
  2. Rotate the Variable Speed Dial to the icon for the desired program.
  3. Press Start/Stop to select and start the program. The selected program icon will display along with the processing time that the appliance will automatically stop at, the speed, and if a tamper will be needed during processing:
  4. To increase the blend time by 15 seconds, use the Add Time button on the control panel.
    NOTE: The Add Time button can only be pressed two times to add a maximum of 30 seconds to the blend time, as long as the run time does not exceed the maximum run time for the container to avoid motor overheating. Once the Add Time limit has been reached, the following will appear on the display:
  5. Press Start/Stop at any time to stop the program.
If the mixture stops circulating or the “Use Tamper Now” icon illuminates (only on X4 & X5 Models):
1. Remove the lid plug by turning it counter-clockwise, insert the tamper through the lid plug opening, and stir until the mixture ‘burps’.
2. If this does not work, press the On/Off Switch to stop the motor.
3. Remove the container from the motor base, remove the lid, and use a rubber spatula to press the air bubble away from the blades.
4. Add liquid if necessary.
5. Replace the lid and lid plug, and return the container to the motor base, and Continue blending.
After blending, wait until the blades stop completely before removing the lid or the container from the motor base.
Use a Vitamix Under Blade Scraper or spatula to remove salsa, jelly, jam, peanut butter, and other ingredients from the container.

Care and Cleaning

WARNING

Unplug from the outlet when not in use, before putting on or taking off parts, and before cleaning. Non-dimmed display indicates ready to operate. Avoid inadvertent contact with the touch screen.

NEVER tighten the acorn nut (on the top of the blade assembly). If loose, replace the blade assembly immediately.

Electrical Shock Hazard

NEVER put the motor base in water or other liquid. Failure to follow instructions can cause death or electrical shock.

BEFORE FIRST USE

NEVER attempt to remove the retainer nut or blade assembly from the container. The container is designed to be completely cleanable without removing the retainer nut and blade assembly. The cleaning and sanitizing procedures or a dishwasher cleaning cycle will ensure a complete and thorough cleaning of the container and components.
If the container is damaged, DO NOT USE IT. Contact Vitamix Household Technical Support IMMEDIATELY for assistance.

Wipe the motor base with a damp, soft cloth or sponge rinsed in a mild solution of liquid dish soap and warm water, and dry with a soft cloth.
Wash and install the tamper holder. See page 3 for tamper holder installation instructions.
Wash the container, lid, lid plug, and tamper with warm, soapy water. Rinse all parts and wipe dry with a dry, soft cloth.
Place the appliance on a counter that is level, dry, and clean.
Plug the appliance into a grounded, 3-prong outlet.

MOTOR BASE CLEANING

Turn off and unplug the appliance, and remove the container from the motor base.
Wash the outside surface with a damp, soft cloth or sponge rinsed in a mild solution of liquid dish soap and warm water.
NOTE: NEVER immerse the power cord, power plug, or motor base in water or any other liquid.
The centering pad can be removed for more thorough cleaning and is dishwasher safe or can be hand-washed in warm, soapy water.
Immediately dry all surfaces and polish with a soft cloth.

TAMPER CLEANING

The tamper is dishwasher safe or can be hand-washed in warm, soapy water. Rinse clean under running water and then dry.

CONTAINER CLEANING – DISHWASHER

The container, lid, blade base, and seal are dishwasher safe or can be hand-washed and sanitized using the following procedures.

CONTAINER CLEANING – SELF-CLEANING

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.
Press the Self-Cleaning icon.
The Self-Cleaning icon will display along with the processing time and the speed.
Press Start/Stop.
The program will stop automatically when complete.
Rinse and drain all pieces.

CONTAINER CLEANING – VARIABLE SPEED

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.
Press Start/Stop to turn on the appliance and slowly increase to Variable Speed 10.
Run the appliance for 30 to 60 seconds.
Rotate the Variable Speed Dial to Standby or Variable Speed 1 and press Start/Stop to turn off the appliance.
Rinse and drain all pieces.

CONTAINER SANITIZING – BLEACH

First, perform the “Container Cleaning” instructions.
Then repeat the “Container Cleaning” instructions but add 1.5 teaspoons (7.4 ml) of liquid bleach to 16 oz. (473 ml) of water.
Allow the mixture to stand in the container for an additional 1-1/2 minutes.
Pour the bleach mixture out. Allow the container to air dry. DO NOT rinse after sanitizing. If desired, rinse immediately before next use.

CONTAINER SANITIZING – VINEGAR

First, perform the “Container Cleaning” instructions.
Then repeat the “Container Cleaning” instructions, but use 16 oz. (473 ml) of vinegar for every 16 oz. (473 ml) of water.
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 sanitizing procedure a second time (Steps 2 through 4).
Allow the container and lid to air dry. DO NOT rinse after sanitizing. If desired, rinse immediately before next use.

Warranty and Service

10-Year Full 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 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 10 years, 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 blending container(s), lids and tamper(s) purchased together) fails within 10 years from the earlier of the date of purchase due or date of delivery as permitted by law 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 part of the Blender free of charge. If, in Vitamix’s sole discretion, the failed Blender or 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 buildup. This Warranty is only valid if the Blender is used and maintained according to 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. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from State to State.

What Voids the 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 Return Authorization Under This Warranty.

If 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.

Within the U.S.A. and Canada, this Warranty is honored directly through the Vita-Mix Corporation.

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Vitamix Ascent X4 Blender User Manual