Vitamix A3500 Smart Blender Owner’s Manual

: June 9, 2024
: Vitamix

Vitamix A3500 Smart Blender

IMPORTANT SAF EGUARDS

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.

Read all instructions.
Do not use blender for other than 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 blende r 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: 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.
DO NOT IMMERSE. To protect against risk of electrical shock, do not put the blender base in water or other liquid.
Unplug from outlet when not in use, before putting on or taking off parts, and before cleaning.
Always check that the blender is OFF before plugging cord into wall outlet. To disconnect, turn OFF the blender, then remove plug from wall outlet.
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.
Illuminated icons and numbers on the control panel indicates 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 cord hang over edge of 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 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 blender with lid and lid plug firmly in place. The lid plug should be removed only when adding ingredients and when using the tamper.
When blending hot liquids or ingredients in the 64 oz. (Large) 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.
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.
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.
DO NOT continuously use your machine for more than 2 minutes with the 20 ounce cup or 45 seconds for the 8 ounce cup.
If a cup becomes warm to the touch or steams or vents, immediately stop blending ingredients and turn off or unplug blender.
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 blade base 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 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.

SPECIFICATIONS

Voltage: 120 V Height (with 64 oz. container on base): 17 inches
Frequency: 50 – 60 Hz Width: 8 inches
Amps: 12 Amps Depth: 11 inches

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

This device may not cause harmful interference, and
This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

This device complies with Industry Canada licence-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

This device may not cause interference, and
This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

This device complies with Health Canada’s Safety Code. The installer of this device should ensure that RF radiation is not emitted in excess of the Health Canada’s requirement. Information can be obtained at http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca /ewh-semt/pubs/radiation/radio_guide-lignes_direct/index-eng.php.

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

SYMBOLS

| Warning and Caution
---|---
| NEVER touch moving parts. Keep hands and utensils out of the container
| Electric Shock Hazard
| High temperature when blending hot liquids
| Unplug while not in use, before cleaning, changing accessories or touching parts that move while the blender is in use
| Operate with the lid and lid plug in place
| Read and understand owner’s manual
| DO NOT immerse
| Parts will become hot with extended use. DO NOT touch the drive socket in the motor base or the drive spline in the adapter
| On/Off
| Start/Stop
| Pulse
Program Symbols (correspond to Vitamix Recipes) – note: your blender might not include programs
Smoothies
Frozen Desserts
Soups
Spreads
Self-Cleaning

PARTS AND FEATURES

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.

Blender with Variable Speed

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 ( I ) – Stop the blender at any time by pressing Start/Stop ( I )

Blender with Variable Speed and Programs

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.

PARTS AND FEATURES

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.

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.

BLENDING

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.

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.
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.
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.
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 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 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:

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 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:

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:
- Variable Speed:
- Press the Start / Stop.
- Slowly increase 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.
Allow mixture to stand in the container for an additional 1 ½ minutes.
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

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.
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.
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.

Vitamix-A3500-Smart-Blender-24

USE
See BLENDING

CARE
See CARE and CLEANING

WARRANTY AND SERVICE

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 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 re-sale purposes. Should ownership of the blender change during the 10-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 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.
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 in accordance with 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, 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 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, 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 PROFIT OR REVENUE.
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 component part of the Blender are performed by someone other than either Vitamix or an authorized Vitamix Service Provider or if any component 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.
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 a 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. 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.

United States
Vita-Mix Corporation
8615 Usher Road Cleveland, Ohio 44138-2199 1-800-848-2649
service@vitamix.com

Canada
Vita-Mix Corporation
200-1701 Shepherd Street East Windsor, Ontario N8Y 4Y5
1-800-848-2649
service@vitamix.com

You will be deemed to have accepted the returned product “as is” upon delivery unless you notify Vitamix of any problem, including shipment damage, within 48 hours of delivery.
©2019 Vita-Mix Corporation. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the written permission of Vita-Mix Corporation.

SYMBOLS

| Warning and Caution| | Parts will become hot with extended use. DO NOT touch the drive socket in the blender base or the drive spline on the self- detect base.
---|---|---|---
| NEVER touch moving parts. Keep hands and utensils out of the work bowl| I/O| On/Off
| High temperature when blending hot liquids| | Start/Stop
| Unplug while not in use, before cleaning, changing accessories or touching parts that move while the blender is in use| | Pulse
| Operate with the snap-on lid and food pushers in place| | Read and understand owner’s manual

Vitamix power + precision processing

The Vitamix 12 Cup Food Processor was designed to be used with our Self-detect® line of blenders. These blenders include the Ascent® and Venturist® models.
You will ﬁnd a description of each control panel and it’s features below. The food processor will not work on a blender base without the Self-detect feature.
Go online for techniques training and recipe inspiration at vitamix.com. Our team will educate you on how to chop, slice, shred and so much more.
The Vitamix 12 Cup Food Processor pairs nicely with our blending containers, cups and bowls. It allows you to use your blender as a complete kitchen system.
Our recipes and techniques are written so that the Food Processor can be used on each of these motor bases.
Contact Vitamix Customer Service with questions at 1-800-848-2649.

Blender control panels

Vitamix-A3500-Smart-Blender-25

UNPACKING AND HANDLING

The multi-use blade and discs are sharp. Unpack, handle and store with care.
The multi-use blade and discs should be kept out of reach of children.
Remove and discard packaging materials before using the food processor for the ﬁrst time.
To eliminate a choking hazard for young children, remove and discard packaging and bags that either contain or protect the product during shipment.

IMPORTANT SAF EGUARDS

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

Carefully read all instructions before operating the food processor for the first time. Save the instructions for future reference.
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 used by or near children or incapacitated persons. Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the food processor.
DO NOT IMMERSE. To protect against risk of electrical shock, do not put the blender base in water or other liquid.
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.
Avoid contact with moving parts.
Blades are sharp. Handle and clean the multi-use blade and discs with extreme care to avoid injury.
Never try to override or modify the interlock mechanism.
Be certain cover is securely locked in place before operating appliance.
Never attempt to remove the snap-on lid while the appliance is operating. Always stop the machine before the snap-on lid is removed.
Never attempt to operate with damaged blades, food processor parts or discs. Contact Vitamix Customer Service at 1-800-848-2649 for instructions.
Do not operate any appliance with a damaged cord or plug or after the appliance malfunctions, or is dropped or damaged in any manner. Contact the manufacturer at their customer service telephone number for information on examination, repair, or adjustment. Contact VItamix Customer Service at 1-800-848-2649 for instructions.
Do not let cord hang over edge of table or counter.
Illuminated icons and numbers on the blender control panel indicates the motor base is ready to operate.
The use of accessories not expressly authorized or sold by Vitamix, may cause fire, electric shock, or injury. Use in this way will void your warranty.
Do not place the blender, containers, cups or food processor on or near a hot gas or electric burner, in or on a heated oven.
Keep hands and utensils out of work bowl and feed tube to reduce the risk of severe injury to persons or damage to the food processor.
Make sure the disc or multi-use blade has completely stopped rotated before separating the snap-on lid from the work bowl.
A rubber scraper or spatula may be used, but only when the food processor has been removed from the blender base and the snap-on lid has been removed.
The snap-on lid must remain in place when using the food chute and food pushers through the snap-on lid opening. Never push food down by hand when slicing or shredding.
Always use the food pushers that were provided with your food processor. Do not use a tamper that was supplied with your blender.
To reduce the risk of injury, never place the multi-use blade or slicing/shredding disc on the motor base unless properly installed into the food processor.
Do not leave foreign objects, such as spoons, forks, knives or food pushers
in the work bowl as this will damage the multi-use blade or discs and other components when starting the motor base and may cause injury.
Do not process frozen meat or meat with bones with the chopping blade.
Do not process frozen fruit or vegetables or hard fruit or vegetables with the chopping blade.
Do not attempt to process fruit of vegetables, larger than a palm of a human hand with the chopping blade.
If the machine shuts off prematurely, wobbles or rocks during processing, reduce the load in the machine. Always follow the recipe guidelines that were provided in the techniques book or on vitamix.com.
Care should be taken when removing food from the food processor bowl. Ensure that the motor and blade or disc has completely stopped before disassembling and attempting to remove food out of the work bowl.
The multi-use blade or disc must be carefully removed before attempting to remove or pour ingredients out of the food processor bowl. Use the finger holes in the discs to ensure safe handling.
When processing liquids or ingredients, use caution; spray or escaping steam may cause burns if using hot ingredients.
Do not use ingredients above 212 deg F (100 deg C).
Do not fill the work bowl over the maximum capacity. Max fill capacities are marked on the work bowl (12 cups dry ingredients; 9 cups wet ingredients).
Keep hands and other exposed skin away from openings to prevent possible burns.
Do not use outdoors.
Do not move appliance while in operation.
Do not place any part of the food processor or blender in the microwave oven.
Do not use harsh abrasive, caustic cleaners or oven cleaners when cleaning the food processor parts or your blender base.
Follow care instructions in the blender owner’s manual to care for the motor base. Follow care instructions in this manual to care for the food processor.
DO NOT use the Food Processor Attachment with the PerfectBlend App.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

FOOD PROCESSOR OVERVIEW

Vitamix-A3500-Smart-Blender-26

A – Small food pusher
Use to process smaller ingredients.
Dishwasher safe.
B – Large food pusher
Use to push ingredients into the slicing/shredding disc.
Dishwasher safe.
C – Snap-on Lid
Dishwasher safe.
D – Work bowl
9 cup liquid, 12 cup dry capacity.
Dishwasher safe.
E – Multi-use (chopping) blade
(shown in place in work bowl and below; removable) SHARP, use care when handling! Pick up the multi-use blade by the plastic neck to avoid injury.
Use to chop, mix, whip and blend ingredients. Process from coarsely chopped to minced.
Can be used to puree, make nut butters and mix doughs.
Dishwasher safe.
F – Self-detect base
Wipe down only.
Not dishwasher safe.
G – Blender motor base (sold separately).
Wipe down only.
Not dishwasher safe.
H – Slicing/Shredding Discs (removable) WARNING: BLADES ARE SHARP!
Use care when handling! Pick up the discs using the ﬁnger holes to avoid injury.
Choose between small shred/thin slice or
large shred/thick slice to process ingredients.
DIscs are reversible for the task you prefer.
Use one side to slice, the other to shred. Dishwasher safe.
Not Shown –
Disc Storage (see page 10 for a description )

PROCESSING

WARNING
To Avoid Injury. NEVER TOUCH MOVING PARTS.
Keep hands and utensils out of the work bowl during processing. When slicing and shredding, use the food pusher to push ingredients into the slicing/shredding disc or down into the bowl to be processed by the multi-use blade. Never insert your fingers, kitchen tools, tamper or spatula into the feed tube.
The blades will continue to spin until they come to a complete stop at the end of the processing cycle. Allow the multi-use blade or slicing/shredding disc to come to a complete stop before attempting to remove the snap-on lid.
If the work bowl becomes unstable during operation, turn the machine OFF and wait until the motor comes to a complete stop before attempting to remove the food processor from the motor base. This will include allowing the multi-use blade or slicing/shredding disc to stop spinning.
Use care when processing cheese. The cheese you choose to process should be easily cut with a knife. If the cheese is too hard, it will possibly damage the blade or disc.

WARNING
To Avoid Possible Burns, use care if processing with hot liquids. Escaping steam, splashes or contents may burn.
DO NOT continuously use your machine for more than 3 minutes.
Parts will become hot with extended use.
DO NOT touch the drive socket in the blender base or the bottom surfaces of the self-detect base.
To avoid damage or personal injury, DO NOT put the work bowl (including the base, snapon lid and food pushers) in the microwave.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

DO NOT fill the work bowl above the MAX LIQUID line.
Always add dry or thick ingredients to the work bowl before adding liquid.
To avoid over-processing, visually monitor the progress of what you are processing.
Add liquid to puree recipes after processing.
Stir nut butters if the oil has separated.
Remove the small food pusher to add liquid to mixtures.
When processing dry ingredients, you can process many different types if desired.
DO NOT exceed the MAX FILL line if all ingredients are dry.
DO NOT exceed the MAX LIQUID fill line if the mixture contains liquid.
When processing dry and liquid ingredients, put liquid into the bowl before dry ingredients to ensure consistent processing.
Before slicing and shredding ingredients, trim the food to fit the opening in the lid or the large food pusher opening (when small food pusher is removed).
Partially chill soft ingredients to just firm prior to slicing or shredding.
DO NOT process frozen meat or meat with bones with the chopping blade.
DO NOT process frozen fruit or vegetables with the chopping blade.
DO NOT process fruits or vegetables with the chopping blade..
If the machine shuts off prematurely, wobbles or rocks during processing, reduce the load in the machine.
Do not attempt to process fruit of vegetables, larger than a palm of a human hand with the chopping blade.
If the machine shuts off prematurely, wobbles or rocks during processing, reduce the load in the machine. Always follow the recipe guidelines that were provided in the techniques book or on vitamix.com.
Store blades and discs as you would sharp knives, away from children.

Put the work bowl (1) onto the self-detect base (2).
Note: You will hear an audible click when the work bowl is it is locked into position.
Choose your type of processing:
To Chop:
- Pick up the multi-use blade by the hub to avoid direct contact with the blades. Lower the multi-use blade in place over the center shaft in the bowl.
  To Slice or Shred:
- Pick the slicing/shredding disc up by the finger holes to avoid direct contact with the slicing blade. Lower the center disc hub onto the drive shaft. The hub will sit down over the drive gear.
Secure the snap-on lid to the work bowl.
Note: You will hear two audible “clicks”.
NOTE: Make sure both tabs on the snap-on lid are snapped onto the work bowl, just like the lid on your blending container.
Insert the pin on the large food pusher into the opening in the snap-on lid. Push the large food pusher all the way down into the opening until it stops.
Insert the small food pusher into the food chute opening in the large food pusher.
NOTE: The food processor will not operate until the lid and large food pusher are properly secured in place.
Place the food processor onto the blender base.
Wash and prep ingredients. Prep could be cutting off stems, cutting ingredients to a smaller size or other activity. (Refer to the recipe or technique your are following for guidance).
Process: Ascent Series A2300 and A2500 blenders must be within the 1-10 variable speed range to work with this attachment. The blender base will not turn on if the knob is set to Standby or a Program setting. The blade or disc will turn at a continuous speed. No speed adjustment on the blender base is necessary.

To Chop:
Note: You can pre-load the ingredients in the work bowl to chop. Follow the steps below to chop ingredients using the large food pusher opening.

1.  **Note:** You can pre-load the ingredients in the work bowl to chop. Follow the steps below to chop ingredients using the large food pusher opening.
  * Remove the small food pusher.
  * Press Start/Stop on the blender base. The multi-use blade should start to spin.
  * Feed ingredients through the open area in the snap-on lid.
  * To Slice or shred:
  * Pick the size of the pusher that makes sense for the size of the food your are processing.
  * If you are processing larger pieces, remove the large food pusher. It’s ok to leave the small food pusher in place. It shoud remain inside of the large pusher when it is removed from the snap on lid.
  * Put the ingredient through the opening in the snap-on lid.
  * Put the large plunger on top of the ingredient.
  * Press Start/Stop on the blender base.
  * Apply slight pressure on the ingredient so it feeds down against the slicing/shredding disc.
  * When processing is complete, press Start/Stop.

Wait until the multi-use blade comes to a complete stop and remove the snap-on lid.
If you were using the slicing/shredding disc, carefully remove it and set to the side.
At this time, you can separate the work bowl from the self-detect base by pressing down on the work bowl “release” tab.
If you were using the multi-use blade, carefully remove it from the work bowl.
Remove or pour ingredients out of the work bowl.

CLEANING

Make sure to clean the food processor and it’s parts before ﬁrst use.
Note: If your food processor is damaged, please do not use. Contact Vitamix Customer Service IMMEDIATELY.

To Clean:
IMPORTANT! All parts except the self-detect base are dishwasher-safe.
To clean the self-detect base, wipe the base with a cloth moistened with warm, soapy water. Wipe with a clean towel to remove soap residue, Wipe dry with a clean towel.
If preferred, wash the all food processor parts in warm soapy water. Rinse clean under running water, then dry.
If you have a blender that includes the cleaning program:
Fill the work bowl half way with warm water. Add a few drops of dish soap. Return the food processor attachment to the blender base. Run the cleaning program. The program will stop automatically when complete.

Blender Base
Refer to your blender owner’s manual for care instructions for the motor base.

STORAGE

Storage
Use the storage case to neatly and securely package and store the discs..

Put the multi-purpose blade into the bowl.
Put the food pushers in place in the snap on lid..
Insert the multi-use blade into the work bowl.
Turn the snap on lid upside down.
Lower the snap on lid down onto the work bowl so that small food pusher ﬁts over the column in the center of the bowl.
Snap the storage case onto the bottom of the snap on lid
Put the two slicing/shredding discs into the storage case.
Put the cover on the storage case.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Food is unevenly chopped:
Either you are trying to process too much food at one time, or you are running the machine continuously instead of pulsing on and off.
Liquid leaks out between bowl and cover when machine is running:
You added too much liquid. Never use more than 9 cups thin or thick liquid.
Slices are uneven or slanted.
Pack feed tube more carefully. Maintain even pressure on pusher.
Carrots or similar food falls over in feed tube:
Cut food into enough short pieces of equal height to ﬁll feed tube. To slice one or two pieces, use small feed tube. Cut carrots in half and insert one piece point down and the other stem down.
Sliced or shredded food piles up on one side of work bowl:
This is normal. Remove disc occasionally and even out processed food. When food gets close to the bottom of disc, empty the work bowl.
A few pieces of food remain on top of slicing or shredding disc:
This is normal. In most cases, you can shred more of the food by moving the large pusher up and down, allowing the piece to be shredded, or by repositioning the piece in the feed tube to try again.
Soft cheese, like mozzarella, spreads out and collects on top of shredding disc:
The cheese was not cold enough, or the pressure on the pusher was too great. To shred soft cheese, apply even pressure on the food pusher to press it into the disc.

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8615 Usher Road
Cleveland, OH 44138 U.S.A.
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