Vitamix S55 Owner's Manual

VITAMIX® S55

Owner’s Manual

Read and save these instructions

Vita-Mix® Corporation
8615 Usher Road
Cleveland, OH 44138-2103 U.S.A.

440.235.4840 / 800.848.2649

vitamix.com

CONTENTS AND SYMBOLS

INTRODUCTION

High Performance Gets Personal

With four convenient pre-programmed settings and two container sizes, the S55 delivers the versatility of a
high-performance blender in a compact size.

Explore your Personal Blending Cookbook to find dozens of healthy, whole-food recipes, as well as a few
indulgences for special occasions. The Kitchen Basics section oers techniques that will help simplify meal
prep, including how to chop, whip, purée, and more.

Create a variety of recipes for enjoying at home or taking on the go. Beverages to Go is written specifically for
the 20-ounce container-turned-travel-cup. With other sections including Dressings, Soups, Sauces, and Frozen
Desserts, you’ll find the perfect dish for every course of every meal.

We’ve made it easier than ever to get started. Four pre-programmed settings take the guesswork out of
processing times, automatically shutting o when the cycle has completed. Icons pictured in each recipe will
help you quickly identify which program and container size are recommended for the task at hand.

Because the features of the S55 make it unlike any other Vitamix blender, we ask that you read and
understand the following Getting Started guide and this owner’s manual before your first use.

S55 Programs

Smoothie: Perfect for smoothies made with delicate, fresh ingredients

Power Blend: Made for tougher blends (think hearty greens, protein powder, firm veggies)

Dips and Spreads: When you want thick, smooth textures like hummus or cheese dips

CONTENTS

Contents and Symbols ................................................................................................................................................................. 3

Service and Registration .............................................................................................................................................................4

Important Safeguards .................................................................................................................................................................. 5

Parts and Features ........................................................................................................................................................................ 7

Control Panel ..................................................................................................................................................................................8

Blending in the 40 ounce (1.2L)Container ........................................................................................................................ 10

Tamper ..............................................................................................................................................................................................11

Blending in the 20 ounce (0.6L)Container ........................................................................................................................12

Care, Cleaning and Troubleshooting ......................................................................................................................................13

Warranty ..........................................................................................................................................................................................14

SYMBOLS

Frozen Desserts: Ideal for ice creams and sorbets

Refer to the Personal Blending Cookbook that was included with your blender. For more recipes and
inspiration, visit vitamix.com.

2

Warning

Read and understand owner’s manual

Electrical shock hazard

Unplug while not in use, before cleaning, changing accessories or
approaching parts that move in use

Never touch moving parts

Do not immerse or place the motor base in water

Hot surface - DO NOT touch

3

SERVICE AND REGISTRATION

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

Vitamix Service

Record the model number and serial number of your Vitamix in the spaces provided below for future reference.
These numbers can be found on the bottom of the motor base.

Model Number

Serial Number

Date of Purchase

Purchased From

Before returning this product for any reason, including repair, first contact Vitamix Customer Service at

1.800.848.2649 or 1.440.235.4840 or email: [e-mail].

Product Registration

If you purchased your Vitamix® machine directly from the Vita-Mix® Corporation your product was registered
at the time of purchase and your machine’s warranty has been activated.

Your machine is not yet registered with Vitamix if you:

1. Purchased from a retail or wholesale store

2. Received your machine as a gift

3. Are not the original owner of the machine

Enjoy faster and easier service in the future by taking a few minutes to register your Vitamix machine today.

Choose one of these easy ways to register your machine:

1. Online at vitamix.com/warranty

2. Email: [e-mail]

3. For persons without internet access, call 1.800.848.2649 or 1.440.235.4840, press option 1 and then

option 1 again.

Your warranty may be honored by Vita-Mix

Failure to register your machine will not diminish your warranty rights.

®

Corporation.

WARNING: To avoid the risk of serious injury when using your Vitamix® blender, basic safety

precautions should be followed, including the following.

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS, SAFEGUARDS, AND WARNINGS BEFORE
OPERATING BLENDER.

1. Read all instructions.

2. This appliance is 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
appliance is used by or near children or incapacitated persons.

3. To protect against the risk of electrical shock, do not put the blender base in water or other liquid.

4. Unplug the appliance from outlet when not in use, before putting on or taking o parts, and

before cleaning.

5. Avoid contacting moving parts.

6. 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 440.235.4840 at once for examination, repair,
replacement, or electrical or mechanical adjustment.

7. Alteration or modification of any part or component of the blender assembly, including the use of any

part, component, or accessory that is not a genuine authorized Vitamix part, may cause fire, electric
shock, or injury.

8. DO NOT attempt to defeat the interlock.

9. 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.

10. DO NOT blend hot liquids in the 20 ounce (0.6 L) container.

11. DO NOT use the 20 (0.6 L) or 40 ounce (1.2 L) container, blade base, seals or lids in the microwave.

12. When blending hot liquids or ingredients in the 40 ounce (1.2 L) container, spray or escaping steam may

cause scalding and burns. Keep hands and other exposed skin away from the lid opening to prevent
possible burns.

13. If your machine is equipped with a variable speed functionality, always start at lowest speed setting.

14. DO NOT use the appliance for purposes other than its intended use.

15. DO NOT fill the containers beyond the maximum capacity. The 40 ounce (1.2 L) container should not be

more than two-thirds full (26 ounces) when the tamper is used during blending.

16. DO NOT use outdoors.

17. DO NOT let cord hang over edge of table or counter or make contact with hot surfaces, including

the stove.

18. Keep hands and utensils out of 40 ounce (1.2 L) container while blending to reduce the risk of

severe injury to persons or damage to the blender. The tamper can be used during blending in the
40 ounce (1.2 L) container. A rubber scraper or spatula may be used, but only when the blender is
not running.

19. Blades are sharp. Handle or remove the blade base from either container with extreme care to

avoid injury.

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5

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

PARTS AND FEATURES

20. To reduce the risk of injury, never place the blade base on the motor base unless assembled to

the container.

21. DO NOT leave foreign objects, such as spoons, forks, knives or the lid plug, in either container as this will

damage the blades and other components when starting the machine and may cause injury.

22. Never attempt to operate the blender with damaged blades.

23. Never attempt to operate the blender without the seal in place between the blade base and

either container.

24. The lid and lid plug MUST be firmly in place when blending with the 40 ounce (1.2 L) container. The lid

plug should be removed only when adding ingredients and when using the tamper.

25. 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 dangerous overheating.

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 the replacement of parts must be performed by Vitamix or an authorized
service representative.

WARNING

Electrical Shock Hazard.

Use grounded outlet only.

DO NOT remove ground.
DO NOT use an adapter.
DO NOT use an extension cord.
Failure to follow instructions can cause death or electrical shock.

NOTICE: THE FAILURE TO FOLLOW ANY OF THE IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS AND THE IMPORTANT
INSTRUCTIONS FOR SAFE USE IS A MISUSE OF YOUR VITAMIX BLENDER THAT CAN VOID YOUR WARRANTY
AND CREATE THE RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY.

Overow Opening

is located on the back
of the motor base. It
directs liquid away
from the motor in
case of a leak. If you
experience leaks, refer
to Tips and Techniques
on page 9.

Motor Base

Pulse Feature

is to the le of the stop position

on the Control Knob

Control Knob

is used to select programs or to

control the blade speed from

1 to 10 (low to high)

Spill-Proof Vented Lid

with removable lid plug
(top rack dishwasher safe)
DO NOT use in a microwave)

40 ounce (1.2 L) Container

shatter-resistant container
(top rack dishwasher safe,
DO NOT use in a microwave)

Flip-Top Lid

The seal MUST be in place to
avoid leaks when using the
20 ounce (0.6 L) container as
a to-go cup.
(top rack dishwasher safe,
DO NOT use in a microwave)

20 ounce (0.6 L) Container

(top rack dishwasher safe,
DO NOT use in a microwave)

Seals

Two seals are supplied with your
blender. Refer to page 9 for more
information about seals.
(top rack dishwasher safe)
DO NOT use in a microwave)

Interchangeable Blade Base

is used to blend in with the 20 ounce (0.6 L)
and 40 ounce (1.2 L) containers
(top rack dishwasher safe)
DO NOT use in a microwave)

Interlock Tab

Both containers have two
interlock tabs that must be
positioned in the cutouts in
the motor base for the motor
to operate.

is used to maintain circulation by preventing
air pockets in the 40 ounce (1.2 L) container.
See page 11.
(top rack dishwasher safe)

6

Tamper

7

CONTROL PANEL

TIPS AND TECHNIQUES

S55

1

3

4

2

1. Power Indication: When the stop symbol (O) brightens, this indicates that the machine is plugged in

and power is flowing. Unplug the machine whenever it will be left unattended.

The stop symbol on the control panel will behave in these ways:

Slow flash – machine is plugged in but the container is not properly in place on the motor base.
Solid (no flash) – machine is plugged in, the container is in place, and the machine is ready to blend.
Fast flash – error caused by one of the following:
A. The motor base is plugged in while the control knob is not in the stop position (O).
B. The container was placed on the machine while the control knob was not pointed at the stop

symbol (O).

C. The container was removed from machine while operating (could include lifting the container away

from the motor base and the interlock tabs losing contact with the base during tamping).

If the container is lifted or rocked from the motor base during blending, the machine will turn o
automatically. To continue, place the container back on the motor base. Push in on the center of the
control knob to start the blades.

2. Control Knob: Allows you to select a program or use variable speed from 1 to 10 (low to high).

To begin, rotate the control knob counterclockwise from the stop symbol to select a program or
clockwise from the stop symbol to the desired variable speed setting. Push in on the center of the knob
to activate the blades. When blending with a program, allow the blender to blend through the cycle and
stop on it’s own. When using variable speed, push in on the center of the control knob again to stop the
blades. Rotate the control knob back to the stop symbol.

Seals

There are two seals supplied with your blender. The seals are
interchangeable and their uses are:

• During the blend - place a seal on the blade base attaching the
blade base to either container.

• To travel - place a seal on the flip-top lid before attaching to the
20 ounce (0.6 L) container.

The seals are used to avoid leaks and spills. If you experience leaking:

• Make sure the seal is in place on the blade assembly before
attaching to either container.

• Thread the blade base onto the container and until it stops. Try to
thread a little further to make sure it is tight.

Keep the seals clean, allow to air dry between uses and keep in a safe
place to avoid losing them.

Blade Base

Flip-top Lid

During the Blend

Seal

To Travel

Seal

Ingredients

• Cut ingredients into 1-inch pieces.

• Cubed ice blends better than crushed ice.

• The order to add ingredients to each container is important. Place ingredients into each container in the

order they appear in the recipe.

• Do not fill the 40 ounce (1.2 L) container more than two-thirds full (approximately 28 ounces) when

blending thick texture recipes (e.g., hummus or nut butters). This allows room at the top of the container to
use the tamper, to add liquid to the blend if necessary and will reduce the chances of overheating the unit.

Remember: Always follow guidelines in the recipe to ensure the best blend quality. Operating at a lower speed
than suggested in the recipe can cause the motor to overheat. Blend for the full processing time suggested in
the recipe. The smaller blades will take a bit longer than larger Vitamix machines.

• If ingredients are not flowing easily through the blades, use the tamper in the 40 ounce (1.2 L) container,

or add more liquid to the blend. DO NOT overfill.

3. Pulse (

center of the control knob to activate the blades. The machine will blend at 50% of high speed for as
long as it is held in this position.

4. Programs: Your blender is equipped with four program settings. Rotating the control knob

counterclockwise from the stop symbol allows you to select a program for Smoothies (
Power Blends (
duration vary and will stop automatically at the end of the program. To begin a program, rotate to the icon
and then press in on the center of the control knob to activate the blades. To stop, push in again on the
center of the control knob. Rotate the control knob back to the stop symbol when done.

8

): Rotate the control knob to the counterclockwise to the pulse position. Push in on the

), Dips and Spreads ( ) and Frozen Desserts ( ). Program blending speeds and

),

9

BLENDING IN THE 40 OUNCE

(1.2L)CONTAINER

TAMPER

WARNING

Parts will become hot with extended use.

DO NOT touch the drive socket in the underside of the blade base or the drive spline
inside the motor base.

When blending hot liquids in the 40 ounce (1.2 L) container, escaping
steam, splashes or contents may scald.

To secure the contents, lock the lid and lid plug securely in place prior to blending hot
liquids in the 40 ounce (1.2 L) container.

Rotating blades can cause severe injury.

DO NOT reach into container while machine is running.

To avoid damage or personal injury, DO NOT use the 40 ounce (1.2 L)
container (including the blade base, seal, lid and lid plug) in the microwave.

This icon corresponds to suggested recipes for the 40 ounce (1.2 L) container in your cookbook.

1. To begin, put a seal onto the bottom thread of the blade

base. The seal should fit snugly and evenly around the thread.

2. Thread the blade base onto the 40 ounce (1.2 L) container

in a clockwise direction just until tight. Do not overtighten
or leaking can occur.

3. Load the 40 ounce (1.2 L) container according to

the recipe.

4. Put the lid onto the 40 ounce (1.2 L) container.

Make sure that the tabs on the lid snap onto
the container.

5. Insert the lid plug into the opening in the lid.

Turn the lid plug counterclockwise to lock.
Pull up on the lid plug to make sure it is secure.

6. Set the 40 ounce (1.2 L) container onto the

motor base with the container handle facing you.
The interlock tabs on the 40 ounce (1.2 L) container will lower into the cutouts in the motor base.

7. Begin blending by slowly rotating the control to the desired program, variable speed setting or to pulse.

Once you are at the setting you would like to start blending on, push the knob in to start the blades.
Follow the recipe guidelines to finish the blend.

8. Wait until the blades come to a complete stop before removing the lid or the container from the

motor base.

9. Empty the container. Unthread the blade base from the container in a counter-clockwise direction.

Ice and Frozen Ingredients

Fruits and Veggies

Dry Goods

(grains, seasonings, powders)

Liquids (water, juice, yogurt)

Seal

Blade Base

Leafy Greens

Blade Base

40 ounce (1.2 L)

Container

CAUTION

Rotating blades can cause damage.

Lids and tampers are not interchangeable between dierent Vitamix machines, container
styles, types, or sizes. Always use the tamper that was supplied with your machine.

DO NOT put hands, spatulas, etc. in the container while the machine is running or while
the container is still on the base.

The tamper that was supplied with your blender is the correct tamper to use in the 40 ounce (1.2 L) container.
DO NOT use any other Vitamix tampers in the 40 ounce (1.2 L) container.

The tamper should easily fit into the lid opening and not come in contact with the blades no matter how you
move the tamper inside the container. If the tamper you are using touches the blades at any angle, DO NOT
use that tamper. Contact Vitamix Customer Service at 1.800.848.2649 or 1.440.235.4840 to order a new
tamper, appropriate for use with your 40 ounce (1.2 L) container.

Important for use

Hold onto the container handle while tamping.

DO NOT rock or tip the container on the motor base while
tamping. If the container comes o of the motor base, put
the container back onto the motor base and press in on the
center of the control knob to start the blades.

The tamper splash disk and lid prevent the tamper from
hitting the blades when the lid is in place.

The 40 ounce (1.2 L) container should not be more than
two-thirds full (28 ounces) if using the tamper during
the blend.

To avoid overheating, DO NOT use the tamper for more than
30 consecutive seconds.

Holding the tamper straight up and down may not help the
ingredients circulate. If necessary, point the end of the tamper
toward the container walls. DO NOT try to force the tamper
deeper into the container.

Tamper

Tamper Splash Disk

Lid

Container
Handle

Blades

10

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