Vitamix 577 Mix'n Machine vs Vitamix Mix'n Machine Advance 582

Both are Vitamix frozen-dessert machines built for hard ice cream, not smoothies. The 582 Advance is the better pick for most buyers: it adds six pre-programmed settings, variable speed from 500 to 3000 RPM and a pulse function, and it weighs less. The 577 Mix'n Machine is a simpler single-speed switch unit with a stronger motor warranty (3 years on the base). Owners of the 582 report more mixed experiences than the 577's small but higher-rated sample, so buy the 577 if you want the simplest, most durable-feeling machine and the 582 if you want program control.

• Choose the Vitamix 577 Mix'n Machine if you want a no-frills, single-speed hard ice cream mixer with a 3-year motor base warranty and stainless steel construction.
• Choose the Vitamix Mix'n Machine Advance 582 if you want pre-programmed settings, variable speed and a pulse function for different frozen dessert textures.