The 48-ounce Stainless Steel Container is  Heavy Gauge Quality manufactured container that comes with a Lid and a Plunger which Vitamix could have left out and dropped the price point a bit. Other than being made out of Stainless Steel it works the same as the Plastic container Except that it is easier to clean. The only Drawback is I wish it was a 64 ounces instead of 48.