If your family is like mine – I am sure that now and again they want a delectable feel-good treat! Thick, creamy milkshakes are right up there at the top of the list. Buying the best milkshake maker or blender for milkshakes is a fab addition to your kitchen and allows you to make ultra-delicious shakes with flavors of your choice.

As an adult, I still crave for those creamy, thick milkshakes with the ice cream of my childhood days. I am sure you do too! My kids and hubby also love a milkshake on a lazy weekend outdoors or while watching TV indoors.

Time and cost is always an issue. Going out to a milkshake bar is not still convenient and can get expensive. I am also not keen on buying ready-made shakes from the local store.

They are usually filled with all types of added colorants, thickeners, and preservatives that I would rather avoid having my family eat.

I have discovered that owning a milkshake maker is fantastic! They are easy to use, and I can mix up delectable shakes in a jiffy.

I can experiment with flavors and textures, and best of all – I exactly know what is going into the drinks.

For those of you who are not familiar with milkshake makers – read on for more info.

I have reviewed some of the top models and will give you all the info you need on each. You can then make an informed decision on which one is best for your needs.

Using A Milkshake Machine vs. a Blender: What’s the Difference

Let’s talk a bit about blenders vs. milkshake makers. Are they the same or different, and what are the benefits of each?

I would have thought that making a milkshake in my blender would be ideal. However, after reviewing milkshake makers, I see that there are some definite advantages.

A milkshake maker is not a blender! They are made with one primary function, and that is to make the perfect milkshake. They also do it fast and require no adaptations or added components.

When you compare a milkshake maker to a blender, you will notice that it has a long shaft and not short blades. This speeds up mixing the ingredients and creates a creamier, thicker, and colder blend.

When you pour milkshake ingredients into a standard blender, the blades swirl around but do not thoroughly blend the ingredients.

You will notice that the blender design is better suited for more substantial and chunkier ingredients that need dicing, slicing, chopping, or crushing.

You will also notice that the milkshake maker’s stem combines the components entirely for a more delicious taste.

Some machines also allow you to control the stem or the cup, moving it to where you want more blending. You cannot do this with a standard blender as the blades are fixed into position.

A milkshake maker froths up the ice cream and milk – a must-have for any top class milkshake! It aerates the mixture by frothing, and you get the perfect consistency, which is full of air and light. A blender does not aerate but rotates the ingredients.

What are the benefits of using a milkshake machine?

For those of you who want the main points – there are numerous benefits to using a milkshake machine in place of a blender.

  • Safety is a crucial factor. Milkshake makers do not have blades and are safer than blenders. You put in your ingredients and turn them on. If you are using a blender, you will probably need to push the ingredients down to the base to get caught in the blades.

    This can be dangerous and also time-consuming. If you don’t get all the ice cream down to the bottom, your mixture won’t be satiny-smooth!
  • Milkshake makers take less time. Because they have a longer shaft, milkshake machines take less time to blend. When you are working with ice-cold milk or ice cream, you want to work fast so that the mixture remains cold. Less time means that the ingredients stay colder.

    You will find that a blended milkshake tends to be less cold than one made in a milkshake maker. This is because it takes longer to blend the ingredients.
  • They are better suited for ice cream and milk. Your blender can probably mix everything from leafy greens to nuts and grains, but a milkshake maker is specially made to cope with ice cream and milk.

    I found that ice cream and milk do not blend well in a traditional blender, and the result was not quite a milkshake the way the family expected it to be!

    It probably has to do with the blades and how they are positioned to deal with chunkier and harder ingredients.
  • The mixture is richer, frothier, and lighter. We all know what a great milkshake tastes like, and we don’t want to be disappointed. A milkshake maker froths up the milk, creating that excellent thick, aerated creamy texture that you expect.

    A blender cannot seem to get to the same consistency. It won’t froth up and aerate but instead tends to blend the ingredients into a smoother and creamier texture.
  • Milkshake makers give you more control while you blend and mix. When you work with a regular blender, you throw in all your ingredients, turn on and wait. Milkshake makers allow you to look like a pro in the kitchen.

    I found that I can quickly move the cup around the rotating stem to get to the parts that need extra blending.

    This is great when you have thrown in harder or larger scoops of ice cream that tend to blend at different speeds.
  • Leftovers can be left in the cup. If you are like me and can never entirely judge the correct amount to put in – I always tend to end up with other mixture. Leaving this excess in a blender is a no-go.

    I have to pour it out into another container to store. (More dishes to wash up later). With a milkshake maker, I save the cup in the fridge or freezer as is and use it at a later stage.
  • Les complicated buttons and settings. I tend to get quite flustered when faced with a machine that has dozens of settings, buttons, and controls. Most milkshake makers are straightforward to use. Fill up, turn on, and whiz away.
  • Easy to clean. The biggest gripe I have with my blender is making sure that I clean all the bits and pieces out of the blades. When they get stuck in there, the machine becomes unhygienic and unpleasant to use.

    The cups and shafts of a classic milkshake maker are easy to rinse under warm water or on the top shelf of a dishwasher.
  • High-performance blenders can do smoothies too. If you need to make smoothies, malts, and other exotic drinks, a higher performance milkshake maker will give you these options. So, you will have the best of a blender and a milkshake maker in one.

What are the benefits of using a blender?

After trying out the milkshake makers, I couldn’t find too many benefits of using a traditional blender to make the perfect milkshake.

But, some of you may have blenders at home and feel reluctant to add another kitchen appliance to your growing collection.

I did find some blenders that can make great milkshakes – and I will touch on those a bit later in the blog.

A few benefits of using your blender:

  • You won’t have to buy another machine. If you own a blender, you can make a very acceptable milkshake – skip down to the section on how to make a milkshake with a blender.
  • You can buy a blender with a special shake function. These machines will give you a great milkshake as also offer all the additional features of a blender.
  • Blenders offer many other features. While a milkshake maker is usually only for making milkshakes, a blender provides far more versatility. You can slice, dice, mix, chop, grind, pulp, liquefy, crush, and juice with a blender.

    You can make smoothies, soups, salsas, nut butters, blend baby food, and create meal replacements. You can even blend up batters for waffles or pancakes.

What features to consider when choosing the right milkshake maker or blender for you?

When it comes to buying a new appliance, consider these key factors, and make a checklist. In that way, you will not get sidetracked and purchase a machine that is not right for you.

Here are the main issues that I considered when looking for the best milkshake maker.

  • Blender size, and weight. The main issue challenging me was where to put my milkshake maker. If it is a heavy machine, you want to have enough counter space to leave it standing out.

    Lugging it in and out of a cupboard or the pantry is undoubtedly not a great idea, and I imagine that it would soon become another appliance that gathers dust.

    I found that a machine with a more massive base was far more practical. It didn’t move around while mixing and created a sturdy base that held the machine in place.

    When I considered taking my milkshake maker along on a picnic or weekend away – it has to be ultra-compact, lightweight, and portable.

    You don’t want to use up valuable packing space, and you certainly want it to fit comfortably into your luggage.
  • Motor power. Motor power determines the strength of your machine. Milkshake makers come in wattages that are far less than blenders that have to do heavy-duty work.

    A blender may average 600 to 1000 watts. Your milkshake machine for home use will be much smaller, in the range of around 100 to 250 watts.
  • Construction. The design and construction of the machine is a crucial factor. I love gadgets that are simple and easy to use.

    I get quite flustered when faced with many buttons, settings, and functions. I also want my machine to look cool and trendy – not like an antique that came out of Grandma’s pantry.

    A Stainless Steel construction is a win for me. Stainless Steel doesn’t tarnish and always looks new and shiny.

    It does not absorb odors and does not encourage bacteria’s growth. It is also super easy to keep clean.
  • Cup capacity and several cups. Most milkshake makers offer cups that hold around 28oz, which is excellent for our family. I did find that having extra cups was a bonus when making milkshakes for a larger group. Once you get going with creamy, delectable milkshakes, the kids are sure to invite friends over to try one of your creations.
  • Easy to clean. For me, any extra washing is a bind, and I certainly don’t want to spend more time than necessary. Milkshake makers with a simple design can easily be rinsed off and look clean in a jiffy.

    Detachable Stainless Steel cups are the easiest to clean. I also love that the milkshake maker does not have dangerous blades like a blender, making cleaning so much easier.
  • Appearance. Milkshake makers are fun and trendy. I love that I can keep mine standing out, and the kids can use it easily. It adds a cool retro milk-bar look to my kitchen island and becomes a talking point when friends drop by for a visit.
  • Price. Decide on your budget before buying and stay within that range. Supercheap is probably not the right choice.

    Also, be aware that many expensive machines do not always live up to expectations, and you could do better with a middle-of-the-range priced model.
  • Warranty. I always look for a product that comes with a warranty. This puts my mind at ease, knowing that I will get support if something goes wrong.

    And, may even get a full replacement if necessary. The more extended the warranty, the more superior the product usually is.

Best Blenders and Milkshake Makers

If you have skipped the above and landed here for the most critical info – read on! I have assessed the top-rated blenders and milkshake makers and highlighted their main features, pros, and cons.

Conventional Full-Size Blenders

1. COSORI Blender 1500W for Shakes Professional Heavy Duty Smoothie Maker With Variable Speeds, with 800W Auto-Blend Base

The COSORI is a top-of-the-range traditional blender that offers enormous power and a range of features.

It will do everything from making milkshakes to smoothies, crushing ice and blending leafy greens. The machine has automatic features to shut off when overheating.

It features six razor-sharp Stainless Steel blades and variable speed control. The container is BPA-free and holds a vast 70oz.

Why we like it – This is a mega-machine that will last for a lifetime. It can blend and make milkshakes, giving me the best of both worlds.

Key Features
  • Powerful 1500 watt advanced motor
  • Holds 70oz
  • Six razor-sharp blades to handle the hardest ingredients

Pros

  • The mega all-purpose blender that will do everything you need
  • BPA-free and dishwasher safe container that holds 70oz
  • Self-cleaning feature and bonus cleaning brush
  • Lifetime support from COSORI

Cons

  • The higher price tag
  • The large size and heavy
Bottom Line:
This is a mighty machine probably more suited for professional commercial use, rather than home use.
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2. Ninja Professional Countertop Blender with 1100-Watt Base BL660

The machine is also a high-powered blender with an 1100 watt motor. It comes with a 72oz pitcher, which is enormous.

It also comes with two extra 16oz cups each with a lid, great for make-and-go meal replacements and smoothies.

The machine has three speeds and a variety of functions. It is compelling and will pulverize ice and frozen foods in a jiffy.

Why we like it – This is also a mega-powerful machine that will last for a lifetime. It is exceptionally good with ice and frozen ingredients. I love the convenience of the two extra 16oz cups.

Key Features
  • Powerful 1100 watt advanced motor
  • Holds 72oz
  • Mighty blades to handle the hardest ingredients

Pros

  • The mega all-purpose blender that will do everything you need
  • BPA-free and dishwasher safe container that holds 72oz
  • Extra two 16oz cups for frozen drinks and smoothies

Cons

  • The higher price tag
  • Large size, heavy machine
Bottom Line:
This is also a powerful machine probably more suited for professional commercial use, rather than home use.
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3. Blendtec Classic 575 Blender, WildSide+ Jar (90 oz), Professional-Grade Power

I was super impressed with this model. It offers a powerful 1560 watt motor and looks super refreshing on a countertop. The machine has pre-programmed cycles to easily make smoothies, salsas, soups, and more.

You can use the two timed cycles that free up your hands for other tasks while the machine works. The jar holds a mega 90oz and has easy-to-read measurements on the side.

Why we like it – It has a huge jar and self-cleaning functions. It also offers pre-programmed cycles for ease of use.

Key Features
  • Powerful 1560 watt advanced motor
  • Holds 90oz, ideal for blending beverages for 4-6 people in one go
  • Stainless Steel forged blades with wings for extra smooth blends

Pros

  • The mega all-purpose blender that will do everything you need
  • BPA-free and dishwasher safe container that holds 90oz
  • Self-cleaning in less than 1 minute
  • Blades are designed not to cut, scratch or poke

Cons

  • The very high price tag
  • LED display and touchpad to operate may not suit everyone
  • The instruction manual is only available in electronic format
Bottom Line:
Although I am not planning on opening a restaurant, I would be thrilled to have this blender in my kitchen.
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Best Personal Blenders for Making Milkshakes

Personal blenders are slightly smaller and better suited for home use.

1. NutriBullet Rx N17-1001 Blender

This model comes with a 34oz pitcher and an extra 30oz cup. It is powered by a robust 1700 watt motor that will break down the toughest ingredients.

It offers hands-free SMART technology, allowing you to set the machine and carry on with other functions.

The manufacturer claims that this is their top model for extracting the highest amount of nutrients out of your ingredients.

Why we like it – A real attraction is the heating cycle for soups and sauces. It makes them piping hot so that you can blend and serve.

Key Features
  • Powerful 1700 watt advanced motor
  • Has a 34oz pitcher and a 30oz shorter cup
  • Can cope with single servings and family-sized servings

Pros

  • The powerful blender that will meet all your needs
  • Smart technology with auto Stop / Start functions
  • High Nutrient extraction

Cons

  • The higher price tag
Bottom Line:
I was super impressed with the heating option for soups and sauces. It also made great smoothies and milkshakes.
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2. Ninja BL480D Nutri 1000 Watt Auto-IQ Base for Juices

If you are looking for a smaller more compact machine, the Ninja BL480D Nutri Ninja is a great choice. It comes with a small 18oz cup and a larger 24oz cup. Both have handy Sip and Seal lids.

I found this machine easy to use and blended up smoothies, purées, and juices. The blades are sharp and rotate at high speeds, breaking down harder ingredients like frozen berries quite easily.

Why we like it – It looks very stylish and exactly does what I wanted with no fuss.

Key Features
  • Powerful 1100 watt advanced motor
  • Has a 24oz cup and a smaller 18oz cup
  • Features Auto IQ Technology which optimizes the blades depending on the ingredients

Pros

  • The powerful blender that will meet all your needs
  • Automatically optimizers the blades for powerful nutrient extraction

Cons

  • Slightly higher price
  • Not suited for blending hot ingredients
Bottom Line:
This is a great all-round machine that did what I needed. It is no-fuss and also has some Intelligent Programs that think for me.
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3. Magic Bullet Blender

This is a neat little blender that has a 250-watt motor. It is cute to look at and easy to use. I love the fact that it comes with 3 cups – a tall 18oz cup, a party mug also sized at 18oz and a shorter cup, sized at 12oz.

It can blend, whip, grind, and chop. I probably would not push it too far on frozen and very hard ingredients, but it certainly did all the basics.

Why we like it – I love that I can keep it out on a kitchen shelf and it takes up minimal space.

Key Features
  • Smaller and lighter home-use machine
  • 250-watt motor
  • Comes with extra accessories

Pros

  • Reasonable price
  • Comes with 3 cups, a tall 18oz cup, a party mug 18oz and a shorter cup 12oz
  • Easy to use with an included recipe book for beginners
  • High impact plastic cups are dishwasher safe on the top rack

Cons

  • May not do too well if used continuously for really hard ingredients like ice and frozen berries
Bottom Line:
This is a neat, little blender that does all the basics. Perfect for home use to quickly mix up smoothies, soups, milkshakes, and blend baby foods.
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Immersion Blenders for Milkshakes

This hand blender was a first for me! Before starting to review the best milkshake makers, I had not heard of an immersion blender. If you haven’t either – take a look.

The concept of an immersion blender is that you have a large cup and a large hand-held blender stick that you manually insert into the container and blend. It gives excellent control and a wide range of features.

1. Breville BSB510XL Control Grip Immersion Blender

The Breville BSB510XL features an ergonomically optimized handle for a comfortable grip. It has a soft-touch finish and trigger control for easy use.

It has 15 different settings to allow a variety of functions, including blending, emulsifying, whipping, or puréeing.

You can use it to make soups, creamy mayonnaise, whipped cream, exotic pesto, dips, salsa, baby food, and smoothies.

Why we like it – At first, I had doubts about this machine. But, after getting it going, I found that the cup was sturdy and I could move the blender stick around to get a great texture.

Key Features
  • 280-watt motor
  • Ergonomically designed handle for less hand strain
  • 8-inch immersion depth
  • Stainless Steel ice crushing blades

Pros

  • Bell-shaped base with ribbing inside that reduces the suction for greater control
  • Comfortable to hold the handle with a trigger switch
  • Comes with a 42oz large jar, a 25oz chopping bowl, and a whisk attachment

Cons

  • Higher priced
  • If you suffer from weak hands, hand pain or arthritis, this machine is not for you
Bottom Line:
The blender worked well, but I felt that having to hold it all the time was a lot of extra hard work. I would instead fill a container, turn on, and let the blades do the work for me.
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Best Milkshake Makers

After looking at blenders and immersion blenders, I would take a look at milkshake makers. These machines have only one aim, and that is to make delectable creamy milkshakes. So here we go!

1. Hamilton Beach 727B Classic DrinkMaster Drink Mixer

The Classic DrinkMaster is the appliance Hamilton Beach introduced long ago for making malted drinks, thick shakes and smoothies, and even whipping up pancake batter on a Saturday morning. The design is simple, easy to use and even comes with a dishwasher-safe mixing cup.

Performance – 8.5   Great for at-home drink mixing, but not suited for commercial use. 

The DrinkMaster’s performance is similar to more expensive commercial models for an individual drink. It can even handle making shakes, malts, and smoothies for the whole family, but it’s probably best if you stick to a single serving each. While its performance is top-notch, the motor isn’t designed for continuous use and can burn out if you ask it to blend too much all at once.  

Design – 9.0  Fantastic design makes this drink mixer a lot easier to use. 

The design of the DrinkMaster is classic, and it gives off the retro feel of an old-fashioned appliance. But it shines in its usability and the quality of life features that make this mixer great. It’s durable stainless-steel construction combined with the removable spindle make this mixer a good option for any home. 

Features – 8.0  Good balance of features, but nothing super special. 

The DrinkMaster offers two different blending speeds, though you’ll likely use the lower setting far more often than you’ll need to kick the mixer into high gear. The tilting mixing head is the more impactful feature, making it much easier to use the mixing cup and remove your finished drink. 

Usability/Cleaning – 9.5  This design makes using and cleaning your mixer about as easy as possible. 

There might not be many features on this mixer, but the ones that are there all focus on making the DrinkMaster easier to use and easier to clean. The removable spindle can be taken off to rinse with a little soap and water in the sink between uses, while the rest of the mixer wipes clean with a simple damp washcloth. The tilting head also eliminates the biggest problem with most drink mixers; it’s much easier to remove your mixing cup. 

Pros:

  • Tilting head
  • Removable mixing spindle
  • Easy to clean
  • Dishwasher safe mixing cup

Cons:

  • Not as powerful as commercial models
  • Blending cup slightly shorter than some alternatives

What Others are Saying

This design is excellent if you’re looking for a drink mixer or malt maker, not a blender. The motor is powerful enough to handle ice cream, toppings, and mixing thick shakes and malts. But users consistently report that it’s no suitable for ice or tough ingredients. The design is practical works well for almost everyone who uses it.

Bottom Line:
This model is clearly designed for homeowners who want something designed to handle making shakes and smoothies but don’t need the high power and high-efficiency drink mixers intended for commercial kitchens. It’s incredibly easy to use and works well for a wide variety of drinks. 

The dual-speed design is excellent for thicker malts and shakes. Its lower speed is perfect for mixing almost anything liquid.

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2. Hamilton Beach 730C DrinkMaster Classic Drink Mixer, 28 oz Mixing Cup

This milkshake maker took me back to nostalgic days of ice-cream parlors and summer fun! I love the retro soda-fountain style. The machine has a large 28oz cup and is easy to use.

It is simple with two speeds and blends ingredients into the perfect frothy milkshake texture. The head tilts back for easy detachment of the cup and easy cleaning.

Why we like it – Love the retro style. The kids thought it was super cool! I also used it to beat eggs for omelets.

Key Features
  • Soda-fountain style
  • 28oz mixing cup
  • Two speeds

Pros

  • Well priced
  • Tilt-back head for easy adding of ingredients and easy cleaning
  • Dishwasher safe
  • 28oz mixing cup is the ideal size for a family

Cons

  • Quite a few reviews claimed that the motor burned out and the cup overflowed – moral of the story – it is not made for heavy-duty work
Bottom Line:
This is a great little machine for use at home, Don’t overload and don’t expect it to crush ice or do very heavy-duty work.
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3. Hamilton Beach Pro Retro Die-Cast Mixer 65120

Also from Hamilton Beach, this is far more sturdy and expensive milkshake maker. It also features a trendy soda-fountain style and looks great on my kitchen island.

The machine has a large 28oz cup and is easy to clean and access with a tilt-back head. It is made of durable die-cast aluminum and has a commercial-grade mixing spindle.

Why we like it – The machine is well made and very strong, I also used it to make fruit drinks, malted milk and whipped up light and fluffy omelets.

Key Features
  • Soda-fountain style
  • 28oz mixing cup
  • Two speeds

Pros

  • Tilt-back head for easy adding of ingredients
  • Dishwasher safe
  • 28oz mixing cup is an ideal size for a family

Cons

  • Higher price
  • Spindle doesn’t remove for cleaning – you need to fill up the cup and run the machine
Bottom Line:
This is a much more expensive machine and had mixed reviews. It worked well for me, but I am not sure whether I would want to spend significant amount on a milkshake machine.
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4. KUNHEWUHUA Milkshake Maker Stainless Steel Smoothie Maker Blender Cocktail & Drink Mixer

The KUNHEWUHUA Milkshake Maker is a commercial-grade machine, suitable for milk-bars, coffee shops, and wine bars. The range of features includes making smoothies, cocktails, and milkshakes.

It has a 280-watt motor and a 28oz Stainless Steel Steel mixing cup. The micro-switch technology allows the machine to stop when you remove the cup automatically.

Why I like it – This machine made me feel like a MasterChef pro! It is strong and sturdy and worked well.

Key Features
  • A heavy-duty machine with a wide range of functions
  • 28oz mixing cup
  • Micro Switch Technology for operator safety

Pros

  • 28oz Stainless Steel Steel mixing cup
  • Can stir teas, make smoothies, froth up milkshakes and blend coffee and mix cocktails

Cons

  • Higher price
  • More suitable for commercial use rather than home use
Bottom Line:
It’s a very durable and well-made machine. I don’t see myself having a KUNHEWUHUA machine in my kitchen. It is better suited for commercial use.
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5. Hamilton Beach HMD200 120V Single Spindle Commercial Drink Mixer

Hamilton Beach’s take on a single spindle drink mixer is an excellent option if you’re looking for a slightly more durable commercial mixer. It’s durable construction and easy to use design make this one of the better drink mixers out there.

Performance 9.0   Easy to use and efficient mixing performance, regardless of what you throw at it.

This single spindle commercial drink mixer works just like you’d expect from a commercial product. It’s fast rotation, and hands-free design can mix drinks thick or thin in just a couple of minutes. It’s also an excellent option for mixing eggs, pancake batter, and other relatively light mixes. Since the mixer is made of stainless steel, it’s durable as well as practical. 

Design – 8.0 The classic design might be simple, but it’s also incredibly easy to use. 

This mixer is relatively simple to use with a convenient hands-free cup clip. It automatically activates the motor when the blending cup is in position. The mixer is easy to use, fits well under kitchen cabinets, and is durable enough for long-term use. This model is a great addition to commercial and home kitchens. 

Features  – 7.5  There aren’t many features, but this mixer gets the job done anyway. 

The drink mixer is relatively slimmed down. It’s a single spindle design that’s only meant to mix a single drink at a time but mixes that drink quickly. There aren’t any speed controls or other additions to this system, which means less customization and greater consistency and ease of use. While this is a drink mixer without bells and whistles, it still does a great job overall. 

Usability/Cleaning – 8.5   The stainless-steel design is incredibly simple to clean, and hands-free operation saves a lot of time.

Cleaning this machine is incredibly simple. The steel mixing rod is easy to wipe off and sanitize with a damp cloth, as is the rest of the housing surrounding the mechanical parts. There won’t be much mess for most jobs, especially if you leave a small bar towel under the mixing area to collect drips between drinks.

Pros:

  • Easy to use
  • Fast mixing power
  • Works well for thin or thick drinks
  • Compact design works well in all kitchens.
  • Simple Cleaning

Cons:

  • Only suitable for one drink at a time
  • No speed control or additional settings

What Others are Saying

This drink mixer gets consistently good reviews from users, both at home in your home bar or kitchen, and restaurateurs using the mixer in their commercial kitchens. Its fast-acting design is suitable for simple drinks and drinks with solid mix-ins like cookies, candy bars, and even gummy candies. 

Bottom Line:
This is the kind of drink mixer we really love to see. It’s efficient, simple, and highly consistent. The drink cup clip design is secure and unlikely to bend over time. Stainless steel components work to make this drink mixer a lot more durable and long last, whether you use it several times a day or only a few times a year. The warranty is relatively good, covering both parts and labor for the drink mixer, but it’s disappointing that the warranty only lasts a single year.
Click here >> to see the latest price and ratings on Amazon

 


What Factors to Consider When Buying a Milkshake Maker or Blender?

When choosing the right blender for milkshakes, you should consider these key points.

  • How much do you want to spend? Well priced blenders range from $35 to more expensive models at $100. Keep in mind that cheap is not always right, and high prices don’t always offer the value they claim.
  • How big is your family? A blender with a larger capacity makes life easier. And, those with extra cups and sip-and-seal cups are always a bonus.
  • Do you want your machine to make other treats apart from milkshakes? Higher priced machines can be used for batters, smoothies, mixing tea and coffee and making cocktails.

What are the Prices for Milkshake Makers and Blenders?

The machines I reviewed range in price. You can find a professional blender from $100 to $340. Home blenders are a bit less from $35 to $160.

A milkshake maker for commercial use will cost around $125 or more.

For a milkshake maker for home use, budget on a very cost-effective model at around $40 or a more expensive option that can cost up to $100./p>

Tips for Making Milkshakes

Like most treats – some are better than others! For making a great milkshake in a milkshake maker, here are some tips that will set yours apart from the rest.

  • Measure out your ice-cream and milk correctly according to the recipe
  • More milk makes a thinner consistency, fewer milk results in a thicker mixture
  • Gather all your add-ins ingredients before you start, you don’t want to have to stop and find them
  • Use cold milk, the more freezing it gets
  • Don’t overfill the container it will splash and mess. Instead, make two lots if you need more
  • Start by pouring in the milk, then follow by adding the ice-cream
  • Watch while you mix and check the consistency as you go
  • Next, add in your wet mix-ins like syrups and juices and mix again
  • Lastly, add your dry mix-ins like sprinkles, nuts and small candies
  • Add more milk for a thinner shake, add less milk for a thicker shake
  • Serve in glasses that have been cooled in the fridge
  • Use decadent toppings for taste and exotic looks!
  • Always clean your machine thoroughly after use. Milk products encourage bacterial growth, and that is the last thing you want.

How To Make A Milkshake With A Blender At Home

If you have decided not to buy a milkshake maker, you can still make very acceptable milkshakes in your home blender. Here are some tips –

  • Put your serving glasses in the fridge to cool
  • Measure out 1/3 cup of milk
  • Measure out 1 and 1/2 cups of ice-cream
  • Let your ice-cream soften a little; you don’t want icy-hard scoops
  • Choose some mix-ins – how about chopped banana, chocolate syrup or peanut butter?
  • Pour the milk into the blender first
  • Now scoop in the ice-cream
  • Blend for a few seconds
  • Stop and push down any ice-cream scoops that have not blended in well
  • Add your mix-ins
  • Blend until smooth, keeping an eye on the consistency. Don’t over-blend else it will be too thin
  • If your mixture is too thick, add some extra milk
  • Pour into your icy glasses, add toppings and serve

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What’s the difference between a smoothie and a milkshake?

A. Milkshakes are dairy-based – the main ingredients are milk, ice-cream, or cream. Smoothies can be made from a variety of ingredients and do not always have milk included.

Milkshakes offer a light, frothy consistency. Smoothies are usually thicker and contain most of the pulp of the blended fruits or veggies.

Q. Can I use a milkshake maker for making anything other than milkshakes?

A. Yes, you can, it depends on the type of milkshake maker you have bought. Some can be used to whip eggs for omelets, make waffle batters and mix up teas and coffees. Other models can mix cocktails, malted shakes, and even make smoothies.

Q. I already have a blender, is it worth purchasing a milkshake maker, too?

A. If your family are milk-shake fans, you should probably consider a machine that only makes milkshakes. It will do a better job as it is designed explicitly for shakes. I found that although a blender can make milkshakes, they don’t seem to compare with a real-frothy, light, and creamy shake.

Issues like cost and space in your kitchen also decide how many appliances you can afford.

Q. My child is lactose intolerant. Is there a way to make milkshakes for her that she can enjoy?

A. Using lactose-free milk supplements and lactose-free ice-cream will give you a great tasting milkshake. Your children do not need to miss out.

Q. My milkshake is thin and runny. How can I thicken it up?

A. Runny milkshakes are usually caused by using too much milk. A quick fix is to tip out some of the mixtures and add more ice-cream.

You can also add heavy cream. Crushed ice also works wonders and will thicken up a mixture, especially if your milk was not cold enough to start with.

Conclusion

Summer is fun when the family enjoys frothy milkshakes!

If you want a cool and trendy looking milkshake maker, I recommend the Hamilton Beach 730C DrinkMaster Classic Drink Mixer. It is very well priced and will give the family loads of fun-filled treats.

If you are prepared to spend more, I would recommend the Hamilton Beach 65120 Classic All-Metal Stand Mixer. It is durable, versatile, and can be used for a large number of functions.

If you want to have hands-on control, the Breville BSB510XL Control Grip Immersion Blender gives you total control with an ergonomic grip. But, it does have a high price tag.

I hope this blog helps you make an informed choice. Get creative and recapture those fun-filled childhood days of milkshake treats!