Nothing hits the spot quite like a milkshake when you’re grilling out or even just staying home for a movie night. A good milkshake maker can create decadent shakes in no-time-flat, but many milkshake makers cost upwards of $100 or more.
You may be surprised to hear that you can get a capable milkshake maker for $15-$50. Cheap milkshake makers can make thick, delicious milkshakes without the exorbitant price tag — but there are several things to think about before purchasing one.
Milkshake makers can take up a good amount of counter space, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy delicious milkshakes from home. If you find that you don’t have room for a traditional milkshake maker, personal blenders and handheld milk frothers do an excellent job making milkshakes.
Some people enjoy thinner milkshakes, whereas others like them so thick, you almost need a spoon to consume them. Traditional milkshake makers are often capable of making thicker shakes than blenders. You can make your milkshake thicker, no matter what kind of device you use, by adding less milk and more ice cream.
If you like your milk frothy, a handheld milk frother is an ideal choice.
A. Yes. You can use many traditional milkshake makers to beat eggs, make smoothies or mix cake batter. If you opt for a personal blender, you’ll be able to grind coffee beans, make smoothies, blend veggie purees and more. Handheld frothers are fantastic for hot chocolate, bulletproof coffee, frothy milk and other beverages.
A. Technically, no. Blenders are perfectly capable of making milkshakes, although some people feel that milkshake makers do a much better job.
A. Milkshake makers are straightforward to use. Many devices come with a stainless steel cup that you simply place your ingredients in and then click a button. You can even drink your shake straight out of the mixing cup to avoid creating extra dishes. Many personal blenders allow you to mix your shake in an included cup that you can drink out of as well, and most have convenient lids so you can take your shake with you.
Hamilton Beach 727B Classic DrinkMaster
Hamilton Beach has been a trusted manufacturer of kitchen appliances for 100 years, and this milkshake maker certainly lives up to Hamilton Beach’s name. Thanks to its 70-watt motor, this machine has no trouble creating thick, delicious milkshakes in just a minute or two.
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Brentwood Classic Milkshake Maker
This milkshake maker’s bright turquoise color and unique design make it feel like it’s from the ‘50s. Brentwood’s stylish machine has multiple speed settings, so you can make your shake as thick or thin as you want it.
Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
Nostalgia Electric Two-Speed Milkshake Maker
Nostalgia’s two-speed milkshake maker costs less than $35 but produces quality milkshakes in around two minutes. Still, some customers felt that the plastic was not as sturdy as it could be.
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Hamilton Beach 730C Classic Drink Mixer
This sleek chrome milkshake maker looks great in any kitchen. This milkshake maker features the same 70-watt motor as the 727B model but with a sturdier build.
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The magic bullet is a wildly popular blender, and for a good reason. This unique blender mixes, blends, chops and more — plus, it takes less than a minute to clean up. The compact magic bullet has a 250-watt motor, capable of making milkshakes in less than a minute.
Sold by Home Depot and Amazon
Hamilton Beach Personal Blender
This convenient personal blender features a simple one-touch operation and a capable 175-watt motor. The handy travel lid allows you to make your milkshakes and go if you want to enjoy a sweet treat on the road.
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Cincred Personal Countertop Blender
Cincred’s stylish personal blender is backed by a lifetime warranty. This machine has a wide range of uses and includes a flip-top lid that screws tight with no leakage.
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Bonsenkitchen Electric Milk Frother
For less than $15, Bonsenkitchen’s impressive handheld frother can create thick, frothy milkshakes in just a minute or two. Despite the petite design, this device is sturdy and perfect for milkshakes, bulletproof coffee, hot chocolate and more.
Sold by Amazon
Zulay Double Whisk Milk Frother Handheld Mixer
This affordable handheld device froths so efficiently, you may overflow your cup if you aren’t careful. These milk frothers are built to last, but if you have any issues with your device, Zulay is highly responsive and typically willing to replace it.
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This capable frother comes with a stylish stand and a coffee recipe book. Unicoff’s battery-powered device has no trouble making tasty, frothy milkshakes or other beverages in around a minute.
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Cody Stewart writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
