Last Updated on January 30, 2026 by Susanna Zuyeva
Our Top Picks
After weeks of testing, here are my top choices:
Best Overall: Hamilton Beach DrinkMaster – Perfect balance of price and performance
Best for Commercial Use: VEVOR Triple Head – Makes 3 shakes at once
Best Budget Pick: OVENTE Classic – Great for small kitchens
Our Expertise
I’ve been making milkshakes at home for over 5 years. I started because my kids wanted shakes every week, and buying them was too costly.
I tested these three models for 30 days each. I made over 100 shakes during this time. I used each machine daily to see how they hold up.
My testing included:
- Making classic vanilla and chocolate shakes
- Blending thick ingredients like peanut butter
- Adding ice cream and frozen fruit
- Testing cleanup time and ease
- Checking durability after heavy use
- Measuring noise levels
- Testing with different cup sizes
I know what works and what doesn’t. This guide shares my real experience.
Why You Need a Milkshake Maker
A good milkshake maker does more than blend drinks.
It saves you money. One shake at a shop costs $5 to $8. At home, it costs less than $2.
It’s faster than using a blender. You can make a shake in under 2 minutes.
It’s more fun. Kids love watching the mixer spin. They can help make their own treats.
The texture is better too. These machines create that classic diner-style shake. Thick, creamy, and smooth.
1. Hamilton Beach DrinkMaster Electric Drink Mixer
This is my favorite overall. I use it almost daily.
Product Features
- Extra-large 28 oz stainless steel cup
- 2-speed control with knob
- 70 watts of power
- Tilt-back head design
- Detachable spindle
- Classic chrome finish
- Compact size: 6.93″D x 5.2″W x 14.17″H
- Weighs just 1.1 kg
- 120V power
The cup holds enough for two people. The chrome look is stylish on my counter.
What I Like
The tilt-back head is genius. I can add ingredients while mixing. No mess, no fuss.
The cup is huge. I can make a large shake for myself or split it with my daughter.
It’s quiet for a mixer. I can run it early in the morning without waking everyone.
The detachable spindle makes cleanup easy. I pop it in the dishwasher after each use.
The chrome finish looks expensive. People ask where I got it.
Why It’s Better
This beats regular blenders for shakes. The mixing action is different. It pulls air in as it spins. This creates a fluffy, creamy texture.
Blenders crush and chop. This mixer whips and aerates. The result is a true milkshake, not just blended ice cream.
The 2-speed option gives control. I start low to mix ingredients. Then I go high for final blending.
How It Performed
I made my first shake in under 2 minutes. Vanilla ice cream, milk, and chocolate syrup. Perfect texture on the first try.
I tested it with:
Thick Ingredients: I added peanut butter and Oreos. It mixed them in with no problem. The motor didn’t strain at all.
Frozen Fruit: I made a strawberry shake with frozen berries. It took about 90 seconds to blend smooth. No chunks left.
Protein Shakes: I use it for protein drinks too. It mixes powder with no clumps. Better than shaking by hand.
Hot Drinks: I made a latte one morning. It frothed the milk nicely. Not as good as a real frother, but decent.
After 30 days of daily use, it still works like new. No wobble, no wear on the spindle.
How I Clean It
Cleaning takes less than 1 minute.
I tilt back the head and remove the cup. The spindle detaches with a gentle pull.
I put both in the dishwasher. Done.
For quick cleaning between shakes, I fill the cup with warm water and a drop of soap. I run it for 10 seconds on low speed. Rinse and it’s clean.
The base just needs a wipe with a damp cloth. No water gets inside.
Testing Results
Speed Test: Made a standard shake in 1 minute 45 seconds
Noise Level: About as loud as a normal conversation
Cleanup Time: 30 seconds to dishwasher, 10 seconds for quick rinse
Texture Quality: 9/10 – Very smooth and creamy
Durability: No issues after 30 days of daily use
Value: Excellent for the price
Who Should Buy This
Get this if you want a reliable shake maker for home use. It’s perfect for families.
Don’t get this if you need to make more than 2 shakes at once. The single cup limits batch making.
2. VEVOR Milkshake Maker (Triple Head)
This is a beast. It’s built for serious use.
Product Features
- Three 820ml stainless steel cups
- 375W motor per head (1125W total)
- 3-speed control for each head
- Food-grade SUS304 stainless steel
- 10-minute timer function
- Anti-skid base
- Lotus leaf-shaped stirring heads
- Size: 7.48″D x 15.74″W x 20.86″H
- Weighs 31.92 pounds
- Commercial-grade build
This thing is heavy and solid. It feels like restaurant equipment.
What I Like
Three heads mean three shakes at once. Game changer for parties or big families.
The power is incredible. It mixes thick shakes in 12 seconds flat. I timed it.
The timer is useful. I set it and walk away. It stops automatically.
The cups are big. 820ml is about 28 oz. Great for large servings.
The speed goes up to 21,000 RPM. That’s insanely fast. It handles anything.
Why It’s Better
This is better than the Hamilton Beach if you make multiple shakes. No waiting between batches.
The motor power is much higher. 375W per head versus 70W total on the Hamilton Beach.
The build quality is commercial grade. This will last years in a busy kitchen.
The lotus leaf design on the stirring heads creates better flow. Ingredients mix more evenly.
How It Performed
I made three chocolate shakes at once. All done in under 20 seconds. My kids were amazed.
I tested it with:
Heavy Load: Three thick shakes with ice cream, peanut butter, and frozen banana. No problem at all. Motors didn’t even sound strained.
Speed Levels: Low speed (15,000 RPM) for milk tea. Medium (18,000 RPM) for fruit shakes. High (21,000 RPM) for thick grain mixtures. Each worked perfectly for its purpose.
Extended Use: I ran all three heads for 5 minutes straight. No overheating. The machine stayed cool.
Consistency: All three shakes came out the same texture. Even mixing across all heads.
The timer function is handy but I rarely need it. Most shakes are done in 15-20 seconds.
How I Clean It
Cleaning three cups takes more time than one. But it’s still simple.
I detach each cup and spindle. They all go in the dishwasher.
The base needs more attention. I wipe down all three motors with a damp cloth.
For quick cleanup, I run soapy water through each cup for 10 seconds. Rinse and done.
The anti-skid pads on the bottom collect some drips. I wipe these weekly.
Testing Results
Speed Test: Made 3 shakes in 20 seconds total
Noise Level: Loud at high speed, moderate at low speed
Cleanup Time: 2 minutes for all three cups to dishwasher
Texture Quality: 10/10 – Restaurant-quality smoothness
Durability: Built like a tank, commercial quality
Value: Expensive but worth it for volume users
Who Should Buy This
Buy this if you run a small business or have a large family. It’s perfect for cafes, smoothie shops, or anyone making multiple shakes daily.
Don’t buy this for occasional use. It’s overkill and takes up significant counter space. It also costs more than twice the Hamilton Beach.
Important Note
This machine is loud at high speeds. Think of a powerful blender running. Not great for early morning use if you have sleeping family members.
The weight (32 pounds) makes it hard to move. Pick your spot carefully because it’s staying there.
3. OVENTE Classic Milkshake Maker
This is the budget winner. Simple and effective.
Product Features
- 15.2 oz stainless steel cup
- 2-speed push button control
- 100 watts of power
- Safety lock feature
- Compact size: 6.3″D x 5.2″W x 13.75″H
- Weighs 2.8 pounds
- Light blue color option
- One-touch operation
- 1-year warranty
The cup is smaller than the others. But the price is much lower.
What I Like
The price is unbeatable. Less than $25 with discounts.
The push button is simple. Press down for low, up for high. No confusing controls.
The safety lock prevents accidents. The cup must be locked in place to run.
It’s lightweight. I can move it around easily.
The blue color is cute. Different from the usual chrome or gray.
Why It’s Better
This beats handheld mixers for ease of use. Just press and hold. No arm fatigue.
It’s better than cheap blenders at this price point. More power, better texture.
The one-touch design is foolproof. Even my 8-year-old can use it safely.
How It Performed
I made a basic vanilla shake first. Took about 2 minutes. Good texture, no issues.
I tested it with:
Standard Shakes: Vanilla, chocolate, strawberry. All came out smooth and creamy. Takes about 90 seconds to 2 minutes.
Thick Ingredients: I tried adding cookies and candy. It struggled a bit with big pieces. I had to break them smaller first.
Protein Powder: Mixed protein shakes well. No clumps. Comparable to the Hamilton Beach.
Ice Cream Hardness: Soft ice cream works great. Hard ice cream from the freezer needs to sit for 5 minutes first.
The 100W motor is weaker than the others. But for the price, it performs well.
How I Clean It
Easiest to clean of all three.
The cup and spindle detach quickly. Both are dishwasher safe.
For quick cleaning, I use the soapy water method. Fill, run for 10 seconds, rinse.
The small size means less surface area to clean.
Testing Results
Speed Test: Made a shake in 2 minutes
Noise Level: Quieter than VEVOR, similar to Hamilton Beach
Cleanup Time: 20 seconds to dishwasher
Texture Quality: 7/10 – Good but not as smooth as higher-end models
Durability: Plastic parts feel less sturdy
Value: Excellent budget option
Who Should Buy This
Buy this if you’re on a tight budget. It’s perfect for college students or singles.
Get this if you have limited counter space. It’s the smallest of the three.
Don’t buy this if you make thick shakes often. The motor isn’t powerful enough for heavy ingredients.
Also skip this if you make multiple shakes. The small cup means more batches.
Limitations
The 15.2 oz cup is small. It makes one good-sized shake or two small ones.
The plastic parts feel cheaper. I worry about long-term durability.
The motor sometimes struggles with very thick mixtures. You may need to stop and stir.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Hamilton Beach | VEVOR Triple | OVENTE Classic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $56.45 | $211.65 | $24.99 |
| Cup Size | 28 oz | 820ml (28oz) x 3 | 15.2 oz |
| Power | 70W | 1125W total | 100W |
| Speeds | 2 | 3 per head | 2 |
| Best For | Home use | Commercial/Large families | Budget buyers |
| Weight | 1.1 kg | 31.92 lbs | 2.8 lbs |
| Noise | Moderate | Loud | Moderate |
Buying Guide: What to Look For
Power
More watts mean more mixing strength.
For basic shakes, 70-100W is fine. For thick ingredients, look for 300W or more.
I found that lower power machines struggle with frozen fruit and hard ice cream.
Cup Size
Think about serving size.
15 oz makes one shake. 28 oz makes two or one large shake.
If you have a family, bigger is better. You’ll make fewer batches.
Speed Settings
Two speeds work for most people. Low for mixing, high for blending.
Three or more speeds help with specific recipes. Smoothies need different speeds than thick shakes.
Build Quality
Stainless steel lasts longer than plastic. It also looks nicer.
Check if parts are dishwasher safe. This saves time.
Metal bases are sturdier than plastic. They won’t tip over.
Noise Level
All mixers make noise. But some are louder than others.
High-power commercial models are the loudest. Budget models are usually quieter.
If noise matters, test before you buy. Or read reviews carefully.
Cleanup
Look for detachable parts. These are easier to clean.
Dishwasher-safe components save time. Hand washing gets old fast.
Smooth surfaces clean easier than textured ones.
How to Make the Perfect Milkshake
I’ve made hundreds of shakes. Here’s my method:
Basic Recipe
- 2-3 scoops of ice cream
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup of milk
- Flavorings (chocolate syrup, vanilla, etc.)
Steps
- Let ice cream soften for 5 minutes
- Add milk to cup first
- Add ice cream and flavorings
- Start on low speed for 10 seconds
- Switch to high for 30-60 seconds
- Check consistency and adjust
Tips
Use whole milk for creamier shakes. Skim milk makes them thinner.
Add milk gradually. You can always add more but can’t remove it.
Freeze the cup for 10 minutes before making shakes. Keeps them cold longer.
Don’t overmix. This melts the ice cream too much.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using Too Much Milk
This makes shakes thin and watery. Start with less than you think you need.
Overfilling the Cup
Leave room for mixing action. Fill only 2/3 to 3/4 full.
Running Too Long
30-60 seconds is enough. More time just melts the ice cream.
Using Hard Ice Cream
Let it soften first. Hard ice cream strains the motor.
Ignoring Speed Settings
Start low, then go high. This prevents splashing.
Not Cleaning Right Away
Dried shake mix is hard to clean. Rinse the cup within 5 minutes.
Maintenance Tips
Daily Care
Rinse the cup and spindle after each use. Even if you’re using the dishwasher later.
Wipe the base with a damp cloth. Keep it free of drips and spills.
Check the spindle connection. Make sure it’s tight before each use.
Weekly Care
Deep clean all removable parts. Use hot soapy water.
Inspect the motor housing. Look for any cracks or wear.
Check the power cord. Make sure there’s no damage.
Monthly Care
Run the mixer with just water and a drop of vinegar. This removes buildup.
Clean the base thoroughly. Use a slightly damp cloth and dry completely.
Check all safety features. Test locks and switches.
Storage
Keep the mixer on the counter if you use it daily. It’s ready to go.
Store in a cabinet if used less often. Keep parts together.
Never store with a wet cup or spindle. This causes rust.
FAQs
Can I use frozen fruit in a milkshake maker?
Yes, but thaw it slightly first. Most makers handle soft frozen fruit fine. Very hard frozen fruit may strain lower-power models. I thaw mine for 5-10 minutes before blending.
How thick should my milkshake be?
It should coat a spoon but still be drinkable through a straw. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk. If too thin, add more ice cream.
Can I make protein shakes with these?
Absolutely. All three models mix protein powder well. The OVENTE and Hamilton Beach work great for daily protein shakes. They blend faster than shaker bottles.
Is it worth getting a triple-head model?
Only if you make multiple shakes regularly. For most families, a single cup model is plenty. The VEVOR triple is best for cafes or very large families.
How long do milkshake makers last?
With proper care, 3-5 years for home models. The VEVOR commercial model should last 5-10 years. Clean regularly and don’t overwork the motor.
Can I make hot drinks with a milkshake maker?
Yes, the Hamilton Beach and OVENTE work for hot drinks. I’ve made hot chocolate and lattes. Don’t use boiling liquids though. Let them cool to warm first.
What’s the difference between a milkshake maker and a blender?
Milkshake makers use a stirring action that whips air into the mixture. Blenders chop and pulverize. The stirring creates a fluffier, creamier texture that’s more like a traditional diner shake.
Final Verdict
After testing all three, here’s my ranking:
1. Hamilton Beach DrinkMaster – Best for most people. Great balance of price, features, and quality. This is what I still use daily.
2. VEVOR Triple Head – Best if you need volume. Perfect for businesses or large families. Worth the investment if you make many shakes.
3. OVENTE Classic – Best budget option. Good starter model or for small spaces. Does the job at a great price.
Choose based on your needs:
- Daily home use: Hamilton Beach
- Business or large family: VEVOR
- Occasional use or tight budget: OVENTE
All three are solid choices. I’m happy with each for different reasons.
The Hamilton Beach sits on my counter. I use it almost every day. It’s paid for itself many times over.
If you want restaurant-quality shakes at home, any of these will deliver. The key is matching the model to your use case.
Start with the Hamilton Beach if you’re unsure. You can always upgrade later. But I think you’ll find it’s all you need.
Where to Buy
Hamilton Beach DrinkMaster View Price on Amazon
VEVOR Triple Head Milkshake Maker View Price on Amazon
OVENTE Classic Milkshake Maker View Price on Amazon