A milkshake is a strange job for a blender. Ice cream is thick, cold and sticky, and a powerful blade can turn it into soup in seconds or leave it packed so hard around the blades that nothing moves. That is why soda fountains have long used spindle drink mixers instead: a single rod with a small agitator that churns the shake inside its own steel cup.
This guide is the milkshake branch of our main best blender guide. It covers both ways to make a shake at home: spindle drink mixers from Hamilton Beach, Waring, Nostalgia and Brentwood, and three blenders that handle thick, frozen drinks well. None of the blenders from our main blender or smoothie blender guides is repeated here.
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Quick verdict: which milkshake blender or mixer to buy
For classic diner-style shakes at home, the Hamilton Beach DrinkMaster is the one to buy: two speeds, a 28-ounce stainless steel cup and a tilt-back head, according to the listing, in a small machine that lives on the counter. If you make shakes often or for a crowd, the Waring WDM20 brings a 1 HP commercial motor and a weighted base. If you want one machine for shakes, smoothies and salsas, the Vitamix VX1 has a tamper for thick blends and a 5-year warranty.
Which type suits you depends on what you want in the glass. A spindle mixer makes one or two shakes at a time and keeps them thick and airy; a blender makes more at once and handles cookies, frozen fruit and ice, but needs a lighter hand to keep the shake from thinning.
Five milkshake machines compared
Our five standout picks side by side, one for each kind of shake maker, with the power and container each maker or listing states. All eight are reviewed in full below.
| Machine | Best for | Type | Container | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Hamilton Beach DrinkMaster Drink MixerBest overall
|
Classic shakes for one or two | Spindle mixer, 2 speeds | 28 oz stainless cup | View on Amazon |
Waring WDM20 Light-Duty Drink MixerBest commercial-style mixer
|
Frequent shakes and malts | Spindle mixer, 1 HP, 2 speeds | Stainless malt cup included | View on Amazon |
Waring WDM120TX Heavy-Duty Drink MixerBest with a timer
|
Hands-free mixing, every shake the same | Spindle mixer, 1 HP, timer | Cup capacity not stated | View on Amazon |
Vitamix VX1 Blender, 64 ozBest blender for thick shakes
|
Shakes plus smoothies, salsas and soups | Blender, variable speed and pulse | 64 oz, tamper included | View on Amazon |
Ninja Professional Plus DUO Blender, 72 ozBest for a crowd
|
A pitcher of shakes or single cups | Blender, 3 Auto-iQ programs | 72 oz pitcher plus two 24 oz cups | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Motor ratings and container sizes are as stated by each maker or listing; check the listing before you buy.
Our picks for the best blender for milkshakes
Eight machines: five spindle drink mixers, the classic milkshake tool, and three blenders that handle ice cream and frozen drinks. We chose for shake texture first, then for capacity, cleaning and how often you will use it.
1. Hamilton Beach DrinkMaster Drink Mixer – A Big Steel Cup and Two Speeds
The DrinkMaster is the home version of the soda-fountain mixer: a weighted base, a single spindle and a stainless steel cup that you mix in and can pour straight from. This listing is the red model 733, which the listing gives an extra-large 28-ounce cup, two speeds and a tilt-back head.
Two speeds matter more than they sound. Start low to break up the scoops of ice cream into the milk, then switch to high to whip the shake smooth; the listing describes exactly that, going from gentle mixing to a higher speed as needed. The 28-ounce cup holds a large serving for one or two people and leaves room for crushed cookies, chopped fruit or a spoonful of malt powder.
Cleaning is simple: tilt the head back, lift off the cup and detach the spindle, which the listing says can then go in the dishwasher. The listing also suggests the mixer for whipped coffee drinks, salad dressings, beaten eggs and batters, so it earns some counter space beyond shakes.
A version of the DrinkMaster is on one of our cocktail pages in a different color. We include this listing because a spindle mixer is the most direct answer to “what should I make milkshakes with”, and the DrinkMaster is the most widely sold home model. The listing does not state the wattage or the warranty, and a small home motor will work harder than the Waring machines below on very stiff ice cream; let it soften for a few minutes first.
Why we like it
- 28 oz stainless steel mixing cup
- Two speeds for mixing then whipping
- Tilt-back head for adding mix-ins
- Detachable spindle for cleaning
Key specifications
| Model | 733 (red) |
|---|---|
| Type | Single-spindle drink mixer |
| Power | Not stated |
| Speeds/controls | 2 speeds |
| Container | 28 oz stainless steel cup |
| Included | Base, spindle, cup |
| Cleaning | Spindle detaches for the dishwasher, per the listing |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want real diner-style shakes and malts at home and have a small corner of counter for it.
Skip it if you want shakes for six at once; it makes one big cup at a time, and the Ninja below makes a pitcher.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Classic spindle texture
- Large steel cup
- Small footprint
Cons
- Wattage and warranty not stated
- One serving at a time
- Struggles more than a commercial mixer with hard ice cream
2. Waring WDM20 Light-Duty Drink Mixer – A Commercial Motor on the Counter
Waring has made commercial kitchen equipment since 1937, according to the listing, and the WDM20 is its light-duty spindle mixer: built for cafes and restaurants that sell the occasional shake, and suited to home cooks who make them often. The listing gives it a 1 HP motor and two speeds on a toggle switch.
The build is what you pay for. The listing describes a heavy weighted base with a molded inset for the cup, a metal kick-stand, non-slip suction cup feet and an extra-wide cup rest with two malt-cup positions. It comes with one solid agitator and one stainless steel milkshake cup. That stability matters when you are churning thick ice cream: a light mixer can walk across the counter, and this one is designed not to.
Commercial mixers are made to be used and wiped down all day. The listing does not give the cup’s capacity or the warranty, so check the listing for both. Retailers describe the WDM20 as cup-activated, meaning the motor runs only while the cup is in place, but the Amazon listing does not say so, so confirm before relying on it.
Why we like it
- 1 HP motor for thick shakes
- Weighted base, kick-stand and suction feet
- Two malt-cup positions
- Stainless cup and agitator included
Key specifications
| Model | WDM20 |
|---|---|
| Type | Single-spindle drink mixer, light duty |
| Power | 1 HP motor |
| Speeds/controls | 2-speed toggle |
| Container | Stainless steel milkshake cup; capacity not stated |
| Included | 1 solid agitator, 1 stainless cup |
| Cleaning | Not stated |
| Warranty | Not stated in the listing |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if shakes and malts are a weekly habit, or you run a small cafe or party bar and want a mixer built for it.
Skip it if you only make a shake now and then; the DrinkMaster costs less and does the same job at home pace.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Strong commercial motor
- Very stable base
- Made by a foodservice maker
Cons
- Cup size not stated
- Warranty not in the listing
- Plain styling
3. Waring WDM120TX Heavy-Duty Drink Mixer – A Timer That Stops on Its Own
The WDM120TX is Waring’s heavy-duty single-spindle mixer, and the feature that sets it apart is the timer. The listing gives it a 1 HP motor, a large LCD and a programmable timer of up to 10 minutes that you can set before or during mixing; the mixer then shuts off automatically.
A timer is what makes shakes consistent. Once you know your ice cream and milk need, say, 40 seconds, you set it once and every shake comes out the same, while you scoop the next one or top the last with whipped cream. That is why ice cream shops use mixers like this, and it is useful at home when you are making shakes for a birthday party one after another.
The listing states cTUVus and NSF certification and a limited one-year manufacturer’s warranty. It does not give the cup capacity or what is in the box beyond the mixer itself, so check the listing photos and description for the cup and agitators before you buy.
Why we like it
- Programmable timer up to 10 minutes
- Automatic shut-off
- 1 HP heavy-duty motor
- NSF and cTUVus listed
Key specifications
| Model | WDM120TX |
|---|---|
| Type | Single-spindle drink mixer, heavy duty |
| Power | 1 HP motor |
| Speeds/controls | LCD with 10-minute timer; auto shut-off |
| Container | Not stated |
| Included | Not stated |
| Cleaning | Not stated |
| Warranty | Limited 1-year manufacturer’s |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you make shakes in quantity and want each one the same without standing over the mixer.
Skip it if you make a shake once a week; the timer and heavy-duty motor are more than a home kitchen needs.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Timer for repeatable shakes
- Shuts off automatically
- Commercial certifications
Cons
- Cup and accessories not described in the listing
- One-year warranty
- A commercial machine for a home counter
4. Vitamix VX1 Blender, 64 oz – A Tamper for Thick Shakes
If you want one machine for milkshakes and everything else, a high-performance blender is the answer, and the VX1 is the Vitamix we would choose for shakes. Vitamix rates it at 2.2 HP, and the listing describes variable speed control, a pulse function, laser-cut stainless steel blades and a 64-ounce classic container. Vitamix lists milkshakes among the frozen desserts its blenders make.
The tamper is the reason it suits thick shakes. When a shake made mostly of ice cream stops moving, a regular blender needs more milk, which thins it. The tamper pushes the ice cream down into the blades while the blender runs, so you can keep the shake thick. Variable speed helps too: start low, then bring the speed up only as far as you need, and stop as soon as it is smooth, because longer blending warms and thins the shake.
The listing includes the tamper with the base and container, describes a self-cleaning program and gives a 5-year limited warranty. The same base makes salsas, aguas frescas and soups, so it earns its place on the counter year-round.
Why we like it
- Tamper keeps thick shakes moving
- Variable speed and pulse
- 64 oz container for several shakes
- 5-year limited warranty
Key specifications
| Model | VX1 (075804) |
|---|---|
| Type | Countertop blender |
| Power | 2.2 HP (Vitamix) |
| Speeds/controls | Variable speed, pulse, self-cleaning program |
| Container | 64 oz classic container |
| Included | Base, container, tamper |
| Cleaning | Self-cleaning program |
| Warranty | 5-year limited |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want shakes, smoothies and salsas from one machine and will use it most days.
Skip it if you only want milkshakes; a spindle mixer makes a classic shake for much less and takes less space.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Tamper for thick blends
- Does far more than shakes
- Long warranty
Cons
- Easy to over-blend and thin a shake
- A large, premium machine
- Tall container to clean
5. Ninja Professional Plus DUO Blender, 72 oz – A Pitcher and Two To-Go Cups
For shakes by the pitcher, the Ninja Professional Plus DUO makes the most at once. The listing gives it a 1400-peak-watt motor, Total Crushing blades and a 72-ounce pitcher with a 64-ounce maximum liquid capacity, plus two 24-ounce single-serve cups with spout lids.
That combination suits a household where shakes are a weekend treat for the whole family: a pitcher of chocolate or strawberry shakes in one go, or a single shake blended straight in a cup and carried out the door. The listing describes three Auto-iQ programs, for smoothies, frozen drinks and nutrient extractions, which run timed patterns of pulsing and pausing. For milkshakes, pulse or use the manual controls and stop early, since a long program can thin ice cream.
The pitcher, cups and stacked blade assembly are BPA-free and top-rack dishwasher safe, and the warranty is 1-year limited, per the listing. There is no tamper, so very thick shakes may need a splash more milk or a stop to stir.
Why we like it
- 72 oz pitcher for shakes for everyone
- Two 24 oz cups with spout lids
- Frozen drink program
- Dishwasher-safe parts
Key specifications
| Model | BN751 |
|---|---|
| Type | Countertop blender with single-serve cups |
| Power | 1400 peak watts |
| Speeds/controls | 3 Auto-iQ programs plus manual controls |
| Container | 72 oz pitcher (64 oz max liquid); two 24 oz cups |
| Included | Base, pitcher, stacked blade, 2 cups with spout lids |
| Cleaning | Top-rack dishwasher safe |
| Warranty | 1-year limited |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you make shakes for four or more at a time and want single cups for days when it is just you.
Skip it if you want the thickest possible shake; with no tamper, you will add more milk than you would with the Vitamix.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Largest batch on the page
- To-go cups included
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- No tamper
- Programs are not made for ice cream
- 1-year warranty
6. Nostalgia Two-Speed Milkshake Maker – A Retro Mixer With a 16 oz Cup
Nostalgia’s milkshake maker is a small spindle mixer styled after the old ice cream parlor machines, here in aqua. The listing gives it a 100-watt motor, two speeds, a 16-ounce stainless steel mixing cup and rod, and a weighted base for stability.
The 16-ounce cup makes one generous shake or two small ones, which suits a household that makes shakes for one or two at a time. Like the DrinkMaster, the head tilts back and the spindle detaches for cleaning, according to the listing, and the listing suggests it for malts, soda-fountain drinks, protein shakes, pancake and waffle batters and beaten eggs.
The small cup is the main limit. If you want room for mix-ins, the DrinkMaster’s 28-ounce cup is more forgiving. The listing does not state the warranty.
Why we like it
- Stainless steel cup and rod
- Two speeds
- Weighted base
- Tilt-back head and detachable spindle
Key specifications
| Model | NMLKS100AQ |
|---|---|
| Type | Single-spindle drink mixer |
| Power | 100 W |
| Speeds/controls | 2 speeds |
| Container | 16 oz stainless steel cup |
| Included | Base, mixing rod, cup |
| Cleaning | Detachable spindle |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want a cheerful, compact shake maker that looks good on the counter.
Skip it if you load shakes with cookies and candy; the 16-ounce cup fills quickly.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Compact and light
- Stainless cup
- Several colors
Cons
- Small 16 oz cup
- Modest 100 W motor
- Warranty not stated
7. Brentwood Classic Milkshake Maker – The Simplest Shake Machine
Brentwood’s Classic Milkshake Maker, model SM-1200B, is the most basic machine here: a spindle mixer in a diner style, in turquoise, with low and high speeds. The listing says it makes thick milkshakes in under two minutes and also mixes malts, smoothies, protein drinks and cocktails.
The listing gives a 15-ounce size and describes the spindle as food-safe, durable stainless steel. Beyond that, it says little: no wattage, cup material or warranty. Retailer listings we saw give a 100-watt motor and a one-year limited warranty, but they disagree on whether the cup is 15 or 25 ounces, so check the box contents in the listing photos before you buy.
We include it because it is simple and small, and a two-speed spindle is all a basic shake needs. If you want a larger steel cup, the DrinkMaster is the better buy.
Why we like it
- Two speeds for thick or thin shakes
- Stainless steel spindle
- Very simple to use
Key specifications
| Model | SM-1200B |
|---|---|
| Type | Single-spindle drink mixer |
| Power | Not stated in the listing |
| Speeds/controls | Low and high |
| Container | 15 oz (listing); material not stated |
| Included | Not stated |
| Cleaning | Not stated |
| Warranty | Not stated in the listing |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want the simplest way to make an occasional shake and do not need a big cup.
Skip it if you want full specifications before you buy; the listing leaves out the cup material, power and warranty.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Simple two-speed control
- Stainless spindle
- Small footprint
Cons
- Thin listing
- Cup size conflicts between retailers
- Smallest capacity here
8. Waring BB300 Bar Blender, 48 oz – Two Speeds and a Stackable Jar
The Waring BB300 is a bar blender, the kind used behind counters for frozen drinks, and it is a sensible middle ground between a spindle mixer and a high-performance blender. The listing describes a commercial motor with HIGH, LOW, OFF and PULSE on a toggle switch, a 48-ounce stackable copolyester jar, and cTUVus and NSF certification.
Simple toggles are an advantage for milkshakes. There are no programs to run too long: pulse to break up the ice cream, switch to low until it moves, then stop. A 48-ounce jar holds three or four shakes, and the jars stack, so a second jar can hold the next flavor.
The listing’s title says 1.5 horsepower while a bullet says 1 HP, so treat the motor rating as unconfirmed. Waring gives a limited two-year motor warranty and one year on parts and labor when bought from an authorized distributor, according to the listing, which also says it is made in the USA with U.S. and foreign parts.
Why we like it
- Simple toggle with pulse
- 48 oz stackable jar
- NSF and cTUVus listed
- Two-year motor warranty (authorized sellers)
Key specifications
| Model | BB300 |
|---|---|
| Type | Commercial bar blender |
| Power | 1 HP or 1.5 HP (listing conflicts) |
| Speeds/controls | High, low, off and pulse toggle |
| Container | 48 oz copolyester jar, stackable |
| Included | Base and jar |
| Cleaning | Not stated |
| Warranty | 2 years motor; 1 year parts and labor (authorized distributor) |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want a sturdy, simple blender for shakes and frozen drinks without programs or extras.
Skip it if you want a blender for hot salsas and soups too; the Vitamix is the more versatile machine.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Simple, hard-to-overrun controls
- Stackable commercial jar
- Made in the USA with U.S. and foreign parts
Cons
- Motor rating conflicts in the listing
- No tamper
- Warranty depends on the seller
How to choose a blender or mixer for milkshakes
Any of these will make a shake. The differences show in texture, batch size and how often you will reach for the machine.
1. Spindle mixer or blender?
A spindle mixer churns the shake in its own cup with a small agitator, so it blends ice cream and milk without the chopping action of a blade; it is the classic soda-fountain method. A blender’s fast blades break down ice cream quickly but can thin it if you run them too long. If shakes and malts are the only goal, buy a spindle mixer. If you want one machine for shakes, smoothies and salsas, buy a blender.
2. Batch size
Spindle mixers make one cup at a time: about 16 ounces for the Nostalgia and 28 ounces for the DrinkMaster. Blenders make more at once, from the BB300’s 48-ounce jar to the Ninja’s 72-ounce pitcher. For a party, a blender or a commercial mixer with a timer saves the most time.
3. Motor and build
Hard ice cream is tough on a small motor. The Waring mixers have 1 HP motors and weighted bases built for daily use; home spindle mixers have smaller motors, so let the ice cream soften for a few minutes before you mix. With a blender, a tamper, like the Vitamix’s, lets you keep the shake thick without adding extra milk.
4. Controls that do not over-blend
Two speeds, a toggle or variable speed with pulse give you control. Long automatic programs are designed for smoothies and ice, and can turn a milkshake thin. Stop as soon as the shake is smooth. America’s Test Kitchen goes further and suggests a food processor for the smoothest milkshakes, because its wide bowl whips in air; if you already own one, see the best food processor.
5. Cleaning and warranty
Dairy dries quickly, so rinse the cup or jar right after use. Spindle mixers are the easiest: a steel cup and a detachable spindle. Warranties on this page run from one year to five on the Vitamix, and several listings do not state one, which we note in each section.
How we chose these eight milkshake machines
We started from the drink: a thick ice cream milkshake or malt, with or without mix-ins, for one person or a family. We looked for spindle drink mixers and blenders from identifiable makers, sold on Amazon in the United States and in stock when we checked, and left out listings shown as low in stock, such as Hamilton Beach Commercial’s spindle mixers. Motors, speeds, containers, included parts, cleaning guidance and warranties come from the Amazon listings and makers’ descriptions, and we write “not stated” where a figure was missing or flag it where sources disagree.
We did not repeat any blender from our main blender, smoothie or glass-jar blender guides. One model family, the Hamilton Beach DrinkMaster, appears on another of our pages in a different color, and we explain why in its section. We also checked the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s recall database for every brand. Vitamix’s recalls covered Ascent and Venturist blending cups and, in 2013, a batch of 64-ounce low-profile containers; neither applies to the VX1’s classic container. Ninja’s 2015 recall covered the BL660, not the BN751. We found no recalls for these Hamilton Beach, Waring, Nostalgia or Brentwood models. We have not used these machines ourselves.
Milkshake machine questions, answered
Is a blender or a milkshake maker better for milkshakes?
For classic shakes, a milkshake maker. Its spindle mixes ice cream and milk without chopping them as hard, so the shake stays thick and airy. A blender is better if you also want smoothies and salsas, or if you add whole cookies, frozen fruit or ice.
What is the best blender for milkshakes at home?
The Vitamix VX1, because its tamper keeps a thick shake moving without extra milk and its variable speed lets you stop early. For big batches, the Ninja Professional Plus DUO’s 72-ounce pitcher makes the most at once.
How do you keep a blender milkshake thick?
Use cold milk and only a little of it, let very hard ice cream soften for a few minutes, blend on low or pulse, and stop as soon as it is smooth. Use a tamper rather than more milk if the blender stalls.
Can I make a malt in a milkshake maker?
Yes. Add malted milk powder with the ice cream and milk; the Waring WDM20 and Nostalgia listings both describe their mixers for malts.
Can you make a milkshake with an ice cream maker?
An ice cream maker makes the ice cream, not the shake, though some newer machines have a milkshake setting. Make your own ice cream with the best ice cream maker, then mix the shake with one of the machines above.
Our pick for making milkshakes at home
Buy the Hamilton Beach DrinkMaster if you want classic shakes at home with the least fuss. Choose the Waring WDM20 if shakes are a weekly habit, the WDM120TX if you make them in quantity, the Vitamix VX1 if you want one machine for shakes and everything else, and the Ninja Professional Plus DUO for a pitcher at a time.
A good blender also makes Mexican fruit drinks. Read what aguas frescas are, try the best horchata mix for a cinnamon-rice shake base, and go back to the best blender for all-round blending. Or see our drinks and call to order.