Why is a milkshake maker better than a blender?
Making delicious milkshakes at home can be a fun and easy way to create a cool summertime treat. But is a dedicated milkshake maker really better than just using your regular blender? In this article, we’ll compare the pros and cons of milkshake makers versus blenders to help you decide which is the best option for your needs.
How Milkshake Makers and Blenders Work
First, let’s look at how these two appliances work to mix up creamy milkshakes:
Milkshake Maker
A milkshake maker, sometimes called a drink mixer, is a specialty appliance designed specifically for blending thick, cold milkshakes. It consists of a metal cup that sits upside down over a motorized base. The cup contains blades that spin rapidly to blend ingredients.
To operate a milkshake maker, you add ice cream and milk to the metal cup, attach the cup to the base, turn it on and let it spin until smooth and creamy. Many models have settings to adjust blending speed and duration.
Blender
A countertop blender consists of a plastic pitcher that sits on a motorized base with controls. The pitcher has stainless steel blades on the bottom that mix up contents when turned on.
To make a milkshake in a blender, you add ice cream and milk to the pitcher and blend on high speed until combined. Blenders are made for blending all types of ingredients, not just milkshake mixes.
Milkshake Texture
One of the biggest differences between the two appliances is the texture of milkshakes they produce:
Milkshake Makers
Milkshake makers are specially designed to create thick, creamy milkshakes similar to what you’d get from an old-fashioned soda shop. The mixing action of the blades aerates the ice cream, adding volume and a light, whipped texture. Milkshake maker shakes are frosty and noticeably thicker than blender shakes.
Blenders
Blenders can whip up a decent milkshake, but the consistency is often thinner and less creamy than a shake made in a dedicated machine. The blender blades finely puree the ice cream rather than aerating it, resulting in a denser, more liquidy texture.
Convenience and Ease of Use
When it comes to convenience, there are some advantages and disadvantages to each appliance:
Milkshake Makers
- One-touch operation is easy – just turn it on and wait
- Limited to making milkshakes and similar thick drinks
- Typically takes 1-2 minutes to blend a shake
- Parts may require hand washing
Blenders
- Requires manually pulsing and scraping down sides
- Can make wide variety of drinks and foods
- Usually quicker blending times, around 30 seconds – 1 minute
- Pitcher and blades are dishwasher safe
Versatility
Blenders are significantly more versatile kitchen appliances than specialty milkshake makers:
Milkshake Maker Uses
- Milkshakes
- Thick smoothies
- Some frozen cocktails
- Soft serve ice cream
Blender Uses
- Smoothies
- Milkshakes
- Frozen drinks
- Nut milks
- Pureed soups
- Dips and sauces
- Nut butters
- Baby food
- Batters
- And more!
While milkshake makers excel at their namesake, blenders can be used for a wide array of blending tasks. Their versatility makes them useful for many different kitchen jobs.
Popularity
Blenders are much more widely owned than specialty milkshake makers. Here’s how their popularity compares:
Milkshake Maker Ownership
- Around 18% of U.S. households own a milkshake maker
- Seen as a non-essential novelty appliance by many
- Often purchased on impulse and sparingly used
- Nostalgic retro appeal
Blender Ownership
- Approximately 79% of U.S. households own a blender
- Considered a kitchen essential by most
- Used frequently for a wide range of blending tasks
- Practical appeal
Blenders are far more commonplace than milkshake makers in American homes. While fun and nostalgic, milkshake machines are viewed as non-essential by many due to their limited uses.
Cost Comparison
In general, buying a quality blender is more expensive than a basic milkshake machine:
Appliance | Average Cost |
---|---|
Milkshake Maker | $25 – $100+ |
Blender | $40 – $500+ |
There’s significant overlap in prices, but you can get a very basic milkshake maker for around $25. Decent blenders usually start around $40, with high-powered models ranging up to $500. Overall, blenders have a higher price ceiling.
Maintenance
Proper cleaning is important for both appliances, but blenders are generally easier to maintain:
Milkshake Maker
- Removable parts must be hand washed
- Requires cleaning after each use to prevent mold
- Thick shakes can clog machine over time
Blender
- Pitcher and blades are dishwasher safe
- Self-cleaning with soap and water
- Less prone to clogs than milkshake maker
The ability to toss blender parts in the dishwasher makes cleanup much easier. Milkshake makers must be hand washed and thoroughly dried to prevent sticky messes.
Safety
Both milkshake machines and blenders require safe usage practices:
Milkshake Maker Safety Tips
- Never submerge base in water
- Unplug when not in use
- Don’t overfill mixing cup
- Attach cup properly onto base
- Don’t operate with damaged cord
- Close supervision for kids
Blender Safety Tips
- Unplug when not in use
- Don’t overfill pitcher
- Keep hands and utensils away from blades
- Don’t blend hot liquids or soap
- Close supervision for kids
Always practice common sense and caution when operating either appliance to avoid potential electrical or mechanical issues. Supervise children closely.
Performance and Power
There are differences in motor power and performance:
Milkshake Maker Motors
- Typically 200-500 watts
- Designed for thick milkshake consistency
- Can struggle with larger volumes or chunky add-ins
Blender Motors
- Often 500 watts or higher
- More powerful performance
- Capable of blending larger batches
The more powerful motors found in most blenders provide faster and more efficient blending. Milkshake makers sometimes lack the power for larger shakes or thick add-ins.
Noise Levels
Blenders tend to make more noise than milkshake machines:
Milkshake Maker Noise
- Typically around 70-80 decibels
- Lower-pitched, rumbling motor noise
- Less irritating than the high pitch of blenders
Blender Noise
- Can reach 80-100+ decibels on high speed
- Higher-pitched whining and grinding noise
- More annoying to be around
The high-speed blades and motors of blenders create a sharper, more uncomfortable noise. Milkshake makers rumble at lower decibels that are less disruptive.
Blade Safety
Milkshake machines may have a safety advantage due to blade placement:
Milkshake Maker Blades
- Enclosed blades inside mixing cup
- Harder to access moving blades
- Prevents accidental lacerations
Blender Blades
- Exposed blades at bottom of pitcher
- Allows objects to fall into blades
- Increased laceration risk
The blade enclosure of milkshake makers provides an extra level of safety compared to open blender blades. However, both require unplugging and care when pouring and cleaning.
Counter Space
Milkshake makers take up less precious counter real estate than most blenders:
Milkshake Maker Size
- Compact footprint, around 5-8 inches wide
- Fits easily on counter or can be stored away
- Mini versions available
Blender Size
- Larger base and pitcher, around 8-10 inches wide
- Takes up more permanent counter space
- Harder to store away
For small kitchens with limited room, a milkshake maker may be preferred over a bulky blender. But blenders can still work well in small areas if you don’t mind the larger footprint.
Special Features
Blenders offer more options when it comes to settings and add-ons:
Milkshake Maker Features
- Usually 1-2 speed settings
- May have pulse function
- Single mixing cup included
Blender Features
- Multiple speed settings
- Preset programs for specific tasks
- Can come with travel cups and other attachments
The simplicity of milkshake makers limits them to just spinning blades. But many blenders include presets and attachments to expand functionality beyond just blending.
Single vs. Multi Purpose
The final comparison focuses on the single versus multi-use nature of the appliances:
Milkshake Makers
- Designed for one task: milkshakes
- Thick, creamy texture unmatched by blenders
- Nostalgic appeal and stylish retro look
- Takes up less space than a blender
Blenders
- Used for a wide variety of blending tasks
- More powerful and efficient
- Standard kitchen appliance owned by most
- Pitcher is convenient for serving
Milkshake makers excel at their sole job of churning out perfect shakes. But versatile blenders may make more sense for those wanting an all-in-one appliance.
Conclusion
While milkshake machines delight retro fans, standard blenders are more practical for most homes. Blenders provide greater versatility and convenience for not much more cost. However, devoted milkshake lovers may find specialty machines worthwhile for their nostalgic appeal and unbeatable thick, creamy texture.
Ultimately, choosing between a milkshake maker versus blender depends on your needs and priorities. If you love milkshakes enough to sacrifice counter space and versatility, then a machine devoted to this one task may be perfect. But for an affordable appliance with everyday usefulness, you can’t go wrong with a quality blender.