Is there anything as delicious or fun as a milkshake? No matter what you flavor you prefer, there are literally thousands of combinations for this sweet treat. Even better, they are easy to make at home as long as you have the best blender for milkshakes.
Whether you want something fruity, sweet, or something in-between, making a shake at home has never been easier.
In our guide, we reveal the best milkshake makers as well as give you tips to fulfill all your milkshake dreams.
Top Milkshake Blenders
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Editor's Choice
The Vitamix E310 Explorian Blender is a space-saving, professional-grade blender. It's small but powerful with its 48-ounce container which is perfect for a family of four. The aircraft-quality stainless steel blades will make short work of not only ice cream but anything else you want to add to your milkshake: fruit, peanut butter, coconut, you name it.
Use the pulse button to chop up some nuts or cookies for a crunchy topping. This function is also good for making whipped cream or silky nut butters.
If you want to make more than just milkshakes, the Vitamix also serves double duty as a great all purpose blender. The blades move so fast that they create friction heat, so you can make yourself something steaming hot in just a few minutes. That being said, just be sure to keep an eye on your milkshake so that you don't end up with melted cream!
When making a milkshake, cleanup can be something of a chore, but not with this product. This blender will clean itself in less than a minute with some warm water and a drop or two of soap.
What We Like:
- Unmatched quality
- Self cleaning
- Space saver
- Can handle hot and cold ingredients
What We Don't Like:
- Loud
- Less affordable
Best Runner Up
This new and improved NutriBullet Pro Plus is perfect for making single-serve milkshakes that you can take with you anywhere. It comes with 2 containers and flip-top lids that make it super easy to take things on the go. Make one for yourself and a friend to show off your milkshake expertise. When you’re all done they are dishwasher safe, making for a quick cleanup.
In addition, the impressive 1200-watt motor makes blending a breeze. It also has a pre-programmed pulse cycle that automatically shuts itself off so you don’t have to worry about burning up your blender. You can make your milkshake and your toppings all with this small, powerful blender.
The Nutribullet Pro is perfect for people who are busy but still want to treat themselves to something delicious.
What We Like:
- Compact
- Sleek design
- Powerful 1200 watt motor
- To go cups with lids included
- Automatic shutoff
What We Don't Like:
- Not suitable for large amounts of frozen ingredients
Best Milkshake Blender for Large Families
The Ninja Professional Countertop Blender BL660 is a powerhouse. Whether you want to make a milkshake to share with your entire family or maybe a sweet treat just for yourself, this blender has you covered. Let's discuss.
First, it has pulverizing power with an 1100-watt base and a 72-ounce pitcher for large batches. If you want to make something to take on the go just use one of the two 16-ounce cups with to-go lids.
Second, for more than milkshakes, the Ninja can make smoothies and dips in the blink of an eye using the pulse button or the 3 speed settings. Be selfish and create something just for yourself with the single serving function.
Finally, this is a professional performance blender that was made to be used in your home, and to top it all off, it’s dishwasher safe. This is the blender with the versatility to entertain large groups or make single servings, whichever you need.
What We Like:
- Easy pour handle
- To-go cups with lids included
- Large capacity pitcher
- Dishwasher safe
What We Don't Like:
- Loud
- Not suitable for hot liquids
Best Travel Milkshake Blender
The surprisingly small Ninja Personal Blender has a 700-watt motor and nutrient extraction blades that make short work of frozen fruits and veggies. Use one of the two 16-ounce cups to make a delicious milkshake, throw on a to-go lid, and take it with you.
Use the pulse technology to chop up some nuts or cookies to top off your creamy creation. The guide that comes with this product has 30 recipes to help inspire your creativity. With its ease of use, you might find yourself making milkshakes on a daily basis.
The Ninja is both a space saver and a money saver, which is perfect for small apartments or college students. In addition, it is dishwasher safe. As they say, big things can come in small packages.
What We Like:
- Compact design
- To-go cups included
- Dishwasher safe
- Budget friendly
What We Don't Like:
- Not suitable for hot liquids
- Not suitable for large batches
Best Value Milkshake Blender
Making milkshakes has never been easier than with the Oster Blender Pro 1200. The Oster is so serious about milkshakes that it even has a pre-programmed setting specifically for it. Let's highlight the features of this awesome machine.
First, to expand the use of your blender, there are two other settings for salsa or smoothies. Three texture buttons for thin, medium, and thick ensure that everything comes out just how you like it. You can even pulverize hard veggies or turn ice into snow with the pulse function.
Second, the Oster comes with an extra-wide 3.5-inch blade system which pulls ingredients down and blends them perfectly using dual-directional technology. You can make a shake for your whole family using the 6-cup Boroclass blending jar. Alternatively, if you’d rather make something just for yourself, use one of the 24-ounce to-go cups.
Finally, the Oster will make milkshakes quick and easy. You won't even have to worry about cleanup because this blender is dishwasher safe.
What We Like:
- Wide blade system
- Stylish blending base
- To-go cups included
- Pouring handle on blending jar
- 3 pre-programmed settings
What We Don't Like:
- Heavy at 11.73 pounds
Best Budget Milkshake Blender
Don’t throw away your shot… at owning this Hamilton Beach Power Elite Blender. If you’re young, scrappy and hungry then this is the machine for you (shameless Broadway reference). This machine has a wave-action system that continuously pulls ingredients down to the blades for a nice smooth blend. With its 5 speeds and 700-watt motor you can put together any combination of milkshake in a blink.
It comes with a no-mess, easy-pour spout that goes on the 40-ounce glass jar to make sure you don’t spill a single drop of your decadent concoction. The lid, jar and blades are all dishwasher safe to make cleanup almost as easy as making the shake itself.
Whether you’re making a sweet treat for yourself or entertaining a small party, this blender will get the job done.
What We Like:
- Glass jar
- Budget friendly
- Wave-action system
- No-mess spout
- Built-in cord storage
What We Don't Like:
- Plastic parts
Best Hand Blender for Milkshakes
The Mueller Austria Ultra-Stick is a powerful blender in the palm of your hand. It has a 500-watt motor and comes with 3 different attachments. Simply put your ingredients in a large glass and use the blender attachment to make a silky-smooth milkshake in minutes. Use the other attachments to make salsa, baby food, whipped cream, soups, purees, and so much more.
Being able to handle hot and cold ingredients is just the beginning. This versatile tool is small enough to be tucked away on a shelf for later which is perfect for small apartments or dorms. Cleanup is super easy with the detachable shaft that is dishwasher safe.
To sum it up, the Mueller puts the power of a blender right at your fingertips.
What We Like:
- Versatility
- Space saver
- Good for beginners
- 3 attachments included
What We Don't Like:
- Very loud
- Low powered compared to countertop blenders
Buying the Best Milkshake Blender
Although there are a variety of ways to make a milkshake, the most common ingredients are ice cream, milk, and a fruit or flavor topping. There are thousands of milkshake combinations and we love them all.
To make the perfect, silky smooth milkshake, you need to have the best tools for the job. The most important tool, by far, is your blender. Most blenders can handle making milkshakes with ease, but there are a few important factors to consider when it comes time to purchase your milkshake machine.
Milkshake Blender Versatility
You want a blender that can not only make the milkshake but can also help with any toppings you might want – something that can chop up cookies or nuts to blend into your shake to give it that nice crunch. Since you probably won’t be drinking milkshakes every day it’s nice when the product can help with other dishes as well.
For example, a large capacity blending system like the Ninja Professional Countertop Blender BL660 is a great choice when it comes to versatility. The large blending container allows you to make batches or larger portions easily. At the same time, the included single serving cups offer expanded functionality.
Shake Maker Power
Blender power is one of the most overlooked features when it comes to shopping criteria. For making milkshakes, you need a machine that packs enough punch to whip together all of your ingredients. Blender power is especially important when it comes to milkshake texture.
For example, if you are someone who likes extra thick milkshakes, then a machine with a powerful motor like the Vitamix E310 Explorian Blender would be a great choice. Creating a thick milkshake causes a lot of pressure on the motor and you want to ensure that your blender can handle it.
Alternatively, if you are someone who prefers a milkshake on the thinner side, then a low powered model will be completely adequate. A blender like the Mueller Austria Ultra-Stick or even the Ninja Personal Blender can both get the job done without needing to break the bank.
Accessories
There are a multitude of flavor combinations for milkshakes as well as a multitude of methods for making them. Depending on your personal preferences, spend some time thinking about what type of milkshakes you will likely prepare.
Coffee inspired milkshakes would taste awesome with a little extra homemade whipped cream on the top. For this, a blender like the Mueller Austria Ultra-Stick would be a great choice since it's sold with a frother and whisk attachment.
Alternatively, a no frills blender like the budget friendly Hamilton Beach Power Elite Blender, would get the job done just as easily. You could even level up your milkshake game with some fancy serving glasses using the money you saved!
Milkshake Blender Blade Style
The blades should be capable of pulling all the ingredients down and blending them into a perfectly smooth texture without leaving a bunch of chunks stuck to the sides of the jar. You don’t want to have to constantly scrape the sides to make sure it’s all blended.
A model like the Oster Blender Pro 1200 is a great example of a blender with an awesome blade system. The extra wide 3.5" blade assembly creates the suction you need in order to draw the ingredients towards the blades.
In addition, take note of the style of blades (blunt or sharp) as well as if the blade assembly is removable for easy cleaning. In general, higher end machines like the Vitamix do not feature removable blades. For some people, this is a deal breaker.
Ease of Cleaning
With ingredients like ice cream, fruits, chocolate syrup and candy, making milkshakes can be a sticky business. Make sure that the blender you buy is easy to clean. This way, the next time you get a craving for a shake you aren’t dreading the cleanup.
Some blenders, like the NutriBullet Pro Plus have some parts that are dishwasher safe and other parts that are not. If you loathe doing dishes, then this could be a total deal breaker for you! It may also deter you from using your blender, which would be a shame.
Alternatively, go for a model like the Ninja Professional Countertop Blender BL660 that is able to be easily disassembled and tossed in the dishwasher.
If you focus on these main points you should be able to find a blender to make all your milkshake dreams come true. Above all, don't forget the most important thing - an awesome ice cream scoop!
Conclusion
Any of these blenders would work to make creamy, delicious milkshakes but our top pick is the Vitamix E310 Explorian Blender. It has all the power you need to mix up milkshakes in a flash no matter which texture you desire. It’s also perfect for making a large batch to share with your friends and family.
Our runner up is the NutriBullet Pro Plus due to its compact design. It also packs a powerful punch for being such a small machine. As a bonus, the additional included cup is perfect for crushing up cookie or candy toppings.
Milkshakes are an indulgent dessert and we can't wait to hear about all of the creations that you make with your new blender. Happy blending!