There’s something undeniably satisfying about a perfectly thick, creamy milkshake. That rich, spoonable texture is a hallmark of a truly great dessert drink, but achieving it at home can be a challenge with the wrong equipment. The secret lies not just in the recipe, but in having the right machine designed to blend frozen ingredients into a smooth, dense consistency without turning them into soup.
Whether you’re a fan of classic soda fountain-style machines or prefer the versatility of a high-powered blender, the right tool makes all the difference. We’ve researched and compiled a list of the top machines that excel at creating the thick, luxurious milkshakes you love, from dedicated drink mixers to multi-functional kitchen powerhouses.
The Best Milkshake Makers for Your Kitchen
- Hamilton Beach DrinkMaster Electric Drink Mixer
- Nostalgia Two-Speed Electric Coca-Cola Milkshake Maker
- Brentwood Classic Milkshake Maker, 15 oz, Turquoise
- Hamilton Beach Professional Pro Retro Die-Cast Mixer
- Nostalgia Two-Speed Electric Milkshake Maker, Blue
- Ninja NC301 CREAMi Ice Cream Maker
- Vitamix Explorian E310 Blender
- NutriBullet Special Edition NutriBullet Pro 900
- Cuisinart CBT-500P1 PowerEdge 500-Watt Blender
Hamilton Beach DrinkMaster Electric Drink Mixer
The Hamilton Beach DrinkMaster brings classic soda fountain functionality to your countertop. Its two-speed operation gives you control over the consistency of your shakes, allowing you to create a thick, creamy texture. The extra-large 28-ounce stainless steel cup is a significant benefit, providing ample space for multiple servings or for adding generous amounts of mix-ins like fruit or candy.
This mixer is designed for convenience. The tilt-back head offers easy access to add ingredients or remove the cup. Cleanup is straightforward, as the mixing spindle detaches and the cup is dishwasher safe. Beyond milkshakes, its versatility extends to mixing lattes, fruit drinks, and cocktails.
Nostalgia Two-Speed Electric Coca-Cola Limited Edition Milkshake Maker
For fans of classic Americana, this Coca-Cola branded milkshake maker adds a fun, retro vibe to your kitchen. It’s equipped with a 100-watt motor and two speed settings, giving you the ability to customize the thickness of your shakes and malts. The weighted base provides stability during operation, preventing the unit from walking on your counter.
It comes with a durable 16-ounce stainless steel mixing cup and rod, perfect for creating a single, substantial serving. This machine is designed to be both fun and functional, easily creating milkshakes, malted milks, and other soda fountain-style drinks.
Brentwood Classic Milkshake Maker
The Brentwood Classic Milkshake Maker features a charming turquoise design that complements a retro kitchen aesthetic. It is engineered to produce thick milkshakes quickly, with the ability to prepare a drink in under two minutes. This makes it an excellent option for a fast, satisfying treat.
Its utility goes beyond just milkshakes. You can use it to mix malts, smoothies, protein drinks, and even cocktails. The straightforward design focuses on doing one job well, providing a dedicated tool for creating classic, diner-style frozen drinks.
Hamilton Beach Professional Pro Retro Die-Cast Mixer
This Hamilton Beach model offers a professional, heavy-duty build with its die-cast metal construction, promising long-term durability. Like its counterpart, it features an extra-large 28-ounce stainless steel cup, ideal for making large shakes or multiple smaller ones. The tilt-back head design allows for easy access and simple cleanup.
Its versatility is a key strength. In addition to milkshakes and malts, it can handle tasks like whipping omelets and mixing pancake batter. This makes it a more multi-purpose kitchen tool while still delivering the authentic soda fountain mixing action for thick shakes.
Nostalgia Two-Speed Electric Milkshake Maker and Drink Mixer
This blue Nostalgia mixer provides the same reliable performance as the Coca-Cola edition but with a solid color finish. Its 100-watt motor and two-speed settings allow you to process ingredients to your preferred consistency, whether you want a thick shake or a smoother drink. The weighted base ensures it stays put during use.
It includes a 16-ounce stainless steel mixing cup and is perfect for making a variety of beverages. From classic milkshakes to health-conscious smoothies and juices, this machine brings old-time ice cream parlor charm to your modern kitchen.
Ninja NC301 CREAMi Ice Cream Maker
The Ninja CREAMi is in a category of its own. It doesn’t just mix milkshakes; it transforms frozen bases into a wide array of frozen treats. For milkshake lovers, this means you can create an incredibly thick and creamy “milkshake” from a pre-frozen block of your custom ice cream creation, resulting in an exceptionally dense texture.
It offers seven one-touch programs and is renowned for its ability to create gelato, sorbet, and smoothie bowls. The Mix-In feature lets you add chunks of your favorite candies, nuts, or fruits after processing for perfect customization. It provides total control over ingredients for various dietary needs.
Vitamix Explorian E310 Blender
For those who need a blender that can do everything, including making a superb milkshake, the Vitamix Explorian E310 is a top contender. Its powerful 2-peak-horsepower motor and laser-cut stainless-steel blades are capable of pulverizing frozen fruit and ice cream into an ultra-smooth, thick shake without any chunks.
The 48-ounce container is ideal for making multiple servings. As a professional-grade blender, its functionality extends far beyond milkshakes to include soups, sauces, nut butters, and more. This is a long-term investment for a high-performance kitchen appliance.
NutriBullet Special Edition NutriBullet Pro 900
The NutriBullet Pro 900 is a compact but mighty option for creating thick, single-serving milkshakes. With 900 watts of power, it easily breaks down frozen ingredients into a smooth and drinkable consistency. Its straightforward operation makes it very easy to use for a quick treat.
This special edition comes with a variety of cups and lids, including a large 32-ounce Colossal Cup, making it versatile for different portion sizes. While famous for smoothies, its power and extraction blades are equally effective at creating rich, well-blended milkshakes in under a minute.
Cuisinart CBT-500P1 PowerEdge 500-Watt Blender
The Cuisinart PowerEdge Blender is a reliable and affordable option for making milkshakes and more. Its 500-watt motor provides sufficient power to blend ice cream and milk into a smooth, creamy shake. The patented blade system is designed to pull ingredients down into the blades for a consistent blend.
This blender offers a good balance of performance and value, functioning as a general-purpose kitchen blender that can also handle frozen drinks. It’s a solid choice for anyone who wants a capable blender for milkshakes without the investment of a premium model.
What to Look For in a Milkshake Maker for Thick Shakes
Finding the right machine to make those perfectly thick, creamy shakes at home can feel tricky. I have tested a lot of them, and I have learned that not all appliances are created equal, especially when your goal is a dense, spoon-standing texture. The key is to focus on a few specific features that separate the average blenders from the true milkshake makers for thick shakes.
First, consider the motor power. For thick shakes with frozen ingredients like hard ice cream or frozen fruit, you need a motor with enough torque to handle the load without stalling. I look for models with at least 500 watts, but for serious thickness, 1000 watts or more is ideal. A weak motor will struggle, overheat, and leave you with a chunky, uneven mix instead of a smooth, thick shake.
Next, look at the blade design. Simple, flat blades are okay for basic mixing, but for thick concoctions, you want sharp, multi-level or serrated blades. These are designed to pull ingredients down from the top and chop through ice and frozen fruit effectively. This creates a more consistent texture without large, icy chunks. Some of the best machines also have specialized “crush” settings or pre-programmed cycles for frozen treats, which take the guesswork out of timing.
Finally, don’t forget about the pitcher itself. Glass pitchers are heavy and can break, but they feel sturdy and don’t absorb odors. I find that high-quality, BPA-free plastic pitchers are more practical for daily use and are often dishwasher-safe, which is a huge bonus for cleanup. The shape matters too; a contoured bottom helps create a vortex that pulls everything into the blades for a smoother blend. By paying attention to power, blades, and container, you can find a machine that makes a thick shake just the way you like it.
FAQ
Can I use a regular blender to make a thick shake?
You can, but the results might not be as good. Regular blenders often have less powerful motors and simpler blades that struggle with hard-frozen ice cream. You might need to let your ingredients soften first, which can lead to a thinner consistency. A dedicated milkshake maker or a high-performance blender is built with the torque and blade design to handle frozen ingredients directly, giving you that classic, thick shake texture.
What’s the best way to get a really thick shake?
Start with very cold, hard ice cream. I keep my ice cream in the deep freezer until the last second. Using less milk is the most straightforward trick; add just a splash at a time until it reaches your preferred thickness. You can also add mix-ins like malted milk powder, which absorbs liquid, or a handful of frozen fruit to increase the density without making it runny.
Are milkshake makers easy to clean?
Most are quite easy, especially models with dishwasher-safe parts. I always recommend rinsing the pitcher and blades immediately after use to prevent dried-on residue. For blenders with a removable blade assembly, a quick soak in warm, soapy water does the trick. Checking the cleaning instructions before you buy can save you a lot of hassle later.
How is a milkshake maker different from a smoothie maker?
While the machines can often be used for both, a smoothie maker is typically designed to puree fruits and vegetables into a drinkable liquid, often with more fiber. A milkshake maker is optimized for blending thick, creamy, and fatty ingredients like ice cream. The best milkshake makers for thick shakes usually have more power and specific settings to break down the dense, frozen dairy without adding too much air or liquid.
What safety features should I look for?
Always look for a model with a secure lid that has a sealing cap or opening to add ingredients safely while blending. A non-slip base is also important to keep the unit from “walking” across the counter when dealing with thick mixtures. Some higher-end models have overload protection that will shut the motor off automatically if it overheats, which protects the appliance’s lifespan.