Creating a thick, creamy milkshake at home requires the right tool for the job. While any blender can mix ingredients, the best ones achieve that perfect consistency—smooth, rich, and free of ice chunks—that makes a milkshake special. The ideal blender combines sufficient power, durable blades, and thoughtful features to handle frozen desserts with ease.
This roundup examines ten excellent blenders suited for milkshake making, from commercial-grade drink mixers to versatile countertop powerhouses. Whether you prioritize single-serve convenience, large-batch capacity, or multifunctional use, there is an option here to help you craft professional-quality shakes in your own kitchen.
Our Top Picks for Homemade Milkshakes
- Breville BSB510XL Control Grip Immersion Blender
- Oster Beehive Blender Kitchen Center
- Waring Commercial Single Spindle Drink Mixer
- Ninja BN701 Professional Plus Blender with Auto IQ
- Vitamix 5200 Blender, Professional-Grade
- Blendtec Total Classic Original Blender
- Ninja Mega Kitchen System Blender & Processor
- Oster Pro 1200 Smoothie Blender with Glass Jar
- Ninja BL642 Nutri Ninja Personal & Countertop Blender
- Breville the Super Q Blender
Breville BSB510XL Control Grip Immersion Blender
This immersion blender offers a unique approach to making milkshakes directly in your serving glass or cup. Its standout feature is the anti-suction blending technology, which minimizes splashing and provides greater control while blending thick mixtures like ice cream and milk. The ergonomic trigger grip is designed for comfort during use.
Included with the blender is a 42-ounce jug, which is perfect for blending larger batches. The whisk attachment also adds versatility for other kitchen tasks. This tool is a good fit for those who prefer a handheld option that is easy to clean and store.
Oster Beehive Blender Kitchen Center
The Oster Beehive is a classic blender design known for its durability and simple operation. It features an all-metal drive system for reliable performance and a 600-watt motor with a 3-speed dial for versatile blending control. The iconic beehive shape adds a retro charm to any kitchen counter.
It comes with a 5-cup heat-resistant glass jar that is built to withstand temperature changes, making it suitable for both cold milkshakes and warmer recipes. This blender is a straightforward, no-fuss option for basic blending needs.
Waring Commercial Single Spindle Drink Mixer
This is the professional tool specifically designed for drinks like milkshakes and malts. Its heavy-duty die-cast construction and powerful 1 peak horsepower motor are engineered to quickly and smoothly blend the coldest, hardest ice creams without strain. The design is reminiscent of classic soda fountain equipment.
It features a three-speed rocker switch offering 16,000, 20,000, and 24,000 RPM options for precise texture control. For those seeking authentic, thick diner-style milkshakes, this commercial-grade mixer is a top contender.
Ninja BN701 Professional Plus Blender with Auto IQ
This Ninja blender provides substantial power with 1400 peak watts and specialized Total Crushing Blades designed to pulverize ice efficiently. Its strength makes short work of frozen ingredients, ensuring a consistently smooth shake. The modern design includes a 72-ounce pitcher suitable for multiple servings.
A key benefit is the Auto-iQ technology, which offers three preset programs. One-touch functionality for smoothies, frozen drinks, and ice cream takes the guesswork out of timing, providing consistent results every time.
Vitamix 5200 Blender, Professional-Grade
The Vitamix 5200 is a renowned workhorse in the blending world. Its 2-horsepower motor and laser-cut stainless-steel blades create incredibly smooth textures, capable of fully integrating frozen fruit and ice into a creamy milkshake. The variable speed control allows for complete customization of your blend.
It includes a 64-ounce container that is effective for both large and small batches. Known for its durability and performance, this blender is a long-term investment for serious home enthusiasts who value versatility and professional results.
Blendtec Total Classic Original Blender
Blendtec is another leader in high-performance blending. This model comes with a large 90-ounce WildSide+ jar and features six pre-programmed cycles, making operation simple. Its powerful motor is more than capable of creating smooth, lump-free milkshakes quickly.
Notable features include its self-cleaning function—just add soap and water and run a cycle. The blunt safety blades and square jar design are engineered to pull ingredients into the blade vortex effectively for a consistent blend.
Ninja Mega Kitchen System Blender & Processor
This is a comprehensive kitchen system centered around a powerful 1500-watt motor. The included 72-ounce blender pitcher uses Total Crushing Technology to break down ice and frozen ingredients thoroughly for creamy shakes. Its strength is ideal for making large batches for gatherings.
Beyond blending, the system includes a food processor bowl and two 16-ounce to-go cups with lids. This makes it an excellent multifunctional choice for those who want a single appliance to handle a wide variety of food preparation tasks.
Oster Pro 1200 Smoothie Blender with Glass Jar
The Oster Pro 1200 offers smart settings technology with seven speeds, including three pre-programmed options for common blends. With 1200 watts of power and 900 watts dedicated to ice crushing, it has the muscle needed for frozen desserts. The dual-direction blade technology provides extra blending power.
It includes a main glass jar and a 24-ounce to-go cup, offering flexibility for single servings or family-sized shakes. The extra-wide 3.5-inch blade system helps ingredients flow downward for smoother, faster results.
Ninja BL642 Nutri Ninja Personal & Countertop Blender
This Ninja model excels at both full-size pitcher blending and single-serve convenience. Its 1200-watt motor and Pro Extractor Blades are designed to break down whole fruits and ice completely. The Auto-iQ technology provides intelligent programs for hands-free operation.
The system includes a 72-ounce pitcher for large batches and three to-go cups (18, 24, and 32 ounces) with spout lids. This versatility makes it easy to make a single milkshake to enjoy immediately or a pitcher to share.
Breville the Super Q Blender
Breville’s Super Q blender is engineered for precision and control, featuring a powerful motor and innovative blade design. It typically offers multiple speed settings and pre-programmed functions tailored for different textures, including frozen drinks. The focus is on creating ultra-smooth results with minimal noise.
While specific features for this model are not listed, Breville blenders are generally known for their robust construction and intelligent technology. They often include features like a LCD display, timer, and various jar sizes, positioning it as a high-end option for discerning users who want maximum control over their blends.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in the Best Blenders for Milkshakes at Home
Finding the right machine for your kitchen counter can make all the difference between a so-so drink and a fantastic one. I’ve learned that not every blender is built for the specific task of making a perfect milkshake. You want something that crushes ice into a fine snow, blends frozen fruit into creamy oblivion, and leaves no annoying chunks behind. The goal is a thick, smooth, and consistent texture every single time. So, let’s talk about what actually matters when you’re looking for one of the best blenders for milkshakes at home.
First and foremost, think about power. I’m talking about the motor’s wattage. For milkshakes, you need a strong motor—I’d suggest looking for at least 1000 watts. A powerful motor ensures the blades can spin fast enough to pulverize hard, frozen ingredients without straining or leaving big pieces of ice. A weak blender might struggle, leading to a watery shake or, worse, a burnt-out motor. Next, consider the blade design. Look for sturdy, sharp stainless-steel blades that are positioned to create a strong vortex, pulling all the ingredients down into the cutting path. A six-point or asymmetrical blade design often works better than a simple four-point one for breaking up ice.
The container material is another key point. I prefer a glass or high-quality, BPA-free plastic pitcher. Glass is heavier and can be easier to clean without retaining odors, but modern Tritan plastic is incredibly durable and much lighter, which is helpful if you have a heavy machine. The shape of the pitcher matters too; a wide base helps with ingredient circulation, while a narrower one can create a more powerful vortex. Don’t forget about capacity! If you’re just making shakes for yourself, a personal-sized blender might be perfect. For family-sized treats, a full-sized pitcher of 64 ounces or more is the way to go.
Finally, pay attention to the controls and preset programs. While a simple high-low-pulse setup can work perfectly, I’ve found that a blender with a dedicated “frozen drinks” or “smoothie” preset takes the guesswork out. It automatically runs the optimal cycle to blend your milkshake ingredients to the right consistency. Extra features like tamper tools (to push ingredients into the blades without stopping) and easy-clean functions are huge bonuses that make the whole process faster and more enjoyable. By focusing on these elements—power, blades, container, and smart features—you’ll find a blender that turns your kitchen into a great shake shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a regular blender to make milkshakes?
You can, but the results might not be ideal. A regular, low-powered blender often struggles with hard, frozen ingredients like ice cream and ice cubes. It might leave chunks or require a lot of stopping and stirring. For consistently smooth and thick milkshakes, a blender with a more powerful motor (over 1000 watts) and sturdy blades designed for crushing ice is a much better investment.
What’s the main difference between a milkshake blender and a smoothie blender?
While there’s a lot of overlap, the key difference is in the ingredients. Milkshakes typically start with hard-frozen ice cream, which is dense and difficult to break down. A great milkshake blender needs immense torque and power from the moment it starts. Smoothies often use softer frozen fruit. Many high-performance blenders handle both tasks excellently, but the best blenders for milkshakes at home are specifically praised for their ice-crushing ability without adding extra liquid.
Is a glass or plastic pitcher better for blending milkshakes?
Both have pros and cons. A glass pitcher is classic, feels substantial, and won’t scratch or absorb odors from ingredients like vanilla or peanut butter. However, it’s heavier and can break if dropped. High-quality, BPA-free plastic pitchers (like Tritan) are much lighter, very durable, and often come with helpful measurement markings. For a busy kitchen where you’re making shakes often, a sturdy plastic pitcher might be more practical and safer.
How important are pre-programmed settings on a blender?
For beginners or anyone who values convenience, they’re very useful. A “frozen drinks” or “smoothie” preset automatically runs the blender through a timed cycle of variable speeds, ensuring everything is blended perfectly without you having to guess. If you’re experienced and prefer full control, a simple variable speed dial with a high-power pulse function will give you the flexibility to make the texture exactly how you like it.
Do I need a special blade to crush ice for milkshakes?
Yes, blade design is critical. Look for blades made from hardened stainless steel. Blenders marketed for ice crushing often have specific, multi-point blade assemblies (like 6 or 8 blades) that are angled to create a strong pulling vortex. This design draws the ice and frozen ingredients down into the blades consistently, rather than letting them just spin around the top of the pitcher.
How do I clean my blender after making a milkshake?
The easiest method is to clean it immediately. Fill the pitcher about halfway with warm water and a drop of dish soap, then run the blender on a short cycle. This usually loosens most residue. For a deeper clean, especially if you used sticky ingredients like peanut butter, disassemble the blade assembly (if possible) and wash the parts separately. Many modern blenders also have a self-cleaning function that does the initial work for you.