9 Best Blenders for Ice Cream Shakes (November 2026)
The best blenders for ice cream shakes include the Ninja Blender Pro+ for thick family-size shakes, the iCucina Smoothie Blender for single-serve milkshakes, and the Hamilton Beach Power Elite Blender For Smoothies for glass-jar blending.
On this page (4 sections)
The best blender for ice cream shakes for most kitchens is the Ninja Blender Pro+, an 1100-watt machine that crushes ice to snow and blends frozen scoop in seconds. Its 72 oz pitcher handles several shakes at once, and the two 16 oz cups let one person blend and go.
The other picks here win on a specific need. The iCucina is the single-serve choice.
The Hamilton Beach Power Elite is the glass-jar pick. The Ninja Professional BL610 is the big-batch pitcher without cups.
Each one earns its place for a certain kind of shake maker.
A thick milkshake is a hard test for a blender. Ice cream straight from the freezer is dense, and the mix needs enough power to keep it moving without stalling.
That makes motor strength the first thing to check, followed by pitcher size and how easy the machine is to clean.
If you blend frozen fruit often, our blender for frozen fruit guide covers the machines built for that job. For thicker, spoonable bases, see the blender for smoothie bowls picks.
And before you drop ice in any machine, read can you put ice in a blender for the safe way to do it.
Our picks at a glance
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1
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2
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3
Best for glass-jar blendingHamilton Beach Power Elite Blender For Smoothies
9.3/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Best for big batches of frozen drinksCheck it - 5
Best for quick cleanup after shakesCheck it - 6
Check itSangcon 1000W Powerful Countertop Blender for Smoothies
Best for small counters - 7
Check itConsciot 11-Piece Blender for Kitchen and Personal
Best for two-person households - 8
Check itnutribullet Full-Size Blender Combo NBF50500
Best for soups and shakes in one machine - 9
Best for small kitchensCheck it
The best blenders for ice cream shakes, pick by pick
The Pro+ is the top pick because it balances power, pitcher size and to-go cups in one base. The rest of the list fills gaps it leaves: smaller cups for one person, a glass jar for pouring, a bigger pitcher for parties and a compact base for tight counters.
Our score weighs specs, features and how well each blender fits the shake-making job. The top score is 9.7; the bottom is 7.8.
Nothing here scored high just for having a famous name.
Ninja Blender Pro+: Best for thick family-size shakes
- 1100-watt motor
- 72 oz Total Crushing pitcher
- 2 x 16 oz to-go cups
- 3 manual speeds plus pulse
An 1100-watt motor and Total Crushing blades handle hard ice cream and ice in one pitcher or in the two to-go cups.
Pros
- 1100 watts for dense, frozen scoops
- Large pitcher for several shakes at once
- To-go cups with spout lids
Cons
- Deep 17 in base needs counter space
- Manual controls only, no preset programs
The Ninja Blender Pro+ suits a household that makes shakes for more than one person and wants a machine that also handles frozen drinks. Its 1100-watt motor and Total Crushing Blades pulverize ice to snow in seconds, which is exactly what a thick milkshake needs to come out smooth.
The 72 oz pitcher is the big draw. It holds 64 oz of liquid at max fill, so you can blend three or four shakes in one go for a family or a small party.
The two 16 oz to-go cups let you make a single shake without dirtying the pitcher, and the spout lids mean you can take it with you.
Three manual speeds and a pulse button give you control over texture. Start slow to break up the frozen scoop, then run faster to smooth it out.
A dedicated single-serve function runs the cup setup without guessing at the speed. All removable parts are BPA-free and top-rack dishwasher safe.
The base is 17 in deep and 7.6 lb, so plan counter space before you buy.
The trade-off is depth. At 17 in deep, the base takes up counter space, though its 8 in height fits standard cabinet clearance.
It also has no preset programs, so you set the speed yourself. For pure shake-making power per dollar, nothing else here matches it.
iCucina Smoothie Blender: Best for single-serve milkshakes
- 700-watt motor
- 2 x 28 oz cups with lids
- One-touch pulse
- Stainless steel blades
Blend straight into a 28 oz cup and carry it off, so a thick shake needs no pitcher and no cleanup jug.
Pros
- Two 28 oz travel cups
- Compact 14 in footprint
- Pulse control for thick mixes
Cons
- No large pitcher for sharing
- Single speed limits fine control
The iCucina Smoothie Blender suits someone who makes one shake at a time and wants the blender to double as the cup. Its 700-watt motor drives stainless steel blades, and the one-touch pulse button gives you control over how long the blades run.
Two 28 oz cups come with the set. That is more capacity than the Ninja's to-go cups, so a large shake or a thick smoothie fits with room to spare.
Blend in the cup, twist on the lid and take it with you. The cups are BPA-free and made of ABS plastic.
The 14 in height and 5 in footprint keep it compact. The pulse-only control is simple: press to run, release to stop.
For a thick shake, pulse in short bursts so the ice cream stays in contact with the blades. The 3.4 lb base is light enough to move between cupboard and counter.
The trade-off is flexibility. With one speed and no pitcher, it is not built for blending several shakes at once or for other kitchen jobs.
The jar is crack-resistant and holds up to 28 oz per cup. But as a dedicated single-serve shake maker, it is the strongest pick here.
Hamilton Beach Power Elite Blender For Smoothies: Best for glass-jar blending
- 700 watts peak
- 40 oz glass jar with spout
- 12 functions, 5 buttons
- Ice Sabre blades
A glass jar with a pour spout, so you can blend a shake and pour it into glasses without a second container.
Pros
- Glass jar with pour spout
- 12 functions from 5 buttons
- Jar, lid and blades are dishwasher safe
Cons
- No to-go cups
- Glass jar is heavier to lift than plastic
The Hamilton Beach Power Elite suits a shake maker who likes pouring from a glass jar. Its 40 oz jar has a pour spout, so you can blend a shake and tip it straight into glasses without a second container.
The 700 watts of peak power and stainless steel Ice Sabre blades handle frozen scoop and ice. Hamilton Beach's Wave Action system keeps ingredients moving down into the blades and circulating around the jar, which helps when the mix gets thick.
You get 12 functions from five buttons, including an ice-crush setting.
The glass jar is the reason to choose it. Glass does not scratch or hold onto smells like plastic can, and it feels sturdier in the hand.
The jar, lid and removable blades are all dishwasher safe. A hinged pouring cap lets you add liquid mid-blend without stopping.
The trade-off is weight and reach. A 40 oz glass jar is heavier to lift than a plastic pitcher, and there are no to-go cups in the set.
The jar also needs about a cup of liquid per recipe to blend well. For someone who pours shakes into glasses at home, though, the spout makes it the most convenient pitcher here.
Ninja Professional BL610: Best for big batches of frozen drinks
- 1000-watt motor
- 72 oz Total Crushing pitcher
- 4 speeds
- Recipe guide included
A 1000-watt pitcher blender for large shake and frozen-drink batches, without the to-go cups of the Pro+.
Pros
- Large 72 oz pitcher
- Total Crushing blades for ice
- Pitcher is dishwasher safe
Cons
- No single-serve cups
- One pitcher only for every job
The Ninja Professional BL610 suits big batches. Its 72 oz pitcher and 1000-watt motor make short work of frozen drinks for a crowd, and Total Crushing blades blast ice into snow.
This is the pitcher-only version of the Ninja design. You get four speeds and the same large pitcher as the Pro+, but no to-go cups.
If you always make shakes in quantity and pour them into glasses, the missing cups cost you nothing. The pitcher holds 64 oz at max liquid capacity.
The pitcher is BPA-free and dishwasher safe. A recipe guide comes in the box for drink ideas.
The base weighs 7.1 lb and measures 10.71 in deep, so it is a little easier to fit than the Pro+. The 1000-watt motor is slightly less than the Pro+'s 1100 watts, but for most milkshake mixes the difference is small.
The trade-off against the Pro+ is single servings. Without cups, a one-person shake means using the big pitcher and cleaning it afterward.
Choose this if you blend for the family and rarely make just one. For crushing ice on its own, our blender for crushing ice and smoothies guide has more options.
Bear Blender: Best for quick cleanup after shakes
- 700-watt motor
- 40 oz jar with measuring cup
- 3 speeds plus pulse
- Self-cleaning cycle
A 40 oz jar with a measuring cup lid and a self-clean cycle, so thick shake residue rinses out with less scrubbing.
Pros
- Self-cleaning cycle
- Measuring cup in the lid
- 3 speeds plus pulse
Cons
- Single jar only
- Needs at least 300 mL of liquid per blend
The Bear Blender suits a shake maker who wants a quick cleanup more than extra attachments. Its self-clean cycle takes warm water and soap and runs a 30-second pulse, so thick shake residue comes out without scrubbing.
The 700-watt motor and six stainless steel blades handle ice cream and ice. Three speeds plus a pulse give you room to adjust.
The 40 oz jar comes with a measuring cup, which helps when you pour milk or add ice cream by volume. The center cover opens for adding ingredients mid-blend.
The pulse function is also the ice-crush control. Short bursts keep the blades biting into frozen scoop rather than spinning.
Bear notes that the blender needs at least 300 mL of liquid to run and asks you to avoid overloading it, so add milk before the ice cream. A non-slip mat on the bottom keeps the 1.92 kg base steady.
The trade-off is that it is a one-jar machine. There are no to-go cups and no second pitcher.
For someone who makes shakes at home and pours them into glasses, the self-clean cycle is the feature that earns its keep.
Sangcon 1000W Powerful Countertop Blender for Smoothies: Best for small counters
- 1000-watt peak motor
- 37 oz, 32 oz and 22 oz cups
- 6-leaf steel blade
- 14.7 in total height
A slim 14.7 in blender with three cup sizes, so it fits under low cabinets and still handles a thick shake.
Pros
- Fits under standard cabinets
- Three BPA-free cups
- 6-leaf blade for frozen scoops
Cons
- One speed only
- Cup-only design, no pitcher
The Sangcon 1000W blender suits small counters. At 14.7 in total height and 5.3 in wide, it slides under standard kitchen cabinets, so it can stay out on the counter instead of living in a cupboard.
The base weighs 5.7 lb.
The 1000-watt peak motor and six-leaf stainless steel blade handle frozen fruit and ice. Three BPA-free cups come in the set: 37 oz, 32 oz and 22 oz.
Blend in a cup, twist on a travel lid and take the shake with you. A sealing lid and handle ring are included too.
The six-leaf blade gives a stronger cutting surface than a standard four-leaf design, which helps with hard ice cream. Sangcon recommends pulsing first, then running continuous blending for a smooth result.
The motor has active cooling airflow and thermal protection, and the unit is ETL certified. The 3.3 ft cord is short, so keep the outlet close.
The trade-off is control. It runs at one speed with a press-and-twist start, so you cannot dial the power down for a delicate mix.
It also has no pitcher. If your kitchen is short on height and you drink shakes alone, the compact build is the reason to pick it.
Consciot 11-Piece Blender for Kitchen and Personal: Best for two-person households
- 900-watt peak motor
- 24 oz, 17 oz and 10 oz cups
- Asymmetric steel blade
- Micro-switch safety lock
Three cup sizes and two to-go lids let two people each blend their own shake without waiting for a pitcher.
Pros
- Three cup sizes for different appetites
- Micro-switch safety lock
- Overheat protection
Cons
- No pitcher for a crowd
- Small cups limit large batches
The Consciot 11-Piece blender suits two people who each want their own shake. It comes with 24 oz, 17 oz and 10 oz cups plus two to-go lids, so each person blends their own flavor without waiting.
A resealable lid and spare seal rings come in the box.
The 900-watt peak motor and asymmetric steel blade pull frozen ingredients toward the center. The blade blends at four distinct angles.
The cup body has a flow-disturbing structure that gathers ingredients for a more even blend. The motor turns up to 25,000 RPM.
Overheat protection and a leak hole add some safety margin.
The micro-switch safety lock means the blender only runs when the cup is locked on the base. That is a useful detail in a busy kitchen.
Non-slip suction feet hold the base down. The cups, lids and blade assembly are dishwasher safe.
The trade-off is batch size. The largest cup is 24 oz, so this is not the blender for a crowd.
It also runs hands-free once locked rather than at set speeds. If your household makes shakes together and each person likes a different flavor, the separate cups are the reason to choose it over a single pitcher.
nutribullet Full-Size Blender Combo NBF50500: Best for soups and shakes in one machine
- 1200-watt motor
- 64 oz pitcher plus 32 oz and 24 oz cups
- 3 speeds, pulse and Extract program
- Tamper included
The most powerful motor here, with a pitcher and cups, so thick shakes and blended soups share one base.
Pros
- 1200 watts for the densest mixes
- Pitcher and two cups included
- Tamper helps thick blends move
Cons
- Heaviest base in this group
- Higher price tier than the others
The nutribullet Full-Size Blender Combo suits someone who wants one base for shakes and other kitchen jobs. Its 1200-watt motor is the strongest here, and it comes with a 64 oz pitcher plus a 32 oz cup and a 24 oz handled cup.
Three speeds, a pulse function and an Extract program give you more control than most machines on this list. A tamper is included, which helps push thick mixes down toward the blades when a shake gets too dense to circulate.
The Easy-Twist Extractor blade uses cyclonic action to pull ingredients into the cutting zone.
The pitcher and cups are BPA-free and dishwasher safe. The pitcher has a vented lid cap.
The combo design means you can make a single shake in a cup or a family batch in the pitcher. It also handles soups and sauces, so it earns counter space beyond shakes.
The trade-off is weight and price. At 11.4 lb it is the heaviest base here, and it sits in a higher price tier than the others.
It measures about 17 in tall, so check cabinet clearance too. If shakes are your main use and you rarely blend soup, the Pro+ gives you most of this power for less.
Magic Bullet MBR-1101: Best for small kitchens
- 250-watt motor
- 22 oz cup and short cup
- Twist-on blade
- Compact 11.8 in base
A tiny 250-watt blender for light shakes, best when counter space is tight and portions are small.
Pros
- Very small footprint
- Light 3.3 lb base
- Cups go in the top dishwasher rack
Cons
- 250 watts struggles with hard ice cream
- No pitcher for sharing
The Magic Bullet MBR-1101 suits a tiny kitchen or a dorm room. Its 250-watt motor and twist-on blade design keep the base small and light at 3.3 lb and 11.8 in tall.
The footprint is just 4.5 in deep.
The set includes a 22 oz tall cup, a short cup and a party mug, with lids and lip rings. Load the cup, twist on the blade, line up the tabs and press.
For a light shake with soft ice cream and plenty of milk, it works. The 250 watts are high-torque rather than high-speed.
The cups go in the top rack of the dishwasher. The small footprint means it can sit out without taking over the counter.
It chops, mixes and whips, so it covers more than shakes. A 10-second recipe book comes in the box.
The trade-off is power. At 250 watts, hard ice cream and ice will challenge it.
Thin the mix with more milk and pulse in short bursts. Choose it only if small size matters more than thick-shake performance.
For hard frozen scoop, the Pro+ is the safer bet.
How we compared these blenders
We checked the specs that decide whether a blender can make a thick shake: motor wattage, blade type, pitcher or cup size, control options and how the parts clean. We also weighed the format each machine offers, from a single cup to a full pitcher combo.
The score weighs those specs and features against what a shake maker needs. A blender with 1100 watts and a large pitcher scores higher than a 250-watt cup blender for this job.
One base that does both pitcher and cup work scored well. We did not rank on brand name or marketing claims.
Every product here has the badge that names the need it serves best.
| Product | Best for | Power | Capacity | Controls | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ninja Blender Pro+ | thick family-size shakes | 1100 watts | 72 oz pitcher | 3 speeds, pulse, single-serve | 9.7 |
| iCucina Smoothie Blender | single-serve milkshakes | 700 watts | 2 x 28 oz cups | One-touch pulse | 9.6 |
| Hamilton Beach Power Elite Blender For Smoothies | glass-jar blending | 700 watts peak | 40 oz glass jar | 5 buttons, 12 functions | 9.3 |
| Ninja Professional BL610 | big batches of frozen drinks | 1000 watts | 72 oz pitcher | 4 speeds | 8.8 |
| Bear Blender | quick cleanup after shakes | 700 watts | 40 oz jar | 3 speeds plus pulse | 8.7 |
| Sangcon 1000W Powerful Countertop Blender for Smoothies | small counters | 1000 watts peak | 37 oz, 32 oz and 22 oz cups | Press and twist | 8.5 |
| Consciot 11-Piece Blender for Kitchen and Personal | two-person households | 900 watts peak | 24 oz, 17 oz and 10 oz cups | Press and twist | 8.3 |
| nutribullet Full-Size Blender Combo NBF50500 | soups and shakes in one machine | 1200 watts | 64 oz pitcher | 3 speeds, pulse, Extract | 8.2 |
| Magic Bullet MBR-1101 | small kitchens | 250 watts | 22 oz cup | Push and twist | 7.8 |
What actually matters when you blend ice cream
The right blender for a milkshake comes down to three things: enough power for frozen scoop, the right container for how many people you serve, and controls you can use on a thick mix. Everything else is a bonus.
How many watts does a milkshake blender need?
Look for at least 700 watts for frozen scoop and ice. Hard ice cream straight from the freezer is dense, and a weak motor stalls or leaves lumps.
The 1100-watt Ninja Pro+ and 1200-watt nutribullet handle the densest mixes. A 700-watt machine like the iCucina works well if you add enough milk.
A 250-watt Magic Bullet needs a softer mix.
Should you choose a pitcher or a single-serve cup?
Choose a pitcher if you make shakes for two or more people at once. It holds more and pours into glasses.
Choose a cup if you drink alone and want to blend and go. Cup blenders like the iCucina and Sangcon skip the pitcher cleanup.
Pitcher blenders like the Ninja BL610 and Hamilton Beach suit families. A combo base, like the Ninja Pro+ or nutribullet, covers both.
What blade design helps with thick shakes?
Stainless steel blades with more leaves cut through frozen scoop faster. The Sangcon's six-leaf blade and the Ninja's Total Crushing blades are built for ice.
A standard four-leaf blade can struggle when the mix is dense. Pulse in short bursts so the blades catch the ice cream rather than spinning past it.
Add liquid first so the mix can circulate. A tamper, included with the nutribullet, helps push dense mixes into the blades.
Do you need preset programs for milkshakes?
No. A manual speed plus a pulse button is enough for a milkshake.
Pulse lets you control texture, and manual speed lets you slow down when the mix is thick. Preset programs like the nutribullet's Extract are useful for other jobs but not required for shakes.
Machines with only one speed, like the Sangcon, still make a good shake if you pulse first.
How do you keep a thick shake from stalling the blender?
Put liquid in first, then ice cream, then ice. Pulse a few times before running continuous speed.
If the blades stop moving, add a splash more milk. Never pack frozen scoop tight against the blades.
A tamper, included with the nutribullet, helps push a dense mix down. A blender with at least 700 watts recovers faster when the mix thickens.
The Bear asks for at least 300 mL of liquid, and Hamilton Beach recommends about a cup, so follow the fill guidance for your machine.
Which extras are worth having for shakes?
To-go cups with lids are worth it if you take shakes with you. A self-clean cycle, like the Bear's, saves scrubbing after thick mixes.
A glass jar, like the Hamilton Beach's, pours without drips and does not scratch. The Bear's included measuring cup helps with milk and ice cream by volume.
A tamper helps dense blends. Spare seal rings, like the Consciot includes, keep the blade base from leaking over time.
Skip extras you will not use, since each one adds to the base's size and weight.
The verdict: which blender to buy for ice cream shakes
The Ninja Blender Pro+ is the best blender for ice cream shakes for most people, because its 1100-watt motor, 72 oz pitcher and two to-go cups cover every shake job in one base. Buy it if you want thick shakes for the family and single servings without switching machines.
Pick the iCucina if you drink shakes alone and want a cup you can carry. Choose the Hamilton Beach Power Elite if you pour from a glass jar.
Go with the Ninja Professional BL610 for big pitcher batches without cups. The Sangcon and Consciot suit small counters and separate cups.
The nutribullet covers shakes and soup. The Magic Bullet is the tiny-kitchen pick for light shakes only.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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1
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2
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3
Best for glass-jar blending
Hamilton Beach Power Elite Blender For Smoothies
9.3/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
How much ice cream should go into a shake?
Start with one to two scoops per serving and add milk or liquid until the blender moves freely. Thick mixes need enough liquid to circulate.
Add more ice cream for a spoonable shake or more milk for a drinkable one.
Can a blender crush ice for a shake?
Yes, if the motor and blades are built for it. A 700-watt motor or more with stainless steel blades handles ice.
Add liquid first and pulse in short bursts so the blades catch the ice instead of spinning past it.
Why does my milkshake come out lumpy?
Lumpy shakes usually mean too little liquid or too much frozen scoop packed at the bottom. Put liquid in first, then ice cream, then ice.
Pulse a few times before running continuous speed so the blades pull the mix down.
Is a single-serve blender or a pitcher better for milkshakes?
A single-serve cup suits one person and makes cleanup quick. A pitcher is better for two or more shakes at once and for pouring into glasses.
If your household drinks shakes together, the pitcher saves time.
How do you clean a blender after a thick shake?
Rinse the pitcher right after pouring. Add warm water and a drop of dish soap, then run a pulse cycle.
Pour it out and let the parts air dry.
Blenders with a self-clean cycle make this faster, and dishwasher-safe parts save more time.
What wattage do you need for hard ice cream?
Look for at least 700 watts for frozen scoop and ice. Hard ice cream straight from the freezer is denser than soft serve.
A 1000-watt motor or more handles it with less stalling and a smoother texture.
