Choosing the best blender for ice cream shakes depends on how you make them. A personal blender is compact and convenient for blending a shake to drink on the go, while a dedicated ice cream mixer is designed to stir ingredients in a cup. The five options below include both styles, so you can compare their features and pick the one that suits your kitchen or business.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Type | Standout feature | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|---|
| PreAsion 110V Electric Ice Cream Mixer | Dedicated ice cream mixer | 10 speed settings and 350W motor | Mixing ice cream and frozen yogurt in a cup |
| VEVOR Frozen Yogurt Blending Machine | Dedicated ice cream mixer | Stepless speed control and three cup-ring sizes | Flexible cup sizes and frequent cold-drink prep |
| PreAsion 110V Ice Cream Blender Maker | Dedicated ice cream mixer | 400W motor and splash guard | Mixing ice cream with fruit or nuts |
| nutribullet Personal Blender, 600W | Personal blender | 24-ounce cup and 600W motor | Single-serve shakes and everyday blending |
| nutribullet Pro Personal Blender | Personal blender | 900W motor and two listed cup sizes | More powerful personal blending |
Our Picks: Best Blender For Ice Cream Shakes reviews
PreAsion 110V Electric Ice Cream Mixer: Adjustable Speeds for Frozen Treats
This PreAsion model is a dedicated mixer for ice cream, frozen yogurt, and similar cold treats. Its 350W motor and 10 adjustable speed settings let you start gently and increase the speed as needed. The listed maximum speed is 10,000 rpm.
A transparent PC splash guard helps contain ingredients while you mix. The machine is described as compact and easy to move, with heat-dissipation plates on the sides. Unlike a personal blender, it is designed to mix a treat in a serving cup rather than blend ingredients in a travel cup.
That focused design may be useful if you regularly prepare shakes or frozen desserts at a counter. However, the product details do not specify cup-ring sizes or cup compatibility, so check the listing carefully before choosing a cup. The supplied listing information also indicates that this model may be unavailable; confirm its status before planning a purchase.
Pros:
- 10 adjustable speed settings
- Designed for ice cream, frozen yogurt, and sorbet
- Transparent splash guard helps limit mess
- Compact, movable design with heat-dissipation plates
Cons:
- Supplied listing information indicates it may be unavailable
- Cup compatibility details are not provided in the supplied specifications
Verdict: Consider this mixer if you want a dedicated, adjustable-speed machine for frozen treats and can confirm that it is available and compatible with your cups.
VEVOR Frozen Yogurt Blending Machine: Flexible Speed and Cup Options
The VEVOR is a dedicated mixer built for ice cream, yogurt, milkshakes, and other cold drinks. Its 400W full-copper motor is listed at 4,200 rpm, and its rotary control offers stepless adjustment from high to low. That gives you more control over the mixing speed than a fixed-speed personal blender.
Its stainless steel body and mixing head are described as having seamless welds, while four rubber feet help keep the machine stable on a counter. A clear PC splash guard helps contain ingredients. The package includes three stainless steel cup rings sized for 9-, 12-, and 16-ounce paper cups, making cup fit a more clearly defined part of its design than on the PreAsion models here.
This setup may suit a café, snack shop, or home user who wants to mix directly in a serving cup. It takes up a different kind of counter space than a compact personal blender, and its cup rings are described as fitting paper cups with tapered sides. Check that your cups match those dimensions before buying.
Pros:
- Stepless speed adjustment for different mixing needs
- Three cup-ring sizes for 9-, 12-, and 16-ounce cups
- Stainless steel construction and rubber feet
- Designed for ice cream, milkshakes, yogurt, and other cold drinks
Cons:
- Cup rings are intended for tapered paper cups, so cup fit matters
- Less suited to blending a shake in a sealed, portable cup
Verdict: Choose the VEVOR if you want a dedicated cup-mixing machine with adjustable speed and clearly specified cup-ring sizes.
PreAsion 110V Ice Cream Blender Maker: A 400W Countertop Mixer
This PreAsion machine is a countertop mixer for ice cream, yogurt, and milkshakes with added fruit or nuts. It has a listed 400W motor, multiple speed settings, and a food-grade mixing head. A detachable transparent PC baffle helps guard against splashes, while rubber feet are intended to keep the machine steady.
The product details say the three round stainless steel molds are hand-protection molds, not cups. That distinction matters: you will need an appropriate cup for mixing, and the supplied information does not give cup-ring sizes. The machine is designed for a range of settings, including cafés, restaurants, and snack shops, but it can also sit on a home counter if you have room for a dedicated appliance.
The manufacturer advises letting hard ice cream soften slightly, starting at a low speed, and increasing speed gradually. It also recommends moving the cup slowly so the mixing head reaches different areas. Those instructions suggest this machine is not meant to force its way through very hard ice cream. The supplied listing information indicates this model may be unavailable, so verify its status before choosing it.
Pros:
- 400W motor with multiple speed settings
- Detachable splash baffle helps keep the workspace tidy
- Designed for mixing ice cream with fruit or nuts
- Stainless steel construction and rubber feet
Cons:
- Supplied listing information indicates it may be unavailable
- Stainless steel molds are hand guards, not mixing cups
Verdict: This model may fit a counter-based frozen-treat setup, but confirm availability and plan to use a suitable cup that is not included as one of the hand guards.
nutribullet Personal Blender, 600W: A Compact Choice for Single Shakes
Unlike the dedicated mixers above, this nutribullet is a personal blender. Its 600W motor and 24-ounce cup are suited to making an individual shake by blending ingredients together. The listed package includes an extractor blade, a to-go lid, a lip ring, and a recipe book.
The push-and-twist design keeps operation simple, and the cup can be used for portability with the included lid. For a shake made with ice cream, you can add softened ice cream and liquid, then blend to your preferred consistency. The supplied description mentions frozen drinks, but it does not specify an ice-crushing feature or a dedicated ice cream mixing attachment.
The blade assembly twists off for rinsing, and the cup is listed as top-rack dishwasher-safe. This makes it a practical everyday option if you want one appliance for shakes and smoothies, rather than a counter-mounted machine that stirs directly in a serving cup. Its 24-ounce capacity is best considered a personal serving size.
Pros:
- 600W motor for shakes, smoothies, and frozen drinks
- 24-ounce cup with included to-go lid
- Simple push-and-twist operation
- Blade rinses separately and cup is listed as top-rack dishwasher-safe
Cons:
- Does not mix directly in a serving cup like a dedicated ice cream mixer
- Only one cup size is listed in the supplied package details
Verdict: Pick this nutribullet if you want a compact personal blender for individual shakes and everyday blending rather than a specialized shake-shop mixer.
nutribullet Pro Personal Blender: More Motor Power for Blending
The nutribullet Pro is another personal blender, with a listed 900W motor and stainless steel extractor blades. Its product title lists 32-ounce and 24-ounce cups, offering more capacity options than the 600W nutribullet in this lineup. It is intended for shakes, smoothies, food prep, and frozen blending.
For ice cream shakes, this style of blender combines the ingredients in its cup rather than stirring directly in a paper serving cup. Its higher listed wattage may appeal if you also want to blend ingredients such as nuts, seeds, hard fruits, or greens, which the product description specifically mentions. The supplied details do not say that it includes a dedicated ice cream mixing tool.
The operation is described as push, twist, and blend. The blade assembly twists off for rinsing, and the cups are listed as top-rack dishwasher-safe. Compared with the 600W model, it offers more motor power and two listed cup sizes, but it remains a personal blender rather than a commercial-style frozen yogurt mixer.
Pros:
- 900W motor and stainless steel extractor blades
- 32-ounce and 24-ounce cups are listed
- Designed for shakes, smoothies, food prep, and frozen blending
- Simple operation and removable blade assembly for cleaning
Cons:
- Does not mix directly in a serving cup
- No dedicated ice cream mixer attachment is listed
Verdict: Choose the nutribullet Pro if you prefer a personal blender with higher listed motor power and want to use it for more than just ice cream shakes.
How to Choose a Blender for Ice Cream Shakes
Decide Between a Personal Blender and a Dedicated Mixer
A personal blender combines ingredients inside its cup and is often the more flexible choice for home use. It can make a shake, then let you take that drink with you if the package includes a to-go lid. A dedicated ice cream mixer is designed to stir a treat in a separate serving cup, which may be more convenient for repeated counter service. Choose based on how you want to prepare and serve your shakes.
Match the Machine to Your Ingredients
Ice cream can be thick, especially straight from the freezer. The PreAsion 400W model advises letting hard ice cream soften slightly and beginning at a low speed. For a personal blender, adding liquid along with the ice cream can help make a shake blendable. Follow the product instructions and avoid assuming that a blender can handle hard frozen ingredients just because it is described for frozen drinks.
Check Cup Size and Fit
Serving size matters for both convenience and cleanup. The VEVOR includes rings for tapered 9-, 12-, and 16-ounce paper cups, while the 600W nutribullet includes a 24-ounce cup. The Pro lists 32-ounce and 24-ounce cups. For the dedicated PreAsion mixers, the supplied details do not specify cup sizes, so verify cup compatibility before buying.
Consider Speed Control and Motor Power
Dedicated mixers in this selection offer adjustable speeds, which can help you start gently and increase the mixing speed as needed. Their listed motors range from 350W to 400W. The personal blenders list 600W and 900W motors, but those numbers describe different appliance styles and do not by themselves prove how well a machine will handle every shake recipe. Consider the manufacturer’s intended use and instructions alongside the power rating.
Think About Cleanup and Counter Space
A personal blender can be a convenient fit if you want a cup, blade assembly, and motor base for regular home use. A dedicated mixer has a more specialized setup, including a mixing head and splash guard, and may make sense if you prepare frozen treats often. Look at the cleaning instructions, available counter space, and whether the guard or other parts can be removed before choosing.
Check Availability and Intended Use
The supplied listing information indicates that the two PreAsion models may be unavailable, while the VEVOR and nutribullet products are marked available. Marketplace availability can change, so check the listing before you decide. Also consider whether you are shopping for home use or a business: some dedicated machines are described for commercial settings, while personal blenders are aimed at individual servings and general blending.
FAQs
Is a personal blender or an ice cream mixer better for shakes?
A personal blender is a versatile choice for blending a shake in its cup, especially if you want a to-go lid. A dedicated ice cream mixer is designed to stir ingredients in a serving cup and may be more suitable for repeated counter service. The better option depends on your serving style.
Can I blend hard ice cream straight from the freezer?
Hard ice cream can be difficult to mix. The PreAsion 400W machine’s instructions recommend letting it soften slightly and starting at a low speed. Follow the instructions for whichever appliance you choose, and do not force ingredients through the machine.
Which option has the clearest cup-size information?
The VEVOR includes cup rings for tapered 9-, 12-, and 16-ounce paper cups. The 600W nutribullet lists a 24-ounce cup, and the Pro lists 32-ounce and 24-ounce cups. The supplied details for the PreAsion mixers do not specify matching cup sizes.
Are the dedicated mixers the same as countertop blenders?
No. The dedicated mixers are designed to stir ingredients in a serving cup. The nutribullet models blend ingredients inside their own cups. They serve different purposes, even though both can be used to prepare shakes.
Which product is better for a home kitchen?
The nutribullet models may suit a home kitchen if you want a personal blender for shakes and other everyday blending. A dedicated mixer may make more sense if you regularly prepare frozen treats in serving cups and have room for a specialized appliance.
Do the PreAsion machines include cups?
The supplied product details do not specify included mixing cups. For the 400W PreAsion model, the three stainless steel molds are described as hand-protection molds, not cups. Check the listing and confirm cup compatibility before purchasing.
Conclusion
For a home user who wants one appliance for individual shakes and other blending tasks, the nutribullet Personal Blender is a straightforward option, while the nutribullet Pro offers more listed motor power and two listed cup sizes. If you want a dedicated machine that stirs ingredients in a serving cup, the VEVOR stands out for its stepless speed control and specified cup-ring sizes. Compare your preferred cup style and intended use before choosing, and verify availability for the PreAsion models.