Hamilton Beach Portable Blender DEALS
As someone who’s always on the lookout for convenient ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle, I was intrigued by the Hamilton Beach Personal Blender.
With its promise of quick, single-serve smoothies and shakes, it seemed like the perfect solution for my busy mornings.
I decided to put this compact blender through its paces, using it daily for several weeks to see if it could truly deliver on its claims.
My experience with the Hamilton Beach Personal Blender has been surprisingly positive.
Despite its small size and budget-friendly price point, this little appliance packs quite a punch.
While it’s not without its limitations, I found it to be a reliable and efficient tool for whipping up quick, nutritious drinks with minimal fuss.
In this review, I’ll break down everything you need to know about this personal blender, from its design and performance to its overall value for money.
- BLEND AND GO: Blend fruit smoothies, shakes and your favorite icy drinks right in the 14 oz. BPA-free travel jar. The personal blender jar comes with a travel lid to double as a to-go cup. It's lightweight and fits most car cup holders.
- POWERFUL BLENDING PERFORMANCE: Durable stainless steel blades on the blender power through ice, frozen fruits and leafy greens for smooth results. Perfect for adding more vitamins and nutrients into your diet in smoothies and protein shakes.
- QUICK & EASY CLEANUP: The blending jar, blades and travel lid on this Hamilton Beach blender are all dishwasher safe so cleaning up is a breeze.
- COMPACT DESIGN FITS MOST CUP HOLDERS: The small size of the personal blender makes it perfect for the home, office, travel, small dorms and apartments.
- EASY ONE-TOUCH BLENDING. Quickly prepare a variety of icy drinks by just pressing the button. It's so easy. This is sure to be your go-to blender for shakes and smoothies.
Product Overview
The Hamilton Beach Personal Blender (model 51131) is a compact, single-serve blender designed for creating smoothies, shakes, and other blended drinks. Its key features include:
– 14-ounce BPA-free travel cup with lid
– Stainless steel blending blades
– One-touch blending operation
– 175-watt motor
– Dishwasher-safe parts
– Compact design that fits most car cup holders
– Available in multiple colors (I tested the Raspberry model)
The blender arrived in a relatively small box, which aligns with its space-saving design. Upon unboxing, I was immediately struck by how lightweight and compact the unit is. The package includes the blender base, the 14-ounce blending jar/travel cup, a travel lid, and a user manual.
The blending jar is made of sturdy, BPA-free plastic and features measurement markings on the side, which I found quite useful for portioning ingredients. The travel lid has a sliding cover to prevent spills, making it convenient for taking your drink on the go.
One of the most notable aspects of this blender is its simplicity. There are no multiple speed settings or pre-programmed blending cycles to navigate. Instead, it features a single button for operation, which you press and hold to blend.
The 175-watt motor, while not the most powerful on the market, is designed to be sufficient for blending soft fruits, leafy greens, and even crushing ice when mixed with liquid. However, it’s important to note that this is not a high-performance blender meant for heavy-duty tasks or large batches.
Overall, my initial impression was that the Hamilton Beach Personal Blender is a straightforward, no-frills appliance that seems well-suited for individual use and those with limited counter space.
Design and Build Quality
The Hamilton Beach Personal Blender boasts a sleek, modern design that’s both attractive and functional. Its compact size (measuring approximately 3.94 x 3.94 x 11.9 inches) means it can easily fit on even the most crowded kitchen counters or be tucked away in a cabinet when not in use.
The blender base has a simple, cylindrical shape with a slightly textured surface that provides a good grip. The Raspberry color I tested is vibrant and adds a nice pop of color to the kitchen, though more subdued options like black or white are also available for those who prefer a more neutral look.
In terms of build quality, the blender feels surprisingly sturdy for its price point. The plastic used for the base and jar is durable and doesn’t feel cheap or flimsy. The stainless steel blades appear well-constructed and securely attached to the base of the jar.
One design element I particularly appreciate is the cord wrap feature on the bottom of the base. This allows for tidy storage and prevents the cord from getting tangled or taking up unnecessary space.
The travel cup’s design is user-friendly, with a wide mouth that makes it easy to add ingredients and clean. The measurement markings on the side are clear and easy to read, which is helpful when following recipes. The travel lid fits snugly on the cup and the sliding cover operates smoothly, providing a secure seal to prevent spills.
From an ergonomic standpoint, the blender is comfortable to use. The single-button operation is straightforward, and the button itself has a nice tactile feel. The travel cup fits comfortably in hand and, true to the product’s claims, fits well in most car cup holders I tried.
One minor drawback in the design is that the blending jar doesn’t lock onto the base – it simply sits on top. While this hasn’t caused any issues during my testing, it does mean you need to keep a hand on the jar while blending to ensure it stays in place.
Overall, the design and build quality of the Hamilton Beach Personal Blender exceed expectations for its price range. It’s a well-thought-out product that balances aesthetics, functionality, and durability.
Performance and Functionality
When it comes to performance, the Hamilton Beach Personal Blender delivers impressively for its size and power. Throughout my testing period, I used it to make a variety of smoothies, protein shakes, and even some simple sauces.
For soft fruits like bananas, berries, and mangoes, the blender performs excellently. It quickly transforms these ingredients into smooth, well-blended drinks with no chunky bits. When it comes to leafy greens like spinach or kale, the results are generally good, although you might find a few small pieces remaining if you’re very particular about completely smooth textures.
One area where this blender surprised me was its ability to handle frozen fruits. While it’s not as fast as more powerful blenders, it does eventually break down frozen strawberries, blueberries, and mango chunks into a smooth consistency. The key is to add some liquid and pulse the blender rather than running it continuously.
Ice crushing is possible, but with caveats. The blender struggles with large ice cubes, but it can handle smaller ones or crushed ice when mixed with liquid. For the best results, I found that adding ice last and crushing it with short pulses works well.
The one-touch operation, while simple, does require you to hold the button down continuously while blending. This isn’t a major issue for quick smoothies, but for tougher ingredients that require longer blending times, it can be a bit tedious.
One standout feature is how quiet the blender is compared to larger, more powerful models. This makes it ideal for early morning use without disturbing others.
In terms of capacity, the 14-ounce jar is perfect for single servings. I found it adequate for my needs, typically making smoothies in the 12-14 ounce range. However, if you prefer larger portions, you might find yourself needing to blend in batches.
Compared to other personal blenders I’ve used, like the Nutribullet, the Hamilton Beach model is less powerful but also significantly less expensive. While it may take a bit longer to achieve the same results, particularly with tougher ingredients, it still gets the job done effectively for most everyday blending tasks.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Compact and space-saving design
- Affordable price point
- Easy to use with one-touch operation
- Quiet operation compared to larger blenders
- Travel cup with spill-proof lid for on-the-go convenience
Cons:
- Limited power means it struggles with very hard ingredients
- You need to hold the button down continuously while blending
- The 14-ounce capacity may be too small for some users
User Experience
My day-to-day experience with the Hamilton Beach Personal Blender has been largely positive. It’s become a regular part of my morning routine, allowing me to quickly whip up a nutritious smoothie before heading out the door.
There was virtually no learning curve with this blender. Its straightforward design meant I could start using it effectively right out of the box. The simplicity of the one-button operation is both a blessing and a slight inconvenience – while it’s easy to use, having to hold the button down continuously for longer blends can be a minor annoyance.
I quickly learned to adapt my smoothie recipes to work best with this blender. For example, I now add frozen ingredients last and use slightly more liquid than I might with a more powerful blender. These small adjustments have resulted in consistently good smoothies.
One aspect I particularly appreciate is how easy the blender is to clean. Most times, a quick rinse immediately after use is sufficient. For more thorough cleaning, all removable parts are dishwasher safe, which is a huge plus.
The travel cup has become my go-to for taking smoothies to work or to the gym. The lid’s sliding cover is secure and I haven’t experienced any leaks, even when tossing the cup in my bag.
In terms of durability, the blender has held up well over several weeks of daily use. The blades remain sharp, and there’s no signs of wear on the cup or lid. The motor continues to perform consistently, with no noticeable decrease in power.
One minor issue I’ve encountered is that the blender can sometimes struggle with very leafy greens, occasionally leaving small pieces unblended. However, this is easily resolved by blending for a bit longer or adding greens in smaller quantities.
Overall, my experience using the Hamilton Beach Personal Blender has been pleasant and hassle-free. It’s not the most powerful blender on the market, but for my needs – primarily making smoothies and protein shakes – it’s more than adequate.
Value for Money
When it comes to value for money, the Hamilton Beach Personal Blender is hard to beat. Priced at around $20-$25 (as of my last check on Amazon), it offers impressive functionality for its cost.
Compared to other personal blenders on the market, the Hamilton Beach model is significantly less expensive. For instance, popular competitors like the Nutribullet or Ninja personal blenders often retail for $50-$100 or more. While these pricier models do offer more power and sometimes additional features, the Hamilton Beach blender provides solid performance for basic blending tasks at a fraction of the cost.
It’s important to set realistic expectations based on the price point. This isn’t a high-powered, professional-grade blender, and it won’t perform like one. However, for someone looking to make simple smoothies, shakes, or sauces without breaking the bank, it’s an excellent choice.
The blender’s durability also factors into its value. Despite its low price, it doesn’t feel cheaply made, and based on my experience, it seems built to last. This suggests that you won’t need to replace it frequently, further enhancing its value over time.
Another aspect to consider is the potential savings on store-bought smoothies or shakes. If you’re someone who regularly purchases these drinks, the Hamilton Beach blender could pay for itself quite quickly by allowing you to make these beverages at home.
In my opinion, for its intended purpose and target market, the Hamilton Beach Personal Blender offers excellent value for money. It’s an ideal choice for students, individuals living in small spaces, or anyone on a budget who wants to incorporate more homemade smoothies or shakes into their diet without investing in a more expensive appliance.
Conclusion
After several weeks of consistent use, I can confidently say that the Hamilton Beach Personal Blender is a solid choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly, space-saving blender for personal use. While it has its limitations, particularly when it comes to very tough ingredients, it performs admirably for its size and price point.
This blender excels at making single-serve smoothies, protein shakes, and other blended drinks. Its compact design and travel cup make it perfect for those with limited kitchen space or who want to take their drinks on the go. The simplicity of its operation and easy cleaning process add to its appeal for daily use.
However, it’s important to remember that this is a personal blender designed for basic tasks. If you’re looking to make large batches, blend very tough ingredients, or need multiple speed settings, you might want to consider a more powerful (and likely more expensive) option.
Overall, I would rate the Hamilton Beach Personal Blender 4 out of 5 stars. It loses a star due to its struggles with very hard ingredients and the need to hold down the blending button continuously. Despite these minor drawbacks, it offers excellent value for its price.
I would highly recommend this blender to students, individuals living alone, those with small kitchens, or anyone looking to start making homemade smoothies without a significant investment. It’s a great entry-level personal blender that delivers on its promises and provides good bang for your buck.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can this blender crush ice?
Yes, but with some limitations. It handles small ice cubes or crushed ice well when mixed with liquid, but struggles with large ice cubes.
Is the blending jar dishwasher safe?
Yes, all removable parts, including the jar and lid, are dishwasher safe.
How loud is this blender?
It’s relatively quiet compared to larger blenders, making it suitable for early morning use.
Can it blend hot liquids?
It’s not recommended to blend hot liquids in this blender as it may cause pressure to build up in the sealed cup.
How long does it take to make a smoothie?
For soft ingredients, 30-60 seconds is usually sufficient. Tougher or frozen ingredients may require 1-2 minutes of blending.
Can I buy additional blending cups?
Yes, Hamilton Beach offers additional compatible cups for purchase separately.
What’s the wattage of the motor?
The blender has a 175-watt motor.
Hamilton Beach Portable Blender for Shakes and Smoothies with 14 Oz BPA Free Travel Cup and Lid, Durable Stainless Steel Blades for Powerful Blending Performance, Raspberry (51131)
$20.85 in stock
5 used from $13.85
The Review
Hamilton Beach Portable Blender
The Hamilton Beach Personal Blender is a compact, affordable appliance that excels at making single-serve smoothies and shakes. Its 14-ounce BPA-free travel cup and one-touch operation make it perfect for busy individuals or those with limited kitchen space. While it struggles with very tough ingredients, it handles most fruits, vegetables, and even small ice cubes effectively. The blender is easy to clean, quiet to operate, and offers excellent value for its price point. Despite some limitations, it's a solid choice for anyone seeking a budget-friendly personal blender for daily use.
Review Breakdown
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Features
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Design and construction
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Performance
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Price
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Ease of use
Hamilton Beach Portable Blender DEALS
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