For those who might not have read my many many reviews here on Epinions, I make ice cream in my spare time and I have been known to enjoy milkshakes . . . a lot. Indeed, for years possibly my most-used appliance in my kitchen was my Hamilton Beach Classic DrinkMaster 727W (reviewed at:
http://www.epinions.com/content_44200464004 ). Now, it might well be my coffee maker (also by Hamilton Beach), but I still enjoy milkshakes quite a bit. The essential tool for home milkshake making, though, is a specialized blender and I keep one around just for mixing milkshakes (no other drinks, even!).
After getting my own house and determining that my kitchen style was definitely stainless steel (gotta love how easy it is to clean and the look!), I replaced my 727W for a Hamilton Beach Classic DrinkMaster 750BC. I am assuming the BC indicates "Black Chrome," as the stand is made of durable black plastic, but the head of the unit is made of stainless steel with a bright chrome finish! In all honesty, this functions virtually identical to my old 727W and because I gave that unit up for aesthetic reasons only, I am surprised it has taken me so long to get around to writing my review of the 750BC, because I have had it for well over a year now!
For making milkshakes, the 750BC is ideal and my experiences with Hamilton Beach DrinkMaster blenders has been nothing but positive. Basically, you fill the stainless steel mixing cup with ice cream, fill in with milk so the milk just covers the ice cream. Then, lift the cup under the mixing rod and hook in to the clip. The clip is there and basically this makes the cup suspended on the base of the mixer. I have to say, the Hamilton Beach 750BC is remarkably sturdy. Back in the day, the clips on the back of the base that hold the mixing cup up and to the base broke easily or were inefficient in actually holding the cup. Not so any more. I have happily discovered this newer model is a hands' free device. Turn it on to mix and the cup stays right where it ought to. Kudos to whomever fixed that problem!
Mixing, then, is fairly easy. This 750BC has two speeds. The first is a reasonable mixing speed ideal for making milkshakes. The second is a very fast speed which basically makes your chocolate milkshake into chocolate milk; not recommended for milkshakes. In making a milkshake (or I suppose anything else) the 750BC is perfectly equipped as the head swivels. So, if left alone, the drink mixer will break up the ice cream into bitty pieces ideal for a milkshake, but to speed up or finish off the process, one may simply swivel the mixing head of the device to get at all of the points unreachable before. It's a very handy feature and basically, two moves of the head and two turns of the mixing cup and you have reached every possible point in the mixing cup and everything in it is excellently mixed.
One of the nice things about this device is it's very easy to clean. I've gotten ice cream all over it (my own clumsiness, not a defect in the product) and a damp washcloth cleans it off remarkably easily. I mean, one swipe and it's clean. Very easy to clean!
The only point of contention I have with this device is in its durability. As with earlier models, the mixing wand comes loose with continual wear. While I use my 750BC an average of twice a week now, after about a year, the mixing rod is a little loose. The metal mixing rod connects to the motorized top. When the power is turned on, it's this metal rod that turns and mixes. The metal rod simply pulls out for cleaning. It's convenient. The problem is, the popping in and out of the metal rod has weakened the device; lately when I've been mixing milkshakes and go to swivel the head of the mixer (where the metal rod is plugged into) the metal rod pops out. Not convenient at all. The reason I have no qualms evaluating this product for milkshakes only is I have to figure if you're mixing drinks in this with ice, this same problem will come up, probably sooner than it did with mine.
Over all, the 750BC is a competent device well worth the money. The stainless steel and black makes is a stylish addition to any modern kitchen and it is fun and easy to use. Moreover, despite the minor problem with the want, I have never had anything that has required me to see how Hamilton Beach actually makes good on its warranty. It's a product I have come to count on and after a year and a half, I have not been let down yet, just like I wasn't with its predecessor!
