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Drinks

CLOSED Cheers to smoothies! A review of the Hamilton Beach Wave-Action blender – and a giveaway!

shared by MickyN | 80 Comments

Update: This giveaway is closed.

I haven’t always been a “smoothie gal” – but now I am. Since having the baby I have become more aware of what I eat and drink, and more determined to give my body the nutrients it needs to function well. I’m happy to report I’m eating more fruits and veggies than I was before becoming a mom. Thankfully, a new grocery store has opened in our neighborhood, and it takes me very little time to walk there and to stock up on fresh quality produce. The abundance of seasonal fruits and veggies inspires me and keeps me motivated. I love summer – and I love smoothies 🙂

Being such a new and passionate smoothie supporter, I was excited when I was contacted by Hamilton Beach and asked to review the latest addition to their range of blenders, the Wave-Action blender. The blender I use regularly is one I bought a few years ago. It is a versatile workhorse, and besides drinks I have been using it to make soups, dips and even mashed potatoes. They all turn out creamy and velvety, just the way we like it. I was curious to see how the Wave-Action blender would fare compared with my old blender, so I happily took on the challenge. Hamilton Beach sent me a Wave-Action blender free of charge for me to review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

The Hamilton Beach Wave-Action blender has a dishwasher-safe 48 oz. glass jar and it can be used to make smoothies, shakes, soups, sauces, or salsa. While other blenders spin contents around the walls of the jar, which can leave some ingredients untouched by the blades, the Wave-Action blender is designed to continually force the ingredients down into the blades for consistently smooth results. The blender is easy to use thanks to the four buttons which clearly indicate the function each is designed to perform. What I also like about this blender is that it comes with an ingenious stir spoon to mix thicker foods, and that it is BPA free in the food zones.

I used the Wave-Action blender for the first time to make eggplant salad. This dip-like dish is one of our all-time favorites, and I had made it many, many times before using my other blender. I was anxious to see how the Wave-Action blender would perform, and I was not disappointed: the salad turned out smooth and creamy in a matter of seconds. Impressive indeed!

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I also used the Wave-Action blender to make several smoothies, including my favorite banana smoothie. A healthy concoction of simplicity and deliciousness, this smoothie is made up of 3 medium bananas, 1 cup milk and a few ice cubes. If necessary, you can make your smoothie sweeter by adding 1-2 tsp honey. My bananas were ripe and there was no need for me to add extra sugar or honey.

Once again, the Wave-Action blender surpassed my expectations: the smoothie was ready quickly and its texture was smooth and bubbly. So good!

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Next up, I made my husband’s favorite raspberry smoothie. This smoothie is way too tart for my liking, but my husband loves it! Easy recipe – one 6oz container raspberries, 1/2 cup milk and 1 tbsp sugar – and an even easier preparation, thanks to the Wave-Action blender:

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We recently bought a citrus juicer and I had about 2 cups of freshly squeezed orange juice left, so I decided to use it to make an orange & banana smoothie. I added about 1 cup of ice cubes and 2 bananas to thicken the drink, and I used the Pulse option to crush the ice in the blender. The ingredients were blended efficiently and the resulting drink was flavorful and smooth.

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Overall, I was pleased with the performance of the Hamilton Beach Wave-Action blender and I intend to continue using it in the future. As a matter of fact, I think I will replace my current bulky blender with the Wave-Action blender, which is smaller, lighter, and easier to maneuver and to store. After all, this blender fully satisfies the current needs of my family: to eat healthier, and to make nutritious foods and drinks in as little time as possible. Healthful convenience, really fast – that’s the name of our game at the moment 🙂

Hamilton Beach is offering Chicago Loves Panini readers the chance to win one Wave-Action blender similar to the one I tested.

To enter the giveaway, leave a comment on this post and answer the following question: Smoothie or milkshake? Which one is your favorite, and why?

Giveaway open to US residents only. One entry per person. Deadline for entries is 6PM central time on August 14th, 2015. One winner will be chosen on or around August 15th, 2015 by using a random number generator and will have 72 hours to respond to the winner notification email. I reserve the right to pick an alternative winner if the original winner does not contact me 72 hours after receipt of winner notification email.

Good luck!

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Comments

  1. Lisa Brown says

    July 31, 2015 at 12:42 pm

    Oh, for sure a milkshake: Love the richness and thickness and flavor variety.

    Reply
  2. DC says

    July 31, 2015 at 3:03 pm

    Smoothie, for sure! I don’t care for dairy, so that outs the milkshake for me, but I usually add almond milk to my smoothies because I like the creamy factor. If that makes sense!

    Reply
  3. HS says

    July 31, 2015 at 5:14 pm

    Smoothie is my favorite, I drink it daily in all varieties, from green smoothie to fruit smoothie. Kids love them too.

    Reply
  4. Savannah Hicks says

    July 31, 2015 at 5:18 pm

    I love smoothies the most! They are super refreshing, and you can even substitute milk for almond milk, coconut milk and soy milk. I love hiding veggies like kale and spinach in my smoothies, because you cant even taste them.

    Reply
  5. Amanda Kinder says

    July 31, 2015 at 6:22 pm

    I’m all for a milkshake, and it has to be chocolate. My dad made the best milkshakes, and since then, I’ve always loved them.

    Reply
  6. Joni Mitchell says

    July 31, 2015 at 7:04 pm

    While I would say milkshake, I’ve gotten into smoothies lately since I’ve tried to be more healthy

    Reply
  7. Priscilla says

    July 31, 2015 at 7:06 pm

    Smoothie! It’s more refreshing than a milkshake

    Reply
  8. Lindsey L says

    July 31, 2015 at 7:44 pm

    I like smoothies better. You can add more things to make it healthier and it keeps you full!

    Reply
  9. Michelle says

    August 1, 2015 at 1:33 am

    Smoothies so refreshing in the summer.

    Reply
  10. Sharill R. says

    August 1, 2015 at 1:36 am

    Milkshake, no debate! Vanilla milkshake in specific. The richness of the shakes make me feel out of this world haha! I keep craving them and they are addictive. I craved vanilla shakes the last three months of pregnancy and I drank a large one, every other night. ahhh still would drink ’em every day if I could, but I shouldn’t for my health’s sake lol

    Reply
  11. Stefanie Gladden says

    August 1, 2015 at 1:47 am

    I like smoothies because they are healthier! I do love a good milkshake every once in a while!

    Reply
  12. tara darity says

    August 1, 2015 at 2:50 am

    I like smoothies better because they are fresh and healthy!

    Reply
  13. someluckydog says

    August 1, 2015 at 7:17 am

    I love milkshakes because they are rich and thick and an easy way to get the calcium I need!

    Reply
  14. stowelljg says

    August 1, 2015 at 11:54 am

    I prefer protein smoothies because they have the benefits of fruit and whey protein without the fat content of a milkshake.

    Reply
  15. Geena S says

    August 1, 2015 at 1:03 pm

    I like both and love to drink them on alternate weeks. Both have their own benefits and awesome tastes. I prefer especially green smoothies for morning detoxification and milkshake to rejuvenate in the evenings..

    Reply
  16. Ronda says

    August 1, 2015 at 6:50 pm

    I love smoothies. I love the way they taste and that I can add whatever I want to them.

    Reply
  17. sarahacool says

    August 1, 2015 at 6:56 pm

    I love smoothies because they make me feel good rather than loaded down with sugar. I love using fresh fruit and veggies in my smoothies

    Reply
  18. Summer B. says

    August 1, 2015 at 8:16 pm

    I like milkshakes more on hot summer days.

    Reply
  19. Stephen Alexander says

    August 1, 2015 at 10:44 pm

    I love both smoothies and milkshakes. Can we just have a smoothshake?

    Reply
  20. Karen says

    August 1, 2015 at 11:14 pm

    Smoothies are the best because you can use fresh fruit.

    Reply
  21. David says

    August 1, 2015 at 11:41 pm

    I can’t believe how many people said smoothie. You would choose fruit over ice cream. Your parents must not have raised you right!!! The only time I want fruit is in pie form!!

    Reply
  22. Rhonda P says

    August 2, 2015 at 12:17 am

    I usually prefer a good smoothie. I find it to be more refreshing and a milkshake often leaves me wanting something else to drink. A good smoothie on a hot summer day is great!

    Reply
  23. Steve says

    August 2, 2015 at 12:55 am

    I should say smoothie for health reasons, but I’ve got to go with milkshakes.

    Reply
  24. LaTanya (@sweetums82) says

    August 2, 2015 at 1:16 am

    I love milkshakes because they are creamy and thick

    Reply
  25. Morgan Watson says

    August 2, 2015 at 10:05 am

    Milkshakes, for sure. I think they are a lot tastier than smoothies and who doesn’t LOVE ice cream?!?

    Reply
  26. Kelly D says

    August 2, 2015 at 2:24 pm

    Smoothies are my favorite because I can throw in more healthy ingredients.

    Reply
  27. Brenda Haines says

    August 2, 2015 at 3:12 pm

    I prefer a good smoothie. Just so I can say I’m being more healthy 😉

    Reply
  28. Mallory Roberts says

    August 2, 2015 at 6:07 pm

    I prefer smoothies because I can use a variety of healthy ingredients, like fruit and yogurt, and can also sneak in veggies for my hubby and kiddo. Of course, they prefer milkshakes! Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply
  29. maryann martinez says

    August 2, 2015 at 8:18 pm

    love making smoothies

    Reply
  30. Crystal Morris says

    August 2, 2015 at 8:40 pm

    smoothies rock because you can always change them up with fresh fruits that are in seasons.

    Reply
  31. FaithFoodFamilyFun.com says

    August 2, 2015 at 9:07 pm

    Smoothies because I have finally learned to make them just as tasty as a milkshake only healthier!

    Reply
  32. Rana Durham says

    August 2, 2015 at 9:08 pm

    i perfer smoothies because i like that its al fruits and veggies

    Reply
  33. Kelly Hubbard says

    August 2, 2015 at 9:31 pm

    I love the texture of a Milk shake, its creamy thickness and the way it feels in my mouth. You can share with a friend and of course I love ice cream too..

    Reply
  34. Kelley H says

    August 2, 2015 at 11:03 pm

    I will take a Smoothie any day of the week.

    Reply
  35. Megan Zuchowski says

    August 2, 2015 at 11:13 pm

    Yum. Definitely smoothies. They are so tasty!

    Reply
  36. Lindsey Hutterer says

    August 3, 2015 at 1:33 am

    Smoothies are my new favorite. As someone who is on a weight loss journey, smoothies have become a part of my (almost) daily life. If you had asked me this question last year, I would have definitely said milkshake….but the new me definitely is all about the smoothies.

    Reply
  37. Jalisa Brown says

    August 3, 2015 at 1:49 am

    I love smoothies – they are so versatile and provide a healthy way to enjoy a refreshing treat.

    Reply
  38. Jenna Osborne says

    August 3, 2015 at 3:12 am

    Smoothies! I love the texture of fresh frozen fruit and endless combinations of deliciousness.

    Reply
  39. adriisa says

    August 3, 2015 at 11:00 am

    Smoothies are the best.

    Reply
  40. Nikki says

    August 3, 2015 at 11:23 am

    Smoothie, healthier and less sweet.

    Reply
  41. Lauren says

    August 3, 2015 at 4:35 pm

    I like smoothies because I like using fresh fruit.

    Reply
  42. Daniel M says

    August 3, 2015 at 6:15 pm

    chocolate milkshake, because chocolate!

    Reply
  43. Ruy (@Ruy977) says

    August 4, 2015 at 1:39 am

    I prefer smoothies because they’re not as heavy as milkshakes, and you can add any kind of juice or liquid to thin out a smoothie.

    Reply
  44. Darlene Carbajal says

    August 4, 2015 at 3:13 am

    I love both, but mostly smoothies because they are yummy!

    Reply
  45. Lea Anna says

    August 4, 2015 at 5:36 am

    Milkshake all the way!

    Reply
  46. DJ says

    August 4, 2015 at 9:37 pm

    I love smoothies because I can make them all fruit or add tasty veggies and make them green smoothies.

    Reply
  47. Chely says

    August 6, 2015 at 3:40 am

    I love smoothies because they are so fruity and light!

    Reply
  48. hembrey860 says

    August 7, 2015 at 6:02 pm

    I like milkshakes best. I don’t like the texture of smoothies and would rather just eat the fruit and veg another way. But my mother sister and daughter would all tell you they like smoothies better I think. Thanks 🙂

    Reply
  49. Wilma P says

    August 8, 2015 at 12:05 pm

    I like smoothies the best as it seems to be a better way to get a variety of fruits into kids plus I like the texture.

    Reply
  50. Tiffany Banks says

    August 8, 2015 at 9:28 pm

    I love milkshakes!! Vanilla is my favorite! I prefer milkshakes over smoothies because I think they taste better 🙂

    Reply
  51. Amanda says

    August 9, 2015 at 4:47 pm

    I usually prefer to make smoothies but buy milkshakes…which makes no sense lol I like using fresh fruit in a different way from just eating it!

    Reply
  52. lindsay hess says

    August 9, 2015 at 8:04 pm

    Smoothies are my favorite because you can always switch them up and make all different kinds of tasty combinations!!

    Reply
  53. librarianstories says

    August 10, 2015 at 7:21 pm

    Milkshakes all the way! Who doesn’t want icecream?

    Reply
  54. Bena Wilbern says

    August 11, 2015 at 5:46 pm

    Smoothie! Definitely smoothies for their health benefits. I love trying out new smoothies for my family to help add fruits and veggies that they may not normally eat!

    Reply
  55. Rita A says

    August 11, 2015 at 11:48 pm

    I like smoothies made with fresh fruits! However I have made some pretty delish milkshakes too!

    Reply
  56. Alyssa F says

    August 12, 2015 at 3:50 am

    milkshake! i work in a starbucks and frappchinos are my favoirte! they are made with milk so they are technically milkshakes but i need to start making some at home (:

    Reply
  57. Daniel G. says

    August 12, 2015 at 7:27 am

    Smoothie, it’s how I start every morning.

    Reply
  58. Elizabeth B says

    August 12, 2015 at 11:47 pm

    Smoothies are my favorite! There are SO many different fruit combinations that I never get tired of them!

    Reply
  59. Lupita m says

    August 13, 2015 at 9:39 am

    My favorite is smoothies because is more delicious.

    Reply
  60. Kay Gee says

    August 13, 2015 at 12:25 pm

    smoothies I always have the supplies on hand

    Reply
  61. Amy Barker says

    August 13, 2015 at 2:02 pm

    I am a HUGE smoothie fan. Mmmm… but milkshakes win hands down! 🙂

    Reply
  62. Jennifer Nielsen says

    August 13, 2015 at 2:15 pm

    Definitely smoothie! I really love fruit and I am not a big ice cream person.

    Reply
  63. eguiver yol says

    August 13, 2015 at 2:43 pm

    Milkshake because ice cream

    Reply
  64. Julie Matek says

    August 13, 2015 at 3:14 pm

    I like smoothies when I am trying to get healthy & chocolate milkshakes when I want something sweet or dessert; )

    Reply
  65. Jan Hammersmith says

    August 13, 2015 at 3:37 pm

    I like to make healthy smoothies to drink after I workout.

    Reply
  66. Erin Hussman says

    August 13, 2015 at 8:42 pm

    Milkshake – Such a nice treat.
    The whole family enjoys them.

    Reply
  67. Desiree Dunbar says

    August 13, 2015 at 8:48 pm

    Smoothies for me!!

    Reply
  68. Elizabeth H. says

    August 13, 2015 at 9:31 pm

    Smoothie, they are healthy for you! And good for me since I am a Diabetic!

    Reply
  69. Missy says

    August 13, 2015 at 11:02 pm

    I like smoothies better because they are a great way to fit in nutrition.

    Reply
  70. Jesselyn Andersyn says

    August 14, 2015 at 3:15 am

    That’s a tough one ~ especially because I kind of see them as two separate categories serving (literally!) two different NEEDS (or in the case of a Milkshake ~ MOSTLY a WANT!)

    I really enjoy both:
    I see my SMOOTHIES as a healthy (BUT DELICIOUS!) way to eat lots of fruits and veggies and be my daily shot of vitamins ~ where as I see my MILKSHAKES as more like a dessert or a naughty snack (although there is no reason why one cannot make their Milkshakes relatively healthy (IF one makes them oneself….)

    In any case, I frequently enjoy both!

    Reply
  71. Liz Lew says

    August 14, 2015 at 3:30 am

    Milkshake- very desert like

    Reply
  72. Leah Shumack says

    August 14, 2015 at 5:13 am

    Milkshakes are my favorite because they cool me down after a long day!

    Reply
  73. ali celestino says

    August 14, 2015 at 6:50 pm

    I love them both strawberry smoothies for breakfast and a chocolate milkshake for a snack!

    Reply
  74. Crystal E. says

    August 14, 2015 at 7:46 pm

    I love smoothies, since they are (usually) less fattening and have delicious fruit in them!

    Reply
  75. Kristine says

    August 15, 2015 at 4:09 am

    Milkshakes! Because chocolate!!

    Reply
  76. james jenkins says

    August 15, 2015 at 4:48 am

    smoothie; I love the fruits, veggies, and crushed ice!

    Reply
  77. johnhutchens1 says

    August 16, 2015 at 6:23 am

    I like milkshakes best. They are delicious and I love milk

    Reply

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I have a passion for writing and an appetite for cooking. I love to tell stories about foods, cultures, and people - and I love to eat! Come join me on this delicious foodie adventure! Read More

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