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!
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!
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:
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.
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!
Lisa Brown
July 31, 2015Oh, for sure a milkshake: Love the richness and thickness and flavor variety.
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DC
July 31, 2015Smoothie, 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!
HS
July 31, 2015Smoothie is my favorite, I drink it daily in all varieties, from green smoothie to fruit smoothie. Kids love them too.
Savannah Hicks
July 31, 2015I 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.
Amanda Kinder
July 31, 2015I’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.
Joni Mitchell
July 31, 2015While I would say milkshake, I’ve gotten into smoothies lately since I’ve tried to be more healthy
Priscilla
July 31, 2015Smoothie! It’s more refreshing than a milkshake
Lindsey L
July 31, 2015I like smoothies better. You can add more things to make it healthier and it keeps you full!
Michelle
August 1, 2015Smoothies so refreshing in the summer.
Sharill R.
August 1, 2015Milkshake, 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
Stefanie Gladden
August 1, 2015I like smoothies because they are healthier! I do love a good milkshake every once in a while!
tara darity
August 1, 2015I like smoothies better because they are fresh and healthy!
someluckydog
August 1, 2015I love milkshakes because they are rich and thick and an easy way to get the calcium I need!
stowelljg
August 1, 2015I prefer protein smoothies because they have the benefits of fruit and whey protein without the fat content of a milkshake.
Geena S
August 1, 2015I 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..
Ronda
August 1, 2015I love smoothies. I love the way they taste and that I can add whatever I want to them.
sarahacool
August 1, 2015I love smoothies because they make me feel good rather than loaded down with sugar. I love using fresh fruit and veggies in my smoothies
Summer B.
August 1, 2015I like milkshakes more on hot summer days.
Stephen Alexander
August 1, 2015I love both smoothies and milkshakes. Can we just have a smoothshake?
Karen
August 1, 2015Smoothies are the best because you can use fresh fruit.
David
August 1, 2015I 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!!
Rhonda P
August 2, 2015I 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!
Steve
August 2, 2015I should say smoothie for health reasons, but I’ve got to go with milkshakes.
LaTanya (@sweetums82)
August 2, 2015I love milkshakes because they are creamy and thick
Morgan Watson
August 2, 2015Milkshakes, for sure. I think they are a lot tastier than smoothies and who doesn’t LOVE ice cream?!?
Kelly D
August 2, 2015Smoothies are my favorite because I can throw in more healthy ingredients.
Brenda Haines
August 2, 2015I prefer a good smoothie. Just so I can say I’m being more healthy 😉
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Mallory Roberts
August 2, 2015I 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!
maryann martinez
August 2, 2015love making smoothies
Crystal Morris
August 2, 2015smoothies rock because you can always change them up with fresh fruits that are in seasons.
FaithFoodFamilyFun.com
August 2, 2015Smoothies because I have finally learned to make them just as tasty as a milkshake only healthier!
Rana Durham
August 2, 2015i perfer smoothies because i like that its al fruits and veggies
Kelly Hubbard
August 2, 2015I 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..
Kelley H
August 2, 2015I will take a Smoothie any day of the week.
Megan Zuchowski
August 2, 2015Yum. Definitely smoothies. They are so tasty!
Lindsey Hutterer
August 3, 2015Smoothies 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.
Jalisa Brown
August 3, 2015I love smoothies – they are so versatile and provide a healthy way to enjoy a refreshing treat.
Jenna Osborne
August 3, 2015Smoothies! I love the texture of fresh frozen fruit and endless combinations of deliciousness.
adriisa
August 3, 2015Smoothies are the best.
Nikki
August 3, 2015Smoothie, healthier and less sweet.
Lauren
August 3, 2015I like smoothies because I like using fresh fruit.
Daniel M
August 3, 2015chocolate milkshake, because chocolate!
Ruy (@Ruy977)
August 4, 2015I 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.
Darlene Carbajal
August 4, 2015I love both, but mostly smoothies because they are yummy!
Lea Anna
August 4, 2015Milkshake all the way!
DJ
August 4, 2015I love smoothies because I can make them all fruit or add tasty veggies and make them green smoothies.
Chely
August 6, 2015I love smoothies because they are so fruity and light!
hembrey860
August 7, 2015I 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 🙂
Wilma P
August 8, 2015I 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.
Tiffany Banks
August 8, 2015I love milkshakes!! Vanilla is my favorite! I prefer milkshakes over smoothies because I think they taste better 🙂
Amanda
August 9, 2015I 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!
lindsay hess
August 9, 2015Smoothies are my favorite because you can always switch them up and make all different kinds of tasty combinations!!
librarianstories
August 10, 2015Milkshakes all the way! Who doesn’t want icecream?
Bena Wilbern
August 11, 2015Smoothie! 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!
Rita A
August 11, 2015I like smoothies made with fresh fruits! However I have made some pretty delish milkshakes too!
Alyssa F
August 12, 2015milkshake! 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 (:
Daniel G.
August 12, 2015Smoothie, it’s how I start every morning.
Elizabeth B
August 12, 2015Smoothies are my favorite! There are SO many different fruit combinations that I never get tired of them!
Lupita m
August 13, 2015My favorite is smoothies because is more delicious.
Kay Gee
August 13, 2015smoothies I always have the supplies on hand
Amy Barker
August 13, 2015I am a HUGE smoothie fan. Mmmm… but milkshakes win hands down! 🙂
Jennifer Nielsen
August 13, 2015Definitely smoothie! I really love fruit and I am not a big ice cream person.
eguiver yol
August 13, 2015Milkshake because ice cream
Julie Matek
August 13, 2015I like smoothies when I am trying to get healthy & chocolate milkshakes when I want something sweet or dessert; )
Jan Hammersmith
August 13, 2015I like to make healthy smoothies to drink after I workout.
Erin Hussman
August 13, 2015Milkshake – Such a nice treat.
The whole family enjoys them.
Desiree Dunbar
August 13, 2015Smoothies for me!!
Elizabeth H.
August 13, 2015Smoothie, they are healthy for you! And good for me since I am a Diabetic!
Missy
August 13, 2015I like smoothies better because they are a great way to fit in nutrition.
Jesselyn Andersyn
August 14, 2015That’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!
Liz Lew
August 14, 2015Milkshake- very desert like
Leah Shumack
August 14, 2015Milkshakes are my favorite because they cool me down after a long day!
ali celestino
August 14, 2015I love them both strawberry smoothies for breakfast and a chocolate milkshake for a snack!
Crystal E.
August 14, 2015I love smoothies, since they are (usually) less fattening and have delicious fruit in them!
Kristine
August 15, 2015Milkshakes! Because chocolate!!
james jenkins
August 15, 2015smoothie; I love the fruits, veggies, and crushed ice!
johnhutchens1
August 16, 2015I like milkshakes best. They are delicious and I love milk