Are you tired of chunky smoothies? You know the kind. You take a big sip and get a surprise-a frozen chunk of banana that refused to blend. It’s frustrating! A good blender should make smooth drinks, not a crunchy mess.
If this sounds familiar, you’ve probably seen the Hamilton Beach Power Elite Wave-Action Blender online or in stores. It’s a super popular choice, with tons of reviews. But does it actually work? Is it easy to use? And is it worth your money?
We’re here to answer all your questions with a simple, honest review. Let’s find out if this is the blender your kitchen has been waiting for.
What’s This Blender All About?
Think of the Hamilton Beach Power Elite as a smart, no-fuss blender. It’s not trying to be the fanciest gadget on your counter. It’s built to do one thing really well: blend your food until it’s perfectly smooth.
Its secret weapon is called the Wave-Action® System. This is just a fancy name for the smart shape inside the jar. This shape constantly pulls your food down into the sharp, stainless steel blades. So, no more chunks get stuck on the sides!
It has a 700-watt motor, which gives it enough muscle for most everyday jobs like making shakes, icy drinks, or even a creamy soup. The best part? It has a strong, 40-ounce glass jar, not a plastic one that can get stained or smelly over time.
The Good and The Not-So-Good
Here is a quick look at what we loved and what could be better.
What We Liked (Pros):
- Makes Very Smooth Drinks: That Wave-Action system really works. Smoothies come out creamy.
- Great Price: You get a lot of blending power for not a lot of money.
- Strong Glass Jar: The jar feels solid, is BPA-free, and won’t hold onto smells.
- Super Easy to Clean: You can take it apart easily, and the jar, lid, and blades can all go in the dishwasher.
- Pours without Spills: It has a little spout on the lid so you don’t make a mess.
What to Keep in Mind (Cons):
- The Bottom is Plastic: The motor base is made of plastic. It works fine, but it doesn’t feel as heavy-duty as the glass jar.
- It Can Be Loud: Like most blenders that are strong enough to crush ice, it makes a good bit of noise.
- Okay with Ice (But Needs Help): It can crush ice for drinks, but you need to add enough liquid to help it along.
A Closer Look at the Best Features
Let’s break down what makes this blender special.
The Secret to Smooth Drinks
The main reason to buy this blender is the Wave-Action. It creates a little whirlpool inside that grabs every piece of fruit or ice. This means you don’t have to stop, take the lid off, and push food down with a spoon. It saves you time and hassle.
Power and Simple Buttons
With 700 watts of power, this blender can handle frozen fruit and ice cubes for your morning shake. It has 12 different “functions,” but you control them with just 5 simple buttons. You don’t need to guess which speed to use. Just press a button for “Milkshake” or “Crush Ice,” and it does the work for you.
Why a Glass Jar is Great
Many blenders in this price range use plastic jars. This one uses glass, which is a big plus!
- It stays clear. It won’t get cloudy or scratched up over time.
- No smells! It won’t hold onto the smell of garlic from your salsa when you want to make a fruit smoothie.
- It feels sturdy and is safe for your family (BPA-free).
Cleaning is a Snap!
Nobody likes cleaning up. Luckily, this blender is one of the easiest to clean. You just unscrew the bottom, and the blades come right out. You can wash every part perfectly. Or, even better, just pop the jar, lid, and blades right into the dishwasher.
A Simple Buying Guide: Is This Blender for You?
So, should you buy it? Let’s make it easy.
You’ll love this blender if:
- You make smoothies or shakes every day. It’s perfect for your daily routine.
- You’re on a budget. It works like a more expensive blender but costs way less.
- You hate cleaning. The dishwasher-safe parts are a lifesaver.
- You need to make more than one serving at a time. The 40 oz. jar is big enough for the whole family.
You might want something else if:
- You want to make things like peanut butter. For really thick, tough jobs, you might need a more powerful (and more expensive) blender.
- You want a super quiet machine. All powerful blenders make noise, and this one is no exception.
- You want a blender that looks very high-end. The plastic base is practical, but it’s not designed to be a fancy showpiece.
Answering Your Questions (FAQ)
Here are the answers to some of the most common questions people ask.
Will this blender crush ice?
Yes, it can! It has a special button for crushing ice. For the best results, make sure you add at least a cup of liquid (like water or juice) with your ice. It’s great for icy drinks and smoothies.
Are the blades removable for cleaning?
Yes, they are. You can easily unscrew the whole blade part from the bottom of the jar. This lets you clean everything safely and completely.
Is there a trick for getting the lid on and off easily?
The lid fits tight to prevent spills. To get it off, try lifting just one corner first to break the seal. That makes it much easier to pull the rest of the lid off.
What should I do if the blender smells hot?
When it’s brand new, you might notice a slight “motor” smell the first few times you use it. That’s normal. But if it smells very hot or like burning plastic, turn it off and unplug it right away. This can happen if you blend for too long or don’t use enough liquid. Let it cool down completely before using it again.
Is Hamilton a good brand for blenders?
Yes, Hamilton Beach is a very trusted brand. They are known for making good, reliable kitchen tools that people can actually afford.
Can it blend hot ingredients?
It’s best not to. Blending very hot liquids like boiling soup can be dangerous. The steam can build pressure and push the lid off. Let hot food cool down for a few minutes first, and only fill the jar about halfway.
Does it come with a recipe book?
It doesn’t come with a big recipe book, but the manual has some ideas to get you started.
Is the jar shatterproof?
The glass jar is very strong and is made to be “shatter-resistant.” It can handle blending ice just fine. But it’s still glass, so it could break if you drop it on a hard floor.
Does it have a pulse function?
Yes! The pulse button gives you quick bursts of power. It’s great for making chunky salsa or chopping nuts without turning them into dust.
Which is better, Nutribullet or Hamilton Beach?
They are for different jobs. A Nutribullet is a personal blender, perfect for making one smoothie to-go in its own cup. This Hamilton Beach blender is a countertop blender with a big jar, so it’s better for making bigger batches for the whole family or for other recipes like sauces.
Which is better Hamilton Beach blender or KitchenAid?
Think of it like cars. A KitchenAid is often like a luxury car—it looks great, has a metal body, and a higher price. This Hamilton Beach is like a reliable family car—it gets the job done well every single day and gives you fantastic value for your money.
What is the power rating of the Hamilton Beach blender?
It has 700 watts of peak power.
Final Thought
So, what’s the bottom line? The Hamilton Beach Power Elite Wave-Action Blender is a fantastic choice for most people. It does the simple things really, really well. It makes wonderfully smooth drinks, it’s a breeze to clean, and the price is tough to beat.
If you want a dependable blender that won’t let you down (or leave chunks in your smoothie), this is one of the best deals you’ll find. It’s a workhorse for your kitchen that proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to get great results.
