Rival Kitchen Products

Do smoothie makers work? Will the inexpensive "walmart" types produce a smooth, icy protein shake?

I'm on a "humble" budget. My blender is a pain to clean up, the thunder stick doesn't really provide the smooth icy consistency I want. I want to start each day with a really good, icy protien shake without a real hassle to clean up. I'm thinking of buying a smoothie maker but I don't want to end up with one more appliance that I don't use because it doesn't do what I want it to.

Public Comments

1. I don't think they are as good as a blender. They seem to have trouble chopping up ice.
2. Yes, but it depends on which kind that you choose. Just go to walmart or visit they site to see if they have any that you will like.
3. Get the Magic Bullet :) http://www.buythebullet.com/
4. No. They do not grind the ice well. Invest in one called Vita Mix - it will last for years and it grinds ice so very well.
5. With WalMart you can always exchange. I have the Bullet, it was $100 and it does everything.
6. Well, the benefit from buying at Walmart is their great return policy. If it doesn't work... take it back! For your needs, one of those "bullet" blenders would probably be the best. I believe Wal-Mart sells them, as does target for around $50 for the entire kit.
7. I have one at my house and it works. Just a regular blender is fine though. The cheap Wal-Mart smoothie makers should work. If not you have a little while to exchange it (isn't it like 30 days). If you get one use soy milk in your smoothies (like a flavoured one if you don't like regular). It has high quality protein and gives it a smooth texture.