Hamilton Beach 51172 Blender Review 2026 – How It Performs in Real Kitchens

Hamilton Beach 51172 Blender Review 2026 – Is It Worth It?
I’ve been on a smoothie kick lately, trying to get more fruits and greens into my diet. Enter the Hamilton Beach 51172 Blender, which I decided to test out over the past month. This nifty little gadget promised to make my morning routine a breeze by blending my smoothies right in a portable travel jar. At just over $22, it seemed like a steal. Initially, I was skeptical about whether such an affordable blender could really handle my daily kale and frozen berries. After weeks of using it daily, I’ve got some thoughts to share. Spoiler alert: it’s not perfect, but it does have its charms.
Hamilton Beach 51172 Blender
🎯 Quick Verdict:
If you’re looking for an affordable, compact blender for simple smoothies and shakes, the Hamilton Beach 51172 is a solid choice. It’s great for those on the go or with limited space. Serious smoothie enthusiasts might want to look elsewhere, though.
Design & Build Quality
The first thing I noticed about the Hamilton Beach 51172 Blender was its compact size. It’s small enough to fit in the corner of my cluttered kitchen counter without any fuss. The 14 oz. BPA-free travel jar feels durable yet lightweight, and the travel lid is a convenient touch for those mornings when I’m rushing out the door. The build is mostly plastic, which isn’t surprising given the price, but it’s well-assembled. The stainless steel blades are the standout component here, promising durability over time. While the aesthetics are nothing to write home about, the blender’s functionality is the real hero.
Features & Performance
One of the key features is the one-touch blending, which I found incredibly user-friendly. A simple press of a button, and the blades get to work. In my experience, it handled softer fruits like bananas and strawberries with ease. However, when I tried blending tougher ingredients like frozen mango chunks, it needed a little shake here and there to get things moving. Compared to my friend’s NutriBullet Pro 900, it’s not as powerful, but it’s not trying to be. The Hamilton Beach blender is best for straightforward tasks. Cleanup was a breeze, too, since the jar and blades are dishwasher safe. Over several weeks, I did notice it struggles with larger ice cubes. For leafy greens, it managed okay, but I’ve seen smoother results from more expensive models.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
Technical Specifications
| Product Name | Hamilton Beach 51172 Blender |
| Blending Capacity | 14 oz |
| Material | BPA-free plastic jar |
| Blades | Durable stainless steel |
| Power Source | Electric cord |
| Cord Length | 24 inches |
| Dishwasher Safe Parts | Blending jar, blades, travel lid |
| Control Type | One-touch button |
| Dimensions | Assumed small, fits most cup holders |
| Weight | Lightweight, exact weight not specified |
| Travel Compatibility | Fits most car cup holders |
| Color | Assumed standard colors, not specified |
Who Should Buy This?
This blender is ideal for busy individuals who need a quick and easy way to make smoothies or shakes. If you’re living in a dorm or a small apartment, its compact size won’t take up much space. It’s also perfect for anyone who wants to blend and go, as the travel jar is super convenient. However, if you’re looking to blend tougher ingredients regularly or make larger servings, you might want to consider something more robust like the NutriBullet Pro 900.
Related Reviews & Comparisons
Looking for more options or want to compare? Check out our other reviews:
• NutriBullet Pro 900 Review – Great alternative option
Quick Price Comparison
Final Verdict
✅ Final Verdict:
After several weeks of using the Hamilton Beach 51172 Blender, I’ve come to appreciate its simplicity and convenience. For its price, it delivers decent performance for basic blending tasks. It’s not going to replace a full-sized blender for those heavy-duty jobs, but for quick smoothies and shakes, it does the job well. If you’re on a budget and need something compact and reliable for light blending, it’s a worthy purchase. However, if you’re seeking power and versatility, you might need to stretch your budget a bit.