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.

Reviewed

Hamilton Beach 51172 Blender

If you're looking for an affordable, compact blender for simple smoothies and shakes, the Hamilton B
9.4/10
EXPERT SCORE
Read our full review to see if this is right for you. 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 t

🎯 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

Affordable price point
Compact and portable design
Easy to clean with dishwasher-safe parts
Simple one-touch operation
Convenient for quick, small servings

Cons

Struggles with tougher ingredients like large ice cubes
Limited capacity (14 oz.)
Plastic build might not be durable long-term
Not as powerful as higher-end models

Technical Specifications

Product NameHamilton Beach 51172 Blender
Blending Capacity14 oz
MaterialBPA-free plastic jar
BladesDurable stainless steel
Power SourceElectric cord
Cord Length24 inches
Dishwasher Safe PartsBlending jar, blades, travel lid
Control TypeOne-touch button
DimensionsAssumed small, fits most cup holders
WeightLightweight, exact weight not specified
Travel CompatibilityFits most car cup holders
ColorAssumed 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.

Looking for more options or want to compare? Check out our other reviews:

NutriBullet Pro 900 Review – Great alternative option

Quick Price Comparison

Alternative
NutriBullet Pro 900
Amazon.com
4.5
NutriBullet Pro 900
Great alternative option

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.

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