Best vintage milkshake mixer?

Hi guys,

I have been searching long and hard for the ultimate milkshake. Unfortunately, my area seems to be lacking such a milkshake, so I've decided to just make my own from now on with real equipment. My blender does not do a very good job, so I've been looking at purchasing a vintage/ retro mixer. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions. Here's what I've been looking at:

Hamilton Beach, Model 30 (example = )

Hamilton Beach, Model 40DM (example = )

Sterling Multimxer (example =

If anyone has any suggestions, that would be great! I'm open to any and all ideas. I was just more inclined to use a vintage, real-deal, machine as opposed to a newer one.

dont know but welcome to roadfood

Post up when you pick up the mixer and try some recipes! I'm interested in milkshakes, frappes, ice cream sodas and old-style soda fountain type drinks. Hmmmmm, soda fountain. Where to find one, ....

Anyway, good luck! Sounds like a fun project.

I bought a H-B #51 about 10 years ago. Believe it's from the mid-thirties. I like it. Only drawback is it uses a special cup, which I don't have, so I can't lock the stainless steel milkshake cups in place. I have to hold them while the thing's mixing, which really isn't a big deal.

Hi Junior Burger,
 
You are right to focus on getting a vintage machine if you want a real milkshake.  In my opinion, the only choice is the Hamilton Beach model 40DM 3-spindle mixer (preferably in the classic Jadite green color).  I have recently started collecting them (I have 3 machines: 2 green and one ivory).   Once you've seen and used this particular machine, you will be interested in no others (although the Sterling Multimixer is second in line, even that doesn't compare to the 40DM, as it has only one motor, and a mechanical system to link it to the multiple mixing spindles).  If you don't have the space or $$ to get a 40DM (expect to pay $350-$600 for a good machine), you may want to consider an older Hamilton Beach single-head mixer, such as a model 30 or model 33, but these definitely do NOT have nearly the class or nostalgia of a 40DM, and they only have 2 speeds (not 3, like a 40DM), so they won't give you the indescribable, superior milkshake that the 40 DM delivers.
 
The 40DM is the classic, quintisciential machine.  Each of the 3 spindles have their own motor and switch controls.  If one spindle is broken (or even if you remove a spindle/motor for repair), the other 2 can still be safely used in the meantime.  Inside, each motor is mounted with 4 spring-loaded, cushioned mounting screws (like a car engine), making vibration and noise minimal.   The base of the unit is made of porcelain-coated cast iron... its heavy and its really gorgeous when you see it in person.   The head housing is painted in the same color as the base.  The 40DM weighs about 45 lbs.
 
I have been learning how to remove the motors from these machines, in order to get them serviced.  For you, I would advise getting a 40DM that is in 100% perfect working order... unless you are really handy with motors  and want to take on the task of refurbishing, as a hobby.  Don't beleive any sellers that say a mixer is perfect except "it needs a switch" or anything like that (unless the machine is severly discounted to reflect the fact that it needs work).  Having said all that, the 40DM is built like a tank, and inside the top housing unit, there are of course the 3 motors.  I have an e-mail picture of the inside of the motor head, so if you want to e-mail me about it, I'll forward it to you. 

Just reporting on my quest to make the ultimate milkshake. I purchased a Hamilton Beach 40DM mixer (a green one) for $175 in perfect working condition. I have to say, it has well exceeded all my expectations. Shakes taste a lot better, so right now I'm trying to figure out the best sort of ice cream to use. I don't want to spend too much though, so I may just stick to the generic grocery store brands unless I find some outstanding deal. Hopefully when I'll eligible on this site I'll post some pictures!

Also, quick question, what do the indents on the side of the stainless steel cups indicate and is it possible / recommended to make a shake out of custard?

You got a GREAT deal on the 40 DM, especially if its in good working order.  I would think that its easily worth twice what you paid.   Is the porcelain (on the base section) and green paint (on the top / motor housing section) in good condition? How about the chrome band w/ logo?   Even if its got some dings and scuffs, you still got a great deal.  As far as the ridges in the cups are concerned... I don't really know what their purpose is... perhaps the long (vertical) ridges are meant to generate a slight turbulence in the tornado-like flow that develops as you whip up a milkshake, causing more effective mixing.  I think the small, horizontal dents are for measuring your ingredients, although I usually just "eyeball it" when making a shake.  As far a trying custard... well, give it a try, what do you have to lose?
 
BTW... where did you get your machine???  ... online, or did you find it at an antique-mall or something?

The paint is excellent! There are some small dings and scratches but it's nothing major. There is a scuff through on the Hamilton Beach logo. Is there any way I could share pictures here?

I got mine by using a site to search ALL of craigslist- I found it in Wisconsin and I asked if they'd be willing to ship and they were!

I have obtained a 40-DM and does it need some work... Well, cleaning mostly.  I have been able to get all 3 heads working, however, I need to find an on-off switch mechanism for one of the heads.  It has been badly red-neck engineered and will not last.  Does anyone know of a reliable parts dealer where I can find one of these switches...   It has seen lots of wear and tear and apparently never taken apart and cleaned.  The inside looks like a dried chocolate shake tin (dried for ~30+ years).  The mechanics and electrical inside are simple enough, and looks like I will need to gut it completely to get it cleaned properly.   It appears that if I do this, I may also need to find out what capacitor is located in the back of this thing. 
 
New to the forum, 
milkshakemaniac

Here is the one I use I bought it for $50 and it was beat up. It ran pretty good and after adjusting, cleaning, some bondo for the dents, primer, paint and clear coat I thought it came out pretty good. They still make parts for them also. I use it all the time and I am sure it will last forever...Russ
 

I agree that these old mixers work great! I have one that I would sell but it just does one drink at a time. Hmm, what kind is it? HB I think. Any interest and I will find the stock #.
Joe

The best vintage milkshake mixer is the Hamilton Beach Model 30.  Awesome engineering and build quality.  The Model 40 Triple will give you the same results when you're making shakes in volume.
I service them on a regular basis and have many OEM and custom parts (brushes, brush caps, replacement feet, cords, etc.) available.  If your mixer isn't working properly, I'm happy to give free advice.  I'm trying to keep these mixers from entering the landfills.  Thanks!

Work great for scrambled eggs also.

Russ Jackson

Work great for scrambled eggs also.

The Coffee Cup Restaurant in Pensacola, FL uses one - I believe it's a single one- to whip up their eggs for omelets. I moved from P'cola to AZ 12 years ago but I can vividly remember the best, most fluffy omelets I've ever eaten produced by that machine. I'll bet it's been used to make millions of Omelets over the years. The line cook, Creola, was a master chef at making all things Breakfast related on her flat top and her omelet pans.
She's probably retired by now but she was a supreme master at her craft!
The place has been featured on here numerous times. http://www.roadfood.com/Restaurant/Overview/387/the-coffee-cup

Found this on Google and thought it might be of interest.
http://www.marklin-users....Beach_Triple_Mixer.htm

thomascirca


Hi guys,

I have been searching long and hard for the ultimate milkshake. Unfortunately, my area seems to be lacking such a milkshake, so I've decided to just make my own from now on with real equipment. My blender does not do a very good job, so I've been looking at purchasing a vintage/ retro mixer. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions. Here's what I've been looking at:

Hamilton Beach, Model 30 (example = )

Hamilton Beach, Model 40DM (example = )

Sterling Multimxer (example =

If anyone has any suggestions, that would be great! I'm open to any and all ideas. I was just more inclined to use a vintage, real-deal, machine as opposed to a newer one.

 
eBay! There's tons of them!

Just opened the motor on a Hamilton Beach Model 30 and found only one badly worn brush and spring.  I believe I have found a source for them on the web.  Worse, one of the copper clip/flat spring/electric contacts is broken. Thinking of several options for repair but am wondering if anyone either has a replacement, knows where to get one, or has a work around to suggest.  Cheers