The Milkshake Machine

At the Diner we make a lot of milkshakes. We do them the old fashioned way, a stainless steel cup, fresh ice cream plus fruit and milk. Our banana shakes are made with real bananas. Our strawberry shakes are made with fresh frozen strawberries. You get the picture!

For 40+ years, the same Hamilton Beach Blender has been kicking out the shakes day after day. But finally 2 out of 3 motors quit and instead of a working 3 head machine, we were flying with just one blender. Knowing that it too would quit and we are too busy a shop to make milkshakes just one at a time we sought out a brand new blender.

Direct from the factory we received a 3 head Waring brand model. Long story short, the staff hated it. I have never had the girls feel so strongly about a piece of equipment. And for me, each time it fired up it sounded like an underpowered engine. It struggled to blend ice cream and milk. That's a HUGE problem since it's ONLY purpose is to blend ice cream and milk! So it went back to the supplier.

The old machine came out of retirement for a bit and we searched for a "new" old Hamilton Beach 3 Head. It didn't take long to find one as they are quite coveted and so well made they last and last.

Cleaning it up and getting it ready for service and the staff were glowing! Again, I didn't expect so much emotion over a machine. We fired it up, giggled and made 3 shakes at once. Success!

Since this machine will be cherished and well used, we christened her with a name... BETTY. Hamilton Beach "Betty." We are hoping for many great years, and thousands of shakes together. The Retro Diner feels completely right again!