It Peaked In The '50s — Now It's The Durable Kitchen Item You Can Get At The Thrift Store

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There are some retro household gadgets that went obsolete after peaking in the 1950s, completely disappearing without a trace. Others, meanwhile, stuck around long after their '50s heyday, becoming beloved vintage kitchen accessories that not only take us back, but also serve as stylish additions to our home. The Hamilton Beach DrinkMaster (malt) mixer is an example of the latter.

The DrinkMaster is an appliance you'd most likely associate with diner-style American milkshakes; however, it can make all sorts of cold drinks, from iced coffees, to smoothies, and even alcoholic cocktails. The mixer has a tall base with a chrome mixing spindle that fits perfectly into a matching cup. While it was most popular during the '50s, this durable appliance never quite disappeared. In fact, you can purchase a new DrinkMaster at Amazon for $49.95 or $55.49, depending on the color.

But many '50s fans want an original, if possible, which is where thrift stores come into the picture. Retro mixers either had one spindle or three. Website Malt Mixer Man calls the three-head version — model 40DM and later, 940 — the "Cadillac" of all such malt mixers. The classic models have a jadeite green or almond base, though later models like the 730C from the '90s featured full chrome.

Hamilton Beach introduced the DrinkMaster in the 1930s, and it became a household item in the following decade, then reached its peak in the 1950s with the diner milkshake. When searching for an original DrinkMaster, check thrift stores, as well as sites like eBay and Etsy, where vintage items are readily available. Prices for '50s models start at around $100 and go on up from there, with working models naturally costing more than those needing repairing. For example, an operational  triple-head DrinkMaster might run you $600 or more.

Now, how to tell if what you're looking at is the real McCoy? In your research, look for the model numbers, which Malt Mixer Man says are found in a few places: in back of the mixer, on the mixer head's golden band, and occasionally under the base. The numbers you want to look for are 40DM for the triple-head DrinkMaster, and 30 and 33 for the original one-spindle models. Later, these models were updated to models 940, 930, and 933. Also if you want a DrinkMaster with three spindles, your best bet is to find an original, as this design today is made for commercial use.

To repair an original DrinkMaster, it's possible to find the replacement parts, with some searching. Some of these may cost as much as the machine itself, though (e.g., a motor might cost $75). As a purely decorative piece, these appliances are great for creating a retro-style kitchen. When doing so, pair the mixer with other mid-century pieces like color-and-chrome appliances, metallic countertop and cabinet trims, and/or retro cookware. Place the DrinkMaster on a shelf or countertop for a perfect accent. (Check out other vintage kitchen accessories that are making a comeback.)