Hamilton Beach Power Elite Wave Action Blender Review: Affordable, Powerful, and Built for Smooth Blends
In the world of countertop blenders, finding a powerful and versatile machine that doesn’t break the bank can feel like searching for a unicorn. Enter the Hamilton Beach Power Elite Wave Action Blender (Model 58148A)—an affordable, feature-packed blender designed to handle everything from smoothies and shakes to purees and frozen drinks with surprising ease.
Equipped with a 700-watt motor, 12 blending functions, and a patented Wave Action System, this blender punches well above its price point. Whether you’re a smoothie enthusiast, a meal-prepper, or someone who just needs a reliable kitchen helper, the Power Elite offers real value in a durable and easy-to-clean package.
Let’s break down exactly what this blender delivers—and whether it’s the right choice for your countertop.
Design & First Impressions
When you first set eyes on the Hamilton Beach Power Elite, it’s clear this blender was built with practicality in mind. It features a clean, classic black and stainless steel design that fits easily into any kitchen décor. It’s compact enough to leave on the counter without taking up much space, yet sturdy enough to feel secure during high-speed blending.
The 40 oz. glass jar is a welcome touch—most blenders in this price range offer plastic containers, which can stain or absorb odors. Glass not only looks more premium, but it’s also easier to clean and won’t retain smells from past blends.
The lid fits snugly and features a handy mess-free pouring spout, making it easy to serve smoothies or sauces directly from the blender without spills.
What’s in the Box?
- 700-watt motor base
- 40 oz. dishwasher-safe glass jar
- Stainless steel Ice Sabre® blade assembly
- Lid with easy-pour spout
- User manual with basic recipe ideas
Every part feels solid, especially for a blender that’s often priced under $40. The tactile control panel includes 5 simple buttons and 12 blending functions, making it a breeze to use even for beginners.
Core Features & Benefits
Here’s a closer look at the features that make this blender stand out:
⚡ 700 Watts of Peak Power
The Hamilton Beach Power Elite features 700 watts of peak blending power—more than enough for crushing ice, blending frozen fruit, or mixing protein shakes. While it’s not in the ultra-high-wattage category, it provides reliable performance for everyday blending tasks.
🔄 Wave Action® Blending Technology
Unlike traditional blenders that sometimes leave chunks floating at the top, this model uses Wave Action® System technology. As ingredients blend, the system forces them down toward the blades continuously—ensuring a smoother, more consistent texture with fewer chunks and less need for stirring.
It’s particularly useful for making creamy smoothies or silky soups.
❄️ Ice Sabre® Blades
The stainless steel Ice Sabre® blades are engineered to power through tough ingredients like frozen fruit, raw veggies, and even ice cubes. Combined with the Wave Action motion, they make quick work of thick blends.
🧽 Dishwasher-Safe for Easy Cleaning
The glass jar, blades, and lid are all dishwasher-safe, making cleanup fast and hassle-free. No more awkward scrubbing around sharp blades—just pop the parts into the dishwasher and you’re done.
🧃 Easy-Pour Spout
One of the simplest but most thoughtful features is the pouring spout, which is built into the lid. No more dripping down the side of the jar when pouring into glasses or containers.
🧠 12 Blending Functions
Controlled by 5 intuitive buttons, the 12 functions include:
- Smoothie
- Ice Crush
- Puree
- Dice
- Chop
- Mix
- Grind
- Milkshake
- Salsa
- and more
It gives the user the flexibility to handle everything from frozen cocktails to hummus.
Performance in Real-World Use
🥤 Smoothies & Protein Shakes
This blender excels at smoothies. It easily blends bananas, berries, yogurt, and leafy greens into creamy, drinkable textures. For tougher ingredients like kale or frozen strawberries, the Ice Sabre blades and 700-watt motor hold up well—though you may want to add a bit more liquid for easier blending.
Protein shakes come out smooth and clump-free, even with powders and nut butters.
❄️ Crushing Ice
Ice crushing is where many budget blenders fall short—but the Power Elite performs surprisingly well. Use the “Ice Crush” setting, and it turns cubes into slush in under 30 seconds. This makes it a strong contender for frozen margaritas or summertime smoothies.
🥗 Dips, Sauces, & Soups
The puree and chop settings are perfect for dips like hummus or guacamole. It can also handle tomato-based sauces, pesto, or pureed soups. Just be cautious with hot liquids—like most blenders, the jar isn’t designed for boiling contents.
Ease of Use
The Power Elite keeps things simple. The control panel has 5 buttons labeled clearly, and each function is mapped to a specific button combo. There’s no guesswork or complicated presets, which is ideal for beginners or casual users.
The Wave Action really does reduce the need to pause and scrape down the sides—something you’ll appreciate if you’ve used less efficient blenders before.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Another strong point is the ease of cleaning. All removable parts (jar, lid, and blades) are top-rack dishwasher safe. For a quick rinse between uses, just blend warm water and dish soap for a few seconds and pour it out.
The glass jar doesn’t stain or retain odors, which makes it especially great for mixing a variety of ingredients from fruity smoothies to garlic-heavy sauces.
Who Should Buy the Hamilton Beach Power Elite Blender?
This blender is perfect for:
- Budget-conscious buyers who want solid performance without spending $100+
- Smoothie lovers looking for daily convenience
- Families who want a simple, versatile blender for multi-use cooking
- Beginner cooks or college students setting up their first kitchen
- Anyone who wants glass instead of plastic
Not ideal for:
- Advanced users needing professional-grade power for nut butters or heavy dough
- Compact-only kitchens where storage space is extremely limited
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
- Great value under $50
- 700 watts of peak power
- Ice-crushing stainless steel blades
- Patented Wave Action technology for smooth results
- Glass jar is sturdy and dishwasher safe
- 12 functions for versatile blending
- Simple, beginner-friendly controls
- Compact size with a clean design
❌ Cons:
- Can be noisy during ice crushing
- Not ideal for very thick blends like nut butters
- No pre-programmed or smart functions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can it blend ice and frozen fruit?
Yes! The Ice Sabre® blades and 700W motor can crush ice and frozen ingredients with ease—just don’t overpack the jar.
Q: Is the jar plastic or glass?
The 40 oz jar is made of durable, dishwasher-safe glass—a premium touch for this price range.
Q: Can it handle hot liquids?
It’s not designed for boiling hot liquids. Allow hot foods to cool slightly before blending to avoid pressure buildup.
Q: Is it loud?
It produces some noise, especially when crushing ice, but it’s in line with similar blenders in its class.
Q: Does it come with a warranty?
Yes, Hamilton Beach typically includes a 3-year limited warranty, which adds peace of mind for such an affordable product.
Final Verdict: Is the Power Elite Worth It?
The Hamilton Beach Power Elite Wave Action Blender (58148A) proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a reliable, versatile blender for your kitchen. With solid power, thoughtful features, and a glass jar, it competes with pricier models at a fraction of the cost.
While it’s not designed for ultra-heavy-duty blending, it excels at everyday tasks like smoothies, shakes, sauces, and dips. The Wave Action technology ensures smoother results, and the ice-crushing blades expand what you can do beyond the basics.
If you want a budget-friendly blender that’s powerful, easy to clean, and built for daily use, the Power Elite is a smart, dependable pick.
