The Hamilton Beach Wave Station Plus Blender 53155 can be quite noisy, but it packs in the features at a very agreeable price.

The Wave Station Plus comes with a sturdy base, a 700-watt motor, and a lid with removable cap. The 48-ounce (6-cup) clear plastic carafe has a convenient front spigot for easy, mess-free dispensing of drinks. The assembled unit stands approximately 15 inches tall and has a 7-inch-diameter base. There are four buttons that comprise two blending speeds -- a pulse option and an off button. The two speeds and pulse button provide ample power for just about any blending task.

For all its power, the Wave Station Plus's design is not overly heavy, primarily due to the mostly plastic components. The wide-bottom base has four rubber feet that keep it firmly planted on the counter during use.

One feature we noticed immediately was the wave-action blending. The vertical motion caused the liquid to swell and dip, similar to a wave crashing, and it was amazingly effective at turning ingredients into super-smooth concoctions. An extra-thick batch of smoothies was perfectly processed in about 30 seconds on the high-speed setting.

Another handy feature is the removable front splash guard. While it looks like part of the base, this molded plastic shield can be quickly removed for easy rinsing. Since the molded shield fits under the jar, it prevents any drips from collecting in the ring atop the base.

The dispensing spout was a delight, and it saved us from a number of drips and spills that routinely result when pouring mixtures from the carafe. The spring-loaded spout can be locked in the open position for filling a pitcher or large glass, or it can be pressed and released for individual servings. The spout can also be removed when blending sauces or dips that do not require dispensing, and a spout cap is provided for this purpose.

The powerful 700-watt motor was a bit on the noisy side, but since most tasks were completed in seconds, the noise didn't bother us for long. The tight-fitting lid kept liquids inside the jar where they belong, and the easy-lift handle made it easy to remove the carafe from the base for cleaning.

If you're looking for an effective blender at a great price, check out Hamilton Beach's Wave Station Plus.


Pros: Capable 700-watt motor, lightweight plastic carafe, front-dispensing spigot, effective wave-action blending, removable splash guard
Cons: Noisy, mostly plastic construction

Warranty
3 years, limited