Protein shakes have become a staple supplement for many gym-goers and athletes looking to build muscle and recover from workouts quickly. While traditional wire ball shakers get the job done, electric protein shakers have been growing in popularity due to their convenience and versatility. But are they really worth the extra cost? Here is an in-depth look at the pros and cons of electric protein shakers to help you decide if investing in one is right for you.
What is an Electric Protein Shaker?
An electric protein shaker is a battery-powered shaker cup that mixes protein shakes and other supplements with the press of a button. It contains small blades that blend ingredients together into a smooth, lump-free shake. Many electric models now come with extra features like multiple speed settings, built-in storage compartments, USB charging, and Bluetooth connectivity.
The main benefit of electric shakers is convenience – they do all the shaking and mixing for you with minimal effort. Simply add your protein powder, liquid, and any other ingredients to the cup, secure the lid, press a button, and your shake is ready within seconds. This makes them ideal for use pre- and post-workout when time is limited.
Benefits of Using an Electric Shaker
Here are some of the main benefits of using an electric protein shaker:
Saves Time and Effort
Electric shakers take the work out of mixing up a protein shake. You don’t have to stand there shaking manually for several minutes to properly blend thicker ingredients like peanut butter, yogurt, or oats. The powered blades do that tedious work for you with a simple press of a button. This makes your morning protein shake routine fast and seamless.
Produces Smoother, Lump-Free Shakes
The motorized blades in electric shakers break down ingredients more thoroughly than regular shakers. This results in smoother shakes with no clumps of powder or chunks of peanut butter floating around. The consistency makes shakes easier and more enjoyable to drink.
Easy to Clean
Electric shaker cups are designed to be simple to clean with detachable blades and dishwasher-safe parts. Many are even self-cleaning – you simply add water and soap and turn on the mixer. This saves you time scrubbing protein residue out of the crevices of traditional wire ball shakers after each use.
Portable and Rechargeable
Most electric shakers today are lightweight, compact, and rechargeable via USB. You can take them to the gym or on the go and mix up protein shakes anywhere. Many also come with storage compartments for carrying powder and other supplements. Being able to make shakes anytime, anywhere helps promote consistency with your supplementation routine.
Advanced Features and Connectivity
Higher-end electric shakers come equipped with features like:
- Multiple speed settings for customized mixing
- Built-in storage compartments
- Battery life indicators
- Bluetooth connectivity to track mixing activity
- Compatibility with fitness apps
These extras provide convenience, customization, and the ability to track your supplement intake.
Downsides of Electric Shakers
While electric shakers make the process of mixing protein shakes easier, they do come with some downsides to consider:
Higher Cost
Electric shakers range in price from $20 on the low end to $100+ for premium models with all the bells and whistles. This is obviously pricier than a simple wire ball shaker that costs $5 to $10. You have to mix many protein shakes to offset the higher initial investment.
Regular Charging Required
The batteries in electric shakers need to be recharged regularly, similar to a cell phone. Failing to charge it can leave you without power mid shake-making. This may not appeal to people who don’t want another gadget to keep charged.
Parts May Wear Out Over Time
The motorized blades and other moving parts in electric shakers can wear down or break over time, especially with heavy daily use. Replacement parts may need to be purchased to keep the product operational long-term.
Can’t Use Hot Liquids
Heated ingredients like coffee or tea cannot be used safely in electric shakers as they may damage the electrical components. This limits ingredients mainly to cold water, milk, and juices.
Bulky Size
Electric shakers are bulkier than regular shakers and can take up more space in gym bags. The larger size also limits portability and drinkware options compared to traditional shakers.
Not for Large Volumes
The capacity of most electric shaker bottles maxes out around 20-25 ounces. They are not ideal for mixing large batches of protein shakes at once like post-workout family smoothies.
Types of Electric Protein Shakers
There are a few main types of electric protein shakers:
Standard Electric Shakers
The most basic electric shaker has a motorized mixing blade at the bottom of the cup. It typically offers variable speed settings and an on/off button to control the mixing. Standard electric shakers range from $20 to $50.
Smart Shakers
Smart shakers have Bluetooth connectivity to sync with fitness apps and track mixing activity. They also have more advanced features like self-cleaning modes and battery life indicators. Expect to pay $50 to $100+ for smart shaker capabilities.
Specialty Feature Shakers
Some electric shakers have unique features like built-in storage compartments for holding supplements and phone stands for watching workout videos. These specialty additions boost convenience but also raise the price.
When choosing an electric shaker, decide if you want any advanced features beyond the motorized mixing blades. Basic models mix shakes fine without the bells and whistles.
Factors to Consider When Buying
Here are some key factors to consider when purchasing an electric protein shaker:
Battery Life
Look for a shaker that will mix at least 5-10 shakes per charge. Lower battery life means having to recharge more frequently.
Motor Power
More powerful motors ensure thorough mixing and can blend thicker ingredients with ease. Check motor wattage – 250W+ is ideal.
Capacity
Standard 20-25 ounce capacities work for most. Larger is better for mixing more at once.
Material
Durable materials like stainless steel, plastic, and BPA-free options are best. Avoid glass.
Ease of Cleaning
Diswashable removable parts make cleaning simpler. Self-cleaning modes are a great bonus.
Speed Settings
Variable speeds provide more mixing customization for different consistencies.
Brand Reputation
Stick with reputable brands known for quality and durability. Check reviews.
Budget
Decide what price point realistically fits with your budget. $20 to $50 covers most quality basic models.
Extra Features
Consider if you want advanced features like smart connectivity or just effective basic mixing.
Prioritizing these factors will help narrow down the electric shaker that best fits your needs and budget. Don’t overpay for unnecessary features you won’t use.
Top 5 Electric Protein Shakers
Based on the criteria above, here are 5 of the top-rated electric protein shakers:
1. Zonli 20oz Electric Shaker Bottle
- 300W high-powered motor
- 20oz capacity
- Stainless steel cup and blades
- 3 speed settings
- USB rechargeable
2. COOCHEER Smart Electric Shaker
- App connectivity and tracking
- Automatic cleaning mode
- 20oz capacity with storage
- USB rechargeable
- Silicone and BPA-free
3. HOTLIKE Smart Protein Shaker Bottle
- Built-in storage and phone stand
- Syncs with fitness apps
- 300W motor with 3 speeds
- 20oz capacity
- Stainless steel and BPA-free
4. CasaLean Protein Shaker Bottle
- Powerful 275W motor
- Durable Eastman Tritan plastic
- 25oz capacity
- Whisper quiet motor
- Budget-friendly price
5. Hydra Cup Dual Threat Shaker Bottle
- Both electric and manual shaker
- 30oz extra large capacity
- Removable mixer piece
- BPA-free plastic
- Includes 2 lids – electric and regular
These top picks provide power, durability, quality construction, and convenient features at reasonable price points.
Electric vs Regular Shakers: Pros and Cons Comparison
Here is a summary of the pros and cons of electric protein shakers versus regular shaker cups and bottles:
Electric Shaker Pros:
- Minimal effort – press button mixing
- Smoother, lump-free shakes
- Self-cleaning on some models
- Advanced features and connectivity
- Portable and rechargeable
Electric Shaker Cons:
- Higher initial cost
- Requires regular charging
- Parts may wear out over time
- Can’t use hot liquids
- Limited capacity and bulkier size
Regular Shaker Pros:
- Very affordable pricing
- Simple and easy to use
- Compact, portable size
- Works with any liquid
- Parts don’t require power
Regular Shaker Cons:
- Manual shaking effort and time
- May leave clumps if not shaken well
- Difficult to fully clean
- Limited features
- Not as versatile
So while electric shakers provide more convenience and customization, regular shakers get the job done at a fraction of the price. Choose based on your budget, usage frequency, and desired features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about electric protein shakers:
Are electric shakers loud when mixing?
Most electric shakers operate at 50-60 decibels or less – about the same noise level as a normal conversation. Higher-end models advertise “whisper quiet” motors. They shouldn’t disturb you or anyone around you.
Can you still shake electric shakers manually?
Some electric shakers allow you to remove the motorized mixing piece to use it as a normal shaker bottle. Others are manual shake only. But most don’t have this capability and must be shaken electrically.
Do electric shakers leak?
Quality electric shakers shouldn’t leak as long as the lid is properly sealed before mixing. Make sure any removable parts are firmly reattached. Don’t overfill liquids beyond max capacity.
How do you clean electric shakers?
Most electric shakers have detachable blades and dishwasher safe parts for easy cleaning. Some models have self-cleaning modes that only require water, soap, and the press of a button.
Can you use electric shakers as a cup?
Yes, most electric shakers function as normal drinkware once your shake is mixed. The lids have spouts for sipping and the cups hold liquids like regular reusable bottles. Enjoy your shake on the go straight from the mixing container.
The Bottom Line
Electric protein shakers provide convenient, mess-free mixing with the press of a button. But they come at a higher price point than traditional wire ball shakers.
If you make protein shakes daily, especially around workouts, an electric shaker can streamline your routine and enhance consistency. The motorized mixing, smoother shakes, and self-cleaning of most models may justify the cost for heavy users.
Casual supplementers who only make a shake occasionally may not use an electric shaker enough to warrant the price tag. A regular shaker gets the job done fine with a bit more shaking effort.
Determine your usage, budget, and desired features before choosing electric over manual. While electric shakers have advantages, they aren’t essential for everyone. But for serious gym-goers who supplement daily, the time savings and simplicity can be well worth the investment.