Hi, I'm Andrew Gebhart for CNet.
Today, I'm here to review the Oster Beehive blender.
This blender looks a lot like the classic Osterizer blenders from way back in the 1940s.
Those hulking tanklike machines had an all metal base with a giant rounded jar.
That's actually where the beehive name comes from.
The switch though, keeps that old fashioned simplicity to make this thing feel like an update of a classic.
The Oster Beehive Blender is available now starting at $60.
The base comes in a variety of colors, from the silver, to a metallic red to a blue.
The jar, you can get in either 5 cup or 6 cup glass varieties.
I was excited to see what this Oster Beehive Blender could do.
The new technology for blenders we have, combined with the old sturdiness that the Osterizer is known for.
That seemed to me to be a winning combination.
Unfortunately, a lot of the design changes really hurt its performance.
For one, it's missing a lot of the unique presets and speeds that modern blenders have.
I can forgive it for that.
Simplicity has its place.
But this squared off jar stops food from being able to cycle well.
Even the basics, like smoothies, whole strawberries would be left on top after 15 to 20 pulses, and most other blenders in 15 to 20 pulses already have a nice, consistent drink.
With a little shaking and a little stirring, this thing can complete the basics, from crushing ice to making smoothies, yep, it'll to the task.
But with only 600 watts at its disposal, the Beehive Blender didn't have enough power to pass any of our stress tests.
All in all, this is a functional machine.
So if you get it as a wedding gift, I don't recommend fleeing in panic.
That said, if you're looking to make a purchase, I'd recommend the $40 Hamilton Beach.
Smoothie smart blender instead.
It's cheaper.
It does the basics with less help on your part.
And it even did okay on the stress test.
For twenty dollars more, I said this thing is functional, but that's really about it.
So, if you're the one making the purchase, I would strongly consider other options.
For C Net, I'm Andrew Guthart.
