Welcome to our best drink mixer review where we compare the Bartesian 2 bottle machine vs. Bev by Black & Decker. We admit, we love gadgets, and these machines are pretty cool. They’re also perfect for people, like us, who like to entertain but don’t know much about mixing drinks.
Features | Bev by Black and Decker | Bartesian |
Machines |  |  |
Automatically cleans after each drink | ||
Uses Bartesian cocktail capsulres | ||
Includes glass bottles for alcohol and mixers | Sold separately | |
LED lights on drink maker for a "party mode" | ||
Compare Prices |
It’s Like Having Your Own Bartender
Coming home after a long day and being able to enjoy a drink that is as good as anything you could get at your local bar, is a nice way to end the day. Adding either one of the drink mixer machines to your bar takes out the stress but leaves in the cool!
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Bartesian Premium Cocktail and Margarita Machine for Home
First up, we have the Bartesian Premium Cocktail and Margarita Machine for Home. This drink mixer uses pre-made, mixologist crafted Bartesian cocktail capsules (actually, both of the drink mixers we reviewed, the Bartesian and the Bev by Black and Decker both use the Bartesian cocktail capsules) ready to go. All you do is insert the capsule, select how strong you want the drink to be (or how rough your day has been!) hit the mix button and watch the magic happen!
It’s all in the capsule
The cocktail capsules have been created by master mixologist for a great, consistent flavor every time. They include every ingredient you need for the drink – bitter, syrups, juices etc., except the actual alcohol. You can have a complete bar set up without having to stock a bunch of different ingredients.
The Bartesian cocktail capsules are all dated for freshness. You can buy them for a specific drink and stock up on your favorite, or buy a variety pack for your next party so you have something for everyone.
The Bartesian is easy to clean, it automatically cleans after each cocktail so there is no contamination from one drink to the next. You can also do a manual cleaning cycle when you think it’s needed. The parts of the drink mixer are dishwasher safe for ease of use.
SPECS
- Item Dimensions: LxWxH 12.75 x 13.25 x 12.5 inches
- Included Components: Cocktail Machine
- Number of Pieces: 1
- Product weight: 15 lbs
PROS | CONS |
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Bev by Black and Decker Cocktail Drink Mixer
Next, we have the Bev by Black and Decker. This drink mixer has many of the same features as the Bartesian we reviewed above. It also uses the Bartesian cocktail capsules. It’s easy to use, insert the cocktail capsule for the drink you want, select the strength of you drink (including a mocktail with no alcohol) and let the mixer do the work for you!
With 40 plus cocktail flavors to choose from, and growing, you don’t have to worry about not having your favorite drink.
You can quickly add in the desired type of alcohol, and change it out just as easily for other drinks. If you want a more consistent look you can upgrade and buy a 5 pk. of clear glass dispenser bottles.
The Bev by Black and Decker has a cool feature – it has LEDs in the base the lights up the bottles and creates a neat, chic bar look. It also has a “party mode” that creates a light show. The Bev is easy to clean and does a rinse after every drink so there is no flavor overlap from on style of drink to the next. There is also a cleaning mode which you should use every month.
The straws are stainless steel and dishwasher safe as is the drip tray cover, capsule holder and the water bottles. Just follow the manufacturers recommendation on cleaning and care and your machine will be the life of many parties over the years!
SPECS
- Color: Black
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Item Weight: 18.05 Pounds
PROS | CONS |
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FAQ’s
How many types of drinks can these drink mixers make?
At current count there are over 40 different drink capsules available. You can buy a pack of your favorite drink or buy a combo pack that has drink capsules for several types of drinks.
Can I use the drink mixer without the cocktail capsules?
Not really. The capsules provides all the ingredients except the alcohol – juices, bitters, syrups, etc. Without the capsules you wouldn’t get a drink you’d only get the alcohol.
Can I leave the alcohol in my drink mixer between uses?
Since the bottles of alcohol have an airtight seal, you can leave them in the machine and they won’t evaporate or leak.
Which is best BEV by Black and Decker or Bartesian?
It’s kind of up to you. They are pretty close in price, at least they were at the time of this writing. The machines are very similar in style and the way they work. Most users think the Bartesian has a slight edge on the balance of a drink while the Bev has an edge when it comes to the strength of the drink.
Do the cocktail capsules expire?
No, the capsules don’t expire but they do come with a “best used by” date for optimum flavor.
Do the drink mixers dispense shots?
No, if you want a shot you’re on your own!
The Best Drink Mixer Review – The Bottom Line
The two top drink mixer machines on the market are the Bartesian and the Bev by Black and Decker. They are both very similar and they both use the Bartesian cocktail capsules. Honestly it’s pretty much a toss up. The styling is a little different so if you prefer one over the other that is the way to go.
If it were me, I’d just check the current pricing when I was ready to buy and purchase the cheapest one. To us, they are that similar.
Enjoy!