10 Best Slushie Machines Reviewed & Buyer's Guide | All Things Backyard (2024)

Hot days make us crave cold drinks. And even if it’s not a hot day, people still love sipping drinks whenever we hang out with friends or even if we’re just by ourselves. You can never go wrong with a good cup of a slushie.

With slushie machines, you never have to go to a 7/11 to enjoy your favorite slushie flavor. Instead, you can make them in the comfort of your own home or if you’re planning to set up a slushie business but do not know where to begin.

We hear you.

This post will share everything we know about slushie machines and our reviews for the top 10 models we encountered.

Types of Slushie Machines

Slushie machines come in three main variants. First, a little heads up these appliances need to be connected to an external water pump, so you will need to allow some space and prepare for the installation cost. On the bright side, having so will eliminate the constant manual water refilling for the machine.

Liquid Autofill Slushie Machine

A reservoir of the liquid product mix is where the unit takes the ingredients from and refills the main container when necessary.

Powdered Autofill Slushie Machine

This works quite similarly to the unit above, but the difference is that this one uses a powdered mix and automatically mixes it with the already stored water.

Standard Pourover Slushie Machine

You need to do the refilling yourself for this type of unit. First, add the syrup and water into the reservoir container, which will mix by itself. The syrup and water should be replenished once it reaches halfway through the container. It will take some time to make the final product, but this unit is the cheapest type of commercial slushie machine on the market today.

Our 10 Picks for Home Slushie Machines

1. Margaritaville Tahiti Frozen Drink Maker

There is a reason why this model is at the very top of our list. It’s not just built for slushies. Its versatility makes it a perfect device for concocting other frozen drinks.

If you are serving guests, the Margaritaville Tahiti offers a capacity of 72 ounces in 3 separate pitchers, allowing you to make multiple servings at once and store a lot of drinks. No more waiting time for your thirsty guests!

One great characteristic about this is that it does not produce a lot of noise when it operates compared to the usual loud sounds of conventional blenders and mixers. As a result, you can have a decent conversation with other people while waiting for your drinks to finish.

Over the six months we have used it, we never encountered any problems. Also, the unit comes with a 1-year warranty.

Slushies, milkshakes, smoothies, snow cones – the Margaritaville Tahiti can handle it with grace and efficiency.

2. VBENLEM Single Bowl Slush Frozen Drink Machine

This one is another great choice for entertaining guests of not more than 20 people with its capacity of 2.6 gallons or 10 liters.

The VBENLEM Single Bowl machine is made of high-quality stainless steel, guaranteed to last a long time and its interior parts.

The manufacturer kept the consumer in mind when they designed the device. As a result, everything is user-friendly, from the machine down to the control panel.

The control panel allows you to choose between day and night mode, which regulates power consumption and the overall operation of the machine.

The mixer rotates at 360°, ensuring that your drink is evenly mixed – another notable feature of this model.

3. Nostalgia RSM650 32 – Ounce Slush Drink Maker

Portability is this model’s unique feature. The Nostalgia Slush Machine RSM650 is in style with its elegant red color paired with high-quality material for its build. It also has a capacity of 32 ounces.

This can be a perfect appliance to own during the summer because of its fun design. You won’t have to go through the hassle when cleaning the device because it can easily be removed from the base and its detachable drip tray with a cup. In addition, it is great for concocting and serving smooth drinks with its easy-flow spout.

The Nostalgia drink makers can give you the best co*cktail drinks and iced drinks that are sure to quench your thirst and give you refreshment on a hot day. The machine can accommodate many ice cubes and salt to retain the temperature of your cold drinks so you can enjoy them for a long time.

4. Zoku Slushy Maker Cup

This may come as a bit of a shock to you as it did to us, but it turns out there is an individual slushie-making cup in the market today! So for those who love slushies but are not willing to make the huge purchase for a large-scale slushie maker, this one is perfect for you!

Convenience and compactness are the key features of this small slushie cup.

Many brands are already making individual slushie caps, but this model particularly stood out for us. The Zoku Slushy Maker Cup has more than 1000 positive feedback on Amazon with a good 4.5 rating. Safe to say, it’s one of the top-performing models in the market today.

Zoku slushie maker comes in 5 different colors and can prepare your favorite slushie drink in a matter of minutes.

A single unit package includes a 1.8oz inner freezer core, an outer cup, and a slushie spoon. So if you want a quick and easy solution to your slushie cravings, this is made for you.

5. VEVOR Industrial Slushy Machine with 2x 12L Tanks

A far cry from the individual serving style of the previous model, the Vevor Slushie Machine is designed for large-scale slushie making.

The unit has two tanks, each with a capacity of 3.2 gallons or 12 liters. That amounts to a total of 24 liters which is already more than enough to serve a large group of people.

Despite its incredible capacity, the unit is pretty compact with a sturdy build. Each tank has its own control panel that displays on a digital screen. The dispenser has a designated holder for cups to avoid accidental spills.

An estimated 30-45 minutes wait is all it takes to produce 100 slushie cups. This capacity is great for entertaining guests and those who want to make this a business and are planning to put up a spot in commercial establishments and areas.

Overall, this machine is not just about slushies; it can also work with other cold drinks like coffee, co*cktails, sodas, and many more.

6. Margarita Girl Double-Bowl Frozen Drink Machine

Here is another heavy-duty slushie maker for you. Margarita Girl may be the right model for you if you’re looking for power and style rolled into one.

With high-quality body material and an air-cooled compressor, this powerhouse machine can make up to 50 cups of delicious slushies at once. The aesthetics aren’t so bad either. It sports a sleek, black look for its base.

The mixer blades of the Margarita Girl Double-Bowl Frozen Drink Machine are made of stainless steel and can retain the temperature of the drinks being stored in the tank. In addition, the spout is big enough to avoid overflows and spills.

7. Happybuy Slushy Machine 110V (12L x 2 Tank)

Here is another double tank machine with a 12 L capacity that equals 24L of delicious slushies. With the Happybuy 110V Slushy Machine, you can enjoy various cold and frozen drinks.

Another great thing about this model is that it can also be used for commercial and business purposes because of its large capacity and fast mixing time of 30 mins per batch.

Other great features include a dual compressor with low energy consumption, easily detachable drip trays, and double-sided refrigeration that performs better than the ones in other slushie machine models.

8. Margaritaville Key West Frozen Concoction Maker with Auto or Manual Shave and Blend

This is one of the most versatile drink-making machines we have encountered. The unit is a cross between a blender and a concoction maker that has the power to shave ice and mix it evenly with the other ingredients for the drink. It has a capacity of 32 ounces that is suitable for serving a few guests.

The main panel contains the machine’s manual controls but can also be set to operate automatically and has a well-designed spout for easy pouring. All in all, this is a pretty good machine for typical home use and concoction of several kinds of refreshments.

9. Nostalgia SCM525BL Vintage Countertop Slushie Maker

Best Feature/s: Outstanding drink-making performance and other ice treated like snow cones and shaved ice, paired with a unique design and powerful stainless mixing blades to break the ice.

For frozen snacks with shaved and crushed ice consistency, this is a great machine to make those with. The prime reason is that it has these powerful steel blades that can break and crush ice blocks.

It also has a safety switch to protect your hands while making the drinks. In addition, the package includes other tools for preparation like an ice scoop, a removable cup handle, and two cups. Not to mention the unit, which sports a classic vintage look that uniquely appeals to the kitchen counter.

The Nostalgia Vintage can make slushies and snow cones but cannot break down the ice well enough for drinks with smoother consistencies like milkshakes and smoothies. The unit is also heavy and bulky, making transport and storage difficult, so it may need to have a permanent spot on the kitchen counter.

10. Bravo Italia 2 Bowl Slushie Machine

Best Feature/s: Slushie machine great for commercial use. Built with a premium grade stainless steel body, 2 separate tanks can serve around 100 cups in a single batch.

For commercial use, you will need a slushie machine that can produce many servings in single batch production. Fortunately, the Bravo Italia 2 can do just that. It can provide you with 100 cups of slushies – perfect for whenever there is a huge demand.

Another feature we love is its self-freezing mechanism that works well in producing ice and maintaining temperature. As a result, drinks are ready in just 30 minutes and work for various frozen beverages from slushies to margaritas. In addition, the unit comes with an easy pour spout and a drip tray.

It may be heavy and bulky, but for a good reason, because it is built with high-quality, sturdy material to support its heavy-duty performance. Unfortunately, it also costs quite a lot since it is designed for commercial use.

The Ultimate Guide to Picking the Right Slushie Machine for You

Searching for the perfect slushie machine can feel like hunting for a needle in a haystack. With a plethora of options out there, you might be feeling overwhelmed. Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss what you need to look for when purchasing a slushie machine—whether you’re buying one for your home, your business, or even a special event. Let’s dive right in.

Understanding Your Serving Demand

How many people do you expect to serve? The size and volume capacity of slushie machines can vary widely, so let’s break it down:

• Personal Use: If you’re making slushies just for yourself or your family, a basic individual maker would suffice.
• Entertaining Guests: For occasional gatherings, consider something like the Margarita Girl Double Bowl, which can churn out up to 50 cups.
• Large-Scale Events: If you’re looking at serving a crowd, you’ll want a machine with a minimum capacity of 24L.

Pinpointing Your Purpose

Ask yourself why you need this machine. Are you looking for a home slushie maker, or is this for a business venture? Your intended purpose will guide you to the most suitable machine. But before you make your decision, make sure you understand how to operate the machine you’re eyeing.

Assessing the Refrigeration System

Some slushie machines have a built-in refrigeration system for convenient ice-making. If the machine you’re interested in doesn’t have this feature, you’ll need to prepare ice separately.

Types of Beverages

What types of drinks will you mainly be making? Slushie machines come with certain specializations:

• Frozen Treats: Some machines excel in making frozen delicacies.
• Icy Beverages: Others are more suitable for ice-based drinks.

Compliance with ADA Standards

If you’re considering a commercial model, it needs to be ADA-compliant. This ensures accessibility for all customers and leaves you worry-free about potential legal issues.

Consider Water Filtration Systems

If your machine connects to a water supply, scrutinize the water quality. Unclean water not only affects the drink quality but can also cause machine blockages.

Evaluating Voltage and Power

While a high voltage generally implies a fast operating time, this isn’t universally true. Keep in mind the expected volume of drinks, power outlet availability, and compatibility with your chosen machine’s requirements.

Cleaning and Maintenance

To keep things hygienic, slushie machines need regular cleaning. Daily rinsing is ideal, and additional components, like the drip tray, require regular attention too.

Design and Build

Machines like the Zoku slushie cup are designed for individual use and need pre-refrigeration. In contrast, larger machines have more versatile functions and can handle a variety of frozen beverages. Note, though, that most traditional slushie machines can’t handle drinks like milkshakes due to their thinner consistency.

Quality of Materials

Prioritize machines made of BPA-free and FDA-approved materials. It’s crucial that any part that comes into contact with your drink is of high quality and non-toxic.

Additional Accessories

Don’t overlook the extras that come with the machine. Some models include tools for other types of drinks like shot glasses for adult beverages.

Wrapping It Up

Before you make that investment in a slushie machine, take the time to align your specific needs with the features of the machines available in the market. Tailoring your choice based on these factors will ensure you end up with the right machine for you.

Frequently Asked Questions about Slushie Machines

What is the best slush machine to buy?

We highly recommend the VBENLEM 110V Slushy Machine for its large capacity, suitable for serving large groups.

How much does a Slurpee machine cost?

Prices range from $50 to over $1,000. The average cost is around $300.

How much does it cost to rent a slush machine?

Rentals cost approximately $120 to $150 per day. Seasonal demand and vendor-specific offers can affect this rate.

Where can I buy a reliable machine?

You can purchase from authorized suppliers offering service warranties or reliable platforms like Amazon.

Can you make ice cream in a slushie machine?

While some models can handle ice cream, the texture might differ from what you’d expect.

Do you need ice for a slushie machine?

Most commercial machines have a refrigeration feature. Home-based models usually require you to add ice.

So, what are you waiting for? Use this guide to find the slushie machine that perfectly fits your needs and start enjoying delicious, icy treats today!

Last update on 2024-06-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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