Frozen drink machines can be used for making smoothies, iced coffee, exotic drinks, and lemonade or juice slushies. They make a delicious addition to any meal and can be a fun treat for the whole family. You can use most frozen drink makers to create slushies, but the quality improves significantly when you use a machine explicitly designed for slushies because most have refrigeration capabilities.
Finding the best slushie maker is not always straightforward. You will need to take into account the different features that will make a machine perfect for you. For example, if you want something that can make slushies at home and iced margaritas when you go out camping with friends, then you will need a machine that is made to be portable. We have created a list of the best slush machines and compiled all the pros, cons, and top features to make it easy to find the right one.
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The Top 15 Slushie Makers
Slushy makers come in all shapes and sizes, from single-serve ice shaving machines to three-tank commercial-sized slushy makers. Below we have narrowed down the selection to fifteen machines that you can choose from to find the best slushy maker for you.
NOSTALGIA Margarita & Slush Machine
This charming margarita and slushie machine comes in a variety of sizes and colors, from a Basic model that is bright green to a child’s size portable black model. Our favorite is the light teal Delux model, which comes with a carry handle and easy-flow spout so you can have your favorite iced drinks anywhere. These are perfect for camping or outdoor parties. It has double-insulated walls, so your drink mix will stay cold and ready to pour for hours.
PROS:
- The tank holds a whole gallon
- The blending chamber can be detached for cleaning
- The cord wraps and stores under the machine for more tidy storage and more manageable transport
- Stainless steel blending cage
CONS:
- There is a small safety switch that might need to be pressed to turn on the machine for the first time
- If you do not follow the manufacturer guidelines, the device may be loud
LOYALHEARTDY Slushie Maker
The sleek stainless steel body of this double-headed multipurpose slushie maker would look excellent in any modern kitchen. You can control your smoothie, slushie, or frappe thickness by using the low or high-speed settings. This product is perfect for an individual or couple looking to add a little frozen treat to their diet.
PROS:
- It has safety features, so the blender will only work if the cup is securely in place
- Includes demo video and introduction information for the product
- Two mixer heads so you can make multiple slushies at once
CONS:
- The machine can only be used in five-minute stretches that must be broken up by a minimum of two minutes before the subsequent use to ensure the motor does not overheat
BRAVO ITALIA Slushie Machine & Margarita Maker
You can get fifty cups of frozen delight out of this dual-purpose margarita and slushie machine. This maker is commercial grade but small enough to travel. The large tank is virtually unbreakable, and it features a stainless steel high-power refrigeration unit. Bravo Drinks is an Italian company that has been creating quality machines since 1999, and they can ship accessories and replacement parts worldwide so your Bravo Italia slushie machine can last for years.
PROS:
- Includes refrigeration unit to keep your drinks frozen all day long
- You can keep your mix cold overnight and then refreeze the following day using the Cold Beverage Dispenser Mode
CONS:
- It does not have a timer feature to keep the mix frozen overnight
VBENLEM Slushy Machine
The VBENLEM slushy machine can be bought in models with one, two, or three tanks of 10 liters (2.6 gallons), each making it great for large and small group events. There is a control panel on the side with a digital display to make operating it straightforward. You can use handles on the side for carrying it, and the rapid preparation time means you can have a tank of slushie mix ready to drink in as little as 30 minutes—an excellent product for at home or your business.
PROS:
- 600watts of power
- Light on the tank which can be switched to day or night mode
- One-piece lid for quicker and easier refills
CONS:
- If a significant part breaks, it is not easy to get replacement pieces though the manufacturer is willing to work with buyers to make sure they get maintenance support
NOSTALGIA ELECTRICS Coca-Cola Series Frozen Beverage Maker
If you enjoy retro-looking appliances and kitchen accessories, then you will love this Nostalgia Coca-Cola frozen drink maker. You can make coca-cola product slushies for friends and family using this red and silver machine. The pitcher has measurement markings to make sure you get the perfect slushie or other mixture. First-time slushie makers or anyone who wants a quick and easy way to get frozen drinks will love this product. All you need is an outlet, ice, and your favorite ingredients.
PROS:
- It has two shaving settings so you can make snow cones or slushies
- You can use standard ice cubes
- Stirs and shaves ice at the same time
- The cord can be curled underneath for space-saving storage
CONS:
- Some buyers have described it as louder than similar products
BRENTWOOD TS-1425BL Margarita & Frozen Drink Machine
This attractive-looking machine is blue and white with dishwasher-safe parts. There are two settings, fine and coarse, that can be chosen using a control knob. This slushie maker will look great in anyone’s kitchen, and it makes the preparation a breeze. The machine works well with standard ice cubes. You can create colorful and delicious frozen drink mixes for friends and family using this Brentwood maker.
PROS:
- You can wash removable parts in the top rack of a dishwasher
- The pitcher can hold 35 ounces
CONS:
- Must hand wash non-removable parts
KOLICE COMMERCIAL ICE SLUSH MACHINE
This Kolice machine has a commercial quality refrigeration unit and two tanks that each hold 15 liters (3.7 gallons). You can use this slushie maker at home, your restaurant, or on the road as long as you have a plug-in or converter. There are easy-to-adjust smart temperature controls that have a range of -2 to -3 degrees Celsius. You can have your first tasty slushie ready to drink within 30 minutes of setting up the machine.
PROS:
- 600watts of power
- Removable drip trays for easy cleaning
- It has a side control panel made of buttons and knobs for more accurate temperature control
CONS:
- Order carefully because the product can come with either a U.S. or EU plug
DEMIAWAKINGUK Commercial Ice Slush Machine
You can get this commercial machine with one, two, or three tanks, and each one holds approximately 15 liters (3.7 gallons). There are a lot of great features that come with this machine, and we highly recommend it for anyone who intends to use their slushie maker often. The main part of the machine is made of anti-rust and anti-corrosion stainless steel. The slushbox is a food-grade PC, and the tank is non-toxic, flame-retardant, and flexible, which makes it challenging to break accidentally. This slushie maker is an excellent choice for someone with a catering company who will be transporting their slushie maker to and from events quite regularly.
PROS:
- Cooling and mixing are independently controlled, keeping the whole mixture uniform in consistency
- 360-degree agitator cuts down on sediment
CONS:
- If you do not follow the manufacturer recommendation for beverage level and temperature, then you may experience cooling issues
MARGARITAVILLE Bahamas Frozen Concoction Maker
While this frozen concoction maker is primarily meant to help you make delectable cocktails and margaritas, it also has the capability of making other frozen drinks, including slushies. The automatic blend and shave cycles make it easier than ever to make your favorite drinks. If you enjoy a nice exotic cocktail and want to also be able to make non-alcoholic slushies for your family or friends, then this is a great product that compromises between the two.
PROS:
- 36-ounce capacity
- 1-Year limited warranty
- Top-mounted ice-shaving blade
- Mixing tool included
CONS:
- There is no refrigeration unit or double-insulation, so you will need to make the slushies when you are ready to drink them, or the slush may melt
MARGARITA GIRL Slush Frozen Drink Machine
Here is another multipurpose frozen drink maker which is geared towards margaritas, smoothies, and slushies but can be used for other drinks as well. The machine is sleek black high-impact plastic and stainless steel with transparent double tanks so you can monitor your mixture levels. You can get 50 cups from this machine, making it great for parties, weddings, or other significant events.
PROS:
- Removable drip trays to keep your machine tidy
- Front panel controls with temperature controls
- The air-cold compressor includes consistency control and freeze-up protection
CONS:
- This machine is large but not designed for commercial use
HAPPYBUY Commercial Slushy Machine
The Happybuy commercial machine is meant for use in high-volume areas like a restaurant or concession stand. There are four transparent tanks that can hold up to 15 liters each (3.7 gallons). The corrosion-resistant stainless steel evaporators keep the slushie maker cool, and there are stirrers that keep the mixture consistent for a better tasting drink. A side control panel has switches that control automatic operations, temperature, and stirring.
PROS:
- Removable drip trays
- Large faucets for faster dispensing
- Rubber foot pads to protect the counter surface
CONS:
- It does not come with a user manual, so you will need to look for manufacturer instructions online
NOSTALGIA MSB64 Margarita & Slush Maker
Here is another fantastic slushie machine from Nostalgia. This machine is a brilliant cherry red that would brighten up any kitchen. The slim, space-saving build makes it perfect for dorms and apartments. A single simple switch control makes it an excellent product for anyone new to making slushies or other frozen drinks. You can use it to make pitchers of slushie mix ahead of large get-togethers and use the machine for dispensing, so even though it is smaller than some other machines, you can still use it for large groups.
PROS:
- Removable drip tray
- 64-ounce capacity
- Dual swivel motor for the perfect slushy consistency
CONS:
- If you do not follow the manufacturer’s directions for preparing the machine the first time, then you may notice a plastic or metallic smell
U.S. SOLID Slushie Machine & Beverage Dispenser
This large dual-tank machine is meant to be used in a commercial setting and creates quality mixtures with perfect fine ice crystals. You can use it to either make a slushie or keep other liquids cold. A built-in refrigerator unit with automatic settings can keep your mixture stirred and cold all day long. This machine can also be used for concession stands or other semi-permanent locations.
PROS:
- Each tank is 12 liters (3.2 gallons)
- Transparent tanks are non-toxic and resistant to both high and low temperatures
- Tanks can be removed for easier cleaning
CONS:
- Weights 130 pounds and is meant to be a permanent or semi-permanent fixture and will not work well for catering
ISCREAM Icee Slushie Maker
ICEE is one of the most recognized brands of slushie drinks. This ICEE novelty item comes with the ICEE logo, colors, and charm. The size fits easily on any countertop, making it perfect for apartments, dorms, or other locations that might have limited space. All you need is water and ICEE flavoring syrup to create an authentic ICEE slushie in the comfort of your own home.
PROS:
- Removable drip tray
- 1-quart capacity makes approximately four 8 ounce servings
- Includes step-by-step directions
CONS:
- Initial preparation time can be longer than the average slushie maker
DASH DSIM100GBAQ02 Shaved Ice Maker & Slushie Machine
You can fit a whole bowl under the dispenser for this slushie machine so you can get a heap of shaved ice for flavoring, or you can use a cup and make a unique slushie mix. This is not intended to be used for large groups and is best used by only one to three people. It comes in both pink and teal. You can let your children help you make a dessert using this incredibly user-friendly multipurpose machine. The whole thing weighs less than a pound making it perfect for dorms, camping, and traveling. It will fit perfectly with any modern kitchen and can be given as a gift for adults or children.
PROS:
- It can be used to make shaved ice, slushie mix, margaritas and cocktails, and snow cones
- 1-Year limited warranty
- Can use standard ice cubes
- Includes recipe book and online database
CONS:
- All parts must be hand cleaned
What Is A Slushie Maker And Why You Need One
A slushie maker is a machine that cools down drink mixtures so that they are slightly frozen or slushy. You can use them to make many kinds of drinks, including iced coffees, cocktails, smoothies, and flavored shaved ice. Many people use slushie makers for notable events like celebrations, as a novelty addition to a party at home, or as a fun dessert. There are many possibilities for how you can use one of these machines.
You can spend hundreds of dollars over the course of a year buying your favorite frozen drinks from restaurants and convenience stores, or you can purchase an affordable machine and make your own delightful drink mixtures at home whenever you want a slushie. Some of them start out with ice and then break it down to cool the liquid, and others are more commercial-based and have refrigeration units that can make an even slushy consistency and maintain it throughout the day.
The Different Types Of Slushie Makers
The primary differences between the various types of slushie makers are the sizes, auto-features, and power consumption. Below are the kinds of machines you will have noticed in the list above, and they make up the majority of slushie makers on the market.
Commercial Slushy Machines
The sheer tank capacity of commercial machines makes them attractive if you often entertain large groups, need a drink maker for your restaurant, or have a catering company. You can get versions with one to four tanks so that you can offer multiple flavors at once. Most of these larger machines come with detachable tanks for easier cleaning, and they will have higher powered motors and refrigeration units that come built-in to keep your slushie mix at the perfect consistency all day.
Auto-Fill Slushie Machines
The majority of all commercial machines are auto-fill, but there are some personal ones that also have this feature. Auto-fill means that there are powdered mixes for the drinks and water held in reserve, and the machine automatically mixes it as more is required to keep it full. These are a must-have for busy stores and restaurants where monitoring slushie machines may not always be feasible during certain hours.
Multipurpose And Shaved Ice Machines
Shaved ice drinks are not precisely the same as slushies, but a few crossover machines make both. These are convenient because they are usually smaller and easy to store and transport. There are other multipurpose machines that make slushies along with a handful of other frozen drinks but ones that incorporate shaved ice are usually more affordable, making them great as gifts or as a way to add some cool beverages to your meals.
5 Benefits Of Using A Slushy Maker
There are many benefits to using a slushie maker instead of paying to get them delivered from a restaurant. Below are five a few of the advantages to owning your own machine.
- VARIETY: you can make a wide variety of drinks using a slushie machine, including coffee, lemonade, exotic cocktails, and smoothies. They are also incredibly accommodating for people who may not be used to operating appliances, with most having smart controls.
- EASY TO TRANSPORT: non-commercial slushie machines are generally straightforward to transport with areas to store the cord. Several models even have convenient carry handles.
- HIGHLY PROFITABLE: if you are looking for a commercial machine for your store or restaurant, the multipurpose frozen drink machines are highly profitable, especially in the hot summer months.
- BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: you get a lot of drinks out of even a small slushie machine. A one-gallon tank can make large drinks for over a dozen people.
- ENJOY THE NOVELTY: you can whip up a quick, tasty surprise for your family with a novelty slushie mix. There are plenty of recipes online, but you can also explore and have fun making up your own flavors.
5 Things To Look For In A Slushie Maker
When you look to purchase a machine for making your frozen drinks, there are a few components that you want to consider. If you do not check these features, then you might end up with a machine that is not powerful enough, large enough, or capable of doing all the things that you might want.
- TANK SIZE: you want to make sure that the tank can hold enough slushie or other drink mixture for the amount of serving you need. A gallon tank can produce 16 drinks that are 8 ounces each making it the perfect size for a backyard get-together. You will want to do the math and make sure any larger events will have a machine big enough to provide enough drinks. Commercial and multi-tank slushie machines with auto-fill features are best for catering or making drinks for a hundred people or more.
- MIXING MOTOR STRENGTH: you need a strong motor to keep your frozen mixture at the perfect consistency without using up too much energy. In commercial machines, the motor is going to be responsible for maintaining the mixture moving so that sediment does not accumulate at the bottom of the slushie tank.
- MULTIPURPOSE MACHINE: if you get a machine that can make more than a slushie or margarita, then you can switch out your drinks and keep things fresh. Instead of spending money buying several different appliances, you can buy one multipurpose machine. They also often take up less countertop space because they are designed to be space-saving.
- PORTABILITY: many people use slushie machines to make novelty drinks for parties which makes portability essential. Even larger commercial slushie makers often come with ergonomic side handles to make it effortless to move and secure them during travel. You can also find some slushie makers that are incredibly light, which makes them ideal for people who live on the road or intend to take their machine with them to certain long-distance events.
- SPEED ADJUSTABILITY: it is crucial to be able to control the speed of the blender because each frozen drink has its own consistency. Smoothies, frozen cocktails, and slushies are all slightly different, and you want to be able to vary the speed. Most machines that have these types of controls will have low, medium, and high buttons but more affordable frozen drink makers will only have an on-off power button. Commercial slushie makers may have auto-adjusting speeds to keep your mixture looking and tasting its best.
Conclusion
One great thing about slushie makers is that they truly come in all shapes and sizes, meaning you can get one to fit perfectly with your kitchen appliances and accessories. There is a considerable variety of slushie machines in the list we provided, so you should see something there that fits your needs, but if you choose to look elsewhere, make sure that it has listed manufacturer contact information in case you have maintenance questions or require spare parts. Anyone can make a sweet slushie mix using one of these machines.
Personally, we recommend the multipurpose Nostalgia Margarita and Slush Machine because it is very simple to transport and can be used to create a variety of frozen drinks. The teal color and sleek appearance also set it above the competition. You can take it anywhere and make almost any iced drink using the Nostalgia machine.
If you are shopping for a commercial machine for your store or restaurant, then the Happybuy Commercial Slushy Machine is an excellent choice. There are three tanks, so you can have multiple favorite flavors for your customers. It has smart controls, is easy to clean, and has an aesthetically pleasing design. You can make fantastic slushie mixes that will be a hit with your customers and keep them cold overnight using the refrigeration unit built into the machine.
You now have a good idea of the different sizes and types of slushie makers and which features will be the most important for creating a perfect drink. If you are getting a machine for yourself and your loved ones or a small friend group, then pretty much any slushie maker or multipurpose frozen drink device would work perfectly. You will want to pay a little closer attention to plug compatibility, tank size, how easy the device is to clean, and the motor strength if you are buying it for commercial purposes since it will be a long-term investment.