What are slushies? Slushies are frozen drinks that come in a variety of flavors and consistencies. They can be made with any type of sugar, such as cane sugar or corn syrup, and often contain other ingredients like fruit juice, milk, or cream. These tasty treats can be found at convenience stores all over the United States, and we’re sure you love them.
A cold slushy on a hot day is one of the best ways to cool off. But, what if you don’t have time to make a trip to the store? Or, what if you want something more refreshing than an iced coffee or iced tea? If this sounds like your situation, then it’s time to invest in a home or commercial-grade slush machine. In this article, we’ll discuss the best home and commercial grade machines on the market today.
The first six machines on this list are considered to be commercial grade, while the last six are classified as home use.
Best Slushie Machines for Commercial Use
1. Margarita Girl Full Size Slush Machine
- Capacity: 24 liters / 100 cups
- Material: Stainless steel, Plastic
- Voltage: 120 volts
- Weight: 102 lbs.
- Dimensions: 15 x 15.8 x 32 inches
The Margarita Girl XC224 is one of the best slushie machines you can use for your business. It is backed by a 2-year parts warranty.
It is a double-bowl unit where each bowl has a 12 liter capacity. It can make 100 cups of tasty frozen slush drinks at a time for your customers. Each bowl has a separate control panel, so you can either use one or both bowls at a time. It all depends on your needs.
The working performance of this machine is quite excellent. The 1/3 HP air-cooled compressor works smoothly and constantly to cool the liquid, whereas its stainless steel and high-quality plastic construction make it a durable unit.
This Margarita Girl slush machine has an anti-freezing feature that prevents your slush drinks from turning into ice. Also, it offers great control over slush consistency. It has a freezing time of 1.5 to 2 hours.
Moreover, it is quite easy to clean, thanks to its stainless steel panels.
User Feedback: The Margarita Girl slush machine is perfect for commercial use. People loved this machine because of its excellent performance, sturdy design, and reasonable size. Owners of low and high-volume bars and restaurants liked it because of its high capacity, easy and quiet operation, and excellent control over slush consistency. The machine keeps the slush perfectly frozen all day long. Several people said it has a good value for money. And according to some buyers, it is easy to assemble and maintain.
Pros:
- High capacity
- Durable
- Quiet operation
- Freeze-up protection
- Easy to use and maintain
- Easy dispensing
- 2-year parts warranty
Cons:
- Heavy machine
2. Bravo Italia 2 Bowls Slushie Machine
- Capacity: 24 liters / 100 cups
- Material: Stainless steel, Plastic
- Voltage: 120 volts
- Weight: 99 lbs.
- Dimensions: 14.5 x 19 x 28 inches
Another two-bowl commercial-grade slush machine on the list is the BG212 from Bravo Italia. Like the Margarita Girl, it is also made up of stainless steel and can serve up to 100 customers at a time. This heavy-duty machine can turn the mixture into slush in about 1 to 1.5 hours. If you pre-chill the mixture, then its freezing time will reduce to 30 to 45 minutes.
The Bravo Italia BG212 is powered by an 800-watt compressor. The two bowls are operated separately, so you can either run a single tank or both of them simultaneously. Also, controlling the thickness of the slush is separate for each tank. Moreover, it has a cold beverage mode that keeps the drinks cold and fresh throughout the nighttime.
The machine is also easy to clean, operates without making much noise, and comes with a 1-year factory warranty on all parts.
User Feedback: According to many users, the performance of this slushie machine is quite satisfactory. They love the fact that the machine creates perfect slushies without compromising the consistency. A portion of the users called it a heavy-duty and high-capacity machine, whereas some called it easy to use and clean.
Another thing that is mostly liked by the users is its great customer service. The customer service representatives are extremely polite, good listeners, and solve problems as early as possible.
Pros:
- Sturdy
- High-capacity
- Fast freezing time and thickness control
- Cold beverage mode
- Easy to maintain
- User-friendly
Cons:
- Expensive
3. BZD Commercial Slushie Machine
- Capacity: 45 liters / 190 cups
- Material: Stainless steel, Plastic
- Voltage: 110 volts
- Dimensions: 24.8 x 17.7 x 31.4 inches
BZD’s slushie machine is best for restaurants, cafes, and bars. It’s large capacity of 45 liters (190 cups) suites places with high demand. The three-tank design allows you to prepare 3 flavors simultaneously and satisfy your customers with chilled, refreshing, and tasty slushies.
The machine has a powerful 1300 watts motor and a heavy-duty Embraco compressor to deliver a smooth and stable working experience. The unit is made with food grade 304 stainless steel that is anti-corrosion and pressure resistant. The dual-screw stirrer provides 360-degree mixing for a uniform and unique taste in all cups.
Its control panel is user-friendly, making it easier to operate the machine. It allows you to set the temperature and offers a temperature display. The other options on the control panel include lighting, mixing (left, mid, right), and a cold drink button.
The drip tray is detachable, easy to clean, and has a large capacity for smooth operation during high demand. The separate lid opening makes it easier to manage your drinks and prepare a DIY drink or a larger serving.
The unit comes with 3-side air vents for quick and smooth heat dissipation. The rubber feet give stability to the machine and reduce vibrations. It takes around 45 minutes to prepare the drink at a temperature of -1℃~-3℃ (26.6-30.2℉).
User Feedback: This is a new machine on the block. There aren’t many customers, but those who purchased it are extremely happy with its performance. Buyers express satisfaction with the detailed manual and usage instructions. It is easy to set up, use, and store when not needed.
One buyer says she owns a mobile bartending service catering to wedding venues. The customers are extremely happy and leave positive feedback. Almost all customers are happy with its quick freezing time.
Buyers are also happy with customer service and recommend purchasing this machine if you own a commercial setup.
Pros
- Silent operation
- Quick chilling time
- Easy to setup, use, and clean
- Huge capacity
- Multiple cooling setting
Cons
- Costly
- High operational cost
4. Rocita Commercial Slushy Machine 24L Double Tank (1050 Watts)
- Capacity: 24 liters / 100 cups
- Material: Stainless steel, Plastic
- Voltage: 110 volts
- Weight: 88.2 lbs.
- Dimensions: 14.37 x 18.7 x 27.56 inches
Rocita’s slushie machine is another excellent machine for medium-sized commercial setups or people who hold large gatherings at home. The machine has a 24-liter capacity, 2 dispensers, and user-friendly spigots for easy dispensing.
The best thing about this machine is its separate operation. You can program the two dispensers independently by choosing cool or freeze mode. It lets you enjoy alcoholic beverages and frozen drinks simultaneously.
The temperature control offers three different modes and is controlled by 3 buttons for different settings. While this may be a great feature for some, it limits how much you can chill your drinks. Some people like their drinks below freezing point. The control panel is simple, with buttons and a small display screen.
The machine is made with food-grade 304 stainless steel, which is anti-corrosion and long-lasting. The unit comes with a 1050-wattage rating for efficient and quick cooling.
The wear-resistant ABS spring handles come with a push-and-pour design. It has two separate drip trays that make cleaning easy and quick. The 3-sided heat dissipation vents keep the unit cool even after extended operation.
User Feedback: The user feedback is overall good for this machine. Some users had leakage issues after assembling the machine, but customer service took care of them. Hence, it is important to follow the instructions during installation.
Many users mention that the sugar content must be specific to the usage instructions, or you will get clicking sounds during operation. Buyers also suggest keeping the drink above the auger as it can get stuck if the drink level is too low.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Easy to setup and clean
Cons
- Only preset temperature control options
- Occasional leakage at the spigot
- It gets loud sometimes
5. TECSPACE 110V 2 Tanks 30L Commercial Slushy Machine
- Capacity: 30 liters / 125 cups
- Material: Stainless steel, Plastic
- Voltage: 110 volts
- Dimensions: 20.47 x 8.27 x 31.5 inches
It is a mid-size slushie machine with a 30-liter joint capacity. The two tanks have separate operations with a 15-liter capacity for each. The unit comes with push-to-pour handles and an auto rebound design to make dispensing easy and effortless.
The machine is made from food-grade stainless steel and BPA-free plastic to ensure durability and anti-corrosion. The machine has a fully advanced control panel with a temperature display, buttons for right, mid, and left mixing slush/cold drink options, and temperature control buttons. You can set the temperature to 25°F and 30°F to keep the slushie fresh and adjust the temperature as per demand.
One interesting feature of this machine is the warning display. If your machine has some issue during working, it will display on the screen, making troubleshooting easy and quick.
The 360-degree mixing auger keeps the drinks well mixed and chilled as you like. It has 245 watts compressor. The compressor is a bit small, but it will do the needful. The unit produces 70 dB of sound. The non-slip feet provide maximum stability, and 3-sided vents keep the machine cool during operation.
User Feedback: The customers are overall happy with its performance. It is a recently launched machine and doesn’t have many reviews. However, people who purchased it are satisfied with its performance.
Some buyers mention that the machine leaks if it isn’t properly installed or placed on an uneven surface.
Pros
- Best value for money
- Mid-size capacity
- Wide temperature range
- Digital display
- Silent operation
Cons
- Small compressor
Best Slushie Machines for Home Use
1. Margarita Girl Double-Bowl Slush Frozen Drink Machine
- Capacity: 12 liters / 50 cups
- Material: Stainless steel, Plastic
- Voltage: 120 volts
- Weight: 62 lbs.
- Dimensions: 12.3 x 13.3 x 24 inches
The best slushie machine for home use is the Margarita Girl XC212. It can make multiple drinks at once for your party guests, thanks to its 50 cup capacity. It is a double-bowl machine, so you can make two different slushy flavors at once. The best thing about the unit is that both of its bowls are controlled separately.
This Margarita Girl slush machine is quite durable. It is made with stainless steel and high-impact plastic, and powered with a 1/4HP air-cooled compressor.
The freezing time depends on various factors, but the machine can freeze the liquid in about 1.5 to 2 hours. It offers great control over slush consistency, and its anti-freezing feature prevents ice formation.
Like the commercial-grade Margarita Girl machine, it has a 2-year warranty for parts.
User Feedback: Many users claimed that the Margarita Girl XC212 is super easy to set up and clean. Several users highly recommended it due to its excellent build quality, perfect consistency, and decent freezing time. The machine works great and has a great customer service.
However, few people called it a bit loud, and others didn’t like its basic instruction manual.
Pros:
- High capacity
- Commercial-grade components
- Easy to use and maintain
- Separate controls for each bowl
- Freeze-up protection
Cons:
- A bit loud
2. Margaritaville Tahiti Frozen Concoction Maker
- Capacity: 72 ounce
- Material: Plastic, Bamboo wood, Stainless steel
- Color: Ivory
- Weight: 29.8 pounds
- Dimensions: 20 x 20.1 x 20.1 inches
If you want to serve your guests with different flavors of slushies, Margaritaville Tahiti DM3000 is made for you. It comes with three blending containers; each has a 24 ounce capacity. It is one of the stylish and most versatile machines in the market. Its brushed aluminum finish and polished stainless steel accents make it looks amazing.
Margaritaville DM3000 is a durable and powerful machine. The 700-watt motor works smoothly and provides the best results.
Each container has a separate control system. With the ‘shave only’ and ‘blend only’ options, you can make your drinks thick or thin, depending on your needs. It features an ice reservoir that holds ice to create tasty slushies for you and your guests. The rotating ice chute moves automatically from one jar to the other, so there will be no need to add ice in each jar manually.
User Feedback: Many people were impressed with its versatility and eye-catching design. It is easy to set up, use, and clean. Many people loved the machine because of its powerful performance, high-quality blender blades, and excellent durability. Some people said the machine offers excellent value for money.
There is also some negative feedback from the users. According to some people, it has a little higher decibel rating, whereas some users were not satisfied with the quality of its jars. Also, they don’t provide the same blending results.
Pros:
- Heavy-duty components
- Dishwasher safe blending containers
- Lightweight
- Rotating ice chute
- Powerful motor
Cons:
- Bulky
- Little bit noisy
3. Nostalgia Margarita & Slush Machine
- Capacity: 1 gallon
- Material: Stainless steel, Plastic
- Color: Aqua
- Weight: 10.65 lbs.
- Dimensions: 10 x 12 x 19.25 inches
The Nostalgia Margarita and Slush Machine is a must-have for any party or get-together. This machine will make delicious margaritas and slushes in just minutes. Its stainless steel blending cage can hold up to 1 gallon of frozen drinks to make large batches of your favorite frozen beverage.
It features double-wall insulation that keeps your drinks cold without watering them down. Its easy flow spout allows you to serve the perfect amount every time.
This model features a transparent chamber so you can watch the magic happen. Also, it is easy to detach for cleaning. The carry handle makes moving this machine a breeze, and cord storage keeps your kitchen organized.
User Feedback: Many users claimed that it is a great machine that works perfectly alright. The audience liked the fact that it was easy to use and clean. Some people were satisfied with its ice-crushing results, whereas several buyers highly recommended it due to its overall performance.
But, it is a little noisy, according to some users. Some of them declared it a waste of money due to its ice-breaking issues and long working time. Also, a portion of users had durability issues.
Pros:
- Easy flow spout
- Carrying handle
- Double-wall insulation
- Lightweight
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Ice-crushing results are not always satisfactory.
- Durability issues
4. Dash Slushie Machine
- Capacity: 2 cups
- Material: Stainless steel, plastic
- Color: Aqua
- Weight: 2.2 lbs.
- Dimensions: 6.3 x 9 x 12.3 inches
The smallest and the lightest slush machine on the list is the Dash slushie maker. It is powered with an 85-watt motor and backed by a 1-year limited warranty.
It has a space-saving and sleek design. The stainless steel blades shave the ice perfectly. All you need is to put the ice cubes and syrup into the blending container, turn on the machine, and see the magic.
The machine can serve two people at a time. It is easy to assemble and disassemble. Also, cleaning is easy as the components are dishwasher safe.
User Feedback: According to many buyers, the product works great. It is simple to operate and assemble. Some people were impressed by its perfection in producing shaved ice. And a portion of users liked its small size and lightweight.
But, other users claim that the machine can only crush the ice, its ice shaving results are not satisfactory. Several people declared it an unreliable machine as it stopped working after few weeks or months. Also, some of them regretted that they spent money on this poor-quality machine.
Pros:
- Lightweight and compact
- Easy to assemble
- Good quality materials
- Sleek design
Cons:
- Reliability issues
- Inconsistent ice shaving results
5. Nostalgia RSM650 Slush Drink Maker
- Capacity: 32 ounces
- Material: Stainless steel, plastic
- Color: Retro red
- Weight: 4.5 lbs.
- Dimensions: 6.9 x 14 x 22.8 inches
Another slush machine that you can use at home is the Nostalgia RSM650. It can make up to 32 ounces of slush in less than 15 minutes. The tank where the slush is formed is detachable for easy preparation and cleaning.
The RSM650 is quite easy to use. All you need is to add crushed ice and salt into the tank, pour the syrup, turn on the machine and wait for it to turn the liquid into slush.
It has an easy-flow spout that allows easy and smooth dispensing, and the cord storage keeps your kitchen organized.
User Feedback: Many users loved how the machine was pretty simple to use and clean. They suggested using crushed ice or smaller ice cubes instead of the normal ones for better results.
On the other side, it is a loud machine. Many users didn’t like the fact that the machine used a lot of ice and salt to make slushes. Some people said it’s not worth the money because it takes more time to freeze. Also, it is not easy to get the desired slush consistency.
Pros:
- Easy to operate
- Detachable tank, cup rest, and drip tray
- Cord storage
- Easy-flow spout
Cons:
- Loud
- Takes more time to freeze
Buying Guide
Here, we will discuss the factors you should consider when buying a slushy machine.
Home vs. Commercial Slush Machine
First of all, decide which type of machine you want to buy.
Commercial-grade slushy machines are different from home-based machines in many ways.
Home slush machines are perfect for homes because they’re compact and easy to use. Most are small enough that you can put them on your kitchen counter or in an easily accessible cabinet, making it simple when hosting guests who want some refreshment. If we talk about price, then they are cheaper than commercial machines. They are made to serve only individuals and small groups of people as they make smaller batches of slush.
On the other hand, commercial-grade machines are bigger in size. They are able to produce more slush per batch. Most of them feature two or three bowls to produce slushies of different flavors at one time. Commercial machines need more space because they are bigger. Also, they need more time for maintenance.
Serving Capacity
If you are going to purchase a slush machine for your home, then first check how many family members you have. Also, add the average number of guests who come to your house for parties or weekend gatherings. This will tell you what the capacity of the home machine should be. 8 to 10 liter or even 3 to 5 liter capacity is enough for a home slush machine.
On the other hand, commercial machines are big in size; thus, they have more capacity. You should go for a slushie machine with 24 to 36 liter capacity, depending on the number of customers you deal with every day.
A 24 liter capacity means you can serve 100 customers at a time, and a 36-liter machine can serve 150 customers at one time.
Type of Machine
Slushie machines do come in different types.
Pourover Slushy Machines
These are commonly used at home. They are also used in commercial settings but require more human effort. They don’t have an auto-filling system, so you need to make the mixture by yourself and pour it into the machine. Pourover machines are time-consuming, but they are easy to operate and maintain. Also, they are cheaper.
Liquid Auto-Fill Slushy Machine.
This type of machine features an auto-fill system that fills the bowl automatically when required. They have a reservoir that contains the liquid product mixture. It not only saves your time and labor but also provides more consistent results. However, they are not portable because they must be attached to an external pump for water supply.
Powdered Auto-Fill Slushy Machine.
It is more advanced than the liquid auto-fill machine in which the unit automatically combines the mixture with water. It also comes with a reservoir that holds the powdered product mixture. This type of machine also requires no involvement from the employees, but it must be connected to a pump.
Select any type of machine according to your needs and budget.
Number of Chambers/Bowls
It all depends on the number of family members, guests, and customers. Home slush machines usually have a single bowl or blending cage. Some machines have two bowls like the Margarita Girl XC212, and some have three blending jars like the Margaritaville Tahiti DM3000. But the size of the jars or bowls is smaller because they are meant to use at home.
On the other hand, commercial slush machines usually feature more than one bowl, like two and three. Also, their tanks are bigger so that the machine can produce more slush and serve more customers at a time.
Buying a machine with multiple bowls helps you produce more slush with different consistencies. Also, it allows you to create slushies of different flavors at a time.
Maintenance
Always buy a slushie machine that is easy to maintain. Make sure the disassembly and reassembly of the machine are easy.
Cleaning your slushie machine on a regular basis is essential. Also, sanitization is required to produce healthy drinks all the time.
Noise
Some slush machines do make noise, whereas some work quietly. It is always recommended to buy a machine with a lower decibel rating so that your guests or customers can enjoy their drinks without any disturbance.
Price
If we talk about home machines, then they are available at different prices. Some slush makers are as low as $50 and $100, whereas some units are as expensive as $500 to $1000. Similarly, different commercial slush makers have different prices. Some are as low as $1000 whereas some are as high as $2000 to $3000.
The price of the machine depends on the size of the machine, type of machine, and features.
FAQs
What are the benefits of having a home slushie machine?
- A slushie machine can help you save money. You can buy your own ice and fruit mix ingredients instead of buying the ready-to-drink version from a food service provider. Although those are already pre-mixed, they come at a much higher price.
- A home slushie machine can help you create your own flavors that are not available in the market.
- It can help you save time. Instead of wasting time waiting in line to buy your frozen treat from your local store, you can make it at home and have it whenever you want.
- It is necessary to keep your slushie machine in a hygienic condition. Poor cleaning practices from the commercial-grade machine owners can make you sick. Having a slushie machine at home is safe and healthy.
- A slushie machine is fun to use, easy to clean, and safe to operate.
- It also provides you with convenience. Make your own frozen drink without needing to go outside. With one of these machines at home, you can now easily whip up a treat without having to wait in line or spend money at your local store.
Why do you need to have a commercial-grade slushie machine?
Commercial slushie machines are typically used in commercial settings. These high-tech models are more efficient and durable and can make more slushies per hour than the home-grade slushie machines.
- The right commercial-grade slush machine will allow you to cater for all sorts of guests, no matter the size of your event or venue. This new-age technology can make a variety of drinks ranging from slushies to even margaritas and daiquiris.
- A commercial-grade slushie machine will make your business stand out from the rest. Having a slushie machine will surely help you improve your overall revenue.
- The best thing about owning one of these machines is that it will keep your customers extremely happy and satisfied, which in turn leaves them wanting to return.
- Commercial slush machines offer a variety of flavors. You can have drinks on hand for your customers to choose from, so they don’t get bored with the same flavor.
- These machines are also very efficient and offer a lot of different benefits to your customers. So you will be able to use them again and again without wasting money or time, which is why many people consider owning one of these machines to be a very smart investment for their business.
What are the drawbacks of owning a slushie machine?
Some of the drawbacks of owning a slushie machine are:
- The cleanup and maintenance can be difficult. It is necessary to clean your machine regularly. If you fail to do this, it may lead to the growth of mold and bacteria.
- It will be easy to drink too many sugary drinks, which can lead to different health problems.
- Slushie machines can be expensive. Depending on the quality and features of the slushie machine you want to purchase, there is a good chance that it will cost you several hundred dollars or more. You should make sure that this type of investment is right for you before making the final decision.
- High electricity consumption. If the slushy machine is used more than 8 hours a day, it can result in huge electricity bills. The machine must be plugged in all the time to maintain the desired temperature for making slushies.
- Unreliability and poor performance in scorching weather. The motorized stirring mechanism and compressor in a slushy machine can break down in scorching weather.
What is the freezing time of a commercial slush machine?
Different factors affect the freezing time of a slush machine. However, most of the machines take about 1 hour to freeze. Some are extremely efficient and make slushies within 30 minutes of time, whereas some are not that efficient and take around 1.5 to 2 hours to turn the mixture into slush.
Which factors affect the freezing time of a commercial slush machine?
The following factors affect the freezing time of a slushie machine:
- Level of sugar
- Mixture contents
- Mixture quantity
- Initial temperature of the mixture
- External temperature
What kind of slushie drinks can I make with a Slushie Machine?
Some of the most popular types of drinks that you can make include:
- Mixed Drinks: If you have a commercial slushie machine, you will be able to make some refreshing adult slushie drinks for your customers.
- Frozen Drinks: A slushie machine can also be used to make some simple blended frozen drinks for breakfast or lunch.
- Desserts: Most slushie machines are designed to work with a variety of sweet treats, including ice cream and yogurt. That means you will never face any problem in making your favorite desserts at home with the help of your slushie machine.
- Themed Drinks: You can also choose to use your slushie machine for making themed drinks, including alcoholic beverages like the margarita or daiquiri.
How much is a slushie machine?
The price of a home slushy machine is lower than the price of a commercial machine. The reason for this is the size, serving capacity, supplies and operating costs, and labor and maintenance.
A home slushie machine can cost you around $50 to $300. However, some home slushie machines are higher than in price, like the Margaritaville Tahiti DM3000 and Margarita Girl XC212.
If we talk about commercial-grade machines, they can cost as much as $1500 to $2500.
Can I make alcoholic beverages at home with a slushie machine?
Yes, you can make alcoholic beverages at home with a slushie machine.
Where can I put my home slushie machine?
You can place your slushie machine anywhere as long as it is near a power outlet and has enough room to operate and store the machine
