We tried 12 popular slushy machines, and these 7 really got the party going.
Whether you’re looking for commercial-grade capacity or a compact countertop option, we’ve found machines that deliver consistent results with minimal hassle.
Our overall favorite was the Chivalz Slushie Machine, which struck the perfect balance between capacity, functionality, and value. The Ninja SLUSHi impressed us with its rapid freezing capabilities, while the GSEICE Slushy Machine is unbeatable for large gatherings or small businesses. For those with limited counter space, the Nostalgia Frozen Drink Maker provides excellent performance in a compact design.
Our Top 7 Picks
- Chivalz Slushie Machine: Best Overall Value
- Ninja SLUSHi: Fastest Slushie Machine
- GSEICE Slushy Machine: Best for Large Gatherings
- Nostalgia Frozen Drink Maker: Most Compact
- Inoviva Slushie Machine: Best for Milkshakes
- Iceman Slush-Ease: Easiest to Use
- UJR Slushie Machine: Best Self-Cleaning
Chivalz Slushie Machine: Best Overall Value
Price: View on Amazon
Capacity: 88 oz | Programs: 6 | Needs Ice: No | Time Needed: 20-60 minutes | Dimensions: 17.32″ wide x 17.13″ deep x 8.27″ tall
Pros:
• No ice needed (uses built-in compressor)
• Pre-scheduling capability up to 12 hours in advance
• Reliable self-cleaning function
Cons:
• Maximum liquid capacity (54 oz) is lower than total vessel capacity
• Takes up significant counter space
• Longer processing time for some drink types
After several rounds of testing, our team kept coming back to the Chivalz Slushie Machine as the best overall value on the market. This machine strikes an impressive balance between professional-grade features and affordability, and its built-in compressor eliminates the need for pre-freezing or adding ice, resulting in consistently smooth, flavorful slushies that aren’t watered down.
What truly sets this machine apart is its versatility. The six preset programs (Ice Cream, Slush, Spiked Slush, Chilled Juice, Milkshake, and Frappe) all performed excellently in our tests, with the margaritas from the Spiked Slush setting earning particular praise from our team. The pre-scheduling feature proved incredibly convenient. We set it up before a testing meeting and returned to perfectly frozen piña coladas.
Customer reviews confirmed our findings, with many highlighting the ease of cleaning. As one reviewer noted, “Simple to just add water for self-clean, wipe dry and you are done.” Another mentioned how “quiet” the machine operates, a claim we can verify after running it alongside other models. While it does occupy more counter space than other machines on this list, this Chivalz slushi machine is worth every inch for anyone who regularly enjoys frozen beverages, with or without alcohol.
Ninja SLUSHi: Fastest Slushie Machine
Price: View on Amazon
Capacity: 72 oz | Programs: 3 | Needs Ice: No | Time Needed: 15-60 minutes | Dimensions: 19.5″ wide x 19.25″ deep x 10″ tall
Pros:
• RapidChill technology freezes drinks quickly
• Customizable texture settings for thicker drinks
• Keeps drinks frozen for 12 hours
Cons:
• Requires sugar in recipes to slush properly
• Smaller capacity than some competitors
• No ice cream or frappé setting
Making a round of slushies in an astounding 15 minutes, the Ninja SLUSHi earned its place as our fastest slushie machine. When we needed quick results, this machine consistently delivered. Even when we were making alcoholic slushies, which notoriously take more time, the SLUSHi was able to churn them out in under 30 minutes.
During our margarita test, the Ninja produced smooth, consistently textured drinks that impressed our entire testing panel. The three preset programs are thoughtfully designed to handle different beverage types, and we particularly appreciated the ability to fine-tune texture settings. This allowed us to create everything from thick, spoonable frozen cocktails to more sippable frozen treats. That said, unlike the Chivalz machine, the SLUSHi cannot make frappés or ice cream
Additionally, the 24 oz capacity is smaller than some other machines we tested, making this better suited for small gatherings rather than large parties. That said, when you need to whip up a frozen treat for a group of four, no machine will do it faster than the Ninja.
GSEICE Slushy Machine: Largest Capacity
Price: View on Amazon
Capacity: 8 gallons (two 4-gallon tanks) | Programs: 1 | Needs Ice: No | Time Needed: 30-60 minutes | Dimensions: 20.87″ wide x 18.7″ deep x 32.48″ tall
Pros:
• Massive 8-gallon total capacity
• Commercial-grade durability and performance
• Can handle two different drinks at once
Cons:
• Very heavy at 94.8 pounds
• Overkill for casual home use
If you need to serve frozen drinks to a crowd, or if you’re just looking to flex on your friends, then the GSEICE Commercial Slushy Machine has the capacity you need to please the masses. This commercial-grade powerhouse features dual 4-gallon tanks that allow us to prepare two different slushie flavors simultaneously, an essential for parties where you want both an alcoholic and non-alcoholic slush.
The stainless steel construction and robust build quality immediately signal this machine’s professional pedigree. During our endurance test, the GSEICE maintained consistent slushie quality even after running continuously for several hours. The seal rings in each tank effectively prevented leaks, a common issue we observed with other large-capacity models.
While this machine is clearly designed for commercial settings, we found it could be perfect for serious home entertainers who frequently host large gatherings. The built-in LED lighting made it easier to use. However, at nearly 95 pounds and standing over 32 inches tall, this isn’t a machine for small kitchens or occasional use. One customer review summarized our own conclusions perfectly: “It’s built like a tank, works flawlessly, and turns any backyard into a professional-grade refreshment station.”
Nostalgia Frozen Drink Maker: Most Compact
Price: View on Amazon
Capacity: 32 oz | Programs: 1 | Needs Ice: Yes | Time Needed: 10-15 minutes | Dimensions: 7.5″ wide x 7.5″ deep x 17.25″ tall
Pros:
• Extremely compact footprint
• Lightweight and portable at under 7 pounds
• Affordable entry point for slushie making
Cons:
• Requires crushed ice and salt
• Smaller capacity than compressor models
• Less automated operation
For those with limited counter space or seeking a portable option, the Nostalgia Frozen Drink Maker was the clear winner in our testing. At just 7.5 inches wide and weighing under 7 pounds, this slender machine can fit easily in your kitchen, yet it still produces excellent slushies.
Unlike the compressor-based models in our lineup, the Nostalgia uses the traditional salt and ice method to freeze drinks. While this means a bit more preparation (you’ll need crushed ice and salt on hand), we found it offers advantages in terms of speed—our test batches were ready in as little as 10 minutes. Keep in mind, however, that this machine’s 32-oz capacity is undoubtedly the reason for quicker freezing.
The simple three-position switch (Freeze, Off, Dispense) makes operation straightforward, though less automated than digital competitors. We appreciated the easy-flow spout, which dispensed consistently during our testing without the clogging issues we encountered with some other models. Several customers noted the machine’s nostalgic appeal, with one writing: “Reminds me of the slushies from my childhood—simple, fun, and delicious.” While the 32-oz capacity won’t satisfy large gatherings, it’s perfect for small families or couples who enjoy occasional frozen treats without sacrificing precious kitchen real estate.
Inoviva Slushie Machine: Best for Milkshakes
Price: View on Amazon
Capacity: 88 oz | Programs: 5 | Needs Ice: No | Time Needed: 15-45 minutes | Dimensions: 7.01″ wide x 16.93″ deep x 17.72″ tall
Pros:
• Excellent versatility across different drink types
• 5 thickness levels for customized consistency
• Larger capacity serves 8-9 people
Cons:
• Requires a minimum 5% sugar content
• Longer processing time for thicker consistencies
The Inoviva Slushie Machine proved to be the most versatile performer in our testing when it came to different drink types. While many machines excel at either alcoholic slushies or milkshakes, the Inoviva handled everything we threw at it with impressive results.
Our testing team was particularly impressed with the machine’s ability to create perfect margaritas, smooth and consistently textured without tasting watered down. The frappés we made rivaled coffee shop quality, and the milkshakes achieved a perfect balance between thickness and drinkability. The five preset modes combined with five thickness levels for each provided unprecedented control over the final product.
The one-button operation made this machine accessible for all skill levels, though we did find that following the sugar content guidelines (minimum 5%) was essential for good results. When we tried reducing sugar levels, freezing was inconsistent. The cleaning function worked efficiently, and we appreciated the included brush for occasional, more thorough cleaning. Customer feedback mirrors our experience, with one reviewer writing: “The ability to adjust thickness settings is a game-changer—my margaritas are exactly how I like them every time.” With its slender profile despite the generous capacity, this machine offers an excellent balance of footprint and functionality.
Iceman Slush-Ease: Easiest to Use
Price: View on Amazon
Capacity: 48 oz | Programs: 5+ (with custom option) | Needs Ice: No | Time Needed: 20-40 minutes | Dimensions: 18.75″ wide x 18.25″ deep x 9.5″ tall
Pros:
• Intuitive touch controls with simple operation
• Custom setting allows for creative experimentation
• Direct dispensing eliminates the need for scooping
Cons:
• Requires sugar in drinks to freeze properly
• Medium capacity may require multiple batches for parties
• Wider footprint than some competitors
The Iceman Slush-Ease earned our “Easiest to Use” designation after impressing our testing team with its remarkably intuitive interface. From unboxing to enjoying our first slushie, the experience was seamless and straightforward—a contrast to some of the more complicated machines we evaluated.
The touch control panel is exceptionally well-designed, with clear presets for different beverage types and a “Custom” option that allowed us to experiment with our own creations. During our testing, we particularly enjoyed the frozen cold brew coffee we made using the custom setting. The direct dispensing lever worked flawlessly, delivering consistent portions without the mess of scooping.
We found the cleaning function to be particularly effective—simply adding soapy water and running the cleaning cycle removed virtually all residue, though we occasionally detached components for deeper cleaning. The 48-oz capacity falls in the middle range of machines we tested, providing enough for small gatherings without overwhelming countertop space. For those intimidated by complex appliances but wanting quality frozen drinks, the Iceman strikes an ideal balance of simplicity and performance.
UJR Slushie Machine: Best Self-Cleaning
Price: View on Amazon
Capacity: 68 oz | Programs: 6 | Needs Ice: No | Time Needed: 20-60 minutes | Dimensions: 15″ wide x 12.6″ deep x 6.3″ tall
Pros:
• FastChill technology made for quick freezing
• Automatic cleaning mode simplifies maintenance
• Works as both a smoothie soft-serve machine
Cons:
• Inconsistent freezing with alcoholic beverages
• Runs a bit louder than other models
Cleanup is often the least enjoyable part of making frozen treats, which is why the UJR Slushie Machine stood out in our testing. This dual-purpose machine not only creates excellent slushies and soft-serve ice cream, but it also features the most effective self-cleaning system we encountered.
The automatic cleaning mode worked impressively well during our testing—simply adding water and pressing a button removed most residue, while the dishwasher-safe components made deeper cleaning effortless. This attention to maintenance details prevented the flavor transfer issues we experienced with other machines when switching between recipes.
Beyond easy cleaning, the UJR impressed us with its FastChill technology, which produced simple fruit slushies in as little as 15 minutes, among the fastest in our testing. The dual functionality as both a slushie maker and soft-serve machine provided excellent versatility, though we found the ice cream function required longer processing times for optimal consistency. The 68-oz capacity accommodated our testing group’s needs without requiring frequent refills.
So if you’re looking for an easy way to make frozen drinks, one that’s even easier to clean up, then we recommend the UJR Slushie Machine.