There are numerous types of frozen drink machines on the market. Many of them feature plastic bases and plastic hoppers. A few models are made of stainless steel. There are also internal and external hoppers available. The internal hoppers are usually in slush makers that remain in one location. External hoppers are common for portable slush makers.

Once you decide if you need a permanent or portable slush machine, you have to find a machine that meets your needs. Consider the following slush machines basics to help you choose the best slush maker for your company:

1. Make it easy for people to order slushies by serving a single flavor.

2. Serve more than one flavor slushie with a multi-hopper frozen drink machine.

3. Choose a used or refurbished machine if you have a limited budget.

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Consider single hopper slush machines

Single hopper slush machines are ideal for businesses that need portable slush machines. These are the smallest of the commercial slushie machines. These are also good for people who will serve slushies to children since serving only one flavor eliminates the kids having to decide on a flavor.

I recommend: Coffee Makers Etc sells a varied selection of slushee machines, including single hopper models, at discounted prices. First Class Beverage offers a selection of single hopper stainless steel slush makers that are good for high volume sales.

Upgrade to a multiple hopper slushy maker

Multiple hopper ice slush machines are a good choice for people who will only move the slushy machine occasionally. The majority of multiple hopper slush makers feature two fully independent hoppers. Some models feature three and four hoppers, but these models are large and difficult to clean.

I recommend: Kitchen Supply Direct sells slushie makers from numerous manufacturers at discounted prices. This company offers detailed specifications on all slush makers. Value Plus Paper sells Bunn brand double hopper slush machines at discounted prices.

Think about purchasing a used frozen drink machine

If money is a consideration when you purchase a frozen drink machine, consider purchasing a used or refurbished model. Many of the used machines sold are discontinued demonstration models or rental units. Before you buy a used or refurbished frozen drink machine, make sure that the replacement parts are easy to find and find out if a warranty if offered on the unit.

I recommend: ACityDiscount.com offers new and used slush machines for sale at deeply discounted prices. This company offers low cost shipping options. This company also offers financing options to qualified businesses. Swirled Ice sells used slushy machines, some of which are demonstration models and others are from rentals.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Remember to purchase a slush machine cart if you plan on using the slush maker in a variety of places. Also, order slush mix with the machine so you can try the machine out as soon as you get it because some companies only offer a refund within 36 hours of delivery.

Slushy makers are an excellent tool to have as part of a restaurant small business or even for entertaining at large business events. Slush machines can even double as snow cone makers or frozen drink machines.

Slush machines come in several varieties with many different features. Some just shave ice, while others also make the ice themselves. Commercial slushy machines are often larger and have more features, but others made exclusively as slush machines are more portable or useful in the home.

When shopping for ice slush machines, keep some things in mind:

1. Decide whether or not you need your slushy machine to make ice.
2. Determine the space requirements for your slush maker.
3. Consider the ingredients and materials you might need to buy to make slushies.
4. Consider a rental or refurbished frozen drink machine to meet your specific needs.

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Think about the ice you'll need for your slushy machine

Slushies must get their ice from somewhere, and slush machines will either produce their own ice using a water source or grind up a block of ice that you provide.

I recommend: Most commercial ice slush machines make their own ice, and are actually just ice machines with a function for shaving or flaking the ice. Some companies with an online selection will even allow you to narrow your search of ice machines by type of ice (cubed, crushed, flaked) that you need. Other companies, such as Real Hawaiian Ice, offer machines that either use cubed ice or an ice block that the machine freezes itself from water.

Know how big your slush machine can be

Ice slush machines come in a wide range of sizes--most of the commercial machines referenced above are extremely large freezer-sized machines, but you also can get smaller options for a restaurant or home.

I recommend: For a smaller slush machine, try a manufacturer that offers beverage dispensers that will simply mix the flaked ice and the syrup and then dispense. These don't make or shave the ice, but will mix the beverages and offer a convenient and attractive way to serve them. Smaller, cheaper slushy machines are available for home use.

Find a deal on what goes in the slushy maker

After you've found a slushy machine you like, you'll need the ingredients to make an ice slush and what you're going to put the slushy in after you make it.

I recommend: Plenty of online vendors such as The WEBstaurant Store sell syrup for slushies and allow you to search by flavor and purchase in multiple-gallon containers. Some manufacturers, including Real Hawaiian Ice, offer handy packages for start-up use of slush machines that include the machine, cups, syrup and other items.

Rent a frozen drink machine if you don't want to buy

If you need a slushy maker for a short-term event or aren't ready to buy one, plenty of options are available to rent you a frozen drink machine and the materials to go with it.

I recommend: Margarita machines are a common choice for frozen drink machine rentals, but you can use them for any type of alcoholic or non-alcoholic frozen beverage. You also can search PartyPOP for renters of slush machines near you. Some sellers occasionally have refurbished slush makers available if you just don't want to commit to an expensive new machine but are still interested in owning.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Understand the difference between a slushy and a smoothie. If what you really want is to serve smoothies, you're better off with an industrial strength blender than trying to use flaked or shaved ice from a slush machine.

You need certain supplies to keep your slushy machines fully operational. Some of these supplies keep the machine clean and others help you to make and serve slushies.

Having the appropriate supplies for slush machines on hand at all times ensures that you can use the machines when you want without having to run out for supplies. Consider these suggestions to keep the slush machine fully stocked at all times:

1. Keep a varied selection of tasty frozen drink mixes to use in the ice slush machines.

2. Purchase supplies to serve the slushies.

3. Ensure the slush machines are clean before and after each use.

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Find a tasty mix for your slushee machines

A frozen drink machine is only as good as the mix it prepares. Finding frozen drink mixes that taste good and are affordable ensures that you can satisfy the people to whom you serve the slushies. There are numerous options available, including fruit mixes and frozen coffee mixes.

I recommend: Frozen Drink Madness sells a varied selection of mixes for slush machines, including fruit smoothies, slushies, frozen mixed drinks and frozen cappuccino mix. Services Unlimited sells fresh fruit mixes for frozen drink machines.

Have supplies on hand to serve the slushy from the slushy machine

You need cups, lids and straws on hand to serve the slushies. Many slush makers have holders for these items. When you order these items, consider ordering environmentally friendly items or reusable items. You will also need to order a varied selection of sizes, including kids' cups, as kids will usually have trouble handling adult size cups.

I recommend: World Centric is a non profit organization that sells cups, lids and straws. All of the items sold by this company are biodegradable and many of them made from recycled materials. WEBstaurant Store sells a varied selection of cups, lids and straws. You will find some biodegradable plastic cups and lids, including kids’ cups and lids at this store.

Keep the slush machine clean and maintained

When you own a slushy maker, you have to clean it and sanitize it on a regular basis to keep it operational. While it is okay to clean it sometimes with dishwashing liquid, you will have to clean and sanitize the slush maker with food grade cleaners and sanitizers to ensure that you kill the germs.

I recommend: InstaWares is a food service company that has slush machine sanitizer and cleaner for sale. My Popcorn Machine sells numerous food grade sanitizers and cleaners.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Keep trash bags near the slush machines to throw trash away. You can also use the bags to carry supplies, such as cups, when the event is over.

Slush machines make a variety of slushy drink types and flavors. These machines are found in conveniece stores, concession stands, fairgrounds and other locations. Associated with this popular summertime drink machine are some important key terms that describe the appearance and parts of the machine and the types of drinks that it creates. Fill up on your favorite slushy drink and familiarize yourself with some slush machine key terms.

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Automatic refill system

Slush machines that come with an automatic refill system fill up automatically when the contents of the container fall below a specific point. This feature is important for meeting needs in high-demand locations and cutting down on manual work.

I recommend: An article by All Business discusses the refill system in a slush machine.

Slushy

A slushy is the name of the drink created by the slush machine. The slushy is a frozen drink with flavor added. These drinks are carbonated or non-carbonated, depending on the type of liquid that is frozen. The beginnings of a slushy typically involve crushed or shaved ice.

I recommend: View the difference between a slushy and a smoothie from readers at Yahoo Answers.

Hopper

A hopper is the part of a slush machine that actually holds and blends the liquid and ice together. The hopper crushes the ice and helps the mixture holds its form. Hoppers may be external or internal, depending on the design of the slush machine.

I recommend: View a description of a hopper from Free Patents Online. The site presents specifics on the design of a hopper.

Slush mix

The slush mix is the powder or liquid that is added to water or ice to create the flavor of the slushy. The slush mix combines with ice in the machine to make the slushy.

I recommend: Learn more details about slush mix from Aspen Beverage.

Slush Puppie

Slush Puppie is a national brand of slushy and slush machine, and a Slush Puppie is the original slushy drink. It contains no fat and no caffeine and is also non-carbonated. The company sells and services machines as well.

I recommend: View more about the brand Slush Puppie from the Slush Puppie site.

Compressor power

The compressor power is the amount of power of the compressor in a slush machine. The higher the compressor power, the quicker the liquid will freeze. The power is measured in horsepower or Btu ratings. Without compressor power, the slushy will not freeze.

I recommend: Read the Btu Ratings vs. Horsepower section of Fermag to learn more about compressor power.