Although slush machines were first invented in the 1950’s, they became popular with younger generations only after the 1970’s. These iced beverages were a hit with the public and businesses started to realize the potential for profit.
The slush market has become a popular cold treat that is enjoyed all year. The commercial slush machine continues to grow in popularity and is now a staple for many shops, cafes, cafés, concession stands kiosks, snack bars, and supermarkets.
To understand how a slushie machine can help your business, it is important to know how it works. Also, what to look for when choosing the right one.
This buying guide will explain everything you need to know about slush, from equipment and its components to how they work to machine features and top tips.
What is Slush?
These iconic frozen drinks are simply a mixture of water, sugar and flavour. This unique texture is a perfect blend of a frozen drink and an ice pop, and has attracted slush enthusiasts for many years.
Drinks are usually served in a cup, with a straw or spoon hybrid. However, there is nothing better than sucking the juice into a glass and then spooning it in soft ice. There are so many flavours to choose from, that the excitement surrounding these drinks doesn’t seem to be slowing down.
These drinks are a firm favorite with both customers and businesses due to their refreshing, cold taste and high profit margin.
Slush machines are often considered impulse purchases. They are usually found in dominant positions, such as on countertops close to tills, where they are easily visible from the customer.
Slush Machines: Why buy one?
Commercial slush machines tend to be an integrated unit that creates and dispensses slush. The slushy maker can transform your beverage offerings and expand your drink menu with a single piece.
A frozen slushy machine or granita machine can have a huge marketing impact, drawing customers’ attention and making it a focal point. The best part is that slush can be kept in the machine for up to 24 hours, as opposed to refrigerated drinks dispensers, which must be empty at the end of each day and refilled by the next morning.
You will quickly notice that slushie machines are expensive and can be costly to set up. Do not let this discourage you from considering the market. Slush drinks can be quite expensive so don’t be afraid to invest. However, once you start reaping the benefits and seeing a good return on your investment (ROI), you will see the returns.
What can you put in a Slushie machine?
Although slush is the most popular ingredient, these frozen beverages machines can offer more versatility in certain cases. You can use it in cocktails, coffee, frappuccinos and milkshakes as well as regular chilled juice, granita, and iced teas. You will need a separate machine if you want to capitalize on the latest trend in carbonated or fizzy slush.
There are many slushy flavors available. This ensures that you can offer all popular flavours, but also allows you to visualize your display. The vibrancy of the colors is a key characteristic of slush, aside from the distinct texture, full flavour, and obvious chilliness, is also a key feature. This can be a great advantage if you want to attract customers. You can make your slush area stand out by choosing different colors for different tank models.
What is the Work of Commercial Slushie Makers?
Understanding the components of slushmakers is essential to understanding how they work. You need to know what each one does and how it contributes in the creation and dispensing of slush.
The main body of the machine is the base. It houses the refrigeration system, including the compressor as well as the condenser. It is the heart of the slushie machine that allows for the creation of flavoured Slush Ice. The equipment can be levelled for smooth operation.
Drip Tray
Drip trays sit at the bottom of the machine and are designed to collect any spillages or drips, while keeping the surrounding surfaces clean. Drip trays can be easily removed, allowing quick emptying and cleaning as needed.
Handle & Slush Dispenser Tape
Equipment will typically have a pull handle or push handle that allows the slush flow to the tap. You can easily remove each component for thorough cleaning and hygiene.
Central Cooling/Freezing Cylinder
Slush machines do not have a vertical refrigeration tube like juice dispensers. Instead, they feature a horizontal cylindrical. This distributes freezing temperatures evenly across the slush tank, and to the mixture to achieve the desired results.
Stirrers
The stirrers, also known as the agitators or the agitators are attached to the central freezing tube in a spiral configuration to evenly circulate the slush. Slush machines have horizontal stirrers that mix back and forth, while others use vertical stirrers which mix up and down.
Bowl/Tank
The bowl, or tank, is the transparent container that holds the freezing cylinder and stirrers. It also houses the dispensing tap and handle. Bowls are usually made from strong plastic for their durability, easy cleaning, and reduced risk of breaking.
Slush Mixture
The slush is an essential ingredient in the machine’s structure, although it is not considered an integral part. The refrigeration system is the heartbeat of the machine, and the slush mixture is its blood. It is essential that the mixture contains the right amount of sugar and water to achieve the desired consistency.
You don’t have to make your own slushies or syrups. There are already ready-made syrups and slushies available.
Once the mixture has been diluted, it is manually poured into the bowls. This requires manual topping up throughout each day.
Slush Drinks Machines
You need to answer many questions in order to narrow down your options and choose the right slush machine for you business.
What is the available countertop space?
Are you able to place the equipment in a suitable location? Will you have enough countertop space? The space you have available will determine the size of your slushie machine. You can only fit the maximum size unit you have available.
How many tanks are there?
There are a lot of options for slush flavors. The size of your tanks will dictate the variety of flavours that you can offer. While customers generally prefer to have more choices, it may not always be possible due to limited countertop space. The machine’s footprint and dimensions will increase as you add more flavours to the tanks.
Which purpose do you wish to serve?
Although slush is the obvious answer, some equipment does not limit your options. Not all models can be used for iced drinks, such as frappuccinos, milkshakes and iced teas. Some models can even be used to make cocktails. All of these drinks require freezing.
Don’t stop there. Manufacturers may also offer the option to refrigerate beverages in addition to the standard freezing function. With a simple flip of a switch, you can serve chilled orange juice or frozen slush from one piece of equipment.
What number of slush cups would you estimate serving?
Now that you have determined the flavours you wish to offer in the space your business has to support, and what you really want to serve, you can now estimate the number of dishes you will need. This number will directly impact the size and capacities of the bowls or tanks.
Capacity ranges from 5 to 12 litres gross. A smaller capacity will be more suitable for servings than a higher turnover. Although smaller bowls are possible to serve large quantities, they will need more frequent refilling and require greater manual input.
Serving sizes for slush will typically range from 7 to 8 oz. (198 ml to 0.06 d.p. To 20oz (568ml to 0.0 d.p.). The smaller the serving, the more you will get from your tank. However, the bigger the serving size, the less you get from one bowl of slush.
We recommend that you choose the highest serving size. This will ensure that your equipment can keep up with the demand even if your slush venture is more popular.