You can’t beat slurping (and crunching) through an ice-cold slushie on a hot day. And you don’t have to hit a corner shop or schlep to a theme park to get one. With machines like the Ninja SLUSHi frozen drink maker, you can create them at home. N-ice!

In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to use a slush machine at home, compare slush machines to traditional blenders, and answer some of your most frequently asked questions. Let’s dive in and get chillin’…

What is a slush machine?

A slush machine is a gadget that freezes and stirs liquid mixtures continuously, transforming them into semi-frozen, slushy goodness. Rather than just dumping ice into a blender and crushing it, a slush machine carefully cools your drink base while agitating it, so you end up with a perfectly light and fluffy texture. You can use these machines to make all sorts of frozen fun, from fruity slushes to frozen cocktails and mocktails.

How to use a slush machine at home

Here’s how to use a slush machine at home. The exact method varies between models, but we’re using the Ninja SLUSHi frozen drink maker as an example:

1. Prepare to chill.

• Choose your base: Start with your favourite slush base. This could be a store-bought slushie mix, a homemade syrup, or even natural fruit juice. For grown-up get togethers, you might try a cocktail-friendly mix - more on alcohol later!

• Mind the ratios: Slush machines need the right sugar and water content to freeze properly. If your mixture is too thick or too low in sugar, it might not slush up correctly. Aim for a sweet spot—most slushie bases contain sugar or natural sweeteners to help the freezing process.

2. Set up your SLUSHi.

• Assemble the parts: Attach the freezing chamber to the machine and make sure all seals and parts are securely in place. The Ninja SLUSHi is straightforward to put together, but refer to the manual if it's your first time.

• Pre-cool if needed: The Ninja SLUSHi benefits from a few minutes of cooling before adding your mixture. It’s going to feel like a long time when you’re in the slushie mood – but it does help jump-start the process.

3. Add your mixture.

• Stick to the fill lines: Don’t go overboard! Follow the fill lines inside the container. Overfilling can lead to spills or interfere with the machine’s ability to churn and freeze properly.

• Power on: Press the power button to turn on your Ninja SLUSHi and press one of the 5 presets. You can choose slush, frozen cocktail, frappe, milkshake or frozen juice. Then the magic starts.

4. Check and serve.

• Check the consistency: Slush usually takes 20–30 minutes to form, depending on the mixture (and alcohol content). So keep an eye on the texture. Once it looks thick and frosty, it’s go time.

• Serve it up. Pull the handle gently to pour your frozen creation into cups. Serve up and enjoy (you might want to issue a quick brain-freeze warning at this point).

5. Don’t forget to clean up.

• Rinse after use: Old and leftover slush can be pretty stubborn. So rinse out the mixing bowl and components with warm water as soon as you’re done. Or get the kids to do it if they’re old enough.

• Deep clean once in a while: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to disassemble your machine and give it a more thorough clean. This keeps it fresh and ready for your next frozen fiesta.

What’s the difference between a slush machine and a blender?

Thinking you might just use a blender instead? Here’s why a slush machine like the Ninja SLUSHi has the upper hand:

• Consistency you can’t beat. Slush machines freeze and churn the liquid at the same time, giving you that famously airy and fluffy texture. Blenders just crush ice into the mix, which can make drinks chunky or uneven.

• Easy does it. Once you pour in your mix and press start, a slush machine handles the rest. Blenders require a bit more babysitting – you usually need to pulse, blend, stop, check… and repeat.

• The more servings the merrier. Slush machines are great for parties or group settings since they keep the mixture frozen and ready to dispense. Blenders usually make a single batch, and they don’t keep drinks nice and icy.

Slush machine FAQs

Can you put alcohol in a slush machine?

Yes. But here’s where you need to tread carefully. Alcohol has a much lower freezing point than water, so too much can stop your mix from ever turning slushy. Stick with lower-proof spirits - or follow pre-tested frozen cocktail recipes.

Can you make ice cream in a slush machine?

So tempting. But the answer is no, not really. Slush machines aren’t designed for the thick, creamy consistency of ice cream. Ice cream mixtures need to be churned differently and usually involve dairy fats that don’t play nice with slushie-style freezing. If you really fancy it, here’s how to make really easy homemade ice cream.

Can you make a milkshake in a slush machine?

Yes. After all, there’s a preset button on the Ninja SLUSHi for it. But be careful. Thicker shakes can clog things up. So, start off thin and take it from there.

Can you put milk in a slush machine?

In small amounts, yes. You can make creamy fruit slushies or other specialty drinks. But avoid large volumes of milk as it can interfere with freezing and cause residue buildup.

Can you put juice in a slush machine?

Absolutely. Juices with natural sugars like orange, pineapple, or apple work great. Just make sure there’s enough sugar content to help the mixture freeze evenly. Then hit the fruit juice preset and you’re off and running.

Ready to get slushy?

The Ninja SLUSHi frozen drink maker makes it easy and fun to make frozen drinks at home. And they’re just as delicious and refreshing as you remember. Fancy checking out some other drink-making gadgets? Browse our collection of blenders, including Ninja blenders and Nutribullets.

For more thirst-quenching inspiration check out our articles on the easy way to make iced coffee and our guide to wine coolers and drinks chillers.