We all love slushies for their refreshing taste, but has anyone ever wondered what they’re actually made of?
Are slushies good for health? And what’s the difference here between Slushy, Slurpee, and ICEE?
These are the questions that crossed my mind a while ago too.
I’ve prepared this quick guide answering all those common questions that every slushy-obsessed person usually has.
Start Here: What to Read First?
FAQs Related to Slushy Drink
What Is A Slushie Or Slushy?
A slushie or slushy is a frozen beverage made from flavored ice crystals. Slushies are made with a mixture of water, sugar, and flavoring.
The texture of the slushie is smooth and icy with a partially-frozen consistency.
Are Slushies Solid Or Liquid?
Slushies have a unique consistency. We can describe it as in-between – not completely solid like ice, but not entirely liquid either.
Slush behaves like a non-Newtonian fluid, changing state with shear forces. Although mostly solid, it can quickly become fluid when shear forces exceed a certain limit.
Are Slushies Healthy?
If the slushies are made with flavored syrups, it’s best to enjoy them in moderation due to their high sugar content.
While slushies made with natural fruit juices are a healthy option. They contain only natural sugar (fructose) and no artificial flavors or colors.
What Is The Freezing Point Of Slush?
The ideal temperature for slush is minus 3 degrees Celsius – even below the freezing point of water.
The addition of sugar as an antifreeze solution and constant stirring helps the slushies to remain partially frozen even below freezing temperatures.
What Is the Difference Between Slushie, Slurpee, And ICEE?
Slushie is a generic term we all use for a frozen beverage made with flavored ice.
The term “Slurpee” refers specifically to carbonated slushies sold at 7-Eleven stores, while “ICEE” is another brand of slushy drinks.
In terms of taste and texture, there is no big difference between them.
FAQs Related to Slushie Machines
How Does A Slushy Machine Work?
A refrigeration system is used in a slush machine to freeze the mixture below the freezing point.
The sugar in the mixture acts as an antifreeze solution. The other three main components in the machine are the compressor, the freezing core, and the rotating auger.
The auger removes the accumulated slush from the core to make more and maintain the texture of the drink mixture. Meanwhile, the freezing core controlled by the thermostat helps adjust the temperature.
You can read more about how to use a slushie machine here.
How Long Do Slushies Take to Freeze?
The average freezing time for slush machines is about an hour or 45 minutes. However, if the product is pre-refrigerated, it can freeze in 20 to 30 minutes.
Of course, these numbers can go up or down based on the recipe, sugar level, and temperature.
Pro Tip: These machines don’t like heat at all, so use them in an air-conditioned area to quickly freeze the slush when it’s too hot outside.
Is Buying A Slush Machine A Good Idea?
If you are obsessed with slushy drinks a lot, then getting a slushie machine might be a good idea.
Instead of going to the convenience store every time for your favorite slushy drink, you can prepare them at home anytime.
It will also be a fun addition to add in any party or gathering you host.
What Is The Best Slush Machine To Buy?
I’ve recently published a list of some great slush machines currently available in the market. The list includes slushy makers for kids, home slushie machines, and commercial options. Feel free to check it out.
For a quick recommendation, the Bravo Italia 1 Bowl is my favorite choice for a slushie machine. With a capacity of 3.2 gallons (12 liters), it can serve up to 50 people. It’s perfect for small to medium gatherings.
Where To Buy A Slushie or Slurpee Machine?
You can search for local slush machine suppliers on Google for the best deals on a Slurpee or slushie machine. You’ll find plenty of options.
Amazon is another good place to buy a reliable slush machine. You can read reviews and see ratings to make the best decision.
FAQs Related to Slushie Machine Usage
What Can I Put In My Slush Machine?
The type of liquid you can pour depends mainly on the specific slush machine you own. Most machines are designed to handle all fizzy or soft drinks, juices, flavored syrups, etc.
It is important to avoid using liquids for which your machine is not designed. Be sure to check your slush machine’s instructions carefully to see which liquids are suitable.
Do Slush Machines Need To Be Cleaned Every Day?
It is important to give your slushie machine a quick clean after each use to avoid any build-up. Deep cleaning is mandatory at least once a week or after serving 500 drinks.
This involves cleaning the slush machine thoroughly, sanitizing it, and lubricating the seals if necessary.
Can I Leave the Slush Machine On Overnight?
If you have any leftover slush mixture or need to prepare it quickly in the morning, you can use the machine’s refrigerated night mode.
This will keep the mixture refrigerated in a liquid state, and the next day, you can switch it back to slush mode.
Can You Make Ice Cream In A Slush Machine?
You can use a slush machine to make ice cream, but it won’t have the texture or consistency of an ice cream maker.
Ice cream made in a slush machine will be more like a frozen dessert than the smooth, creamy texture achieved by ice cream makers.
How to Make Slushies Without A Slushy Machine?
If you don’t have a slushy machine, you can use a blender available in your kitchen to make delicious slushies. Additionally, an ice cream maker can be used to make slushies as well.
You can learn more about how to make a slushie here.
FAQs Related to Slush Business
Are Slush Machines Profitable?
The slushy business is quite profitable because the main costs are ingredients and stock, which are relatively low. This means the profit potential is quite high.
People often enjoy margins of 70 to 80 percent and make a minimum profit of $1 per cup of slush sold.
How Much Does A Commercial Slushie Machine Cost?
Most commercial-grade slush machines with excellent customer service and durability usually fall in the $2,000 to $3,000 price range.
My favorite option in this category is the Bravo Italia 2 Bowls, which offer exceptional value at under $2,000.
Do Slush Machines Use A Lot Of Electricity?
A high-quality commercial-grade slush machine usually has a power rating of 1200 watts, which is about the same as an average iron.
Suppose the machine runs 12 hours a day with 23 cents per kilowatt hour electricity rate. Your daily electricity costs will be about $3.12.