One of the most popular and refreshing treats available today is the slush drink. Sold at convenience stores throughout the country, they are made in a special machine called the slush machine. These treats are known by a lot of names, and there are many different type of slushie machines available to make them. Our favorite stop when we go to Disney World in Orlando is at Hollywood Studios over by the sorcerer’s hat. There’s a frozen slushie stand right around the corner there, and we MUST stop there everytime we go to the park. Nothing hits the spot on a hot day like a frozen coke.
Slush machines all share several things in common. They operate by using refrigeration. In order to make the slush, the mixture in the machine must be brought down to its freezing point. Some say that the inspiration for these treats was the slush that forms along the edge of a lake as wave action breaks up the constantly refreezing water. Others contend that it is the slush that forms on the roadway in freezing weather. Whichever it might be, it illustrates the other necessary feature of the slush machine: agitation. If the mixture in the machine is constantly agitated or stirred while it is trying to freeze it forms the slushy consistency that is so popular.
Important to the whole process is the mixture itself. The presence of flavorings and sugar causes the slush to freeze at a lower temperature. This enables the mixture to remain in the slush state for a longer time. Some slush machines are designed to operate on a carbonated mixture, like soda pop. Remember the frozen coke I mentioned above. I’d say conservatively that a stand like the one I mentioned at a big theme park probably sells tens of thousands of those frozen drinks over the course of a single slushie machine’s life. It’s amazing when you really think about it.
Although slush machines come in all sizes, there are two basic types. There is the large machine, usually two machines together, that is used in commercial establishments. The other is the small home machine. Many of these machines are seen advertised on TV. Most who have purchased them report that they are very satisfied with their performance. There is also the possibility of using an in-the-freezer ice cream maker to make slush, but this is not so common.
Year Round Fun with a Slush Machine
Buying a slush machine is a commitment to fun. Summertime is an obvious season to have a machine, but how about the rest of the year? What about at birthday parties, graduation parties (not everyone graduates in summer by the way) If you have a baby shower, or a family get together for the holidays, it would be a great addition. My favorite ideas are always from creative people that like to throw unique parties like one of my friends who threw a party themed: “A trip to Mexico”. Basically, everyone dresses up as there favorite Mexican destination or activity and then drinks Margaritas and Pina Coladas all day 
A slush machine would sure make that a lot easier!
So where can you find a good quality slushie machine? Although used commercial machines will show up for sale from time to time, a small family or an individual user is better off sticking to a home machine. The home machine is easier to clean and easier to store when not in use. If the machine were being purchased for a club, rec center, or a huge gathering, then a used commercial machine could be justified. It really depends on the pricing. Ebay is a good place to keep an eye out as well as Industrial restaurant supply houses that sell used equipment. Many of those such places depend on Ebay or Craigslist, so it might make sense to just watch the auctions for a while before you purchase anything. This will give you a good idea of price ranges which can be under 100 dollars up to several thousand dollars for the big commercial models.
By the way, most commercial machines are embossed with the logo of the maker. Sometimes that could include the name of the business or franchise that it was purchased from. If one is buying the machine for commercial use, however, the logo should be removed so as not to present any copyright or franchise issues. Just a friendly tip.