Where do we start when choosing a slushy machine? Our simple guide to buying a slushy machine is a great place to start.
This helpful guide, prepared by our experts with over 30 years industry experience each, aims to assist you to make your choice.
How much do I spend?
Comparing prices is a sensible first step. While this is a solid starting point, the variety of both cheap and expensive machines on the market can be overwhelming. Navigating the deals and weighing up the pros and cons is crucial to ensuring you get the best value for your money.
Cheaper machines
The slushy machines in the lower price bracket are usually manufactured in the Far East and bought in bulk by large internet based catering suppliers. Lower labour and component costs are reflected in the overall price and this can be good news. However we have to be aware that the overall quality and reliability of cheap slushie machines may not be up to the same standard of the pricier machines. There are a great many different manufacturers selling cheap slushy machines and the key would be to find one with solid reviews from real users. You also need to be able to get your hands on spare parts, we’ll cover that later. You will also want good aftersales, we’ll cover that later too.
More expensive machines
The more expensive slushy machines are generally made in the US or in Europe. For obvious reasons they can’t be made as cheaply as in China for example. But, there are many more reasons that in the end these machines are usually much better value for money. The manufacturers usually only sell their equipment through their network of approved dealers or distributors, ensuring there is at least a minimum level of after sales support (this is very important). Most models have evolved and developed over decades to make sure they are hard-wearing, reliable and easy to maintain.
If you are buying a machine for occasional use or you’re just testing the market, then a cheap machine could be for you, but for proper commercial use, we cannot recommend this route. If your budget does not allow for a new more expensive machine, then it would probably be better to buy a pre-owned higher quality US or European machine, so long as its from a reputable company and you get at least 3 months warranty.
Simple guide to buying a slushy machine – Conclusion
Cheap slush machine reliability varies widely, we’ve seen them fail within the first hour and we’ve seen them work for 2 or 3 years or more. Slushy machines make very large profits, especially when we add it up over all of the years, trying to save money with a cheap one at the outset, is a false economy! We sell a large amount of quality machines to customers who started cheap and then realised their money could be better spent protecting their profits and buying a proper commercial slushie machine.
Which size will I go for?
Slushie machines have 1, 2 or 3 bowls.
Single bowl slushy machines can be versatile. Using a neutral, sweet but flavourless base and adding syrup to the glass or cup gives limitless options. Double and treble slushie machines can hold 2 or 3 flavours, making it quick to serve a slushy. Slushy machines are eye catching and great for impulse sales, therefore the more tanks the better! Treble flavour machines give the optimum bang for your buck. If you have space, go for a treble, if not a double will still do very well.
Slushie machines are available in mostly two capacities
2 or 3 gallons per bowl. The advantage of larger bowls for busy outlets is that you will spend less time filling them. Smaller bowls are great for outlets with lower demand.
Aftersales support
Slush machines are an investment in your business and it’s very important that we research the company selling it to us. Do they know the products they are selling? How to maintain them and can they supply you with spares as and when you require them? The support of a good supplier is valuable, with a knowledgable supplier usually all it takes is a quick call or e.mail to get help and your back up and running in no time.
Summary
Cheapest is not usually best value for money and this is the case when it comes to slush machines. Quality always costs more whatever the product is, however that is not the end of the story. When buying slushy machines after sales support is very much part of the buying decision too. Slushymart is the only business with everything there for you online, help whenever you need it, right at your fingertips 24 / 7. Buy with confidence with lifetime product support thrown in.
Read our other helpful articles:
Choosing your slushy mix – read more
Whats wrong with my slushy machine?
Searching the internet when things go wrong is one way to get help with your slushie machines, such as this article. It’s very long winded. To get immediate help with your slushy machine – visit our Slushy Machine Help Page.