Slush machine FAQ

Not that we could find. When we searched Amazon.co.uk for “Mr Slushi” and “Mr Slushy” on 4 October 2026, no slush machine was sold under either name. The results were mostly slush syrups (including a brand called Mr Cool It, described as suitable for SLUSHi machines), squeeze-cup slush makers and unbranded home slush machines.

If you heard someone talk about “the Slushi”, they almost certainly meant the Ninja SLUSHi. For other real home slush makers, see our comparison table.

Mainly size. The original SLUSHi (FS301UK) takes up to 1,900 ml, the XL (FS601UK) 2,840 ml and the MAX (FS605UK) 3,310 ml. The XL and MAX add a Frozen Cocktail Max programme and a 20% alcohol limit (the original’s is 16%), and Ninja says they slush twice as fast as the FS3 series. Full details: the Ninja SLUSHi range explained.

No. Compressor slush machines such as the Ninja SLUSHi and Tower Slushie Fusion freeze the drink themselves, so you pour in a cold liquid and nothing gets watered down. The exceptions are freeze-first machines like the Ninja CREAMi, where you freeze the base in a tub first, and squeeze cups, which you chill in the freezer.

The makers’ claims range from “as little as 15 minutes” (Ninja’s SlushAssist, XL, MAX and Twist) to around 30 minutes (original SLUSHi, Tower, Cuisinart). Ninja adds that it can take 15–60 minutes depending on ingredients, volume and starting temperature. Chilling the mix in the fridge first helps, and a full vessel takes longer than a half-full one.

Ninja says the SLUSHi keeps drinks frozen for up to 12 hours for recipes without dairy; Tower says up to 12 hours for the Slushie Fusion; Cuisinart claims up to 16 hours for frozen drinks in the Frost Fusion. Dairy drinks such as frappés and milkshakes are excluded from Ninja’s claim — serve them promptly and clean the machine afterwards.

We wouldn’t. In October 2026 we found a US-model Ninja SLUSHi MAX (model FS605SG) listed on Amazon.co.uk. UK Ninja model numbers end in “UK” (for example FS301UK). A UK model is designed for UK mains and comes with a UK plug and UK support.

Because slush needs sugar. Sugar lowers the freezing point of water, so only part of the drink freezes into fine crystals. Ninja says sugar-free or low-sugar liquids won’t slush because they need at least 4% sugar; Tower says not to use diet or zero/low-sugar drinks. More in sugar-free and low-sugar slush.

Ninja: at least 4% sugar in everything you pour in. Tower: a minimum of 5% for best results. On a UK label, look for at least 4 g of sugars per 100 ml. When you mix drinks, use our calculator to check the whole batch.

Ninja lists coconut sugar, maple syrup, agave syrup, simple syrup and honey (all still sugars) and says allulose can help slush but may make it sweeter. Zero-calorie sweeteners don’t do sugar’s job of lowering the freezing point. Glycerol is used in some commercial slush, but the FSA advises it is not for children under seven — see the safety guide.

Yes, as juice or a smooth purée. We blend and sieve fruit so that seeds and pulp don’t block the dispensing tap, and we add sugar if the fruit alone won’t reach the 4% minimum. Try our watermelon & lime slush.

Yes — the original Ninja SLUSHi has Milkshake and Frappé presets, and the Tower Slushie Fusion has Frappe and Milkshake settings. Ninja’s 12-hour hold claim excludes dairy, so serve them promptly and clean up afterwards. See our iced coffee frappé.

Home-made slush with real sugar doesn’t involve glycerol, which is the ingredient the Food Standards Agency is concerned about: it advises that children under seven should not have slush drinks containing glycerol, including home kits with glycerol concentrates, and that under-10s have no more than one 350 ml glycerol slush a day. Slush is still a sugary drink, so serve small cups. Read the safety guide.

It depends on the machine. Ninja says the original SLUSHi takes drinks between 2.8% and 16% ABV on its cocktail setting, and the XL, MAX and Twist up to 20%. That is the strength of the whole mix, so spirits always need diluting. See frozen cocktails and vodka slushies.

Use the NHS formula: ABV (%) × volume (ml) ÷ 1,000 = units. Add up the alcoholic ingredients for the batch, then divide by the number of glasses. Every cocktail recipe on this site shows the working, and our calculator does it for your own recipes.

No. Vodka is usually 37.5–40% ABV, far above any home machine’s limit, and it won’t freeze. Dilute it with a sugary mixer — our vodka & lemonade slush uses 200 ml of vodka in about 1.65 litres, around 4.5% ABV and about 1 unit a glass.

No. slush-maker.co.uk is an independent guide, not affiliated with SharkNinja or any other manufacturer or retailer. We take specifications from the makers’ own pages and link to the sources. See about us.

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