Slushie makers

THIS SUMMER, WHEN THE KIDS WANT A COOLING FRUITY DRINK AND YOU FANCY A FROZEN MARG, THESE MACHINES WILL DO THE TRICK

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BEFORE YOU BUY

A slushie machine does exactly what it says on the box. Cooling off with a frozen drink at the beach or park is one thing, but these new appliances allow you to enjoy that luxury from the comfort of your own home. It sounds dreamy, but there are a few vital points to consider before taking the plunge.

To make the most of your slushie machine, you will want an easy pour mechanism. This is the pull-handle or lever that dispenses the drink from the machine into the glass. A good mechanism should make pouring your slushie manageable and faff-free. After all, if you're hosting you don't want to be accidentally overfilling everyone's glasses.

Consider the capacity of your machine. While it might seem big in the specs, you'll want to max it out when you have guests. Six drinks might sound like a lot, but if you're entertaining a crowd then you will have to keep refilling all the time. Be aware too that, with some machines, the maximum liquid fill capacity is different from the maximum capacity of frozen slush.

Be clear on why you want a slushie machine before you buy. If you'd like to make diet-friendly or sugar-free drinks, this might not be the appliance for you. For best results, there has to be some sugar content in whatever you choose to slush.