Slush machines are a great addition to any business looking to increase profits. Not only do they provide a unique and fun product that customers love, but they’re also a great way to keep your employees occupied during slow periods.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know before purchasing or hiring a slush machine for your business. From the different types of machines available to the cost of ownership, we’ll cover it all!

So if you’re ready to learn more about adding slush machines to your business, keep reading!

 

Why is buying a commercial slush machine a good investment for my business?

A commercial slush machine is a great investment to boost any business in a number of ways.

Being able to offer a refreshing slush drink can increase sales, and with the option of creating a variety of frozen slush drinks, from classic cocktails to non-alcoholic beverages, it might even represent an opportunity to diversify your business. It can help to create a more fun and festive atmosphere at your business, which can make people more likely to return in the future.

Commercial slush machines are an essential piece of equipment for any business that wants to capitalise on good weekend weather and summer nostalgia by offering frozen drinks.

Buying guide: Should I buy, lease or rent my commercial slush machine?

Purchasing equipment outright is usually the best option if you want to maximise your profit margins and if the equipment will see daily, long-term use. This is especially the case if you choose a high-quality vendor that is known for providing reliable equipment and responsive service.

The total cost of ownership should be considered when budgeting for new equipment. Depending on how you use your machine, extra costs involved with outright buying may make slush machine rental more affordable for your business in the long run.

The disadvantages of buying commercial slush machines outright are the expensive initial costs and the continuous costs of keeping the equipment in good condition. If you outright buy the equipment, you’re stuck with it until you decide to either sell it or get new equipment. Some businesses may not be able to cover the initial cost or a deposit on a loan, so renting or leasing might be a better choice.

Renting is a great option if you are unsure about whether you want to commit to ownership or a long-term lease, and you only need the equipment for a short or undetermined amount of time. For example, if you are starting a new business and don’t have the budget to purchase a commercial slush machine yet or if you only need it for a specific event or season, investing in a machine may not make financial sense.

There are some disadvantages to renting equipment instead of buying or leasing it. For one, the equipment you get may not be brand new. Additionally, you’ll only have access to the inventory of the rental company. Finally, renting equipment usually costs more per month than other options.

Leasing is often a good option for people who want to get the newest equipment with the latest technology, but don’t want to pay the price for an outright purchase. When you lease a slush machine, you pay a flat monthly rate, which is usually cheaper than renting equipment on a month-to-month basis. However, it’s important to note that leases have set terms (usually 12 months), so you’ll need to be sure you’re able to commit to the full lease period before signing anything.

Leasing a slush machine may be your best option if you’re ready to make a long-term commitment but can’t afford the large, up-front cost or make a large down payment on a loan. With leased equipment, you’re usually responsible for some maintenance. But because you’re leasing new equipment, it’ll require less maintenance later in its lifecycle, so you’ll probably save on long-term maintenance costs.

How much do commercial slush machines cost to run?

The running cost of your slush machine is, ultimately, dependent on which model you choose to buy.

There are a few variable factors that go into working out the average power consumption for a slush machine, such as how often it needs to be refilled and how cold the ambient temperature is. Additionally, making sure the air intake is clear and the slush is at the right temperature when putting it in the machine are both important factors to consider.

The cost of running a smaller machine is approximately 50p per day, while a larger model would be closer to £3. You only need to sell one or two drinks to cover the day’s running costs, meaning you’ll always make a profit!

However, you can still shave some pennies off this figure. Pre-chilling diluted bottles of slush before use, regularly cleaning the air intake, ensuring there is good clearance around the machine, and leaving the machine on throughout the day can all help significantly reduce costs. Leaving the machine on 24/7 may seem counterintuitive with regards to power consumption, but switching it off and on again will, in fact, be less cost-effective than keeping it on, especially if your model offers a night mode.

 

How should I maintain my commercial slush machine?

To keep your slush machine and its refrigeration system working in optimal condition, it is important to keep on top of regular cleaning of the machine’s exterior with mild detergent and warm water. You should also buff the machine with a dry cloth to maintain hygiene and keep the machine looking its best for customers.

Pay special attention to the tap and drip tray, which are especially susceptible to dirt and grime build-up if the machine is self-service and used by many people.

A full internal clean of your slush machine is recommended once a month. You can clean the tank of your machine using mild detergent and lukewarm water. Rinse it off afterwards. The machine’s lid and control panel can be simply wiped clean.

 

What can I put in a commercial slush machine?

Most commercial slush machines work best when using concentrated premade mixes like our blue raspberry slush syrup. These work by adding the right amount of water mixture and then letting them mix in your commercial slush machine.

The ratio varies depending on the brand, but it is usually 1:4 or 1:5. Be sure to read the instructions on the syrup to know the correct ratio. This is important because the sugar content of a slush mixture can affect how it freezes. If there is too much sugar in the mix, it will prevent the slushie from freezing. If there is too little sugar, it could cause the slushie to freeze into a solid mass and damage your commercial slush machine.

Premade slush mixes should be formulated to fall within the correct sugar content, but adding other components to your slush mixtures such as syrups or alcohol could throw this off.

If you’re looking to use your slush machine for cocktails or for making slushies with custom blends, a refractometer can be helpful to make sure that your mix is at a good sugar content and has the right consistency for freezing.

A refractometer is a small hand-held tool that is used to measure the amount of sugar in a liquid solution. It will measure the amount of sugar on the Brix scale, which is a way to measure how much sugar is dissolved in a liquid. It’s often used to make sure there’s the right amount of sugar in things like juice, wine, and ice cream. One degree Brix is the same as 1 gram of sugar in 100 grams of liquid.

The Brix reading in a slush solution should generally be between 13 and 15 degrees. However, it is important to check the manufacturer’s instructions for the recommended Brix level, as every slushie machine has different requirements. Some units will work with a range of Brix levels, from as low as 11 to as high as 20.

Once you have your refractometer and are familiar with checking the Brix level of your mix, you can get creative and really put some unique drinks out there to boost your business.

 

For an extensive range of commercial slush machines, slush mixes and accessories, check out our range at Logic Vending.

We offer great buying, renting and leasing packages, which include complete installation and training to ensure that you get the most out of your commercial slush machine, as well as our starter Slush Kit, which includes 20 Litres of Slush syrup, 1,000 slushie maker cups, 1,000 straws and on-site parts and a labour warranty.

Enquire today to boost your business with creative frozen drinks!