Set yourself up for success by learning not only how to use your new slush machine, but how to care for it properly, too.
This will allow you to avoid common mistakes while really making the most of your investment.
HOW TO USE A SLUSH MACHINE
Once you’ve picked a slush machine, it’s always worth checking its instructions since some passages or buttons might be slightly different.
However, these steps will work with most models.
WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE SLUSH DRINKS
That’s it!
And some cups and straws if you’re going to sell them.
As for water-to-syrup ratios, we recommend sticking to 6:1, which means adding 600 g or 6 cups of water for every 100 g or cup of syrup.
DO YOU PUT ICE IN A SLUSHIE MACHINE?
No, you don’t actually put ice in a slushie machine.
Commercial machines are designed to turn your water-and-syrup mixture into the signature texture and consistency that characterises slush drinks.
You only put ice in basic, budget-friendly models like Slush Puppie machines intended for home use.
HOW TO START A SLUSH MACHINE
To start a slush machine, pour your syrup-and-water mixture, flip the main power switch on (the control panel should be on the back), and then the freeze/refrigerator switch.
If your slush machine has more than one bowl, you’ll need to do the same for their own gear motor and refrigerator switches.
Here’s a quick video to show you exactly how to start a slush machine:
How long does a slush machine take to freeze?
How long a slush machine takes to freeze really depends on its brand, model, features, and age, but most commercial slush makers need less than an hour.
Still, models relying on fast freezing technology (like the CAB Skyline Twin Slush Machine or its Triple model) can take as little as 20 minutes!
How to care for a slush machine
Making time for some regular cleaning is essential for both health & safety reasons and to prevent build-ups that could damage your machine in the long run.
How to clean a slush machine
We recommend giving your slush machine a good clean and scrub once a week, from its top down to the nozzles. Once a month, fill it up with lukewarm water and a splash of detergent, and let it run for a couple of minutes before wiping it, too.
You should also brush the condenser to prevent build-ups of dust that could block its airflow and compromise the freezing process: just remove the back panel, brush it from the top to the bottom (not sideways!), and place it back.
FAQS ON USING & CARING FOR SLUSH MACHINES
If you have to (perhaps because you need it to be ready first thing in the morning), you can leave your slushie machine on overnight but not for longer than 72 hours.
To do so correctly and reduce power costs, fill it to the maximum level and turn the main freeze switch to the refrigerator position.
This will keep your syrup and water mixture refrigerated but in a liquid state.
Here’s a quick video to show you how to leave a slushie machine on overnight:
This will depend on the brand, model, and how well you take care of it. On average, commercial slush machines last around 10-15 years.
Should something go wrong, it makes more sense to book a repair than immediately give up on your machine.
The most likely problem is that the thickness screw tightening the spring on the motor has been turned up too much. The simple solution is to loosen off the screw. On most machines, this is achieved by turning the screw clockwise, on the Ugolini it is anticlockwise.
Usually, if your slush machine is freezing up on the outside, it’s simply because you’ve been using the wrong syrup-to-water ratio. This is actually one of the most common slush machine problems since its sugar affects the freezing process.
To fix it, switch your slush machine off, let it defrost, get rid of that mixture, and refill it using the correct ratio (1:6).
Sometimes, your slush machine could also freeze on the outside if you’ve left it on for too long. So, be sure to turn it off when you’re not using it, and only use the overnight mode when you actually need to.
Once again, if your slush machine is not freezing, the main reason is usually the wrong syrup-to-water ratio: if you haven’t stuck to 1:6, tweak your mixture and try again.
Should the problem persist, it might have something to do with your machine’s airflow, either because you haven’t allowed enough clearance around it (we recommend 20 cm) or there’s a build-up of dust. In the second case, remove the back panel and brush the condenser up and down.
Any other questions? Get in touch with our friendly team. As for everything you need to use a slush machine (from syrups to cups), Mr Cool It has you covered!