A frozen margarita at home usually starts in a blender and ends with either chunks of ice at the bottom of the glass or a watery slush that separates before the second round. A margarita machine exists to fix exactly that. Some shave ice into fine snow before they blend it, some freeze the drink itself with a compressor and never use ice at all, and a strong blender can do a decent job of both if you know what to expect.
This guide explains those three approaches in plain terms, names the machines worth buying for each, and helps you match one to the way you actually host: a pitcher for four on a Friday, a full yard of guests in July, or a slush that sits ready all afternoon.
Julia’s earns a commission on purchases made through links on this page, at no cost to you. Recommendations are based on what a restaurant kitchen looks for in a frozen drink machine, the makers’ own specifications on their Amazon listings, and published reviews, which we name.
Quick verdict: which margarita machine to buy
For most households, the best margarita machine for home is the Margaritaville Bahamas Frozen Concoction Maker: it shaves ice before it blends, makes 36 ounces a round, and its parts go in the dishwasher. If you would rather skip ice entirely and keep a slush ready for hours, choose the Ninja SLUSHi, which freezes the drink itself. If you already own a powerful blender, such as the Ninja Professional Plus, you may not need a dedicated machine at all.
The rest of this page explains why, and which of these suits your counter and your crowd.
Five margarita machines side by side
Our five standout picks, one for each kind of host, with the type and capacity each maker states on its listing. All eight machines are reviewed in full below.
| Machine | Best for | Type | Capacity (per listing) | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Margaritaville Bahamas Frozen Concoction MakerBest overall
|
Most homes, classic frozen texture | Ice shaver and blender | 36-ounce jar | View on Amazon |
Ninja SLUSHi Professional Frozen Drink MakerBest no-ice slush machine
|
Slush that stays ready for hours | Compressor slush machine, no ice | 88-ounce vessel | View on Amazon |
Margaritaville Tahiti Frozen Concoction MakerBest for big parties
|
Three flavors for a crowd | Ice shaver with three blending jars | 3 x 24-ounce jars, 72 ounces a cycle | View on Amazon |
Ninja Professional Plus BlenderBest blender alternative
|
One appliance for drinks and cooking | High-power blender, 1,400 peak watts | 72-ounce pitcher, 64 ounces max liquid | View on Amazon |
Nostalgia 64-Ounce Margarita MachineBudget pick
|
Occasional parties, small budget | Ice shaver and blender | 64 ounces | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Capacities are as stated on each maker’s listing; check the listing before you buy.
Shave, freeze or blend: three ways to make a frozen margarita
Every machine on this list does one of three things, and the difference matters more than the brand name.
- Shave-and-blend machines (the Margaritaville and Nostalgia models) hold ice in a reservoir on top. A blade shaves it into fine snow, which drops into the jar where a second blade mixes it with your tequila, lime and sweetener. You get a drink in about the time it takes to blend one, and the texture is finer than ice crushed in an ordinary blender.
- Compressor slush machines (the Ninja SLUSHi models and the Iceman) use no ice at all. Ninja describes an auger that spins around a refrigerated cylinder and freezes the liquid evenly; the drink is chilled rather than diluted. The catch is time, often 15 to 60 minutes per batch, and sugar: both Ninja and Iceman say the drink must contain sugar to slush properly.
- High-power blenders crush ice and blend in one jar. A strong motor gets close to a machine’s texture, but the ice still waters the drink down a little, and you serve it straight away rather than keeping it frozen.
For the difference that dilution makes in the glass, our guide to frozen versus on-the-rocks margaritas explains why a frozen margarita needs a slightly stronger, sweeter mix than one served over ice.
Our picks for the best margarita machine for home
These eight machines cover the three ways to make a frozen margarita, from a compact shave-and-blend model for a few friends to a three-jar machine for a backyard full of guests. Each review explains who the machine suits, the specifications its maker lists, and one honest reason to skip it.
1. Margaritaville Bahamas Frozen Concoction Maker – Shaved Ice, Smooth Texture
The Bahamas is the plainest machine in the Margaritaville range, and for most homes that is a strength. It does one job: it shaves ice from a reservoir on top, drops the snow into a 36-ounce blending jar and mixes it with whatever you have poured in. A 36-ounce jar makes a round for three or four people, which suits a weeknight dinner or a small get-together.
The automatic Shave ‘n Blend cycle shaves and mixes in one press, and you can also run Shave Only or Blend Only by hand. That manual control is useful: if the first round comes out too thick, blend a few seconds longer; if it is too thin, shave a little more ice into the jar. The listing also includes a shot glass and recipes, so the first rounds do not depend on guesswork.
Cleanup is simple, too. Margaritaville lists the parts as dishwasher safe, and the machine measures about 14 by 9 by 18 inches, so check the height under your cabinets before it arrives. It comes with a one-year limited warranty.
Why we like it
- Shaves ice before blending for a finer texture than a standard blender
- 36-ounce jar makes three or four drinks a round
- Automatic cycle plus manual Shave Only and Blend Only
- Dishwasher-safe parts, according to the listing
- Shot glass, recipes and instructions included
Key specifications
| Model | DM0500 |
|---|---|
| Type | Ice shaver and blender |
| Capacity | 36-ounce blending jar |
| Power | 450 watts, dual motors |
| Programs | Automatic Shave ‘n Blend; manual Shave Only and Blend Only |
| Size | About 14 x 9 x 18 inches |
| Cleaning | Dishwasher-safe parts |
| Warranty | 1-year limited |
Why we recommend it
It is the simplest way to get a true frozen margarita texture at home without waiting for a compressor or paying for programs you will not use. Choose it if you make frozen drinks for a few people at a time and want the machine to be quick to set up and quick to clean.
Skip it if you host large parties often: 36 ounces a round means refilling the ice and the jar several times for a big group.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Fine, shaved-ice texture
- Fast: a drink per blending cycle
- Dishwasher-safe parts
- Manual control over shave and blend
Cons
- Three or four drinks per round
- Older model in the Margaritaville line
- About 18 inches tall
2. Margaritaville Fiji Frozen Concoction Maker – Presets for Four Drinks
The Fiji works the same way as the Bahamas, with a top-mounted ice reservoir, a shaving blade and a 36-ounce jar, but adds four preprogrammed drink cycles: daiquiris, margaritas, slides and smoothies. Each program sets its own balance of shaving and blending, so you press one button for a margarita and another for a smoothie rather than judging it by eye.
The jar has measuring marks printed on it, and Margaritaville sells this version with an easy-pour jar and a party guide of recipes. As on the Bahamas, there is an automatic Shave ‘n Blend cycle and manual Shave Only and Blend Only buttons, and the parts are dishwasher safe.
It measures about 9 by 14 by 19 inches and comes with a one-year limited warranty. If you also make frozen fruit drinks for children or non-drinkers, the smoothie setting earns its place: the same machine handles both without guesswork.
Why we like it
- Four preset drink cycles, including margaritas and smoothies
- 36-ounce jar with measuring marks
- Shaves ice before it blends
- Dishwasher-safe parts
- 1-year limited warranty
Key specifications
| Model | DM2500 |
|---|---|
| Type | Ice shaver and blender |
| Capacity | 36-ounce blending jar |
| Power | Not stated |
| Programs | 4 presets (daiquiri, margarita, slide, smoothie); auto and manual shave and blend |
| Size | About 9 x 14 x 19 inches |
| Cleaning | Dishwasher-safe parts |
| Warranty | 1-year limited |
Why we recommend it
Choose the Fiji if more than one person in the house will run the machine, or you make several kinds of frozen drink. The presets take the judgment out of the shave-to-blend balance, which helps when a guest is pouring.
Skip it if you only ever make margaritas; the Bahamas does the same job with the same jar size and fewer buttons.
Pros and cons
Pros
- One-touch drink programs
- Measuring marks on the jar
- Smoothie setting for non-alcoholic drinks
- Dishwasher-safe parts
Cons
- Same 36-ounce capacity as the Bahamas
- Wattage not stated in the listing
- About 19 inches tall
3. Margaritaville Tahiti Frozen Concoction Maker – Three Flavors at Once
The Tahiti is a party machine. One large ice reservoir feeds three separate 24-ounce blending jars through a rotating chute, so a single cycle makes 72 ounces of frozen drinks, and each jar can hold a different recipe: a classic lime margarita, a strawberry one and a non-alcoholic version for drivers, all at once.
Margaritaville lists programs for six or more drink types, including margaritas, daiquiris, coladas, mudslides, mojitos and smoothies, and rates the machine at 700 watts of combined blending and shaving power. The build is heavier-duty than the smaller models: the listing describes bamboo and brushed aluminum finishes, polished stainless steel accents and die-cast components.
That build comes with a footprint. The Tahiti measures about 19.3 by 19.5 by 19.5 inches, close to a 20-inch cube, so it suits a bar cart, a covered patio or a large kitchen island better than a crowded counter. It carries a one-year limited warranty.
Why we like it
- Three 24-ounce jars, 72 ounces per cycle
- Different drink in each jar
- 700 watts of combined shaving and blending power
- Programs for six or more drink types
- Die-cast components and stainless steel accents
Key specifications
| Model | DM3000 |
|---|---|
| Type | Ice shaver with three blending jars |
| Capacity | 3 x 24-ounce jars (72 ounces per cycle) |
| Power | 700 watts combined |
| Programs | 6+ drink types, including margarita, daiquiri, colada, mojito, smoothie |
| Size | About 19.3 x 19.5 x 19.5 inches |
| Cleaning | Not stated |
| Warranty | 1-year limited |
Why we recommend it
If you host big gatherings several times a year, three jars per cycle cuts the waiting line at the machine to a third, and offering an alcohol-free jar alongside the margaritas is easy. Nothing else here serves a crowd as quickly with shaved-ice texture.
Skip it if counter space or storage is tight, or you mostly make drinks for two: it is the largest machine on this list, and the listing does not state its weight or which parts are dishwasher safe.
Pros and cons
Pros
- 72 ounces per cycle
- Three recipes at once
- 700 watts of power
- Sturdier build than smaller models
Cons
- Nearly a 20-inch cube
- Weight and cleaning not stated
- More than most households need
4. Ninja SLUSHi Professional Frozen Drink Maker – Slush Without Ice
The Ninja SLUSHi works like the slush machine at a gas station, scaled down for a kitchen counter. You pour the drink into an 88-ounce vessel, choose one of five preset programs, and Ninja’s RapidChill system spins an auger around a cooling cylinder until the liquid freezes into slush. There is no ice, so the margarita tastes the same at the bottom of the glass as at the top.
The trade-off is time and sugar. Ninja says drinks take 15 to 60 minutes depending on the ingredients, the volume and how cold they are to start, and that the recipe must include sugar: sugar-free drinks will not slush on their own, though Ninja lists recommended sugar substitutes. Chill your mix in the fridge first and the wait is shorter. You can set the texture thicker or thinner than the preset.
Once the slush is ready, a quiet WhisperChill compressor holds it frozen for up to 12 hours, according to Ninja (for recipes without dairy), and you pull the handle to fill a glass. The vessel lifts off for cleaning, the lid and drip tray detach, and the listing describes the parts as dishwasher safe. Ninja says the vessel makes seven or more servings.
Gourmet Traveller, reviewing the Australian version of this Professional model, found it quick with frozen cocktails but bulky, at about 43 cm (17 inches) tall, and a little noisy while it churns. It also reports that the Frozen Cocktail setting expects a drink between 2.8 and 16 percent alcohol by volume with at least 4 percent sugar, so check the strength of your recipe against the guide that comes with the machine.
Why we like it
- No ice, so the drink is never watered down
- 88-ounce vessel, seven or more servings
- Keeps slush frozen for up to 12 hours
- Five presets plus thicker or thinner temperature control
- Dishwasher-safe parts with detachable lid and drip tray
Key specifications
| Model | FS301 |
|---|---|
| Type | Compressor slush machine, no ice |
| Capacity | 88-ounce vessel |
| Power | Not stated in the listing |
| Programs | 5 presets; adjustable texture |
| Size | Not stated in the listing (about 43 cm, or 17 inches, tall per Gourmet Traveller) |
| Cleaning | Dishwasher-safe parts; detachable lid and drip tray |
| Warranty | Not stated in the listing |
Why we recommend it
Choose it for long afternoons: a pool party, a game day, a backyard taco night where people drift back for a refill over several hours. Make the batch before guests arrive and it stays at serving texture with no one minding the machine.
Skip it if you want a drink in two minutes, or you prefer low-sugar margaritas: the first batch can take up to an hour, and the recipe needs sugar or one of Ninja’s recommended substitutes to freeze.
Pros and cons
Pros
- No dilution from ice
- Holds slush for hours
- Dispenses straight into the glass
- Dishwasher-safe parts
Cons
- Up to an hour per batch
- Recipe must contain sugar
- Bulky, about 17 inches tall (Gourmet Traveller)
5. Ninja SLUSHi Twist Smart Frozen Drink Maker – Two Slushes Side by Side
The SLUSHi Twist is two slush machines on one base. Each of its two 72-ounce vessels takes up to 48 ounces of liquid, so you can run a lime margarita in one and a fruit agua fresca or soda slush for non-drinkers in the other, or, as the name suggests, pull both handles together for a swirl.
Ninja’s Dual SlushAssist system senses the ingredients in each vessel and adjusts the temperature on its own, so you do not choose a program for each drink. Ninja says it slushes faster than the original SLUSHi and handles higher-alcohol recipes than that model, and it offers 14 temperature settings if you want to change the texture yourself. Ninja rates the pair at ten or more 9-ounce servings.
The base holds a WhisperChill compressor, each vessel has its own auger, and a built-in rinse cycle helps clean the vessels between batches. A three-piece drip tray and two condensation catches deal with the moisture that forms on any frozen drink machine.
Why we like it
- Two separate 72-ounce vessels on one base
- Serve two drinks or twist them together
- Senses ingredients and sets the temperature for each
- 14 temperature control settings
- Built-in rinse cycle
Key specifications
| Model | FS701BL |
|---|---|
| Type | Dual compressor slush machine, no ice |
| Capacity | 2 x 72-ounce vessels (48 ounces max liquid each) |
| Power | Not stated in the listing |
| Programs | Dual SlushAssist auto mode; 14 temperature settings |
| Size | Not stated in the listing |
| Cleaning | Built-in rinse cycle; removable drip tray |
| Warranty | Not stated in the listing |
Why we recommend it
It solves the most common problem with a party slush machine: one vessel means one drink. With two, you can always offer an alcohol-free option next to the margaritas, which is the responsible way to host and keeps children and drivers in the fun.
Skip it if you only ever make one drink at a time, since the single-vessel SLUSHi is simpler and smaller; this is also a recent model, so the listing gives no size or warranty details yet.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Two drinks at once
- Automatic temperature for each vessel
- Faster than the original SLUSHi, per Ninja
- Rinse cycle for cleaning
Cons
- 48-ounce max fill per side
- Size and warranty not in the listing
- Recipes still need sugar to slush
6. Iceman by Chefman Slush-Ease 68-Ounce Slushie Machine – Slim Enough for Small Counters
Iceman, a Chefman brand, makes a narrower alternative to the Ninja. The Slush-Ease is under 7 inches wide and 17.5 inches long, according to the listing, so it can sit at the back of a counter that would not fit a wider machine. Like the Ninja, it freezes the drink itself with no ice, and Iceman markets it as a frozen margarita machine as well as a slushie and frappe maker.
The tank holds 68 ounces, but Iceman recommends filling only to the 48-ounce line so nothing spills while it churns, which works out to six 8-ounce servings. Iceman says you can be sipping in as little as 20 minutes, with the usual conditions: drinks must contain sugar, and freezing time depends on the room temperature and the ingredients. Five touch presets cover soft drinks, juices, wine, beer and cocktails, and a Custom setting lets you choose the temperature and time.
A lever dispenses straight into the glass. For cleaning, a built-in function runs soapy water through the tank, and the tank and auger detach for the sink or the dishwasher. The listing gives the power as 200 watts at 120 volts, notes cETL certification, and mentions a one-year assurance from Iceman.
Why we like it
- Under 7 inches wide
- No ice; ready in as little as 20 minutes, per Iceman
- Five presets plus a Custom setting
- Built-in cleaning cycle; tank and auger are dishwasher safe
- Lever dispenses into the glass
Key specifications
| Model | RJ62-BLACK-AM |
|---|---|
| Type | Compressor slush machine, no ice |
| Capacity | 68-ounce tank, 48-ounce max fill (six 8-ounce servings) |
| Power | 200 W, 120 V |
| Programs | 5 presets plus Custom |
| Size | Under 7 inches wide, 17.5 inches long |
| Cleaning | Built-in clean cycle; tank and auger dishwasher safe |
| Warranty | 1-year assurance from Iceman |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you like the idea of a no-ice slush machine but have a small kitchen, or you usually serve four to six people. It is the most compact way on this list to keep frozen margaritas ready without ice.
Skip it if you host bigger groups: six servings per batch means a second round of waiting once the tank runs low.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Slim footprint
- Faster first batch than many compressor machines, per Iceman
- Self-cleaning cycle
- Custom temperature and time
Cons
- 48-ounce working capacity
- Drinks must contain sugar
- Smaller batches than the Ninja
7. Nostalgia 64-Ounce Margarita Machine – Big Pitcher, Simple Controls
Nostalgia’s margarita machine follows the Margaritaville layout, with an ice chamber over a blending pitcher, at an entry-level position. You fill the chamber with regular-sized ice cubes, add your tequila, mix or fruit to the pitcher, set the pitcher in place and choose Shave, Blend or Shave-Blend from the control panel.
The pitcher holds 64 ounces, nearly twice the jar on the Bahamas, so one round covers more glasses. Nostalgia says the motor shaves ice smooth so no chunks end up in the drink, and the machine is sold for margaritas, daiquiris and slushies alike.
The listing gives less detail than the bigger brands: no wattage, no dimensions and no cleaning instructions, and the warranty is 90 days rather than a year. For a machine that comes out a few times each summer, that may be a fair trade.
Why we like it
- 64-ounce pitcher for bigger rounds
- Shave, Blend and Shave-Blend settings
- Uses ordinary ice cubes
- Simple three-button control panel
Key specifications
| Model | MSB64 |
|---|---|
| Type | Ice shaver and blender |
| Capacity | 64 ounces |
| Power | Not stated |
| Programs | Shave, Blend, Shave-Blend |
| Size | Not stated |
| Cleaning | Not stated |
| Warranty | 90-day limited |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want shaved-ice margaritas for a summer party or two and do not want to spend on a machine that will live in the garage most of the year. The large pitcher is a real advantage at that level.
Skip it if you plan to use it every week: the 90-day warranty is the shortest here, and the listing leaves out the wattage and cleaning details the other makers give.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Large 64-ounce pitcher
- Three simple settings
- Shaves ice for a smoother drink
Cons
- 90-day warranty
- Few specifications published
- Cleaning instructions not in the listing
8. Ninja Professional Plus Blender – Frozen Drinks and Everything Else
Before buying a machine that only makes frozen drinks, ask whether a strong blender would do. Ninja’s Professional Plus has a 1,400-peak-watt motor, more than the 1,000 watts of Ninja’s original Professional blender, and Total Crushing blades that Ninja says turn ice into crushed ice for smoothies and frozen drinks.
Three Auto-iQ programs combine timed pulsing, blending and pauses, and one of them is set for frozen drinks, so you press a button rather than holding the pulse. The 72-ounce pitcher has a 64-ounce maximum liquid line, enough for a full pitcher of margaritas, and the BPA-free pitcher and stacked blade assembly are dishwasher safe on the top rack.
The same blender also purees salsa, blends a smooth horchata base and makes fruit aguas frescas, so it earns its counter space the rest of the year. Ninja covers it with a one-year limited warranty.
Why we like it
- 1,400-peak-watt motor
- Auto-iQ program for frozen drinks
- 72-ounce pitcher, 64-ounce max liquid
- Dishwasher-safe pitcher and blade (top rack)
- Useful for salsas and aguas frescas too
Key specifications
| Model | BN701 |
|---|---|
| Type | High-power blender |
| Capacity | 72-ounce pitcher, 64 ounces max liquid |
| Power | 1,400 peak watts |
| Programs | 3 Auto-iQ presets (smoothies, frozen drinks, ice cream) |
| Size | Not stated |
| Cleaning | Pitcher and blade assembly dishwasher safe, top rack |
| Warranty | 1-year limited |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you make frozen margaritas a few times a year and want an appliance that works every day. A strong motor and a frozen-drink program get much closer to a machine’s texture than an ordinary kitchen blender.
Skip it if texture is everything to you: blended ice still dilutes the drink a little and it is best served straight away, where a shaved-ice machine gives a finer texture and a compressor machine keeps the drink frozen for hours.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Powerful 1,400-peak-watt motor
- Full-pitcher batches
- Useful for much more than drinks
- Dishwasher-safe parts
Cons
- Ice dilutes the drink
- Serve at once; it will not hold
- Not a dedicated frozen drink machine
How to choose a margarita machine for your home
Five questions decide which of these suits you. The brand matters less than how you host.
1. How fast do you need the first drink?
Shave-and-blend machines and blenders make a drink in the time it takes to run one cycle. Compressor machines need 15 minutes to an hour for the first batch, depending on how cold the mix is when it goes in. If guests arrive and want a drink straight away, start a compressor machine well ahead or choose a shave-and-blend model.
2. How many people, and for how long?
A 36-ounce jar makes three or four drinks; a 64- to 72-ounce batch serves six to eight. For an afternoon party where people refill slowly, a compressor machine that holds slush for hours is easier than blending round after round. For a big crowd all at once, the three-jar Tahiti is the fastest.
3. Ice or no ice?
Shave-and-blend machines need plenty of ice: a full bag or two for a party, and a cooler to keep it in. Compressor machines need none, but they need sugar in the recipe to freeze, and both Ninja and Iceman say so plainly. If you prefer a low-sugar margarita, a shaved-ice machine gives you more freedom with the recipe.
4. Counter space and storage
Measure before you buy. The Margaritaville machines stand 18 to 20 inches tall with the ice reservoir on top, which may not fit under wall cabinets. The Tahiti is close to a 20-inch cube. The Iceman is the slimmest at under 7 inches wide. A blender stores in the same cupboard it already lives in.
5. Cleaning
Look for dishwasher-safe jars and parts, or a built-in rinse or clean cycle on compressor machines. Sugar and lime juice turn sticky quickly, so clean any machine on the day you use it.
How we chose these eight machines
We started from what a kitchen asks of a frozen drink machine: consistent texture, enough capacity for the crowd it serves, and parts that are easy to clean after a sticky batch. We then looked only at machines sold on Amazon in the United States and in stock when we checked, and took every specification from the maker’s own Amazon listing (brand, model, capacity, programs, power, dimensions, cleaning and warranty, where given). Where a listing leaves something out, we say “Not stated” rather than guess. We chose eight to cover the three ways of making a frozen margarita, shave-and-blend, compressor slush and high-power blender, at different sizes and budgets, rather than listing near-identical models. We left out machines from sellers with no identifiable brand, models that were low in stock, and a second Margaritaville and a second Ninja slush machine that duplicated picks already here. For how compressor slush machines behave in use, we read published reviews, including Gourmet Traveller’s review of the Ninja SLUSHi. We have not used these machines ourselves; where we describe how a type of machine behaves, the facts come from the makers or the reviewers named.
Getting a good frozen margarita from any machine
The machine does the freezing, but the drink still depends on what goes in.
- Start with a balanced base. A frozen margarita needs a little more sweetness and a little more lime than one on the rocks, because cold dulls flavor. Our guide to the best margarita mix covers ready-made options, and fresh lime from a good lime squeezer makes the biggest difference of all.
- Choose the tequila. A blanco tequila keeps the lime bright; our guide to tequila types explains the differences.
- Chill everything first. Cold ingredients freeze faster in a compressor machine and melt less ice in a shave-and-blend one.
- Follow the maker’s alcohol guidance. Alcohol lowers the freezing point, so too much spirit stops a compressor machine from slushing. Gourmet Traveller reports that the original SLUSHi’s Frozen Cocktail setting expects 2.8 to 16 percent alcohol by volume, and Ninja notes that its newer SLUSHi models handle higher-alcohol recipes; check the recipe guide that comes with your machine.
- Serve in the right glass. A wide, stemmed glass with a salt rim is the classic; our guide to the best margarita glasses covers the options.
A word on pouring. A large frozen margarita can hold more than one drink’s worth of alcohol; the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism defines a US standard drink as 1.5 ounces of 80-proof spirits. Measure the tequila rather than pouring by eye, keep an alcohol-free batch going for drivers and anyone under 21, and put water on the table.
Margarita machine questions, answered
What is the best margarita maker machine for a small kitchen?
The Iceman Slush-Ease is the slimmest machine here at under 7 inches wide. If you want shaved-ice texture instead, the Margaritaville Bahamas is the most compact of the shave-and-blend models at about 14 by 9 by 18 inches.
Is a margarita machine better than a blender?
For texture, yes. A shave-and-blend machine shaves ice into fine snow before blending, and a compressor machine freezes the drink without ice at all, so neither leaves chunks or waters the drink down the way blended ice can. A powerful blender is still the better buy if you will use it for cooking too.
Do slush machines like the Ninja SLUSHi need ice?
No. They freeze the liquid itself with a compressor and a spinning auger. They do need sugar in the recipe, and the first batch can take 15 to 60 minutes, according to Ninja.
Can you make non-alcoholic frozen drinks in a margarita machine?
Yes. Every machine here makes frozen limeade, fruit slushes or smoothies, and the Fiji has a smoothie preset. The two-vessel Ninja SLUSHi Twist and the three-jar Tahiti let you serve an alcohol-free drink alongside the margaritas.
How do you clean a margarita machine?
Empty and rinse it on the day you use it, before the sugar dries. Most jars and parts on this list are dishwasher safe according to their makers; compressor machines also have a rinse or clean cycle. Wipe the base with a damp cloth and never put it in water.
Our final word on frozen margarita machines
Buy the Margaritaville Bahamas if you want shaved-ice frozen margaritas for a few people with the least fuss. Choose the Ninja SLUSHi if you would rather make one batch before guests arrive and let it hold for the afternoon, or the SLUSHi Twist to serve an alcohol-free slush next to it. For a big backyard party, the three-jar Tahiti keeps the line short. And if you would rather not add another appliance, a strong blender such as the Ninja Professional Plus makes a good frozen margarita and plenty else. For the glasses, salt, shakers and tools that go with it, see our guide to margarita accessories.
And if you would rather someone else made the margaritas tonight, see our drinks menu, browse the food menu or call to order.