Slush, Slushie & Granita Machines in New Zealand
A slush machine (also called a slushie or granita machine) is a refrigerated dispenser that continuously churns a flavoured liquid mix into a smooth, semi-frozen drink with fine, sippable ice crystals. Majors Group New Zealand supplies, installs and services commercial slush and granita machines New Zealand-wide as the official importer of premium Italian commercial frozen-dessert equipment, backed by genuine spare parts and qualified technicians nationwide so your machine keeps earning.
Whether you run a dairy, takeaway, cafe, cinema, convenience store, theme park or event business, a slush machine is one of the highest-margin additions you can make to a beverage line-up. Below we cover the machine types, output, applications, how to choose, running costs, installation, finance and city-by-city buyer guidance for operators across Aotearoa.
Machines & Equipment
Commercial slush machines are built around insulated bowls (hoppers) over refrigerated cylinders, with augers or paddles that keep the mix moving so it freezes into a slush rather than a solid block. The main configurations are:
- Single-bowl machines — ideal for cafes, small takeaways and pop-up stalls offering one or two flavours.
- Double and triple-bowl machines — the workhorses of dairies, service stations, cinemas and QSR sites, letting you merchandise several flavours side by side at the front of house.
- Granita machines — tuned for a finer, smoother Italian-style granita texture, popular for premium cafe and dessert menus. See our Granisun granita slush machine as an example of the format.
- Frozen drink dispensers — for cocktails, mocktails, frappes and frozen coffee. Browse our frozen drink dispensers alongside our core slushie machines.
Output is typically framed by bowl capacity (litres per bowl) and the number of bowls, which together set how many servings you can hold and replenish during a rush. High-traffic venues favour more bowls and faster freezing recovery; boutique sites prioritise compact footprints and quiet running. Self-contained refrigeration suits most fit-outs, while remote cooling can keep heat away from a tight serving area in busier kitchens.
Ingredients
The drink quality comes from the mix as much as the machine. Slush and granita are made from a flavoured base blended with water to the correct sugar ratio — sugar is what keeps the product slushy rather than freezing solid, so following the recommended dilution matters for both texture and machine performance. You can run ready-to-use syrups and concentrates, neutral bases for natural fruit recipes, or coffee and dairy-based mixes for frozen frappes. Explore our ingredients range to match flavours and bases to your menu and target margin. Ingredient cost per serving is usually low relative to retail price, which is what makes slush such a strong impulse-purchase earner.
Who uses slush and granita machines
Slush machines earn their place in dairies, superettes and convenience stores, service stations, takeaways and fish-and-chip shops, cafes, ice cream parlours, cinemas, bowling alleys, theme parks, holiday parks, sports venues, schools and event caterers. For multi-site operators and franchises, consistency across locations is key — our QSR & chains support helps standardise equipment, training and service across a network.
How to choose the right slush machine
Start with peak demand: estimate your busiest hour, then size bowl capacity and bowl count to hold and refreeze enough product without long waits. Match the number of flavours to your space and merchandising plan — front-of-house glass bowls are proven impulse drivers. Consider counter footprint, power supply, noise, ease of daily cleaning, and whether granita-fine texture or robust high-volume slush is your priority. Finally, factor in reliability and after-sales support: a machine is only profitable while it is running, which is where local parts and technicians become decisive.
Running costs, efficiency and installation
Day-to-day running cost comes down to electricity, ingredient mix and cleaning. Energy use depends on bowl count, ambient temperature and how hard the machine works to maintain texture, so ventilation and not overcrowding the unit help efficiency. Most countertop slush machines plug into a standard outlet, but heavier multi-bowl units and busy installs should have power, clearances and ventilation confirmed before delivery. Majors Group New Zealand handles delivery, installation and commissioning, plus operator training so your team gets the texture and merchandising right from day one. Ongoing, our service and spare parts team keeps you running with genuine parts and qualified technicians nationwide — the backup promise behind every machine we supply.
Finance and pricing
Pricing is POA (price on application) because the right configuration depends on your venue, volume and menu. Equipment finance is available — up to 100% of a new asset’s purchase price — so you can spread the cost and let the machine pay its way from cash flow. Learn more on our finance page, or talk to a specialist about the most cost-effective set-up for your site.
Buying a slush machine across New Zealand
With showrooms and support in Auckland and Christchurch (warehouse at Unit 5, 110 Mays Road, Onehunga, Auckland), Majors Group New Zealand delivers, installs and services slush, slushie and granita machines nationwide — Auckland, Wellington, Hamilton, Tauranga, Christchurch, Dunedin and everywhere in between. As the official New Zealand importer of premium Italian commercial frozen-dessert equipment, including Carpigiani and ISA refrigerated display cabinets, we pair the right machine with reliable local backup so you are never left stranded. Contact us to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a slush machine work?
A slush machine chills a flavoured liquid mix in a refrigerated cylinder while augers or paddles keep it moving, so it freezes into fine ice crystals instead of a solid block. The sugar in the mix keeps the consistency smooth and sippable. For help choosing the right model, call your nearest Majors Group New Zealand specialist on 0508 625 677.
What is the difference between a slush machine and a granita machine?
They use the same churn-and-freeze principle; “granita” generally refers to a finer, smoother Italian-style texture, while “slush” often means a coarser, icier drink. Many machines can produce both depending on the mix and settings. Ask a Majors Group New Zealand specialist which configuration suits your menu — request a quote or call 0508 625 677.
How much does a commercial slush machine cost in New Zealand?
Pricing is POA because it depends on bowl count, capacity and features. Finance of up to 100% of a new asset’s purchase price is available to spread the cost. Contact your nearest Majors Group New Zealand specialist for a tailored quote on 0508 625 677.
Are slush machines profitable for my business?
Slush and granita are popular high-margin impulse drinks, with relatively low ingredient cost per serving versus retail price. Profitability depends on foot traffic, pricing and uptime. Our team can help you size a machine to your peak demand — get in touch via the contact page.
How do you clean and maintain a commercial slush machine?
Daily and periodic cleaning of bowls, seals and components keeps drinks safe and the machine running well, with regular servicing of refrigeration parts. We provide operator guidance and ongoing service and spare parts nationwide using genuine parts and qualified technicians. Call 0508 625 677 to arrange support.
What power supply does a slush machine need?
Most countertop units run on a standard outlet, while larger multi-bowl machines may need confirmed clearances, ventilation and power before install. Majors Group New Zealand checks site requirements and handles installation and commissioning — talk to a specialist on 0508 625 677.
How many flavours and how much output should I choose?
Match bowl count to the number of flavours you want to merchandise, and size capacity to your busiest hour so you do not run dry during a rush. A Majors Group New Zealand specialist can recommend the right single, double or triple-bowl set-up — request a quote today.
Do you supply and service slush machines outside Auckland and Christchurch?
Yes — we sell, deliver, install and service slush, slushie and granita machines New Zealand-wide, including Wellington, Hamilton, Tauranga, Dunedin and regional centres, backed by spare parts and technicians nationwide. Contact us or call 0508 625 677 to reach your nearest specialist.