Ninja launches dual Slushi Twist for summer drinks

At a glance:

• Ninja's new Slushi Twist is a two-in-one slushie maker that can create two different frozen drinks simultaneously
• The appliance measures 17.48 x 11.93 x 16.26 inches, weighs 34 pounds, and costs $400
• Each side can hold 48 ounces of liquid and produce 72 ounces of frozen drinks, with features like dual slush assist, extra icy option, and rinse function

What's new with the Ninja Slushi Twist

The Ninja Slushi Twist stands out primarily for its size and dual functionality. Measuring 17.48 x 11.93 x 16.26 inches, this new appliance is nearly as large as commercial slushy machines found behind bars, capable of holding strawberry daiquiris and piña coladas. Both sides of the machine can independently make 72 ounces of slushies, frappes, or any frozen beverage, making it a substantial addition to any kitchen. At 34 pounds before adding any liquid, it's not a lightweight appliance, but its capacity makes it ideal for gatherings and large families.

Jersey Shore star Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi has given her stamp of approval to the new machine, collaborating with fellow Shore star Jenni "Jwoww" Farley to create exclusive recipes. Polizzi expressed excitement about using the Slushi Twist at her Shore house with family, envisioning one side for regular lemonade and the other for vodka lemonade, noting they would need to label them appropriately. This celebrity endorsement adds a fun, relatable element to the product's summer appeal.

How the Ninja Slushi Twist works

The Ninja Slushi Twist operates with dual chambers that freeze liquid while continuously mixing it. Each side can hold 48 ounces of liquid and can produce up to 72 ounces of frozen drinks, as the liquid expands during the freezing process. Users can create their own recipes or follow those provided by Ninja, but the mixture must contain dairy, sugar, or alcohol to ensure proper freezing. Unlike a blender, this machine isn't designed to handle chunks of fruit or other solid ingredients.

When the "Dual Slush Assist" button is pressed, both sides begin mixing simultaneously, with the plastic containers cooling to the touch almost immediately. For single-sided use, the machine can operate with just one side active. Each side features identical controls: slush assist (to start the machine), extra icy (for thicker consistency), and a rinse button to simplify cleanup. Even after the drinks are frozen and ready, it's recommended to keep the dual assist engaged until the mixture is completely dispensed.

Performance and user experience

During testing, creating a cherry slush on one side and an orange-flavored slush on the other took approximately 40 minutes to reach proper slush consistency. For a thicker texture, the extra icy option added about 20 more minutes to the process. This timing suggests that for parties or gatherings, users should plan to start the machine roughly an hour before they want the drinks ready for guests. The machine's performance was consistent across different flavors, though exact times may vary based on recipe ingredients and initial liquid temperatures.

Cleaning the Slushi Twist is relatively straightforward despite its size. After the mixture is completely dispensed, users add water to both sides and activate the rinse function before removing the chambers to empty any remaining mixture. This rinse feature simplifies what could otherwise be a challenging cleanup process for such a large appliance. The author noted that for being such a substantial machine, the cleaning process was fairly manageable thanks to this thoughtful design element.

Who should buy the Ninja Slushi Twist

According to Polizzi, the Slushi Twist is suitable for everyone, as "you could basically try anything, and I think it would taste good." She even suggested experimenting with rosé in the machine during the testing session. This versatility makes the appliance appealing to a wide range of consumers, particularly those who enjoy hosting gatherings or have large families that frequently consume frozen beverages.

For smaller households or those with limited kitchen space, the original Ninja Slushi machine might be a more practical option. It's half the size of the Twist, $140 cheaper, and can still make slushies—though only one flavor at a time. The Slushi Twist retails for $400 and is currently available at Best Buy, positioning it as a premium appliance for serious frozen drink enthusiasts. Those who frequently entertain or have multiple family members with different flavor preferences would likely find the dual functionality worth the investment.