I tried the new Ninja SLUSHi to see if it lives up to the hype (and price)

With a 50,000 person waitlist, you bet we couldn't wait to get those frozen margaritas on! Here's how it went...

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When an item has a 50,000 person waitlist, you can bet the hype is going to be huge when it finally hits stores.

Yes, I'm talking about the viral (way before its Aussie release!) Ninja SLUSHi Frozen Drink Maker.

Whispers of the frozen drinks appliance release began last year, shortly after big sister, the Ninja Creami Ice Cream Maker, flooded our socials with delicious frozen treats and healthy protein-rich alternatives. 

It sold out countless times in the USA and UK before even reaching Aussie shores, and it was finally our turn last month. 

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Juice slushies for an after-school treat. Image: Leah Goulis / Kidspot

What's so good about the Ninja SLUSHi? 

OK, if you really need to read the answer to this question, I am going to assume you don't have kids. Or like frozen alcoholic beverages.

You can make slushies... AT HOME!!

I get it, you want more proof than that.

This must-have appliance allows you to make frozen drinks of any kind - alcoholic or not - at any time. No ice, no blending.

The design mimics the slushie machines we see today at the local petrol station offering up frozen drinks, so the novelty is definitely real with the simple pull leaver that spits out the frozen drink effortlessly. 

RELATED: Strawberry and peach frozen mojito recipe 

How does it work? 

The SLUSHi machine comes with five preset programs - Slush, Spiked Slush, Frappé, Milkshake and Frozen Juice. 

The 2.6 litre tank works quickly, mixing up frozen drinks with RapidChill Technology as quickly as 15 minutes for regular soda or juice and 30 minutes for alcoholic drinks. Simply fill, select and wait. It's that easy.

Once your drink of choice is ready, it can stay frozen for up to 12 hours.

How much does it make? 

You can really make as much, or as little, as you want. 

Simply fill the tank to the minimal requirement of 470ml or all the way to the max of 1890ml. 

All the way will give you around 8-10 medium servings. 

RELATED: Passionfruit and peach spritz cocktail recipe

How much is it? 

The Ninja SLUSHi retails at $499.99 and is available in stores now, if you're lucky enough to nab one. 

So, is it worth the money (and wait)?

I personally loved the no-prep aspect of the SLUSHi. You literally pour in the beverage of your choice and select the mode. No fancy mixing required, complicated instructions or elaborate recipes to follow. 

Of course, if you want something a little more fancy you CAN follow a recipe, but there's no need. 

After I set up the machine, I knew the kids would want something to enjoy quick-smart. I poured in a bottle of tropical juice, clicked the "Frozen Juice" button and off it went. In just 15 minutes, they were slurping away raving about how this appliance was well worth the wait. 

Speaking of wait, and possibly my only gripe, was that I then had to wait for everyone to drink the juice to make my own frozen drink. And by "my own", I mean alcoholic cocktails!

All out of patience and stocked up with my best strawberry margarita mix, it was finally my turn. And just like the kids said, it was worth the wait. 

I turned to the best person I know when it comes to food and drinks - and anything that makes food and drinks - Kidspot Kitchen editor, Liz, for her own verdict after also getting her hands on the appliance. 

I wasn't alone in thinking the machine was definitely living up to the hype. 

"I owned a slushie machine years ago and it was one where you had to add the rock salt - it was a whole thing and the end result was crappy," she confessed.

"This machine does exactly what it says. Makes a fantastic slushie. It's super easy to operate, the parts are dishwasher-safe and it's so quiet. My favourite part was that you can adjust the 'thickness' of your drink from drinking with a straw to enjoying with a spoon. Such a great feature!

"I definitely think if you love a frozen drink, chilled alcoholic beverage or even a great frappe, this machine is worth the money."

Agreed. Oh, and any appliance that includes a self-clean / rinse cycle also gets a tick in my book!

How can I get one? 

When it was released in February, Ninja warned customers of a long wait list.

There's still talk of customers waiting for stock, so you are encouraged to be patient while more items arrive in the country.

With Autumn here, you might not get yours before the cooler weather arrives, but next summer's frozen margs will taste SO SO good. Cheers!

Originally published as I tried the new Ninja SLUSHi to see if it lives up to the hype (and price)