Margarita machines are designed to shave ice, then blend it with other ingredients. They are equipped with strong electric motors, steel blades, blending containers, ice storage tanks, and ice melt reservoirs. Margarita machines come with several pitches that allow preparing multiple beverages and are capable of operating for hours.
Best margarita machines brands are Margaritaville, Nostalgia, Ninja, Blendtec, Hamilton, and other brands. Each brand’s pros and cons are analyzed in the following guide.
To find the best margarita machine, it is important to analyze factors such as container type, ice handling, mixing power, and additional features and add-ons (margarita flowing faucets, jar multi slots, and variable motor speeds). This margarita machine buying guide elaborates on these factors.
The best margarita machines are listed below:
- Margaritaville Bali Frozen Concoction Maker, DM3500
- Margaritaville Tahiti Frozen Concoction Maker, DM3000
- Nostalgia MSB1AQ Margarita & Slush Machine
- Ninja 400-Watt Blender for Frozen Blending
- Margaritaville DM0500 Bahamas
- Blendtec Total Classic Original Blender with FourSide Jar
- Margaritaville Mixed Drink Maker
- Hamilton Beach Wavestation Express Dispensing Smoothie Blender
Best Margarita Machines Comparison Chart
| PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 | Margaritaville Bali Frozen Concoction Maker, DM3500 |
| View On Amazon |
 | Margaritaville Tahiti Frozen Concoction Maker, DM3000 |
| View On Amazon |
 | Nostalgia MSB1AQ Margarita & Slush Machine |
| View On Amazon |
 | Ninja 400-Watt Blender for Frozen Blending |
| View On Amazon |
 | Margaritaville DM0500 Bahamas |
| View On Amazon |
 | Blendtec Total Classic Original Blender with FourSide Jar |
| View On Amazon |
 | Margaritaville Mixed Drink Maker |
| View On Amazon |
 | Hamilton Beach Wavestation Express Dispensing Smoothie Blender |
| View On Amazon |
Best Margarita Machine Reviews (Updated List)
1. Margaritaville Bali Frozen Concoction Maker, DM3500
Margaritaville is an established brand in the margarita-making industry. The Bali frozen concoction maker is designed as a multi-functional unit for producing 4 types of drinks – margaritas, smoothies, daiquiris, and Coladas.
The Margaritaville Bali frozen concoction maker can be programmed to mix either full or half-chamber batch sizes. This unit has manual and shave controls that provide the utmost control over the texture of the ice. It is equipped with an on-demand self-dispensing lever that allows dispensing the ice directly into the glass.
The Margaritaville Bali frozen concoction maker is priced at around $275.
Margaritaville provides a 1-year limited warranty on the Bali frozen concoction maker. An additional warranty can be bought for this unit as well.
The Margaritaville Bali frozen concoction maker’s housing is made of premium quality brushed metal and stainless steel. The rest of the body is made of durable plastic.
The Margaritaville Bali frozen concoction maker’s interior can be cleaned with soapy water. The unit is easy to assemble and disassemble when it needs more throughout cleaning. To clean the machine fully, warm water should be run through the whole system.
The Margaritaville Bali frozen concoction maker has a large reservoir that can hold up to 60 oz. of ice and liquid.
The advantages of Margaritaville Bali frozen concoction margarita machine are as follows:
- The Margaritaville Bali frozen concoction maker’s self-dispensing system makes it easy to use the machine and pour drinks.
- The Margaritaville Bali frozen concoction maker is equipped with 4 modes for different types of beverages and 2 blend controls.
- The Margaritaville Bali frozen concoction maker can produce 60oz. of shaved ice and liquid per one batch, which is enough for 6-8 people.
The disadvantages of Margaritaville Bali frozen concoction margarita machine are as follows:
- The Margaritaville Bali frozen concoction maker uses 650watts and it is not energy-efficient.
2. Margaritaville Tahiti Frozen Concoction Maker, DM3000
The Margaritaville Tahiti frozen concoction maker is an ice maker and drink blender in one unit. It is most suitable for gatherings, parties, and similar settings where different types of drinks are served.
The Margaritaville Tahiti frozen concoction maker has 6 settings for making different drinks – margaritas, daiquiris, mojitos, smoothies, mudslides, and Coladas. It has three independent blending stations that make it possible to blend 3 types of drinks at once. It is possible to pre-program the unit or individual stations to either shave ice, blend drinks, or do both.
The price of Margaritaville Tahiti frozen concoction maker is around $520.
Margaritaville provides a 1-year limited warranty on the Margaritaville Tahiti frozen concoction maker.
The Margaritaville Tahiti frozen concoction maker has a durable construction made of bamboo wood, polished stainless steel, brushed aluminum, and heavy-duty die-cast.
The Margaritaville Tahiti frozen concoction maker can be easily disassembled to be cleaned with white vinegar and water. The blending stations can be removed and cleaned individually. The rotating ice chute increases the attractiveness of the unit.
The Margaritaville Tahiti frozen concoction maker’s blending jars can hold up to 72oz of frozen drinks. The ice reservoir can hold up the amount of ice needed to make 144oz of liquid per cycle.
The advantages of Margaritaville Tahiti frozen concoction maker are as follows:
- The Margaritaville Tahiti frozen concoction maker has 3 pitchers, 6 drink and 2 blend settings and it is very versatile.
- The Margaritaville Tahiti frozen concoction maker is equipped with an automatic dispenser and pours liquid directly into the glass without spilling any of it.
- The bamboo wood, aluminum, and stainless steel construction with very few plastic parts ensures maximum durability of the Margaritaville Tahiti frozen concoction maker.
The disadvantages of Margaritaville Tahiti frozen concoction maker are as follows:
- The Margaritaville Tahiti frozen concoction maker uses 700watts when shaving ice and blending drinks and it is not energy-efficient.
3. Nostalgia MSB1AQ Margarita & Slush Machine
The Nostalgia MSB1AQ margarita machine is a compact and portable unit ideal for making drinks for large gatherings and parties. It can be used to make margaritas, daiquiris, and slush drinks.
The Nostalgia MSB1AQ margarita machine is equipped with a powerful motor that shaves ice and blends drinks within seconds. The easy-flow spout makes pouring drinks right into the glass more convenient. The double-wall insulation makes drinks cool for hours.
The price of the Nostalgia MSB1AQ margarita machine is around $200.
Nostalgia provides a 3-month warranty for the MSB1AQ margarita machine.
The Nostalgia MSB1AQ margarita machine has a stainless steel blending cage. The rest of the unit’s body is made of durable plastic. The ice is added through the clear window in the lid.
The Nostalgia MSB1AQ margarita machine’s see-through chamber makes it possible to notice slush pile-ups from any angle. The chamber is detachable and simple to clean.
The Nostalgia MSB1AQ margarita machine is capable of making 1-gallon of beverage per batch.
The advantages of Nostalgia MSB1AQ margarita machine are as follows:
- The 360-degree view of the chamber makes it easy to spot when the Nostalgia MSB1AQ margarita machine should be cleaned.
- The carrying handle of the Nostalgia MSB1AQ margarita machine makes this unit easy to move.
- The Nostalgia MSB1AQ margarita machine has a large 1-gallon capacity and keeps beverages cool for hours thanks to the double-wall insulation.
The disadvantages of Nostalgia MSB1AQ margarita machine are as follows:
- The Nostalgia MSB1AQ margarita machine generates a lot of noise while working.
- Some of the ice cubes may pass the Nostalgia MSB1AQ margarita machine’s blades and get dispensed in the glass.
4. Ninja 400-Watt Blender for Frozen Blending
The Ninja 400-Watt blender for frozen blending can be used for preparing margaritas and other ice-based drinks. This unit is capable of chopping and blending ice and other frozen ingredients.
The Ninja 400-Watt blender features a one-touch pulse operation, which makes it easy and safe to use. It is equipped with an anti-slip base, an anti-spill splash guard, and an easy-lip pour spout. The interchangeable motorhead of this unit makes it suitable for making appetizers, drinks, and preparing recipes.
The price of the Ninja 400-Watt blender is around $35.
Ninja Store provides a 1-year limited warranty on the 400-Watt blender for frozen blending.
The Ninja 400-Watt blender is mostly made of plastic while the blades are made of stainless steel.
The Ninja 400-Watt blender is dishwasher-safe and takes minutes to be cleaned.
The Ninja 400-Watt blender comes with a pitcher that can hold up to 48oz of liquid, a 2-cup bowl, and a storage lid.
The advantages of the Ninja 400-Watt blender are as follows:
- The Ninja 400-Watt blender can crush and shave ice and blend it with other frozen ingredients.
- The pulse operation of the Ninja 400-Watt blender allows controlling the blending speed.
- The Ninja 400-Watt blender is easy to clean and all of its parts can be washed in the dishwasher.
The disadvantages of the Ninja 400-Watt blender are as follows:
- The Ninja 400-Watt blender has a modest capacity and it is not meant for making margaritas for parties or gatherings.
5. Margaritaville DM0500 Bahamas
The Margaritaville DM0500 Bahamas margarita machine is a customizable unit capable of making other ice-based drinks as well. It comes packed with a blending jar and a mixer.
The Margaritaville DM0500 Bahamas margarita machine is capable of shaving ice and blending it with other ingredients. The unit can be programmed to produce a full pitcher of margaritas or used manually.
The price of the Margaritaville DM0500 Bahamas margarita machine is around $230.
Margaritaville provides a 1-year limited warranty on the DM0500 Bahamas margarita machine.
The Margaritaville DM0500 Bahamas margarita machine is mostly made of plastic and has some stainless steel elements. The jar is made of durable plastic and it is shutter-proof.
Most of the Margaritaville DM0500 Bahamas margarita machine parts are dishwasher-safe. The rest of the parts can be easily cleaned with wipes.
The Margaritaville DM0500 Bahamas margarita machine blending jar can hold up to 36oz of liquid. The ice reservoir is large enough to accommodate dozens of ice cubes. The ice that doesn’t get used up gets channeled into a rear reservoir to prevent watering drinks down.
The advantages of Margaritaville DM0500 Bahamas margarita machine are as follows:
- The Margaritaville DM0500 Bahamas margarita machine is equipped with dual motors and “blend” and “shave” modes.
- The Margaritaville DM0500 Bahamas margarita machine’s most parts are easy to clean and dishwasher-safe.
- The Margaritaville DM0500 Bahamas margarita machine channels melting ice into a rear reservoir so it doesn’t dilute margaritas.
The disadvantages of Margaritaville DM0500 Bahamas margarita machine are as follows:
- The Margaritaville DM0500 Bahamas margarita machine is specifically made for margaritas and can’t be used for making other drinks such as daiquiris or Pina Coladas.
6. Blendtec Total Classic Original Blender with FourSide Jar
Restaurants such as Checkers, smoothie shops such as Plant Smoothies, and coffee shops/houses such as Dunkin’ Donuts use this Blendtec Total Classic Original blender to make cocktails – margaritas and daiquiris, smoothies, shakes, ice creams, and more.
The Blendtec Total Classic Original blender is equipped with a powerful, commercial-grade 1,570watt motor, 10 manual speed controls, a pulse button, and 6 pre-programmed blending cycles. The LCD timer displays the time needed for blending the ingredients – ice, frozen fruits, nuts, etc.
The Blendtec Total Classic Original blender is priced at around $600. When discounted, this unit can be bought at $270.
Blendtec provides a 2-year warranty on this Total Classic Original blender.
The Blendtec Total Classic Original blender comes with a thick stainless steel wingtip blade that contributes to a better blending of the ingredients. The jar is made of BPA-free plastic.
The Blendtec Total Classic Original blender takes less than 1 minute to be cleaned. It is equipped with a self-cleaning function. Once some soap and water are added to the jar and any of the buttons are pressed, the unit will automatically start the cleaning cycle.
The Blendtec Total Classic Original blender’s jar has 32oz blending capacity and 75oz volume, which is the amount enough for 5-9 persons.
The advantages of Blendtec Total Classic Original blender are as follows:
- The Blendtec Total Classic Original blender’s motor and thoughtfully designed jar direct all the ingredients towards the blade, which increases the unit’s blending power.
- The pre-programmed blending cycles of the Blendtec Total Classic Original blender simplify the use of the unit.
- The Blendtec Total Classic Original blender’s stainless steel dull blade can easily pulverize and blend even the thickest ingredients.
The disadvantages of Blendtec Total Classic Original blender are as follows:
- To achieve the perfect drink consistency with the Blendtec Total Classic Original blender, sometimes it is needed to run the same cycle twice.
7. Margaritaville Mixed Drink Maker
The Margaritaville mixed drink maker is a perfect unit for parties, bars, and large gatherings. It has a computerized system for drink mixing with 48 drink presets. It can be used for making a margarita, rum punch, pink lemonade, tequila bite, and more cocktails and shots.
Once the liquor is chosen and the mixer is selected, the Margaritaville mixed drink maker starts making the drink. The unit’s automated interface allows choosing the drink potency as well, from normal, strong, to shot. Pressing the “I feel lucky” button will make the machine dispense a random drink.
The Margaritaville mixed drink maker is priced at around $1,200.
Margaritaville provides a 1-year limited warranty for this mixed drink maker.
The Margaritaville mixed drink maker’s body is made of plastic, while the blades are made of durable stainless steel.
The Margaritaville mixed drink maker should be disassembled to be cleaned. Most of the machine’s parts are dishwasher-safe. Tanks can be rinsed with warm water and soap.
The Margaritaville mixed drink maker comes with 4 54oz liquid tanks and dispenses 8oz drinks.
The advantages of Margaritaville mixed drink maker are as follows:
- The Margaritaville mixed drink maker is capable of making 48 rum, vodka, and tequila-based drinks – cocktails and shots.
- The Margaritaville mixed drink maker allows setting the drink strength. Pressing the drink strength button twice makes a double stronger pour.
- The Margaritaville mixed drink maker serves perfectly proportioned, 8oz. cocktails and produces new ones fast.
The disadvantages of Margaritaville mixed drink maker are as follows:
- Cleaning the Margaritaville mixed drink maker is complicated and takes 10 minutes at least.
8. Hamilton Beach Wavestation Express Dispensing Smoothie Blender
The Hamilton Beach Wavestation Express dispensing blender is designed for making cocktails such as margaritas, milkshakes, smoothies, and even pureed soups. It is great to use every day or for parties.
The Hamilton Beach Wavestation Express dispensing blender’s revolutionary WaveAction system pushes the ingredients as close to the blades as possible. This contributes to better blending and results in a better texture of the drink. This unit is equipped with a 500watt motor that gives it enough power to cut through ice and other frozen ingredients. The machine has 4 speeds and a pulse function that provide control over the blending process.
The Hamilton Beach Wavestation Express dispensing blender is priced at around $37.
Hamilton Beach provides a limited 3-year warranty on the parts.
The Hamilton Beach Wavestation Express dispensing blender is made of tough, break-resistant plastic. The ice-crushing blades are made of stainless steel.
Most of the Hamilton Beach Wavestation Express dispensing blender’s parts are dishwasher-safe, which makes the unit easy to clean.
The Hamilton Beach Wavestation Express dispensing blender has a 48oz capacity.
The advantages of Hamilton Beach Wavestation Express dispensing blender are as follows:
- The Hamilton Beach Wavestation Express dispensing blender’s WaveAction system cuts through chunks of ice and fruit and blends them perfectly.
- The Hamilton Beach Wavestation Express dispensing blender comes with a tough, thick, and break-resistant jar.
- The Hamilton Beach Wavestation Express dispensing blender comes with a convenient spout cap that prevents spills.
The disadvantages of Hamilton Beach Wavestation Express dispensing blender are as follows:
- The Hamilton Beach Wavestation Express dispensing blender is pretty lightweight and should be held while blending tough ingredients for the added stability.
What Is a Margarita Machine and Do You Need One?
A margarita machine resembles a large blender, yet it comes with additional parts on the top and the side. A margarita machine is needed for producing cocktails for 8 to 10 hours and for pool parties and other social gatherings.
The difference between a margarita machine and a blender is in the way they operate and the margarita machine’s ability to work for extended hours and to handle heavier loads. Margarita machines are dispensing devices with several chambers engineered to make concoctions by mixing and steering the ingredients and shaving or crushing the ice. In this guide, the best blenders for crushing ice are reviewed.
How Do Margarita Machines Work?
Margarita machines work by chopping and mixing ingredients with blades in the container where drinks can be stored, depending on the size of the jar. Margarita machines take ice from the ice dispensing chamber and shave, crush, or smush the ice before it is released into the container with other ingredients.
1. Jars, Pitchers and Bowls
The container or jar is the most important part of any margarita maker since all ingredients are mixed in it. Mixing blades that chop and mix the cocktail ingredients are placed on the bottom of the container and are powered by an electric motor.
The shape of the jar dictates the way margaritas are served when the mixing process is completed. Some jars have dented ends and others have dosage faucets or small taps that make pouring convenient. The larger the jar, the more margaritas a margarita machine can store.
2. Ice dispensing
Margarita machines have ice chambers detached on top where ice is shaved, crushed, or smushed, depending on the program chosen. Once the ice is processed in the ice dispensing chamber, it is transferred to the container and mixed with other ingredients. Some margarita machines have thermo-isolated ice chambers that allow the ice to last longer so it can be used for making multiple batches of margarita.
3. A Control Module
A control module of the margarita machine allows choosing the speed of the mixing blades, when the ice is transferred to the container, and the concoction type. Some margarita machines have control modules with timers and automated programs that can make drinks in several stages.
4. A Solid Base
The best margarita machines have solid bases that keep them still while the blades are crushing ice and vibrating. Some margarita machines have bases with slots for pitchers and glasses or multiple holders.
Margarita Machine Buying Guide
When buying a margarita machine, factors such as container type, ice handling, mixing power, additional features and add-ons should be considered, all of which are listed below.
1. Container Type
Margarita machines come with one out of three container type – jars, pitchers and bowls, and each type is explained down below.
1.1 Jar
A jar is the most common margarita machine container that has capacity of 30 to 140 oz, mostly around 60oz. Jars are easy to clean because of their shape and most of them can be washed in the dishwasher.
1.2 Pitcher
Margarita machines that have a pitcher as a container are usually smaller in size and are made to serve 2-4 people from a single batch. Pitchers are harder to wash and clean, due to the handle and the curved glass.
1.3 Bowl
Some margarita machines have large bowl containers that can store large quantities of liquid. Bowl containers are harder to maintain but are most suitable for commercial purposes and parties.
2. Ice Handling
Margarita machines have ice containers on top that hold ice and act like large funnels through which the ice travels. A margarita machine with an ice container is capable of making ground, crushed, and shaved ice and it is an alternative to the best-fitting ice machines.
- Shaved ice
Shaved ice is the most popular ice shape among margarita enthusiasts that, if mixed with the ingredients, can make the most homogenized concoctions. Some margarita machines can make crushed ice while there are specifically designed shaved ice machines as well.
- Crushed/Nugget ice
Crushed or nugget ice makes margaritas cool for longer and rougher to consume. Large capacity margarita machines are programmed to make nugget or sonic ice – same as the best sonic ice makers.
- Ground ice
Ground ice is used for making margaritas and other types of drinks, which makes it more versatile compared to shaved and crushed ice. Ground ice is prepared before it is put in the icebox of the margarita machine and it stays cool for a short period.
3. Mixing Power
Margarita machines rely on the durable and sharp blades at the bottom of the container designed to handle ice with juice and tequila at a constant rate. Margarita machines are equipped with motors that have power between 150 and 2,100 Watts so they can endure long mixing sessions.
4. Additional Features and Add-ons
Margarita machines can have additional features and add-ons such as on/off modules, margarita-flowing faucets, jar multi slots, and variable motor speeds.
4.1 A Margarita-flowing faucet
Margarita machines can have a tap or a faucet designed to make mixing and serving large batches of margaritas easier.
4.2 Jar multi slots
Larger margarita machines can produce multiple batches of cocktails at the same time, making it possible to make drinks of different strengths and sweetness and mix two or more dinks.
4.3 Variable motor speeds
Some margarita machines have motors that have up to eight speed settings that increase the machine’s versatility.
FAQ About Margarita Machines
1. Are margarita machines dishwasher friendly?
Some margarita machines are dishwasher friendly because they have detachable containers that can be washed in the washing machine. Parts of the margarita machine that are not made of glass and plastic are not dishwasher friendly and should be cleaned using a wet cloth. Not following the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions results in the margarita machine failure that can be fixed using this method.
2. Can I use my margarita machine to make other cold drinks?
Yes, margarita machines can be used for making other cold drinks including smoothies and slushies while being careful not to use fibrous food or large pieces of fruit that can clog the machine. To make cold drinks with a margarita machine, it is recommended to use a model with a motor of 500 or more Watts so that the machine is powerful enough to mix the ingredients.
3. What do I do if the ice melts in the ice dispensing box?
If the ice is melting in the margarita machine’s ice dispensing box and leaves cold water in the tray, the ice should be replaced or cold water should be used for making the cocktail. The margarita machine’s power should be lowered if the ice has melted since there won’t be the need to crush the ice, which will protect the machine’s motor.
4. How is a margarita machine different from a blender?
A margarita machine is an ice shaver and a blender in one machine, which results in a smoother drink consistency, unlike a blender that only mixes ingredients while leaving some of the ingredients chunky.
5. How many drinks can a margarita machine make?
A standard margarita machine can make around 80 drink servings. Lower-capacity margarita machines can make up to 45 drinks while the largest machines can produce up to 800 drinks.
6. How long does it take for a margarita machine to make drinks?
Some margarita machines can produce a full batch of drinks within 30 to 45 minutes, while others take two or more hours.
