Chances are, if you've ever used your kitchen blender to mix up a frozen margarita, it just doesn't taste right. The consistency is off, the texture isn't smooth like those frozen drinks at your favorite local bar, and the chunks of ice in your drink serve as an unfortunate reminder that frozen cocktails are a drink best served outside of your house. That's because most blenders only crush the ice, while margarita machines shave the ice before blending all the ingredients together which leads to a smoother consistency.
A small investment in a margarita machine can help solve this texture problem and turn your at-home frozen drink dreams into a reality. They also make an excellent gift for you or a loved one for sipping on a restaurant-quality drink from the comfort of home with the smooth consistency a blender just can't achieve.
The Best Margarita Machines
What to Consider
If you're ready to be a margarita master, there are a few things you need to consider before purchasing or gifting a machine to the margarita lover in your life.
Pitcher Capacity
The first thing to ask yourself is how many people you plan to serve frozen cocktails to. Most machines come with a pitcher capacity ranging from 36-72 ounces, so it's important to choose the right size for your needs. Commercial offerings can hold even more — as much as 6 gallons, but they take up significantly more counter space.
Number of Pitchers
In addition to drink capacity, you should also consider how many pitchers you will need. The more pitchers, the more drink combinations you can make and the more variety you can offer your guests. Having multiple pitchers also allows for a quicker turnaround time between batches. Consider the Margaritaville Tahiti Frozen Concoction Maker if you want to dish out strawberry daiquiri, margaritas, and piña colada simultaneously.
Blending Power
For optimal blending, look for a machine with a powerful motor and multiple sharp blades, as this will ensure that your drinks are smooth and consistent without any annoying chunky ice bits. As you'd expect, the higher the wattage of the motor, the better the blending power will be. A good rule of thumb is to shy away from machines that offer less than 450 watts of power.
How We Chose
Our thoroughly researched picks will allow you to enjoy a refreshing and ice-cold margarita at home whenever a craving for one hits. We scoured the internet reading editorial reviews from bartenders, restaurant owners, mixologists, and consumers like you.
Our picks come in all shapes and sizes to accommodate your countertops and your friend group. They dish out frozen margaritas that are smooth, not chunky. They are reliable, backed by generous warranties, and easy to clean. To accommodate your needs and budget constraints, we made sure to highlight affordable options, consumer margarita makers, and even commercial-grade machines that'll work in a restaurant setting.
So, what are you waiting for? Shop our favorite picks below.