Dash Slushy & Frozen Drink Maker vs Margaritaville Frozen Concoction Maker

The Margaritaville is the better-built machine: stainless steel body, a shatterproof blending jar, and both automatic and manual dispensing. The Dash is the simpler, smaller countertop unit that makes about 32 oz of slush from ice and salt, and owners say it works when you follow the steps. The catch with the Dash is time and effort: the ice bowl needs hours of chilling, prep runs 15 to 60 minutes, and reviewers call it loud and fussy to clean. Buy the Margaritaville for frozen cocktails and repeat batches; buy the Dash for occasional slushies and kids' drinks.

• Choose the Dash Slushy & Frozen Drink Maker if you want a compact one-button machine for occasional slushies, frosé and kids' drinks and don't mind chilling the bowl hours ahead.
• Choose the Margaritaville Frozen Concoction Maker if you want a sturdier stainless steel machine with a shatterproof jar and automatic dispensing for frozen margaritas and party batches.