Ahh, the frozen margaritas! The perfect combination of sweet and sour flavors, the ultimate summer drink, and a staple in bars and restaurants. And what better way to serve them than with a frozen margarita machine? These machines are designed to make your life easier and provide consistent quality drinks for your customers.
But with so many options, how do you choose the right one for your business? The efficiency, consistency, ease of use, and durability are all factors to consider. After all, investing in the right machine is not just about convenience—it's a strategic decision that can help improve the quality of your service and the success of your business.
That's why we have compiled a list of the top commercial frozen margarita machines for bars and restaurants, including some of FBD's top models. We'll review the best models and help you find the perfect one for your establishment.
The Rise of Frozen Margaritas
Frozen margarita has become one of the most popular drinks in bars and restaurants, especially on hot summer days. There are over a dozen origin stories for this fruity and icy concoction, starting with a bar owner, Carlos "Danny" Herrera. In the 1930's, actress Marjorie King reportedly told Danny she was allergic to all alcohol except tequila, but she didn't like its taste. So Danny combined three parts white tequila, two parts Cointreau, and one part lemon juice, put it in a blender with shaved ice, and created the first frozen margarita.
Another story talks about Mariano Martinez, who opened Mariano's Hacienda restaurant in East Dallas. His margaritas were so good he couldn't keep up with demand, so some drinks were perfect while others were watered down. During a morning visit to a 7-Eleven, he noticed a Slurpee machine that started the idea, and the rest is history.
Whatever the origin story is, we can all agree on one thing – frozen margaritas are delicious and incredibly popular. And with the increase in demand, commercial frozen margarita machines have become a necessity for any establishment serving this crowd-pleasing drink.
Factors to Consider when Choosing a Frozen Margarita Machine
Before we jump to our top frozen margarita machines, let's first list some important factors to consider when choosing one for your business.
- Capacity: How many servings do you need per hour? This will depend on how busy your establishment is and how popular frozen margaritas are among your customers. A larger capacity machine will allow you to serve more drinks in a shorter amount of time.
- Size and Space: Consider the available space in your bar or restaurant. Some machines may be bulkier than others, so make sure to measure the area where you plan to place it.
- Ease of Use and Cleaning: How trained are your staff in operating a frozen margarita machine? How much time are you willing to spend on cleaning and maintenance? Will they know how to get the parts, such as blades and seals, out for cleaning? These are all important questions to ask when choosing a machine. Some models come with easy-to-use controls and are dishwasher safe, making them low-maintenance options.
- Type of Margarita Machine: There are two types of frozen margarita machines – batch and continuous flow. Batch machines can produce a large quantity of drinks simultaneously, while continuous flow machines have a steady stream of margaritas ready to be served. Consider which type suits your business needs better.
- Durability and Warranty: Since this is an investment for your business, it's important to choose a machine that is built to last. Look for models made from high-quality materials and come with a warranty. This way, you can have peace of mind knowing that your machine will last for years and any issues can be easily resolved.
- Brand Reputation: It's always a good idea to do some research on the brand of the frozen margarita machine you are interested in purchasing. Look for reviews from other businesses who have used their machines and see if they have had positive experiences.
- Other Types of Drinks: While frozen margaritas may be your main focus, it's always good to have a versatile machine that can also make different types of frozen drinks, such as daiquiris, slushies, or even smoothies. This allows you to offer a wider variety of drinks to your customers and increase your profits.
- Cost: Last but not least, consider the cost of the machine. While staying within budget is important, remember that investing in a higher quality machine may save you money in the long run by requiring less maintenance and replacement parts. A reliable machine also means less downtime for your business.
Additional factors such as aesthetics, training, and support that the company provides, or even energy efficiency, may also play a role in your decision-making. But this time, we will stay focused on the key factors such as consistency, speed, capacity, and ease of operation.
So, without further ado, let's look at some frozen margarita machines!
Top 5 Commercial Frozen Margarita Machines
FBD 773 FC
The FBD 773 FC makes it easy for bars and restaurants to serve three different types of frozen cocktails at the same time. This is great for places that want to give their customers more choices without slowing down service. Having multiple options is a big plus, especially in spots where trying new drinks is part of the fun.
This machine also meets the high standards for both safety and environmental impact, and it doesn't compromise performance or reliability. It can pump out 1260 oz/hr from each barrel and gets back up to speed in just 4 minutes after refilling. That quick turnaround helps keep the lines short and customers happy.
As for size, the 773 FC stands 34 inches tall, which might change a little depending on which door model you choose, and it's about 20.3 inches wide and 32.5 inches deep. When it's running, it weighs around 393 lbs, so you'll need a good spot for it with at least 3 inches of space around the sides and back for air circulation. It'll also need between 12 to 36 inches of clear space above it, depending on where you install it. The machine runs on a standard 60 Hz, 215 to 245 VAC power supply and connects with a typical three-wire, 30 amp plug.
This model uses smart features to keep drink quality consistent. It uses premixed syrup, which helps ensure that each drink has just the right amount of alcohol, and an advanced carbonation system that ensures every drink is perfectly mixed and tasty. So, if your place gets busy and you want to keep offering a variety of cool, quality drinks without the hassle, the FBD 773 FC is a solid choice.
Taylor 0432 Frozen Uncarbonated Beverage Freezer
The Taylor 0432 Frozen Uncarbonated Beverage Freezer is a versatile and medium-capacity option for bars and restaurants that can easily fit into your existing menu.
Key features include indicator lights that alert the operator when it's time to add mix or if the mix is out, automatically shutting down the unit to prevent damage. The machine is designed for simple operation, making it user-friendly even for staff with minimal training.
The Taylor 0432 has two freezing cylinders, each with a capacity of 4 quarts (3.8 liters), and two hoppers, each holding 12 quarts (11.4 liters). It uses a gravity mix delivery system and viscosity refrigeration control to ensure consistent quality. With dimensions of 19-1/16 inches (484mm) wide, 27-1/2 inches (699mm) deep, and 36-5/8 inches (930mm) high, it fits comfortably on countertops. Weighing 305 lbs (138.3 kg), it is a robust yet manageable addition to any bar or restaurant setup.
BUNN Ultra-2 PAF Powdered Autofill
The BUNN Ultra-2 PAF Powdered Autofill Frozen Beverage Dispenser is another good choice for bars and restaurants seeking to diversify their drink offers with high-quality frozen beverages. With its dual hopper system, each holding 2 gallons (7.57 liters), the Ultra-2 PAF ensures a continuous supply of beverages to meet peak demand.
This machine features a patented torque sensing technology and reversing auger, which consistently delivers drinks with excellent flavor. The R452A refrigerant reduces environmental impact by lowering Global Warming Potential (GWP), making it an eco-friendly choice. Additionally, the LED lighted merchandisers in the hopper lids increase visibility, enhancing front-of-house appeal.
The Ultra-2 PAF’s powdered auto-fill system reduces labor and ensures products are always ready to serve. With dimensions of 41.8 inches (H), 16.0 inches (W), and 27.5 inches (D), this machine is built for countertop installation and meets NSF 18 and NSF 6 (Dairy) sanitation standards.
Elmeco First Class 2
The Elmeco First Class 2 is another popular commercial frozen beverage machine, ideal for bars and restaurants with a high-volume frozen drink production. This model features two 3.2-gallon (12 liters) hoppers, allowing for the simultaneous production of two different flavors. The patented "Total Cold System" ensures that cooling starts at the bottom, guaranteeing the product is perfectly chilled. This system prevents ice buildup and ensures a smooth, creamy texture in every drink.
The Elmeco First Class 2 is quick to disassemble and clean, with no seals to worry about, reducing downtime and labor costs. With dimensions of 31 inches (H), 16 inches (W), and 22 inches (D), the Elmeco First Class 2 fits comfortably on most countertops. It weighs 114 lbs (52 kg) and has a capacity of 6.4 gallons (24 liters).
FBD 772 FC Multi-flavor
Expanding on the flexibility of the 771 model, the FBD 772 FC Multi-flavor increases options further, allowing for two base flavors and eight flavor shots. This configuration can deliver up to 32 drink combinations, making it an excellent choice for venues that aim to provide personalized beverage experiences to their customers.
FBD 772 FC employs a Bag-in-Box system, which simplifies daily operations by eliminating the need for routine setup and breakdown. This system ensures a clean and efficient operation, allowing staff to focus more on customer service rather than maintenance. The dispenser's design is space-efficient and robust, with a height of 34 inches and a width of 17 inches, fitting comfortably in most service areas. It requires minimal back and side clearances and offers flexibility in installation height, accommodating different venue layouts.
The system is designed to handle both non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages up to 14% ABV, making it versatile for a variety of settings, from casual dining to upscale bars. Overall, the FBD 772 FC Multi-flavor is an ideal solution for venues looking to expand their drink menu with a wide range of flavorful, high-quality frozen cocktails, all delivered with ease and efficiency.
Conclusion
As the frozen beverage industry evolves, more venues are discovering the benefits of upgrading to high-performance frozen margarita machines. The FBD models, capable of delivering multiple flavor options and maintaining consistent quality, are leading the way in this market. Machines like the Taylor 430 and Margarita Madness MM-2 also offer excellent performance and reliability, making them worthy considerations.
With their user-friendly features, space-efficient design, and versatility in handling different types of beverages, these machines offer an excellent investment for any business looking to enhance its drink menu and overall customer experience. So don't get left behind in the frozen beverage trend – contact us today to learn more about our products or to schedule a demonstration. Let FBD help you make a strategic investment to delight your customers and enhance your bottom line.
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