Ninja SLUSHi FS299 vs FS301: Which Frozen Drink Maker Should You Pick?

If you’re deciding between the Ninja SLUSHi FS299 and FS301, the key difference is simplicity versus versatility.

The FS299 is a straightforward two-preset machine ideal for basic slushies and frozen cocktails—easy to use and reliable for casual fun.

The FS301, often sold as the premium or renewed option, offers five presets for more control, letting you make frozen margaritas, frappés, and other icy drinks with better consistency.

After going through specs, customer feedback, and long-term reviews myself, I found a clear picture of how each performs—making it easier for you to choose the right frozen drink maker.

Winner Purchase Link: Ninja FS301 Professional Maker with RapidChill Technology

Is the Ninja SLUSHi FS299 Good?

Yes, the Ninja SLUSHi FS299 is a solid choice if you just want an easy frozen-drink maker for parties or family treats.

It keeps things simple with two presets and doesn’t require ice — you just pour in the liquid, hit a button, and wait as the RapidChill system freezes it into a slush.

From what I’ve seen across many user reviews, this model shines for straightforward frozen drinks like margaritas, wine slushies, juice-based treats, and even kid-friendly slush drinks.

It also holds the chill for hours, so your drinks don’t melt halfway through a party.

However, its limited presets mean you don’t get as much control over texture as with the FS301, and a few buyers have reported early malfunctions or units that arrived defective.

What I Like

• No Ice Needed: The RapidChill cylinder freezes the liquid evenly — no watery, blended-ice texture.

• Party-Friendly Capacity: The 88-oz vessel makes enough for a group without constant refilling.

• Hands-Off Process: Pour in the liquid, hit the preset, and let it do the work.

• Good for Adults and Kids: Handles everything from cocktails to juice-based slushies.

• Keeps Drinks Frozen for Hours: Helpful for gatherings or hot summer days.

What Could Be Better

• Limited Presets: Only two automated programs — you don’t get fine-tuned texture control.

• Occasional QC Issues: A small but notable number of units arrived dead on arrival or stopped freezing after a few uses.

• Can Be Slow with Big Batches: While advertised as 15–60 minutes, max capacity often takes closer to an hour.

• Warning Lights Can Be Confusing: A few buyers said figuring out whether it needed more sugar or liquid took trial and error.

• Not Truly Whisper-Quiet: Quieter than a blender but still makes a humming sound during the freezing cycle.

Recommendation

The FS299 is a great pick if you want a simple, no-ice slushie machine that delivers good results for basic frozen drinks.

It’s especially appealing for casual summer use or family parties where you don’t need specialty presets.

If you host a lot or want more versatility for drinks like frappés or more precise textures, you’ll likely appreciate the extra options in the FS301.

Is the Ninja SLUSHi FS301 Good?

Yes, the Ninja SLUSHi FS301 is the more versatile and premium option in the SLUSHi lineup.

It builds on what the FS299 offers by adding five preset programs, which give you more control over texture and consistency — ideal for frozen margaritas, frappés, daiquiris, and even milkshakes.

Like the FS299, it uses RapidChill technology, so you don’t need ice.

Most buyers love how it handles a variety of drinks — from fruity slushies for kids to boozy cocktails for adults — and many say it’s surprisingly easy to clean despite being a larger machine.

That said, some renewed units have shown quality-control issues, such as malfunctioning right out of the box or failing after a few weeks.

What I Like

• Five Preset Programs: Offers more precision for drinks like margaritas, frappés, and milkshakes.

• Large 88-oz Capacity: Perfect for parties or family gatherings.

• Easy to Use and Clean: Simple controls; most parts are dishwasher-safe.

• Great for Mixed Drinks: Handles alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks equally well.

• RapidChill Freezing: Delivers a smooth slush texture without using ice.

• Good for Summer Fun: Many families use it daily during hot months for kids’ treats and adult cocktails.

What Could Be Better

• Inconsistent QC in Renewed Units: A few buyers received defective machines or had early failures.

• Limited Warranty for Renewed Models: Woot and some third-party sellers only offer 90-day coverage.

• Setup and Warning Lights Can Confuse First-Time Users: Some had to troubleshoot sugar-to-liquid ratios.

• Noisier Than Expected: Quieter than a blender but not silent — more like steady humming.

• Not Always Budget-Friendly: Costs more than the FS299, especially for new units.

Recommendation

The FS301 is ideal for anyone who wants more versatility and control in their frozen drinks.

If you host parties often, love experimenting with cocktails, or want the convenience of extra presets for consistent texture, the FS301 is worth the extra investment.

However, if you’re buying a renewed unit, check the warranty terms carefully and be ready to test the machine as soon as it arrives.

Detailed Comparison: Ninja SLUSHi FS299 vs FS301

I looked at specs, real-world feedback, and common complaints to see how these two SLUSHi machines stack up.

Here’s how they compare in the areas that matter most for everyday use.

Freezing Performance

Both use RapidChill Technology, which spins the auger around a chilled cylinder to create smooth slush without ice.

In practice, the FS301’s presets help achieve more consistent textures — especially for thicker drinks like frappés or milkshakes.

FS299 rating: 8/10

FS301 rating: 9/10

Preset Variety

The FS299 keeps it simple with 2 presets, which work fine for basic frozen cocktails and slushies.

The FS301 steps up with 5 presets, giving you more control for different drink types.

FS299 rating: 7/10

FS301 rating: 9/10

Ease of Use

Both are easy to operate once you get the hang of the sugar-to-liquid balance.

However, FS301’s presets reduce guesswork for beginners, while FS299 can require a bit more trial and error.

FS299 rating: 8/10

FS301 rating: 9/10

Capacity & Party Readiness

Both offer a roomy 88-oz vessel, great for making batches for a crowd.

Some families with large gatherings wished for even bigger capacity, but that’s true for both models.

FS299 rating: 9/10

FS301 rating: 9/10

Build Quality & Reliability

Customer reports for both machines show that while many units work flawlessly, a noticeable minority arrived defective or failed after a few uses.

Renewed FS301 units, in particular, often face quality-control issues and shorter warranties (around 90 days).

FS299 rating: 7/10

FS301 rating: 6/10

Cleaning & Maintenance

Both models have dishwasher-safe parts, removable drip trays, and simple cleanup.

Some users of both machines mentioned needing to wipe down condensation between batches, but that’s normal for this type of appliance.

FS299 rating: 8/10

FS301 rating: 8/10

Noise Level

Neither machine is silent — they both hum during operation.

Most buyers describe it as “white noise,” but a few found it louder than expected.

FS299 rating: 7/10

FS301 rating: 7/10

Price & Value

The FS299 is generally more affordable, while the FS301 (especially in new condition) commands a premium price for the extra presets.

For buyers on a budget who just want basic frozen drinks, FS299 is better value.

For those who want versatility and don’t mind spending more (or finding a good deal on a new FS301), the FS301 delivers more options.

FS299 rating: 9/10

FS301 rating: 8/10

Check the latest on Amazon

• Ninja FS301 Professional Maker with RapidChill Technology
• Ninja FS299 SLUSHi Professional Frozen Drink Maker

Final Verdict: Ninja SLUSHi FS301 vs FS299

I would personally recommend the Ninja SLUSHi FS301 for most homes that want more variety and control in their frozen drinks.

Its extra presets make it easier to get the right texture for margaritas, frappés, milkshakes, and more — it feels more like a true frozen-drink station.

If you just want a straightforward, reliable slushie machine for parties, summer treats, or occasional cocktails, the FS299 will save you money and still deliver smooth, icy drinks without the fuss.

For frequent hosts, cocktail lovers, or families who enjoy experimenting with different drinks, the FS301’s added presets are worth the higher price — especially if you buy it new rather than renewed to avoid warranty concerns.

Overall Scores:

FS299 overall rating: 8.0/10

FS301 overall rating: 8.3/10

FAQs for Ninja SLUSHi FS299 vs FS301

What’s the main difference between the Ninja SLUSHi FS299 and FS301?

The Ninja SLUSHi FS301 offers more preset drink options and slightly faster blending, while the FS299 focuses on simplicity with fewer settings.

Which model makes thicker slushies — FS299 or FS301?

The Ninja SLUSHi FS301 makes thicker, smoother slushies due to its improved blade design and optimized blending speed control.

Can both Ninja SLUSHi FS299 and FS301 crush ice effectively?

Yes, both models crush ice well, but the FS301 delivers finer texture, making it ideal for frozen drinks and snow-like slush consistency.

Which Ninja SLUSHi model is easier to clean?

The FS299 is easier to clean since it has fewer removable parts, while the FS301’s additional settings require a bit more maintenance.

Which one offers better value — Ninja SLUSHi FS299 or FS301?

The FS301 offers better value if you want more control and drink variety. The FS299 suits those who prefer simple, one-touch slush making.

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