Dec 18, 2025, 10:40 PM

Slush Machine for Convenience Stores in Canada: Complete Buyer’s Guide

Find the best slush machine for convenience stores and retail in Canada. Compare types, features, and profit margins. Shop Taylor and Icetro slush machines from TFI.

By Nicole Camposeo-Cheung

A slush machine for a convenience store is a commercial frozen beverage freezer that chills and agitates flavoured liquid to create a consistent, high-margin icy drink. These machines are available in single, double, and triple bowl formats and are engineered for continuous high-volume operation in retail environments like gas stations, C stores, and quick-service outlets.

Slush programs generate some of the strongest beverage margins in convenience retail. Many Canadian operators reach 70 to 80 percent gross profit on frozen beverages when paired with the right equipment and product strategy.

TFI Food Equipment Solutions has supplied Taylor and Icetro commercial slush machines to over 94 percent of convenience store chains in Canada, which positions TFI as the most experienced slush programme partner in the country.

Quick Answer: What is the best slush machine for a convenience store?

In Canada, the best slush machines for convenience stores are Taylor and Icetro models, which are supplied and supported by TFI Food Equipment Solutions. As the partner to over 94% of convenience store chains, TFI recommends these specific models for their high volume and reliability:

Taylor Slush Machines: The industry standard for maximum durability, fast recovery, and carbonated (FCB) options.
Icetro Slush Machines: The top choice for operators wanting strong visual performance and technician-friendly serviceability.

For most stores, a two or three bowl slush machine delivers the best balance of customer appeal, variety, and volume.

High-performance Taylor slush machine for convenience store use, supplied by TFI for efficient frozen carbonated beverage dispensing.

What is a Slush Machine for a Store?

A slush machine for a store is a self-contained commercial freezing unit that:

Cools a liquid syrup to near freezing
Uses constant agitation to create a uniform icy texture
Holds product safely for extended retail hours
Dispenses on demand with consistent portion control

Slush machines for stores differ from home units through:

Higher duty cycles
Larger capacities
Precise freeze control
Stainless steel and commercial-grade components
Faster recovery between pours
LED merchandising visibility that increases impulse purchases

To understand the engineering behind the freeze cycles, auger movement, and consistency control, read our expert guide on how slush machines work.

Icetro commercial slush machines with colorful branding and cooling units. Showcasing the single, double, and triple barrel models.

Why Slush Machines Work So Well in Convenience Stores

1. High margins

Frozen beverages routinely deliver 70 to 80 percent profit for operators.

2. Minimal labour

Once filled and set, the system produces product without constant staff input.

3. High impulse conversion

LED-lit bowls, bright colours, and motion attract customers.

4. Year-round sales

C stores in Canada sell slush and frozen drinks even in winter because of brand recognition and impulse behaviour.

Modern machines allow frozen coffee, iced tea slush, fruit slush, protein smoothies, and carbonated frozen beverages.

Types of Slush Machines for Convenience Stores

While there are various types of commercial slush machines on the market, convenience retailers typically choose from three main categories designed for high-traffic retail.

1. Commercial uncarbonated slush machines

Ideal for traditional slushies, iced teas, fruit beverages, smoothies, and frozen coffee.

Recommended models:

Best for: C stores that want variety, fast freeze times, and all-day reliability.

Slushy machine featuring three dispensers for colorful frozen drinks

2. Commercial frozen beverage machines

High-capacity systems suited for continuous high-volume retail environments.

Recommended models:

Taylor Models 428, 430, 432

Best for: Stores with heavy slush traffic or multiple daily rush periods.

Taylor 430 single-flavor shake and slush machine – compact countertop model designed to serve thick milkshakes, smoothies, frozen cocktails, fruit juices, or frozen cappuccinos at the perfect consistency.

3. Carbonated slush machines

These create frozen carbonated beverages like Slurpee-style drinks.

Recommended model:

Taylor Model 349 Frozen Carbonated Beverage Freezer

Best for: National C store programmes and stores that want premium frozen soda textures.

Taylor Model 349 carbonated slush machine with four dispensing levers for multiple frozen beverage flavors including cola, cherry, grape, and orange—ideal for high-volume convenience stores and foodservice operations.

Related Guide: Not sure which format fits your specific business model? Explore our breakdown of the different types of slush machines and their specific use cases across foodservice industries.

How to Choose the Best Slush Machine for a Convenience Store

1. Volume and capacity

Estimate daily servings.
More traffic requires two or three bowls.
Carbonated machines handle higher throughput.

2. Freeze time and recovery

Faster freeze equals fewer stockouts during peak hours. Taylor and Icetro systems are engineered for rapid recovery, which reduces downtime and preserves flavour consistency.

3. Durability

Look for stainless steel housings, commercial-grade freeze cylinders, reliable agitators, and consistent temperature control. Convenience stores run equipment for long open hours, so durability matters.

4. Ease of cleaning

Daily cleaning must be simple and fast. Taylor and Icetro designs are known for straightforward disassembly and sanitation.

5. LED merchandising

Lighting increases visibility and boosts impulse sales.

6. Carbonated or uncarbonated

Carbonated machines deliver frozen soda, while uncarbonated machines handle smoothies, coffee, juice slush, and standard slushies.

7. Footprint and power

Countertop is most common for C stores. Floor models suit very high volume.

Row of colorful frozen slushie drinks in clear cups representing a high-profit beverage program from TFI Food Equipment Solutions.

Best Slush Machine Brands for Convenience Stores in Canada

Taylor

Industry-leading reliability and available in carbonated and uncarbonated formats. Supported nationally by TFI Canada with installation, training, OEM parts, and service.

Icetro

Strong freeze performance and technician-friendly serviceability with nationwide TFI support. TFI supplies and services both brands and is the national programme partner for the majority of Canada’s convenience sector.

Why Convenience Stores in Canada Choose TFI for Slush Machines

1. Six decades of experience

TFI Food Equipment Solutions has supported Canadian frozen beverage programmes for more than 60 years.

2. Trusted by 94 percent of Canada’s convenience chains

No other supplier has deeper expertise or real-world performance data.

3. Exclusive distribution of Taylor equipment

TFI is Canada’s largest supplier of Taylor slush systems used by national brands including 7-Eleven, Circle K, and other high-volume chains.

4. Professional installation and training

Site surveys, install, startup training, merchandiser guidance, and staff best practices.

5. OEM parts, factory-certified technicians

TFI technicians are annually factory certified.

6. Flexible buying, leasing, and rental options

Leasing for low monthly payments and preserved cash flow
Rentals for used and demo units with no upfront cost
Certified used slush machines for cost savings with warranty

7. National service coverage

TFI provides full support across Ontario, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI, and Newfoundland.

Taylor commercial slush machine—single-barrel, blue cabinet—shown at TFI Food Equipment Solutions’ trade show display with sample cup and citrus decals.

Best Slush Machines for Canadian Convenience Stores

1. Taylor Frozen Carbonated Beverage Freezer Model 349

Best for: Premium frozen soda and high-volume slush programmes.

Key features:

Carbonated and uncarbonated capability
Multi-flavour options
Precise texture control
Engineered for heavy traffic

2. Taylor Commercial Slush Machines Models 428, 430, 432

Best for: Traditional slush, smoothies, iced tea slush, and all-day service.

Key features:

Fast freeze times
High-capacity output
Reliable texture consistency

3. Taylor Uncarbonated Slush Machines Models 340, 341, 342, 384, 390

Best for: Convenience stores that want a broad beverage mix including frozen coffee or juice slush.

4. Icetro Commercial Slush Machines

Best for: Operators that want a budget-friendly, technician-friendly platform with strong performance.

Setup Requirements for a Convenience Store Slush Programme

Power

Most countertop machines require a dedicated circuit. Carbonated units may require additional electrical capacity.

Ventilation

Ensure adequate airflow around the condenser. Avoid enclosed cabinets without circulation.

Product supply

Use manufacturer-approved syrups to preserve freeze quality and equipment longevity.

Preventive maintenance

Daily cleaning and periodic PM ensure freeze performance, flavour consistency, and uptime. TFI offers TFI Total Care for predictable maintenance.

A TFI Food Equipment Solutions trained technician wearing safety glasses uses a torch to repair internal piping on a commercial unit in a warehouse, demonstrating restaurant equipment repair in Ontario, Canada.

Profitability: Are Slush Machines Worth It?

Yes. Frozen beverages are among the highest-margin items in any convenience store.

70 to 80 percent gross profit is typical
Strong impulse buys
Little labour
Low ingredient cost
High repeat behaviour

A slush programme often pays for itself quickly, especially when paired with multi-flavour machines that increase upsell and variety. For a full financial breakdown, including startup costs, ROI calculations, and margin analysis, read our comprehensive slush business profitability guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a slush business profitable?

Yes. Most slush programmes generate 70 to 80 percent margin and produce stable year-round sales.

How do gas stations make slushies?

Gas stations use commercial slush machines that freeze syrup under agitation. Staff fill the machine, set consistency levels, and clean it daily. Carbonated machines add controlled carbonation for frozen soda.

Should a store choose carbonated or uncarbonated?

Choose carbonated if you want frozen soda textures or operate a high-volume programme. Choose uncarbonated for smoothies, frozen coffee, juice slush, and classic slushies.

Is a slush machine worth it for a small store?

Yes. Even a single-bowl machine can deliver strong profits in low to moderate traffic locations.

Where to Buy a Slush Machine for a Convenience Store in Canada

TFI Food Equipment Solutions is the leading Canadian supplier of commercial slush machines for convenience retail. TFI provides:

Taylor and Icetro slush machines
Installation and staff training
OEM parts and factory-certified service
Leasing, rentals, and used options
Service coverage across Ontario and Atlantic Canada

Get a free slush machine quote from TFI, or browse TFI's commercial slush machines.

Nicole Camposeo-Cheung

Nicole Camposeo-Cheung is the Director of Marketing, People & Culture at TFI Food Equipment Solutions, Canada’s leading provider of premium commercial foodservice equipment. She combines her expertise in business management and fashion arts to foster a dynamic, innovative, and people-centric corporate culture. Passionate about empowering teams, building strong client relationships, and driving growth through creativity and collaboration, Nicole plays a key role in shaping TFI’s brand and workplace culture. She also shares her industry expertise and insights through the TFI blog, helping foodservice professionals stay informed about the latest trends, best practices, and innovations in commercial food equipment.