Do I need to freeze ice cubes before using this machine?
No. You pour liquid ingredients straight into the machine and it handles the freezing and churning itself, with no pre-frozen ice. That is the core idea behind this LIFECREEK model, and it also means your drink is not watered down by melting ice. The texture depends on what you pour in rather than on how finely ice was crushed, so see the sugar question below for the one ingredient rule LIFECREEK sets.
What drinks can the six preset modes actually make?
LIFECREEK names all six: slush, milkshakes, frappés, spiked slush, soft ice cream and frozen juice. That covers fruit slush and frozen juice for children, coffee frappés, dessert-style soft ice cream, and frozen margaritas or other cocktails through the spiked slush mode. Choose the mode that matches the drink, since each suits a different texture.
How much can this machine hold, and how loud is it?
It holds 88oz, which makes it a larger home unit meant to serve a group rather than a single drink. How many glasses you get depends on your recipe and glass size. LIFECREEK describes the motor as quiet and pitches the machine for gatherings, so it is designed to run in the background while people talk.
How do I clean the machine after use?
LIFECREEK builds in a self-cleaning function and makes the accessories dishwasher safe. Run the cleaning function straight after each batch of margaritas, milkshakes or frappés, before the sugary residue dries, and put the accessories through the dishwasher. A fussy cleanup routine is one of the main reasons slushie machines go unused, so this is worth making a habit.
Does the liquid I use matter, or can I put anything in it?
It matters. LIFECREEK asks for at least 4 percent sugar in the liquid, and 2.8 to 16 percent alcohol in spiked drinks. Sugar and alcohol lower a liquid's freezing point, which is what lets a no-ice machine reach a slushy texture instead of freezing solid. Ordinary juices, sodas and cocktail mixes work, but plain water, unsweetened tea and diet drinks may not set, however long they run.
How long does a batch take?
LIFECREEK puts it at 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the drink you are making. That makes it a machine for planning ahead rather than instant drinks, so start it before guests arrive and use the 88oz capacity to make one batch go further. If a batch refuses to set, check the sugar and alcohol levels first.
