I’ve always had a soft spot for kitchen gadgets that make hosting more fun, and frozen drink machines are right up there with the essentials when it comes to entertaining. Recently, I had the chance to try out two similar-looking but differently equipped models from Ninja’s SLUSHi line: the Ninja FS301 and the Ninja FS299.
On paper, both machines promise restaurant-style frozen drinks without ice, thanks to Ninja’s RapidChill Technology. In practice, they both deliver delicious margaritas, slushies, and frappés—but one gives you a bit more flexibility while the other sticks to simplicity. Let’s dive into how they compare and which one might be the better fit for your kitchen.
Key Difference at a Glance: Ninja FS301 vs FS299 Frozen Drink Machine
The Ninja FS301 offers 5 preset programs for a wider variety of drinks and textures, while the Ninja FS299 only comes with 2 presets. Both use the same RapidChill Technology, have a large 88 oz capacity, and feature the WhisperChill compressor for quiet operation.
So, the main difference is versatility vs. simplicity. The FS301 is more advanced for those who want multiple drink options, while the FS299 is a streamlined version for people who mostly make classic slushies or frozen cocktails.
- NO ICE NEEDED: RapidChill Technology is our innovative two-part system that spins an auger around a cooling cylinder to...
- NO ICE NEEDED: RapidChill Technology is our innovative two-part system that spins an auger around a cooling cylinder to...
Comparison Table: Ninja FS301 vs FS299 Frozen Drink Machine
| Feature | Ninja FS301 | Ninja FS299 |
| Capacity | 88 oz | 88 oz |
| Preset Programs | 5 | 2 |
| RapidChill Technology | Yes | Yes |
| WhisperChill Compressor | Yes | Yes |
| Texture & Temperature Control | Yes | Yes |
| Keep Drinks Frozen | Up to 12 hours | Up to 12 hours |
| Noise Level | Quiet | Quiet |
| Cleaning | Dishwasher-safe parts, detachable lid & drip tray | Dishwasher-safe parts, detachable lid & drip tray |
| Included Recipe Guide | Yes (10 recipes) | Yes (10 recipes) |
| Color Options | Black with premium accents | Teal with premium accents |
| Best For | Versatile drink makers, variety seekers | Simplicity, classic slushies |
| Check Price & Reviews | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review
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Design and Build Quality
Both models are nearly identical in size and build. The 88 oz vessel is generous enough to serve a group, and the premium accents like the dial and pour handle make them feel more upscale than a typical kitchen gadget.
The FS301 I tried came in sleek black, which blended nicely with my other appliances. The FS299, in teal, added a playful pop of color to the counter. Design-wise, it really comes down to personal style preference, since both share the same construction quality.
- NO ICE NEEDED: RapidChill Technology is our innovative two-part system that spins an auger around a cooling cylinder to...
- NO ICE NEEDED: RapidChill Technology is our innovative two-part system that spins an auger around a cooling cylinder to...
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Ease of Use
Here’s where the difference started to show in my experience.
The FS301 has 5 preset programs, which means I could make everything from margaritas to frappés and adjust texture levels with ease. It felt like having a frozen drink bar at my fingertips. I liked being able to tweak thickness on the fly, especially when making frozen coffee drinks that need a slightly creamier consistency.
The FS299, on the other hand, only has 2 presets. While it still produced excellent slushies, I found it more limiting when I wanted variety. If your frozen drink needs are straightforward—say, frozen lemonade in summer or cocktails on game night—it’s absolutely enough.
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Performance and Frozen Drink Quality
Both models use RapidChill Technology, which means no ice is required. This was one of my favorite aspects, because it avoids the watered-down taste you get with traditional ice-based slush machines.
With the FS301, the results felt slightly more refined because the presets were optimized for specific drinks. Margaritas came out smoother, and frappés had the right balance between thick and sip-able.
The FS299 performed just as well for standard slushies, but when I tried to get creative with recipes (like using chocolate milk or fruit juice blends), I missed the extra presets the FS301 offered.
- NO ICE NEEDED: RapidChill Technology is our innovative two-part system that spins an auger around a cooling cylinder to...
- NO ICE NEEDED: RapidChill Technology is our innovative two-part system that spins an auger around a cooling cylinder to...
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Noise and Operation
Thanks to the WhisperChill compressor, both machines ran surprisingly quietly. I had them running during a small get-together, and the FS301 hummed softly in the background while guests mingled nearby without disruption. The FS299 was no louder, so both models score equally in this department.
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Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleanup was refreshingly easy for both. The detachable lid, drip tray, and dishwasher-safe parts saved me a ton of time. The large vessels are easy to rinse out even if you don’t want to put them in the dishwasher.
Between the two, I didn’t notice a difference in cleaning convenience. Both were equally user-friendly in this regard.
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Capacity and Hosting Potential
At 88 oz each, both models have the same hosting power. For me, this meant I could whip up enough frozen cocktails to serve a group of friends without constantly refilling.
If you plan to entertain regularly, either machine will work beautifully. The difference lies in whether you want to stick to simple drinks or branch out into more specialized recipes.
Ninja SLUSHi FS301 with RapidChill Technology
- NO ICE NEEDED: RapidChill Technology is our innovative two-part system that spins an auger around a cooling cylinder to...
Pros:
- 5 preset programs for more drink options.
- Temperature and texture controls for customization.
- WhisperChill compressor keeps drinks frozen quietly for up to 12 hours.
- Premium look with black accents.
- Comes with recipe inspiration guide.
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive.
- Larger learning curve if you’re only interested in basic drinks.
Ninja SLUSHi FS299 Professional Frozen Drink Maker
- NO ICE NEEDED: RapidChill Technology is our innovative two-part system that spins an auger around a cooling cylinder to...
Pros:
- Same large 88 oz capacity.
- Simpler 2-program setup, easy for beginners.
- WhisperChill compressor ensures quiet operation.
- Dishwasher-safe for quick cleanup.
- Playful teal color option with premium accents.
- More budget-friendly.
Cons:
- Fewer presets, less versatile.
- Limited for experimenting with varied recipes.
Conclusion: My Recommendation
After trying both, I’d say the choice boils down to your style of entertaining and how adventurous you are with drinks.
- If you love experimenting—whether it’s frozen cappuccinos, frappés, or a variety of cocktails—the Ninja FS301 is the clear winner. The extra presets and customization make it much more versatile.
- If you mostly stick to classic frozen drinks and don’t want to pay for features you won’t use, the Ninja FS299 is a fantastic, straightforward option that still delivers excellent results.
Personally, I lean toward the FS301 because I like having more control and variety when entertaining, but I can easily see the FS299 being perfect for families or anyone who just wants frozen margaritas at the touch of a button.
