SPLASHING out on ice cold slushie drinks for kids in the summer holidays can cost a small fortune – even during a washout July.
Restaurant chain Creams sells them for £3.95 a pop and a McIced Frozen Strawberry Lemonade at McDonald's costs £3.09.
Buy a machine and you can make your own for a fraction of the price.
Even Aldi is selling a machine, which has had rave reviews online with many customers saying they "need" it for summer.
We asked mum-of-three Lynsey Hope to try a selection of makers and rate her favourites.
Here's what happened:
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Aldi Ambiano Frozen Drinks Maker
- £29.99, aldi.co.uk
Setting up Aldi's machine took a matter of minutes.
It comes with an easy pour plastic jug, which has a stirrer inside, and it slots into the machine and locks for safety.
You pour in your liquid ingredients and then add ice.
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There are two settings – coarse and fine – so you can create whichever consistency you like.
It rocks a bit whilst in use and you need to hold your hand on the lid, but overall I was really impressed by this.
The kids were delighted with their slushie and it could be used to make iced coffees and cocktails for grown-ups too.
For less than £30, this is a must.
- Ease of use: 10/10
- Drink rating: 10/10
- Value for money: 10/10
- Overall score: 10/10
Neo Electric Slushy Drinks Machine
- £48, wilko.com
Very easy to use. You simply, add water, ice and then rock salt into the central compartment.
Next, put the lid on and pour in your chosen syrup or soft drink.
It takes around 20 minutes to make your drink and you do have to add a bit of extra ice as you go along.
Once made you can flip a switch to "dispense" and fill up cups straight from the machine.
I liked this as the kids were able to help themselves and the same for guests at a party.
It is quite big and bulky and too tall to fit in any of my cupboards, so you'll need to make sure you have room for it or are happy to leave it out on the side.
I thought it was expensive compared to Aldi's and I didn't like adding all the salt.
- Ease of use: 6/10
- Drink rating: 7/10
- Value for money: 4/10
- Overall score: 6/10
Professor Penguin Snowcone Maker
- £8.99, smythstoys.com
The kids were immediately drawn to this and it looks super fun.
The truth is it's actually rather flimsy and can't imagine it's very durable. It's also very hard to crush the ice.
The kids weren't able to do it themselves and I'm surprised the handle didn't break whilst I was doing it.
The drink that came out was nice, but lots of effort for a few sips.
It was cheap – but certainly not cheerful.
- Ease of use: 4/10
- Drink rating: 6/10
- Value for money: 4/10
- Overall score: 4/10
Slush Puppie Slushie Machine
- £34.99, robertdyas.co.uk
This didn't mix up the drinks as well as I'd hoped and felt a bit flimsy.
You don't have to add salt, so that's a bonus.
It's fun to use the kids absolutely loved making their own slushies.
The locking feature on the lid was a bit hard to use and I worried I was being too heavy handed with it.
The slushies did come out very nicely.
Do bear in mind that for the price, you do only get paper cups and straws with it and no syrup.
If you want those, you'll have to buy them separately.
- Ease of use: 7/10
- Drink rating: 8/10
- Value for money: 8/10
- Overall score: 8/10
Slushie Making Cup and Syrup
- £12.99, therange.co.uk
This includes a slushie cup, stirring straw and a bottle of cherry-flavoured syrup.
To make your Slush Puppie, you have to pop the cup in the freezer until it's completely frozen.
This was the only downside as you had to do it hours before you wanted your slushie and I never remembered in advance.
However, once you get that sorted you simply poor in one part syrup to five parts water and stir it up.
It only takes a few minutes and the kids were super happy with it.
Great if you don't have space for a big machine at home and a brilliant price.
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This would make a lovely gift too.
- Ease of use: 9/10
- Drink rating: 9/10
- Value for money: 10/10
- Overall score: 9/10
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