Frozen drink machines have come a long way from clunky, noisy gadgets that required bags of ice and endless stirring. The Ninja SLUSHi series is proof of that evolution. I had the chance to try out two of Ninja’s popular models—the Ninja FS301 (88 oz) and the Ninja FS300 (72 oz)—and while they look quite similar on the surface, they actually serve slightly different needs.
If you’re considering adding one of these to your kitchen or entertainment setup, this guide breaks down the differences, similarities, pros and cons, and my personal experience using both.
Quick Verdict: Ninja FS301 vs FS300 SLUSHi Machine
If you want the best overall frozen drink experience, the Ninja FS301 SLUSHi is the stronger choice. With its larger 88 oz capacity, quieter WhisperChill compressor, and 5 preset programs, it’s ideal for entertaining, parties, and anyone who wants premium performance with less noise. It currently sits around $319, which makes it a strong value for a feature-rich model.
The Ninja FS300 SLUSHi, priced around $306, is better suited for smaller households or casual use. It still delivers smooth, ice-free slushies using RapidChill technology but comes with a smaller 72 oz capacity, fewer presets, and a louder operation.
Bottom line:
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Choose FS301 if you host often, want quieter operation, and better versatility.
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Choose FS300 if you want a simpler machine and don’t need the extra capacity or premium features.
👉 Check current prices on Amazon to see which one fits your budget today. Please note that deals and availability change frequently
Key Difference at a Glance: Ninja FS301 vs FS300 SLUSHi Machine
The Ninja FS301 is the premium model with 5 preset programs, a larger 88 oz capacity, and a WhisperChill compressor that keeps your drinks frozen for up to 12 hours with minimal noise. It also comes with extra controls for customizing texture and consistency.
The Ninja FS300, on the other hand, is slightly smaller at 72 oz, with 3 preset programs. It still uses the same RapidChill Technology and delivers smooth, icy drinks, but with fewer presets and without some of the premium touches like the WhisperChill system.
In short:
- FS301 = Larger, quieter, more presets, more premium features.
- FS300 = Smaller, simpler, more budget-friendly.
Comparison Table: Ninja FS301 vs FS300 SLUSHi Machine
| Feature | Ninja FS301 SLUSHi (Premium) | Ninja FS300 SLUSHi (Professional) |
| Capacity | 88 oz | 72 oz |
| Preset Programs | 5 | 3 |
| Technology | RapidChill + WhisperChill compressor | RapidChill only |
| Texture Control | Yes | Yes |
| Keep Drinks Frozen | Up to 12 hours | Up to 12 hours |
| Noise Level | Quieter (WhisperChill) | Standard |
| Cleaning | Dishwasher-safe parts, detachable lid & drip tray | Dishwasher-safe parts, detachable lid & drip tray |
| Premium Accents | Yes (dial + pour handle) | Basic design |
| Recipe Guide | 10 recipes included | Basic guidance |
| Best For | Entertaining large groups, versatility, quieter operation | Smaller households, casual use, value pick |
| View Current Prices on Amazon | View Current Prices | View Current Prices |
Detailed Comparative Review
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Design and Build Quality
The FS301 feels like a high-end appliance right out of the box. It has premium accents, a sturdy pour handle, and a sleek black finish that looks great on the counter. The vessel is large at 88 oz, which made it perfect when I hosted a weekend BBQ and needed to churn out margaritas for a crowd.
The FS300 is more compact with its 72 oz vessel, which I found easier to store in my pantry when not in use. The design is a bit more straightforward—less premium flair—but still practical and sturdy. If space is a priority, the FS300 is easier to accommodate.
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Ease of Use
Both machines are incredibly simple to operate. You pour in your liquid (remember, some form of sugar is necessary to achieve proper slush consistency), select a preset program, and wait as the auger spins around the cooling cylinder to create your icy drink.
With the FS301, the 5 presets cover a wider range of drinks—from frappés to cocktails. I liked the flexibility when experimenting with juices, iced coffee, and even chocolate milk. The temperature control dial also gave me more freedom to fine-tune the texture.
The FS300, with its 3 presets, covers the essentials but felt more limiting when I wanted to try different recipes. Still, for basic slushies, it delivered consistent, smooth results.
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Performance & Frozen Drink Quality
Performance-wise, both rely on Ninja’s RapidChill Technology, which eliminates the need for ice. This was a game-changer for me—no watered-down drinks, just pure flavor frozen into slush.
- FS301: I noticed the WhisperChill compressor really made a difference during long runs. It kept my drinks frozen for hours with barely any noise. Perfect for parties where you don’t want a machine humming in the background.
- FS300: Did just as well in freezing and maintaining drinks, but the motor was a little louder, and I didn’t get quite the same level of quiet cooling as with the FS301.
Both models kept drinks frozen for up to 12 hours, which is impressive, but I’d give the edge to the FS301 for its more refined cooling system.
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Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleanup is refreshingly easy with both. The vessels, lids, and drip trays are dishwasher safe, which I appreciated after sticky juice spills. The FS301’s detachable parts felt slightly sturdier and easier to reassemble, but overall, both machines were hassle-free to clean.
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Capacity and Hosting Power
Capacity was the biggest differentiator in my experience:
- FS301 (88 oz) handled large batches effortlessly—perfect when I made multiple servings of frozen cocktails for friends.
- FS300 (72 oz) worked fine for small family gatherings but required more frequent refills when hosting more than 4–5 people.
If you’re entertaining often, that extra 16 oz difference matters more than you’d think.
Ninja FS301 SLUSHi (Premium)
Pros:
- Larger 88 oz capacity for bigger batches.
- 5 preset programs for versatility.
- WhisperChill compressor keeps drinks frozen quietly.
- Premium design with accents and pour handle.
- Includes recipe inspiration guide.
Cons:
- Bulkier—takes up more counter space.
- Pricier compared to FS300.
- Longer cycles at max capacity (up to 60 minutes).
Ninja FS300 SLUSHi (Professional)
Pros:
- Compact design, easier to store.
- Still delivers smooth frozen drinks with RapidChill tech.
- 3 preset programs cover the basics.
- Keeps drinks frozen for up to 12 hours.
- More affordable option.
Cons:
- Smaller 72 oz capacity—better for families than large parties.
- Louder compared to FS301.
- Fewer presets and no WhisperChill system.
Final Recommendation
Both Ninja SLUSHi machines perform well, but they serve different types of buyers.
If you regularly make frozen drinks for guests, enjoy experimenting with different recipes, or simply want a quieter and more refined machine, the Ninja FS301 SLUSHi is the better long-term investment. Its larger capacity and extra presets make it noticeably more flexible for real-world use.
On the other hand, if you’re buying mainly for family use or occasional slushie nights and want dependable performance without premium extras, the Ninja FS300 SLUSHi remains a solid choice.
👉 Check current prices on Amazon – deals and availability change frequently.
Ninja FS301 SLUSHi (88 oz – Premium Pick)
- NO ICE NEEDED: RapidChill Technology is our innovative two-part system that spins an auger around a cooling cylinder to freeze liquid evenly and maintain...
Ninja FS300 SLUSHi (72 oz – Budget-Friendly Option)
- Innovative RapidChill Technology ❄️: A two-part system spins the auger around the cooling cylinder, freezing liquids quickly without the need for ice,...
