Fun Food Machine Hire: What Candyfloss, Popcorn, Slush and Ice Cream Actually Cost
- Oxana van der Berg
- Aug 17
- 3 min read
A slush machine is a bit like a fridge. You only get out what you put in.
That sounds obvious written down, but it's the question I get asked most about our machines — how much slush comes out of one? And it's a fair question, because the price has two parts and it isn't obvious how they work together.
So here's the whole thing, plainly.
THE SHORT ANSWER:
you pay for the machine, plus R18 for each serving of supplies. Machines start at R800. Candyfloss for 20 children comes to R1,520 all in + delivery. Candyfloss and ice cream are recommended with an operator.
Why there are two numbers when you requst popcorn, candyfloss, ice cream or slush hire
The machine is the equipment. It's ours, we deliver it, we collect it.
The supplies are what the machine turns into food, and they get used up. So they're priced per serving — R18 each, whichever machine you choose.
An empty machine makes nothing at all, which is the part people don't expect. It isn't a vending machine that arrives loaded. It's the equipment plus the ingredients.
What R18 a serving covers
Candyfloss — sugar and a stick
Popcorn — kernels, seasoning and a paper bag
Ice cream — mix and a cone
Slush — mix, a cup, a lid and a straw
Everything a child needs to be handed one portion.
How many servings to order for popcorn, candyfloss, ice cream or slush hire
We normally suggest double the number of children.
Thirty kids, sixty servings. That sounds like a lot until you're standing there — children come back for seconds on candyfloss and popcorn almost without exception, and the adults quietly help themselves too. Running out halfway through is a worse problem than having a few spare.
The real numbers
Candyfloss for 20 children (40 servings): R800 machine + (40 × R18 = R720) = R1,520
Popcorn for 30 children (60 servings): R800 machine + (60 × R18 = R1,080) = R1,880
Slush for 20 children, one flavour (40 servings): R900 machine + (40 × R18 = R720) = R1,620
Ice cream for 20 children (40 servings): R1,300 machine + (40 × R18 = R720) = R2,020
Add R700 for an operator where one's needed — see below.
Machine prices
Machine | Price |
Candyfloss | R800 |
Popcorn | R800 |
Slush, one flavour | R900 |
Slush, two flavours | R1,400 |
Slush, three flavours | R1,800 |
Ice cream, one flavour | R1,300 |
Ice cream, three flavours | R1,800 |
The lever count is how many flavours run at once. One lever, one flavour. For twenty children one flavour is plenty; for a school event, three keeps the queue moving.
Which machines need an operator
This is worth reading properly, because it isn't the same for all four.
Slush — no operator needed at a house party. Once the mix has frozen, guests help themselves. It's the easiest of the four by a distance. For bigger events we do recommend one.
Popcorn — an operator is recommended, but it can be learned. It does need running, though it's fairly simple. At a venue with staff, they'll manage it. At home, someone helping you can do it. What we don't recommend is hosting the party and running the popcorn machine yourself.
Candyfloss and ice cream — these are recommended with an operator. They need skill and specific settings. We've had plenty of parties where someone adjusted something with good intentions and the machine stopped freezing, which turns into an emergency call-out and a panic mid-party. It's not us being precious — it's the only way these two work reliably.
Operator: R700.
What we need from you
A plug point within reach. That's it. We bring the machine, the supplies and, where needed, the person to run it.
Quick questions parents ask me:
How much slush comes out of the machine? As much as you order supplies for. The machine arrives empty.
Why double the servings? Because children come back, and adults join in. Sixty servings for thirty kids is the number that doesn't run out.
Can I bring my own supplies? No — the mixes are specific to the machines and the wrong ones jam them.
Do I get a refund on unused servings? No. Supplies are packed for your party in advance, so order thoughtfully and we'll help you get the number right.
Is R18 the same for every machine? Yes. Candyfloss, popcorn, slush or ice cream — a serving is a serving.
Ready to plan? Tell me how many children, which machine and your suburb, and I'll give you one total for popcorn candyfloss ice cream slush hire. Message or call Wild Childs on 083 260 9007. — Oxana
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