Last weekend’s brutal heat wave in New York had me craving an ice-cold drink almost every afternoon. Normally, that would mean sweating while walking to the 7-Eleven for a sorbet. This time, however, I stayed home and put the new Ninja Slushi Twist to the test.

Ninja’s latest slushie machine builds on the popularity of the original Slushi, but with a big improvement. Instead of a single mixing chamber, the Slushi Twist has two 48-ounce containers that can make two completely different frozen drinks at the same time. Beyond classic slushies, you can also make frappes, milkshakes, iced coffees, and milkshakes, and since the two sides work independently, you can even keep one non-alcoholic for mocktails while the other side mixes cocktails.

For entertainment, this machine solves a real problem. Instead of making multiple batches or asking everyone to agree on a flavor, both chambers run simultaneously, producing enough frozen drinks for a crowd. Ninja says it can make more than 10 drinks per batch, enough for summer parties or family gatherings.

The standout feature is what Ninja calls “Dual SlushAssist” technology. In simple terms, the machine detects what is in each chamber and adjusts the freezing temperature on that side on its own. That means a creamy smoothie can stay smooth on one side while a fruit slushie freezes to the perfect frozen consistency on the other.

My favorite feature, however, is the twist dispenser. You can serve each drink separately or turn the dial on the drip tray to mix both flavors in one glass, which is great for making layered drinks that look much more impressive than the effort they require.

Cleanup is easy too. Simply press the rinse button and keep adding warm water until it runs clear.

There are two things to keep in mind before purchasing. The Slushi Twist is noticeably larger than the original model, so you’ll want to make sure you have enough counter or storage space. At $399.99, it’s also a serious investment. If you only make a frozen drink once in a while, you may have more machine than you need. But for larger homes or anyone who likes to host, the dual-vessel design makes a strong argument on its own.