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Question: The DM500 model... I'm just curious if anyone has tried the (I assume) older model of this product, the DM500?  It is available for $199 and I don't see much difference in the features.  Thanks!
Document: No matter how many drinks I make in this blender, each one is perfect. I highly recommend this to anyone who likes to make frozen drinks with a consistent quality to them. It's so easy to put the liquids in and just flip the switch and in no time get several delicious margaritas or daiquiris or whatever you want. Shaving the ice makes all the difference in the consistency of the drinks. Buy whichever model you can afford, but definitely buy at least one of them whichever you choose.
I've only used it twice so far. It does a good job, but in reading all the reviews before I expected a much finer grind on ice. Might be the ice I'm using from the refrigerator ice maker. Next party I'll be trying ice from a commercial ice company to see if that helps. But, on the plus side, it looks way cool!
I'm completely satisfied with this product. This product is far better than some lower end items available. It's worth the extra money.
The finest frozen drink machine ever! I've tried them all and killed many a motor over the years. This is a tank. Slightly expensive but well worth it! A few "chincy" issues but the money goes where it's needed, in the motor and operation features. Very Cool! Exceptional product. When this one dies I'll get an other!
I ordered the Margaritaville DM1000 on Cyber Monday night. It was delivered on Weds afternoon! Talk about fast, thanks Amazon! I have used it once so far. It is very well made. The blades are very sharp. It is easy to use. It was supposed to come with a free party guide. It was missing. I phoned the manufacturer. It is being sent to me. I purchased this model as you can make drinks by the glass or by the pitcher.
I have used this Margaritaville machine for over a year and am very pleased with this unit. I had previously purchased two less expensive Margarita makers in the $70.00 range and found they made margaritas fine.My wife came home from Costco and mentioned the Margaritaville machine was on sale for $199.00. I purchased one have have not used the other units since.Some features to note:1.
This Margarita Maker is definitely worth the extra money! I could've spent $199 at Wal-Mart for the model just below this one and for just $3 more I got way more for my money! It makes yummy margarita's and daquiri's. I just put in the ingredients and it does the rest for me. And drinks never get water in them b/c their is a special drain in the back that puts the melted ice in a separate resevour.
But I'm a cheapo. (My wife loves her birthday gift, that made all the difference to me!) :-) Get one. You won't regret it.
Prior to purchasing I had been to several parties of friends that claimed they had a great blender for frozen drinks. There were several that were knock offs from the Margaritaville Frozen Concoction Maker. Then I tried the Margaritaville machine. The shaved ice feature makes all the difference in the world. I did purchase from Kohl's at a bigger discount with my preferred customer card which made the price around $203. Such a huge savings that I didn't mind spending the money to have the best drink maker that provided the right consistency.
Absolutely the easiest blender/machine to clear up... trust me I'm fanatic about clean up required. I do not think anyone would be disappointed in this new kitchen machine.
Answer: The 1000 is MUCH better for two reasons.  1) The 500 only allows you to auto-mix a "three portion" drink.  The 1000 lets you pick 1, 2 or 3.2) The other big thing is that with the 500, the ice comes forward and down out of the little chute.  This tends to make the ice pile up on the side of the blender and not mix as well as the 1000 which drops its shaved ice straight down into the center.