The best shaved ice machine will have you making snow cones in seconds. In the heat of the summer, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as shaved ice. A snow cone, whether it’s rainbow or cherry, is a great way to beat the heat.
Shaved ice
Sharing a snow cone with your kids can mean blue lips and lots of smiles. With your own shaved ice and snow machine on hand, your kids can experiment with all types of their favorite syrups.
Compared to other desserts like ice cream, ice cones are a low-calorie snack. They’re one of the best treats for staying cool through the hottest days of summer. You can even make large batches to take with you in a portable freezer if you have any road trips or camping adventures planned.
Whatever your needs or budget, we want to help you find the best ice shaver for your family. So check out our shaved ice and snow machine reviews below to find out more.
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Shaved Ice Machine Comparison Table
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Our Reviews: Top 7 Shaved Ice Machines
When considering a shaved ice machine, you’ll want to consider things such as: ice shaving speed, motor power, capacity, size, style and warranty. We’ve also focused our reviews on storage requirements, speed and budget to help you pick the best one for your needs.
Whether you’re organizing a sporting event, class birthday party, or plenty of pool-side summer fun, there’s something on this list for you. So start reading our shaved ice machine reviews below to find the best one for you and your family.
1. Best Pick-Little Snowie 2 Ice Shaver
This premium shaved ice machine is our favorite pick. It works great at home or for a party. At 18.6 x 17.2 x 9.7 inches and just over 12 pounds, this model will fit on your countertop or bar. It’s also light enough to lift when it’s time to pull it out if you prefer to keep it stored away.
This ice shaving machine will make snow from regular ice cubes you can buy at the store—you don’t have to worry about freezing a special shape. It’s got a professional grade motor and a 301 hardened stainless-steel blade, which means it can withstand a lot of mechanical force.
This shaved ice and snow machine will power through ice quickly and efficiently. You’ll have enough shaved ice for a crowd in a couple of minutes.
The Little Snowie also comes with accessories. You get a sampling of 6 syrups to get you started experimenting with flavors.
You also get 8 special “Snowie Shovel” spoons that you can throw in the dishwasher and reuse. Your kids will love pulling out this small shaved ice machine and using the special spoons to eat their summertime treats.
3 Second Snow Cone Maker
Lots of people love the Little Snowie 2 because it makes a fluffy ice snow cone in only 3 seconds. You’ll want to use large cups to catch this store-quality snow. This shaved ice maker spits out ice fast and a large bowl will prevent a snowy mess on your counter.
If you’re outside or don’t mind a little mess, you can also buy paper snow cone cups to make the experience extra special. Pile your snow high and enjoy cooling off as you make these snow cones.
The sampling syrups will be fun to experiment with. You can layer your flavors in as you go or drizzle them on top for the perfect snow cone. Avoid putting the syrup in the ice shaver machine as it can dull the blades.
To get the best experience, don’t use warm glasses or spoons. Also consider using large, round ice for the best textured snow.
This ice shaver cleans and dries easily, so you don’t have to worry about mold. Check out your manual for instructions on how to keep it clean.
This ice shaver machine comes with a 1-year no hassle warranty. Contact the manufacturer directly if you need help with this product.
Pros
- Syrup samples and snowie shovels included.
- 1-year warranty.
- Powerful motor makes snow cones in seconds.
Cons
- Pricey option for some users.
- May be too loud for some.
- Vibrates when ice gets low.
2. Costzon Stainless Steel Electric Ice Shaver/Snow Cone Machine
If you’re looking for a commercial quality snow cone maker that will feed a crowd at a party, this stainless steel ice shaver might be a great option for you. This electric shaved ice machine will work for your family, office or school. It will shave through 440lbs of ice blocks in an hour, so your cones will be made fast.
At that rate, you can shave ice for 15 8 oz snow cones in just one minute. At 16.5 x 12.5 x 24 inches and 32 pounds, it might be easier to store in a closet than a cabinet. Be sure you have storage space if you choose this option.
This electric shaved ice machine looks inviting and fun. It’s got an acrylic cabinet that keeps the ice cool and lets you watch it being made. The stainless steel blades are made of 430 stainless-steel and are built to last. The on-off switch is water resistant and safe to touch even with wet hands.
Premium Electric Machine
This is a high-quality, stainless steel ice shaver machine that will work great for those who love parties. Think twice about this shaved ice and snow machine if you’re tight on storage or you aren’t planning to feed cones to a large crowd. There are other options on this list if you’re looking for a smaller shaved ice maker for a smaller group.
When you’re done using this electric shaved ice machine, you can easily wipe it down with a clean towel. It doesn’t take much to clean up. The ice water will drain out of the hole in the bottom of the acrylic casing.
The stainless steel is resistant to wear and tear from acid, dirt, rust and other problems that can come up. This heavy weight ice shaver machine should last you for years.
You’ll need to contact the manufacturer directly with any issues about your product. Warranty information is difficult to obtain.
Pros
- Easy cleanup.
- Produces large quantities of cones quickly.
- Built to last with premium quality blades and acrylic case.
Cons
- Warranty information difficult to obtain.
- Might be too large to store for those in small homes.
- Some may find it too loud.
3. DASH Shaved Ice and Slushie Machine
This stainless-steel shaved ice and snow machine is another great choice. It makes ice cones quickly—it will shave ice blocks at a rate of 143 lbs/hr. Also, there’s not a lot of work required to use this machine.You just need to add the ice to the hopper, flip the switch and lower the handle.
You’ll have all the cotton candy flavored snow cones you can eat in seconds. This icer shaver machine will easily serve 20 people in under 5 minutes. So it’s great for a party.
Compact & Easy to Clean
At 17″x 12″ x 8″ and just over 12 pounds, this is a smaller model that will look nice on your countertop. The stainless-steel style is attractive and a nice quality for the price point. You won’t have to worry about ordering or freezing special ice. You can use store-bought ice cubes or crushed ice in the hopper.
This model is easy to clean with warm water and a clean cloth. It’s easy and safe to operate the on/off switch because of its waterproof cover. This product drips water out of the bottom. You can keep this under control by simply setting it on a towel or using it outside on your patio.
Koval, Inc. makes it easy to find customer service information. While they do not have a specific warranty on this ice shaver, they say they stand by their products. You should reach out to them directly if you have any issues—they seem to have a responsive customer service team.
Pros
- Produces light, fluffy ice snow cones ice in seconds.
- Uses cubed, store-bought ice for convenience.
- Small enough to store in kitchen cabinets.
Cons
- Will not make crunchy ice that some prefer—creates a very fine texture.
- Not fully made from stainless steel.
- No specific warranty.
4. Best Budget Pick-Cuisinart Snow Cone Maker
This retro style snow cone maker from Cuisinart will look great on your countertop. It makes cones a bit slower than some other choices on this list—4-5 cones per minute. However, this shaved ice machine is a good choice if you want a simple machine to enjoy shaved ice in paper cones with your family throughout the summer.
The Cuisinart makes simple shaved ice and it comes with a few recipes. You can add juice to these snow cones if you want to be a bit healthier.
On the other hand, you can also pull out this home shaved ice machine for an adult get-together. You can use store-bought ice cubes to quickly make frozen margaritas.
At only 11.5 x 12.5 x 13.9 inches, this machine will be easy to store in your kitchen cabinets. It’s only 7 pounds, which makes it easy to lift. If you have a way to power it, you can even take it with you to the beach.
Easy to Operate
This snow cone maker will work at the switch of a button and is easy to operate. All parts that come in contact with the ice are BPA-Free. It comes with 4 reusable and 12 paper cups.
The hopper for this shaved ice machine is small. It only holds 12-15 ice cubes at a time. So you’ll need to keep refilling the hopper to make enough snow cones for several people.
Cuisinart provides a limited 3-year warranty for this ice shaver. You should hang onto your receipt. If you do not have proof of purchase, the warranty period will begin from the date of manufacture instead of the date you bought it.
Pros
- Small enough to store easily and take with you on trips.
- Safety features keep machine from starting before you’re ready.
- 3-year limited warranty.
Cons
- Slower snow-cone maker than some may prefer.
- Small hopper cannot fit a large amount of ice at once.
- Ice shavings may not be fine enough for some.
5. Nostalgia Vintage Snow Cone Maker
This vintage snow cone maker is ideal for family use or for small parties of up to 20 people. It measures in at 13.5 x 10 x 17.5 inches and 6 pounds. If you’re planning to serve bigger crowds, you may want to go with a more powerful choice on this list.
The plastic compartment will hold enough ice to make 20 8 oz snow cones with store bought ice. It’s limited by its capacity. You can make about 2-3 snow cones in 30 seconds before you have to refill the hopper. Your snow cones will have a crunchy shaved ice texture, not a fine snow.
The Nostalgia has a shelf that will hold the two reusable snow cone bowls it comes with. It also comes with a scoop to make it easy for you to create perfect snowballs.
Nostalgia Invoking Snow Cone Machine
If you’re looking for a vintage snow cone maker that will add to your party décor, this is a great choice. The Nostalgia looks just like a mini snow cone vendor, from the wheels to embellished roof. It brings back memories of snow cone machines you would see at carnivals, fairs or festivals.
Fortunately, this is not a loud machine. It has an easy on/off switch that will let the machine run while you wait.
When it’s time to clean up, you can easily take this ice shaver machine apart and dry it completely with a towel. It also comes with a 90-day manufacturer’s warranty. You should reach out to the manufacturer directly if you have any issues regarding this product.
Pros
- Ideal size for families and small parties.
- Reasonably priced.
- 90-day manufacturer’s warranty.
Cons
- Ice may not be powdery enough for some.
- Not ideal for large crowds.
- May need to allow periodic cool-off periods during extended use.
6. ZENY Stainless Steel Ice Shaver Machine
This heavy-duty, stainless-steel shaved ice machine from WYZworks will power through ice quickly. It’s got a shield over the on/off switch for safe operation. You just need to add your large, store-bought ice to the hopper, lower the handle and this machine will do all the work for you.
This ice shaver is big and heavy. It measures 17 x 11 x 17.2 inches and weighs 22 pounds. So make sure you have room to store this machine before you purchase it. Although it’s heavy, it’s also stable and will not move around during use.
High Capacity Machine
This machine is high output. The ice will fall into a holding bowl at a rate of 440lb/hr—that’s about 15 8 oz snow cones per minute. You’ll be able to feed a huge crowd with this machine. Additionally, the stainless-steel construction will look clean and stylish on your countertop.
You should clean this ice shaver machine well before use. There can be some leftover manufacturing grease on the machine. You will need to stand by the bowl during use. It fills up quickly and will need to be turned or emptied as it works.
This brand comes with a 6-month limited parts warranty. You should hang onto your receipt and contact the manufacturer for more details.
Pros
- Fast enough to feed a large crowd in a few minutes.
- Sturdy machine will not move on the counter while in use.
- 6-month limited parts warranty.
Cons
- Requires you to manage the ice bowl during operation.
- Pricier than some may prefer.
- Requires thorough cleaning before use.
7. Hawaiian Shaved Ice Electric Shaved Ice Maker
This electric Hawaiian Shaved Ice machine is one of the smallest on our list. It measures only 6.6 x 6.7 x 14.1 inches and weighs 4 pounds. Before adding ice to your machine, try leaving it out for about 5 minutes.
This process is called tempering.tempering. It can help you create the fluffiest snow possible.
This ice shaving machine is also BPA-Free and comes with two ice molds. So you don’t have to worry about running to the store to get ice.
Hawaiian Ice Machine
You just pre-fill the molds, drop the ice in when you’re ready and you’ll have shaved ice cones for the kids in seconds. Additionally, this home shaved ice machine comes with an ice catcher and a non-slip mat to keep it from moving around on your counter.
You should only use ice from the molds provided to make your snow cones. Also, do not run this machine for more than 2 minutes at a time. Doing so will cause it to overheat. Conveniently, it comes apart for easy cleaning and storage.
So if you’re just looking for a way to make snow cones for your kids, this ice shaving machine is a nice choice. Lastly, it comes with a 1-year limited warranty.
Pros
- Comes apart for easy storage.
- Ice molds, catcher cup and non-slip mat included.
- 1-year limited warranty.
Cons
- Can only run for 2 minutes at a time.
- Must use ice from provided molds.
- Not fast enough to feed a large crowd quickly.
Shaved Ice Machine Buyer’s Guide
Finding the right shaved ice and snow machine can be challenging. All the choices on this list will make delicious shaved ice for you so you can’t go wrong.
Some shaved ice and snow machines will make fine fluffy snow, some will be easy to store in tight spaces, and some will feed a huge crowd. You should consider what’s most important to you as you think through the shaved ice machines we’ve listed above. But it’s also important to consider the details below.
How to Select the Right Shaved Ice Machine
Finding the best ice shaving machine for your needs is a matter of considering a few primary points. You should think first about crowd size, ice shaving speed and budget. Then consider things like style, accessories and warranty. There’s a lot to think about as you’re making your choice.
Power and Speed
Whether you’re looking for a shaved ice and snow machine that will churn out lots of cones really fast, or you just need one or two at a time, there’s a shaved ice maker for you on this list. There are choices that give you fine snow or crunchier shaved ice. It all depends on your preference and needs.
The most powerful shaved ice machines on this list have professional grade motors at 250W. They include the Little Snowie 2, the WYZworks and the Costzon.
Mid-range power shaved ice machines like the Koval and Cuisinart run at 200W. The rest of the shaved ice machines on this list have a lower wattage. They are the Nostalgia and Hawaiian Shaved Ice machines. They won’t work as fast, but will still make delicious treats.
Accessories and Style
The Little Snowie 2 is the top choice in the accessories category. It comes with a pack of sample syrups and fun snowie shovels. All you need are glasses to get your party going.
The Nostalgia ice shaving machine looks just like a real snow cone vendor in miniature. This makes a great accompaniment to summer party decorations. It also comes with two reusable snow cone cups and a great snow cone scoop for shaping the perfect cotton candy flavored snowball.
The Cuisinart ice shaving machine is an attractive red, retro style. It has a shelf so you can easily ready snow cones in advance as others are picking their syrup. It also comes with a set of reusable and paper cups.
The Hawaiian shaved Ice and snow machine comes with accessories that make it easier to use the machine. The non-slip mat, catcher cup and ice molds are all essential for making snow cones. If you prefer to keep track of fewer accessories, consider another option on this list.
Koval and WYZworks ice shavers both have a nice stainless-steel look that will be classy on any countertop. Neither come with extra materials but both look nice.
The Costzon is great for its power and capacity but is not particularly stylish. It also does not come with any accessories.
Warranty
The Hawaiian, Cuisinart and Little Snowie 2 shaved ice and snow machines all come with at least a 1-year warranty. You’ll be covered for problems with material or workmanship.
The WYZworks and Nostalgia shaved ice machines come with a 6 months or fewer warranty. The Koval and Costzon do not seem to come with warranties. You should check your product manual or contact the manufacturer for more information.
All of these shaved ice machines are quality options. Choose the warranty level that best suits your preference when selecting a shaved ice machine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best ice shaving machine?
A: In our opinion, the Little Snowie 2 ice shaver is the best machine. It’s a powerful ice shaver that will feed a crowd and last for a long time. Additionally,it also comes with fun accessories and sample syrups to get you started on your snow cone making adventures.
Q: What is the best commercial shaved ice machine?
A: The Costzon is our pick for the best commerical shaved ice machine. Its high capacity output will feed large crowds quickly. It works for offices, schools, parties or other large group events. It’s big, powerful and will shave through 440lbs of ice in an hour. It can be used for home use as well.
Q: How much ice should you put in a shaved ice machine?
A: The answer depends completely on your ice shaver machine. Some on this list, like the Costzon ice shaver, will hold a lot of ice cubes. Others, like the Cuisinart, will only hold 12-15 ice cubes at a time. Follow the instructions that come with your machine for exact instructions.
Q: What syrup should you use for snow cones?
A: There are plenty of store-bought options. The Little Snowie 2 on our list comes with sample syrups. You can also make your own syrup right at home. If you want, you can make coke slushies and frozen margaritas with the ice instead.
Conclusion
Creating the best summer ice cones are easy with a shaved ice machine. All you have to do is decide whether you want to serve up snow cones at big parties or make them just for your family. Then pick your budget and decide what you like best—there are a number of styles and price points on this list of shaved ice machines.
Any choice will help you make a tasty snowball, either crunchy like a slushy, or fluffy like store quality snow cones. You can layer it with as many layers of syrup as you want—with your own shaved ice machine, you’re in control.
We hope that after reading our detailed reviews and comprehensive buying guide, you’ll have all the information you need to select the best shaved ice machine that is perfect for your kitchen.
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