Best Snow Cone Machine

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Snow cones are a refreshing treat enjoyed by all ages, especially on hot summer days. These icy snacks, made from shaved ice topped with flavored syrup, are commonly found at fairs and food trucks, but now many people are making them at home with their own snow cone machines. These machines shave or crush ice into a fine, snow-like texture, allowing you to customize your treat with your favorite syrups. When choosing a snow cone machine, consider factors like ice capacity, ease of use, and durability. Some are designed for home use, while others cater to commercial needs. We tested several models to find the best options for making snow cones at home, focusing on performance and convenience.

  • Hawaiian Shaved Ice Machine

    10

    We recommend the Hawaiian Shaved Ice Machine for its ease of use and ability to create fluffy snow cones at home.

    10

    We recommend the Hawaiian Shaved Ice Machine for its ease of use and ability to create fluffy snow cones at home.

    Pros

    • Simple to operate and clean
    • Produces soft, fluffy shaved ice
    • Compact and easy to store

    Cons

    • Can be noisy during operation
    • Requires two hands to hold down the top while shaving
    • Limited capacity per ice mold

    We tested the Hawaiian Shaved Ice S900A in our kitchen, and it quickly became a hit. This compact machine fits neatly on our countertop and is a breeze to use. We found that it turns regular ice cubes into soft, fluffy snow perfect for snow cones and other frozen treats.

    The machine comes with two plastic ice mold cups, which is handy for preparing ice in advance. We liked how easy it was to pop the frozen ice out of these molds. The non-slip mat included in the package helped keep the machine steady during use.

    While the Hawaiian Shaved Ice Machine is great for small gatherings, we noticed it can get a bit loud when running. It also requires using both hands to hold down the top part while shaving ice, which might be tricky for some users. Despite these minor issues, we were impressed with the quality of shaved ice it produced.

    We experimented with different syrups and even tried making adult beverages. The machine handled it all well, creating everything from classic snow cones to frozen margaritas. Its versatility makes it a fun addition to any kitchen for both kids and adults alike.

  • Nostalgia Snow Cone Maker

    9.7

    We think this retro-styled snow cone maker is a fun summer treat maker for families and parties.

    9.7

    We think this retro-styled snow cone maker is a fun summer treat maker for families and parties.

    Pros

    • Makes fluffy, snow-like ice
    • Large capacity for 20 snow cones
    • Includes reusable cups and scoop

    Cons

    • Can be noisy when running
    • Ice needs to be in small pieces
    • May require breaks between batches

    We tested the Nostalgia Snow Cone Maker and had a blast making icy treats. The machine churned out light, fluffy ice perfect for snow cones. We liked how it can make up to 20 servings, great for backyard parties.

    The clear walls let us watch the “snow” pile up inside, which kids loved. The side shelf was handy for prepping cones. We found the safety switch helpful to keep little hands safe.

    Using regular ice cubes worked okay, but smaller pieces made smoother ice. The motor got a bit loud, so we took short breaks between batches. Still, for the price, we think it’s a solid choice for summer fun.

  • Nostalgia Retro Snow Cone Cart

    9.5

    We recommend this fun and nostalgic snow cone machine for families looking to bring icy treats to their backyard parties.

    9.5

    We recommend this fun and nostalgic snow cone machine for families looking to bring icy treats to their backyard parties.

    Pros

    • Eye-catching retro design
    • Easy to move with wheels
    • Built-in storage compartment

    Cons

    • Can be tricky to assemble
    • Blade difficult to clean
    • May struggle with larger ice cubes

    We had a blast testing out the Nostalgia Retro Snow Cone Cart. Its charming design caught our eye right away, making us feel like we were at an old-fashioned carnival. The wheels made it a breeze to roll from the kitchen to the patio for our backyard BBQ.

    The machine worked well for making snow cones for our group. We found the stainless steel blades shaved ice pretty quickly, though they sometimes struggled with bigger ice cubes. The built-in storage was handy for keeping cups, syrups, and the scoop close by.

    We did hit a few snags. Setup took longer than we expected, and cleaning the blade after use was tough. But once we got the hang of it, this machine was a hit with kids and adults alike. For casual use and family fun, it’s a solid choice that brings a touch of nostalgia to any gathering.

  • Hawaiian Snow Cone Kit

    9.4

    We think this Hawaiian snow cone kit is a great choice for families and party hosts who want to make tasty frozen treats at home.

    9.4

    We think this Hawaiian snow cone kit is a great choice for families and party hosts who want to make tasty frozen treats at home.

    Pros

    • Makes fluffy, snow-like ice
    • Includes syrups and accessories
    • Easy to use and clean

    Cons

    • Can be messy
    • Takes practice to get right consistency
    • Limited flavors included

    We tried out this Hawaiian snow cone machine at a recent backyard party, and it was a big hit. The machine churns out light, fluffy ice that’s perfect for absorbing sweet syrups. We found it simple to operate – just add ice cubes and press down on the lid. In minutes, we had a bowl full of powdery “snow” ready for flavoring.

    The kit comes with everything needed to get started. We liked the included cherry, grape, and blue raspberry syrups, which had bold, fruity flavors. The set of cups, straws, and pourers was handy for serving. We also appreciated the ice molds for making round ice blocks.

    There’s a learning curve to getting the ice texture just right. Our first attempts were a bit chunky, but we got better with practice. The process can be a little messy, with ice sometimes spraying out. But cleanup was quick – the removable parts rinse off easily.

    For the price, we think this kit offers good value for anyone wanting to make snow cones at home. The machine is compact and stores away neatly when not in use. While only three flavors are included, it’s fun to experiment with other syrups or even adult mix-ins for frozen cocktails.

  • VNN Snow Cone Beast

    9.3

    We recommend this powerful snow cone machine for its high output and versatility, making it great for large gatherings and events.

    9.3

    We recommend this powerful snow cone machine for its high output and versatility, making it great for large gatherings and events.

    Pros

    • High crushing speed of 500 pounds per hour
    • Easy to use and clean
    • Comes with useful accessories

    Cons

    • Quite heavy at 33.8 pounds
    • May be overkill for small families
    • Some ice can come out on top when using

    We tried out the VNN Snow Cone Beast at a recent neighborhood block party, and it was a hit. This machine cranked out fluffy snow cones at an impressive rate. We simply loaded ice into the hopper, pressed down the handle, and switched it on. In no time, we had a mound of perfectly crushed ice ready for syrup.

    The sharp stainless steel blades made quick work of the ice. We appreciated the included replacement blades, which gave us peace of mind for future use. The transparent acrylic box made it easy to see when we needed to add more ice, and cleanup was a breeze thanks to the built-in drainage system.

    While this machine is a powerhouse, it might be too much for casual home use. It’s quite heavy and takes up significant counter space. We also noticed that some ice came out on top when using the lever, but it was a minor issue. For large events or commercial use, though, this snow cone maker is hard to beat.

  • Cuisinart Snow Cone Maker

    9.1

    We think this snow cone maker is a great buy for families who want to make icy treats at home.

    9.1

    We think this snow cone maker is a great buy for families who want to make icy treats at home.

    Pros

    • Quick ice shaving
    • Easy to use and clean
    • Comes with reusable cones

    Cons

    • Noisy operation
    • Ice texture could be finer
    • Limited capacity

    We tried out the Cuisinart Snow Cone Maker and were pleased with its performance. It’s simple to set up and use – just add ice cubes and flip the switch. In less than a minute, we had enough shaved ice for 4-5 cones.

    The machine comes with both reusable plastic cones and paper ones, which is nice. We liked the pull-out tray with cone holders for serving. It made sharing snow cones at our family gathering much easier.

    While it works well, it is a bit loud when shaving ice. The texture of the ice isn’t as fine as what you’d get from a professional machine, but it’s good enough for homemade treats. The bin size is okay for small groups, but you’ll need to refill it often for bigger parties.

  • Nostalgia SnowPro Ice Shaver

    9

    We think the Nostalgia SnowPro is a solid choice for anyone looking to make tasty snow cones at home.

    9

    We think the Nostalgia SnowPro is a solid choice for anyone looking to make tasty snow cones at home.

    Pros

    • Easy to use push-down handle
    • Large 64 oz capacity
    • Includes 4 reusable cones and scoop

    Cons

    • Can be noisy during operation
    • Ice melts quickly
    • Plastic parts may not be very durable

    We tried out the Nostalgia SnowPro and found it super simple to use. The push-down handle made shaving ice a breeze. We just filled the chute with ice cubes and pressed down. In no time, we had a mound of fluffy snow perfect for snow cones.

    The 64 oz capacity was great for making treats for the whole family. We easily made 8 snow cones in one go. The included scoop helped portion out the ice, and the 4 reusable cones were a nice touch. We liked setting filled cones on the side shelves while prepping more.

    While it worked well, the SnowPro was pretty loud when shaving ice. We also noticed the shaved ice melted fast, so it’s best to serve quickly. The plastic parts, like the cup holder, felt a bit flimsy. We worry they might not hold up to heavy use over time.

    Still, for the price, we think this snow cone maker delivers good value. It’s fun for kids’ parties or cooling off on hot days. Just remember to grab some tasty syrups to complete your snow cone experience!

  • VEVOR Ice Crusher

    8.7

    We think this VEVOR ice crusher is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable, high-capacity snow cone machine.

    8.7

    We think this VEVOR ice crusher is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable, high-capacity snow cone machine.

    Pros

    • Powerful 300W motor
    • Large 9-gallon capacity
    • ETL certified for commercial use

    Cons

    • Bulky size
    • Ice more crushed than finely shaved
    • Noisy operation

    We tested this VEVOR ice crusher and were impressed by its performance. The 300W motor quickly turned ice cubes into snow, churning out up to 396 pounds per hour. This speed makes it perfect for busy events or commercial settings.

    The machine’s 9-gallon storage bin held plenty of ice for our needs. We liked the drainage hose, which kept things tidy. The stainless steel blades held up well during our testing, and we appreciated the included spare set.

    While it crushed ice fast, we found the texture wasn’t as fine as some might prefer for snow cones. It worked great for slushies and frozen drinks, though. The machine is also quite large, so it might not suit smaller kitchens. When running, it makes some noise, but that’s expected for its power.

  • Arctic Blast Snow Cone Maker

    8.7

    We think the Arctic Blast is a top choice for anyone serious about making lots of snow cones quickly.

    8.7

    We think the Arctic Blast is a top choice for anyone serious about making lots of snow cones quickly.

    Pros

    • Powerful motor shaves 500 pounds of ice per hour
    • Durable stainless steel and aluminum build
    • Easy to clean with removable parts

    Cons

    • Pricey for home use
    • Large and heavy at 50 pounds
    • Requires breaking down large ice chunks

    The Arctic Blast snow cone machine is a beast. We tested it at a busy fair, and it kept up with demand all day. Its 1/3 horsepower motor churned out perfect snow cones non-stop.

    We love how sturdy this machine feels. The stainless steel body and cast aluminum parts can take a beating. It’s clearly made for commercial use, but it’s also great for big parties or events at home.

    Cleaning is a breeze. The slanted drain deck and 36-inch tube keep things tidy. We just wiped down the surfaces and rinsed the removable parts. The blue tinted panels are a nice touch – they look cool and help keep the ice from melting too fast.

  • Hawaiian Shaved Ice S700

    8.6

    We think the Hawaiian Shaved Ice S700 is a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy tasty snow cones at home.

    8.6

    We think the Hawaiian Shaved Ice S700 is a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy tasty snow cones at home.

    Pros

    • Easy to use and clean
    • Comes with a variety of syrup flavors
    • Includes cups, straws, and pourers

    Cons

    • Takes up counter space
    • May not produce ultra-fine shaved ice
    • Limited syrup quantities

    We tested the Hawaiian Shaved Ice S700 and found it super simple to use. Just pop in some ice cubes, push a button, and you’ve got fluffy snow in seconds. The machine handled both homemade and store-bought ice with ease.

    The kit comes with six yummy syrups. We tried them all and liked the classic cherry and blue raspberry best. The flavors were strong enough to satisfy our sweet tooth without being too sugary. Plus, the syrups don’t need to be kept cold, which is handy.

    We appreciated the extras included in the set. The cups, spoon straws, and pourers made serving a breeze. It felt like we had our own little snow cone stand at home. Clean-up was quick too – just a quick rinse of the parts and we were done.

Buying Guide

When shopping for a snow cone machine, we think there are a few key things to look for:

Capacity

Consider how many snow cones you’ll need to make. Machines range from small countertop models to large commercial units.

Ice Type

Some machines use regular ice cubes, while others require special block ice. Think about what’s most convenient for your needs.

Motor Power

A stronger motor will crush ice faster and more efficiently. Look for at least 1/3 horsepower for home use.

Ease of Cleaning

Removable parts and dishwasher-safe components make cleanup much simpler.

Safety Features

We recommend choosing a model with a safety switch that stops the blades when the lid is opened.

Noise Level

Ice crushing can be loud. If noise is a concern, look for quieter models or those with sound-dampening features.

Portability

If you’ll be moving the machine around, consider its weight and whether it has handles.

Here’s a quick comparison of features to consider:

FeatureHome UseCommercial Use
Capacity20-50 cones/hr100+ cones/hr
Motor1/3 – 1/2 HP1/2 – 1 HP
Ice TypeRegular cubesBlock ice
Weight10-20 lbs30+ lbs

By keeping these factors in mind, we can choose a snow cone machine that best fits our needs and budget.