Whether you want to treat your kids with ice cone treats at a birthday party or prepare slushies and ice-cold shots at a pool party with friends, ice shaver machines offer an ideal way to celebrate any occasion.
While some cone makers produce snow-like fluffy ice, others produce crunchy ice. Considering the extensive range of machines from electric and manually operated to portable and non-portable versions, choosing the ideal ice shaver machine requires some background knowledge provided in this detailed buying guide.
Before you invest in an ice shaving appliance to make your summers bearable and entertaining, make sure to consider the following features:
From more accessible and portable manually operated versions to electric-powered automated variants, ice shaver machines come in two main types. If you don’t mind putting in the physical effort to turn ice blocks and cubes into fluffy crushed ice, hand-operated snow cone makers can be a cheaper option to rely on.
If you don’t feel like putting in tough work to crush the ice, let a motor handle the job. Although they are bulkier and louder, electric-powered ice shavers crush the ice with maximum speed and efficiency.
Looking for an ice shaver to satisfy your everyday ice cone craving or want to set up an ice cone kiosk at a fair or festival? Ice shaver machines come in different capacities and efficiencies in terms of the amount of ice they can crush in an hour.
While manual versions churn up ice in limited portions, larger electric-powered machines have a higher ice crushing capacity ranging from 140 to 220 pounds (20-30 cones) per hour better suited for commercial use.
While some hand-powered versions are made from standard polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic, other high-end and commercially used ice shaver machines are mainly constructed from stainless steel. Manual ice shavers are lightweight and portable but their plastic bodies may not keep up with you for long. So, if you want a robust and sturdy ice shaving machine that will last you years to come, opt for a stainless steel version since it’s waterproof and rust-resistant.
Snow cones are not just meant to be savored on your couch or terrace in the evenings, they also make a perfect summer staple for the outdoors. In case you want a slushy drink or shaved ice on a road trip or picnic, choose an ice crusher that’s lightweight and portable enough to stick with you. Since most picnic spots are often scarce of power sockets and electric snow cone makers are heavier and bulky, it’s ideal to fetch along with a manual ice shaver machine instead.
If you want the best experience with an ice shaver machine with zero hassle or risks, considering these additional features would earn you a safe spot.
If you’re looking for an ice shaver machine that offers versatility, efficiency, and convenience, VivoHome sets the benchmark for premium and efficient appliances. With its 300W motor housed inside a food-grade stainless steel body, this snow cone maker shaves up to 143 pounds of fluffy goodness in an hour. The elegantly designed stainless steel body makes it an attractive countertop piece, you can decorate your kitchen with.
In addition to a water-resistant power switch, the ice shaver blades automatically shut off when the hopper handle is open, posing no threat to your safety while running. Sleek aesthetics and detail-oriented safety features make this ice shaver machine deserving of the best overall award.
Whether you are looking to set up a snow cone kiosk or want to treat your little ones with slushes and snow cones every weekend, the Zeny Electric Ice Crusher Machine is ideal for making shaved ice treats. It boasts a 2000 RPM motor that produces 143 pounds of shaved ice every hour, fulfilling both domestic and commercial demands.
Despite the powerful motor, this ice shaver machine produces no unnecessary noise or vibration thanks to the heavy case. The stainless-steel casing not only looks sleek and elegant, but it’s also waterproof and rust-resistant for better durability. Although the blade automatically shuts off when the hopper is open, be wary of the sharp blades at the exit point.
The Hawaiian Shaved Ice S900A Snow Cone Machine is a highly versatile tool when it comes to bringing the quintessential ice treats to your table. Despite its unique and adorable design, the home-use appliance features a 55W motor that is more than capable of turning ice into fluffy snow. Whether you love the crunchy ice cones or slushies, the adjustable blade carves ice the way you prefer. But instead of simply pouring in the ice, let it thaw for a few minutes to get the perfect texture of crushed ice.
This ice shaver machine presents an easy-to-assemble 3-piece design including two round block ice molds and an anti-slip pad. With its 120V standard household plug, you can connect it to any socket in your home.
If you want a snow cone maker that satisfies your everyday craving for a snow cone and is portable enough to be carried on outdoor picnics, look no further than the Manba Ice Shaver Machine. Unlike others on the list, this premium ice crusher operates manually using handheld rotatable gear.
The three stainless-steel blades are sturdy and sharp for seamless performance against ice cubes and ice blocks. The pedaled handle coupled with the tri-blade setup works smoothly and efficiently demanding little effort. Make sure you don’t push the lid with too much force or the blades may start trimming the inner plastic as well.
Planning a party on hot summer days could be a hassle, if not for the OKF Electric Snow Cone Maker. This high-end shaver machine does more than just satisfy your everyday snow cone cravings. With its robust and highly efficient 380W motor, this product crushes up to 220 pounds of ice every hour, keeping up with the demand at any outdoor event.
The tri-blade design trims ice precisely, preventing any hiccups during the process. Not to mention, the ergonomic design features an anti-splash covering around the blades, keeping ice from scattering everywhere. This ice shaver is made of heavy-built thermoplastic and stainless-steel material that provides durability and minimizes any vibrations or noise while in use.
A: Yes, most ice shaver machines are lightweight and portable. But unlike electric-powered variants, manually-operated shaver machines are better suited for outside use.
A: It depends on the capacity and size of the portions. For a machine with a crushing capacity of 140 pounds/hour, you can serve up between 18 and 20 people with 3.5-ounce servings.
A: The ideal way to clean an ice shaver machine is to let it rest after use until the ice melts. Then splash the bowl and container with water.
