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Enjoy Your Favorite Summer Treat With the Best Ice Shaver Machines

Last updated: 11 Jul 2022
The long summer days under the sweltering heat can be dreadful to bear if not for the fluffy and delicious snow cones. These nostalgic iced treats bring back the days of summer camp and going to the carnival with your friends and family. As much as you might love drinking ice-cold smoothies, sodas, or other beverages to fend off the heat, they don’t come close to the refreshing and satisfying feeling a shaved ice cone with sweet syrups can offer. You don’t have to wait for snow cone carts or ice cream trucks to relive your sweetest childhood memories because ice shaver machines help you make those chilly summer staples at home. Unlike blender crushed ice, ice shaver machines create a fine and fluffy blend like actual snow. Whether you have your child’s birthday party to celebrate or simply want to enjoy a classic treat without breaking your budget, check out the finest ice shave machines for 2022 to make this summer great.

Best Overall

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VivoHome
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Most Powerful Motor

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Zeny
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Most Versatile

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Hawaiian Shaved Ice
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Best for Outdoors

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Manba
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Best for Commercial Use

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OKF
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Show Contents
Comparing the Leading Ice Shaver Machines in 2022

Choosing the Ideal Ice Shaver Machine: A Buyer’s Guide

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.

What To Look For in an Ice Shaver Machine?

Before you invest in an ice shaving appliance to make your summers bearable and entertaining, make sure to consider the following features:

Type

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.

Capacity

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.

Durability

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.

Portability

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.

Additional Features

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.

  • Waterproof switch: Since the threat to most electric snow cone makers is water, which may cause a short circuit, make sure the one you get has a water-resistant power switch.
  • Adjustable blade: Unlike fixed ones, adjustable blades allow you to crush ice in two different styles: fine snow-like and coarse crunchy pieces.
  • Splashproof design: While you are crafting your favorite summer delight, a splattered mess of crushed ice or snow would be the last thing you want. So, get an ice shaver machine with a splashproof design.

Comparing the Leading Ice Shaver Machines in 2022

VivoHome – Best Overall

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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.

Pros

  • Sleek and elegant design
  • Detail-orientated safety features
  • Large ice shaving capacity
  • Corrosion-free and food-grade construction

Cons

  • More expensive than other options
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Zeny – Most Powerful Motor

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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.

Pros

  • Powerful and efficient motor
  • Maximum ice shaving capacity per hour
  • Fulfills domestic and commercial use
  • Safe and easy to operate

Cons

  • Blades may need periodic replacement
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Hawaiian Shaved Ice – Most Versatile

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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.

Pros

  • Comes with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty
  • Attractive and compact countertop appliance
  • Adjustable blade shaves different ice textures
  • Compatible with ice cubes and blocks

Cons

  • It has a lower ice shaving capacity
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Manba – Best for Outdoors

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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.

Pros

  • Operates manually without electricity
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Comes with an ice cube tray and blocks
  • Sharp tri-blade design allows smooth, precise shaving

Cons

  • The blades may grind the inner plastic
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OKF – Best for Commercial Use

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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.

Pros

  • Best-suited for commercial use
  • Anti-splash covering for mess-free usage
  • Shaves crunchy and snow-like ice
  • Robust motor offers maximum ice shaving capacity

Cons

  • It consumes more electricity
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FAQ

Q: Can I carry an ice shaver machine on outdoor trips?

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.

Q: How many people an ice shaver machine can serve?

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.

Q: How do I clean my ice shaver machine?

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.

Wendy Lockwood
By Wendy Lockwood
Wendy Lockwood is a journalist based in North Carolina with over 13 years of experience covering parenting, home, kitchen, and cooking. She has two daughters, Jodie and Alexis, and a grandson on the way. When she’s not with her family, Wendy enjoys reading on her porch, cooking for her husband, Mark, and taking long walks out in nature. Even though Wendy is not much of a traveler, she loves taking trips to the ocean where she can read, walk and enjoy the sunshine.
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