Snow cone machines are a great addition to just about any home. Whether you have kids or are still a kid at heart, it’s hard to beat a nice, ice-cold snow cone on a hot day. Instead of waiting for an ice cream truck to come by, you can make snow cones at home with a snow cone machine. There are a number of machines on the market, and the best snow cone machines can allow you to enjoy frozen, sweet treats in minutes.
Along with being great just to have around the house, snow cone machines are also great for parties. Whether you’re throwing a birthday party or just having a barbecue, a snow cone machine gives you an easy and affordable way to make treats for people of all ages. Additionally, many machines can be used by kids without any safety issues and with minimal adult supervision.
Yet another advantage of having your own snow cone machine is that you’re able to make sugar-free treats for people. Since you add your own syrup, you can create your own flavor combinations with syrup that is sugar-free or has sugar in it.
To help you figure out which snow cone machine is right for your home, budget, and expectations, we’ve compiled a list of the best snow cone machines.
Best Snow Cone Machine Comparison Table
| Model | Photo | Purpose | Power (Watt) | Productivity (lbs per hour) | Warranty | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cuisinart SCM-10 Editors Choice |  | Home Use | 90 | n/a | 5 Years | Check Price |
| Little Snowie 2 Premium Quality |  | Home Use | 110 | n/a | 1 Year | Check Price |
| Nostalgia SCM502 |  | Home Use | 30 | n/a | 1 Year | Check Price |
| Hawaiian Shaved Ice S900A |  | Home Use | 55 | n/a | 1 Year | Check Price |
| Nostalgia SCC399 |  | Home Use | 100 | n/a | 1 Year | Check Price |
| BLIZZY Snow Cone |  | Home Use | 80 | n/a | 1 Year | Check Price |
| Victorio Kitchen Time for Treats |  | Home Use | n/a | n/a | 1 Year | Check Price |
| Disney Olaf |  | Home Use | 60 | n/a | 1 Year | Check Price |
Victorio Kitchen Manual |  | Manual | Manual | 1 Year | Check Price | |
| Koval Inc. |  | Commercial | 200 | 143 | n/a | Check Price |
| WYZworks |  | Commercial | 200 | 440 | 6 months | Check Price |
| Paragon |  | Commercial | 635 | 500 | 3 Years | Check Price |
| Great Northern Premium |  | Commercial | 400 | 350 | 1 Year | Check Price |
Best Snow Cone Machine Reviews
Cuisinart SCM-10 – Best Snow Cone Machine For Home
Cuisinart is an established brand that is well-known for their quality kitchen appliances. Their SCM-10 Snow Cone Maker is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a durable snow cone maker that is able to also create shaved ice for treats and specialty drinks.
The snow cone maker works quickly, and it can produce enough shaved ice for four or five snow cones in a minute. It is also incredibly easy to use; all you have to do is put ice in it and flip the switch. This means that even children can operate it.
It features a removable ice bin, which makes it a breeze to fill up and clean. There are two fold-down cone holders, which make it easy to add flavors without having to juggle snow cones and syrups. It’s fairly small, and it only weighs eight pounds, so it’s easy to store and transport.
- Is durable enough to run for quite a while, so it can be used at parties and small events
- Comes with a limited five-year motor warranty
- Works with standard ice cubes, so there’s no need to get blocks of ice
- It also works with crushed ice
- Comes with a plastic scoop for shaping snow cones
- Cannot be used for more than a few hours without damaging the machine
- Some people find that the ice isn’t a smooth or fluffy as they would like
- The unit is made of plastic, so it may be easy to break if you’re not careful when using it
Little Snowie 2 Ice Shaver – Fastest Small Snow Cone Machine
A lot of snow cone makers that are able to produce a lot of ice quickly are large and heavy. The Little Snowie 2 Ice Shaver easily fits onto your kitchen counter, and it can make shaved snow for snow cones in just three seconds.
It is able to produce shaved ice quickly thanks to using a professional grade high-speed motor and a stainless steel blade. The blade can be replaced if it ever dulls, but since it’s made of 301 hardened stainless steel, that’s not likely to ever be an issue.
The machine is very easy to use, and aside from cleanup, even a child can operate it. Simply press down on the machine’s lid, and it will start creating shaved ice for snow cones immediately. It’s designed for fairly heavy use, so it can be used for hours and go through pounds and pounds of ice without running into any problems.
- Is very portable and lightweight, so it’s easy to store or transport
- Makes shaved ice in just seconds
- Doesn’t stop working or run into problems after a few uses
- Can be used by just about anyone
- Powerful motor and durable blade ensure problem-free operation
- Is significantly more expensive than most other home snow cone machines
- The machine can be a bit noisy
Nostalgia SCM502 – Best Looking Snow Cone Maker
The Nostalgia SCM502 Snow Cone Maker is an excellent choice if you’re interested in a cute and functional snow cone maker. The machine features stainless steel cutting blades, which are able to produce light, fluffy snow from ice cubes.
It’s made of BPA-free materials, and it comes with paper snow cone cups, spoon straws and a squeeze bottle. The squeeze bottle can be used to dispense syrup into your shaved ice, and the machine comes with two flavoring mixes, which are red cherry and blue raspberry.
To work the machine, simply fill the container with ice, put the lid on and start the machine. You can store cones on a shelf on the front of the machine. Since it’s easy to use, even children can run it with moderate adult supervision.
- Creates very nicely shaved ice that’s not chunky
- Works very quickly, and it only takes about 30 seconds to make a batch of shaved ice
- There isn’t any setup involved; you can use it right out of the box
- The machine is lightweight and small enough to be easily stored or transported
- Can be pretty loud while it’s crushing ice
- It isn’t supposed to be run for more than five minutes at a time
- Since most of the machine is plastic, parts can break with excessive use
Hawaiian S900A – Best Affordable Choice
If you’re looking for an affordable shaved ice machine that is easy to use, consider the Hawaiian Shaved Ice S900A Electric Shaved Ice Machine. Although it doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles, it’s very simple to clean and operate.
In fact, children can operate the machine without too much help from parents. However, kids shouldn’t handle the cleanup because the ice shaver blade is sharp.
This machine is designed to work with ice created using ice molds, but it will also work if you use ice cubes. However, the snow cones made with ice from a mold will be lighter and fluffier than those made with ice cubes.
This machine is designed for making snow cones, but it can actually be used to make a variety of treats and beverages based on ice. The machine also allows you to adjust the blade, so you can change the texture of the snow it produces.
- Comes with a one-year warranty
- Can shave ice to make snow cones, margaritas, slushies and other crushed ice drinks
- Additional components and replacement parts are available for a very low cost
- Works with shaped ice or ice cubes
- Some people have bought machines that didn’t work at all or stopped working after just a few uses
- The ice molds don’t have lids, so it’s easy to spill them when you put them in the freezer
Nostalgia SCC399 – Snow Cone Cart
For a snow cone maker that is good for events, you may want to check out the Nostalgia SCC399 48-Inch Snow Cone Cart. This cart holds enough snow for about 40 eight-ounce snow cones, and it makes shaved ice for cones fairly quickly. If you’re using it at an event, you’ll be able to make snow cones at a fairly quick pace.
The machine can be run for hours without running into problems, and it has an ice shaving blade that can be replaced. If the blade goes dull, you can simply swap it out instead of needing to buy a new machine.
There is some construction involved if you want to use the cart since you have to attach it to the machine. However, you can also just use the snow cone maker by placing it on a counter. Once assembled, the cart and the machine are about 3.5-feet tall, and it weighs just shy of 30 pounds.
- It’s on wheels, which makes it easy to move around in spite of its weight
- Allows you to make a good deal of shaved ice and store it
- The top of the unit can be taken off of the stand, so you can use it on a countertop
- The front of the machine has two snow cone holders
- The warranty only lasts 14 days, so you’ll want to start using it immediately to ensure that it works
- It’s not well insulated, so if the snow cone maker is in the sun, shaved ice will melt fairly quickly
- The mounts that attach the wheels to the machine are sometimes hard to get on
BLIZZY – Top Affordable Snow Cone Maker Set
For an affordable snow cone machine that comes with all the basics, check out the BLIZZY Snow Cone Maker Set. This set comes with a snow cone machine, syrups, snow cone cups and straws. All you need to make snow cones is to add ice, and the machine will turn ice cubes into light and fluffy snow.
It’s very user-friendly, and it’s simple and safe enough that even children can use it with some adult supervision. As with many other snow cone machines, it’s best to leave cleaning the unit up to adults because of the sharp blade for shaving ice.
- Very affordable but works well
- Unlike some other systems, people don’t seem to get lemons that fail immediately or after a few uses
- Easy to clean and use
- Comes with everything you need to make snow cones expect for the ice
- Some people have complained that ice comes out as pebbles instead of being shaved
- The blade isn’t adjustable, so you can’t make the shaved ice finer or coarser
- Great for the occasional snow cone, but it’s not something that would necessarily work well at a party or family gathering
Victorio Kitchen Time for Treats
This electric ice shaver uses plain or flavored ice cubes instead of molds and features an adjustable stainless steel blade that is replaceable. To create coarser shavings, loosen the screws on the blade and lower the blade into the chamber. For finer shavings, raise the blade out of the chamber, and then retighten the screws.
You can purchase the machine by itself or buy it with the gift pack. The gift pack includes cherry, pina colada, blue raspberry syrup, and a 25-pack of snow cone cups and straws.
The lid is clear plastic, so children can watch the cone maker work. As a safety feature, the lid has to be closed before the machine will work.
Only the lid comes off for cleaning, so you have to wipe it out and then leave it upside down on the counter to drain.
This snow cone maker is recommended because it uses ice cubes instead of molds, is durable, has an adjustable and replaceable blade, makes cones quickly, and is reasonably priced.
- It uses ice cubes instead of molds
- The blade is adjustable and replaceable
- This machine is BPA-free
- The lid has to be held down, so you can not just turn it on and leave it
- The grinding slow down as the machine empties, so adding more ice when it is half empty keeps it working quickly
Disney Olaf
This machine resembles a character from the Disney movie “Frozen” and includes two molds and six paper cones.
The molds do not have lids. Consequently, the water can spill, and the molds cannot be stacked in the freezer. You can use ice cubes, but the shaved ice from the blocks is finer.
The molds make enough ice for three to four snow cones only. Planning ahead and freezing plenty of ice blocks from the minute you receive the cone maker will keep everyone happy.
This cone maker does not come with syrup, but you can easily buy some or use juice. You will also want to buy extra paper or plastic cones, or you can use bowls.
A few reports of the motor burning out could indicate a need for a more powerful motor. There is a warning that you have to let the motor cool down after three minutes. So, if you intend to make a lot of shaved ice at one time, you should probably get a model with a more powerful motor.
Overall, this cone maker is recommended because it makes cones quickly, it seems to be a good quality machine, it is reasonably priced, and it resembles a beloved Disney character.
- Since it resembles Olaf from the Disney movie “Frozen”, it will be a kid’s favorite
- It makes cones in seconds, and bowls can be placed in the cone area
- It is easy to clean, but the blade is sharp. It should be cleaned by an adult
- It is electric instead of a hand-cranked model
- Due to reports of missing parts, open the box and check the contents as soon as you receive it
- The machine fills a cone in seconds, but you have to let the motor cool down after three minutes
- Replacement blades are not available
Victorio Kitchen Manual Ice Shaver – Best Manual Model
This snow cone maker is a manual crank machine that includes three stackable molds with lids. Since it is not electric, it is portable and can be used outdoors. Even though it is a manual crank machine, it is durable and works easily.
The blade is adjustable and has a cover that has to be removed. To create coarser shavings, loosen the screws on the blade and lower the blade into the chamber. For finer shavings, raise the blade out of the chamber, and then retighten the screws.
This machine is great not only for snow cones, but the crushed ice can be used to chill shrimp, vegetables, and other foods. You can also use it to make daiquiris, cocktails, and differently flavored snow cones, such as cranberry, pina colada, or condensed milk flavored snow cones.
If the manual crank would not be an issue for you, then this snow cone maker is recommended because it is reasonably priced, has three molds with lids, is durable, and has an adjustable blade that can be replaced.
- The water will not spill, and the molds can be stacked in the freezer
- It has an adjustable blade, and replacement blades are available
- It is portable and can be used outdoors
- It is BPA-free
- It does take longer to make crushed ice than an electric machine would
- You have to line up the bowl underneath carefully because the ice comes out off-center
- This cone maker can rock and slide as you use it. You have to hold it in place
Hawaiian Party Package
If you’re interested in having a party or simply don’t want to worry about buying everything you will need to make snow cones from different stores, this snow cone machine may be perfect for you. The device comes with a machine, flavor syrups and a variety of accessories. Accessories include spoon straws, snow cone cups and special pouring lids for the syrup bottles.
You also get block ice molds and a non-skid mat for the ice tray. The block ice molds allow you to create blocks of ice that the machine can turn into snow. To make the perfect light and fluffy snow cone, the machine features a precision-cut stainless steel blade.
One of the really nice things about this snow cone maker is that you can replace the blade that shaves the ice for just a few dollars. If you’re expecting to get a lot of use out of the machine, you don’t have to worry about replacing the entire unit later on if the blade gets dull. The machine is also easy to clean, but you do need to be careful when working around the ice shaver blade because it is sharp.
- Can work with ice cubes as well as molded ice
- Comes with everything you need except ice
- The machine is very durable and can handle a lot of use
- Is safe enough that it can be used by children with minimal adult supervision
- You can buy additional ice molds for just a few dollars
- A few people have bought this machine only to have it fail instantly or nearly instantly
- It can be difficult to return or exchange if not done so immediately
- The machine can be slow, so it won’t produce large amounts of snow cones quickly
Best Commercial Snow Cone Machines Reviews
Koval Inc. Heavy Duty – Best Affordable Heavy Duty Shaved Ice Maker
This extremely durable ice shaver is a great option if you’re in need of a snow cone maker that is going to be used a lot. The Koval Inc. Heavy Duty, Stainless Steel Ice Shaver is able to produce nearly 150 pounds of shaved ice per hour, and it’s dual blades ensure that ice is shaved into light powder.
It’s very easy to maintain, and you simply need to rinse the hopper, blade and holding bowl after each use and then dry them off. To use the machine, you simply put ice in the hopper, close the lid and then flip the on/off switch. The switch is waterproof, and the machine shuts off automatically if the lid isn’t closed.
- Safety features, such as an auto shutoff and waterproof on/off switch, mean the machine is safe for most anyone to use
- It’s incredibly easy to clean and won’t rust
- Great for commercial applications or use at large events
- Weighs just 12 pounds, so it’s easy to transport
- The machine can be very noisy
- It sometimes leaks or sprays chips of ice while it’s shaving it
- Is not able to handle large blocks of ice since they won’t fit into the hopper
WYZworks Commercial – Best Heavy Duty Snow Cone Maker
When you need an incredibly durable snow cone machine, the WYZworks Commercial Heavy Duty Snow Cone Ice Shaver may be just what you need. The machine is made of stainless steel, including everything from the machine’s base to the shaving blade.
It’s incredibly easy to use; all you have to do is put ice into the hopper and press the handle. From there, the machine does the rest, and ice is dispensed into the metal bowl. You can use ice cubes either from trays or ice cubes from bags purchased at a store.
- The machine only weighs 19 pounds, so it’s easy to move around
- Stainless steel construction makes the entire unit very durable
- The on/off switch is waterproof
- Has rubber feet, which ensures that the machine stays in place
- Can be used for parties, events and even in commercial settings
- Works with ice cubes or blocks of ice
- The blades may get dull, and you’ll need to replace them if this occurs
- Some people have found that the machine stops working after a few uses
- Can be loud
- Blades may require adjustment for best results
Paragon Simply-A-Blast – Best Commercial Snow Cone Machine
The Paragon Simply-A-Blast Sno Cone Machine is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a heavy-duty snow cone machine that can stand up to a lot of use and produce large amounts of shaved ice quickly. This professional snow cone machine is able to go through 500 pounds of ice per hour. As a result, it’s an excellent choice for parties, school events and large family gatherings.
The machine is made of heavy-duty aluminumized metal and it has a one-third horsepower, 1,725-RPM motor, which is why it’s able to produce shaved ice so quickly. You can see inside the machine where the shaved ice is produced through tempered safety glass, and there’s also a safety switch. The machine also features a drain tube, which makes cleanup easy.
- If you need a lot of shaved ice in a short time, this machine will do the job
- It is very quiet in spite of its motor; it’s not much louder than a dishwasher
- Features a three-year warranty
- The machine comes with an Allen wrench that allows you to adjust how fine or coarse you want the ice to be shaved
- The machine is designed for more professional use, so it’s probably not a good idea to let kids use it
- It weighs about 50 pounds, meaning it can be difficult to transport
- You may need to tighten or set the blades before you use it for the first time
Great Northern Premium – Best Snow Cone Machine for Business
This is a commercial-grade machine. It means that it is constructed with strong materials to handle larger-scale, daily use without the casing or any parts breaking.
The outer casing is made with acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic. ABS is a high-impact resistant plastic, so the casing will be durable and not succumb to any occasional rough handling.
The brass plate that holds the ice blocks will withstand the pressure of the blade continuously shaving the ice. The stainless steel blade will not break even after long-term, repeated use. This machine has a heavy duty motor that will not burn out even with continuous use shaving ice over long periods. So, if you want a machine that can shave ice for large groups at one time and be used again and again, then this is the machine that you want.
The stainless steel blade is adjustable, so you can set it to shave the ice to the degree of fineness or coarseness that you prefer. If the blade becomes dull after a long period (years) of use, replacement blades are available.
This machine does not come with ice molds, but it can handle larger blocks of ice than other machines. So, you can use plastic bowls or tubs from frozen whipped toppings as molds. These stack well in the freezer and have lids so that the water does not spill. Keep some ready all the time so that you can have shaved ice whenever you want it. You can also use a one-gallon pail to freeze the ice.
It is worth noting, this snow cone maker is larger and heavier than other machines, so it takes up more counter space and is not as portable as other commercial shaved ice makers on our list.
To clean, wipe the machine and dry it thoroughly. Make sure that the blade and brass plate are completely clean and dry so that they do not rust. Because of the blade, cleaning should be done by an adult.
This ice shaver is highly recommended because it is commercial-grade, durable, shaves ice quickly, and provides quality construction. If your ice shaver is going to get a lot of use, then you should consider this machine. It is built to last a lot of years.
- High-powered, heavy-duty, high-quality machine that will shave ice quickly
- It has an adjustable, replaceable, stainless steel blade
- Large and heavy in comparison with other commercial machines
Best Snow Cone Machine Buyer’s Guide
If you’re thinking of buying a snow cone machine, it’s a good idea to consider what you’re going to be using it for before deciding on which product you want. There are a number of excellent and inexpensive snow cone makers that are great for home use that may not work as well if you intend to use them at events, such as parties or for school fairs.
Should you decide that you want to use your snow cone maker for larger affairs, consider one that’s able to be used in commercial settings and is made of sturdier materials, such as stainless steel.
However, if you’re interested in a home snow cone maker that will only be used occasionally or even every day but only for a few minutes, you don’t need a machine that’s as sturdy. There are a number of inexpensive snow cone machines that will perform beautifully and are even able to be used by children.
Conclusion
Snow cone machines are a great way to be able to make desserts at any time with just some ice and a little bit of flavoring. When made with fruit or sugar-free syrups, they can be ha ealthy treat for people of all ages. If you hold parties or participate in school events, a snow cone machine can be an excellent and affordable way to let kids get involved with the festivities.
How do I clean Little Snowie 2 Ice Shaver?
Hello Travis,
You might clean it as instructed in the user’s manual. At first, don’t forget to throw the ice away before cleaning. You can wash it with warm soapy water or with a wet rag. After that you should dry Little Snowie 2 Ice Shaver very well.
I agree with what you said about best snow cone machines and how they allow you to enjoy a treat in mere minutes. Investing a snow cone machine is a great idea when it comes to keeping cool this summer. If I were to buy such a machine, I would do some research online in order to find the best snow cone maker on the market.
Thank you for your opinion, Sam Li.