Best Shaved Ice Machines Reviewed

Shaved Ice Machine Comparison Table

How Shaved Ice Machines Work & Their Benefits

Buying Guide to the Best Shaved Ice Machine

Durability

Ice is hard material to cut, and so the parts of a shaved ice machine need to be strong. Furthermore, where there is ice, there is water—therefore, these machines need to be able to tolerate superficial water without rusting.

Also, you do not want fluid seeping into the electrical parts—this is why good machines have waterproofing on the on/off  and reset switches. Most machines have bodies made of either stainless steel or plastic.

Capacity

Capacities of shaved ice machines vary considerably with the model. They range from being able to make about two snow cones per minute to be able to make hundreds of pounds of shaved ice per hour.

If you think you might want a high-capacity machine, realize that many are quite affordable, and you can still make a small portion in a high-capacity machine.

Size & Portability

Easy to Use and Clean

Functional Efficiency

All good-quality shaved ice machines have corrosion/rust-resistant stainless steel blades. These are incredibly sharp blades.

Generally, you should avoid touching them or tinkering with them. You should only rarely have to replace blades, but when you do, most companies offer replacement blades that you can order on Amazon or the company website. Carefully follow instructions when replacing blades.

Safe Operation

As mentioned above, avoid touching the blades. If you are doing any maintenance or cleaning on the machine, be sure to unplug it first. The combination of water and an electric motor can be dangerous. 

Most users seem to have no trouble keeping safe during regular use. If you feel that the machine is overheating, stop grinding ice and give the motor a break.

Extra Accessories

Some shaved ice machines require (or work better) with ice blocks that are shaped to fit their compartments.

Usually, companies include 2-3 ice molds with the purchase of these machines. However, you can always order more if you want. Sometimes, an ice scoop is included. If you get a party package, then you might get a matching number of snow cone cups and spoon-straws, plus a selection of snow cone syrups.

Cost & Warranty

This article’s shaved ice machine reviews do not include anything over $200. You can get a good manual ice shaver for under $20.

These are affordable appliances for most people. Most good units have at least a 1-year warranty—a few have more or less. These are almost always limited warranties—they do not apply if you misuse or abuse the unit.

1. Little Snowie 2 

Other positives: The Little Snowie is easy to clean and dry out; its components are BPA- and phthalate-free. If you get Amazon's package deal sited here, you get six sample-size bottles of different syrup flavors and eight reusable spoons designed for snowy desserts.

2. Koval Inc. Heavy Duty Ice Shaver

The Koval is the best-shaved ice machine for business, but it is also great for large groups, whether professional and residential. Both its exterior and interior are of stainless steel, so it looks durable and less toy-like than other ice shavers—perfect for those who want a great shaved ice machine with a commercial look.

Many Amazon reviewers also remarked about the convenience of being able to use standard cubes right out of the freezer; also, many enjoyed that you can alter the consistency of the shaved ice to fit your preference. The more gently you press the handle down, the finer the shaved ice will be.

This unit is excellent for most large groups and small refreshment businesses—it can produce a serving of shaved ice within 2 seconds. However, some businesses find that this unit is just not big enough. While it has a powerful 200-W, 1450-rpm motor, the compartment can only hold enough ice to make about three servings.

However, Koval does sell the same device in a larger model (the 440-LBS/hr. version). (Also see the ZENY Ice Shaver Machine at #9 on this list—it is similar in concept.)

3. Hawaiian Electric (S900A)

The Hawaiian Shaved Ice S900A is the best budget shaved ice machine, while still very much being one of the overall best in quality and functionality. Its main drawback is that it cannot serve many people quickly.

However, if you only want something to make treats for yourself and one or two others—you will be delighted with the fineness of the snow it creates. Also, if you would like coarser ice, try pressing down on the top/on-button harder or using freezer ice cubes instead of the provided ice molds.

Again, this is not the machine for large groups, but otherwise, it produces a fantastic result.

That said, this is not a low-grade product. It is ETL (Edison Testing Laboratories)-certified for safety and BPA-free. It has a 55W motor and sharp stainless steel blades.

The Hawaiian Shaved Ice brand offers a vast selection of snow cone flavors—including basics like cherry, strawberry, and banana; and more mature varieties such as piña colada and root beer.

4. Hawaiian Shaved Ice Machine

5. Cuisinart SCM-10

The Cuisinart SCM-10 is the best modern snow cone machine you can buy. The motor is powerful enough to make about five cones per minute and to keep making shaved ice at this rate as long as you need. All the while, it is light and easy to put together and take apart.

This unit does make somewhat coarser ice than most of those on this list—many say it is similar to what you get at most fairgrounds. Some might actually prefer this texture.

An added bonus: it has a cone rack on each side so that you can position up to 4 cones in a ready position close to the machine. Also, this machine is safe to use with children around, as it will not turn on unless all of the parts are in place (which keeps hands from reaching the blades).

6. Nostalgia SCM502 Vintage 

Most users are happy with the consistency, but realize that it is more like fairground ice—not authentic shaved ice.

7. Victorio Avalanche Electric 

8. Victorio VKP1101 Manual 

The Victorio VKP1101 Manual is the best manual shaved ice maker you can find. While manual always means more work, most users are pleasantly surprised at how quick and easy it is—you just have to apply a little pressure and turn the crank.

Also, unlike electric ice shavers, this one will work anywhere—you do not need any power source. Furthermore, it is very light and compact, making it easy to travel with.

Even though this unit does not have safety mechanisms the way electric units do, most people find that it is safe—so much so that they allow their children (8 years old and up) to make shaved ice with it. The plastic parts are BPA-free—healthier for children and adults alike.

Included are three ice molds (and tops) that fit the shape of the unit's compartment; using these will generally give you finer shaved ice, but you can just use ice cubes, too.

9. ZENY Ice Shaver

Home or Commercial Use?

In general, the more people you want to serve, the higher the capacity you need in a machine. As a rule, it is better to overestimate than underestimate; people don’t like to wait a long time, and it is more enjoyable when everyone gets their treat at about the same time so that they can enjoy them together.

Keep in mind that these machines do not vary in size that much, and so getting a higher capacity does not mean getting a much bulkier machine. The endurance of the motor comes into play as well: If you have to wait for the motor to cool down, that lowers the speed when trying to serve a crowd.

In the home, children might end up tampering with the machine, and so both the safety features of the machine itself and safe storage practices come into play more than in professional environments.

Aesthetics matter, too. Children might enjoy a colorful thematic machine. Adults might prefer something with a lower profile or classier look. Usually, appearance is not so important in a —it just needs to be efficient and durable.

How to Use a Snow Cone Machine

Setting Up and Maintaining a Shaved Ice Maker

It is always beneficial to read the instructions that come with your shaved ice maker. However, most units do not require any serious assembly. Some do have multiple parts that you have to bring together for the unit to operate.

Sometimes, the blades can be adjusted to give you different degrees of fineness in ice texture. (Definitely, follow directions when you do this—the blades are very sharp.)

Most ice makers can plug into a standard wall outlet, but it is generally safer not to keep the unit plugged in. Only plug it in when you are about to use it.

When it is running: If you hear screeching noises or hear uneven scraping noises—like the blades are grinding up against the body—stop the machine. Call customer service; this is probably a malfunction.

During operation, it is normal for the motor to heat up a bit. However, if the machine is getting noticeably warm, stop and give it some time to cool off.

The most crucial aspect of shaved ice machine maintenance is being sure the unit is completely dry after use. Some machines are hard to wipe dry, and so you might have to put them on a towel and turn them upside down or on their side for a bit.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

How can I keep shaved ice from melting?

Be sure the machine has the capacity to serve all people in a timely manner. Otherwise, some people put shaved ice in the refrigerator to buy some time. Some even put it in the freezer. However, both of these will eventually mess up the texture of the shaved ice.

Where can I purchase replacement blades?

Most companies that sell shaved ice machines sell replacement blades to match them. Look on the company website or Amazon.

How do I know how many ice cubes to put in a shaved ice machine?

If your machine uses a moulded block, this is no problem. Otherwise, it should be reasonably intuitive—just drop enough in to mostly fill the compartment. Do not try to ram extra ice in manually.

Can I use regular ice cubes on a snow cone maker?

Normally, yes. However, some makers will not be able to make elegant, snowy ice with regular ice cubes. The result will be more like a fairground snow cone.

How long do shaved ice machines last?

You can expect them to last 2-4 years, even with heavy use.

What is the price range of the machines on our list?

The range is about $19.00 to $200.

Can I use ice made from things other than water?

Yes, but this is not recommended. Juice or milk ice will leave residue in the mechanism. Most of the time, there is no benefit in doing this; however, because finely shaved ice tends to absorb whatever fluid you pour onto it.

Conclusion