These Snow Cone Machines Make for a Tasty Summer Cool-Down

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The height of summer is upon us, and chances are, you and your troops are in need of relief. In the heat of summer, nothing cools down those sweltering temps quite the same way ice does. If you’re throwing a birthday party or just want to get your family a cooling treat without heading to the boardwalk or carnival, invest in a snow cone machine. Snow cones are simple, delicious treats that effuse summer fun. At their most basic, they’re comprised of ice and flavored syrup.

Read on for a thorough guide to all manner of snow cone machines — small, large, portable, and pro — and our reviews of the best.

The Best Snow Cone Machines

• Best Overall: Nostalgia Vintage Countertop Snow Cone Maker

• Best Value: Hawaiian Shaved Ice and Snow Cone Machine

• Best Manual: Time for Treats SnowFlake Snow Cone Maker

• Easiest to Use: Snowie Max Snow Cone Machine

• Best Commercial-Grade: Vivohome Electric Ice Crusher Machine

How We Selected

I’m a health-conscious mother of sweets-loving twins, and so snow cone machines have become a mainstay feature around my house when the weather turns warm. I have tried a number of models over the years and find that different types and sizes work for the wide variety of snow-cone making occasions — from Tuesday afternoons with nothing to do to larger parties with kids and adults —that present themselves over the summer. I’ve included a range of models, keeping my own experiences in mind and considering reviews from colleagues and other outlets. As always, I also read through thousands of reviews on shopping sites and social media. Dig into the best snow cone machines, below.

Vintage Countertop Snow Cone Machine

This is so cute you or whoever you’re buying for may want to keep it out all the time. Nostalgia’s snow cone machine can hold up to 20 8-ounce snow cones at once. And it gets bonus points for ease of use and (befitting the name) its retro-chic, kid-friendly appearance.

The Vintage comes with precision-cut stainless steel cutting blades that turn ice into fluffy “snow.”

A side shelf is built into the unit as a prepping station, and it holds two cones on which to drizzle syrups. This is a countertop model, which means it can fit comfortably on any kitchen counter or side table. Reviewers say the mchine “works great,” but warn that it’s “a little loud.”

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Snow Cone and Shaved Ice Machine

This machine produces finely textured ice thanks to its super sharp blades. This Hawaiian electric snow cone machine includes a shaver, two round block ice molds, a non-slip mat, and a one-year warranty.

It’s easy to use and compact. At just 5.5 inches wide with an 8-inch diameter and 12 inches tall, it can tuck under the counter or in a cabinet.

Reviewers praise the simple design and how easy it is to assemble but note that you need to pre-freeze the ice in molds, so making snow cones on the fly won’t be possible. Users write that this is the “perfect,” “fast and easy,” and “affordable shaved ice machine.”

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SnowFlake Snow Cone Maker

This manual machine is a great way to get kids involved in the snow-cone-making process. The Time for Treats snow cone maker works by hand and is exceptionally portable. It comes equipped with an adjustable shaving blade so that you can create small or large ice shavings.

The process for creating the cones is straightforward and standard: Make the ice, drop it into the ice shaver, crank, add syrup, and enjoy. This cone-maker also includes three ice molds with lids, for easy stacking when freezing.

It works best when using ice from the molds, but ice cubes work, too. Reviewers — particularly parents — loved how easy and practical this maker is when working with a small group of children, though some warned that it does require a bit of elbow grease, which might be “significant for the elderly.”

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Max Snow Cone Machine

The Max might just be the fastest in-home ice shaver on the planet, creating fluffy ice in 3 seconds with a professional-grade, high-speed motor and stainless-steel blades. It uses ice cubes straight from the freezer, too, so no pre-freezing is necessary.

And if you don’t want to think about the syrups you need to buy, check out this kit. It comes with everything you need, like six flavor-powder sticks, which create 6 pints of flavored syrup. It also includes two mixing bottles with pour spouts and eight Snowie reusable snow cone shovel spoons. Reviewers are pleased, with more than 90 percent giving this “little workhorse” five out of five stars.

Electric Ice Crusher Snow Cone Machine

This commercial-grade machine can make more snow cones faster and more efficiently than any other. It churns out fluffy ice not just for snow cones but also slushies, milkshakes, yogurt freezes, and other frozen drinks.

It comes equipped with a 250-watt, high-speed motor and a large drawer for ice. The machine can shave 265 pounds of ice per hour, making it a wonderful option for businesses and high-volume parties at home. And a safety setting ensures it will only operate when the lid is closed.

More than 82 percent of reviewers on Amazon give this machine five stars. They loved that the size of the ice the machine churns out is adjustable, and many said it “made” at-home and community parties, especially for the kids. We also like that it comes with two built-in handles, making it easy to move around.

Retro Single Snow Cone Machine

This machine from Nostalgia, like the best overall Vintage Countertop, is a dream for fans of old-school designs. It holds enough snow for 20 eight-ounce cones, which makes it a ideal for birthday parties. The snow cone maker includes stainless steel cutting blades and works quickly and efficiently.

Online reviewers love that this machine works with regular ice cubes, eliminating the need to prep specific ice ahead of time. The Nostalgia machine comes with a safety switch built into the shaving mechanism, so you’ll never have to worry about hands near the machine.

It’s fairly small and portable, too, easily fitting on a countertop. Note that this maker does come with one reusable 8-ounce plastic cone. Reviewers say the snow cone machine is “great” for the price, but also warn that it can be a “hassle” to clean up.

Snow Cone Cart

Planning a party? This large-capacity snow cone cart holds enough ice for 72 8-ounce snow cones, making it great for large events. And it cranks out 2 pounds of ice in 90 seconds. Maybe best of all: It works with regular-size ice cubes.

The cart also includes a storage compartment for keeping supplies organized. There’s a snow cone holder on the side, which creates an easy prep station for adding syrups.

This cart is big — 17 x 14 x 25 inches — which makes it an instant draw at parties. Reviewers say it makes “awesome” snow cones, and “looks and works great,” but does take some time to assemble. It also does not come with syrups, so be prepared to buy those separately.

SCM-10P1 Snow Cone Machine

This Cuisinart is value-priced for what it delivers. It features a professional-level motor and blade mechanism with interlocking safety features that create fluffy ice, enough for four or five snow cones, in less than a minute. Four BPA-free reusable cups are included, as are 12 paper cones.

The SCM-10P1 is easy to assemble and use, requires nothing more than regular ice cubes, fruit juices, and simple syrups. As a bonus, Cuisinart sends it with a book of recipes.

A 5-year warranty on the motor is included. Reviewers say this machine is “perfect” for parties and has become a daily staple in many households during the summer. Parents love that the safety features allow kids to operate the machine “worry-free.”

Manual Shaved Ice and Snow Cone Machine

This stylish Scandinavian-style portable ice machine will appeal to both modernists and those who just want a great snow cone on the go. The value-priced machine includes an ice shaver and ice cube mold.

Shoxil’s machine is equipped with sharp stainless-steel blades that are durable and won’t rust. It does require some forethought though: You need to put the ice molds in the freezer at least six hours before you’re ready to go. Smaller ice cubes from traditional trays don’t work as well.

One reviewer calls the snow cone machine the “best thing” they’ve ever bought, while others say it “works great” and is “fun to use.”

Shaved Ice Maker and Slushie Machine

This Dash snow cone machine doubles as a slushie and frozen cocktail maker too, which means you’ll be able to control just how much sugar goes into your margarita. The plug-and-go operation is easy to master, and the machine is small and cute enough to keep on your counter all the time.

It comes with a crusher, a recipe book, a cleaning brush, a food-catch container, and a safe-slice mandolin. A half-tray of regular ice cubes is generally enough to get you started on two servings.

Reviewers say this “super nice” and “easy to understand” snow machine makes a “great gift,” and is a wonderful option for those who want to build a healthier snow cone, slurpee, or frozen cocktail.

What to Consider When Buying a Snow Cone Machine

Snow cone machines are a great way for families to deliver relatively healthy, cool treats to their kids (especially when you keep the syrup levels in check). Keep the following in mind, and you’ll be on the road to snow cone success.

Size

Larger snow cone machines can, naturally, produce more cones, and do this faster than smaller machines. If you or your recipient plan to make the occasional cone for friends and family, you may want to opt for a small model (which will likely also be less expensive). If buying a larger one is more practical, consider the size and storage options carefully before settling on a winner.

Type

There are electric and manual snow cone options. The lo-fi manual machines are less expensive and portable — no plug needed. This is a huge bonus if you want to make cones on the go. The electric machines work faster and churn out more finely textured ice. Several of our commercial selections are capable of producing enough ice for large-scale parties and events.

Extras

Some snow cone machines come with syrup, ice trays, ice molds, and other helpful accessories. Consider which of these — if any — you want and need. Also keep in mind that some machines work better with ice from molds, which means you’ll have to plan ahead in order to “make” the ice.

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