The Best Snow Cone Machines for Beating the Summer Heat
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Trust us, summer is way better with an at-home snow cone machine.
Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore
When summer turns sweltering, we turn to snow cones and shaved ice to keep cool. These two popular ice-based desserts take some form or another around the world, including Italian ice, Filipino halo-halo, Hawaiian shave ice, and Indonesian es teler. “The flavors and the sweet memories made around eating shave ice and snow cone treats are nostalgic,” says Jana Park, owner of Honolulu-based Fine Time Shave Ice. You can make your own versions of these frozen desserts at home, with many machines on the market. We selected 20 snow cone and shaved ice makers to test, vetting their performance, design, user-friendliness, and cleaning requirements to find the very best.
Best Overall: Hawaiian Shaved Ice HomePro Shave Ice and Snow Cone Machine (S777)
Pros
You can make both shaved ice and snow cones with this model thanks to a height-adjustable blade.
Cons
The blade settings don’t have marks, so we had to play around with its height to find our preferred settings.
If you can’t decide between a snow cone or a shaved ice machine, you don’t have to — this model by Hawaiian Shaved Ice can do both. This machine features an adjustable blade that lets you make a variety of textures of ice. Just plug it into the wall and add ice cubes or an ice block (molds included), and use the single-touch button to start the process, catching the shaved ice in a container below. Included in the package are five lidded ice molds so you can make ice blocks that fit perfectly into the machine for shaved ice. (If you’re more of a crunchy snow cone lover, you can opt for cubes instead.)
This machine provided consistently excellent results, regardless of the blade setting. A fully-raised blade yielded crunchy ice chips, while the lowest height made fluffy, soft shaved ice. While it took us a little time to figure out what blade height we preferred, we easily powered through several blocks of ice once we set it. We also liked how stable the machine was when in use, and how easy it was to clean with a bit of soap and warm water.
Price at time of publish: $100
Included: Ice shaver, ice molds with lids, instruction manual, and tip card
Ice Required: Ice block or ice cubes
Best Value: Cuisinart Snow Cone Maker (SCM-10P1)
Pros
This affordable machine works quickly and is equipped with convenient pull-out serving trays.
Cons
It on the bulky side, and it only produces one texture of ice.
If you’re searching for a snow cone machine that offers performance at an easier price, this one from Cuisinart is a smart choice. Simply flip the switch to turn it on, load it with ice cubes, and gently press the plunger to start churning out snow cones — it made enough ice for four to five servings in under a minute. The machine automatically stopped when we lifted the plunger, which is an excellent safety feature. The receptacle drawer pulls out, which let us easily scoop the ice into the included reusable or paper cones. We also like that its compact silhouette won’t require too much room on a countertop.
We gave this machine high scores based on how easy it was to use and how quickly the machine ground ice cubes. It would be perfect for a kid’s party or serving a larger group at an event. To top it off, this machine didn’t make a mess, as all the ice collected in the drawer below. While we did like the small size and crunchy consistency of the ice, we wish we had the ability to adjust the blade for other texture options. That said, if you love snow cones and have the space to store it, this machine is a nice, affordable option.
Price at time of publish: $80
Included: Snow cone maker, four reusable cones, 12 paper cones, recipes
Ice Required: Ice cubes
Best Splurge: Snowie Little Snowie Max Snow Cone Machine
Pros
This model creates fluffy ice in a consistent size, and it’s very easy to use and clean.
Cons
It’s fairly loud when it’s running, and it can be messy without the right vessel underneath.
Modeled after Snowie’s commercial machines, the Little Snowie Max is as straightforward as these appliances come Right out of the box, we were able to load the hopper with up to 64 ounces of ice cubes and press down the lid to start creating fluffy snow cones. The set also includes six syrup mixes and two bottles with pour spouts, so you can create your own snow cone station right on your counter.
We loved that we could easily operate it with one hand, using the other hand to hold a cup or cone to catch the ice. While it runs on the loud side, the noise was comparable to a blender or food processor on high. This machine worked very fast, making an 8-ounce cup of ice in about five seconds. The chute also acts as a shaper, and we were able to mold snow cones into that rounded, recognizable shape by pressing the cone upwards as it filled. We really liked the consistency of the ice from this machine, as it fell somewhere between true block-shaved ice and a crunchy snow cone.
Price at time of publish: $219
Included: Little Snowie Max machine, six syrup mixes, two syrup bottles and spouts, eight reusable snow shovels
Ice Required: Ice cubes
Best Vintage Style: Nostalgia Vintage Countertop Snow Cone Maker (SCM525WH)
Pros
This machine combines whimsical style and quick production at an affordable price.
Cons
It got messy when we used the side door to scoop out the finished ice.
Styled after the type of old-timey popcorn cart you may have seen at carnivals and fairs, this snow cone maker would be a hit at a kid’s birthday or pool party this summer. As no sharp parts are exposed until you take it apart for cleaning and maintenance, kids can have an active role in making snow cones, too. Load ice cubes into the shaving chamber and lock the lid in place to start the shaving process. With a full chamber of ice, this machine can make 8-ounce snow cones in one go — up to 20 at a time. Also included in the set are two reusable plastic cups and an ice scooper.
We found this machine very easy to use and liked how foolproof the process of producing perfectly crunchy ice was. While the see-through chamber catches all the ice, there was a little bit of spillage when we scooped it out through the side door, so we recommend having a towel nearby to wipe away any mess. We would be mindful of running the motor over an extended period of time, as this it isn’t meant for heavy use, but it isn’t a dealbreaker.
Price at time of publish: $80
Included: Snow cone maker, two reusable plastic cups, ice scoop
Ice Required: Ice cubes
Best Retro Style: Nostalgia Retro Snow Cone Maker (RSM602)
Pros
A stylish and display-worthy option, it works quickly and feels safe for kids to use (with adult supervision).
Cons
The side-door access was a little messy when we scooped out the finished ice.
This retro-style snow cone maker by Nostalgia has a candy apple red finish and silver accents reminiscent of a 1950s diner jukebox or movie theater fixture. As with the vintage cart version, also from Nostalgia, you load the ice chamber with cubes and turn the lid to lock, then start the ice shaver. This set also comes with two reusable cups and an ice scooper.
We liked the no-fuss operation of this model and found that the machine felt pretty stable throughout the shaving process. All the finished ice is collected into the clear chamber below, preventing any watery mess from ending up on the counter. The side-door access caused a bit of spillage as we scooped out the finished ice, so we recommend removing the ice chamber and accessing the snow cone ice from the top to keep it contained. Because the motor on this model isn’t meant for heavy use, we would be mindful of how long it runs at once. But at this affordable price, it’s a worthy purchase overall.
Price at time of publish: $73
Included: Snow cone maker, two reusable plastic cups, ice scoop
Ice Required: Ice cubes
Our Favorite
Our top pick was the Hawaiian HomePro Shave Ice and Snow Cone Machine because of its dual function as a snow cone and shaved ice machine, thanks to an adjustable blade. We were also able to rely on it to churn out cone after cone with consistent results.
The Tests
We put 20 snow cone and shaved ice machines through their paces by testing their performance and overall ease of use. Using cubed ice for snow cone machines and ice blocks for shaved ice machines, we followed the manufacturer’s instructions provided for each model. We evaluated how easily we could set up and use the machines, noting any issues with the motor during processing. We rated the consistency and texture of the resulting ice and recorded how long it took to fill our bowls or cones. We also cleaned each machine per the manufacturer’s instructions, jotting down any difficulties. We then assessed the value of each machine: whether its performance justifies its price. We factored in design and averaged the scores of the machines to come up with our final list.
Factors to Consider
Snow Cone vs. Shaved Ice
Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore
When picking out a machine, you’ll first need to decide if you prefer snow cones or shaved ice. While they look similar, the difference lies in the final texture of the ice. “Shave ice has a fine and fluffy texture, made by shaving a large block of ice with a sharp blade,” says Park. “Snow cones have a crunchy texture, as they are made from crushed ice.” A shaved ice machine will require some sort of ice block to achieve its signature texture. Shaved ice melts faster because it’s so fine, so if you want to be able to use the machine for items like slushies, cocktails, or making fine ice for a tray of oysters, the snow cone machine is a more versatile pick.
Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore
Type of Machine
There are two basic types of snow cone machines: hand crank/manual and electric/automatic. Hand-cranked machines are a budget-friendly option that can also be operated anywhere since they don’t require electricity. Electric machines require an outlet and are usually best to run indoors unless outdoor use is approved in the manufacturer’s instructions.
Care and Cleaning
Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore
If you’re just running plain ice through your machines, cleaning is very easy. “After every use, we recommend using a soft cloth to absorb as much moisture as possible and remove any dust or build-up, sanitize its surfaces, and then allow it to air dry completely,” says Park. If you’re planning on running frozen cubes of juice, or happen to get anything other than water into the machine, you’ll need to consult your user manual for recommended cleaning instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a snow cone machine work?
A snow cone machine works very much like a wood chipper, breaking down large chunks of ice by sending them through spinning blades to produce fine, snow-textured ice into a receptacle. Since the ice moves through the blades quickly, it gets broken up before having time to melt (something that most food processors and blenders cannot achieve).
How much is a snow cone machine?
It varies, ranging in price from inexpensive hand-crank versions to over $200 for higher-end electric models with more powerful motors. The average cost of the snow cone machines we reviewed was $79 at the time of testing.
What is the best ice for a snow cone machine?
Snow cone machines typically use crushed or cubed ice. For best results, always consult the instruction manual of your machine to use the type of ice specified by the manufacturer.
How do you make fluffy shaved ice?
Shaved ice is made with a blade that scrapes layers off of a solid block of ice. “We make sure we use a sharp blade,” says Park. “Temper the ice by taking it out of the freezer 10 to 15 minutes before usage, and using a ‘soft hand’ to shape the ice making sure the ice is not packed too hard.”
Other Snow Cone Machines We Tested
Strong Contenders
Brentwood Snow Cone Maker ($40 at Amazon)
While this compact machine was very easy to use from the start, we found that it could get messy and needed an additional receptacle underneath to catch any falling ice that doesn’t make it into the cone in the holder.
ZENY Ice Shaver Machine ($38 at Amazon)
This machine was easy to use as well, with a resulting texture that leaned more toward a snow cone than shaved ice. We find it a bit messier and louder than other options, which edged it off of our list.
Nostalgia Classic Retro Ice & Frozen Fruit Ice Shaver ($55 at Amazon)
This model produced nice shaved ice but had a more tedious set-up process than others. It also required two hands to operate — one to apply pressure to the ice and the other to turn on the machine — making it less convenient than other options.
VEVOR Electric Shaved Ice Machine ($145 at Amazon)
We liked how easy this was to use, but we noticed that lifting the handle exposed the blades. It seemed like a durable machine, overall, and we could see it being popular at an adult pool party or barbecue, but we would caution against kids having access to it for safety reasons.
What Didn’t Make the List
While most of these machines made decent snow cones or shaved ice, the quality of the final product knocked some off the list. For example, the Hawaiian Shaved Ice Kid-Friendly Snow Cone Machine ($50 at Amazon) and Hawaiian Shaved Ice Ice Machine ($50 at Amazon) were easy to use, but so were other machines that produced a better texture. We found that the DASH Shaved Ice Maker ($34 at Amazon) and the MANBA Ice Shaver and Snow Cone Machine ($20 at Amazon), though affordable, both produced a final product that resembled crushed ice more than snow cone ice.
Some machines were difficult to use, like the Time for Treats SnowFlake Snow Cone Maker ($25 at Amazon), which we chalked up to its cheaper construction. Others didn’t meet our expectations when it came to value for performance. The KitchenAid Shave Ice Attachment ($95 at Amazon) was on the pricier side, and we were surprised by how much effort it required. Finally, the affordable Shoxil Shaved Ice Machine ($20 at Amazon) simply made too little (about one to two servings) for us to recommend it as one of our favorites.
Our Expertise
Bernadette Machard de Gramont is a Los Angeles-based freelance writer specializing in food, wine, and kitchen products. After a two-year stint at Williams Sonoma headquarters in San Francisco, she now researches and tests a variety of cookware, bakeware, and wine tools, and interviews field experts for their insight. For this piece, she consulted Jana Park, owner of Honolulu-based Fine Time Shave Ice.
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