Photo: Hamilton Beach
Are you planning to host a forever memorable summer party? You need to invest in the best snow cone machine available on the market to make it complete. Both grownups and children cannot resist an ice cream treat, making your party more lit.
Snow cone makers are easy to use, easy to clean and give your loved ones an irresistible treat by doubling their fun. These are machines that match any occasion, party or event, making them a valuable investment for any home or business.
If you are looking for the right snow cone machine, this in-depth buying guide and 7 snow cone machine reviews will help you make an informed decision.
In this post:
- 7 Best Snow Cone Machines – Review
- 1. Nostalgia SCM502 – Best Budget Snow Cone Machine
- 2. Cuisinart SCM-10 – Best Electric Snow Cone Machine with Ice Bank
- 3. Hawaiian Shaved Ice S700 – Best Kid-friendly Snow Cone Machine
- 4. Snowie Little Snowie 2 – Best High-end Snow Cone Machine
- 5. Nostalgia RSM602 – Best Looking Snow Cone Machine
- 6. Victorio VKP1101 – Best Rated Less Expensive Snow Cone Machine
- 7. Vivohome Snow Cone Machine – Best Commercial Snow Cone Machine
- How to Buy the Best Snow Cone Machines
- Conclusion
7 Best Snow Cone Machines – Review
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Nostalgia SCM502 (Best Budget) |
| |
 | 2. Cuisinart SCM-10 (Best Electric with Ice Bank) |
| |
 | 3. Hawaiian Shaved Ice S700 (Best Kid-Friendly) |
| |
 | 4. Snowie Little Snowie 2 (Best High-End) |
| |
 | 5. Nostalgia RSM602 (Best Looking) |
| |
 | 6. Victorio VKP1101 (Top Rated) |
| |
 | 7. Vivohome Snow Cone Machine (Best Commercial) |
|
PRODUCT |
|---|
1. Nostalgia SCM502 (Best Budget)
|
2. Cuisinart SCM-10 (Best Electric with Ice Bank)
|
3. Hawaiian Shaved Ice S700 (Best Kid-Friendly)
|
4. Snowie Little Snowie 2 (Best High-End)
|
5. Nostalgia RSM602 (Best Looking)
|
6. Victorio VKP1101 (Top Rated)
|
7. Vivohome Snow Cone Machine (Best Commercial)
|
1. Nostalgia SCM502 – Best Budget Snow Cone Machine
Photo: Nostalgia
Nostalgia SCM502 is a snow cone machine that is competitively priced to enhance its affordability. The product has a pocket-friendly price, making it a great choice when you are running on a budget. Nonetheless, quality is not compromised.
It comes with a countertop design that allows you to perfectly fit on any kitchen countertop or a small-sized table. Therefore, it becomes simple to serve snow cones anywhere you go. Additionally, with its compact design, you can conveniently store it.
This cheapest snow cone machine also features stainless steel cutting blades which help you to quickly and efficiently shave ice cubes into fluffy and delicious snow-like ice. Besides, these stainless steel blades are rust-resistant.
Additionally, this snow cone maker features a safety switch which plays a great role in keeping your hands safe when the machine is shaving ice. Hence, you do not have to worry when using the machine and the kids are around.
Nostalgia SCM502 comes with a traditional, vintage design that is highly stylish. However, this look may not be the best option for kitchens with modern structures and design.
Pros:
- Perfect size for kitchen countertops
- Rust-free stainless steel blades
- Keeps your hands safe with the safety switch
- Free raspberry and cherry flavored syrups in the package
Cons:
- Not a perfect match for kitchens with modern structures and design
- Some people find it less stable due to the plastic construction
2. Cuisinart SCM-10 – Best Electric Snow Cone Machine with Ice Bank
Photo: Cuisinart
Cuisinart SCM-10 comes with an ice bank that eliminates the need for you to carry a bowl for catching shaved ice. It features a tray which catches the shaved ice giving you great convenience when using it.
You will love the fact that this is an easy-to-use device and also one that it is easy to assemble after delivery. It does not require you to have prior experience for you to use it.
Being made of plastic material, any part that comes in contact with food is BPA free. This implies that you will never interfere with the quality of your snow, keeping you and your loved ones safe and healthy.
Cuisinart SCM-10 comes with fast operation that allows you to make adequate ice for everyone within a limited period. The product makes 4-5 cones within a single minute, making it perfect for use during summer.
This snow cone machine works great but it is small. Hence, it is only perfect for family use and small parties.
Pros:
- Easy to use snow cone machine
- Easy to clean as it comes with removable tray
- Comes with reusable plastic cones
- Easy serving as it comes with a pop-out tray
Cons:
- Not suitable for large parties as it comes with a small size
- Handles feature plastic material hence, requires a lot of care when handling to boost durability
3. Hawaiian Shaved Ice S700 – Best Kid-friendly Snow Cone Machine
Photo: Hawaiian Shaved Ice
Hawaiian Shaved Ice S700 is the best snow cone machine for kids because the product has hidden blades which are out of reach for the little hands. Hence, you can safely allow your kid to use this product without supervision.
Moreover, you will love the compact footprint of this snow cone machine. This implies that you will not require a large space in the kitchen to use it as it comfortably fits on the kitchen countertop.
The product is easy to clean, and it’s easy to disassemble design boosts thorough cleaning. Most of its parts are dishwasher safe; hence, the cleaning process saves you a lot of time and effort.
This snow cone machine works well, but it flings ice all over and this means that you need a large bowl to collect shaved ice.
Pros:
- Design boosts simple usage
- Safe enough for kids to operate it
- BPA free plastic material
- Easy to clean due to removable parts
Cons:
- Requires a large bowl to collect ice
- Unsuitable for 3-year-olds and below as ice isn’t very smooth
4. Snowie Little Snowie 2 – Best High-end Snow Cone Machine
Photo: Snowie
This is a snow cone machine that features high-end quality and price. The product is made by the renowned Snowie brand that manufactures commercial shaved ice machines. Hence, some commercial features have been incorporated in this machine which has been priced for home use.
This is one of the fastest snow cone machines available on the market because it produces perfect fluffy snow within 3 seconds, hence, in a minute; you can get 20 cones of fluffy snow. Mainly, this is facilitated by the high speed, professional-grade motor that the product comes with.
Besides, this product also has 301 hardened stainless steel blades. These blades are very strong and facilitate ease of use and save a lot of time when shaving ice. Moreover, they do not rust and this boosts their durability.
This is the best snow cone machine for home because the product is conveniently sized to fit in any kitchen countertop. It does not require a lot of space when in use and its space-saving design makes it more convenient when storing it.
This is a high-end product and so it will cost you more than other snow cone machines available for home use. Nonetheless, its quality is second to none and its purchase is worth the investment.
Pros:
- Powerful motor enhances its speed
- Conveniently sized to save a lot of space
- Comes with free syrup samples
- Easy to clean as some parts are dishwasher safe
Cons:
- A little expensive
5. Nostalgia RSM602 – Best Looking Snow Cone Machine
Photo: Nostalgia
Here is the best looking snow cone that you will always love because it has looks and turns out to be highly functional. This product also accentuates any party or occasion regardless of the time and season.
You will love the stainless steel blades that this product features. They quickly and efficiently shave ice cubes into fluffy and delicious snow-like ice. With their high-quality steel material, these blades do not rust or corrode.
The shaving mechanism of this product features a safety switch. Hence, your hands will always be safe when operating this machine. Moreover, it is safe for kids to operate it without slicing their fingers.
Nostalgia RSM602 has a perfect size that fits on any kitchen counter because of its space-saving design. The product does not require a lot of kitchen space during use or storage.
Pros:
- Perfect size for kitchens with limited space
- Polishes the look of any kitchen or party
- Works fast and efficiently due to professional-grade blades
- Safe enough for kids to use
Cons:
- The door is too tight to open without using effort
6. Victorio VKP1101 – Best Rated Less Expensive Snow Cone Machine
Photo: Victorio
This snow cone maker is the best rated less expensive product that you will find on the market, implying that it gives you great value even when you are running on a budget. The product, therefore, does not compromise quality, in spite of being highly affordable.
The snow cone maker is fully portable and this is as a result of the lightweight design that it features. Besides, it is made using a high-quality plastic material that is easy to carry around in any party without experiencing any fatigue or discomfort.
The blades of this snow cone machine are fully adjustable to help you produce ice shavings of your taste and preference.
Being a manual snow cone machine, this product comes with stackable molds in the package to make the process simple and fun. Nonetheless, it requires your effort to cut ice into fluffy and delicious snow.
Pros:
- Satisfaction guarantee- 1year warranty
- Fully portable as it is lightweight
- Produces ice shavings of your taste – adjustable shaving blade
Cons:
- Hand operated cone machine requires your effort to function
- Works well with ice molds included in the package
7. Vivohome Snow Cone Machine – Best Commercial Snow Cone Machine
Photo: Vivohome
Vivohome Snow Cone Machine is the best commercial snow cone machine that is perfect for the business setting because it rapidly shaves ice at 143lbs of ice per hour implying that it meets large demands within a short time.
You will love how user-friendly this product is as it features an automatic power shut off. This means that the blades of this snow cone machine stop rotating immediately the hopper opens to prevent injury.
Additionally, this machine has an aesthetic design that adds some elegance and sophistication to homes, canteens, fairs, restaurants, snack stands, and bars. This is mainly facilitated by the sleek look of the silver color that the product features.
The product features a sturdy base that gives this product quiet during operation and stable. Nonetheless, its stainless steel construction makes it heavy and so it requires you to handle it with care and requires some effort during transportation.
Pros:
- Quiet operation with no vibration
- Great stability when working due to the sturdy base
- Prevents you from injury with the auto shut off function
- Aesthetic design makes it a decorative piece as well
Cons:
- The product is heavyweight due to stainless steel construction
How to Buy the Best Snow Cone Machines
Photo: Snowie
1. Purpose
Snow cone makers are either designed for home use or commercial purposes. Therefore, it is wise to know why you want to invest in one, in order for you to pick what is right for you and what will deliver what you are searching for.
Nonetheless, to enhance versatility, some models can be used at home and in business, giving more convenience.
2. Speed
Various snow cone machines operate at varying speed. This mainly makes a huge difference during summer when everyone wants to cool their system down.
If the machine is too slow, it takes more time to prepare snow cones and as a result, chances of snow melting are high before enjoying the ice treats.
This can mainly be a huge problem if you are operating a business. This is why it helps to invest in a machine that features a pretty good speed, even if you intend to use it at home. As a matter of fact, a machine that makes at least 10 snow cones per minute is a great purchase.
3. Material
This is a critical factor that you must consider when buying a snow cone machine as it determines the product’s weight and durability. In most cases, you find machines made of plastic or steel material.
For home use, buying a machine made of plastic is a great purchase because you might need to move around during parties or when transporting it from one place to another.
However, for business purposes, you need a product that is steady and strong such as one made of stainless steel material.
4. Size
You should invest in a snow cone machine that will comfortably fit in the available space in your kitchen. Additionally, the size of the appliance should also be determined by the number of people you intend to serve.
5. Ease of Use
Since machines are intended to make work easier, there is no point in investing in a product that is hard and complex to use. Therefore, whether you are investing in a machine for home/business use, consider buying an easy-to-use product in order to get desired results.
6. Budget
Snow cone machines feature different prices due to the technology used, material, brand or even features present. When buying a snow cone maker, the higher you pay, the better the product. Nonetheless, for a decent quality, consider buying a product that is between $35 and $100.
Conclusion
Here is the ultimate buying guide and best snow cone machine reviews that will help you pick the right snow cone maker for you.
Some models above are perfect for home and business use giving you great value for your money. Pick the best that matches your purpose, budget, lifestyle, and taste.