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The Best Snow Cone Maker

Last updated on March 8, 2024

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The snow cone machine was first patented back in 1920. At that time, it was used commercially to sell snow cones to customers at big events. Today, we have the luxury of purchasing a home model to enjoy a refreshing snow cone anytime.

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As you shop around, consider how often you plan on using the snow cone maker and how many people you need to serve. There are models that can hold enough ice to make 20 snow cones at a time, as well as units that can prepare the ice in as little as 3 seconds. Single-serve snow cones makers are better for home or office use but wouldn’t work well in a party setting.

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Check to see if the snow cone maker uses traditional ice cubes from your refrigerator. Many do, however, there are models that require you to use specially shaped ice drums.

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Keep safety in mind as you browse the available snow cone makers. If you have children at home, you may want to go with a model that has a safety switch to keep your hands from coming in contact with the snow cone maker’s blade.

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Look for any extras that put one snow cone maker ahead of another. For example, there are models with a built-in shelf for holding up to two snow cones. Other units provide complimentary serving scoops, sample flavorings and party spoons.

Our Picks For The Top Snow Cone Makers

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Product Overview
Our Take
 Best Overall

Cuisinart Snow Cone Maker

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Cuisinart

Snow Cone Maker

Although the Cuisinart Snow Cone Maker is constructed from a BPA-free plastic, it still has a fast motor. In fact, the unit can produce four snow cones per minute. There's even a handy side ledge that holds two snow cones at a time.

Overall Take

Fast OperationAll you have to do is add ice to the Cuisinart Snow Cone Maker and flip a switch and you'll have a delicious snow cone in your hand.

 Best for Parties

SNOWIE Ice Shaver & Snow Cone Machine

SNOWIE

Ice Shaver & Snow Cone Machine

Whether you want to make snow cones for your family at home or for a party at the office, the SNOWIE Ice Shaver & Snow Cone Machine has you covered. This unit has a professional-grade high-speed motor that makes one snow cone every three seconds. As an added bonus, the snow cone maker comes with eight party spoons and six trial-size syrups for ...

Overall Take

Home and Office UseEach SNOWIE Ice Shaver & Snow Cone Machine is backed by a 1-year no-hassle warranty, so you can feel confident in your purchase.

 Best Output

ZENY Snow Cone Shaved Ice Maker

ZENY

Snow Cone Shaved Ice Maker

The ZENY Snow Cone Shaved Ice Maker has an all stainless steel construction. Its highly efficient motor can produce 440 pounds of shaved ice per hour to meet a large demand in a relatively short time.

Overall Take

Professional-GradeThe ZENY Snow Cone Shaved Ice Maker has an all stainless steel construction.

 Also Consider

Hawaiian Shaved Ice Snow Cone Machine

Hawaiian Shaved Ice

Snow Cone Machine

The Hawaiian Shaved Ice Snow Cone Machine is compact and won't take up much space on your kitchen counter. It's made from just three parts, so you won't have any trouble assembling it. There's even a non-slip mat to keep your ice mold from sliding out of place during use.

Overall Take

Easy to AssembleUse the Hawaiian Shaved Ice Snow Cone Machine to make everything from shaved ice to slushies to margaritas.

What to Look For

  • Some snow cone makers have extremely loud motors and make a great deal of noise while shaving ice. Keep this in mind as you browse the available models.
  • Not every snow cone maker provides a powdered texture. Some are coarser.
  • Check the running time of the snow cone maker if you plan on using it to serve a large number of people. Some overheat if they are used for an extended period of time. Those models aren’t recommended for commercial purposes.
  • Snowcone makers can be heavy and a bit bulky. This may be a concern if you need to transport the unit to the office or to a party.
  • Some models also have the option of adding a party kit. The kit would include snow cone cups, syrups for flavoring and straws with a spoon on the end.
  • Speed and quality are the biggest factors that affect the price of snow cone makers. The Cuisinart Snow Cone Maker, Hawaiian Shaved Ice Snow Cone Machine and the Nostalgia Vintage Snow Cone Maker are pretty evenly priced; however, the SNOWIE Ice Shaver & Snow Cone Machine commands a higher price tag because it has a professional-grade motor that can prepare one snow cone every three seconds.

More to Explore

A version of snow cones has been around since 27 B.C. when the citizens of the Roman Empire added syrup to mountain snow to consume as a dessert. Of course, this method meant you could only have a snow cone during the cold and snowy winter months.

It wasn’t until 1919 that snow cones became popular in the United States. They were served by Samuel Bert at the State Fair in Texas. It was summertime, so this dessert was a welcome treat, as it helped to keep fair-goers nice and cool.

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