Summer is the perfect time for our favorite cold treats like snow cones, ice cream, margaritas, slushies, and daiquiris. And the best part? You don’t have to leave the house to enjoy them. With the right appliance, specifically a shaved ice machine, you can whip up these refreshing snacks in no time.
A home-use shaved ice machine is a cost-effective, convenient, and healthier way to make cold treats for yourself and your family. The best models are equipped with durable blades and powerful motors, which work together to turn ice cubes into fluffy, soft snow in just minutes.
In this review, we’ll take a look at 8 of the top-rated shaved ice machines for home use. We’ve also included a handy buying guide to help you choose the perfect one for your needs.
8 Best Shaved Ice Machines
1. Hawaiian Shaved Ice Electric Shaved Ice Maker (S900A)
- Includes: Home-use electric S900A shaved ice and snow cone machine [3-piece...
- Usage: Great for making shaved ice, snow cones, snowballs, slushies,...
- Simple To Use: Prepare cool treats quickly at sleepovers, small pool...
We’ve had the chance to try out the S900A Hawaiian Shaved Ice Maker, and it definitely stands out for its ability to produce both crispy granulated soft ice and smooth, snow-like shaved ice. Whether you’re making milkshakes, cocktails, desserts, or even cold soups, this machine can handle it all.
What we love most about this ice shaver is its lightweight, durable design. It’s compact too, measuring just 8 x 6.8 x 12 inches and weighing only 3 pounds, which makes it easy to store and move around. Plus, the sleek, attractive design adds a nice touch to any kitchen.
The machine is a breeze to set up, thanks to its 3-piece design, and comes with everything you need to get started: a motor unit, support base, ice crusher cup, non-slip mat, and two molds. The ice molds freeze round blocks of soft, fluffy ice, which are perfect for shaving. The high-precision stainless steel cutting blades ensure that you get perfectly fluffy ice every time.
Overall, this machine is a great option for anyone looking to make homemade shaved ice with ease and convenience.
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2. Little Snowie 2 Ice Shaver - Premium Shaved Ice Machine
- ❄️ THE LITTLE SNOWIE MAX: Modeled after Snowie’s unstoppable...
- ???? HEAVY DUTY: At last! After several years dedicated to toiling,...
- ⛄ SPECIAL FEATURES: Use ice cubes right from your freezer! Fills an 8 oz...
We’ve tried the Little Snowie 2 Ice Shaver, and it definitely lives up to its reputation of making professional-quality snow right at home. One of the standout features for us is that it uses regular ice cubes, so there’s no need to worry about special ice molds. The result is always fluffy, snow-like ice, thanks to the sharp, hardened stainless steel blade.
The design is sleek and practical, measuring just 0.6 x 2.8 x 10.2 inches and weighing only 3.52 ounces. It’s super easy to move around and store, which is a big plus for us since we don’t want bulky appliances cluttering our kitchen. Plus, the outlet is compatible with a variety of cups, allowing us to create perfectly shaped dome snow cones every time. It even comes with a snowy shovel to scoop the ice, making the process even easier.
For added peace of mind, the Little Snowie 2 is patented by Snowie LLC and comes with a 1-year hassle-free warranty, which ensures the quality of the product. Overall, it’s a fantastic option for anyone who loves snow cones and shaved ice treats.
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3. Shaved Ice Machine and Syrup Party Package by Hawaiian Shaved Ice
- Make powdery snow right in your own kitchen with the S900A Electric Shaved...
- Use cube ice, bagged ice, or make your own blocks of ice. Set includes all...
- Each 16oz. bottle makes approximately 8 six-ounce perfectly-flavored snow...
We’ve been loving the Hawaiian Shaved Ice Machine S900 for making kid-friendly, healthy, and delicious treats. The precision-cut stainless steel blade works wonders with cylindrical ice blocks, turning them into fluffy, fine snow every time. We also appreciate the adjustable blade, which lets us customize the ice texture to our liking.
The S900 is super easy to use, which is a huge plus. All we have to do is fill the bowl with ice cubes, press the power button, and voilà—perfect shaved ice. It also comes with a ton of accessories, including round block ice molds, 3 shaved ice flavors, 25 spoon straws, 25 snow cups, and 3 bottle pourers, making it great for parties and gatherings.
At 8 pounds and with dimensions of 14.5 x 9.75 x 7.75 inches, it doesn’t take up too much space on our kitchen counter, but it’s still powerful enough for all our snow cone needs. Plus, it’s easy to take outside for backyard barbecues or summer picnics. Overall, it’s a fun and convenient way to whip up refreshing treats for the whole family!
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4. Cuisinart SCM-10 Snow Cone Maker, Red
- SUPERIOR FUNCTION: The Cuisinart snow cone maker has a professional motor...
- EASY TO USE: Easy to put together and use - uses regular ice cubes and...
- MUST HAVE FEATURES: Pull-out serving tray with interlock safety feature...
We’ve been enjoying the SCM-10 Snow Cone Machine for all our summer fun, and it’s become a real hit in our home. It works best with mild juices, syrups, and standard ice cubes, making it super easy to whip up adult drinks, frozen lemonades, or even fun snow cones for the kids. The best part? It’s fast! This little machine can create 4-5 cones in just one minute, which is perfect for large families or when we’re hosting friends.
Safety is a priority with this machine, as it features an antilock safety mechanism on the blades, serving tray, and motor to prevent accidents. Plus, it’s so simple that even the kids can make their own cones safely. The package comes with 4 BPA-free reusable cones, 12 paper cones, and even some recipes to get our snow cone adventures started.
The SCM-10’s sleek, compact design not only looks great on our kitchen counter, but it’s also easy to move around since it weighs only 7 pounds and measures 11.5 x 12.5 x 13.9 inches. Cleaning is a breeze, too, thanks to the detachable ice bin, which makes wiping it down quick and hassle-free. We’ve been loving how stress-free and fun it makes making snow cones at home!
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5. Nostalgia SCM502 Vintage Snow Cone Maker
- Holds up to 20 (8 ounce) snow cones at a time.
- Nostalgia snow cone kits pair perfectly
- Stainless steel cutting blades
We’ve been having a blast with the Nostalgia SCM502 Vintage Snow Cone Machine, and it really takes us back to the fairgrounds with its fun, nostalgic design. Not only does it look adorable, but it can also whip up to 20 snow cones at once, each one using 8 oz. of ice—perfect for parties or family gatherings.
This machine is made with stainless steel blades that shave ice into a smooth, fluffy texture. The 360° clear chamber gives us a full view of the ice pile building up, which is a nice touch for the kids who love watching the magic happen. We also love the built-in cone shelf that holds two snow cones at once, making it super convenient when we’re serving.
Safety is key, and the SCM502 has a built-in safety switch, so we don’t have to worry about any accidents. At 13.5 x 10 x 17.5 inches and weighing 6 pounds, it fits comfortably on our countertop, and its compact design makes it easy to store when not in use. The package includes cherry and raspberry syrups, snow cone cups, spoon straws, and squeeze bottle syrups—everything we need to get the party started. It’s been a hit for making fun, tasty treats at home!
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6. VIVOHOME Electric Ice Crusher Shaver Snow Cone Maker Machine Silver
- HIGH EFFICIENCY - Electric (plug-in) power does the work for you; Rapidly...
- HIGH-QUALITY MATERIALS - Built with food-grade corrosion-free stainless...
- COMFORTABLE USE - Heavy cast sturdy base offers stable and quiet...
We’ve been enjoying the VIVOHOME Electric Ice Crusher, and it’s been a game-changer for making frozen treats at home, whether it’s for a holiday party or just a hot summer day. This countertop machine is solidly built with a food-grade blade and hopper, making it not only durable but also rustproof—perfect for frequent use in the kitchen or bar.
We love that it’s so powerful. We can crush up to 143 lbs. of ice per hour thanks to the strong motor and a rotation speed of 2000 rpm. The 11-pound machine (measuring 17 x 8 x 13 inches) is sturdy and keeps vibrations and noise to a minimum, so it’s not disruptive when we’re using it. Plus, it requires just 110-120 volts, so it’s easy to plug in wherever we need it.
The VIVOHOME Electric Ice Crusher is also safe to use with its watertight on/off switch, and we appreciate the automatic shut-off feature. If the hopper is unlocked, the power automatically cuts off, preventing any accidents. Operating it is simple—just plug it in, add the ice cubes, and press the handle to get that perfect shaved ice. It’s as easy as that!
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7. Kid-Friendly Snow Cone Machine [S700] by Hawaiian Shaved Ice
- Make it snow right in your own kitchen with the kid-friendly S700 Electric...
- Use homemade cube ice, or store-bought bagged ice cubes. Set includes...
- Make 2 snowcones per ice block. High-quality, multifunctional machine comes...
We absolutely love the Hawaiian Shaved Ice S700! It’s become our go-to for making all sorts of frozen treats, from snow cones to margaritas and slushies. It’s super easy to use, and the locking lid is such a great feature—it makes sure the machine won’t run without the cover in place, which is perfect for keeping it safe when the kids are around (though we always show them how to use it the first time).
The stainless steel blade is seriously durable, and it shaves ice into that perfect fluffy texture in no time. Whether we’re making a quick snow cone or mixing up a frozen cocktail, this little machine gets the job done every time.
It’s also super lightweight at just 3 pounds, so we can easily move it around or store it when we’re done. Plus, its compact size (0.2 x 6.5 x 11.2 inches) makes it a perfect fit on the countertop. No need to worry about it taking up too much space!
Cleaning it is a breeze too. The whole thing comes apart easily, and most parts are dishwasher-safe, which makes maintenance a total win. Oh, and it comes with some great extras like syrup in a few flavors, straw spoons, and disposable snow cone cups. Overall, the S700 is a great, easy-to-use option for anyone who loves a good icy treat at home!
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8. Nostalgia RSM602 Retro Snow Cone Maker
- NOSTALGIA SNOW CONE KITS: Works perfectly with all Nostalgia snow cone kits...
- STAINLESS STEEL CUTTING BLADES: The precision-cut stainless steel cutting...
- PARTY PLEASER: A fun and easy way to make delicious shaved ice treats, this...
We’ve had so much fun with the Nostalgia RSM602—it’s been a game changer for our frozen treats! This little machine shaves ice into perfect, fluffy snow in just minutes, and it’s super easy to use. Whether we’re making snow cones, slushies, or frozen lemonades, it always delivers that smooth, soft ice we love.
We really like the clear chamber because it lets us see the ice piling up from any angle—it’s almost like watching magic happen! The side shelf is great too—it holds two snow cones while we pour on the syrup, making everything feel super organized. Plus, it can make up to 20 snow cones, so it’s perfect for parties or just a fun family treat.
Safety’s covered too with the automatic safety switch, which gives us peace of mind, especially when the kids are helping out. The ice scoop and two reusable plastic cones that come with it are a nice bonus and make serving so much easier.
At just over 10 pounds and a size that fits perfectly on our kitchen countertop, the Nostalgia RSM602 is compact, easy to store, and move around. The quick-access serving door is another smart touch, making it simple to scoop and serve. If you’re looking for a fun and easy way to make shaved ice at home, this one’s definitely worth considering!
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Buying Guide for Ice Machine
If you’re craving a cold snow cone on a hot day, it’s a great way to cool off and rehydrate. But let’s be real—buying shaved ice from a stand can get pretty expensive over time. That’s where owning your own shaved ice machine comes in handy. Not only will it save you some cash, but you’ll also have fresh, hygienic treats whenever you want!
When choosing the best shaved ice machine for your needs, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Safety
First things first, make sure the machine has basic safety features. You don’t want to be dealing with any accidents at home. Look for features like a waterproof on/off switch and an automatic shut-off function to keep things safe.
Functional Efficiency
Next, check how much ice the machine can make in an hour. You’ll want a machine that creates smooth, fluffy snow-like ice. Generally, the higher the horsepower, the faster it shaves and the more ice it produces.
Ease of Use
You definitely want a machine that’s easy to use. The last thing you need is something complicated that makes the process stressful. Also, make sure it’s easy to clean and put together. You don’t want to waste time on complicated maintenance!
Durability
Lastly, think about how long the machine will last. Machines made from cheap materials won’t hold up, and that’s just frustrating. Look for something built to last—metal frames are generally sturdier than plastic, and stainless steel or brass blades will last longer without needing replacements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is shaved ice?
Shaved ice is a refreshing treat made by shaving ice into fine snow-like pieces, which are then flavored with syrup, usually fruit-based.
How frequently should I replace the cutting blade of my shaved ice machine?
When the blade starts to dull, you’ll notice the ice becoming crunchier and coarser. At this point, it’s time to replace the blade. If the blades aren’t made of stainless steel, they may rust. As soon as you see any rust, it’s important to replace them right away.
How do I keep my shaved ice from melting?
To prevent your shaved ice from melting too quickly, take the ice block out of the freezer about 10-15 minutes before shaving. Place the block in a restaurant tray or a 5-gallon bucket, and once the outer surfaces start to melt, put it in a 48 or 60-quart chest cooler to maintain its temperature.
What quantity of ice is needed for my shaved ice machine?
The amount of ice needed depends on how often you use the machine and how much you need for each serving. If you’re using it at home, the ice you already have in your freezer should be sufficient. You can expect to get about 2 cups of shaved ice per pound of ice.
Conclusion
A shaved ice machine isn’t just a one-time purchase. Commercial snow cones often contain allergens, so kids with allergies (like peanut allergies) miss out on those refreshing treats. With your own shaved ice machine at home, everyone can enjoy them safely.
Any of the 7 models we’ve listed would be a great addition to your kitchen. The best part? You’ll be able to create personalized, cool, and refreshing treats for you and your family in just minutes.
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