Who doesn’t love the sweet, fluffy goodness of cotton candy? It’s a staple at state fairs, carnivals, and circuses. Don’t you wish that you could make it yourself?
The reality is that cotton candy is a super-simple dessert. All that it requires is some sugar, heat, and centrifugal force.
The cotton candy machine doesn’t have to be found at the carnival midway. It could live in your own home. Whether you choose a home-use model or one that’s commercial-grade, you want to make an informed choice.
Here’s your chance to rely on our research. Read on to learn more about these great cotton candy makers.
Best Cotton Candy Machines
1. Nostalgia PCM805RETRORED Hard & Sugar-Free Candy Cotton Candy Maker
This pink and white cotton candy maker has a retro look that many people will appreciate. It can be used with cotton candy kits made by the same manufacturer, and it’s even possible to floss sugar or hard candies in the same machine.
Deserving to be named the cotton candy machine because it’s so easy to use, the Nostalgia Cotton Candy Maker just needs to be warmed up before adding the flossing sugar. Within minutes, you’ll have warm and fluffy cotton candy.
One of the features that make this machine so easy to use is the clear rim guard, which makes collecting the finished cotton candy a breeze. This machine is pretty compact, which means that it’s easy to store as well.
People love this cotton candy machine because it’s easy to use and easy to clean. Nonetheless, they do caution that you have to let it fully heat up before adding the sugar, and they say that some practice is required.
Impressing your family is no problem with this little machine.
Pros
- Cute retro design
- Great for those occasional cotton candy cravings
- Easy to use
Cons
- Practice is required
2. VIVO Blue Electric Commercial Cotton Candy Machine, Candy Floss Maker
This is the selection for you if you have a serious cotton candy addiction. This machine may be just what you need if you’re planning to set up a cotton candy stall at bazaars, fairs, community festivals, or church events.
With 1030 watts of power, it’s easy for anyone to churn out tons of cotton candy with this machine. It’s the commercial cotton candy machine because its operation is straightforward. When it’s time to clean up, this cotton candy maker disassembles in seconds.
Use hard candy or sugar in this machine, and you’ll get the same outstanding results. You’ll be able to produce two to three servings every minute thanks to the 20-inch stainless steel bowl.
Thanks to four rubber feet, this unit is sturdy on any flat surface. The bowl quickly and easily latches to the base, and a push of a button is all that’s necessary to start the operation.
Because they love that this machine is quick, powerful, and simple to operate, many people recommend it. For most people, the only downside is the price.
For die-hard cotton candy lovers, this one is a no-brainer.
Pros
- Powerful
- Professional-level quality
- Straightforward operation
Cons
- Expensive
3. Olde Midway Commercial Quality Cotton Candy Machine Cart and Electric Candy Floss Maker – SPIN 2000
Mounted on a wheeled cart, this commercial-quality cotton candy machine is ready to go wherever you want to take it. This makes it ideal for any event as you won’t even need a booth. Everything you need is located right on the cart.
This unit heats up fast with its 950-watt heating element. The large, stainless steel bowl is a great size for use at larger events. Plus, this machine can produce two servings every minute.
Accessories included with this cotton candy maker include two extra motor drive belts, a sugar scoop, and a storage bin. With easy-to-use controls and three holes where you can display your finished product, you’ll be mouth-watering when you use this machine.
Most fans love how easy this machine is to use, clean, and maintain. However, some are bothered that the company seems to be including out-of-date instruction manuals with the unit.
This pink cotton candy machine on a cart is a delight at community events.
Pros
- Comes with a cart and accessories
- Fast and powerful
- Excellent build quality
Cons
- It May come with an out-of-date instruction manual
4. Partyhut Large Commercial Cotton Candy Machine Party Candy Floss Maker Blue
This electric commercial cotton candy machine boasts 1080 watts of power and a high-performance, belt-driven motor. Because it can produce between two and four servings of cotton candy every minute, it’s one of the fastest machines out there.
The 20.5-inch stainless steel bowl sits on an oversized bin that includes a storage drawer and a stainless steel scoop. Extra motor belts are found in the box too.
With a safety feature that prevents operation if the bowl is not properly latched, this is a safe choice for a cotton candy machine. Operation is convenient as a voltmeter, heat controller, and power switch are located on the front of the unit.
Like most cotton candy makers, all you have to do is pre-heat this machine and then pour in the sugar.
Saying that it is easy to clean and operate, many people are fans of this machine. Others are disappointed that the cotton candy comes up out of the middle of the bowl rather than along the sides.
This well-made cotton candy machine is great for small community events and festivals.
Pros
- Plenty of power
- Fast
- Safe and convenient
Cons
- Cotton candy comes up the middle rather than along the sides of the bowl
5. VIVO Pink Electric Commercial Cotton Candy Machine, Candy Floss Maker with Cart
This commercial cotton candy machine comes with a cart so that you can take it everywhere with ease. Whether you’re making cotton candy at a birthday party or a carnival, you’ll be set and ready to go in no time thanks to having a sturdy base from which to work.
Like other VIVO cotton candy machines, this one features 1030 watts of power so that you’ll be able to churn out two to three servings every minute. Included in this package are a 20-inch stainless steel bowl, a sugar scoop, and a cash drawer.
Cleaning up this deluxe machine is a snap. The whole thing disassembles with ease so that you can sanitize every component and be ready for your next party. A one-year warranty has got you covered in case anything goes wrong. Tech support is included as well.
With some nice safety features and good reliability, many people say that they recommend this cotton candy machine. Nonetheless, some people are disappointed that this machine doesn’t include a bubble cover to prevent making a mess.
The mobile cart that comes with this machine makes it natural for community events.
Pros
- Comes with a mobile cart
- Produces two to three servings per minute
- Good safety features
Cons
- No bubble cover included
6. Cra-Z-Art Deluxe Cotton Candy Maker with Lite Up Wand
No products found.
If you have a little one who adores cotton candy, then you can’t go wrong when you give them this cotton candy maker for kids for their birthday or another event.
Kids love having the opportunity to make their cotton candy at home, and that’s exactly what this machine gives them. It comes with a glowing stick that kids can use to collect and eat their sweet treats, which is almost as fun as the candy itself.
This is an accessible cotton candy maker. All you have to do is pre-heat it, then add ordinary household sugar. Within minutes, you’ll see the floss start to form. Then, you simply insert the glowing wand to create a ball of spun sugar.
Paper cone wands are included as well. Wash the components of the machine by hand so it’s ready to use again.
Users say that their kids love making their cotton candy. Critics warn that it makes a big mess, so you may only want to use it outdoors.
Your little ones will be delighted to make their cotton candy with this safe and easy machine.
Pros
- Safe and easy for kids to use
- Comes with a glowing wand
- Affordable
Cons
- Makes a mess
7. Olde Midway Commercial Quality Cotton Candy Machine and Electric Candy Floss Maker – SPIN 2000
The SPIN 2000 heats up quickly, making it a reliable commercial cotton candy maker that you can trust even when you’re using it at larger events where demand is likely to be higher.
The high-performance, belt-driven motor is a definite plus as it ensures longevity and just the right amount of power. It’s capable of turning out approximately two servings of cotton candy per minute.
On the front panel, you’ll have access to a storage bin, the on/off switch, the voltmeter, and the heat controller. Two extra drive belts and a sugar scoop are included in the box.
This machine operates with a minimum of vibration, keeping things quiet and smooth. The bowl detaches quickly for easy cleaning.
Fans love having the storage bin and extra belts. Critics wish that there was more control over the heat at this price point.
Many people are thrilled with this easy-to-use cotton candy maker.
Pros
- High-performance motor
- Comes with extra belts
- Pre-heats quickly
Cons
- Could use better temperature control
8. VEVOR Electric Cotton Candy Machine, 19.7-inch Cotton Candy Maker
When you’re serious about cotton candy or need a machine that can handle even the largest crowds, then this should be your go-to choice. Granted, it is quite a bit more expensive than other models on this list, but this selection is for people who are looking to feed an army.
This cotton candy floss maker is equipped with a 1/12 horsepower motor that spins the bowl at 3450 RPM. The upshot is that this is one fast-and-furious floss machine.
Capable of producing 200 servings per hour, this is the perfect machine for feeding a large crowd, Professional-style controls to ensure that the operator always has total authority over the machine’s functioning for the sake of improved safety.
The aluminum bowl and stainless steel casing are two of the features that make this unit a favorite with cotton candy makers everywhere. Critics warn that this machine is super heavy.
Catering to large events is no problem with this heavy-duty cotton candy maker.
Pros
- Superfast operation
- Powerful
- 200 servings per hour
Cons
- Heavy and hard to move
Factors to Consider
When you’re thinking about buying a cotton candy machine, perhaps the most important thing to consider is how you plan to use it. Do you envision pulling out the machine two or three times a year to make no more than half a dozen cones? If so, then there’s no reason to go to the expense of getting a commercial-quality machine.
You’ll probably do well with an inexpensive model that’s intended for home use. The resulting cotton candy may not be quite as good as what you’d get at the fair, but you’ll be surprised by how close it gets.
However, even a lower-end commercial-quality machine may be worthwhile if you plan to make cotton candy for large family gatherings or the carnival at school.
When you begin contemplating making cotton candy for really large crowds regularly, then it’s time to step up to a higher-end, commercial-quality machine with a more powerful motor and better heating element.
The tank size will vary widely depending on the intended purpose of the machine. A small tank is perfectly suitable for occasional use at home, but you’ll want to look at something with a larger capacity if you’ll be making cotton candy for a crowd.
You’ll also want to consider how powerful the machine is. Generally, the more powerful the cotton candy maker is, the faster it will make servings. Moreover, the more powerful machines are capable of pre-heating faster.
Some people also like to give some thought to the ingredients that will make cotton candy. Machines may only accept sugar, but some models will accept sugar or melt hard candies to make cotton candy.
FAQ
What are the advantages of a commercial-quality cotton candy maker?In general, a commercial-quality appliance is made of sturdier, more durable materials and possesses a more powerful motor. These enhanced features make it possible for this higher-end machine to produce more servings, operate for long periods of time without overheating, and accept a larger amount of sugar at a time. A commercial-quality cotton candy maker may be worthwhile for you if you plan to frequently use it to satisfy the demands of a large crowd.
Is a cotton candy machine that's designed for private use worth it?The answer to this question really depends upon which machine you choose. The smaller units that are intended for home use that are described here are all functional and reliable. They will help you to satisfy your family's occasional cotton candy cravings with ease at an economical price.
Are cotton candy machines easy to clean?Most cotton candy makers are pretty simple and straightforward. Plus, the manufacturers have gone through a lot of work to ensure that it's easy to use and maintain these machines. Consequently, you'll probably find that these machines are easy to disassemble and clean.
Summary
If you’re planning to make cotton candy on an occasional basis at home, then we recommend that you try the Nostalgia Cotton Candy Maker.
It’s an economical choice, and although it does take some practice, it is easy to use. Moreover, we love that this machine accepts sugar and hard candies. That kind of versatility at this price is unusual, and it enables you to make creative cotton candy.
When you’re ready to step up to the cotton candy machines that can produce enough for a crowd, then try the VIVO Electric Commercial Cotton Candy Machine with the cart.
This is a super-sturdy model at a reasonable price. We love all of the accessories, including the cart, which is a must if you’re going to use your cotton candy maker quite a bit. With the large bowl, powerful heater, and reliable motor, you can’t go wrong with this one.
