Electric shaved ice machines for home use are affordable and easy to use. If you eat a lot of shaved ice, you can save money by buying a shaved ice machine. It’s important to choose shaved ice machines used to create high-quality shaved ice that you can find at concession stands.
At DaddyCookingTips, we’re knowledgeable about all sorts of kitchen appliances. We also know how to make good shaved ice desserts.
In our search for shaved ice machines, we found excellent electric ice shavers for home use. We analyzed them based on quality, safety, and durability. Whether you prefer soft, fluffy shaved ice or crunchy, coarse shaved ice, you can find the right machine on the list below.
Best Shaved Ice Machines for Home
1. Hawaiian Shaved Ice S900A Machine
The Hawaiian Shaved Ice S900A Machine comes with two round block ice molds, three black bottle pourers, a non-skid mat, spoon straws, 25 snow cone cups, and three different flavors to get you started.
Flavors included in the package are cherry, blue raspberry, and grape — some of the most popular syrups. The Hawaiian Shaved Ice brand syrups have a good reputation for being full of flavor and not too watered down.
You don’t need to worry about the snow cone cups leaking. The snow cone cups that come with the Hawaiian Shaved Ice S900A Machine are leak-proof.
Without bottle pourers, it’s difficult to effectively pour syrup over your shaved ice. The bottle pourers that come with this shaved ice machine make it convenient for you to pour just the right amount of syrup.
The machine is compact, so it doesn’t take up much space on your counter. Its blades are made of precision-cut stainless steel, resulting in quality shaved ice while lasting long.
You can adjust the blades to produce various textures of shaved ice from soft to rough.
The Hawaiian Shaved Ice S900A Machine is easy to use, and you don’t even need to buy ice. Just add water to the ice puck, freeze it, and put it inside the machine. Each puck of ice delivers around two to three servings.
On days when you don’t want to wait for the water to freeze in the puck, you can use ice cubes. The shaved ice won’t be as soft and fluffy when you use ice cubes, but overall it’s still of great quality.
With a high number of positive customer ratings, one can easily consider the Hawaiian Shaved Ice S900A Machine the at-home shaved ice machine. Customers are happy with the soft, fluffy shaved ice they can create with the machine.
Some customers said the ice shaver was too tall to fit on their pantry shelf, making it difficult to store. Another criticism is that syrups have artificial flavors. Some consumers prefer using natural syrups for a healthier treat.
The Hawaiian Shaved Ice S900A Machine is a good choice for those who want the ability to make soft and crunchy shaved ice without ice cubes. When you want shaved ice fast and don’t have a frozen puck ready, you can plop in ice cubes. It’s a flexible machine from a reputable brand.
Pros
- The product comes with everything you need to get started making shaved ice
- Three yummy flavors from a top brand included
- Snowcone cups that come with the machine are leak-proof
- You can create different types of shaved ice, such as soft and crunchy to appeal to differing preferences
- Durable, high-quality blades
- The machine has a sleek, compact design to fit in small kitchens
- Easy to use
Cons
- You need to wait a few hours for the water to freeze in the puck
2. Nostalgia SCM525BL Vintage Snow Cone Maker
If you like cute designs, you’ll love the Nostalgia SCM525BL Vintage Snow Cone Maker. It has an ice blue color with white snowflakes on it and a miniature stand design like something you would see at a movie theater or a snow cone stand.
You can use the shaved ice maker at parties. It can make up to 20 eight-ounce cones at once.
Equipped with high-quality precision-cut stainless steel blades, this shaved ice machine creates fluffy snow. You’ll enjoy watching the beautiful snow pile up inside this vintage-themed machine. The snow chamber is transparent from all sides.
Two reusable cones come with the Nostalgia SCM525BL Vintage Snow Cone Maker. The machine features a small shelf that can hold two cones. An ice scoop is also included with the ice shaver, so you can perfectly pack the shaved ice into your cone.
The shaving mechanism has a safety switch built into it to keep your hands safe. When your shaved ice is ready, you can open the latch door and easily scoop the shaved ice.
Making shaved ice in the Nostalgia SCM525BL Vintage Snow Cone Maker is easy. Put ice inside the shaving chamber, place the lid on top, and turn to start the machine.
This shaved ice machine can fit on a small table or a kitchen countertop. Its dimensions are 12″ x 11″ x 15.2″.
Most customers give the Nostalgia SCM525BL Vintage Snow Cone Maker positive reviews. They like that it only takes around one minute to make a batch of snow.
The machine effectively shaves the ice, so that there aren’t many ice chips in the snow. Customers also find the machine easy to use and clean. Some customers received a defective machine or had an item like a spoon missing.
The Nostalgia SCM525BL Vintage Snow Cone Maker is one of the top shaved ice machines that have a high number of positive customer ratings. It makes snow fast and effective. The machine also has a beautiful, fun design and a snow capacity of 160 ounces. By putting less ice in the machine, you can make a smaller amount of snow.
Pros
- Fun design
- You have a 360-degree view of the fluffy snow inside the ice storage bin
- Under $50
- Comes with two reusable cones
- Safety features
- Capable of making 20 eight-ounce cones at once
- High-quality stainless steel blades shave ice fast
- Easy to use
Cons
- A few customers had problems with the machine getting stuck
3. Cuisinart SCM-10 Snow Cone Maker
Cuisinart is a trusted brand in kitchen appliances. The Cuisinart SCM-10 Snow Cone Maker comes in a beautiful cherry red color and is just under $60. It also has a foldable shelf that fits two snow cones for easy preparation. Fold the shelf when you’re done using the machine for easier storage that takes up less space.
Aside from snow cones, you can use the machine to create shaved ice for adult drinks, frozen lemonades, and slushies. It’s easy to set up and use. A switch at the front of the machine turns it on and off. Within a minute, the Cuisinart SCM-10 Snow Cone Maker creates enough shaved ice for four to five cones.
All parts of the home shaved ice machine that comes into contact with food are BPA-free. The serving tray pulls out and has an interlock safety feature. Four reusable BPA-free plastic cones come with the Cuisinart SCM-10 Snow Cone Maker as well as 12 disposable paper cones.
Customers have used this shaved ice machine for kids’ birthday parties, treats for the family, and adult treats like gin-tonic snow cones and booze slushies. Most customers are happy with the quality of this product and say it’s a good price.
The Cuisinart SCM-10 Snow Cone Maker is a safe shaved ice machine to use at home for small gatherings, birthday parties, and cool treats on hot days. It conveniently comes with four reusable cones to limit how many disposable cones you use. The shaved ice it produces works well in slushies, frozen lemonade, and adult beverages as well.
Pros
- Comes with four reusable cones
- Has a fold-down shelf that can hold two cones
- Safe and easy to use
- Easy to clean
- Well-known, trusted brand
- Under $60
- The collection bin can hold a lot of shaved ice
- Attractive design
Cons
- If you put too many ice cubes inside, the machine won’t start shaving
4. Nostalgia RSM602 Retro Snow Cone Maker
The Nostalgia RSM602 Retro Snow Cone Maker is the shaved ice machine for a home under $50. It has a stylish retro design with a 360-degree view of the collection bin and a shelf that can hold two cones. You can add syrup to your snow cones with ease while they sit on the shelf.
The machine features precision-cut stainless steel blades and a safety switch inside the shaving mechanism. It delivers quality shaved ice and keeps your hands safe. You can prepare up to 160 ounces of shaved ice inside the machine, which is enough for 20 eight-ounce cones.
All Nostalgia snow cone kits are compatible with the Nostalgia RSM602 Retro Snow Cone Maker. You can fit the machine on a small table or a kitchen counter. It comes with two eight-ounce plastic snow cones and an ice scoop that you can reuse.
The ice shaver is easy to use. Add ice inside the machine, close the lid, and press the power-on button.
Most customers are highly satisfied with the Nostalgia RSM602 Retro Snow Cone Maker for its quality shaved ice and ease of use. It also produces shaved ice quickly. Some people have used it at events, such as department picnics and school bake sales, without problems.
Choose the Nostalgia RSM602 Retro Snow Cone Maker if you like its retro design. The ice shaver creates quality snow fast that you can use for snow cones and slushies. It comes with reusable cones and a serving spoon. All you’ll need to do is supply the syrup.
Pros
- Creates fluffy, snow-like shaved ice
- Can hold up to 160 ounces of shaved ice
- Comes with an ice scoop and two reusable plastic snow cones
- You can feed it with crushed ice or ice
- High-quality stainless steel blades
- Compatible with all Nostalgia snow cone kits
- Safety features help keep your hands safe
Cons
- Some customers say the door isn’t durable
5. Little Snowie 2 Ice Shaver with Syrup Samples
This home-shaved ice machine produces fluffy, finely-shaven ice for a delightful treat. With hundreds of positive ratings, it’s the fluffy shaved ice machine.
The Little Snowie 2 Ice Shaver is easy to use. Load it with ice, shape your snow cone, and flavor it. Different from most shaved ice machines, the Little Snowie 2 has a dome that you use to fill your cup and shape the shaved ice into a dome. It takes a little practice to master the shaping process.
Snowie LLC is a leading brand of commercial shaved ice machines, so you know you’re getting a quality machine with the brand’s home version. It’s equipped with a 301 hardened stainless steel blade and a professional-grade high-speed motor. Fluffy snow is created within three seconds. The Little Snowie 2 Ice Shaver comes with a one-year warranty.
Its small size makes the ice shaver easy to store and position on your kitchen counter. The Little Snowie 2 Ice Shaver with Syrup Samples comes with eight reusable “Snowie Shovel” spoons and six sample-sized bottles of syrup.
Little Snowie’s flavored syrups saturate shaved ice for a quality treat. Some syrups have poor saturation, so they sink to the bottom of the cup. Many of Little Snowie’s syrups are also made with pure cane sugar.
The Little Snowie 2 Ice Shaver is safe to use. It will only turn on once the lid is completely closed.
Many customers say the Little Snowie 2 Ice Shaver with Syrup Samples is worth the money. It consistently creates perfectly smooth, soft shaved ice. They don’t find ice chunks in their shaved ice as they do from other machines. Customers also like that the machine’s blade is replaceable.
If you want the ability to create the fluffiest of shaved ice from home, the Little Snowie 2 Ice Shaver is the right choice. It’s built with high-quality materials that are capable of producing fluffy snow. The shaved ice machine is also a popular brand used in commercial machines at sporting events and amusement parks.
Pros
- Only takes three seconds to create a snowcone
- You don’t need to scoop out the snow
- The dome makes it easy to create the perfect rounded top
- Comes with six high-quality flavor samples
- Creates fluffy shaved ice like that you can find at stadiums, amusement parks, and food trucks
- Easy to use and clean
- Comes with reusable spoons
- The machine only starts when the lid is securely closed
Cons
- Expensive
6. Great Northern Ice Cub Shaved Ice Machine
Although the Great Northern Ice Cub Shaved Ice Machine is of commercial grade, many customers enjoy using it at home for the high-quality shaved ice it produces. It has a blade adjuster, so you can choose the coarseness of your shaved ice. You can create soft fluffy snow and coarse snow to suit different preferences.
The blade’s rotary plate design increases its durability as well as effectiveness in shaving ice. You can replace the blade once it goes bad. This machine is also made of stainless steel and brass and a heavy-duty, commercial motor that runs at 1,725 rpm.
The Great Northern Ice Cub Shaved Ice Machine is easy to set up and clean. However, it’s around 26 inches tall, which may make it challenging for you to store the machine. If you plan on leaving the machine out, then this isn’t a big issue.
As a commercial machine, the Great Northern Ice Cub Shaved Ice Machine can shave 6 pounds of ice per minute. You can use the machine at parties for fast, reliable shaved ice. The Great Northern Ice Cub Shaved Ice Machine comes with a one-year warranty.
Customers consider this a great shaved ice machine for home use as well as commercial. It has a small size that can fit on your kitchen counter. The machine is taller than most home shaved ice machines but not so much that it’s a major issue.
The Great Northern Ice Cub Shaved Ice Machine is a good shaved ice machine for home use. It creates high-quality shaved ice fast from blocks of ice. Enjoy fluffy snow or ice that’s on the coarse side thanks to its adjustable blade.
Pros
- Fast shaved ice
- You can adjust the blade to find the right softness for your preferences
- Durable and long-lasting
- Easy to clean
- As a commercial-grade machine, it’s one of the most powerful options you’ll find for home use
- Can create a high number of snow cones without overheating
Cons
- Takes a block of ice
- Expensive
7. Nostalgia RSM650 32-ounce Slush Drink Maker
If you liked the Little Snowie 2 Ice Shaver for its dome but found it too expensive, the Nostalgia RSM650 32-ounce Slush Drink Maker is an affordable alternative. Similar to the Little Snowie 2 Ice Shaver, it pours your shaved ice through a spout rather than requiring you to scoop it out of the machine.
Another way this shaved ice machine is different from others is you can add the flavored syrup inside the machine to save time on adding it to your crushed ice. The ice shaver dispenses smooth, slush-like shaved ice.
You can make fruit-flavored slushes, margaritas, daiquiris, soda drinks, and other frozen slush drinks with this machine. For alcoholic drinks, you need to add the alcohol after the ice has been shaved.
Cleaning the Nostalgia RSM650 32-ounce Slush Drink Maker is easy. You can detach the tank from the base to clean it. This shaved ice machine also features a detachable drip tray and cup rest.
Customers say the machine works well as long as you use it correctly. If you try using juice that’s too low in sugar content, then the machine either won’t work or will break. Slushy mixes and real juices work well.
The Nostalgia RSM650 32-ounce Slush Drink Maker is one of the top shaved ice machines for home use. It excels at creating frozen slush drinks. You’ll need to make sure the juices you use have sufficient sugar in them to prevent the liquid from freezing too fast in the machine.
Pros
- Affordable
- Smooth, slushy crushed ice
- Easy to clean
- Excellent for creating frozen slush drinks
- Easy to use
Cons
- You can’t create coarse crushed ice
8. Hawaiian Shaved Ice S700 Snow Cone Machine
The Hawaiian Shaved Ice S700 Snow Cone Machine is a cheap shaved ice machine with high customer ratings. It has a powerful, long-lasting motor and a child safety switch. Households with children will like how safe and easy the machine is to use. Place ice cubes inside, lock the lid in place, and turn on the machine.
To create the best snow, let your ice cubes thaw for 3–5 minutes before shaving them. Cleaning the machine is easy. Just wipe it down with a dry cloth.
This ice shaver also has a compact design, so you can easily find space on the counter or a table for the machine. It can shave regular household ice cubes. Bagged ice also works well.
The Hawaiian Shaved Ice S700 Snow Cone Machine is great for making slushies, frozen cocktails, and margaritas in addition to shaved ice. For finer, fluffier shaved ice, you can adjust the blade.
The blade can also be replaced once it no longer shaves ice well.
This shaved ice machine is backed by a one-year warranty.
Most customers find the Hawaiian Shaved Ice S700 Snow Cone Machine a great deal. They are happy with the quality of the shaved ice and the machine’s compact design. One customer said that their machine has been operating well for over two years with frequent use.
Choose the Hawaiian Shaved Ice S700 Snow Cone Machine for a low-cost option for home ice shavers. It creates quality shaved ice and will last a long time.
Pros
- The locking lid helps protect your hands by preventing the machine from operating when it’s not shut
- Easy to use
- The blade is adjustable and replaceable
- Comes with a one-year warranty
- Low price
Cons
- Tall glasses won’t fit
9. Doshisha Electric Authentic Fluffy Shaved Ice Machine
This ice shaver has a fun design that you may like if you’re into sailor-related items. The Doshisha Electric Authentic Fluffy Shaved Ice Machine is a Japanese shaved ice machine.
It creates excellent fluffy snow that has a luxurious feel and melts in your mouth. You can adjust the machine’s blade via a screw adjustment. With a blade adjustment, you can create shaved ice with a thicker, coarser texture.
The Doshisha Electric Authentic Fluffy Shaved Ice Machine comes with two special ice cup molds. You freeze ice in the cups to create ice blocks for the machine to shave. The ice cups come with lids to help prevent water from spilling in the freezer.
The ice-shaving machine is small enough to fit neatly on the kitchen counter.
You can create Japanese-style shaved ice, such as kakigori, with the Doshisha Electric Authentic Fluffy Shaved Ice Machine. Other icy treats you can make with this machine are slushies, snow cones, and granitas.
Customers love using the Doshisha Electric Authentic Fluffy Shaved Ice Machine to create Japanese-style shaved ice. They enjoy adding hojicha and matcha syrups to the shaved ice for a tasty Japanese dessert.
Choose the Doshisha Electric Authentic Fluffy Shaved Ice Machine if you plan on creating Japanese icy desserts from home. The machine produces high-quality Japanese shaved ice. It’s capable of creating extremely fluffy snow as well as coarse shaved ice depending on how you adjust the blade.
Pros
- Perfect for creating Japanese-style shaved ice desserts
- Can create different textures from fluffy to coarse shaved ice
- Easy to use
- Comes with two ice block molds with lids
- Inexpensive
- Fun design
Cons
- If you live in the US, you’ll need to use an inverter or a step-down transformer to use the machine
Factors to Consider
Ice Cup Mold, Block of Ice, or Ice Cubes?
Some people find it inconvenient to wait for the water to freeze in ice-cup molds before creating shaved ice. Others don’t mind keeping the ice cups inside the freezer until they are ready to use the machine.
Another limitation to keep in mind is you’ll only be able to make a small amount of shaved ice when you use ice cup molds. If you have a large family or plan on using a shaved ice machine at parties, then choose a model that takes ice cubes instead of an ice-cup mold.
A type of machine that falls somewhere in between these two types is that which takes a block of ice. You can buy bags of ice blocks to feed these machines.
Some people think machines that work with blocked ice or frozen molds of ice create fluffier snow than machines that make ice cubes. However, you can find a good fluffy shaved ice machine that takes ice cubes. The Little Snowie 2 Ice Shaver with Syrup Samples is one of your best options for a machine that produces wonderfully fluffy shaved ice from ice cubes.
You’ll need a fine shaved ice machine if you want to create Japanese-style icy desserts or slushies. For American-style snow cones, coarse shaved ice is usually used. Some machines are capable of creating both textures of shaved ice via a blade adjustment.
Single Serving or Multiple?
If you plan on using the machine for parties or large groups of people, you’ll need an ice shaver that either produces a lot of shaved ice or has a commercial-grade motor to handle the higher demand. Keep in mind how much snow the machine is capable of producing when choosing a shaved ice machine. A home machine with a small capacity may overheat if you try creating too many snow cones in a short period.
Choose an Electric Machine
Some ice shavers operate manually rather than electrically. You can find a good electric shaved ice machine for under $50.
Electric ice-shaving machines are convenient, easy, and fast to use. They create larger servings of shaved ice.
- Size and weight: Consider the size and weight of the shaved ice machine, as well as where you plan to store it. If you have limited counter or storage space, you may want a smaller, more compact model.
- Capacity: Consider the capacity of the shaved ice machine, including the size of the ice hopper and the amount of shaved ice it can produce in one go. If you plan to use the machine for parties or large gatherings, you may want a larger, more powerful model.
- Type of ice: Some shaved ice machines are designed to work with specific types of ice, such as cubes or blocks. Consider the type of ice you have access to and choose a compatible machine.
- Shaved ice consistency: Look for a shaved ice machine that produces fine, fluffy shaved ice, as this will be more enjoyable to eat and easier to flavor. Some machines may produce coarser, crunchier shaved ice, which may not be as desirable.
- Ease of use: Consider the ease of use of the shaved ice machine, including the layout of the controls and the clarity of the instructions. A machine that is easy to use will be more convenient and enjoyable to operate.
- Price: Shaved ice machines can vary significantly in price, so it is important to consider your budget and choose a model that fits your needs and price range.
- Warranty: Look for a shaved ice machine that comes with a warranty, as this can provide peace of mind and protection against defects or other issues.
Making the Decision
When choosing an ice machine, the most important factor to consider is the quality of the shaved ice it produces. Stainless steel blades help create quality ice. A high-powered motor is also a good feature that indicates the machine works effectively and quickly without overheating problems.
The shaved ice machine for you also depends on what type of icy desserts you will make with it. Are you going to use it for snow cones, or are you going to create slushies? Do you prefer soft, fluffy shaved ice for your snow cones? Always check the texture of the shaved ice the machine is capable of producing.
For fluffy, snow-like shaved ice, choose the Little Snowie 2 Ice Shaver with Syrup Samples, Doshisha Electric Authentic Fluffy Shaved Ice Machine, or the Little Snowie 2 Ice Shaver Bundle.
If you plan on making slushies and other frozen slush drinks, then you may want to go with the Nostalgia RSM650 32-ounce Slush Drink Maker. It’s dedicated to creating these types of icy drinks.
Regardless of which shaved ice machine you choose, you’re bound to love it.
