Best Shaved Ice Machines for Your Summer Freedom
When the summer sun beats down, real Americans do not wait for the government to hand out relief. They take matters into their own hands. Making shaved ice at home is a fast, easy way to beat the heat, and with the right machine, you can enjoy this classic treat or even start your own small business. Here is the gear you need to claim your summer freedom, one sweet flake at a time.
What do you need to make shaved ice at home?
Shaved ice is simple. You take a block of ice, shave it into flakes, and add them to a cone or a colorful bowl. Then, you flavor those flakes with sweet syrup and add toppings if you want them. It is the perfect treat on a hot, sunny day. Whether you want to treat your family or live the American Dream by setting up your own shaved ice stand, here are the essentials.
- Shaved ice machine
- Squeeze bottles
- Spoon straws
- Cones
Besides this gear, you need ice and syrup. If you want to add a fun twist, consider garnishes like ice cream, mochi sweet rice cake topping, or sweetened condensed milk.
Which home shaved ice machine is best?
Little Snowie Max Snow Cone Machine
What you need to know: This is a high-quality shaved ice machine created by a leading commercial brand for at-home or office use.
What you will love: Compact, fast, and easy to use, this machine comes with flavored powder sticks, easy-pour mixing bottles, and reusable shovel spoons. It uses regular ice cubes from your freezer and fits on any counter. Plus, it has a one-year guarantee.
What you should consider: Use larger cups or bowls to prevent ice from escaping the machine. You cannot put syrup directly into the machine.
Hawaiian Shaved Ice S900A Shaved Ice and Snow Cone Machine
What you need to know: This compact machine makes shaved ice and snow cones for home parties or small events.
What you will love: Affordable, fast, and convenient, this machine comes with thick flavored syrup, spoon straws, easy-to-use pourers, snow cone cups, and ice molds. When you use the molds, you get fluffy shaved ice. If you want a slushy-like consistency, use regular ice cubes.
What you should consider: This at-home model does not hold as much shaved ice as industrial options. It also requires time to rest after two-minute intervals.
Which industrial shaved ice machine should you buy?
Paragon Simply-A-Blast Heavy Duty Snow Cone Machine
What you need to know: This large, industrial machine features a serving scoop made for large get-togethers and commercial use.
What you will love: Versatile and efficient, this heavy-duty machine uses adjustable, replaceable stainless steel blades to shave ice. Surprisingly quiet for its power, it quickly makes snow cones or shaved ice from ice cubes. It has a glass chamber so you can watch it work, and it comes with a one-year manufacturer warranty.
What you should consider: At 50 pounds with no handles, it is inconvenient if you need to transport it frequently.
Great Northern Commercial Shaved Ice Machine
What you need to know: This affordable industrial machine is made for restaurant and cafe use.
What you will love: This highly efficient machine can shave more than 350 pounds of ice in 60 minutes. It is heavy-duty, features stainless steel construction, and comes with a plastic safety guard. Although meant for commercial use, it doubles as an at-home machine for those with large get-togethers or lots of kids.
What you should consider: This machine is a little fragile, so handle and use it with care.
What are the best accessories for shaved ice?
Homestead Choice Plastic Condiment Squeeze Bottles
What you need to know: This is a seven-pack of multipurpose, 16-ounce bottles with caps that are safe and convenient for at-home use.
What you will love: These BPA-free squeeze bottles have leakproof caps. You can use them for anything from shaved ice to condiments for BBQs to arts and crafts. They are easy to squeeze and give you total control over the dispensed amount for the perfect bowl of shaved ice.
What you should consider: The bottle neck is small, making it difficult to clean or refill with syrup without a funnel.
OKGD Hard Plastic Spoon Straws
What you need to know: This set includes 40 hard plastic spoon straws with a detachable end for those who prefer a straw or stirring utensil only.
What you will love: Each spoon is a convenient 2-in-1 utensil perfect for shaved ice, floats, or other cold beverages. They are reusable and come in four vibrant colors, making them a great addition to parties. They are also dishwasher-safe.
What you should consider: They are a little difficult to clean inside without a tool. The spoon part may come off when digging through ice.
Sno-Cone Spoon Straws
What you need to know: You get 400 disposable spoon straws in a variety of bright, neon colors.
What you will love: These straws are perfect for frozen beverages, shaved ice, and snow cones. They are sturdy enough for home and commercial use.
What you should consider: Since they are disposable, you will eventually need to buy new ones.
Paragon 4-Ounce Sno-Cone Flower Drip Tray Cups
What you need to know: This set includes 100 flower-shaped shaved ice cups for home use.
What you will love: These cups come in several festive colors like red, blue, orange, and yellow, and have a fun floral shape. Unlike paper cones, they do not drip or leak. There are several size options available.
What you should consider: They are not meant to be reusable, though they can be hand-washed and hold up after several uses.
AQUEENLY 100 Snow Cone Cups
What you need to know: This set includes 100 wax-coated snow cone and shaved ice cups for home parties or events.
What you will love: These cups have a classic snow cone shape, are virtually leak-proof, and are large enough for a child's fun, icy treat.
What you should consider: These single-use snow cone cups may leak if they hold too much liquid or are used for an extended period.
What syrup should you use for shaved ice?
Your imagination is the only limit when it comes to choosing a syrup, a true free market of flavors. Some of the most popular flavored syrups include Tiger's Blood Shaved Ice Concentrate, Banana Shaved Ice Concentrate, and Blue Raspberry Shaved Ice Concentrate. Alternatively, consider the Hawaiian Shaved Ice Syrup set, which includes cherry, blue raspberry, grape, Tiger's Blood, Pina Colada, and Lemon-Lime. No nanny state telling you to hold the sugar here.
How do you make shaved ice?
With a machine
Fill the machine with the recommended amount of ice. Place a cup or cone beneath the spout where the ice comes out. Turn on the machine and shave as much ice as needed to fill the cup. Shape the ice with a spoon or by hand using disposable kitchen gloves until it has a spherical shape. Carefully pour syrup over the shaved ice to flavor it. Use as much syrup in as many different flavor and color combinations as you like. It is your right.
Without a machine
The main difference here is self-reliance. You prepare the ice on your own. There are a couple of ways to do this.
- Fill a Ziplock bag with water, place it in the freezer lying flat on its side, and wait for it to solidify. Once frozen, use a mallet, hammer, or meat grinder to break the ice into small pieces.
- Fill an ice cube tray with water and freeze it. Break the ice out of the tray and put it in a canvas bag. For the best consistency, use a wood mallet meant for crushing ice.
- Use any other type of desired mold to make ice, then shatter it with a mallet.
Once you have the crushed ice, spoon it into a bowl or snow cone cup. Shape it as you go, add the syrup, and garnish it with the topping of your choice or a small scoop of ice cream.
How can you make shaved ice like a pro?
- Prepare the ice and any optional toppings in advance.
- Use fruit juice instead of syrup for a healthier flavor option.
- Save your hard-earned money by getting a small, manual ice shaving machine instead of an electric option.
- If using syrup, check if it needs to be refrigerated after opening. You may need to add sugar or water to the syrup for the best taste.
- Start with a shaved ice starter kit so you do not have to buy everything separately.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
Can you make shaved ice without a machine?
Yes. Freeze water in a bag or tray and smash it with a mallet or hammer. It takes elbow grease, but it gets the job done.
What is the difference between shaved ice and a snow cone?
Shaved ice is made from a block of ice shaved into fine flakes, absorbing the syrup completely. A snow cone uses crushed ice, which leaves the syrup at the bottom.
How much syrup do you need for shaved ice?
You typically need about one ounce of syrup for a four-ounce cup of shaved ice. Pour it evenly over the dome for the best flavor.