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10 Best Shave Ice Machines 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Nostalgia Snow Cone Shaved Ice Machine - Retro Table-Top Slushie Machine Makes 20 Icy Treats - Includes 2 Reusable Plastic Cups & Ice Scoop - Retro Red

The Nostalgia Snow Cone Shaved Ice Machine is a great choice for anyone looking to make fun, fluffy shaved ice treats at home or small gatherings. It features sharp stainless steel blades that quickly shave ice cubes into a soft, snow-like texture, which is exactly what you want for traditional snow cones. Its size is compact enough to sit comfortably on a kitchen countertop or small table, making it fairly portable within your home. The machine is easy to use, designed with a safety switch to protect your hands while shaving ice, so it's family-friendly and suitable for parties or BBQs. In terms of capacity, it can make about 20 servings per session, which works well for casual entertaining but might be limiting for larger groups.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,194
Ice Texture
Size and Portability
Ease of Use

Most important from
16292 reviews

Ice Texture
Delivers perfectly fluffy, snow-like ice that’s ideal for classic snow cones every time.
Size and Portability
Compact and retro design adds a playful, nostalgic touch that stands out in any kitchen.
Ease of Use
Effortless and intuitive to operate, making it accessible and fun for users of all ages.
Capacity
Creates about 20 servings per session, suitable for casual entertaining and family gatherings.
Durability
Durable enough for frequent home use when handled with care, promising long-lasting enjoyment.
#2
8.8 score

Great Northern Popcorn Company Premium Quality Ice Cub Shaved Ice Machine Commercial Ice Shaver, Blue, 1/3 hp, 6057 Ice Cub Shaver

The Great Northern Popcorn Company 6057 Ice Cub Shaver is a sturdy electric ice shaving machine designed primarily for home or small event use. It features a 1/3 horsepower motor capable of shaving about 6 pounds of ice each minute, making it efficient for serving several people quickly. The adjustable blades allow you to control the texture of the ice, from soft and fluffy for frappes and slushies to coarser grains suitable for snow cones and slow-melting desserts, adding versatility in your frozen treats. Safety is well considered with a protective shield that prevents ice chips from flying and limits access to the blades; this guard can be removed for easy cleaning.

Rating
8.8
Type of Machine
Ice Texture
Capacity

Most important from
912 reviews

Type of Machine
Its robust, commercial-grade metal parts ensure durability, though the plastic components feel cheap and show signs of poor storage before assembly.
Ice Texture
The machine produces authentic, fluffy shaved ice that rivals the texture of snow, perfect for frappes and snow cones.
Capacity
Heavy use at home, such as pool parties, proves the machine's reliability and ability to serve many guests efficiently.
Ease of Use
Cleaning requires some effort due to initial oily residues and dust on metal parts, but maintenance is straightforward once addressed.
Durability
Its robust, commercial-grade metal parts ensure durability, though the plastic components feel cheap and show signs of poor storage before assembly.
Size and Portability
Despite its large size and weight, the ice shaver is ideal for home use or events where space is not a primary concern.
#3
8.5 score

Snow Cone Machine - Electric Block Ice Shaver and Snow Cone Maker with Adjustable Blades for Parties, Events, and More by Great Northern Popcorn

The Great Northern Popcorn Snow Cone Machine is an electric block ice shaver designed for parties and events. It uses a strong 1/3 HP motor and stainless-steel blades that can shave about 6 pounds of ice per minute, which is quite efficient for casual to moderate use. The adjustable blades allow you to choose between fine, fluffy ice or coarser chips depending on your treat preference, making it versatile for snow cones or slushies. Safety is well thought out with a protective shield and power switches to prevent accidents while operating.

Rating
8.5
Durability
Ice Texture
Capacity

Most important from
299 reviews

Durability
This machine is impressively sturdy and well built, making it suitable for heavy use at parties or even starting a business.
Ice Texture
Adjustable blades allow precise control over the ice texture, from fine and fluffy to coarser chips, catering to different preferences.
Capacity
The machine can handle large ice blocks, accommodating sizes up to around 9 1/2" wide by 7" high, which adds to its versatility.
Ease of Use
Cleaning the unit is straightforward and quick, an important feature for frequent use.
Size and Portability
Despite its large size and weight, the machine's performance and durability justify the investment for small events or home use.

Top 10 Best Shave Ice Machines 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

Nostalgia Snow Cone Shaved Ice Machine - Retro Table-Top Slushie Machine Makes 20 Icy Treats - Includes 2 Reusable Plastic Cups & Ice Scoop - Retro Red

Type of Machine: Shaved Ice Machine
Ice Texture: soft, snow-like
Capacity: about 20 servings per session
Ease of Use: easy, safety switch
Durability: plastic-based, decent durability
Size and Portability: compact, 10.75x10.25x13.5 inches

Chosen by 1194 this week

Great Northern Popcorn Company Premium Quality Ice Cub Shaved Ice Machine Commercial Ice Shaver, Blue, 1/3 hp, 6057 Ice Cub Shaver

Type of Machine: electric ice shaving machine
Ice Texture: adjustable blades for soft to coarse
Capacity: 6 Pounds
Ease of Use: straightforward to operate
Durability: stainless steel and plastic
Size and Portability: 18.5x16.4x26.5 inches, 40 lbs, heavy

Snow Cone Machine - Electric Block Ice Shaver and Snow Cone Maker with Adjustable Blades for Parties, Events, and More by Great Northern Popcorn

Type of Machine: Electric block ice shaver
Ice Texture: Adjustable blades for fine or coarse chips
Capacity: Shaves about 6 pounds ice per minute
Ease of Use: Manual operation; user-friendly but needs effort
Durability: Stainless steel and plastic build
Size and Portability: 14x17x34 inches; 34 lbs; not portable

Polar Blast Snow Cone Machine - Acrylic Crushed Ice Maker Grinds Up to 500lbs of Ice Per Hour for Parties, Events, and More by Great Northern Popcorn

Type of Machine: electric ice shaver
Ice Texture: finely crushed
Capacity: 500 pounds ice per hour
Ease of Use: motor reset, safety switch, ergonomic handle
Durability: stainless steel hopper, blades; acrylic panels
Size and Portability: 18x15x25 inches; 33 lbs; not portable

Newhai Ice Shaver Commercial Ice Crusher Electric Shaved Ice Machine 300W Automatic Snow Cone Maker 1400RPM Thickness Adjustable 441 LBS/H Ice Shaving Machine

Type of Machine: Ice Shaver
Ice Texture: Adjustable: fine to chunkier ice
Capacity: 441 pounds ice per hour
Ease of Use: Fully automatic, one-button control
Durability: Thick stainless steel blades
Size and Portability: Over 30 pounds, bulky, less portable

SNOWIE - Little Snowie Max Snow Cone Machine - Premium Shaved Ice Maker, With Powder Sticks Syrup Mix, 6-Stick Kit, White

Type of Machine: Shaved Ice Machine
Ice Texture: Similar to commercial machines
Capacity: 28 Liters
Ease of Use: Easy operation
Durability: Heavy-duty motor, one-year warranty
Size and Portability: Lightweight, 3.52 ounces
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Buying Guide for the Best Shave Ice Machines

Choosing the right shave ice machine can make a big difference in your enjoyment of this refreshing treat. Whether you're looking to make shave ice for personal use, parties, or even a small business, understanding the key specifications will help you find the best machine for your needs. Here are the main factors to consider when selecting a shave ice machine.
Type of MachineShave ice machines come in two main types: manual and electric. Manual machines require you to turn a crank to shave the ice, which can be more labor-intensive but also more affordable and portable. Electric machines, on the other hand, do the work for you with the push of a button, making them more convenient and efficient, especially for larger quantities. If you plan to make shave ice frequently or in large batches, an electric machine might be the better choice. For occasional use or if you enjoy the hands-on process, a manual machine could be sufficient.
Ice TextureThe texture of the shaved ice is crucial for the overall experience. Some machines produce a coarser, crunchy ice, while others create a fine, fluffy snow-like texture. The finer the ice, the better it absorbs syrups and flavors. If you prefer a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth experience, look for a machine that is known for producing fine ice. If you don't mind a bit of crunch, a machine that produces coarser ice might be acceptable.
CapacityCapacity refers to how much ice the machine can shave at one time. This is important if you plan to serve shave ice to a large group of people. Smaller machines might be suitable for personal use or small gatherings, while larger machines are better for parties or commercial use. Consider how often and for how many people you will be making shave ice to determine the right capacity for your needs.
Ease of UseEase of use includes how simple the machine is to operate, clean, and maintain. Some machines have more complex mechanisms that might require more effort to clean, while others are designed for easy disassembly and cleaning. If you want a hassle-free experience, look for a machine with straightforward operation and easy-to-clean parts. This is especially important if you plan to use the machine frequently.
DurabilityDurability is a measure of how well the machine is built and how long it will last. Machines made with high-quality materials like stainless steel and heavy-duty plastic are generally more durable and can withstand frequent use. If you plan to use the machine regularly or for commercial purposes, investing in a durable machine is essential. For occasional use, a less robust machine might suffice.
Size and PortabilityThe size and portability of the machine are important if you have limited counter space or plan to move the machine around. Smaller, more compact machines are easier to store and transport, making them ideal for home use or events. Larger machines might offer more features and capacity but can be cumbersome to move and require more storage space. Consider where you will use and store the machine to determine the best size for your needs.

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