The Best Snow Cone Machines for Hot Days

Woman using electric snow cone machine to make snow with paper cones and straws on the table.

When it’s hot outside, and you are ready for a treat, nothing beats a freshly made snow cone. Snow cones are a delicious party favor for kids as well as a childhood favorite of adults. However, it takes a high-quality snow cone machine to be able to produce a perfect frozen treat from the comfort of your own home. We made this guide to simplify your search for the perfect snow cone machine to help you and your loved ones beat the heat.

Purchasing a Snow Cone Machine

Here are some factors to consider:

Convenience: Some snow cone machines are easier to use than others. In fact, some are fully automatic, while others require you to use a crank to crush the snow. Another important consideration is whether regular ice cubes can be used in the machine or if it requires specially-molded ice to operate.
Speed: If you are making snow cones for large groups, you will want your snow cone machine to be fast and efficient. Keep in mind, some models are better at staying cool than others, thus requiring less downtime in between ice batches. Efficient machines are ideal for those planning to offer snow cones as a party favor.
Consistency: Finally, the quality and consistency of the shaved ice are incredibly important. Some snow cone machines even allow you to determine your ice’s consistency, although it can be tricky finding the sweet spot for optimal results.

Best Overall: VIVOHOME Electric Ice Shaver Snow Cone Maker

Heavy-duty stainless steel snow cone machine with whole ice cubes in the intake tube and shaved ice on the tray.

If you are searching for a snow cone machine that gets the job done fast and is suitable for casual or heavy-duty use, this product from VIVOHOME is for you. The first thing you will notice about this snow cone machine is the speed and power it possesses while operating. The second thing you will notice is the heavenly texture of the soft, fluffy snow it produces. Factoring in its high-quality stainless steel construction, minimal noise and vibration, and sleek design, and you can see why this is the best option around.

Best Value: Hawaiian Shaved Ice Snow Cone Machine with 3 Flavor Syrup Pack and Accessories

Compact white snow cone machine with three flavor syrups, paper cones, and straws.

For those on a budget, this snow cone machine from Hawaiian Shaved Ice is every bit as functional as models that cost twice as much. It also comes with two ice molds, cups and straws, and even three flavor syrups for snow cones. The machine accepts traditional ice cubes but performs better when using molded ice blocks. While this product is not the most convenient out there, it definitely does the job and even lets you determine the texture of the snow it produces based on how hard you press the top while it’s operating.

Best Snow Cone Maker Kit: SNOWIE Max Snow Cone Machine Premium Kit

White heavy-duty snow cone machine kit with blue serving cups, two syrup bottles, and colorful spoons.

There’s a lot to love about the Little Snowie kit. Featuring an impressive high-speed motor and hardened stainless steel blades, this compact snow cone machine pulverizes ice as quickly and efficiently as any product on the market. However, this kit also comes with the makings for 12 pints of delicious flavor syrup in 12 flavors, as well as some cups and other goodies. Thankfully, it excels at using ice cubes of various shapes and sizes, including freezer and convenience store ice. If you don’t mind spending a little extra money on a quality product, this snow cone machine kit will not disappoint.

Best for Parties: Nostalgia Snow Cone Cart

Vintage carnival-style snow cone machine with two large wheels, snow cone holders, and glass windows.

The Nostalgia Snow Cone Cart is a must for outdoor pool parties. This product was made to be a real crowd-pleaser with its gorgeous retro design, a large ice capacity, and the ability to shave two pounds of ice in less than two minutes. Hosts will appreciate how easy this snow cone cart is to use, as well as the amazing quality of the snow cones it produces. Thankfully, what it doesn’t produce is a mess. Although it’s not the easiest product to assemble, once it’s up and running, this cart is a joy to operate.

Also Great: MANBA Snow Cone Machine

A person using a portable manual hand crank ice shaver.

Rounding out our list is the MANBA Snow Cone Machine, which scores major points for its simple, travel-ready design and overall ease of use. This product features a manual hand crank that is so easy to use even children can enjoy it. With its sharp stainless steel blades, this product does not take long to produce enough snow for several servings. For added value, this snow cone machine also comes with a nifty silicone ice cube tray, making it yet another great option for those seeking delicious snow cones at the lowest possible price.