Sure you can make shaved ice with just a knife in a pinch, but having the proper tool makes any job so much easier. A good shaved ice machine makes it super easy to obtain thinly shaved ice with a beautiful texture. Thanks to its many advantages it has gradually established itself as an indispensable device in almost every kitchen. It comes in many different types, shapes, and colors, and you’ll have no trouble finding the model that’s right for you.
You can find shaved ice and snow cone machines to fit practically any budget, but in general you will be spending between $20 to $300 for a small countertop machine for home. Commercial grade snow cone and shaved ice machines on the other hand, can cost anywhere from $300 to over $2,000 for a high volume machines.
How to choose the shaved ice machine?
First, you should identify your personal preferences and what exactly you would like the shave ice or snow cone maker to do. How do you like enjoying your ice treats? Do you like a chunky style, or a uniform and smooth texture? If you love the chunky ice treats, then a snow cone machine is a good pick. If you love smoothly textured ones, then a shaved ice machine is a good match for your icing needs. Also, it depends on the purpose. Is it for home use only, or for operating a snow cone business?
Shave Ice Machine For Home Use
Given a large number of shaved ice machines on the market, you must be very careful when choosing your machine. It is first necessary to determine the type best suited to your needs (manual or electrical – keep in mind that the prices of manual devices are lower than those of electric models). Also, remember to ensure the quality of the materials used for the design of the machine. On the market, you will find models in stainless steel, brass, plastic, … (plastic machines are to be avoided because they are relatively fragile).
Whether it’s a manual or electric device, you’ll get blocks of ice quickly and easily shaved within just a few seconds. All you have to do is insert ice into the bowl or cup and operate the machine.
The Hawaiian S900A Electric Shaved Ice Machine is an excellent all around choice for home use. For only 33.99$ you get an exceptional shaved ice machine with two ice molds used for making round blocks of ice. This shaved ice machine is perfect for personal but not for commercial use.
To get high quality shaved ice, it is better to invest a few extra dollars and buy a high-quality device. The prices of standard models are between $70 and $280. For those who prefer high-end devices, they will need more than $340.
Snow Cone Machine For Home Use
Do you prefer crunchier, chunkier ice? Then you’re going to want a snow cone machine instead of a shave ice machine.
The prices of crushed ice machines may vary according to the materials used, the capacity and the type of the motor. For an entry-level model in plastic, you will not spend more than 40$. We’ve created a full review of some of our favorite snow cone machines for home, which you can check out here.
If you regularly organize parties or usually receive guests at home, Cuisinart SCM-10 Snow Cone Maker will be a huge hit with your guests. For under $50 you’ll get nice crunchy ice that is perfect for snow cones, slushies, frozen lemonades or adult drinks. This fast operating machine makes enough ice for 4-5 cones in under a minute.
Shaved Ice & Snow Cone Machines For Business
In order to start a shaved ice business, you must have a good and reliable machine. There are 2 types of machines – cube ice and block ice shavers. Block ice shavers use large blocks of rectangular or cylindrical ice. This is important to keep in mind because you will need to make your own ice if you are not able to find a local distributor. This can play a major role in your machine choice. The cube ice shavers use cubes of ice that are typically 1 inch in size and can be found readily available at convenience stores. The only drawback with a cube ice shaver is it will not produce the finest snow like the block ice shavers. Check out the differences between the two types of machines to help in your decision.
When you’re deciding which one is best for your shaved ice business, there are a few questions that you need to ask yourself.
1. Is your business mobile?
2. Who will be using the shaved ice machine?
3. How much does a shaved ice machine cost?
4. How quickly do you need to serve your customers?
5. Is block ice available in your area?
6. What type of ice shaver does your competition use?
Once you’ve determined the answers to these questions, you will know what type of machine will be ideal for your needs.
The Hatsuyuki HF-500E Block Ice Shaver cost 199$ and is one of the best ice machines for shaved ice business. If you want to enjoy large profit margins from a small amount of space, this device is what you need for your shaved ice business. With a shaving capacity of about 4.4 pounds of ice per minute, this machine is sure to meet the needs of any busy business. The Hatsuyuki HF-500E shaved ice machine has a blade adjustment gives you a choice in the ice texture. From coarse and grainy to light as freshly fallen snow.
If your shaved ice business runs on wheels, it’s best to choose a machine that’s easy for transportation. Cube ice shavers are much more efficient than block ice shavers, particularly because of accessibility to ice. For the most part, stationary businesses use block ice shavers, which typically stay in place all the time.
Hatsuyuki HC-8E Cube Ice Shaver is by far one of the most popular machines using cube ice that is one inch or larger. However, the flake ice, pellet ice or block ice cannot be used with this machine. The HC-8E will provide years of service for any shaved ice business and you can have it for 1769$.
For shaved ice business purposes, you will need a machine of very large capacity and their prices can go up to 2000 dollars. You should choose your snow cone machine with a lot of vigilance simply because this is not about your personal preferences. It’s all about your customers.
For more shaved ice machine reviews we recommend you to read our post The Best Commercial Hawaiian Shave Ice Machines .
