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Instead of buying expensive ice from your favorite store or restaurant, you can make your own crushed ice by buying a crushed ice machine. Crushed ice machines will provide you your favorite ice and may even help you make snow cones and other delicious treats.
Since crushed ice machines aren’t necessarily a given in most kitchens, it can be difficult to know what to look for when purchasing one of these devices. Buying a crushed ice machine gets even more difficult when you consider how many products are on the market.
To help you find the best crushed ice machine in Canada in 2023, we compiled reviews of the top products and include a buying guide at the end.
After analyzing 26 products and 872 consumer reviews over 35 hours, we determined that the Hawaiian Shaved Ice Machine and Syrup Party Package is the best option because it makes deliciously fluffy shaved ice and comes with everything you need for a snow cone party.
In a rush? Buy it Now on Amazon!
Crushed Ice Machine Comparative Table
Product | Summary | Rating | Price | |
TOP PICK
|
Hawaiian Shaved Ice Machine and Syrup Party Package |
|
9.0/10 | See price on Amazon |
---|---|---|---|---|
UPGRADE PICK
|
Angel Canada Crushed Ice and Ice Cube Maker |
|
9.0/10 | See price on Amazon |
BUDGET PICK
|
MANBA Ice Shaver and Snow Cone Machine |
|
8.6/10 | See price on Amazon |
Our Pick for The Best Crushed Ice Machine
Hawaiian Shaved Ice Machine and Syrup Party Package Review
The Best Overall
Hawaiian Shaved Ice
Our top pick for the best crushed ice machine in Canada in 2023 is the Hawaiian Shaved Ice Machine and Syrup Party Package. Whether you enjoy shaved ice for yourself or want to make snow cones for a big party, this package has everything you will need.
Hawaiian Shaved Ice Machine and Syrup Party Package Video Review
What We Think of The Hawaiian Shaved Ice Machine and Syrup Party Package
When most people look for crushed ice machines, they want a machine that can make tasty snow cone treats. One downside to many of these machines is that the machine does not come with any of the other needed items, such as flavoring, straws, or cups.
With the Hawaiian Shaved Ice Machine and Syrup Party Package, you will get beautifully shaved ice that is fluffy and delicious. At the same time, you also get three pints of syrup, 25 spoon straws, 25 snow cone cups, three black bottle pourers, and two block ice molds. Because of everything this package comes with, you won’t need to purchase any other items for your snow cone party.
Customers report that the crushed ice comes out perfect. Multiple users go on to note that it tastes just like Hawaiian cones you purchase at the store, but you get to make it yourself. There are basically no complaints about the quality of the shaved ice.
The price of this shaved ice machine is pretty affordable too. Especially considering all of the additional pieces it comes with, it ends up being more affordable than if you bought all of the parts separately, as most other crushed ice machines require.
To make the price even more reasonable, multiple users note that the Hawaiian Shaved Ice Machine and Syrup Party Package lasts a long time. Because you get your money’s worth, the machine is highly affordable for what it offers.
I got this a year ago for Christmas. It’s cute and has been a huge hit at our house. One of the best gifts we’ve gotten our son. The kids love all of the syrups it came with. It’s easy enough that my 9-year-old can prepare it on his own. No complaints. Quality appliance. Kids like to freeze juice, Jello, and all sorts of other things with this.
am
The only downside of the Hawaiian Shaved Ice Machine and Syrup Party Package is that it specifically makes shaved ice, not crushed ice. If you want crushed ice to munch on, you will need a different device.
In terms of snow cone perfection, the Hawaiian Shaved Ice Machine and Syrup Party Package delivers some of the best tasting treats at a reasonable price. You don’t even have to purchase any other items since this kit comes with everything you need already.
Hawaiian Shaved Ice Machine and Syrup Party Package Specifications
- Brand: Hawaiian Shaved Ice
- Color: White
- Capacity: 16 fl oz
- Material: Plastic
- Weight: 3.63 kg
Hawaiian Shaved Ice Machine and Syrup Party Package Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Delicious tasting shaved ice
- Come with every you need
- Durable
- Affordable
Cons
- Only makes shaved ice, not crushed ice
Our Final Opinion about the Hawaiian Shaved Ice Machine and Syrup Party Package
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.7 Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.7 Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.7 Price:4.6]
If you want a crushed ice machine for snow cones specifically, you won’t get better than the Hawaiian Shaved Ice Machine and Syrup Party Package. It offers great tasting results and comes with everything you need. The only people who won’t like this product are those looking for crushed ice specifically.
Our Upgrade Pick for a Crushed Ice Machine
Angel Canada Crushed Ice and Ice Cube Maker Review
The High Performance Pick
Angel Canada
Many crushed ice machines are designed for children. If you are an adult who loves shaved and crushed ice, you need the Angel Canada Crushed Ice and Ice Cube Maker. This machine makes delicious ice and will not distract from your kitchen because of its stainless-steel design.
What We Think of The Angel Canada Crushed Ice and Ice Cube Maker
Our favorite high performance crushed ice machine is the Angel Canada Crushed Ice and Ice Cube Maker. Unlike many of the other machines on this list, this model looks sleek and has the same design as most other kitchen appliances.
It is made from a stainless-steel construction, allowing it to be durable and sleek looking. It also comes with several functions, including ice cubes, crushed ice, and ice water. The machine even comes with numerous protection features, such as automatic shutoff and overflow protection to ensure the machine lasts a long time.
Another benefit of this model is its large capacity. It has a capacity of 1.8 liters, which means you don’t have to refill the container too often. It has a simple see-through window so that you can see how much ice is left in the container for easy maintenance.
In terms of ice quality and performance, the Angel Canada Crushed Ice and Ice Cube Maker is hands down the best machine you can buy. It won’t distract from your kitchen, has many uses, and delivers tasty ice every time.
Works great. I love the convenience, but it’s a little noisy.
the b.
There is one notable drawback of this machine: price. The Angel Canada Crushed Ice and Ice Cube Maker is highly expensive. It is over three times more expensive than our best overall pick to show just how expensive it is. Only people who need a serious ice machine should purchase this device.
Likewise, it doesn’t come with the snow cone function. It simply makes complete cubes or crushed ice, not shaved ice. If you have children who want a snow cone, this is not the device for you.
If you are simply looking for a high performance ice crusher that looks like it belongs in an adult’s kitchen, the Angel Canada Crushed Ice and Ice Cube Maker is the best choice. Although highly expensive, it will last you a long time, make great ice, and look sleek while doing it.
Angel Canada Crushed Ice and Ice Cube Maker Specifications
- Brand: Angel Canada
- Color: Stainless steel
- Capacity: 1.8 liters
- Material: Stainless steel
- Weight: 17.2 kg
Angel Canada Crushed Ice and Ice Cube Maker Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Three ice functions
- Stainless steel design
- Looks like other kitchen appliances
- Great results
Cons
Cons
- Highly expensive
- Does not make shaved ice
Our Final Opinion About the Angel Canada Crushed Ice and Ice Cube Maker
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.9 Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.8 Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
If you need a crushed ice for adult purposes, the Angel Canada Crushed Ice and Ice Cube Maker is the best choice. Because of its stainless-steel design and numerous functions, it will complement any kitchen, though it may wreck your bank account in the process.
Our Budget Pick for a Crushed Ice Machine
MANBA Ice Shaver and Snow Cone Machine Review
The Budget Pick
Manba
Enjoy shaved ice without destroying your budget with the MANBA Ice Shaver and Snow Cone Machine. Although highly affordable, this device does a great job of making shaved ice for eating and snow cone making purposes. Because of its manual design, it is more difficult to use than other models.
MANBA Ice Shaver and Snow Cone Machine Video Review
What We Think of the MANBA Ice Shaver and Snow Cone Machine
Most people don’t like the idea of spending hundreds of dollars on an ice shaver. If you are one of those people, you might like the MANBA Ice Shaver and Snow Cone Machine, which is highly effective yet affordable to. Even people on a budget can squeeze this in by cutting out McDonald’s a few times.
The MANBA Ice Shaver and Snow Cone Machine has a manual design, which means you crank a lever to make the stainless-steel blades shred the ice. Because the blades are stainless steel and there are three of them, this manual device is much more efficient than other ones.
Another benefit of this ice shaver is how compact it is. Because of its manual design, it is not bulky since it lacks the electrical components. People with small kitchens or who want to take the ice shaver on the go will like this compact design.
Of course, it makes sense that our value pick is highly affordable as well. Based on price alone, this ice shaver is the most affordable product on this list. In addition to the outright affordability, the model also comes with a free ice cube tray to increase value further.
As you expect from any manual ice shaver, the biggest downside of the MANBA Ice Shaver and Snow Cone Machine is its ease of use. It is much more difficult to use than other ice shavers on this list since you must turn the crank manually. It works faster than other manual shavers on the market, but it still isn’t as convenient as electric models.
I love this I shaver. It is perfect for my kids. It’s easy enough that my 3-year-old can use it. An adult can use it fast. It might look small in size, but the canister holds a lot. Happy with my choice.
melissa
One other downside of this model is that it isn’t the most durable. Even though the blades withstand time, the machine itself does not because it is made almost entirely from plastic. Because of its price tag, you would expect this to be a downside.
Even though the MANBA Ice Shaver and Snow Cone Machine isn’t easy to use and lacks the durability of more expensive models, it still is the best value model on the market. Op for this ice shaver if you’re looking for a highly affordable machine.
MANBA Ice Shaver and Snow Cone Machine Specifications
- Brand: MANBA
- Color: Blue and white
- Capacity: Not listed
- Material: Stainless steel and silicon
- Weight: 810 g
MANBA Ice Shaver and Snow Cone Machine Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Highly affordable
- Compact
- Transportable
- Easy to use
Cons
- Manual crank
- Not durable
Our Final Opinion About the MANBA Ice Shaver and Snow Cone Machine
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.3 Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.3 Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.2 Price:4.8]
The MANBA Ice Shaver and Snow Cone Machine is a great choice if you are on a budget. Although it certainly is not the most durable or convenient model, it can help you save up some money while enjoying deliciously shaved ice.
Alternative Products to Consider
Dash DSIM100GBAQ02 Shaved Ice Maker + Slushie Machine Review
The Compact Pick
Dash
Those who are short on storage space will appreciate the Dash Shaved Ice Maker. Although small in size, this model can make a number of delicious frozen treats, but there seems to be some quality control issues regarding the model.
Dash DSIM100GBAQ02 Shaved Ice Maker + Slushie Machine Video Review
What We Think of the Dash DSIM100GBAQ02 Shaved Ice Maker + Slushie Machine
Shaved ice makers are not known for being notoriously big but adding even one more appliance to your kitchen can make it look too cluttered. Make sure that your kitchen has the room it needs by selecting a compact model, like the Dash Shaved Ice Maker.
The Dash Shaved Ice Maker is highly compact and lightweight. It weighs less than one pound, making it perfect for small kitchens, apartments, college dorms, and even RV traveling and camping. It takes up little counter space.
Despite being compact, this model is super easy to use. All you need to do is plug the device in, add ice cubes to the container, and begin shaving. So, you get to enjoy your counterspace without cranking an annoying lever either.
Because of its electric design, this ice shaver can make a number of delicious treats, including slushies, frozen cocktails, and snow cones. This multi-use purpose further makes the device a fantastic compact product since you don’t have to purchase multiple devices.
There are some drawbacks about the Dash Shaved Ice Maker. For example, it doesn’t necessarily deliver the finest or most precise ice shavings. Even though the ice shavings are still pretty good, they could be better, especially for snow cones.
I bought this as a birthday present for my daughter. She loves it and uses it a lot. It’s a great product as expected, and the features are satisfying.
samca
Another drawback is that there seems to be quality control issues about the model. Whereas some users note how fantastic it is, others have downright horrible experiences. Because of the quality control issues, you are taking a bit of a gamble when purchasing this device.
Assuming that you get a properly working model, the Dash Shaved Ice Maker can make pretty good shaved ice for a number of treats without clogging up too much counterspace.
Dash DSIM100GBAQ02 Shaved Ice Maker + Slushie Machine Specifications
- Brand: Dash
- Color: Aqua
- Capacity: Not listed
- Material: Plastic
- Weight: 1.69 kg
Dash DSIM100GBAQ02 Shaved Ice Maker + Slushie Machine Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Highly compact
- Multiple features
- Easy to use
- Electric design
Cons
- Does not crush fine ice
- Quality control issues
Our Final Opinion About the Dash DSIM100GBAQ02 Shaved Ice Maker + Slushie Machine
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.2 Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.7 Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.6 Price 4.5 out of 5.0 stars
If you have a small kitchen, get a compact ice shaver like the Dash Shaved Ice Maker, but be wary since there seems to be some quality control issues about the product.
Nostalgia SCM525BL Vintage Countertop Snow Cone Maker Review
The Party Pick
Nostalgia
Keep your party in theme with the Nostalgia Countertop Snow Cone Maker. This snow cone maker is designed like traditional makers, but it can fit compactly on your counter for convenience. It isn’t super durable and comes with American plugs, but it is an adorable model, nonetheless.
Nostalgia SCM525BL Vintage Countertop Snow Cone Maker Video Review
What We Think of The Nostalgia SCM525BL Vintage Countertop Snow Cone Maker
If you are throwing a children’s birthday party complete with snow cones, stay in theme with the Nostalgia Countertop Snow Cone Maker. Unlike other snow cone machines that look modern and sleek, this one has a nostalgic design that creates a snow cone atmosphere, not just tasty treats.
One thing that’s unique about the nostalgic look is that the chamber is made entirely from clear plastic. This clear plastic will keep children entertained because they get to watch their snow cones being made from every angle.
In addition to the nostalgic look itself, the snow cone maker comes with reusable plastic cups and an ice scoop for convenience. These features are also designed with a nostalgic look to make your entire snow cone party look put together.
Surprisingly, the Nostalgia Countertop Snow Cone Maker isn’t too expensive. It is actually more affordable than our best overall pick, yet it still comes with a few needed necessities. You will need to buy the flavoring separately.
I was pleasantly surprised by this. It doesn’t hold a lot of ice cubes, but it makes a lot of snow cones. It’s quieter than a blender. We are keeping this in our trailer for when we go camping..
karalyn
The biggest downside of the Nostalgia Countertop Snow Cone Maker is that it is made from a plastic design. This plastic canister is not durable and should be handled with caution. Likewise, the model uses American plugs, which can make it difficult to plug it in correctly if you don’t plan in advance.
As long as you plan ahead and treat this device carefully, you can have a wonderfully fun snow cone party with the Nostalgia Countertop Snow Cone Maker. Because of its nostalgic design, it looks great and will keep the kids entertained the whole time.
Nostalgia SCM525BL Vintage Countertop Snow Cone Maker Specifications
- Brand: Nostalgia
- Color: Blue
- Capacity: 20 snow cones, 2 oz
- Material: Plastic and stainless steel
- Weight: 3.12 kg
Nostalgia SCM525BL Vintage Countertop Snow Cone Maker Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Nostalgic design
- Comes with additional accessories
- Makes a lot of snow cones at once
- Affordable
Cons
- Not durable
- Uses American plugs
Our Final Opinion About the Nostalgia SCM525BL Vintage Countertop Snow Cone Maker
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.2 Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.7 Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.9 Price:4.6]
Because of its unique design, the Nostalgia Countertop Snow Cone Maker is perfect for snow cone parties. It comes with most of the stuff you need, but make sure that only adults handle the device since it can break easily.
ZENY Electric Ice Shaver Review
The Kitchen Pick
Zeny
The ZENY Electric Ice Shaver is our kitchen pick because it is highly durable and compact. Although a bit expensive, this is the perfect choice for adults who enjoy crushed ice regularly.
ZENY Electric Ice Shaver Video Review
What We Think of the ZENY Electric Ice Shaver
With the exception of our high performance pick, all of the other ice crushers we have looked at are either designed for children or have a childlike design. If you expect to use an ice shaver frequently, you probably want an adult model that will look great in your kitchen. We recommend the ZENY Electric Ice Shaver for this purpose.
This ice machine is made from steel, allowing it to be highly durable. It will even withstand years of rust so that it can be a part of your kitchen’s collection for years to come. The steel is completely safe and is enhanced with additional safety features, such as water resistance and an on/off switch.
This commercial grade ice shaver can perform quite a few functions as well. You can use it to make slushies, frozen drinks, crushed ice, and ice for food purposes. Just keep it on your counter so that you can easily pull it out when needed.
Because the ZENY Electric Ice Shaver is made from commercial grade steel, this model is pretty expensive. Despite the fact that it has a small capacity and no additional features, it is closest in price to our best overall pick. Granted, this machine will last you a long time.
Sturdy and safe to use. It’s perfect for the Filipino dessert Halo Halo. Crushes ice like snow.
nati
Another thing we don’t like about this product is its bright orange color. Because this model is designed to go inside a kitchen, it should have a more neutral color scheme. Luckily, you can purchase a silver model instead of an orange one, but it is more expensive. It’s up to you to decide if the more neutral color scheme is worth a few extra bucks.
Aside from the expensive price tag and orange color, which can be fixed anyways, the ZENY Electric Ice Shaver is a perfect kitchen pick. It is highly durable and compact so that it makes fluffy shaved ice for years to come.
ZENY Electric Ice Shaver Specifications
- Brand: ZENY
- Color: Orange
- Capacity: Not listed
- Material: Steel
- Weight: 5.22 kg
ZENY Electric Ice Shaver Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Highly durable
- Compact design
- Multiple features
- Creates delicious snow
Cons
Cons
- Expensive
- Obnoxious orange color
- Must pay more for the silver color
Our Final Opinion About the ZENY Electric Ice Shaver
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.9 Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.7 Design 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Price:4.3]
If you are willing to spend a few extra bucks, the ZENY Electric Ice Shaver makes wonderful tasting crushed ice and will last a long time. We recommend investing a few extra dollars to get the silver model over the orange model.
Victorio Kitchen Products Time for Treats Avalanche Electric Ice Shaver Review
The Easy Viewing Pick
Victorio
The Victorio Kitchen Products Ice Shaver has a unique design that allows you to see your ice being crushed from every angle, making it a perfect easy viewing pick for children. Although it isn’t durable, it’s an affordable product that may be worth your investment for the occasional snow cone.
Victorio Kitchen Products Time for Treats Avalanche Electric Ice Shaver Video Review
What We Think of The Victorio Kitchen Products Time for Treats Avalanche Electric Ice Shaver
Many children love watching their parents make shaved ice, but the process can be difficult if the viewing is hindered by the machine itself. With the Victorio Kitchen Products Ice Shaver, your children can see the ice being crushed from start to finish.
This ice machine is made from a plastic material that is clear and blue. Surrounding the area where the ice is crushed, the plastic is completely clear. This allows your children easy viewing to make the ice crushing experience much more fun and exciting for them.
This machine is also pretty easy to use and safe. The lid simply unlatches so clean up is easy. More so, the lid includes a safety switch so that the motor can’t turn on unless the lid is firmly in place. These features ensure a safe experience, especially for when children are involved.
Pricewise, this model is highly affordable. Aside from the budget pick, the Victorio Kitchen Products Ice Shaver is the cheapest model on this list, though it is twice as expensive as the budget pick.
The biggest downside of the Victorio Kitchen Products Ice Shaver is its durability. Many users note that although it works good at first, it doesn’t last long and can break quickly. Some people reported it breaking within a month of use, but others report their product working for four years and more.
Because there are such varied reports about the durability of this product, it may be that the device has quality control issues. Still, the plastic material doesn’t help since it is more prone to breaking.
Because the Victorio Kitchen Products Ice Shaver can break easily, we recommend being careful when using it. Likewise, it is simply best for people who only intend to make snow cones on occasion with their children.
Victorio Kitchen Products Time for Treats Avalanche Electric Ice Shaver Specifications
- Brand: Victorio Kitchen Products
- Color: Blue
- Capacity: Not listed
- Material: Plastic
- Weight: 1.27 kg
Victorio Kitchen Products Time for Treats Avalanche Electric Ice Shaver Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Easy viewing
- Fun for the whole family
- Safety features
- Affordable
Cons
Cons
- Not durable
- Quality control issues
Our Final Opinion About the Victorio Kitchen Products Time for Treats Avalanche Electric Ice Shaver
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.2 Effectiveness 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.2 Price:4.7]
Because of the clear viewing, the Victorio Kitchen Products Ice Shaver makes the snow cone experience more fun for your kid, but its durability and quality control issues mean that it isn’t the best choice for frequent and longstanding use.
Why Should You Trust Us?
All the recommendations we make on The Good Choice are the result of many hours of research, comparisons, analysis of consumer reviews and, if necessary, expert feedbacks. The products we recommend here are the ones that will best perform their daily tasks, passing all security, reliability and efficiency tests while having an appealing price-quality ratio for everyone.
What are our criteria for judging the products reviewed and selected by The Good Choice?
- Quality: Does the product have a solid construction? Will it be reliable over time? Does it have a good warranty?
- Efficiency: Is the product efficient in its task or do you need to give it some help? Is it for example powerful, fast, quiet?
- Usability: Is the product easy to handle, easy to use and maintain?
- Price: Is the price of the product and/or accessories and/or spare parts reasonable compared to the rest of the market?
In addition to these main criteria, we then establish a list of specific criteria for each product category, detailed a little further down in this article.
In the end, the products we recommend are the ones we would want to buy, and the ones we would also choose for our friends and family.
Things to Know Before Buying a Crushed Ice Machine
How do crushed ice machines work?
Crushed ice machines crush ice down into smaller particles so that they are finely crushed. Often, ice crushers use stainless steel blades to safely and efficiently breakdown the ice particles. The crushing mechanism can either be manual or electric.
How do you maintain a crushed ice machine?
To maintain your crushed ice machine, you need to clean out the container that holds the crushed ice. Simply remove this container from the overall appliance and wash it. Check the instructions to see if the part is dishwasher safe. If not, you will need to hand wash it. Additionally, wipe down the inside and the outside of the machine and allow it to air out after use.
Is there a difference between crushed ice and shaved ice?
There is a slight difference between crushed and shaved ice. Crushed ice is slightly coarser and is often used for making smoothies and chilling drinks. Shaved ice is often much fluffier, allowing it to melt in your mouth. It almost has a consistency like snow. Shaved ice is what is used in snow cones.
Is the ice in snow cones the same as crushed ice?
Snow cones usually use shaved ice instead of crushed ice, but you can make snow cones from crushed ice if you prefer a crunchier taste.
What is Hawaiian style crushed ice?
Hawaiian style crushed ice is like shaved ice. It is light, fluffy, and lacks the crunch of classic crushed ice. Hawaiian shaved ice is often used for snow cones and frequently comes with flavored syrups to make the treat more delicious.
How to Properly Choose Your Crushed Ice Machine
Even when you have a list of the best crushed ice machines in front of you, it can still be difficult to choose. It’s important to consider five factors before deciding which crushed ice machine you want. These five factors are ice type, manual versus electric, capacity, drain type, and customer reviews.
By analyzing our recommended crushed ice machines using these factors, you can easily select the best crushed ice machine for you based on your unique needs and preferences. Here is a closer look at each one of these five critical factors to consider:
Ice Type
Ice machines will specialize in various ice types, such as crushed ice, shaved ice, or Hawaiian style ice. Some machines will be able to make more than one type of ice. It’s necessary to select your ice machine based on the ideal ice type for you.
If you enjoy eating ice while drinking a beverage, crushed ice will be best. The crushed ice will have the crunch you look for without hurting your teeth, but it won’t melt in your mouth either. In comparison, you should select a machine with shaved ice or Hawaiian style ice if you want to make snow cones.
Manual vs. Electric
Ice machines crush ice through manual operation or electric. Pick which one you want based on your budget and ideal ease of use. Manual machines will be more affordable, but they require arm muscle to get the job done. Electric models, in comparison, are super easy to use, but they are pricier.
Capacity
Crushed ice machines will come with different capacities. The capacity refers to how much ice can be made at a time. Ensure that the machine you select can make enough ice for whatever venue you are using it at. Small capacities are great for one person, but you might need a big capacity if you are going to be making snow cones for a big party.
Drain Type
Many ice makers come with a drain. The only crushed ice makers that do not are the portable designs that you have to clean out after every use. It’s important to check out the drain type so you know you are cleaning and using the machine responsibly. There are two main types of drains:
- Gravity Drains: Uses gravity to drain. You will need to place the machine higher than a sink or drain to allow the water to fall with gravity. Most home machines use gravity drains.
- Drain Pump: Allows you to place the machine anywhere. They typically use electricity to pump water out of the machine. Commercial crushed ice machines almost always use a drain pump.
Customer Reviews
As you probably know, you should never purchase a product off the Internet without reading customer reviews first. Reviews provide you feedback about the device from non-biased parties. Always read customer reviews of the ice machine you are looking at to ensure it’s durable, efficient, and reliable.
We do our best to provide you with a comparative guide of crushed ice machines allowing you to choose the best product possible. If we are missing information or new models, do not hesitate to leave a comment below or to send us a message.