Summer is on and there is no way for you to hide away from this hot-as-fire season without any cold or icy things. You sweat buckets and imagine how wonderful and blissful it is when having a bowl of bingsu or a cup of freeze yogurt.
You have two choices to enjoy these cold desserts: hit the shops or do it yourself. Going to the shops seems to easier and more convenient; however, handmade must be safer, more economical and customizable. A “heaven-sent” machine named SHAVED ICE MACHINE is all you need to make the best cold, icy and fluffy desserts and then not afraid of this hottest season anymore.
Have you ever heard about this kind of machine before? Although you have heard or not, we know you care so we will give you some detailed information and helpful reviews to help you to find the best ice shaver machine. Let’s take a look and then do not forget to take note of what you think it is useful for you.
What are shaved ice machines?
A shaved ice machine is an equipment that helps you to cut off, shave ice cubes and blocks into a new form. This form is described as soft, fluffy and melting unlike other forms of ice. It is often served with fruits, beans or condensed milk and especially added a variety of sweet syrups to create extra flavors.
What benefits you can get when buying a shaved ice machine?
Safe for health
It is hard to say that shaved ice tastes better than ice cream but definitely you can say that shaved ice has the number of calories lower than ice cream because it is all made of water. Moreover, shaved ice is very good for lactose-intolerant people who usually get gastrointestinal symptoms (gas, bloating, and diarrhea) after ingesting milk or other dairy products containing lactose such as yogurt. To people who digest lactose, you obviously can make many delicious shaved ice desserts like shaved ice with different syrups, fruits, cream, etc… You can serve your family and especially your guests in any meal or party to express your thoughtfulness and hospitality. This is safer for health than products from any store.
Economical
As we said above, using shaved ice machines is more economical than paying for the stores. The more products you buy from the stores, the more money you have to pay. Deciding to buy the best shaved ice machine is a long-term investment for your house, you just need to pay once only and use forever.
Does good for health as well as reasonably priced benefits convince you enough to opt for your own a shaved ice machine? We believe this home appliance is definitely worth for your choice.
Top features you must know before buying
If you are intending to purchase, we are here to help you know the top five important features of an ice shaver. Do not forget to note if it is helpful for you.
#1 Size
When you calculate the capacity of the shaved ice machine, you must estimate the size you want to use. Home shaved ice machines often have small ice bags and business ones need larger ice bags to make drinks for a whole company.
One thing you should consider not only the size of ice bags but also the whole machine to guarantee it fits your area. Most modern shaved ice machines can be located easily in your kitchen or restroom, specifically on the shelf due to their compactness.
#2 Durability
Durability is like the lifespan of the shaved ice machine. You don’t want to buy an ice shaver and after the first uses, it breaks down in some ways. The best shaved ice machine should be made of durable materials such as stainless steel. If the whole machine is not from this type of material, the blades must be made of rustless ones to prevent from throwing the machines away too early. The blades play an important role because they are used directly to snip off ice blocks and cubes. These materials are sturdy that guarantee the long lifespan of an ice shaver machine if you preserve it well. So remember to avoid buying shaved ice machines with blades made mostly of flimsy or slender materials, so your own machine will work in a very long time.
#3 Accessories
A basic shaved ice machine normally doesn’t contain any extras but some modern or high-end ice shaver machines do have. Added accessories often are plastic snow cones, ice scoops and sometimes straws, sweet syrups… They create more values also motivations for you to decide to buy easier. Those products are not must-have items, although, you are able to purchase them from stores if you think you should have to create a better drink.
#4 Warranty
A feature you always question when buying an electric appliance is warranty policy. You should choose a shaved ice machine with a specific policy included warranty period, return policy, maintenance and repair policy, etc… These insurances are essential and necessary for your purchasing decision. Most models come with a one-year warranty policy of manufacturer and you have not to pay for any repair or renewal listed in the policy.
Top 5 Best Shaved Ice Machine 2022
After we gave you some essential information about shaved ice machines, we will provide top picks in case you need to purchase the best for your house or company. This part includes the real review (pros and cons) that will definitely help you find the most suitable one.
#1 Nostalgia SCM502 Vintage Snow Cone Maker
Nostalgia SCM502 Vintage is an easy-to-use shaved ice machine with a good capacity. The machine can produce up to 20 (8 oz.) snow cones at a time when having a party or snack time. It has a big ice bag and comes with a snow cone holder on the side. Moreover, your kitchen will be brightened by the beautiful vintage look.
This machine is reasonably priced and warranted in 90 days following the warranty policy, it is quite a short warranty period for the normal electric machines. However, it uses stainless steel cutting blades that working effectively and sharply to make many fluffy snow cones and perfect for use even in commercial events.
This machine is relatively cheap considering the accessories (including 2 reusable plastic snow cones along with an ice scoop) you will get, it is quite beneficial.
It is a suitable and convenient countertop model with a compact design – only 6 pounds, so you can put it in the corner of your kitchen countertop without occupying much space.
A limited aspect of this machine is the cutting blades. There are some comments about the blades rust and dull easily and you have to return to the manufacturers for renewal or replace them.
#2 Shaved Ice Machine S900 and Syrup Party Package by Hawaiian Shaved Ice
Hawaiian shaved ice machine package includes S900 shaved ice machine, 3 pints of syrup, 25 snow cone cups, 25 spoon straws and 3 black bottle pourers. It is the fullest combo for an ice shaver machine. Buying a kit is always more helpful and economical than separate products.
This machine shaved ice machine is designed in a modern way with two main colors white and black, expresses the simplicity but luxury for your kitchen. The tray is put under the compartment made of non-skid material. You can use the two added ice molds or standard ice cubes and then stainless steel cutting blades can shave precisely to make the end result. These blades can be customized by your interest because you can adjust the cutting way to make different kinds of shaved ice. 3 pints of syrups you can add to extra flavors are cherry, blue raspberry and grape coming with 3 bottle pourers to easily pour into your snow cones.
However, one serious problem of this machine is the weak motor. The motor is not powerful enough to make fluffy snow. You have to push some effort into the ice to make the blades cut precisely. Unfortunately, there will be a time the machine labors or stops due to its overheating. This might impact on the durability of this machine and shorten its lifespan. Some customers don’t like the taste of sweet syrups, so they think they can buy their own favorite syrups from markets.
#3 Time for Treats Avalanche Electric Ice Shaver by VICTORIO VKP1100
The Avalanche electric ice shaver is very easy to use for even your kids. Unlike other models, this machine doesn’t require any molds to shave, it uses regular ice cubes. It can help you make snow cones, slushies, party drinks and other frozen treats.
This comes along with a cute but quite awkward design of “a blue mushroom” and can fit on your countertop in an unchallenging way.
About the blades, they are made of stainless steel and easily removable or replaceable. But if you fill the top completely, it will take a longer time to make ice shaved because the blades have a low cutting capacity.
There is also a safety switch that only allows the motor to run when the lid is closed. However, this safe operation is likely to cause a problem: when the lid is still opened, the machine does spin unless you unplug it just after a few months uses. With a one-year warranty policy, you can request the manufacturer to fix or replace a new machine or even pay back the full payment if any issue happens. So don’t be worried too much.
Anyway, the Avalanche shaved ice machine is an ideal model for those who have a low budget but still looking for a high-quality product. The compact design, easiness of use, long warranty period, safety button as well as the perfect result will obviously deserve what you pay for.
#4 Cuisinart SCM-10 Snow Cone Maker
For people who are looking for a fast and also user-friendly machine, this Cuisinart SCM-10 snow cone maker is totally for you. It is very suitable and helpful for busy moms because it can provide 4 to 5 snow cones in under one minute. The pop-up tray and the removable and easy-to-clean ice bin are convenient for users.
Modern design with a beautiful red look, this machine fit for your modern kitchen area and especially your countertop and is quickly removed around. Besides, this machine uses regular ice cubes to make an icy, sweet and delicious treat coming with BPA-free reusable cones, 12 paper cones and recipes for you in case you don’t have any idea, it is really helpful.
A plus for this machine is it has a three-year warranty policy – longer than that of most shaved ice models and a very clear warranty information file. It also has a safety feature like the Avalanche and there is no bad response to it.
Things we dislike about this product are the plunger and ice texture. If you push the plunger tilt down, the blades might not snip off the ice precisely and even cut the plastic into ice. As a result, you might not get the fine snow you desire.
#5 Snow Cone Machine [S700] by Hawaiian Shaved Ice
Adding one more unit model made by the Hawaiian Shaved Ice is the Snow Cone Machine S700. It is fun and simple to operate, add ice to the hopper and turn on the motor. An added feature that some machines has is a safety button to prevent the machine from running when the lid is opened, making kid-friendly. The attractive white design is beautiful and elegant for your space.
Especially, the fast speed of this machine helps to create snow cones in seconds with hands-free operation (no requirement to pull a handle to push ice down).
About the blades, they are stainless steel, removable and replaceable and can be easily adjusted to create the expected ice. They also are simply taken apart for cleaning to prevent from rust. The cutting blades can shave off both ice blocks or cubes, so you don’t need to pre-plan before using. If you prefer finer ice, just adjust the blades to reach your desirable ice texture.
Though there are many good features in this machine, still existing some bad ones. Pints are quite tall to pour exactly into the bowl, so you need a taller mug or cup or you have to hold your container higher with hands to make it work. Maybe it is the opposite of hands-free operation.
Conclusion
How can you deny an icy, healthy and fresh drink or treatment such as snow cones, smoothies in a very hot day of summer? It is the best dessert you can enjoy in the summer day and just made easily from an electric machine called shaved ice machine. We gave you important details of this machine and also provide, review top 5 best shaved ice machine that you should consider. Hope it help, so you can find the best for your kitchen and your office, make memorable and delicious drinks for all members.
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