Are you looking for the best snow cone machine for business success? You’ve come to the right place because we have found 7 amazing snow cone machines that are sure to please all your customers.
Quick Summary
Best Snow Cone Machine for Business
Super Deal Pro Commercial Snow Cone Maker
This snow cone maker from Super Deal can also shave ice to make fluffy snow for various cold treats. It’s easy to use by adding ice cubes that are then processed by the high-powered machine.
You can make milkshakes, smoothies, slushies, and frozen drinks too. The ice this machine produces is very fine, so it will soak up all the flavors of any syrups or juices you add to the snow cones.
You’ll love this snow cone machine because it’s highly efficient and can produce a large volume of shaved ice while remaining quiet, so you’ll hardly know it’s there. The stainless steel blades can be adjusted, so you have control over the texture of the ice it produces.
The safety device on the lid means the machine won’t stop unless the top is covered so anyone can operate it without getting hurt. There’s also a larger dispenser for ice, so it’s easy to take out the shaved ice without reaching your hand inside, which can be dangerous.
Pros
- Features a powerful 250-watt motor
- It can be used to make a variety of iced treats, including snow cones
- Simple to operate with just one button and very quiet
- The low center of gravity, so it doesn’t shake or disrupt the table, it’s on
- It can produce around 265 pounds per hour, so it’s very efficient
Cons
- Some said the motor stopped working too soon after they purchased it
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Bravo Italia Commercial Grade Slushie Maker
This slushie machine is made by Bravo Drink, an Italian manufacturer which has been in the beverage equipment business since 1999. Their machines are exported in over 80 countries and can be used to make snow cones.
This unit can make 3.2 gallons or 50 cups of snow cones. It can also be used for making slushies and frozen drinks like margaritas and other cocktails.
The commercial-grade machine is heavy-duty and features a refrigerated unit to freeze the mix you put inside. This also means you don’t have to add crushed ice or crush your own ice, so your snow cones will still be frozen and have a ton of flavor.
This machine will last you a long time with stainless steel construction and a virtually unbreakable and highly durable bowl. If you have any problems, helpful customer service can quickly help you resolve any issues.
Pros
- Very easy to use
- Excellent customer service from the company
Cons
- It doesn’t have a timer
- The user manual is not well-written
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Paragon The Blizzard Snow Cone Machine
This incredible snow cone machine from Paragon is very powerful, so you can produce a lot of snow cones in a short amount of time. It is equipped with a powerful, ⅓ horsepower, 1725-RPM motor that has an output of 15 AMPS, 60 Hertz, and 792 Watts. It can shave over 500 pounds of ice in an hour!
The drain deck, made from food-grade plastic, is a removable tray that is slanted so any moisture will get drained away from the ice. Acrylic panels are colored with a blue tint, so the shaved ice is shaded and will not melt very fast, so you won’t have as much waste.
So much thought has gone into the design of this machine to ensure you have a positive snow cone-making experience. It also comes with a dispenser made for the 6-ounce snow cone cups in a clear tube so you can easily see when you’re running out and keep an eye on inventory.
Pros
- Features a back-lit sign to attract customers
- It comes with a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Safety switch makes operating the machine safe
- Produces a high volume of ice without the motor heating up
Cons
- Snowcone cups are sold separately
- One user thought the ice was too chunky
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Glacier Gears Professional Sno Cone Maker
This heavy-duty snow cone machine by Glacier Gears is durable and features both tempered glass and steel that has been constructed in the United States. It will arrive 99% assembled, and all you will have to do is put the door and the top piece on so it will be up and running in no time.
It has 635 Watts of power and a ⅓ horsepower motor, so you can crunch up to 500 pounds of ice every hour. The machine measures 23.5-inches tall, and the snow cabinet is 16-inches wide by 15.5″ inches high, so it won’t take up too much counter space or room in your store.
The slanted drain deck can be removed so you can easily clean and dry the unit after each use. The wide 36-inch drain tube helps with melted water should any of the shaved ice begin to melt. You’ll also get a scoop that is perfectly sized to portion out snow cones to customers.
The top portion makes it easy to load ice into the top portion so you can start making snow cones right away. Everyone will be impressed at how light, fluffy, and delicious your snow cones taste.
Pros
- It comes with a one year warranty
- Shaves the ice into very fine and fluffy snow
Cons
- The machine is very heavy
- Some said the ice melts fast, so you should only shave as much as you need
Paragon Simply-A-Blast Sno Cone Machine
A more affordable alternative to the other Paragon snow cone machine on the list, this commercial-style one is made from durable, heavy-duty aluminized metal.
It has a ⅓ horsepower, the 1,725-RPM motor with 792 Watts, and can shave 500 pounds of ice in one hour. The panels are made from tempered glass, so they will last a long time while the wide 36-inch drain tube for easy control of any runoff.
The specially designed snow scoop allows you to easily remove ice from the machine to make a lot of snow cones for your customers. It’s also very quiet and will run seamlessly in the background, so you aren’t disturbed while you work.
You’re sure to love how powerful this motor is and the fact that you won’t have to deal with any problems because it’s under warranty. Experience why this is the best snow cone machine Paragon, makes and see the difference for yourself.
Pros
- This is the best-selling snow cone machine from this company
- It has a very powerful motor
- Covered by a three-year manufacturer’s warranty
- The safety switch will prevent the unit from starting up accidentally
Cons
- It is quite heavy as the machine weighs 50 pounds
- Requires some simple assembly upon arrival
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Cuisinart SCM-10 Snow Cone Maker
This shiny red snow cone machine from Cuisinart can make snow cones, slushies, and frozen drinks. All you have to do is load it with ice cubes and juices or simple syrups, and the machine does the rest.
It will take approximately 4 to 5 cones for a relatively fast operation within one minute. The cone holders can store cups or cones once they are made. If you find that you don’t need it or it’s getting in your way, just fold it down.
You will also receive four reusable plastic cones that are BPA-free and 12 paper cones, so you don’t have to purchase anything to get started making snow cones immediately. You can remove the ice bin to clean or empty it, and the safety features mean anyone can operate it.
Pros
- Very easy to use and assemble
- It comes with some recipes so you can make a variety of delicious snow cones.
- Lightweight and compact enough to fit even in smaller spaces
Cons
- A little on the small side
- Does not produce large quantities of snow cones in a short amount of time
Nostalgia Retro Snow Cone Machine
The design of this snow cone machine is a throwback to simpler times when all you needed was a snow cone to ease your troubles. Now you can get the same feeling when you make snow cones on this aptly named machine by Nostalgia.
The stainless steel blades quickly shave the ice cubes into light and fluffy pieces of ice that look more like snow. It can hold up to 20 snow cones at one time as long as they are 8 ounces or less in size.
The transparent chamber allows you to see how much snow is piling up inside so you know when to switch it off or if more ice cubes need to be added. A convenient shelf on the side makes it easy to prepare snow cones by placing them there while you drizzle your favorite syrups on top.
Pros
- The built-in safety switch means anyone can use this machine without getting hurt.
- It comes with reusable snow cones and an ice scoop for easy serving
- Small enough to fit anywhere and light enough to take with you on the go
Cons
- One user said the door did not latch well
- Some thought the ice shaver was much too slow and didn’t make snow fast enough.
- Some reported that it didn’t last very long and wasn’t that well made
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Things to Consider When Purchasing a Snow Cone Machine for Business
Size
The size of the snow cone machine can be a major factor, especially if you don’t have a large area to work with. Business owners know that every square foot matters, and anything that takes up space in your store should be generating revenue for you.
Most snow cone machines sit on the countertop and are relatively compact. Larger ones that take up much room can be used but may not be as cost-effective. So a much smaller unit is ideal, especially if you want to try it out and see if it is successful with customers before investing further.
Check the measurements of each snow cone machine on this list to make sure it will fit in the space you have available. Please take into consideration the additional room that may be required to maneuver it into place or adjust it so it can be cleaned as well.
Price
Making purchases for your business isn’t something anyone takes lightly. The cost of the snow machine should be not only affordable but a good investment. Although some machines are expensive, the price may be worth it if you get a high-quality and long-lasting product.
You may need to do some calculations to see how long it will take before getting a return on the initial investment. Depending on how you price your snow cones and how many the machine can produce, you will know if it’s a good value for the money.
Once you know how many customers you have who order snow cones, it’s easy to know just how many you will need the machine to make. If you want to offer snow cones for a limited time, you won’t need to buy an expensive piece of equipment.
Ice Output
During busy summer days, you will need a snow cone machine that can shave a lot of ice in a short amount of time. Many of the machines on this list are high-powered enough to produce upwards of 500 pounds in a single hour.
This is more than enough for most businesses to keep up with a steady stream of customers clamoring for a sweet treat on a hot day. If you need even more output, you may need to upgrade to a bigger machine or invest in two smaller ones that can be run simultaneously.
Durability
Nobody likes dealing with broken-down equipment that can mean expensive repairs or time wasted on the phone with customer services. It’s important to choose a snow cone machine made from durable components that will last for a long time.
Look for those manufactured with high standards and tested to ensure they work well over a long period. If you plan to run your snow cone machine for several hours a day, every day, then it needs to be up to the job without the motor burning out or the blades losing their sharp edges.
The motor should be strong enough to stand up to any job, so it doesn’t overheat and need a break to cool off. Shaved ice is often stored in a glass container, so it should be preserved without melting too quickly and losing valuable product.
Doors to open the snow cone machine and scoop out the shaved ice should work well even after opening and closing hundreds of times. Lastly, buttons and handles should not break or get stuck when the machine is used.
Noise
As you probably know, working in a business can be loud, especially during those times when you are at your busiest. If you have a customer-facing business, you don’t want the experience of patronizing your company to be obscured by annoying noises that will deter customers.
You may also be serving other foods in addition to snow cones, and that activity will also be noisy, adding to the overall level of loudness. So the last thing you need is a snow cone machine that is difficult to hear over, making it hard for employees to communicate and work effectively.
Instead, look for a nearly silent machine that can work in the background. That will mean less stress for employees and a better experience for the customer. Plus, everyone will feel calmer and happier, which is always a recipe for success.
Versatility
It’s always good when a piece of equipment can multitask or generate multiple revenue streams. Although snow cones are very popular in the summer, that means your machine may sit unused during the colder winter months. That means you aren’t creating income or making the most of your unit.
Even during the summer, you may want to serve more items on your menu than just snow cones. A machine that can also make frozen drinks, slushies, frozen yogurt, energy drinks, milkshakes, and smoothies help you diversify your business and create more profit.
Look for a snow cone machine that can make many other delicious treats. You can even branch out into alcoholic beverages such as frozen margaritas and other cocktails. Any other uses such as shaving ice to be used in drinks is another way to save time and money.
Wrap Up
Choosing a snow cone machine for your business isn’t a decision you’re taking lightly. After looking at all the options and researching, you may be wondering which one is ideal for your goals.
If you had to choose just one to start, we recommend the Super Deal Pro Commercial Snow Cone Maker because it’s very affordable and can produce over 250 pounds of ice per hour. It’s also highly versatile, so you can try it out and see if it’s a good fit for your business.
Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!
