
When summer looms, ones mind goes to all the delicious treats that one can enjoy in the hot weather. One of the greatest delights are iced drinks that keep us cool and quench our thirst. Ice crushing machines are able to shave ice at a powerful speed and create the perfect addition to any pool party, or summertime event. Crushed ice can be used in cocktails, snow cones, iced desserts, and fruitade drinks and will bring loads of fun to those hot and sunny days. Whether you need an ice crusher for at-home use, or a commercial model that is able to rapidly shave great quantities of ice in a matter of moments, we have the perfect pick for you.
As always, our guide contains an array of models that fit different style, budget, and user-needs. Ice crushers are a brilliant addition for anyone who loves experimenting in the kitchen and will delight children and adults alike with all the marvellous treats it can create.
The Best Ice Crusher
1
Zeny Ice Crushers
The first pick on our list of amazing ice crushers is a fantastic pick by Zeny. This great model boasts great versatility and can be used to slush drinks, snow cones, and more. It can be easily used at home, but is also durable enough to be used in a commercial setting. Created with stainless steel, this ice crusher is highly durable and can withstand hours of use, especially in those hot summer months when icey drinks are in popular demand.
Zeny’s model is also able to work quickly and efficiently and can shave 143 pounds of ice per hour. It also takes safety seriously, and has a water resisitant on and off switch and the blade will immedaiately switch off when the hopper handles are open to avoid any injury or harm. Users have commended this model for its user ease, quick and effective ice crushing abilities, and it’s great price. This awesome model comes in a choice of silver and orange to suit all design and style preferences and will be a hit in any home, or commercial kitchen.
Fast and effective ice crushing ability
Made from durable and rust-resisitant stainless steel
Safety features to prevent injury
Shaves 143 pounds of ice per hour
Comes in silver or orange
- BrandZENY
- Model300B
- Weight 12.1 pounds
For commercial use or home use
Great value
Effective safety features
Industrial strength
Large in size so might not fit compactly into a small kitchen or apartment space
2
Hawaiian Shaved Ice Crusher
Up next is a great at-home model for anyone who loves making a good snow cone or Margarita. This Hawaiian Shaves Ice machine is the perfect model for your kitchen and combines amazing value with fabulous quaility for all your at-home icing needs. This 3-piece model is super easy to assemble and in a matter of moments you will be making delicious treats and icey delights. The set comes with 2 specialized ice block molds for all your ice shaving needs.
Cleaning is also a total breeze, since this ice machine can be easily dissassembled in a matter of moments. Simply wipe the parts clean and allow them to dry. This brand also really care about customer satisfaction and offer users a one year gaurantee if they are not entirely satisfied with their product. This model amalgamates brilliant value with the opportunity for lots of summer fun. It’s the perfect at-home model and is a great pick for anyone hosting any fun summer events where icey drinks will be in demand.
Easy at home assemble
Comes with 2 ice molds
Dissasembles quickly after use for easy cleaning
Compact
- BrandHawaiian Shaved Ice
- ModelS900A
- Weight 3 pounds
Easy storage
Great value
Perfect for at-home use
White color
Suited for home use and non commercial use
3
Snowie Ice Crusher Machine
Up next is another fantastic pick for home-users. The Little Snowie Ice Shaver is a fantastic pick for anyone who wants to make shaved ice or snow cones and will certainly impress friends and family alike. They say that dynamite comes in small packages, and that’s true when it comes to this amazing machine. It works super hard and can create shaved ice in a matter of moments. 3 seconds to be exact!
The professional quality motor operates quickly and efficiently and works in conjunction with a super sharp 301 hardened stainless steel blade for extra precision. Since this is so conveniently sized, it’s the perfect pick for home-users and can be easily stored away when not in use. To add to user ease, this model takes ice blocks from your freezer and thus doesn’t utilize molds that take up space. This model also comes with a selection of 6 sample-size flavored syrup bottles and 8 ‘Snowie Shovel’ spoons.
Shaves ice in 3 seconds
Strong motor and blade
Comes with special spoons and sample flavored syrup
Compact
Comes with a safety lid
- BrandSnowie
- Model Little Snowie 2
- Weight 3.52 ounces
Powerful motor and blade
Great quality
Easy to store when not in use
Pricier than some other models
4
Vivohome Electric Ice Crusher
Fabulous number four on our list is an amazing ice crusher and shaver by Vivohome. This brand combines quaility with great value and is the perfect pick for at-home or commercial use. Thanks to its strong motor and blade, this machine can easily shave 143 pounds of ice per hour and is thus perfect for anyone running a restaurant, or cafe. Made with corosion-free stainless steel, this model is super durable and rust-proof.
It’s also super easy to clean and can simply be wiped down when not in use. This brand also take their safety features seriously to avoid injury or hurt. The on-off switch is water resisitant and the blade will automatically turn off when the hopper is open to avoid any possible accidents. This beautiful silver design is pleasing to the eye and will look beautiful in bars, restraurants, or your home-kitchen. This brand amalgamates top-quaility with style and certainly won’t let you down when it comes to crushing ice.
Perfect for home or commercial use
Shaves 143 pounds of ice per hour
Great safety features
Silver
- BrandVIVOHOME
- Weight 12.02 pounds
Strong motor and blade
Durable quaility
Works quickly and efficiently
Stylish design
Bigger than some at-home models so might not fit into a smaller kitchen space
5
Hamilton Beach Blender for Ice
Number 5 on our list is a little different to some of our other models and is a crusher/blender. The powerful ice sabre blades work wonders and are able to finely chop your ice into smaller particles which can then be used for snow cones and slushies. This amazing model has 14 different blending functions and can be used for an array of dishes. As well as crushing ice, you can also use it to make smoothies, soup blends, cocktails and more.
This is a truly great at-home model can will add flair and diversity to your culinary life. This blender-crusher duo is also built to last and has been tested on over 8000 frozen drinks. Thus, you won’t be running out of snowcones or delicious cocktails any time soon. The glass jar, lid, and blades are dishwasher safe which makes cleaning a total breeze. Simply take them apart when the device is switched off and they will be sparkly and new in no time.
Blender/ice crusher combo
Perfect for crushing ice, snow cones, slushies, and smoothies
Dishwasher safe glass jar, lid, and blades
- BrandHamilton Beach
- Model54221
- Weight 7 pounds
Can be used for more than just crushing ice
Great value
Dishwasher safe
Not a commercial use ice crusher
6
Viski Professional Ice Crusher
The next pick on our list is pretty different to our other models and is a professional ice bag and mallett set. This tool allows you to manually chip away at ice as needed and while it might not be crunched as finely as an ice crucher would, it is a fantastic tool for crushing ice for cocktails and is loads of fun to use. The mallett is made with beechwood and is ergonomically designed to boast a comfortable handle for added user ease.
The canvas bag, where you pop the ice in, has been beautifully designed and a specifically created to absorb any extra water and allow for dryer ice. This is a perfect tool for any aspiring mixologist or chef extraaudinaire and has the added entertainment factor of crushing the ice with your own hands. Users have commended this tool for its amazing strength and user ease, noting that it’s also asthetically pleasing and a great piece for any kitchen kit.
Mallett and canvas bag set (heavy material with a flap closure)
Beechwood exterior
- BrandViski
- Model4371
- Weight 12.8 ounces
Beautiful design
Great value
Works without electricity
Not externally powered
Not for commercial use
7
Waring Large Capacity Ice Crusher
Lucky number 7 on our list is an amazing pick by Waring. This is a great pick if you are hosting events and it’s able to crush 30 pounds of ice per hour and hold a capacity that equates to 12 cups of crushed ice. It’s thus a perfect pick for birthday parties and summer barbeques. This model is super chic and boasts a stunning brushed stainless steel exterior. Users have commended this model for its amazing power, gorgeous design, and user ease. It truly boasts amazing cich style and will be a total hit at any function or event. Whether you are making snow cones or fancy cocktails, this is a great pick!
Stainless steel exterior and blades
Can crush 30 ilbs of ice per hour
Can hold 12 cups of crushed ice
- BrandWaring
- ModelIC70
- Weight 1.32 pounds
Gorgeous design
User-ease
Great for events
Pricier than some other models
8
Victorio Portable Crushed Ice Maker
Next up is a wonderful hand-crank ice crusher by Victorio. This amazing brand combines amazing user-ease with fantastic value and is the perfect pick if you are having a cocktail evening at home. When you want to create crushed ice, simply turn the chrome plated steel handle and voila, you have it. Thanks to a sturdy suction base this is a non-slip device and it will remain in palce while you crush your ice. This model is perfect for family dinners, barbeques, and summer parties and allows you to quickly crush ice for home use. Since it’s a portable model that desn’t recquire any electricity, you can also take this on camping trips and bring some serious sophistication to any holiday.
Crush ice by manually turning the chrome plated steel handle
White exterior
Portable
- BrandVictorio
- ModelVKP1126
- Weight 2 pounds
Doesn’t need electricity
Portable
Great value
Not for commercial use
9
Nuvantee Manual Ice Crusher
The second last ice crusher on our list is an epic pick by Nuvantee. This is another hand crank model and is perfect for those family get togethers and exclusive dinner parties. Simply put your ice in the holder and crank the handle until it’s crushed to your desired consistency. The advanced stainless steel shaving blades can shave up to 26.5 pounds of ice per hour and thus this is perfect for any personal event or party.
The specialized non-slip legs make this super easy to use, and the device won’t move around as you crush your ice. Since this design is chrome-plated and contructed with zinc alloy, it is also rust proof and super durable and will thus stand the test of time. This is a perfect pick for any small bar, or home-kitchen and will bring great delight to parties and events as you crush ice and make delicious coktails or mocktails.
Hand crank ice grinder
Stainless steel blades that can shave 26.5 pounds of ice per hour
Chrome-plated and constructed with zinc alloy
- BrandNuvantee
- Model FBA_COMINHKG115940
- Weight 3.75 pounds
Stylish design
Durable
Good value
Manually powered and thus not suited for large-scale use
10
Costzon Electric Ice Crusher
Last, but certainly not least is a brlliant ice crusher by Costzon. This electric ice crusher is an absolute vision and its stainless steel exterior makes it asthetically pleasing and highly durable model. This ice crusher can crush 26.5 pounds of ice every hour and is thus a great pick for any event or function where you’ll be making cocktails, mocktails, snow cones, or slushies. The ice cup container has a 12-cup capacity and its transparent appaearance means you can watch the ice being crushed.
The ice chute at the top is an added bonus and means you can quickly and easily place ice into the machine. This makes ice crushing a super easy feat and means you can focus on important things, like pouring those cocktails and creating those snow cones. This model combines a stunning exterior, with user-ease, and fantastic quaility and will certainly be a hit for any event.
Electric ice crusher
Stainless steel exterior
Ice chute
Crushes 26.5 pounds of ice per hour
- BrandCostzon
- Model Electric Ice Crusher
- Weight 4.4 pounds
User-ease
Great durable quaility
Pricier than other models
Best Ice Crusher Buying Guide & FAQ
What to Consider When Buying a Crushed Ice Maker
When you're buying an ice crusher you need to consider a few important things. If it's for home-use you won't need a commercial model that can crush hundreds of pounds per hour. Commercial models are usually bigger and heavier and will certainly take up more room in your kitchen than home-only models. They are also going to cost you more. You will also need to think about if you want a device that is solely an ice crusher, or a model that can also be utilized as a blender for other dishes too. If you don't want to opt for an expensive model and will only use your crusher for at-home use, you could also consider a hand-held device that cranks ice as you move a lever. If you are feeling strong, or need to let out some aggression, you could also opt for a mallet crusher.
Advantages of Owning an Ice Crusher Machine
When it comes to owning an ice machine there are a myriad of benefits.
- You can become a fabulous mixologist and experiment with making all sorts of delicious cocktails or mocktails that require crushed ice.
- You can make snow cones and slushies during those hot summer months. These will be an absolute hit at any kids party of barbeque and will add a great element of fun to any event.
- You can experiment with delicious frozen desserts. These are refreshing and tasty in summer and will seriously impress your guests.
Types of Ice Crushers
- Ice crushing machine
These work with a motor and a blade and are solely created to crush ice. They act like a blender of sorts and are able to crush your ice into fine particles. Some have super strong motors and are perfect for commercial use. These usually need a bit more space than the other ice crushing devices.
- Blender and ice crushing duo
This is basically a blender that's strong enough to also crush ice when used on a particular function. The benefit of choosing a blender is that you can also use it to make other dishes like soups and smoothies. However, for commercial using an ice crushing machine is probably a better idea, as it will be able to create a greater quantity of crushed ice.
- Handheld mallet and bag set
If you only need to crush a little bit of ice every now and then, you might want to opt for a mallet and bag set. This is a far cheaper option and will allow you to create as much ice as you need for cocktails or mocktails. You will need to utilize your own strength with this kind of model and it will make a pretty loud noise. These are great if you don't need too much crushed ice, or are camping or somewhere without electricity.
- Hand crank ice crusher
These models are also manual and not powered by electricity. Simply place ice in the holder and crank the lever to produce crushed ice.
Tips for Using Your Ice Crusher Blender
- ALWAYS follow the instructions and read the user manual before use as every model is different.
- Ensure it's switched off before you try to take the ice out with your hands.
- For commercial style models you usually just drop the ice into the feeding chute and the machine gets the job done.
Best Ice Crusher FAQ:
Q: What is an ice crusher and how does it work?
A: An ice crusher is a machine, or hand held device that crushes ice into smaller pieces. Electric models utilize blades and a motor to crush ice quickly and effectively.
Q: Can I use my ice crusher machine to make snow cones?
A: Snow cones are a shaved ice dessert and are usually served in a cup. They are served with a mix of flavored syrup and are great for parties and events. Ice crushing machines are great for making snow cones and you should opt for an electric model.
Q: Can I put flavored ice cubes through my crushed ice maker?
A: If you want to make your own flavored ice cubes you can definitely put them through your ice crusher. It can crush any type of ice, regardless of the flavor.
Q: How do I clean my ice crusher machine?
A: Always follow the user manual to get specific instructions for your particular model. Some machines will have dishwasher safe parts and others can simply be wiped down. If you opt for a wooden mallet you can simply wash it in the sink.
Our Top Pick
We love all the ice crushing tools and machines on our list, but we have opt for the Zeny model as our best pick. This great model showcases great versatility and can be used for an array of culinary feats from making slushies, to snow cones. It can be easily used at home, but is also durable enough to be used in a restaurant or bar. Since it's made with stainless steel, this model is highly durable and can withstand many hours of crushing, especially on those summer days when icey drinks are all the rage. Zeny's model is also able to work quickly and can shave 143 pounds of ice per hour. This brand takes safety seriously, and has a water resisitant on and off switch and the blade will immedaiately switch off when the hopper handles are open to avoid any injury or harm. Users have commended this model for its user ease, quick and effective ice crushing abilities, and it's great price. This gorgeous ice crusher comes in silver and orange and will thus suit all design and style preferences. It will be a hit in any home, or commercial space.
Source:
- How to Make Crushed Ice - WikiHow