Shaved ice or Hawaiian shave ice, is a popular handheld ice dessert and a favorite summer treat for all ages. Blocks of ice are shaved, flavored with delicious syrups, and typically served in a paper cone or bowl. It’s a fun and tasty way to cool off!
What’s the Difference Between Shaved Ice and Snow Cones?
Snow Cones
Snow cones are made with crushed ice bits drizzled with sweet flavored syrup. Typically, the syrup runs to the bottom, so if you’re using a straw, you may run out of juice quickly. The ice in snow cones is usually crunchy to the bite. These are probably what you remember from your childhood.
Shaved Ice
Shaved ice (also known as shave ice, shavers, SnoBalls and Hawaiian shaved ice) has a light and fluffy texture, more like snow and it melts in the mouth. The thin shavings absorb the flavored syrups better so every bite has flavor. You’ll often find shave ice desserts in a large variety of flavors, and with tasty toppings added.
How to Make the Best Shaved Ice at Home
I’m going to assume you don’t want to go through the aggravation of using a handheld ice shaver, although you could if you were so inclined. I’m not.
So, there are two main types of shaved ice machines: large commercial shaved ice machines and smaller shaved ice machines designed for at-home countertop use.
Unless you’re looking to produce shave ice in massive quantities, an at-home countertop machine will do a fantastic job, is easy to store, and costs a heck of a lot less.
Best Shaved Ice Machine for Every Day Home Use
I am so, so happy with my Hawaiian Shaved Ice Machine. Not only is it super affordable, it makes the best fluffy shaved ice – soft and light like freshly fallen snow. It melts in your mouth! It’s nothing like the crunchy ice the old Snoopy Snow Cone Machine used to make. Remember those?
The machine’s hassle-free petite size is perfect to pull out on a whim for a fun family activity.
I make one for my son almost every afternoon now that it’s hot outside. He loves Blue Raspberry. I keep encouraging to get him to try other flavors—they have a zillion flavored syrups—but he likes what he likes.
How to Use a Hawaiian Shaved Ice Machine
First of all, when you’re buying the machine—great gift idea, btw—I suggest you start with a party pack (like I did) that includes the machine, ice block molds, 1-pint bottles of cherry, blue raspberry, and grape syrups, 25 spoon straws, 25 snow cone cups, and 3 bottle pourers.
You can use ice cubes from the freezer, but since ice block molds are in the kit, I recommend using them. The best results for the fluffiest shave ice come from shaving an ice block.
Pro tip: Let the ice block sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes so it starts to sweat. This makes for much easier and quicker ice shaving.
So, place the round ice block in the machine and replace the lid. I like putting mold under the machine to catch the “falling snow.” Press down on the gray center button with medium force, and you’ll hear the machine start to scrape across the ice block. The thin ice sheets will fall through the machine into your catch bowl.
Spoon or dump the ice fluff into a paper cone and pack it down with a spoon (or your freshly washed fingers). Just like you pack a snowball, you want to pack your ice shavings.
Now drizzle your choice of flavored syrups over the top of your “snow cone.” Don’t be shy about it, either. Ensure the entire surface is covered and that you’ve used enough to sink into the ice further down the cone.
The whole process takes less than 5 minutes!
You know what time it is now, right? EAT time!
If this delectably juicy treat doesn’t convince you that you NEED this mini fun factory, then here are a few more reasons:
- It’s summertime, and this is way more fun than a popsicle.
- Kids will love these and…
- Kids can help make them!
- A TON of flavored syrups are available.
- Shaved ice can be topped with fruit, sprinkles, chocolate chips, ice cream… the possibilities are endless.
- The machine can also make snow cones, slurpies, frozen drinks, and fun desserts.
- There are oodles of recipes to try on the Hawaiian Ice website.
Have the summer of your life with memories you’ll never forget. Purchase your Hawaiian Ice Shaver Machine today. I love mine, and I know you will too!
