What type of ice does it make? I only want one if it makes super fine hawaiian-shaved ice type of ice (like snow texture, not like slush crunchy ice )
1728989
This is a great machine, but what determines the ice is the ice you put in it. We have found that store bought bagged ice works much better than ice from our own refrigerator ice maker.
1728990
Yes it makes very fine ice... The blade can also be moved to shave it even finer...and as crazy as it sounds the type of ice you use makes a difference also the best is the half moon from your ice make... We love love love our machine a friend of mine bought one also and they love theirs also !!! It's Great!!!
1728991
It does make super fine ice. It's really nice. My only complaint is the water drainage is a little lacking but if you prop up the internal tray just a bit it drains well. Hope this helps!
1728992
If you use a harder ice and don't force it thru it does grind it more fine. It is not a snow, but really close
447730
Mine crushes ice very well, but the first time I tried to make a smoothie with just powder and ice it didn't do so well. It took a long time to get it smooth and then there were still some tiny chips of ice in the drink. It works great if you have a bit of liquid or fruit in with the ice (like half a cup of something).
1027050
you won't get the nice snowy texture, it will be more like you smashed ice with a hammer. Some people like that, but if you want that you should buy a regular snowcone maker not a shaver, the corners of the cubes will catch the blade edge making it hard to turn.
1349313
The ice is larger chunks not shaved, you can get pieces as large as a quarter (most pieces range from 1/8" to 1/2" in diameter with the tiny pieces from the crushing process mixed in.) But before buying be sure to read all of the problems with the thing breaking, it is not a reliable product.
1727046
J. Joensuu, Yes, you can use regular ice BUT and this is a big BUT remember you will be pressing down on the lid. To get the kind of shaved ice that is typical for snow cones I still think the best bet is to use the molds provided.If you are using ice cubes I would make sure that the ice cubes are all level so that the lid doesn't come down at an angle which could put stress on the blades. Also the ice will probably not be as uniform as ice created with the molds. Hope this helps! -Mark
855416
Depends on the syrup and the ice you start with.If you use a really hard, cold, clear ice (like from a good refrigerator ice maker) then you'll get a snow that stays pretty soft and fluffy.Wetter ice, like you would buy in bags, tends to be more wet and ice-like when shaved.Also note that there are thicker syrups available that are a bit different than the more watery stuff you might find at a grocery store.I'm not saying that any of the above is better or worse, everyone had different preferences. You'll just have to experiment to find what you like. Depends on the syrup and the ice you start with.If you use a really hard, cold, clear ice (like from a good refrigerator ice maker) then you'll get a snow that stays pretty soft and fluffy.Wetter ice, like you would buy in bags, tends to be more wet and ice-like when shaved.Also note that there are thicker syrups available that are a bit different than the more watery stuff you might find at a grocery store.I'm not saying that any of the above is better or worse, everyone had different preferences. You'll just have to experiment to find what... » Read More Depends on the syrup and the ice you start with.If you use a really hard, cold, clear ice (like from a good refrigerator ice maker) then you'll get a snow that stays pretty soft and fluffy.Wetter ice, like you would buy in bags, tends to be more wet and ice-like when shaved.Also note that there are thicker syrups available that are a bit different than the more watery stuff you might find at a grocery store.I'm not saying that any of the above is better or worse, everyone had different preferences. You'll just have to experiment to find what you like. « Show Less
770811
It does a good job with ice cubes. It should be easier to shave flavored cubes as long as they are well frozen.
1846305
I did read a review before I bought mine where the family made slushy's. It makes a great slushy consistency. I wouldn't know what type of syrups to tell you to buy though. Sorry
747555
Yes! I worked at a place where we made shaved ice using torani syrups. They are very good in shaved ice & sno cones.
1701
Keep adding ice. You could also freeze what u make and pull out at the desired solid state
528252
its like a regular ice maker occassionally makes noise when building ice.. however thats when it is working properly.. I had the unit for 7 months and now its make a ugly loud sort of grinding noise and does not work any more
96157
As previous person said, the bowl turns but not the blade. Since you said you did not add the ingredients before turning it on, the only thing I can think of is the mixture itself. By any chance, was this a fruit based ice cream? If so, did you add the fruit to the ice cream before you poured the base into the bowl? I added fruit too early in the process one time and the ice cream, which was almost "done ", became liquid again.
394351
I've used this product a couple of times and I've used ice each time with no problems. The ice that I've used are the crescent shaped ones tho. Haven't tried with regular block ice but I think it may be strong enough for that.
2015310
I've not used mine in a couple of years, but the bowls have been in the garage freezer non-stop. Today I used it to make Scharffenberger chocolate sorbet. I made the mixture last night and chilled as directed. This morning I used the machine as directed. It NEVER froze, just got to a slurpee consistency. Now it's back in the garage freezer firming up for tonight. I found that you may have to do it a day in advance to be sure it's in the best form for serving. I agree about the vanilla getting grainy. It did with me too. I also have Wms Sonoma's Ice Cream book. It's a good one and I love the grapefruit granita recipe, despite the mess that it makes on my floor! Dang these narrow side by side freezers! I've not used mine in a couple of years, but the bowls have been in the garage freezer non-stop. Today I used it to make Scharffenberger chocolate sorbet. I made the mixture last night and chilled as directed. This morning I used the machine as directed. It NEVER froze, just got to a slurpee consistency. Now it's back in the garage freezer firming up for tonight. I found that you may have to do it a day in advance to be sure it's in the best form for serving. I agree about the vanilla getting grainy. It did with me too. I also have Wms Sonoma's Ice Cream book. It's a good one... » Read More I've not used mine in a couple of years, but the bowls have been in the garage freezer non-stop. Today I used it to make Scharffenberger chocolate sorbet. I made the mixture last night and chilled as directed. This morning I used the machine as directed. It NEVER froze, just got to a slurpee consistency. Now it's back in the garage freezer firming up for tonight. I found that you may have to do it a day in advance to be sure it's in the best form for serving. I agree about the vanilla getting grainy. It did with me too. I also have Wms Sonoma's Ice Cream book. It's a good one and I love the grapefruit granita recipe, despite the mess that it makes on my floor! Dang these narrow side by side freezers! « Show Less
2197705
The one I tried did not shave or chop the ice. It was very loud. I would not recommend it for slushies.
1349311
I LOVE this ice crusher. The ice comes out hard for me b/c I use my own frozen ice cubes. If you go to the gas station and buy their ice, it's softer and smaller cubes. I love this machine, it has a five star rating from me. As another person said in a review, not to over stuff it w/ ice cubes. If this should happen just rock the machine side to side gently. I hope this helps you.
2215028
Hello, as it's just my wife and I, we only put in about 2-3 ice cubes to make enough for us. But I've seen her load it up for the grand kids, and she can get about 5 or 6 8oz paper cone cup sized snow cones. But you don't have to stop there, this thing will churn out all the ice you have in the house, and then some. This is a quality piece of equipment, and if you've got kids or grand kids, buy it with confidence. It works great. I also looked on line, and I don't remember, where as it was about a year and a half ago, but I also purchased spare blades. In summary, I paid about $125.00-$150.00 for it and I feel it is a was a good purchase. Good luck Hello, as it's just my wife and I, we only put in about 2-3 ice cubes to make enough for us. But I've seen her load it up for the grand kids, and she can get about 5 or 6 8oz paper cone cup sized snow cones. But you don't have to stop there, this thing will churn out all the ice you have in the house, and then some. This is a quality piece of equipment, and if you've got kids or grand kids, buy it with confidence. It works great. I also looked on line, and I don't remember, where as it was about a year and a half ago, but I also purchased spare blades. In summary, I paid about... » Read More Hello, as it's just my wife and I, we only put in about 2-3 ice cubes to make enough for us. But I've seen her load it up for the grand kids, and she can get about 5 or 6 8oz paper cone cup sized snow cones. But you don't have to stop there, this thing will churn out all the ice you have in the house, and then some. This is a quality piece of equipment, and if you've got kids or grand kids, buy it with confidence. It works great. I also looked on line, and I don't remember, where as it was about a year and a half ago, but I also purchased spare blades. In summary, I paid about $125.00-$150.00 for it and I feel it is a was a good purchase. Good luck « Show Less