Best Ice Crusher: Buyer’s Guide
Now that you have seen some of the best ice crushers available, let’s talk a little bit about what you are looking for when shopping for a new ice crusher. With so many available on the market, purchasing a new ice crusher can seem like a daunting task, but when you think about a few things, it just becomes another quick and easy task in your day. Follow these handy tips the next time you are in the market for a home or commercial ice crusher and you will be cool as ice.
Why Are You Using It?
This is probably the most important thing to think about when purchasing any new ice crusher or ice shaver. If you want to get something that will fit your needs, you should first look at what your needs are.
There are a few things you want to think about during this time:
– Are you using your ice crusher for home or commercial use?
– Will you be taking your new ice crusher on the go at all?
– Does it matter if you have an electric- or manual-powered ice crusher?
– Are you using your ice crusher for home or commercial use?
– Will you be taking your new ice crusher on the go at all?
– Does it matter if you have an electric- or manual-powered ice crusher?
Electrical Icemakers vs. Manual Icemakers
Electrical icemakers icemakers use an electric motor, an electrically operated water valve and an electrical heating unit. There are two types of electric icemakers: those that have an automatic water valve and those that use a manually operated water valve. In either case the heating unit is easily removable for quick cleaning.
How do they work? Automatic water valve icemakers: In these machines, water is forced by the motor through an electrically heated tube and then onto the coil of a magnetic refrigeration compressor. The cooled water is then turned into ice and stored in a reservoir, from which it can be dispensed as needed.
In manual ice makers, the usual composition of the shredder is made of metal. Thanks to the suction foot, this ice crusher is very stable on any smooth surface like your table. In this way, you can easily crush ice cubes. In addition to the metal crusher, manual ice makers have a metal shaft with a handle and a handle for convenient rotation. The plastic parts usually include, among other things, a lid and an ice tray inside. The design of such ice generators is quite simple and reliable.
Best Ice Crusher: FAQ
Can all blenders crush ice?
Not all blenders are created equal, and some are better for pureeing than crushing. When choosing a model for breaking up ice, you’ll need ample power and strong blades to meet the challenge.
How do you crush ice manually?
1. Place your ice cubes in a blender with water. You can use any amount of ice, but it’s easiest with at least 2 to 3 cups.
2. Pulse until you see a majority of chunks that are 1/4-inch in size.
3. Use a mesh strainer to strain out the water.
How do I clean my ice crusher?
Ice crushers are a safe and efficient way to crush ice, but they can get dirty. Make sure you clean your machine regularly with these easy steps: wash off all dirt from outside of device using a damp cloth; wipe down any smudges or residue on its surfaces – this will help prevent rusting when storing away after use. Avoid the use of abrasives or steel wool.
Why is there black stuff in my ice maker?
When there are black specks in the ice maker, it could be due to hard water deposits and a bad filter. To avoid this problem from recurring, you should install new filters on your refrigerator every six months or sooner if they start producing froth on top like bubbles coming out of an air conditioning unit with too much humidity in its system (which indicates that path may need cleaning).
Why does my ice taste like chemicals?
The minerals in hard water can give it a different taste and unfiltered tap sources make you feel like the ice is chemical- tasting when compared to filtered. In these cases we recommend calling your local utility company so they may assess any potential issues with their output prior.
Best Ice Crusher: Comparison Table & Main Features
Last update on 2021-08-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1.VIVOHOME Electric Ice Crusher – Editor’s Choice
VIVOHOME Electric Ice Crusher Shaver Snow Cone Maker Machine Blue 143lbs/hr for Home and Commerical Use ETL Safety Standard Certified
- HIGH EFFICIENCY - Electric (plug-in) power and easy operation design do the work whenever you are ready; Our...
- STAINLESS STEEL MATERIAL - Food grade corrosion-free stainless-steel blade and ice bowl guarantee longer life...
- COMFORTABLE USE – Heavy cast sturdy base offers a stable and quiet workstation; Minimize vibration and noise...
Last update on 2021-08-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
As our Editor’s Choice, the VIVOHOME Electric Ice Crusher (official website) is the best overall ice crusher on our list of top ice crushers. This top-grade ice crusher can make ice for any occasion, from shaved ice for snow cones to larger ice for drinks and everything in between. Made of high-quality stainless steel, the VIVOHOME Electric Ice Crusher is made to last and live rust-free for a long time to come. This electric ice crusher is powerful enough for commercial use but easy enough for home use, as well.
The Details
The VIVOHOME Electric Ice Crusher is a large machine that can handle large batches of ice without the need to continually refill. The 300-watt motor can make light work of ice, crushing up to 143 pounds of ice per hour with a rotation speed of 2,000 rpm. Safety features are set in place to help ensure that nobody is injured during the operation. The machine’s power will automatically be cut off upon opening of the ice hopper, and all stainless steel material is food-grade and completely hygienic for human use.
Weighing over 11 pounds, the VIVOHOME Electric Ice Crusher is a large appliance that is not going to be easy to port around and can be a little bulky to use. The minimal packaging and shipping materials can be convenient and easy on the environment, but they can also lead to some possible minor damage in shipping. Normally, this type of damage is easily addressed through the company as other customers have experienced (check on homedepot.com).
Video Review
Recommendation
The VIVOHOME Electric Ice Crusher is a great machine to crush and shave ice quickly in large batches. For the average home user, this machine may be a little much for occasional use but will still work well. The VIVOHOME Electric Ice Crusher is not recommended for mobile use or for those that tend to travel with their machines a lot due to the larger size and weight. Overall, this is a well-made product that is sure to get the job done for nearly any occasion.
Pros
- Can handle a large amount of ice at one time
- Durable and made of quality stainless steel
- Built-in noise and vibration reduction features
- Attractive design that fits nicely in home kitchens
Cons
- Large and bulky for the average person to use
- Lack of packaging can lead so some shipping damage
- Cannot perform various ice shavings or chunks
2. Waring Pro IC70 Professional Ice Crusher – Best Commercial Ice Crusher
Waring Pro IC70 Professional Stainless Steel Large-Capacity Ice Crusher
- Brushed Stainless Steel Housing
- Stainless Steel Blades and Commercial Mechanism
- Crushes 30 lbs of Ice per Hour
Last update on 2021-08-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The needs of commercial and home users are much different when it comes to almost any appliance on the market, and ice crushers are no exception to that rule. The Waring Pro IC70 Professional Ice Crusher is the machine that bartenders and restaurants turn to due to its ease of use and speedy results. The quality build and attractive design lead our staff to select the Waring Pro IC70 Professional Ice Crusher as the top pick of ice crushers for commercial use (more info about Waring Pro IC70 Professional Ice Crusher on thegadgetflow.com).
The Details
The Waring Pro IC70 Professional Ice Crusher is a top choice for those in the commercial food arena. The brushed steel housing makes it an attractive piece, while the vertical design makes it less of a counter space hog than other machines in this category. The ice crushed will come out in irregular cubes that are great for drinks and such, but it cannot make shaved ice or small cubes for snow cones and some other treats. The Waring Pro IC70 Professional Ice Crusher gives users the ability to crush up to 30 pounds of ice per hour and the large holding container allows for maximum ice crushing to handle many orders at one time.
While a top-rated ice crusher and a favorite of commercial users around the world, the Waring Pro IC70 Professional Ice Crusher does have some drawbacks that may make some new purchasers a bit wary. In some machines, larger ice cubes may get stuck momentarily and make the blades work much harder. Over time, this can cause more wear on the inner workings than is expected. To avoid this, many customers find simply using trays that make smaller cubes as a reasonable solution.
Video Review
Recommendation
For the home user, this machine may be a bit more than is needed, but for commercial users, the Waring Pro IC70 Professional Ice Crusher is a great way to handle your ice crushing needs. The large size makes this appliance less appealing to those with limited counter space or mobile users. The large ice crushing capacity and storage bin are popular features for those that need to make plenty of drinks in a short time (check on walmart.com).
Pros
- Can crush up to 30 pounds of ice per hour
- Attached bin can hold up to 12 cups of ice
- Easy to use to keep your work moving quickly
- Brushed stainless steel makes for an attractive design
Cons
- Large and bulky for those with limited counter space
- Can have trouble crushing large ice cubes and chunks
- Average lifetime can vary depending on a variety of factors
3.F2C 300W Electric Ice Shaver Machine – Best Ice Shave for Home Use
Sale
F2C Electric Ice Crusher Shaver Snow Cone Maker with Dual Stainless Steel Blades 300W 145 lbs/hr for Home and Commercial Use (Silver)
- Safe Operation;Smooth Elegant Shape
- Solid Plastic Baseplate;Top Quality Material-Stable Heavy Cast Base
- Anodized Aluminum Casing and Hopper
Last update on 2021-08-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Our staff pick for the best home-ice shaving machine is the F2C Commercial Pro Ice Shaver (official website). While this appliance can easily handle the large demands of commercial use, it is easy to use and can do a variety of chores that make it ideal for many households. Cleaning and maintenance are quick and easy for the busy demands of today’s family, while the sleek and attractive design can be incorporated into any design style.
The Details
The F2C Commercial Pro Ice Shaver is made of all stainless steel so you can be sure your family will never have to worry about rust, corrosion, or unhygienic treats. An adjustment knob allows users to make a variety of shaved ice styles from fine to coarse depending on personal preference. Crushing a lot of ice for parties, meetings, or get-togethers has never been easier with the F2C Commercial Pro Ice Shaver’s ability to handle up to 440 pounds of ice per hour. Unlike some other machines on our list, the F2C Commercial Pro Ice Shaver is able to handle multiple tasks besides simply crushing and shaving ice. Use this handy appliance to make cold drinks or slice up fruits and vegetables.
The F2C Commercial Pro Ice Shaver is a very well-made machine that can do a lot for any household and still keep coming back for more. For those of us that are busy and do not have a lot of time for complicated cleanup instructions, the F2C Commercial Pro Ice Shaver is easy to clean up with some hot water a few minutes of time after use. This machine works best for shaved ice for snow cones and other frozen treats and drinks.
Video Review
Recommendation
If you want a shaved ice machine for your home use that will go above and beyond your expectations, the F2C Commercial Pro Ice Shaver is the right choice for your family. It is large and heavier, making it less appealing for those who need to move around a lot or have limited space to deal with. For daily use, the F2C Commercial Pro Ice Shaver does a great job and will hold up well for a long time to come (check on walmart.com).
Pros
- Can handle a large amount of ice in a short time
- Has adjustable levels for shaved ice thickness
- Can handle other household tasks like slicing veggies
- Penetrating formula
Cons
- Large design that can be heavy and space-consuming
- The fine setting may not always perform as well
- Cannot crush ice but primarily shave it thinly
4.Westmark Germany Manual Ice Crusher – Cheap Manual Crusher for Home Use
Westmark Germany Manual Ice Crusher (Grey)
- MADE IN GERMANY HIGH QUALITY KITCHENWARE: Westmark’s Ice Crusher is among the best in the world and is rated...
- MATERIAL: Each product is made using high quality heavy cast aluminum for its base and handle. See below for...
- EASY AND READY TO USE: This easy to use product will quickly crush small portions of Ice with little to no...
Last update on 2021-08-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Bigger is not always better when you simply want some ice for a drink or two on a warm summer night. The Westmark Germany Manual Ice Crusher (official website) is the ideal choice for home use when quantity is not what matters most. This manual ice crusher can handle a small amount of ice and is made in Germany by a top-rated kitchenware company.
The Details
The hand-powered Westmark Germany Manual Ice Crusher is made from high-quality heavy cast aluminum to ensure it will last as long as you need it to. The handle is designed with an ergonomic style that allows for both function and comfort in an attractive kitchenware piece. Cleaning is easy as the Westmark Germany Manual Ice Crusher is dishwasher safe and there aren’t really any moving parts to worry about.
The Westmark Germany Manual Ice Crusher is not intended for commercial use or large batches of ice. Perfect to crush small amounts of ice, this piece is intended for a few ice cubes at a time max. It does take some manpower to use, so it may not be suitable for all ages and physical abilities (more info on walmart.com).
Recommendation
If you are looking to crush a few ice cubes to make a drink for you and a couple of people, the Westmark Germany Manual Ice Crusher is a popular choice for residential customers. The durable and dishwasher-safe aluminum construction will last a long time under typical use. The biggest drawback for the Westmark Germany Manual Ice Crusher is the human power required to crush the ice. It may be too much for some users, but overall, most people will find this manual ice crusher a very handy tool to have around the house from time to time.
Pros
- Small and compact design with no electrical parts
- Made with heavy cast aluminum to last a long time
- Ergonomic handle and design combine function and comfort
Cons
- Only works on a couple of ice cubes at a time
- Hinges are not permanently affixed together
- Not everyone will be able to crush ice easily
5.MANBA Ice Shaver and Snow Cone Machine – Best Hand Ice Crusher
MANBA Ice Shaver and Snow Cone Machine - Premium Portable Ice Crusher and Shaved Ice Machine with Free Ice Cube Trays - BPA Free
- Includes: 1 x Ice Crusher to crush ice cubes into fluffy snow-like ice, 1 x Ice Cube Mold to freeze 15pcs of...
- 18/8 Stainless Steel Blades: High Quality Blades in this crushed ice maker will Never Rust and sharp blades...
- 3 Blades: More precision-cut Blades can shave ice cubes much more faster and efficiently than normal one...
Last update on 2021-08-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Ditch the cord and enjoy crushed ice whenever and wherever you want it with this handy manual ice crusher. The MANBA Ice Shaver and Snow Cone Machine is easy to use and can handle more than just a few small ice cubes at a time. The small and lightweight design of the Gourmia makes it ideal for those who don’t have a lot of space for a large appliance. Since there is no electricity needed, you can use this to crush ice in an RV, during camping, at sporting events, and almost anywhere else (read more about MANBA Ice Shaver and Snow Cone Machine on walmart.com).
The Details
This ice shaver is made of plastic with steel blades to crush up your ice. Coming in around 2 pounds, it is easy to simply store when not in use or take on the go when needed. The hand crank makes the manpower needed to manually crush ice easier than handle devices or tools. A suction cup base helps ensure your MANBA Ice Shaver and Snow Cone Machine won’t slip and slide all over the counter or bar during use.
This is a top manual hand crusher for home use, but it does come with some possible issues. The suction cup base is easy to attach to countertops, but it can be difficult to remove as there is no release mechanism. Some of the plastic pieces may experience early wear and tear with extensive daily use.
Video Review
Recommendation
We recommend the MANBA Ice Shaver and Snow Cone Machine for home use for most users. The fact that you can have crushed ice whenever you want it for drinks, platters, and more without the need for an electrical outlet makes it about as convenient as you can get. The lightweight and compact design are perfect for mobile use, camping, or traveling.
Pros
- Manual ice crusher that works easily for most users
- Light and compact design for easy storage and portability
- The device is easy to clean and care for after use
Cons
- Cannot handle large quantities of ice
- Plastic may be more susceptible to wear
- Not intended for extensive daily usage
Conclusion
There are plenty of great ice crushers on the market. To get the most bang for your buck, we recommend the VIVOHOME Electric Ice Crusher for almost every use, both home and commercial. You can easily crush up a large amount of ice in a short time with ease and not have to break the bank to do it.