Rating:

I’ve had at least 4 ice shavers before this one, and this is the best. Requiring a special cylinder of ice is a pain because you have to have the molds prepared ahead of time, and the molds eventually crack. I’ve used Rival ice cube versions, but the normal one spits ice pieces everywhere, and the deluxe one does a little better, but it still overflows because the shavings collect in the middle and don’t spread out. Also, the lid warped in the dishwasher, so it was tough to turn on/off.

The Icy Treats Maker has none of those problems. I can make lots of shavings, and it’s really quiet. I haven’t decided which size shavings I like better (slushy v. snow cone). The only problem I have is jamming of ice in the chutes. My ice maker makes long, curved “cubes” that don’t flow down the chutes all the time. Regular rectangular cubes work much better, but I can either break my cubes in half or shake the machine when I hear it stop making noise.

Rating:

Great design;

- Large container for collecting the shaved ice (with auto-stir).

- Very few parts to clean, and they all go right into the dish-washer.

- Uses regular ice cubes right from the freezer.

- Two settings (slushies and snow cones).

Like most ice shavers, you’re going to have the occasional “jam”, but it’s quickly and easily taken care of. Not a big problem AT ALL! You can make enough shaved ice for two to three snow-cones in just a couple minutes.

If there was anything at all that I could see someone complaining about, it would be the noise. It does make a loud grinding noise as it shaves the ice. But hey, you’re GRINDING ICE… what do you expect?

The Hamilton Beach Icy Treats Maker has the appearance of a real kitchen appliance, while other ice shavers in the same price range seem more like “toys”. Keep in mind, this is an inexpensive device and isn’t perfect. However, I believe the overall operation, design and end result (great snow cones and slushies) make it MORE than worth the asking price!

A note about the type of ice cubes I have used. I simply make ice cubes in a standard tray in the freezer (regular old semi-square cubes). These work great! If your cubes don’t seem to work, you can pick up ice cube trays at most 99 cent stores, which might give better results. If you have really bad luck, and your cubes don’t seem to want to grind, try letting the cubes set in the machine for a few minutes before turning it on. Also, if it jams, try moving the “slushies” and “snow cones” knob back and forth while the machine is running. Sometimes that will free up any ice that has accumulated near the blade.

I’m thinking about creating a few cubes from soda, fruit drinks, etc. The shaved cubes will already be flavored (and I can mix different types together)!

Lots of fun to be had with this excellent product! Also, I’m sure it has to be a lot healthier to be eating snow-cones than ice cream!

JM

Rating:

I purchased two of these machines and had them running side by side in the classroom. I was able to make snow cones for 25-30 kids in 20 minutes. I love the cup/bowl that catches the ice. If you have leftover ice or want to make ahead, you can throw this bowl in the freezer to use the shaved ice later. Also the easy on/off on this machine is nice. If you put in ice that is the right size (some store bought ice is too big), then there shouldn’t be too much trouble with jamming. Once or twice I had to arrange the ice because a larger piece was stuck. I LOVE that most of this machine goes straight into the dishwasher! Also, seems very safe to me. The kindergarten class was running both machines and had no trouble!