Hamilton Beach Snowman Ice Shaver

I recommend that you freeze flavored water versus pouring the syrup on after the ice has been shaved - since the ice is shaved very finely, it tends to melt pretty quickly whenever something else is added to it. The added couple of tubs, although small, provide the best mold for ice shaving, and one can fill a regular-size bowl full of shavings (about 2-3 sno cones, depending on the size). You can create a little stockpile of ice molds from the tubs, and make quite a few snow cones for a weekend treat!

Overall, this is an awesome little home shaver, a great value for the price. If you're looking for a small ice shaver to satisfy a snow cone craving that makes excellent ice shavings for a small price, this is your product!


Ice Shaver at Christmas   December 26, 2003
 10 out of 10 found this review helpful

We got the Hamilton Ice Shaver for my parents for Christmas! They loved it! The motor is powerful yet quiet, and it sure beats the hand crank model my parents had before. It is easy to operate, just drop the ice block in the top, close the lid and push the button. It makes great, finely shaved ice with no mess and hardly any work at all. It could not be easier!


Snowman Ice Shaver   May 16, 2003
 63 out of 65 found this review helpful

I bought this machine before any description or reviews were posted and hoped for the best. I was pleasantly surprised in what this machine can do. One trick to this machine though, is to definately freeze the liquid that you want to use in the machine first. Conveniently, this shaver comes with two round freezing containers which fit the shaver compartment exactly. I have tried shaving just plain ice first and then adding liquids, but because this machine generates snow, the snow tends to melt before you get a chance to enjoy it. If you freeze it first, the snow cones last a long time and are much better. All that you have to do is put ice into the shaving compartment and push down on the top. You do not have to push for very long or very hard and the entire ice block will be shaved. If you are looking for a manual snow cone machine, I would highly recommend this one as an inexpensive, reliable candidate.


Great little ice shaver!   March 21, 2003
 45 out of 47 found this review helpful

It's very quick and easy to use! Just plug it in, put the ice in the holder (which has one sharp blade), set the top on it, and press down. It takes less than a minute to make a bowl full of fine-textured ice. The texture is closer to snow than the little ice balls you get with a lot of snow shavers. The molds have lids, so you can stack them in the freezer. It's easy to clean the ice holder and molds, but to clean the top part (which holds the motor) you must remove a bolt and wash the bolt and a metal disc by hand. It's quieter than your average blender crushing ice. I love cold treats, and this is perfect for that-- a bowl of shaved ice with a little fruit juice poured over it is VERY refreshing!