Nowadays, kakigori machine is widely used in almost every household in Japan.
Kakigori is the most popular dessert in Japan.
Thus, everybody wants to have a machine to help them make it at home instead of waiting in the long lines at stores on the hot summer days.
If you are wanting to buy a kakigori ice shaver but still do not know which one to choose, this article is for you!
We have a lot of information about this popular dessert, from its origin to how to make the best homemade kakigori.
Let’s take a look with us!
The Top-Rated Kakigori Machines (Recommendation)
#1. HAWAIIAN SHAVED ICE AND SNOW CONE MACHINE– TOP PICK
#2. DOSHINA ELECTRIC FULL SCALE ICE CRUSHER– TRADITIONAL JAPANESE MACHINE
#3. MANBA ICE SHAVER– CONVENIENT CHOICE
#4. VIVO HOME ELECTRIC DUAL BLADES ICE CRUSHER– MULTI PURPOSE MACHINE
#5. GREAT NORTHERN PREMIUM QUALITY ICE CUB MACHINE – COMMERCIAL CHOICE
#7. LITTLE SNOWIE MAX SNOW CONE MACHINE
Related:
- Best Japanese Wood Chisels for Woodworking
- Best Japanese Pull Saw Brand (TOP 5) – Complete Guide
- What Is The Best Japanese Noren Door Curtain?
- Best Yakitori Grill (TOP 6) & Ultimate Guideline
What Is Kakigori?
Hot summer weather makes people feel tired and exhausted.
They most likely don’t know how to deal with it, thus, they come up with some solutions as soon as possible and relax!
That is the reason why many people love eating kakigori in summer.
Kakigori is a classic Japanese shaved ice dessert that has a lot of flavors, such as strawberry, melon, lemon, cherry, blue raspberry, Japanese citrus, sweet plum, grape syrups, etc.
Kakigori is incredibly soft, light, and fluffy.
It melts in the tongue like freshly fallen snow.
Some popular toppings are condensed milk, mochi, green tea, ice cream, sweetened red beans.
Besides, there are various types of kakigori available now in Japan. Here are the 3 most common ones:
1. Matcha kakigori:
Matcha, sweetened red beans and condensed milk are the three main ingredients of this common cold dessert.
It has a Japanese traditional taste.
Thus a lot of people still prefer this original one.
2. Ujikintori kakigori:
Ujikintoki is another form of matcha kakigori.
It is also served with matcha green tea and red beans, sometimes with rice mochi balls.
Its name is combined with two words: Uji – a town in Kyoto that produces high quality Japanese green tea.
The other one is Sakata Kintoki, a famous red-faced folk hero, because of the red beans.
Source: gurunavi.com
3. Shirokuma kakigori:
This dessert is famous for Kagoshima in southern Japan.
Condensed milk, fruit, red bean paste, and flavored jelly are all included.
The toppings are occasionally put on the shaved ice in the shape of a bear’s face, as “Shiro Kuma” means “polar bear” in Japanese.
Shirokuma-style kakigori has become so popular in Japan that a commercial version can now be found in the freezer section of most Japanese convenience stores.
Source: gurunavi.com
History of Kakigori
The history of Japan kakigori is very old.
It is said to have already existed in the Heian period around the 11th century.
At that time, people used to cut ice with a knife into a metal bowl and eaten with sweet flavors from honey or some types of vines and ivy, with golden syrup on top.
It was also told as a luxury dessert because it was made of natural ice formed during the coldest period of winter, which was stored in icehouses.
Kakigori in the old times was a luxury available only to the Heian rich families.
Normal people could not afford it.
It was in the Meiji period around the 19th century that kakigori finally became popular with the general public.
Over 1200 years have passed since the Heian period and nowadays, kakigori has become a popular Japanese sweets.
All generations love it, especially during the summer.
How To Make Kakigori At Home?
Traditionally, kakigori is a homemade dessert.
Almost all Japanese households have a crusher.
However, some families are losing interest in buying one since they believe it is better to buy from the stores outside.
It is very easy to make this dessert at home, anyone can try to do it.
All you need is your best kakigori machine, recipes, cups, spoons, flavors, and toppings.
This dessert will impress your guests in the summer as well.
Three basic steps are:
- Firstly, you need to prepare the syrups and toppings you want to eat.
- Secondly, you shave with an ice machine.
- Finally, you add fruit syrup and other toppings to the shaved ice bowl. Then serve it right away to cool down and say goodbye to the summer heat for a while.
Best Kakigori Machines Shortlist (Updated List)
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can be changed
Best Kakigori Machine: Which One To Choose?
#1. HAWAIIAN SHAVED ICE AND SNOW CONE MACHINE– TOP PICK
See Latest Price
Key features:
- Compact size: 5.5 x 8 x 12 inches
- Weight: 3 pounds
- Simple to use
- Adjustable blade
- Electrical: 120 V, 55 W, 60 Hz
After comparing all the available items, we chose the Hawaiian Shaved Ice Machine as our top pick as the best kakigori machine.
This is a super all around machine that provides exceptional value for money.
It is simple to use and produces beautifully soft, fluffy shaved ice and free of gritty particles.
The more you use it, the more you gain a better feeling of how to make the best quality snow for each serving.
Despite the fact that it is labeled to not use for kids, we think they have no issue using it.
Even though we have “professional” machines that cost a lot more, we love this tiny small machine, and it’s the one we use the most.
Pros:
- Adjustable blade
- Fine ice texture, perfect for kakigori
- Compact size
- Easy to use
- Easy to clean up
Cons:
- Small ice molds
- Only shave small servings at a time
- Not work with the ice cubs from the freeze
#2. DOSHINA ELECTRIC FULL SCALE ICE CRUSHER– TRADITIONAL JAPANESE MACHINE
See Latest Price
Key features:
- Size: 230 x 190 x 390 mm
- Weight: 1.3 kg
- Electrical: 100 V, 50/60 Hz, 18 W
- Accessories: 2 ice cups with lid, Japanese instruction manual
The Doshina Ice Crusher is an excellent alternative if you are looking for an electric shaver with a traditional appearance.
It comes at a cheap price that feels very strong and durable.
This is a good option to consider because it is a high-quality product that performs effectively.
It constantly produces perfect shaved snow as well.
Without spending too much money, this product is the closest you can get to authentic kakigori dessert.
In addition, it is compact and lightweight as well, so that is something to keep in mind.
This is the machine for you if you run a low-volume shave stand.
Moreover, if you want to make some cool desserts for your family, this machine is an ideal product.
Pros:
- Traditional appearance with electrical power
- Make fine and powdery snow
- Lightweight
Cons:
- The light weight makes it not as substantial as expected
- The blades can be replaced
#3. MANBA ICE SHAVER– CONVENIENT CHOICE
See Latest Price
Key features:
- Size: 7.28 x 5.1 x 7.87 inches
- Weight: 1.65 pounds
- 3 stainless steel blades
- Accessories: 1 ice cube mold
This manual crusher is convenient and portable.
Therefore, it is the best kakigori machine option to take to parties, the beach, the park, or wherever else you would like to enjoy refreshing shaved ice.
Moreover, it is also easy to store thanks to the small size.
However, the finish it makes is quite rough, you may have to repeat many times to get the smooth result you want.
We suggest it for people who just want an ice bowl once in a while for one or two individuals because it requires a lot of spinning.
Furthermore, many Amazon reviewers told that the handle is quite unstable, so that’s something to keep in mind.
Pros:
- Compact and portable
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- 3 blades for quick shaving
Cons:
- No customization
- Rough and big size snow
#4. VIVO HOME ELECTRIC DUAL BLADES ICE CRUSHER– MULTI PURPOSE MACHINE
See Latest Price
Key features:
- Size: 16.1 x 9.3 x 12.4 inches
- Weight: 9.2 pounds
- Electrical: 110 V, 300 W, 50/60 Hz
- Crushing capacity: 143 pounds per hour
This modern crusher will quickly transform ice cubes into tasty desserts, making it an excellent option for any cold dessert.
It is heavy and has a solid which brings a well-constructed feel to it.
Because the ice it creates is slightly crunchier than the traditional Hawaiian shaved dish, it’s a better choice for snow cones rather than an authentic Hawaiian one.
On the positive side, it works fast and can produce a lot of ice in a short time.
This product has a lot of positive Amazon comments.
Thus, you do not have to worry about its quality.
Pros:
- Works quick
- Makes great fluffy snow
- Strong and sturdy
- Can work with big ice blocks
Cons:
- Water leaks from the base
- Produces bad metal smell to the result
#5. GREAT NORTHERN PREMIUM QUALITY ICE CUB MACHINE – COMMERCIAL CHOICE
See Latest Price
Key features:
- Size: 15 x 12 x 30.5 inches
- Weight: 39.2 pounds
- Premium finish with brass and stainless steel construction
- Blades can be replaced
- 1-year warranty
This machine can work with 6 pounds of ice each minute thanks to the commercial heavy-duty motor.
It has handholds on the back and sides for easier carrying, has two power switches for additional safety.
Moreover, it also has a safety enclosure that keeps the water blocks from breaking or shaking.
Additionally, the stainless steel blades are interchangeable and adjustable.
Therefore, you can use it for both fine or rough finish.
This model has a lot of positive reviews on Amazon.
However, one disadvantage is that it is quite tall and weighs 39.2 pounds.
As a result, you will either need a lot of empty space to store and use it.
Pros:
- Design is utilized for commercial use
- Fully adjustable blades
- Can shave big ice block
- Strong engine
Cons:
- Big and heavy
- Easy to break
#6. DELUXE SHAVE ICE MAKER
See Latest Price
Key features:
- Size: 9.4 x 8.1 x 8 inches
- Weight: 1.7 pounds
- Hand powered, no need for batteries or electricity
- Can work with both mold cubes and regular ice cubes
- Adjustable blades
- Compact and portable design
This shaver machine is the cheapest best kakigori machine choice we reviewed.
But it is fully manual, so it will not be as fast as the electric models.
However, if you want something you can carry with you wherever you go, this is a terrific alternative.
All you need is a cooler, some ice, and some syrup to make a great shaved dessert anywhere you go with this device!
When you pull this bad boy out, you will be the envy of every other beachgoer.
When you pull it out of the box, it is largely composed of plastic and appears frail, but it is actually rather strong once you start using it.
Because it takes a lot of effort to shave ice with this one, we do not recommend it for very young children.
Pros:
- Cheap price
- Does not need a power supply
- Solid and durable
Cons:
- Need much effort to use
- Sharp blades, dangerous to kids
- Does not make ice soft and quick like the electrical ones
#7. LITTLE SNOWIE MAX SNOW CONE MACHINE
See Latest Price
Key features:
- Size: 16.81 x 13.74 x 8.35 inches
- Weight: 10.58 pounds
- Full accessories: 6 flavor powder sticks (makes 6 liquid syrup flavors), 2 Snowie souvenir cups, 2 mixing bottles with pour spouts, 8 Snowie reusable shovel spoons, a drip pan
- Safe blades
- Strong motor
Instead of using blocks of ice frozen in a mold, this machine creates mounds of soft fluffy perfection using cubes from your freezer (or purchased from a store).
This is helpful because it avoids the need to remember to freeze ice the night before.
Some shavers that use ice cubes rather than blocks produce big crunchy snow, however, that is not the case with this unit.
Because the shaving motion is so quick, it’s ideal for quickly generating a lot of shave ice at a time.
Some commercial stores even use it.
Pros:
- Heavy and big
- Includes full snow cone kit
- Put safety first: Only operate when the lid is fully pressed down
- Make perfect fluffy snow
Cons:
- Hard to use
- Stop working suddenly
How To Keep Your Kakigori Machine Clean?
To entirely clean your machine, mix vinegar and water solution in a spray bottle.
Spray the shaving plate, chamber, and chute to ensure there is no residue of ice or sugar.
Never dip it in water, and don’t use soap on it.
When cleaning around the blade and the dispensing chute, use extreme caution.
Always disconnect the machine and allow it to cool down before cleaning it.
Best Kakigori Machine: Buying Guideline
Before you start buying your right crusher machine, here are some of the most important features we think you should consider:
1. Adjustable blades
This feature refers to if the shaving blade can be changed to generate a thinner or more forceful shaving motion or not.
Consequently, your ice will not be a perfect texture if the ice machine’s blades are not adjusted properly.
2. Texture
Here, we are talking about the softness of the ice.
Some machines produce chunkier ice, similar to a snow cone.
While others imply lighter ice, suitable for Hawaiian shave ice or Japanese kakigori.
Therefore, you have to choose machines that fit your need to give the best result.
3. Warranty plan
Choosing a manufacturer that has a clear warranty is always preferable.
Keep in mind that if you buy items online from a site like Amazon, you should be better of dealing with their customer support than the manufacturer directly if you have a warranty issue.
4. Power supply
Traditional kakigori ice maker is handled by hand.
However, nowadays, there are a lot of electrical options available on the market.
Although hand-operated shave machines are not as fast as the electric ones and need more effort to use, they are a great choice when you do not have electricity.
5. Size
Ice makers are available in various sizes, from a countertop appliance to a standalone cart with wheels for festivals and parties.
What you’re planning to use the machine for, how frequently you plan to use it, and how much space you have to store it when it’s not in use are all important considerations.
If you want something to take to the parties, something portable might be the right choice.
If you just want something that can shave ice or if you’re tight on space, something more compact, like a manual snow cone maker, would be a better option.
6. Block or cube shaver
This shows whether the machine will use normal small cubes or blocks frozen in a mold.
A block shaver is used to make Hawaiian shaved ice, and these devices provide the fluffiest ice.
On the other hand, cube shavers function well with any cube, including the ones you bought at stores.
7. Speed
In general, a fast machine is better.
But it also depends on how many ices you need to make and how quickly you want them.
Any speed is ok if you are only making these for one or two people.
Moreover, speed sometimes depends on how its blades are adjusted.
Best Kakigori Machine: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Are The Differences Between Kakigori Vs. Bingsu?
The syrup and yogurt added the greatest flavor to the kakigori, meanwhile, the bingsu has a lot of toppings. The ice also has completely different textures.
Kakigori ice looks like fresh snow.
On the other hand, bingsu is even softer, like powder or dried coconut.
2. How To Make Kakigori Syrup?
This is the classic kiwi syrup receipt. You will need:
- A kiwi
- A tablespoon of lemon juice
- 130g sugar
- Heat the sugar and 1 cup of water in a pan over low heat. Set aside to cool while you make the snow.
- Scoop out your kiwi and chop it as finely as you can. Combine the kiwi, sugar syrup, and a pinch of lemon juice in a mixing dish. As much as possible, mush it up.
- Pour the fruit syrup over your shaved snow and enjoy.
For another skilled syrup, follow the recipe in this video:
3. Can I Put Frozen Fruit In A Kakigori Ice Machine?
No, please do not put anything else in the machine.
It is made to work with justice.
You can freeze the fruit in the snow or use fruit as a topping.
However, we do not recommend you to use fruit with the kakigori machine.
In addition, even when it works, it will be very hard to clean.
4. Is Kakigori Is Healthier Than Ice Cream?
Although it looks healthier, it is not.
Kakigori is made with refined sugar, artificial tastes, and also artificial colors that are not the healthy option.
However, they are still low in calories in comparison to ice cream or frozen yogurt.
5. Does Kakigori Syrup Have To Be Refrigerated?
It is not necessary to keep them refrigerated.
Otherwise, we recommend keeping syrups at room temperature and out of direct sunlight to maximize their shelf life.
Conclusion
Nothing can beat a cool kakigori bowl on hot summer days.
However, to have the best result, do not forget to buy a good shaver.
It must have sharp blades and strong construction, to make sure that you have the best dessert without waiting for too long or taking too much time to clean up.
HAWAIIAN SHAVED ICE AND SNOW CONE MACHINE is our top suggestion if you still do not know which one to choose. This machine is one of the best sellers on Amazon.
Moreover, it has also gained a lot of positive comments, which ensures high quality.
You do not want to spend much money on an ice maker? DELUXE SHAVE ICE MAKER may be the option you are looking for.
It is cheap, only about $15, but works well.
Nevertheless, you have to operate it by hand.
We hope you can pick the best kakigori machine after reading this article. Keep in mind our buying guide to have a suitable purchase!
Further Reading:
