Best Cotton Candy Makers

Review & Comparison, Last Update December 30, 2023
If you adore cotton candy and look for a machine to prepare it at home, you can get one from our shortlist of the best candy makers ...Read more
PROS

This machine has a sturdy steel frame and large wheels, making it easy to move it around. The 3-bin storage drawer offers ample spacing for ready-made cotton candy. 

CONS

The instructions for the improved wheel assembly need to be updated.

OUR VERDICT

The OLDE MIDWAY cotton candy machine will be indispensable at a fair, festival, or just a children's party. The device has a powerful motor and cooks one serving in about 30 seconds after warming up.

detailed parameters
Type

Commercial / Home use

Power

950 W

Ingredients used

Pre-mixed commercial cotton candy floss, Homemade mix of floss concentrate and high-quality granulated sugar

Control

Power switch, Heat controller

Material

Premium grade steel housing, Stainless steel kettle

Conveniences

13" ball bearing wheels, Removable kettle, 3-bin storage drawer, Ingredient scoop, 2 extra motor drive belts included

Dimensions

37" x 36" x 20.5"

36 pounds

Safety features

4 clamps for kettle stability, Volt meter, Built-in-fuse, Stable feet

Warranty

90 days

PROS

This candy maker comes with 5 jars of 11 oz. flossing sugar in different flavors and 50 cardboard cones so you can start cooking right out of the box.

CONS

It's hard to clean out the sugar that's stuck under the floss head.

OUR VERDICT

The Cotton Candy Express CC1000-S is a compact equipment for home use that is very easy to operate. It will be appropriate for children's birthdays, as well as friendly meetups of teenagers and adults.

detailed parameters
Type

Home use

Power

360 W

Ingredients used

Hard candy, Sugar-free hard candy, Flossing sugar

Control

Power switch

Material

Plastic housing, Plastic kettle

Conveniences

11 oz. jars of Cherry, Grape, Blue Raspberry, Orange, and Pink Vanilla Floss Sugar, 50 paper cotton candy cones

Dimensions

Height: 16.5"

Bowl diameter: 13.5"

Weight: 9.87 pounds

Safety features

Suction cup feet, Rim guard

Warranty

1 year

PROS

The unit has a robust body with wheels and suction cups, which ensures there won't be any vibrations during cooking. 

CONS

It takes a relatively long time to warm up.

OUR VERDICT

The Nostalgia PCM306PK has a stylish vintage design and is reminiscent of early 1900s carnival vendor carts. It works quickly and fully disassembles for easy cleaning. The set includes a sugar scoop and two reusable cones.

detailed parameters
Type

Home use

Power

450 W

Ingredients used

Hard candy, Sugar-free hard candy, Flossing sugar

Control

Power switch

Material

Metal housing, Plastic bowl and rim

Conveniences

Removable kettle, Rim and extractor head, 2 wheels, Includes 2 reusable cones, 1 sugar scoop, and 1 extractor head

Dimensions

11" x 11.5" x 11.5"

4.4 pounds

Safety features

Suction cup feet, Rim guard

Warranty

1 year

PROS

The transparent rim not only allows you to see the process with your own eyes, but also acts as a protective cover. This device is ETL Approved and completely secure.

CONS

It is difficult to remove the extractor for cleaning.

OUR VERDICT

The Nostalgia Retro cotton candy maker will bring the festive carnival atmosphere right into your home. To make cotton candy, you'll only need hard candy or flossing sugar.

detailed parameters
Type

Home use

Power

450 W

Ingredients used

Hard candy, Sugar-free hard candy, Flossing sugar

Control

Power switch

Material

Plastic housing, Plastic bowl and rim

Conveniences

Removable kettle, Rim and extractor head, 2 wheels, Includes 2 reusable cones, 1 sugar scoop, and 1 extractor head

Dimensions

11" x 11.5" x 11.5"

5.3 pounds

Safety features

Suction cup feet, Rim guards, ETL Approved

Warranty

1 year

PROS

The pure copper motor and cooling chassis are durable, and the round heating tube heats up evenly so you always get the perfect product.

CONS

The white case machine body is not washable.

OUR VERDICT

Geohee cotton candy machine is a compact device that won't take up much countertop space. It's made of food grade plastic that is not harmful to health. The set includes a spoon and 10 bamboo skewers.

detailed parameters
Type

Home use

Power

~ 300 W

Ingredients used

Hard candy, Sugar-free hard candy, Flossing sugar

Control

Power switch

Material

Plastic housing, Plastic bowl and rim

Conveniences

Includes 1 spoon and 10 marshmallow bamboo skewers

Dimensions

Height: 7.09"

Bowl diameter: 10.24"

Weight: 3.85 pounds

Safety features

Suction cup feet, Rim guard

Warranty

Amazon's 30-day return policy

Happiness in the Making

Who doesn’t love cotton candies? Kids adore their bright colors and sugary taste, while grown-ups can relive some sentimental memories. The OLDE MIDWAY cotton candy machine is pure gold for families, parties, and festivals. It’s portable, mobile, and the candies are a real treat.

First of all, this is a commercial grade machine that goes far beyond the sluggish cheaper models. The bowl on top is large and made of stainless steel; it’s also detachable to ensure a convenient cleanup. The heating element is 950 watts for the 30-second cone preparation after warming up. And finally, the upgraded belt-driven motor keeps the machine going fast and well.

Using this handy device is a real no-brainer. You turn it on; let it heat up for 2-4 minutes; pour in the mixture; and quickly twirl the cotton candy. Everyone can do it, but make sure your little ones don’t touch the heated parts to avoid burns. Other than that, you’re welcome to share the magic with your family – and watch their happy, excited smiles.

OLDE MIDWAY comes with a handy 3-bin drawer for storing the produced candy. Not only does it look great, but you can also free your hands in the process.

Designed to Last

This metal machine is quality-made, so you won’t have to worry about a replacement any time soon. The front panel features a heat controller as well as volt meter to keep track of your candy making. The temperature controls are not extremely precise, which is why you’ll need to cool the machine off when running it for too long.

You can use OLDE MIDWAY indoors or outdoors by simply moving it around. The ball bearing wheels are 13", so no issues here. Note that you may want to use a cover while making candy in the kitchen, to protect your space from the accidental flying floss. As for the shape quality, the candy will be very neat and almost of a perfect, cloud-like shape.

This machine is easy to assemble following the manufacturer’s instructions. However, keep in mind that they need to be updated in the wheel assembly section. As soon as you’re done, OLDE MIDWAY will heat up in no time and reward you with the amazing sweet candy.

All in all, this cotton candy maker can be used for kids’ parties, church events and festivals, or even a watch party at your home as a substitute for a popcorn machine. Get OLDE MIDWAY for yourself – or make it a unique holiday gift.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B01MT23HLC

All You Need for a Party

The Cotton Candy Express gives you a complete set of elements to make candy in a lazy weekend fashion. This candy machine comes with a variety of floss sugars and a large supply of paper cones.

Every day can be a holiday if you have a cotton candy maker at home. Surprise your little ones with this amazing treat – or impress your guests at a garden party. All you need is a portable cotton candy maker, just like this model. You can easily place in on the table – and still have a lot of free space. A nice solution for home or apartment owners without too many storage options.

What’s really great about this offer is that every kid will get a chance to pick their own favorite flavor. Orange, grape, or pink vanilla, Cotton Candy Express will cater to the tastes of each party member. As for the adult guests, you can evoke their nostalgia with a special flavor from their childhood.

If you’re not a certified cotton candy professional, learning the entire process will take some trial and error. Follow the manufacturer’s directions, watch videos, or read up the reviews, and you should be good.

Comes With Good Supplies

This candy maker is designed in a simple way and can be assembled with no tools. Just put together the 4 pieces, and you’re ready to start. Moreover, the supplies that are included in the box are not a “tester”. You’ll be able to make tons of candy with this batch alone. Finally, a company that really cares about their customers.

Worried that the device will be a chore to clean? No, not at all. Unlike the popcorn machines, which can be a pure cleaning nightmare, this candy maker comes apart in a flash and will look brand new in just about 10 minutes. If you’re a real perfectionist, use a brush to clean out the most hard-to-reach spots. Otherwise, a good wash will take care of everything.

This 360-watt unit works like a clock, although you’ll probably need a cord extender if the plug is too far away from the kitchen table.

Cotton candy is so universal that it suits almost any occasion: a kid’s birthday party, a festival or holiday, even a cocktail hour for the adults. Use it once – and get ready for the raving feedback from everyone involved.

Summing up, your recipe for a party success will be to get this cotton candy maker for your home.

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B071ZQB94K

Makes Candy in Style

You don’t really need the big and bulky machines to make superb cotton candy at home. The Nostalgia vintage cotton candy maker is small, adorably stylish, and turns your favorite hard candy or floss sugar into a real treat.

Despite its small size, the retro-styled Nostalgia is more than operational. Thanks to an upscale extractor head, it works not only with floss sugar, but also with hard candy. Jolly ranchers, ring pops, lemon heads – you can use a wide variety of them, but be sure to read instructions and pick only those that are approved by the manufacturer.

There are only two steps to the delicious cotton candy with this machine. First, you’ll need to put 2 candies (or 1 sugar scoop) inside the extractor head. Next, turn on the machine and hold the cone over it to collect the candy. That’s it; even a child could do it with no problem.

Yes, this unit does take some time to heat up, which can be up to 10 minutes. Don’t cut corners and let it get hot enough for a perfect outcome. If everything is done right, your cotton candy will be pleasantly fluffy and rich with the flavor of your choice.

Watch the Magic Work

Want to see the candy making in full glory? Nostalgia has thought of that, adding a transparent rim that serves as a protection and lets you watch the entire process. A nice touch for kids and their eternal curiosity. The rim also safeguards your hands from the heat inside.

Don’t want to buy a huge supply of paper cones? Nostalgia offers you the two plastic reusable ones. Now you’ll always have a backup right there in the kitchen; simply wash and store them after use. By the way, one sugar scoop is also included in the box.

Although small, this machine is surprisingly stable thanks to the suction cup feet. They hold it firmly in place during use, keeping you safe at any moment.

Nostalgia cleans up well and doesn’t waste your time. Just disassemble it and use hot water to remove the sugar leftovers. The metal spinner is easily washable, as well as the plastic pieces.

You can use this handy and compact machine for almost any occasion. Kids’ parties, weddings, festivals, or just a welcome Friday evening break – anything goes.

As evident, the Nostalgia candy maker is your stylish and reliable source of delicious cotton candy at home.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B08C3LF6FK

Classic Design, Modern Sweetness

Flossing sugar or hard candy, the Nostalgia cotton candy maker will create your favorite treat on the level. It’s also stylishly designed, reminding you of vintage jukeboxes.

Let’s start with the fact that you’re not limited to the classic flossing sugar. The extractor head in this model also works with hard candy. Yes, it takes a bit more time since the candy is called “hard” for a reason, but you’ll be rewarded with the cotton candy of your personal favorite flavor. Isn’t it worth it?

Making candy with this device is a real breeze. You’ll need to warm up the unit first, which normally takes around 10 minutes. Don’t get impatient, as heating it up is important for the process. Next, add the flossing sugar or hard candy of your choice – and use the cone to form the perfectly fluffy cotton candy.

Nostalgia cares about your safety, offering a clear view rim guard. Now you can watch the candy in the making and not worry about accidental burns. Allow your kids to make some under your supervision, and they’ll be in awe. After all, cotton candy is for every age, and most of us have beautiful memories about this treat.

It’s All in the Box

Life is full of events, and we may sometimes forget a thing or two while prepping for a party. Too bad if paper cones for cotton candy are among them. That’s why Nostalgia includes 2 reusable plastic cones in the package. Less money wasting and more freedom when you can just wash and store them after use.

If you also don’t have a sugar scoop in your kitchen, there is one that comes with this candy maker. You can practically use the machine right outside the box with all the necessary tools.

Is this device easy to clean? The honest answer would be “yes” and “no”. You can clean it up in a few minutes after it cools down. However, it is difficult to remove the extractor head, and without doing that, you risk getting the machine wet. Other than this drawback, all sugar leftovers can be easily disposed of using water.

Thanks to the eye-catching retro design, Nostalgia will be an instant hit at the state or family holidays, summer festivals, or local folk concerts. Even if you want it all for yourself, it will make a fine addition to your kitchen décor.

Overall, this cotton candy maker is a turnkey solution for bringing some sweetness into your life.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B004XD8FFW

A Safe Candy Maker

Why leave the house and drive to the shop to get some cotton candy? The Geohee candy maker allows you to do it yourself, at home, and with minimum effort.

One of the obvious pros of this machine is that it’s safe and durable. The body is made of food grade PP material, keeping you and the family safer and healthier. As for the suction cup, it’s high quality silicone. No more excessive noise all through the kitchen, as the cup holds tightly to the table.

This portable yet powerful device can literally make cotton candy in minutes. You start by letting it heat up for about 60-90 seconds, which is pretty fast compared to some other models. Don’t skip this step if you want the very top results.

After the heat-up, turn off the machine and put in some sugar. Note that this machine works with dry white or rock sugar, but you mustn’t use powder sugar fudge. Finally, flick the switch again and start making the perfectly fluffy cotton candy.

As you can see, this candy maker offers one button operation, which is simple and fun. Try making this treat together with your kids – and easily win the Parent of the Year award.

Not Just the Machine

This device was made to last and bring you lots and lots of happy moments. The efficient pure copper motor; the round heating tube for the even heat spread; and reliable cooling chassis for boosted durability. Geohee doesn’t make much noise and has a shock absorption system.

When you get this candy maker, you receive not only the machine itself, but also one spoon, 10 bamboo skewers, and a manual. Be careful to read all the instructions and precaution measures before use.

Although the body of this device is not washable, you need to clean out any sugar residue if it falls on the heating pipe. Wipe it off in time because sugar cane may catch fire at high temperatures. You can also detach and wash the black iron plate as well as the colored removable plate. Just keep in mind not to unscrew, but rather pull up, the turntable can.

With the height of 7.09" and the bowl diameter of 10.24", Geohee can be easily stored in your cupboard – or proudly put on display during a party. You can use it any and every time, from weekend gatherings, to local festivals, to your kids’ birthdays.

In conclusion, the Geohee cotton candy machine will make a wonderful purchase or gift for a family.

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B09WK9R75W

Infographics


What Is a Cotton Candy Maker?

It is impossible to imagine a state fair, theme park, sports stadium, or carnival without cotton candies. Not only the taste but the whole process of candy floss making is an integral part of any feast. Just reminisce the moment when granulated sugar turns into airy and almost invisible strands of spun sugar and operator catches those sticky sweet threads by swirling a cone or sticking around a kettle and wrapping strands around it till a fluffy cloud of cotton candy is ready. If this flashback made your mouth water, you should definitely opt for a cotton candy maker and enjoy a fairy floss anytime you want at the comfort of your home. But how to choose the machine that would suit your personal needs? In our review, you'll find the best 5 models available on the market.

And don't forget about pepper-upper snow cones that will refresh you even at the hottest summer days and look through our review on shaved ice machines. Who knows? Maybe it is the very thing you have been looking for.

What Features to Compare

Type

Before purchasing a cotton candy machine, first things first, you should decide on the purposes of use. Depending on whether you're buying a cotton candy machine for home or commercial use, you should take a look at parameters such as power, efficiency and what ingredients it can be used with.

For home use, where you will only use it on special occassions such as family or friendly get-togethers, a candy maker with around 500 watts of output will suit your needs just fine. These models usually use ordinary granulated sugar or hard candies to make a portion of dessert.

In case you're planning to use your machine for commercial purposes, you'd be better off with models equipped with heavy-duty 1000-watt engines. Contrary to regular models, they make cotton candies from special flossing sugars or homemade mixes (floss concentrate plus granulated sugar).

Aside from that, there are "in-between" cotton candy makers suitable for both home and commercial use. You can also find machines that are capable of handling both sugar-free and sugar cotton candies, making them a great pick for people with dietary restrictions.

Conveniences

Such characteristics as controls, materials, and dimensions determine the unit's convenience and durability. Out of all, the size of a kettle where sugar strands are formed is about the most important - the bigger it is, the bigger the sugar clouds will be.

Most cotton candy makers have an on/off switch, while some of the more sophisticated models offer the option to adjust the kettle rotation and select the melting head heat temperature. For easy maintenance, it's recommended to opt for a machine that features a removable kettle and removable parts that constantly contact with sugar.

As regards the materials the cotton candy makers can be made of, stainless steel models are known to be more durable. On the other hand, they are also the most expensive ones, so if you're working on tight budget, you may want to consider plastic models.

Besides materials, commercial cotton candy makers differ from home counter top machines in size. Whether you're going to use your machine just for family dinners or to sell fairy floss at feasts, the availability of a cart is something to look for when choosing a product that best fits your needs.

Safety Features

Last but not least, candy floss makers' safety features are quite important, too. First things first, it's important to make sure that the unit is solid and stable, working smoothly without vibration - that's where rubber suction cup feet come in handy. Another important point of consideration is if the replaceable kettle fits the device perfectly (more often than not, manufacturers equip them with special clamps). Finally, make sure that a frame is robust and allows you to move the whole construction around safely.

Sources:

1. Cotton candy, Wikipedia.

2. Christine Venzon How Cotton Candy Works, HowStuffWorks.

3. Who Invented Cotton Candy? Wonderopolis.

4. How to Make Cotton Candy, WebstaurantStore. June 20, 2016.

5. Your Guide to Making Cotton Candy at Home, eBay. May 21, 2015.

6. Francis Keaveney How to Make Colored Sugar for a Cotton-Candy Machine, LEAF.

7. How to Make Flavor for Cotton Candy, eBay. May 21, 2015

8. Ashley Rose How to Make Spiked Cotton Candy! Sugar & Cloth. August 6, 2015.

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