Picture this: it’s a gorgeous summer day, the sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and you’re getting ready to set up an epic backyard BBQ with all your friends and family, complete with the best cotton candy machine you could find.
In fact, we’ll bet not one of your party guests will be able to turn down the offer to satisfy their sweet tooth! And the best part is that cotton candy also brings up a nostalgic feeling of your youth when your days were spent giddily running around the carnival or local fair.
All of the best cotton candy machines below are guaranteed to put a smile on your face and a giddy, childlike pep in your step!
Our Top Picks
Best Cotton Candy Machine Reviews
We chose our favorite 10 cotton candy machines both for home and commercial use and detailed them all below, take a look!
Cotton Candy Express Cotton Candy Machine
This cotton candy maker adds a bright, cheery pop of pink to any home. This small cotton candy machine is the perfect addition to your appliances, and quite possibly the most fun!
We love that this machine comes with everything you need to get started making delicious, sweet treats at home that will have you feeling like you’ve transported back in time to the days of fun at the county fair.
This kit includes an adorable pink cotton candy machine along with five flavors of candy floss, and 50 paper cotton candy cones– everything you need to get the party started. Each jar of included sugar is 11 ounces and can produce enough cotton candy for 20-30 servings each, so you’ll have plenty of sugar to make loads of tasty treats before you have to worry about buying additional floss.
It’s important to keep in mind that this is a small machine, so it may not be the best option for large-scale use. That said, it’s perfect for making treats for the family and even for a small group of people. This candy maker is very easy to use and features rubber grippers on the bottom so that it won’t slide around during use. Its small size and relatively affordable price make it a welcome addition to your home appliance stash.
PROS
- Cute, pink design
- Comes with five different sugar floss flavors
- Cones and measuring scoop included
- Compact space makes for easy storage
- Easy to operate
CONS
- Not suitable for large-scale use
- Doesn’t work well with superfine sugar
The Candery Cotton Candy Machine and Sugar Kit
Step right up and get ready to enjoy one of your favorite childhood treats right in the comfort of your own home! When it comes to small cotton candy machines that you can easily add to your home and pull out for parties, special events, or just because–this one from The Candery is a terrific option.
This lightweight, retro-inspired machine comes with everything you need to get the party started and bring home the sweet taste of summertime carnivals year-round. This kit includes three delicious flavors of candy floss, a sugar scoop, and 50 paper cones for easy, mess-free candy making.
It was designed to be functional and easy to use by anyone, as it takes only a few minutes for it to be ready to go. There aren’t any complicated instructions or special tools needed to, so no need to feel intimidated by a complicated piece of equipment.
This is one of the best cotton candy machines because it’s not only easy to use, but it is aesthetically pleasing and durable, too. Its base is made from stainless steel, the bowl is large and transparent for easy viewing, and there’s a protective safety shield included to avoid messes. Additionally, this unit is small, compact, and super quiet making it perfect for home use.
PROS
- Small, lightweight design
- Complete kit with everything you need to get started
- The safety shield is included
- Ultra-quiet motor
CONS
- It doesn’t have the capacity to produce massive cones
- It can be tricky to clean
VIVO Electric Commercial Cotton Candy Machine & Candy Floss Maker
Life just got a lot sweeter with this commercial-grade cotton candy maker. In fact, this is one of the best commercial cotton candy machine options out there, in our opinion. This model features an electric, 1080W motor that’s not just for commercial use, but for home use too. It can produce up to 2-3 servings of candy per minute, which means you can really crank out the fun for groups of all sizes.
Using this machine is quite simple; all you need to do is turn it on, give it about 5 minutes to warm up, toss in the sugar, and the machine will start spinning out the candy just as fast as you can wrap it up. There are two options for making your candy; you can use traditional flossing sugar or you can opt to use hard candy.
This model does not come with a plastic dome cover, however, VIVO sells them separately and it’s highly recommended that you buy one to go with it to prevent the sugar webs from flying all over. The machine is simple in design with an appealing pink color and easy-to-use operating buttons. Since this machine is rated for commercial use, it’s a bit larger than a home cotton candy machine, but it’s not so big that you wouldn’t be able to find a place to store it easily.
PROS
- Commercial-grade to serve dozens of people
- Heats up fast
- Simple, yet appealing design
- An included safety switch that won’t allow the machine to turn on without the bowl attached
CONS
- You need to purchase the plastic cover separately
- It’s more expensive than some other options
Click here to learn more on Amazon.
Nostalgia Candy Cotton Candy Maker
This small cotton candy machine from Nostalgia incites just that– a nostalgic feeling from happy youthful memories. We love the cute and cheery pink and white design as well as the simplicity of this machine. The retro-inspired design will take you back to the days of sock hops and record players. We also love that this model features a clear rim which makes watching how the cotton candy is made fun.
This model made our list of the best cotton candy machines partly due to its versatility. You have three different options for making cotton candy with this machine: flossing sugar, hard candies, or plain sugar. You can even use sugar-free candy which is perfect for enjoying your favorite treat without the guilt of consuming too much sugar. This machine really allows you to make a wide variety of tasty, unique confections.
It’s a great size for personal use, but it also has the capacity to make enough candy for the whole family or a small party. It heats up quickly, so you can be enjoying your tasty treat within just a few minutes. Perhaps one of the best parts of this cotton candy maker is that it’s very affordable, making it an easy appliance to add to your home’s arsenal.
PROS
- Clear rim makes it easy to watch the candy come to life
- Retro-inspired styling
- Versatile candy-making options
- Small size makes it great for home use
- Makes enough candy for a small group
CONS
- Takes up to 10 minutes to warm up
- It can take some time to figure out how to get the candy to form correctly
Click here to learn more on Amazon.
Great Northern Popcorn Junior Vortex Cotton Candy Machine Floss Maker
This Vortex cotton candy machine made our list as our top choice for a number of reasons. Whether you’re looking for a cotton candy machine to thrill a group of children at a party or you want one for yourself as a tasty indulgence, you can’t go wrong with this option from Vortex.
If you thought that making cotton candy yourself would take some level of mastery, think again. This machine makes it so simple to create your favorite sticky treat in just minutes. This machine will warm up and be ready to go in two minutes flat!
This model features a stainless steel kettle, belt-driven motor, and 1685-Watt heating elements which are industry-leading. Essentially, you’re getting the power of a full-size cotton candy machine packed into a package small enough for regular home use. Vortex includes a generously sized pan with this model, so no worries about not being able to make the giant candy you want with a home model. They include two spare belts should yours ever break. Additionally, they included rubber details that ensure the operation is whisper quiet and a safety switch that prevents the machine from turning on if the bowl is not attached. This helps to protect from damage and electrical surges.
We love the design of this model, from the pink base that screams fun to the easy to clean pan that pops off quickly and cleans simply. This machine is the perfect addition to your kitchen appliances as it’s small enough to store but functional enough to serve a crowd.
PROS
- Simple design and functionality
- Easy to clean
- Fun, pink color
- Small enough to store easily
- Industry-leading motor for efficient heating
CONS
- Not suitable for commercial use
Click here to learn more on Amazon.
Great Northern Popcorn Cotton Candy Machine Flufftastic Floss Maker Electric
If you’re looking for the best cotton candy making machine for your next party, this one should definitely be at the top of your list. This machine from Great Northern Popcorn is a commercial quality model that can crank out one cotton candy cone every 30 seconds!
This machine has a fun, yet old fashioned design that will have you reminiscing fondly on your childhood days spent at the carnival, movie theater, or ball game. But don’t let the old-fashioned design fool you, it features all the best candy making technology! From the industry-leading 1,000 Watt high-performance heating elements to the easy to clean stainless steel kettle, this machine has everything you need to impress people of all ages.
We love that this cotton candy machine includes a super long sugar scoop which makes placing sugar into the kettle super easy and avoids messy spillage. Also, the warm-up time is only about two minutes, so you can start serving up delicious, sweet treats within minutes.
Lastly, this model is very quiet, so if you plan to use it in your home, you don’t have to worry about an obnoxiously loud machine droning on. This candy machine is the perfect addition to any event that involves children, no matter what the size. You’ll be able to crank out cotton candy just as fast as they’ll eat it!
PROS
- Makes candy fast
- Commercial grade
- Easy to clean bowl
- Produces authentic tasting candy
CONS
- Plastic bubble cover must be purchased separately
- A bit pricey since it’s commercial grade
Click here to learn more on Amazon.
Paragon Classic Floss Cotton Candy Machine with Metal Bowl
This professional cotton candy machine comes in at the upper end of our options price-wise. But, if you’re interested in a cotton candy maker that’s powerful and suitable for long-term and extensive use, then this option is a great choice. It has several special features that make it a good choice for people who need to provide cotton candy to a crowd, quickly.
This model features a 1/12 hp motor that’s able to provide 3,400 RPMs of power, which means this machine can turn out cotton candy fast and with ease. Also, the motor is completely protected from sugar exposure which ensures that it will last a long time while also reducing the risk of complications.
Although this is a commercial-grade machine, it still manages to be simple to use by just about anyone. There are simple buttons that turn on the motor and heat as well as a knob that controls the heat setting. The heat setting knob allows for maximum floss production while maintaining the candy’s precision.
The design is no-nonsense so to speak with its all-metal construction. This is definitely the machine for those who care more about cranking out mass quantities of cotton candy than the fostering the nostalgic feelings that some of the more colorful, whimsical models offer.
PROS
- High-performance motor
- Very powerful and efficient
- Comes with a 3-year warranty
CONS
- Some users complained of slight sugar loss during operation
- Simple, plain design
Click here to learn more on Amazon.
Nostalgia Vintage Countertop Cotton Candy Maker
The Nostalgia PCM305 has the look and feel of the classic cotton candy makers that we all remember from our childhood but in a smaller version. The vintage design is reminiscent of the ones that used to line the pathways at carnivals, circuses, and movies. Aside from the adorable look of this machine, it’s also highly functional and perfect for those who are looking for a home cotton candy machine that won’t take up too much cabinet space.
This model is definitely not made to be used commercially, however, it can still make enough cotton candy to keep a small crowd both thrilled and satisfied. This machine has a clear rim so that you can watch as the magic happens, this is usually the best cotton candy machine for kids of all ages! There are several different options for making your candy. You can use traditional sugar floss, hard candy, or even sugar-free candy, making this a very versatile machine.
It’s simple to operate, so there’s no need to worry about reading lengthy directions or trying to recreate the wheel. Making the best cotton candy at home is as simple as turning the machine on, letting it warm up for a few minutes, adding in the candy, and watching as the candy comes to life. This makes an adorable addition to birthday parties, baby showers, themed events, and more–and its low price makes it a no brainer.
PROS
- Adorable, retro design
- Easy to use
- Clear lid to watch all the action
- Versatile candy options
CONS
- The unit takes a while to warm up
- It does not produce large candies
Click here to learn more on Amazon.
Funtime Candy Cloud Cotton Candy Machine with Mobile Wheeled Cart
One look at this cotton candy maker machine and you’ll be instantly transported back to the days when you used to line up at the cotton candy cart with your mouth watering. This machine is the epitome of cotton candy machines, it’s just like the ones you used to see back in the day!
This candy maker features a bright, fun design that also has an impressive list of features that make it the perfect addition to any party, festival, or another event. And the best part is that this model is actually more affordable than you would think. Having fun and enjoying sweet treats at your next party doesn’t need to cost an arm and a leg!
As far as features go, the most impressive thing about the FunTime Candy Cloud Machine is that it features a commercial-grade, 950 Watt spinner. This means that the machine heats up rapidly and can spin out and create a perfect cotton candy cone every 30 seconds or so, which makes it perfect for events with lots of hungry patrons who are eager to indulge their sweet tooth.
This machine is on wheels, so you can push it around and take it where you need it to go quite easily. Also, it features a stainless steel tray that’s perfect for stashing your cones, sugar, and everything else you need conveniently right on the cart. It’s adorable pink color coupled with the nostalgic design make it a beautiful addition to any party.
PROS
- Cart design for easy maneuvering
- Rapid heat-up
- Able to produce mass quantities of candy
- Included storage for candy-making materials
CONS
- You need to purchase a dome lid separately
- Large size makes it more difficult to store
Click here to learn more on Amazon.
VBENLEM Electric Candy Floss Maker
This professional cotton candy machine is a great option for both home and commercial use. The VBENLEM Electric Candy Floss Maker features 1,000 Watt max heating power and 30 Watt operating power and a belt-driven, high-performance motor. This means that you can expect this unit to heat up quickly and be able to produce large quantities of your favorite sticky treat in rapid fashion.
This candy cotton machine features an included bubble cover shield, which is convenient as many other models require that you purchase a shield separately (or deal with sugar floss all over).
We love that there are included safety designs–the large, 20” pan needs to be locked down on the base before the machine will turn on. Also, there are locking clips that help hold down the bowl during operation which makes it safer and also helps to minimize noise. So although this is a commercial-grade machine, it’s actually whisper-quiet.
There are three different color options to choose from; red, pink, or blue. This machine is not as whimsical as some of the other options, it gives off more of an industrial vibe. There’s a convenient drawer on the bottom where you can store all of your supplies right in one place. It’s a relatively large unit, which makes it perfect to use at parties or events, but not so great for home use.
PROS
- A commercial-grade motor that heats up quickly
- 3 color options to choose from
- Included drawer for storage
- Easy, precise controls
- Integrated safety measures
CONS
- The instructions are difficult to understand
- The unit and the plastic shield ship separately
Click here to learn more on Amazon.
Choosing the Best Cotton Candy Maker
Before you start looking for the perfect cotton candy machine of your very own, consider the following:
Commercial Vs Home
The first thing that you’ll want to consider is how you plan to use your cotton candy maker. There are commercial and home cotton candy makers to choose from.
Commercial models tend to be larger, more durable machines with larger motors and capacities over home models. Some commercial models are made to fit inside a cotton candy cart, too.
Home cotton candy machines, on the other hand, tend to be smaller, lighter and more compact. They also don’t have the capacity to spin out large quantities of candy at one time. These also tend to be more of a novelty than the commercial models.
Portability
Depending on how you plan to use your cotton candy machine, you may or may not need it to be easy to transport. If you’re planning to use your candy maker machine to sell cotton candy at a festival, you may want to buy one with a cart like this one.
As an added bonus, many of the small, home cotton candy machines are extremely portable and lightweight, too.
Care & Maintenance
While cotton candy machines are certainly fun (and tasty!) it’s important that you consider how you’ll keep it clean after each use. This is especially important if you plan to keep yours stored away for prolonged periods of time.
Most home machines can be cleaned with a cloth, hot water, and a little elbow grease. However, commercial models that see constant use may require that you purchase some specialized tools to keep it clean and functional.
Size
The size of your machine, or more particularly, the bowl, with determine how much cotton candy you can make at one time. For home models, you can probably get away with a small, compact candy maker.
However, if you plan to use yours commercially, you’ll want one that’s large enough to sustain the kind of output that you anticipate will be required.
How to Make Cotton Candy
Making cotton candy is easier than you ever thought possible, assuming you choose a great cotton candy machine.
Check out these step-by-step directions to make perfect cotton candy for a crowd:
- Gather your materials: your cotton candy machine, some sugar, and cones.
- Once you have your materials and your machine is heated up, add your flavored sugar to the middle of your cotton candy making machine.
- Next, you’ll twist the spinner head to evenly distribute the sugar.
- Then, turn on the motor and get ready to grab the cotton candy with a cone as soon as it starts spinning together.
- That’s it!
Now you’re ready to enjoy some delicious cotton candy!
FAQs About Cotton Candy Machines
Can you make sugar-free cotton candy?
Yes, you sure can! As long as your cotton candy maker is compatible with sugar-free hard candies.
How much does a cotton candy maker cost?
They cost anywhere from $25 to $300 depending on the size and whether or not it’s rated for commercial use.
Can you use regular sugar for cotton candy?
Yes! As long as your machine is capable of handling fine powder.
How much cotton candy will my machine make?
The amount of cotton candy that your machine will be able to make will depend on a variety of factors like whether or not it’s for commercial use, the size of the motor, and the size of the bowl.
Final Thoughts
Making your favorite sweet indulgence at home is easier than you imagined, especially when you have a great cotton candy maker.
This classic treat is the perfect addition to any party or event or even for personal indulgences at home.
Our list of the best cotton candy machine reviews features 10 of the best options available right now, we hope you find one that perfectly suits your intentions and brings you back to the good old days.
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