Commercial shaved ice machines from Gold Medal turn ice into the soft, snow-like texture that holds syrup, which is what sets shave ice and New Orleans snoballs apart from crunchy snow cones. Popcorn Supply Company carries both styles of ice shaver. The 1087 Olde New Orleans shaves solid ice blocks, and the BluBear shaves cube ice. Both run on a standard 120V outlet, and we stock the molds, hopper extensions, and foot switches to complete the station.
Block vs. Cube Ice Shavers
Gold Medal 1087 Olde New Orleans Block Ice Shaver – Planes snow off a 5" x 5" x 12" ice block with a three-blade head, producing the finest, fluffiest texture for high-volume snoball stands, parks, and stadiums. It's stainless steel, 120V/1440 W, and includes a block ice mold, drain kit, and dipper.
Gold Medal BluBear Ice Shaver #2747-00-100 – Shaves bagged cube ice, or block ice broken into 2–3" pieces, so there are no blocks to freeze. An adjustable knob sets fine or coarse texture, and an attached foot switch leaves both hands free. It's a 13"-wide countertop unit, 120V/840 W, with a 3 lb hopper (12 lb with the 2748-00-100 extension).
Shaved Ice Equipment & Accessories
Ice Block Molds (1487) – Freeze 5" x 5" x 12" blocks for the 1087. Each mold includes 10 bags.
Foot Switch (1008) – Hands-free plug-through pedal for Gold Medal shave ice machines (not needed for the BluBear).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best commercial shaved ice machine? It depends on your ice supply. Block ice shavers like the Gold Medal 1087 produce the finest New Orleans snoball texture, but you have to freeze blocks ahead. Cube ice shavers like the BluBear use bagged cube ice from any store, which is easier for mobile stands and restaurants. Both plug into a standard 120V outlet.
What's the difference between shaved ice and a snow cone? Shaved ice is planed into thin, snow-like flakes that absorb syrup all the way through. Snow cones use crushed ice with larger granules, so the syrup tends to pool at the bottom. Shaved ice machines are on this page; for crushed-ice snow cone machines, see our snow cone machines.
What else do I need to sell shaved ice? Plan for flavor concentrate or ready-to-use syrup, cups or cones, spoon straws, a syrup station or pump bottles, and an ice scoop. Block shavers also need ice molds and freezer space. Cube shavers run best with a hopper extension when you're serving long lines.
The Gold Medal BluBear ice shaver turns cube ice into fine flakes or coarser ice with adjustable texture settings and an attached foot switch. cULus Listed, UL Classified EPH.
Increase production - Increase your profits! The acrylic BluBear ice hopper extension increases total hopper capacity to approximately 12 lbs for fewer refills.
Gold Medal 1087 stainless block ice shaver that turns 5" x 5" x 12" ice blocks into fine New Orleans snoball snow. Includes mold, drain kit, and dipper.
