Image: MomJunction Design Team
It is hard to find cotton candy street vendors who holler at all the kids in the neighborhood. But, fret not because all you have to do is personalize that experience for your child by buying one of the best cotton candy machines.
Cotton candy machines are available in various sizes, including huge and heavy-performing machines for your business or compact-sized portable ones that you can display at home. Imagine the joy it will bring to your children during birthday parties. Keep scrolling as we list the best options that you can find online.
Top Picks
11 Best Cotton Candy Machines
1. Best Easy-To-Operate Design:Nostalgia PCM805 Cotton Candy Machine
Whether it is a summer evening party or your child’s birthday party, this retro-style Nostalgia cotton candy machine can help you make yummy cotton candy as a sweet treat. Made with plastic and metal, the machine is easy to operate. It is also equipped with a rim guard to keep the cotton candy within the machine and has a single-switch mechanism. Check out this reviewer’s video to learn more about the product’s usefulness.
Pros
- Suction cup for extra stability
- Disassembles easily
- Includes two reusable cones, one sugar scoop, and one extractor head
- Can use cotton candy flossing sugar and any hard candy
Cons
- May not be easy to clean
- May be slightly noisy
"The cotton candy maker brings a touch of nostalgia with its vintage look. While it requires a warm-up period before use and some practice to perfect the technique, it has served me well."
Did You Know?2. Best Space-Saving:The Candery Cotton Candy Machine
Image: The Candery Looking for a compact and portable cotton candy machine? The Candery cotton candy machine, with its vintage design, is easy-to-assemble and its operating mechanism might just be what you need. This attractive colorful cotton candy machine is going to add more charm to your kitchen decor. Watch this product testing video to get a detailed review of this cotton candy machine.
Pros
- Includes 50 paper cones for sticky-free tasting
- Available in three delicious flavors
- Easy to assemble and operate
- Comes with a rim-guard and stable feet
- Kosher-certified
Cons
- May not be easy to clean
3. Best Adjustable Speeds:Vevor Electric Cotton Candy Machine
Image: Vevor Vevor’s electric cotton candy machine is a good choice for anyone looking for a reliable cotton candy maker. It features a large 19.7-inch stainless steel bowl, 1050W heavy-duty motor, and a temperature control knob to produce large batches of delicious cotton candy. Moreover, its non-stick surfaces, adjustable speeds, and locking clip design make it easy to customize the cotton candy shapes.
Pros
- Has a LED temperature display
- Has a non-slip base
- Rust- and corrosion-proof bowl
- Includes a storage box
Cons
- May not come with an instructional manual
- May not be easy to clean
"My kids have enjoyed all the cotton candy I've been whipping up with this one. Setting it up is a breeze, and cleaning it is just as uncomplicated."
Nostalgia PCM805 Cotton Candy Machine | The Candery Cotton Candy Machine | Vevor Electric Cotton Candy Machine | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 5.3 pounds | - | 21.9 pounds |
| Dimensions | 11 x 11 x 12 inches | - | 19.7 x 19.7 x 16.9 inches |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 3,122 | - | 65 |
| Price | $57.74 | $75.99 | $153.99 |
4. Best High-Capacity Machine:Vivo Pink Electric Commercial Cotton Candy Machine
Image: Vivo 
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product boasts 1,386 reviews on Amazon, and many buyers have said they would purchase the product again.
This high-capacity cotton candy machine has a powerful 1030W motor and produces two to three servings of cotton candy per minute. It could be one of the best dome-style cotton candy machines for carnivals or any commercial-scale production.
Pros
- Large, 20in stainless steel bowl with sugar scoop
- Can be used to melt both granulated sugar and hard candies
- Includes a one-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Easy to set up and disassemble for cleaning
Cons
- Drive belt may not be highly durable
- May not be compatible with organic sugars
"It has impressed me with its ease of use and maintainance. My kids love it as it brings their carnival favorite right to the house. I wish it had a dome or a lid to reduce the mess, but still, I'm not complaining."
Do remember5. Best Family-Friendly:The Candery Premium Cotton Candy Machine
Image: The Candery With this quiet operation cotton candy machine, you and your children can have fun making cotton candy at home in simple steps and almost soundlessly. Several reviews on online platforms indicate that it is easy to operate and needs just one scoop of flossing sugar in the floss applicator to make candy. Run the machine and collect the cotton candy by rotating the candy cones.
Pros
- Convenient to clean
- Lightweight and quiet
- Has a rim guard and a stable base
- Contains a stainless steel bowl
Cons
- May not be very easy to use
- Heating element may be too hot
"This cotton candy machine has been a fun addition to our kitchen. From our experience, it's built to last and has been perfect for our movie nights when the little ones crave something sweet."
6. Best Stainless Steel Bowl:Great Northern Popcorn Junior Vortex Cotton Candy Machine
If you have a big family or are hosting a big party, this countertop cotton candy maker might come in handy. It comes with a stainless steel bowl that is 20.5in in diameter and can make one cotton candy cone per 30 seconds.
Pros
- Features a Volt display, a 1,685W powerful motor, and a safety power switch
- Belt-driven performance motor with two spare belts
- Rubber grommets installed reduce vibration and sound
- Warms up quickly
Cons
- Not suitable for children
"The machine makes cotton candy in no time and is easy to clean. We've used it for a couple of large gatherings, and it has handled the demands of an excited crowd without a hitch. The spun sugar gets messy, though, and I wish it came with a dome."
7. Best Mess Prevention:Vbenlem Electric Commercial Cotton Candy Machine
This commercial-grade cotton candy machine warms up in two minutes, as it contains 1000W heating power and 30W operating power. It comes with a 21in food-grade stainless steel bowl and an attached cover to avoid mess.
Pros
- Even-heating aluminum sugar outlet
- Control panel contains voltage meter, fuse, temperature controller
- Drawer to store raw materials
- Anti-skid rubber feet and clips
Cons
- Instruction manual may be hard to follow
- May seem complicated to use
8. Best Lightweight:Amav Toys Cotton Candy Party Building Kit
Bring the fun of a carnival into your home with this easy-to-operate retro cotton candy machine. It has a funky design and comes with a suction cup to ensure stability. It is compact and measures 4.9 x 13.3 x 11.3in. The kit is also lightweight, at just 2lb, and highly portable.
Pros
- Regular sugar can also be used besides candy flossing sugar and candy
- Has a protective, safety rim
- Recommended for children aged eight years and above
- Includes two reusable cones, one sugar scoop, and one extractor head
Cons
- Operation may feel slow to some
- Suitable for making only small-sized cotton candies
9. Best For Festive Events:Olde Midway Commercial Quality Cotton Candy Machine
Image: Olde Midway Loved by reviewers, this cart-style cotton candy machine is great for carnivals and birthday parties and is easy to operate. The control panel contains a power switch, heat controller, and a voltmeter. All you need to do is preheat the cart-style machine, pour the sugar into the outlet, and start collecting cotton candy from the large stainless steel bowl.
Pros
- Easy-to-move wheels
- Includes a 950W heating element and a belt-driven motor with two extra motor belts
- Three bin storage drawers and ingredients scoop
- Produces one cotton candy express every 30 seconds
Cons
- Requires regular cleaning
- Temperature control may seem dicey
"While it's been a hit in our home for creating quick, tasty treats, this cotton candy machine does require regular cleaning, which is a bit incovenient. Still, it is easy to use, even for a novice like me, and has held up well after multiple uses."
10. Best For Large Family:Nurxiovo Commercial Cotton Candy Machine
This large bowl cotton candy machine comes with a high-performance motor, making it stands out among the other available ones in the market. It can be a great addition to parties, game rooms, wedding receptions, or large family gatherings.
Pros
- 3000 rotations per minute
- Can produce one cotton candy every seven to eight seconds
- Includes storage space, and a large drawer
- A fuse to prevent accidents due to power fluctuations
- Can use sugar, hard candy, or sugar-free candy
- 1050-watt heating power
- Has a safety latch
Cons
- May not be durable
11. Best Portable:J-Jati Cotton Candy Maker
Image: J-jati The sugar-free cotton candy machine comes in super handy to make fluffy and colorful cotton candy. The mini cotton candy machine has a compact design and is portable.
Pros
- Lightweight and quiet operation
- Simple design with a stable base and safety rim
- Easy to clean
- Includes cotton candy cones and a measuring scoop
Cons
- Spot to fill sugar may feel small
- Switch may not be durable
How To Choose The Right Cotton Candy Machine?
A cotton candy machine is a one-time investment, so consider the following aspects while buying one.
- Purpose: Why do you want the machine? Is it to make a few cotton candy cones for your children at home or to produce them on a commercial scale? There are separate machines for both, so choose the one that might suit your purpose.
- Safety: Next, look for the safety aspects of the machine. If you would like your kids to use the machine under your supervision, then choose one that has a safety rim and can be switched off with a single switch.
- Cleaning: A cotton candy machine needs to be cleaned regularly as the melted sugar gets stuck in it. So, choose one that disassembles quickly and is easy to clean.
- Materials: As the cotton candy machine operates on heat, it is best to pick one that has a stainless steel bowl, or one that is made of BPA-free plastic.
- Compatibility: Some machines need flossing sugar to make cotton candy, while for some machines, you can use hard candy or regular sugar. It is best to choose the latter as you may not need to buy the flossed sugar separately.
Heather Johnson (Food Hussy), a food blogger and winner of Guy’s Grocery Games in August 2022, suggests, “If you plan to use it only a few times a year, you may consider a budget-friendly and compact model that is easy to store.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long do cotton candy machines last?
Cotton candy machines can last for a few years if you follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using the device. However, due to the difference in the size of motors, commercial and small-scale candy machines can last for different periods.
2. Are cotton candy machines messy?
The cotton candy machine may not create a mess, but the device or surface that the cotton candy falls on can become messy and sticky due to the presence of sugar.
3. How often should I clean my cotton candy maker?
You can wash the cotton candy maker after every use or once a week to avoid any hard sugar build-up in the machine. You can disassemble the parts and clean by wiping them or soaking them in warm water to melt any sugar residue.
4. How long does it take for the cotton candy machine to get hot?
The average heating time for a professional cotton candy machine is between two and ten minutes. But, the heating time can vary based on the device’s size and the amount of candy it can make.
The Bottom Line
If you are planning a party for children, the best cotton candy machine can give your children a fun treat by making instant cotton candy. Whether you are making cotton candy commercially or in the comfort of your home, you might want to choose an option that is durable, easy to store and assemble, and simple to operate, like the Candery Cotton Candy Machine. Another one of our favorites is the Great Northern Popcorn Junior Vortex Cotton Candy Machine, which has a large capacity suitable for larger parties and events. The Olde Midway Commercial Quality Cotton Candy Machine also stands out for its ample storage and maneuverability. Avoid those machines that may be prone to rust, contain BPA, and may not keep the candy within the machine.
Infographic: How To Use A Cotton Candy Machine?
Cotton candy machines come in different shapes and sizes to produce perfect-looking sweet candy floss. A compact candy floss machine is easy to use and can sweeten your child’s birthday or other celebrations. Follow the infographic to learn how to use a candy machine. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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Why Trust MomJunction?
Making cotton candies at home can be a joyful experience for you and your child. But, with a huge variety at your disposal, finding the right one can get tricky. Understanding this, our in-house writer Wedetso Chirhah brings you a well-sorted list of the best cotton candy machines based on trustworthy customer reviews and ratings. This article mentions the distinctive features of some of the most convenient, portable cotton candy machines suitable for home use in a reader-friendly manner. It also highlights some of the vital aspects that you must consider when buying a cotton candy machine.
