12 Best Cotton Candy Machines In 2023: Reviews & Buying Guide
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Cotton candy is usually a carnival treat you occasionally have, but it doesn't have to be that way. Sweet tooths can satisfy their cravings with a cotton candy machine at home. So if you're keen on trying out a new kitchen tool to play around with, we've listed the best cotton candy machines readily available online.
Our Top Picks
 
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Best Overall - VIVO Electric Commercial Cotton Candy Machine• 20-inch stainless steel bowl, sugar scoop, and clear bubble shield |
Best Extra Features - Clevr Large Commercial Cotton Candy Machine• Thick and fluffy spins |
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Best Compact - Cotton Candy Express Cotton Candy Machine• Suction cup base |
1. VIVO Electric Commercial Cotton Candy Machine - Best Overall
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What Customers Have To Say
"Best floss maker on the market!!!" according to an Amazon customer who bought the pink unit. They liked the dome that comes with the cotton candy machine, making it a seamless flossing experience. Another buyer said it was "great value for money" due to its easy cleaning and reliable functionality.
Why We Think It's Great
Cotton candy lovers will get great value with superb features from VIVO. Its electric commercial cotton candy machine is easy to disassemble for cleaning, and the motor power is high-performing at 1,030W that churn out 2-3 servings per minute.
The strong motor power does cause the machine to shake a lot, but it can create floss with superb flavor. If users have doubts, they are entitled to a year-long warranty to check on the machine's parts properly. Add-ons include a 20-inch stainless steel bowl, sugar scoop, and a clear bubble shield.
Who Should Buy It
VIVO's electric cotton candy machine is an excellent purchase for party throwers and event planners. It's a piece of fun equipment for kids' birthday parties, which many amateur event coordinators will appreciate.
2. Paragon Classic Cotton Candy Machine - Most Professional
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What Customers Have To Say
A customer who spent their money on the Paragon Classic Cotton Candy Machine thought it was "working like a champion" to set up a stall in an outdoor farmers' market. This candy floss machine was also relatively easy to maintain with no mess after use.
Why We Think It's Great
Paragon's classic unit is on our list of the best cotton candy machines for its durable commercial use. It's made with 12-gauge stainless steel, which comes with an aluminized cabinet and roll-top bubble material.
Despite a steep price point, this cotton candy maker’s highlight is its clogging resistance and hassle-free maintenance. It has a 1/12 horsepower motor, which brings ease and consistency in producing up to 200 cotton candy cones per hour.
Who Should Buy It
This cotton candy machine is ideal for those who plan to sell cotton candy at huge events. It's an excellent option for those who wish to make some serious cash selling some sweet treats.
3. Nostalgia CLCM8AQ Classic Retro Cotton Candy Machine
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What Customers Have To Say
Happy customers recommended Nostalgia’s Classic Retro Cotton Candy Machine for its quality and swift performance. It was an excellent purchase for a shopper who enjoyed its easy maintenance and clean-up. It didn’t take long to heat up and produced fluffy cloud-sized cotton candy.
According to another customer, it was an “awesome little machine.” They enjoyed its portable size, speed, and performance, which produced flavorful cotton candy in minutes.
Why We Think It's Great
The Nostalgia Classic Retro is one of the best cotton candy machines for its user-friendliness and speedy performance. Best for families and small gatherings, this cotton candy maker is for compact use at home. It yields large and fluffy cotton candy for a couple of people in a matter of minutes.
In terms of sturdiness, shaking and holding the base still is unnecessary since the suction cup base keeps it still on your countertop. It may not be the best for hard candy, but using sugar floss produces the best results. It doesn’t stick to the bowl’s sides, making it easy to clean after the machine cools down.
Who Should Buy It
The Nostalgia Classic Retro Hard Cotton Candy Machine is a great family purchase for those who live with kids and adults with a sweet tooth. You can also use it to enjoy a fluffy and delicious treat on Sundays.
4. Clevr Commercial Cotton Candy Machine - Best Extra Features
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What Customers Have To Say
Amazon shoppers appreciated Clevr’s cotton candy machine for its reliable quality and durable build. "Party superstar," according to one customer who liked the consistency it held during their party. Plus, it was straightforward to operate and clean.
Why We Think It's Great
This best cotton candy machine is affordable with its powerful 1080W motor power. It works fast and can produce about 2-4 servings per minute of thick and fluffy cotton candy that everyone will enjoy.
This unit’s highlight is its safety feature, preventing injury by not turning on without adequately securing the bowl. However, best not to leave the machine alone since it might overheat. Not to mention, it also comes with a few add-ons, such as three bin storage drawers, a stainless steel scoop, and extra motor drive belts.
Who Should Buy It
We recommend this commercial cotton candy maker to sellers and hobbyists who would like to introduce their product in small-scaled events like fairs and birthday parties.
5. Secura Cotton Candy Machine
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What Customers Have To Say
Customers were happy with the Secura cotton candy maker because it makes for a fun family activity. Another buyer said the machine was excellent and had an effective yield of fluffy and sugary cotton candy.
Why We Think It's Great
Another addition to our list of the best cotton candy machine is Secura's compact variant. It boasts a colorful design that comes in pink and white stripes, which kids will adore. When it comes to cleaning, we like the ease of disassembling that allowed us to clean every unit’s crevice conveniently.
It has an on-and-off switch and a clear lid to cover the dome. This feature is an added protection for those making cotton candy with kids around. The only downside is that it produces small batches of candy at a time, not the best for large crowds and long lines.
Who Should Buy It
This compact cotton candy maker is ideal for those who wish to make cotton candy at home. Secura's cotton candy maker also makes a great party treat for birthdays and themed events.
6. Cotton Candy Express Cotton Candy Machine
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What Customers Have To Say
Many happy customers liked this cotton candy maker for its functionality. "Cotton candy for the fam," said one user who found the machine quite versatile since any candy doesn’t clog the device, like hard candy and even cocoa powder. It's a well-liked product worth every penny.
Why We Think It's Great
Cotton Candy Express' cotton candy machine is a compact unit for kitchen use. It's built with a suction cup base to make it sturdy while operating. The design is one thing that we liked the most because it looks simple but pops in light pink.
Not to mention, this cotton candy maker comes with extra features that compliment the unit, such as a transparent cover for protection, eight striped cones for serving, and a matching light pink scooper. An on and off button helps avoid unnecessary operations, while the plastic cover lessens the mess.
Who Should Buy It
The Candy Express cotton candy machine would make a perfect gift to sweet tooths and those who enjoy anything pink! It's visually appealing and is easy and safe to use.
7. Olde Midway Commercial Quality Cotton Candy Machine
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What Customers Have To Say
Customers were generally delighted with the Olde Midway Commercial Quality Cotton Candy Machine, which offers quick production and a fast heating mechanism. A buyer thought it was a "sweet product” and was easy to operate from start to finish.
Why We Think It's Great
This is one of the best commercial cotton candy machines because of its quick production and seamless operation. It weighs almost 50 lbs and features a mobile cart with three-bin storage drawers and a set of wheels for convenient transport to events and parties.
When it comes to motor power, this machine is quiet with a belt-driven 950W performance-grade motor. Making whirls of poofy cotton candy for the kids is no sweat with this machine, and it only takes 10 to 30 seconds to create a cotton candy cone!
Installation is also not a complex task since it comes with an instruction manual that will guide first-time users to operate it from start to finish. Not to mention, it comes with two extra motor drive belts for quick replacements.
Who Should Buy It
The Olde Midway Commercial Quality Cotton Candy Machine is an ideal purchase for event companies or those who wish to sell ample supplies of cotton candy professionally in gatherings and special occasions. It is also perfect for people who value utmost convenience when transporting the machine.
8. VBLENLEM Electric Candy Floss Maker
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What Customers Have To Say
Buyers thought that this cotton candy machine was ideal for professional use. Its heavy-duty quality made it efficient to serve multiple people with flavorful and fluffy cotton candy. In terms of clean-up, one customer said it was rather convenient to maintain and rid the excess sugar off the bowl's rims.
Why We Think It's Great
We enjoyed this best cotton candy machine because of its extensive build. It offers you commercial functionality with a food-grade stainless steel bowl and locking clips that help secure the body in place.
VBLENLEM's electric candy floss maker features up to 1000W of heating power and 30W operating power to create flavorful flossy candy. The machine only takes a few minutes to warm up before you can start twirling and swirling the sugar.
Who Should Buy It
We highly recommend this cotton candy maker to cotton candy sellers and theme party planners.
9. BELLA 13572 Cotton Candy Maker - Best Budget
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What Customers Have To Say
The Bella 13572 Cotton Candy Maker is an affordable option many customers truly enjoyed. According to one buyer, it was "Fast and Fun!" They liked how big the cotton candy machine is, not to mention setting up the device only took five minutes. Other customers appreciated the inexpensive price point, accompanied by extraordinary quality and performance.
Why We Think It's Great
For less than $50, enthusiasts can make their cotton floss at home with Bella's cotton candy machine, which offers versatility and convenience. The set-up and clean-up are hassle-free, and it only takes less than five minutes to get the machine working. It also has a suction cup base to hold the device still during operation.
The plastic cover keeps everyone safe from splatting sugar. The bowl is dishwasher safe and is detachable from the base without too much force exerted. The design is also fun and comes with red and white stripes for an existing carnival theme.
Who Should Buy It
The Bella 13572 cotton candy maker is a budget-friendly option for those looking for a party accessory for small gatherings.
10. Nostalgia PCM805PNK Countertop Cotton Candy Maker
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What Customers Have To Say
The Nostalgia Retro Hard Free Candy Maker is another crowd-favorite by cotton candy lovers. A satisfied customer said it was “lots of fun” and got it for his son’s birthday, which he and other kids in the neighborhood enjoyed during his birthday party.
Another buyer loved the cotton candy machine’s consistency which ran for an hour. Trying out several other flavors was very enjoyable, and cleaning up was hassle-free, ready for the next sugar rush.
Why We Think It's Great
We liked another model by Nostalgia because of its variety and reliable quality. Their PCM805PNK Retro Hard Free Candy Maker is here to compete, with a compact design made from stainless steel for durability.
The best thing about this candy floss maker is its quick warm-up feature which doesn’t take long, a max of five minutes before you can start pouring in your favorite candies. This cotton candy machine works with many types of sweets, from flossing sugar, hard candies to sugar-free candies.
At 5 lbs, it’s not hard to carry and relatively easy to move around. Not to mention, the design is genuinely nostalgic and brings you back to the retro eighties with the design’s charming aesthetic. A sugar scoop and two reusable cones are included with the unit for a complete starter set that kids and adults alike will love.
Who Should Buy It
This compact cotton candy maker by Nostalgia is a must-buy for your friends and family who love sweets. It would also make a great gift to your nieces and nephews who enjoy fun activities.
11. Nostalgia Vintage Countertop Cotton Candy Maker - Best Design
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What Customers Have To Say
Customers loved Nostalgia's Vintage Countertop Cotton Candy Maker for its design and portability. According to a customer, it was a "Fun product, works great!" They were a cotton candy lover and appreciated the efficiency of the machine. 
Why We Think It's Great
We enjoyed the Nostalgia Cotton Candy Machine for its sheer ease of use and fun aesthetic, boasting a reminiscent carnival theme with its bold pink, white, and gold colors. This is one of the kid-friendly options since it comes with a plastic cover to protect the user while spinning floss.
The bowl is made of plastic but operating the whole cotton candy maker is straightforward and works quickly without damaging the bowl. The unit is built with a suction cup at the base to provide extra stability on your countertop. It also comes with a sugar scooper and two reusable cones.
Who Should Buy It
Ideal for families and groups who host many themed birthdays or Halloween parties. This best cotton candy machine would also be a fun little treat to bring over to your nephews and nieces to enjoy.
12. The Candery Premium Cotton Candy Machine
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What Customers Have To Say
People who spent money on the Candery Premium Cotton Candy Machine were generally pleased with their purchase. The unit proved to be "very useful and practical," according to one customer. They were delighted with the product's consistency, where they were able to make cotton candy for two hours straight without any clogging or disruption.
Why We Think It's Great
We enjoyed Candery Premium's cotton candy maker for its high-quality construction and design. The base is made with stainless steel, and the machine comes with an attached plastic protective shield that you can push back and forth.
The base has four suction cups to help stabilize the body on any countertop. The motor is also quiet when making candy floss, making it ideal for those who live in small spaces and have thin walls. One con is that it tends to emit a smokey smell when left on for a long time, so it is best to watch over it while floss is slowly forming to avoid burning sugar.
Who Should Buy It
The Candery Premium Cotton Candy Machine is perfect for home use and is recommended for families who enjoy making sweet treats for kids. It's also an excellent party treat for small gatherings and neighborhood events.
Best Cotton Candy Machine Buying Guide
Here are several factors you need to consider before paying good money for a good quality cotton candy machine:
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Size
There are two main types of cotton candy machines: compact or cart style. Compact style cotton candy machines are more suitable for kitchen use and serve a handful of people at home. It's less space-consuming and more affordable.
On the other hand, mobile cart cotton candy makers are best for large crowds since it yields big batches and requires more storage space for maintenance. These machines are best for business purposes.
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Power
Depending on the type of cotton candy maker, the power wattage varies. Commercial machines provide up to 1000 watts of churning power, generating four or more cones per minute.
Smaller cotton candy makers offer about 400 watts. They can only produce smaller capacities, and warming up the machine may take a bit longer. Nevertheless, it is best to think about how much electricity the unit consumes for a seamless cotton candy experience.
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Servings
Suppose you're a party planner or want to sell cotton candy in fairs and carnivals; thus, it is best to invest in a commercial cotton candy machine. This cotton candy maker is more suitable for larger crowds and gatherings since it works five times faster than a compact cotton candy maker.
For smaller groups or family gatherings, a compact cotton candy machine is a more economical option because it can produce two to three servings at a time.
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Speed
You should make and eat cotton candy fast, so speed is an inherent factor to think about if you're planning to sell or enjoy this sweet puffy goodness.
Read the product description and take a look at how much cotton candy the machine can whip up in a minute. Some commercial units can generate two to three servings in one pour of sugar with a 1,080-watt moto power.
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Construction
Like other kitchen appliances, cotton candy machines are also made with numerous types of materials. Some manufacturers use plastic for the frame for compact styles, while others utilize metal for both the structure and the motor for longevity and durability.
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Accessories
Add-ons are always a significant part of a deal. It's ideal to look for cotton candy makers that offer accessories like a bubble top for protection, cones, dessert recipes, and even other raw materials.
Depending on which type of unit you decide to buy, these bonus accessories are always great to use, especially if it's your first time buying a cotton candy machine.
Cotton Candy Machine FAQ
1. What is the best cotton candy machine?
The best cotton candy machine for us is the VIVO Electric Commercial Cotton Candy Maker because it gives first-time buyers great value and superb features. Some of which include a strong motor power and a year-long warranty. Plus, it comes with a stainless steel bowl and a clear bubble shield for added protection.
2. What do I need for a cotton candy machine?
To make cotton candy, you'll need floss or cotton candy mix and a cone to twirl it out of the machine. Letting the candy floss run into fluffy colorful cloud signals that it’s done and ready to serve.
3. What is the difference between cotton candy and candy floss?
There is no difference, except where it is made. In North America, this sweet treat is popularly called cotton candy. Whereas it is known as cotton floss in England, India, and South Africa. In Australia and New Zealand, people call it sugar candy or fairy floss.
4. Do I need a federal license to sell cotton candy?
It depends on where you're selling it. A federal license is unnecessary in the US, but local and state permits are necessary to sell cotton candy in small gatherings like state fairs, carnivals, and other events. Cotton candy businesses must carry a seller's permit and a business license to prove safety and legitimacy.
5. Can you make cotton candy without a cotton candy machine?
Yes, hand-spun cotton candy exists. Making cotton candy without the machine is more time-consuming and a bit messier, but it is possible with the right tools and ingredients.
Some include sugar, corn syrup, water, salt, food coloring, oil, flavoring, parchment paper, a heat-safe bowl, and a candy thermometer. The basic hand motion is to spin the formed sugar strands until it forms a ball.
Conclusion
Cotton candy doesn't have to be just a childhood favorite or something you have in a county fair. Now, you can enjoy this weekend treat with your loved ones using the best cotton candy machines.
We recommend the VIVO Electric Commercial Cotton Candy Machine, which offers excellent value for money, easy maintenance, and extra safety features to avoid accidents while making candy floss.
You can also consider the Candery Premium Cotton Candy Machine. It boasts quiet and easy operation, which doesn’t require warm-up before producing flavorful cotton candy. It comes with 10 candy cones and a sugar scoop for those looking for a complete starter set.
Do you have a memorable cotton candy experience? Share your thoughts in the comments.