Looking for a cotton candy machine? We researched and tested numerous models to compile the 7 best options for you!
By Siem
Did you know you can buy a cotton candy machine for your home? Ideal for a children’s party, of course. And did you know that you can make a profitable side income with a professional cotton candy machine without a large investment? What there is to buy in terms of cotton candy machines, and what is the best cotton candy machine that suits you, you will discover here.
Why a cotton candy machine is indispensable
If, like me, you have a daughter, you’ll find out soon enough that you need to buy a cotton candy machine. Sooner or later they come across one at a friend’s kid’s party. For a while I still tried to introduce alternatives. Popcorn flew straight out of the pan into the eye of daughter’s BFF and parents got a little angry when their children took the term chocolate fountain a little too literally. So now I have a cotton candy machine, which I don’t regret, by the way.
What is the best cotton candy machine for you?
As mentioned, there are sugar machines for home use and professional cotton candy machines. These range from very cheap to very expensive. You can get a mini cotton candy machine for as little as a few tens of dollars, while you can easily spend several hundred dollars for a professional cotton candy machine. How to choose the best cotton candy machine that fits your needs and possibilities, and which cotton candy machines are the best you can read here.
Our Top-7 of the best cotton candy machines
- The best cotton candy machine for home – Clatronic ZWM 3478 cotton candy maker
- The best buy cotton candy machine for home – Bestron cotton candy maker
- The best professional cotton candy machine – Royal Catering cotton candy maker cart
- The best buy professional cotton candy machine – Hendi Cotton Candy Maker Professional
- The best small cotton candy machine – United Entertainment Cotton Candy Maker
- The best retro cotton candy machine – Gadgy Cotton Candy Maker Retro
- The best cotton candy machine for children’s parties – Candyz Cotton Candy Maker
The best cotton candy machine for home
Clatronic ZWM 3478 cotton candy maker
With the Clatronic ZWM 3478 cotton candy maker, you can make the tastiest cotton candy at home. Ideal for children’s birthdays and other parties or just to treat your children (and adults too, of course) to cotton candy. A transparent splatter screen prevents the sticky sugar from flying around. The splatter screen and bowl can be washed in the dishwasher afterwards. The cotton candy maker has suction cups, so it stands firmly on your table or countertop. With the Clatronic ZWM 3478 in your home, you can imagine yourself at home at the carnival.
- Makes tasty cotton candy
- Splash screen prevents tampering
- Stable thanks to suction cups
- Parts can be put in dishwasher
- Includes measuring spoon and 10 sticks
- Only 1 mode
The best buy cotton candy machine for home
Bestron cotton candy machine
Making cotton candy with Bestron’s cotton candy machine always works. The Dutch family business is known for producing a wide range of affordable quality products and that includes their cotton candy machines. The machine works simply, so even children can get started with it. Cleaning is not a complicated job either. And most importantly, it is a good cotton candy machine, with which you can make best cotton candy. The included sugar (in two different flavors) and sticks ensure that you can get started right away.
- Quick to use
- Works easily
- Stands stably
- Easy to clean
- Sugar and sticks included
- Does get hot
The best professional cotton candy machine
Royal Catering cotton candy machine cart
This professional Royal Catering cotton candy machine has a chassis with large wheels, like those you see at the fair. You could take it to the fair yourself, or make children and adults happy with the best cotton candy at street parties and other events. Put a popcorn machine next to it and you are complete. The Royal Catering cotton candy machine has a power of 1,200 watts, which means that making a large-size cotton candy takes only 30 to 60 seconds. The temperature and also the spin speed are adjustable. The large splash screen protects your customers. The cart has storage space for accessories and ingredients.
- Temperature and speed adjustable
- Cotton candy finished quickly
- Large splash screen
- Mobile
- Storage space in undercarriage
- Large capacity
- Significant investment
The best buy professional cotton candy machine
Hendi Cotton Candy Maker Professional
Catering brand Hendi stands for affordable quality. If you want to make cotton candy in a professional way or on a large scale, then the Hendi Cotton Candy Maker Professional is definitely recommended. Think braderie, neighborhood or tail party, carnival or just a party with all your friends. You can disassemble the stainless steel bowl and it can go in the dishwasher. The unit stands firmly on a table thanks to rubber feet. The motor housing includes a storage drawer for accessories and ingredients.
- Stainless steel bowl and housing
- Bowl is removable
- 1,200 watts of power
- Storage space in engine house
- Includes stainless steel measuring spoon
- No splash screen
- Heavy device
The best small cotton candy machine
United Entertainment Cotton Candy Maker
If you are looking for a small machine to make cotton candy, check out this one from United Entertainment. With this cotton candy machine, kids can easily make their own cotton candy during a children’s party or empty party. A fun alternative to that eternal popcorn. Extra funny is the design like a real cotton candy cart. Suction cups under the legs ensure that the cotton candy maker still stands firmly on the countertop or table. Comes with a measuring spoon, 10 sticks and clear instructions.
- Compact cotton candy machine
- Funny design
- Stands stable
- Measuring spoon and sticks included
- Clear manual
- No splash screen
The best retro cotton candy machine
Gadgy Cotton Candy Maker Retro
There is something nostalgic about a cotton candy. The sweet smell of a cotton candy brings us back to our childhood, with memories of carnivals and amusement parks. With that comes a nostalgic design, like that of the Gadgy Cotton Candy Machine Retro. Surely such machines add something extra to a party. Moreover, with this Gadgy cotton candy machine you make just delicious cotton candy. You can use this cotton candy machine with regular or colored sugar, as well as hard candies. Handy is the splash edge that prevents flying sugar threads.
- Attractive retro appearance
- With splash edge
- Suitable for candies
- Easy to clean
- Stable thanks to suction cups
- Limited power
- Heats up quickly
The best cotton candy machine for children’s parties
Candyz Cotton Candy Maker
This cotton candy machine from Candyz is very compact, with a diameter of only 25 cm. Ideal for letting children make their own cotton candy. Simply give them each their own sugar and let them do their thing. Success guaranteed! Just be careful with how much you give, because all that sugar won’t calm them down.
- Very compact
- Cheerful colors
- Ideal for children’s party
- Nice as a gift
- Warms up slowly
Buying guide: what do you look for when buying a cotton candy machine?
If you are going to buy a cotton candy machine, it is wise to weigh several options. O right product to find you should answer the following questions for yourself:
- What is your budget? Small cotton candy machines are available for as little as a few dollars, while large, professional cotton candy machines can cost as much as five or six hundred euros.
- Are you looking for a cotton candy machine for your home or are you looking for a professional one? When making this choice, you have to ask yourself how much cotton candy you want to make at a time. At a neighborhood party you will need more capacity than at a birthday party with just friends and family.
- Do you care about appearance? Many cotton candy machines have a nostalgic look. Often they also come in pastel colors. Especially for children, the appearance of the cotton candy machine adds to the experience.
- Are there additional specifications important to you. Consider convenience, safety and sturdiness. For example, a lot of plastic in the housing is not wise because a cotton candy machine generates quite a lot of heat.
If you have the answers to these questions in view, then you can use our Top-7 to come to choosing the cotton candy machine that suits you best.
Conclusion: what is the best cotton candy machine for you?
In our opinion, the Clatronic ZWM 3478 cotton candy maker is the ideal cotton candy machine for your home. It is solid, looks good and is easy to use and clean. If you have a little less to spend, check out the Bestron cotton candy maker. We think the best cotton candy machine for professional use is the Royal Catering cotton candy cart. A cheaper alternative is the Hendi Cotton Candy Maker Professional.
Frequently asked questions
Still have questions about buying a cotton candy machine? Then feel free to contact us. To help you along, below are answers to questions we are often asked.
You put sugar, which can be ordinary granulated sugar, into a small centrifuge in the center of the vessel. The sugar is heated electronically and then breaks down into glucose and fructose. Because the centrifuge then starts spinning, the sugar is ejected through small holes in the centrifuge wall, out into the vessel. This forms very thin strands, which cannot crystallize because they cool very quickly. This creates the long strands, which are wound around a stick to form sugar candy.
Depending on the size, you will need 15 to 30 grams of sugar for a cotton candy.
Cotton candy can be stored in dry, airtight plastic bags with as little moisture and air as possible. A cotton candy cannot spoil, simply because sugar cannot spoil.
See our Top 7. Royal Catering, Hendi and Bestron are the best-known brands, but there are many manufacturers who make fine cotton candy machines.
Yes, that works just fine. Often a flavoring and/or coloring is added, though. This is how you get the pink cotton candy, for example, which tastes like strawberry. If you use granulated sugar, there is a chance that the centrifuge will get clogged and you will have to clean it. Therefore it is better to use special cotton candy sugar, which has slightly larger grains. You can buy that special sugar in jars.