10 Best Cotton Candy Machines in 2022 (Chef-Reviewed)

In addition to size, you'll want to consider the power of your machine. If you'll need cotton candy for a large amount of people fast, you'll want a machine that can meet those demands. For commercial use, consider using a higher-powered machine of up to 1,080 watts, which equates to about three cones per minute. 

On the other hand, if you only need a machine to provide for a smaller group, you might want a machine at a lower wattage. These will take longer to heat up and produce cotton candy, but are usually more compact and easy to store.

There are two main types of cotton candy machines. Countertop models and cart models have most of the same functions, but differ in a few important ways. 

As can be guessed from the name, countertop machines can be placed on a countertop or any flat surface. This model usually offers lower wattage, and you usually aren't able to store sugar, sticks, or any of your other cotton candy-making supplies in them. However, they are easier to stow away, and perfect if you're trying to provide candy for a small group.

Cart models, on the other hand, are machines that have legs or wheels attached. They typically have higher wattage and therefore faster performance. These are large and heavy, so they require a lot of storage room. However, the wheels help you move the cart from one place to another easily. Cart models also sometimes have more options and controls.

Basic cotton candy machines can only turn sugar into cotton candy. But, not just any sugar will do for a good, fluffy cone of fair-style cotton candy. Smaller cotton candy machines that are designed for home use can often only use certain kinds of sugar. Most come with formulated sugars specific to the machine, called floss sugar.

Floss sugar is a mix of granulated sugar and flossine, a finely-colored mix of dried dye and flavor. While it is possible to make your own floss sugar at home, a pre-bought mix already has the granule size and consistency needed for a perfect cone of cotton candy. 

Some sugars won't work with cotton candy machines. These include brown sugar, confectioner sugar, and caster sugar. The consistency or amount of moisture in these sugars simply doesn't produce good cotton candy. 

One of the first things you realize when eating cotton candy is how sticky your hands and mouth get. Imagine how gooey the machine that makes it can be! To save yourself from long, difficult cleanups after your cotton candy party, we recommend you look for machines that are easy to disassemble and wash. 

As far as ease of cleanup is concerned, reviewers have found that cotton candy machines with stainless steel bowls are far easier to wash than those made of plastic. If you do choose a cotton candy machine with a plastic bowl, be sure to use warm, soapy water and get every bit of dried candy from the walls. 

It can be helpful to keep an eye out for machines that come with extra accessories. For example, some sets will come with sugar and reusable cones.

Reusable cones or sticks are especially convenient for personal use, since you would be able to wash them and use them over and over. However, if you need a machine for commercial reasons or to feed a large group, this might not be as useful to you. 

Some cart-style machines come with holders for cotton candy cones, so as you finish making them you can keep them upright for people to take. This is an accessory that would be especially beneficial to those looking to use their cotton candy machine at large events. 

We've selected a list of cotton candy machines that includes commercial use, larger machines, and family-friendly compact designs. 

*Please note that these products were chosen after extensive research by mybest writers. The choices are not necessarily affiliated with or recommended by Jim Quast.

As good as your machine is, it’s not going to do you any good unless you know how to use it properly. Here are a few tips to get a delightfully fluffy cone.

The most important thing to have while making cotton candy is patience. Allow your machine to heat up for the amount of time written in the manual, or the cotton candy won't form correctly. 

Give the sugar some time to accumulate on the sides of the machine before you start trying to collect it with the cone. Once there’s a nice amount of cotton candy in the bowl, touch the paper cone to the cotton candy and slowly begin to rotate it in the opposite direction of the way it’s being spun.

It might seem tempting to just dump a bunch of sugar in the bowl while you're on a roll, but that will only lead to flying bits of sugar and a big mess. Most cotton candy machines come with a special spoon. For smaller, beginner-friendly machines especially, it's important to only use that spoon when you measure the sugar into the bowl. 

Adding more sugar than the machine is designed to take will lead to the aforementioned flying sugar. It might even break your machine! We recommend one spoonful of sugar at a time, especially if your machine wasn't intended for commercial use.

We also recommend that you don’t let too much sugar or hardened cotton candy accumulate on the sides of the bowl. If there’s too much, it’ll start to clump and re-crystallize. Feel free to take a break, clean the bowl a bit, and add more sugar as needed!

Along with reviewing our buying guide, JQ also answered a frequently asked question on the internet. Read below to see his insight!

Jim says, "Cotton candy was invented by a dentist named William Morrison, with the help of confectioner John C. Wharton. In 1897, they both designed and patented the electric candy machine, an invention that works pretty much like most modern cotton candy-machines. It was introduced in 1904 at the world's fair as fairy floss."

Cotton candy can be a part of another favorite summer treat! Check out this creative combination of cotton candy and ice cream by Food Cottage!

Ingredients 

• 17 oz. whipping cream 
• 3/4 cup condensed milk
• 20 g. blue cotton candy (or as desired)
• 20 g. pink cotton candy (or as desired)

Directions 

1. Beat whipping cream until soft peaks form.

2. Add condensed milk, continuing to beat the mixture until peaks stiffen.

3. Divide mixture into two separate bowls. 

4. Add one color of cotton candy into each bowl. Mix well.

5. Put the two mixtures into a freezer-friendly tupperware (mix or arrange them as desired, or keep them separate if you like!). Cover with plastic wrap and then put the lid on. 

6. Freeze for 4 to 6 hours, or overnight. 

Why stop at cotton candy? Fairs have so much food to offer, so should you. Check out our recommendations below for more festival fun.

For more amazing options, check out Amazon's best selling cotton candy makers.

Author: Jacqueline Oshiro

Updated by: Tara Grier

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