The 4 Best Cotton Candy Machines

If you're looking for a fun way to spend time together as a family, consider getting a cotton candy machine. These machines spin floss sugar into fluffy cotton candy. Many kids enjoy sitting and watching the machine in action. Most have a clear lid or an open top so everyone can clearly see what's going on. It won't take long at all, and the sugar will transform into ready to eat cotton candy. If you're ready to make this delicious circus treat at home, here are five of the best cotton candy machines you can purchase.

Nostalgia PCM405RETRORED Countertop Cotton Candy Maker

Turn Hard Candies into Cotton Candy

With this cotton candy machine, you can turn flossing sugar and hard candy into fluffy cotton candy.

Best Overall

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This cotton candy machine won’t take up a ton of space on your counter. It’s very compact, the base is 11.5-inches by 11.5-inches by 11.5-inches. The bowl on top sticks out a bit further. The retro design will add old-fashioned charm to your kitchen. There’s a clear rim guard all the way around the top. This keeps spinning sugar from getting flung around your room. It also provides visibility. The unit comes with two reusable cotton candy cones, a sugar scoop, and an extractor head. When you’re ready to make cotton candy, you’ll need to warm the machine up. Then, you add two pieces of candy or a scoop of sugar into the extractor head. With a simple flip of the switch, you turn the power on and start collecting cotton candy on a cone. The whole process is quick. When you’re finished making cotton candy, the unit disassembles to make clean up easy.

Pros

Simple to use
Can turn hard candy into cotton candy
Budget friendly

Cons

Makes small batches, so not great for a party

The Candery Cotton Candy Machine

Ultra Quiet Motor

This unit runs without making a lot of noise thanks to the quiet motor.

Runner Up

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You’ll be turning flossing sugar into cotton candy in no time with this cotton candy machine. It’s simple to set up on a countertop or table. Measuring in at 12-inches by 10-inches by 8-inches, this machine won’t take up a lot of space in your home. There’s a protective safety shield around the top, to help keep curious fingers away from the spinning action. The ultra quiet motor spins the sugar without bombarding your home with operating noise. The stainless steel base is really durable, and the bowl firmly attaches to it. Before making your treat, please let the machine heat up for ten minutes. Then you add the sugar or hard candies, and turn it on. This cotton candy machine comes with ten cotton candy cones and a sugar scoop.

Pros

Quiet during use
Easy to assemble
Transparent safety shield

Cons

Takes a long time (10 minutes) to heat up

VIVO Electric Commercial Cotton Candy Machine (CANDY-KIT-1)

Makes a lot of Cotton Candy

With a large bowl and powerful motor, you can create several servings of cotton candy in minutes.

Best Commercial Grade

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Do you need a lot of cotton candy for a party? Instead of getting a home model, consider investing in this commercial grade unit. It costs more, but the results are incredible. The large stainless steel bowl is 20-inches in diameter. It holds a lot more sugar than smaller units, enough to spin up two to three servings per minute. The machine takes about five minutes to preheat before use. There is a protective bubble shield included with this model. The machine will work without this, but it will keep debris from getting into your sugar and help contain the mess. The machine comes apart for cleaning. This set also includes a sugar scoop, manual, and spare parts kit. It works on 110V/60 Hz power.

Pros

Can make a lot of cotton candy
Only takes five minutes to preheat
Protective bubble shield

Cons

Sugar gets built up on the head, so you have to completely take it apart for cleaning between uses

Cotton Candy Express CC1000-S Cotton Candy Machine with Sugar Pack

Comes with Everything You Need

This cotton candy machine set comes with sugar and cones so you can make a batch right away.

Most Complete Kit

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This cotton candy machine comes ready to use, and even includes the flossing sugar you need. You’ll receive the machine, 50 cotton candy cones, and five 11-ounce jars of flavored sugar. The included sugar flavors are cherry, orange, grape, blue raspberry, and pink vanilla. Each jar produces 20-30 small to medium servings of candy, since you need just a teaspoon to make a good-sized ball. This machine is a little larger, measuring in at 16.5-inches by 7.5-inches by 13.5-inches. For best results, you may need to wash the machine between uses. Otherwise, the sugar will stick to the inside and your cone won’t be beautiful. The instruction book is very clear.

Pros

Comes with sugar
Easy to operate
Simple to take apart for cleaning

Cons

Takes a lot of practice to get pretty cones

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any kind of sugar in my cotton candy machines?

The sugar you use in cotton candy machines is finer than regular granulated sugar. Regular sugar is more likely to burn before it turns to floss. It’s always best to use the recommended sugar in the unit that you purchase, so make sure to read the instruction manual.

What kind of hard candies can I turn into cotton candy?

Most cotton candy machines can turn hard candy into fluffy cotton candy. You can use any type of hard candy that you think would be delicious. Hard peppermints are a great choice, as is butterscotch flavored hard candy. You shouldn’t use pressed sugar candy like Nerds or SweetTarts, unless your owner’s manual approves them for use.

Why does my cotton candy machine smell like something is burning?

When you use your cotton candy machine, it’s possible for sugar to land on the heating element and burn. This can create an unpleasant, burning smell. Once you finish the batch and the unit cools, take the time to disassemble it. Depending on your model, you may need to use a screwdriver to remove the floss head. Then you can clean each piece carefully in hot water to dissolve the sugar. Make sure you dry everything before reassembling it for use.