Snow Cone Machines Key Terms

Understand common terminology from the snow cone industry

Snow cones are fairly simple to make. All you need is ice, flavoring and a snow cone machine to create a delicious treat. But if you want to succeed in the snow cone business, you should really understand some of the industry's key terms. For example, snow cone machine recipes will call for simple syrup and flavor concentrates. Your job can be made easier with a stirring paddle and mixing container. And the proper use of a drip pan and shaver blades can help keep your machine running well.

 

Simple syrup

Simple syrup is a mixture of water, sugar and preservatives. It is the base for all snow cone flavors. The preservative is usually sodium benzoate or citric acid.
Try: To learn more about simple syrup and to view a simple syrup recipe chart, visit 1 800-Shaved-Ice.

Flavor concentrates

Flavor concentrates are mixed with simple syrup to produce various flavors of snow cones. Typically, a few ounces of concentrate will flavor one gallon of simple syrup.
Try: Snow Cone Supply has more information about flavor concentrates, as well as examples of some of the flavors.

Stirring paddle

A stirring paddle is a heavy-duty paddle that mixes simple syrup and flavoring to use in your snow cone machine. It is usually made of stainless steel or wood and is about 36 inches long.
Try: Cookware & Coupons provides examples of stirring paddles. Click the pictures for more information.

Mixing container

A specialized mixing container will make it easier to make your simple syrup. The container is essentially a large bucket with a spout on the bottom for bottling the syrup.
Try: Pictures of mixing containers and more information is available from SnoWizard.

Drip pan

Most operators of snow cone machines place a drip pan, also known as a drip tray, underneath the machine as a way to contain condensation. Some snow cone machines have a built-in drip pan. A hose, known as a drain tube, can be connected to the pan to assist in draining the water.
Try: Visit Hawaiian Shaved Ice to see a picture of a drip pan, in place under a snow cone machine. 

Shaver blades

Shaver blades are used to make the shaved ice that becomes the snow cone. You should keep your shaver blades as sharp as possible by using a shaver blade sharpener. The colder you keep the ice, the more frequently you will have to sharpen the blades. Periodically, you will have to replace the blades in your snow cone machine.
Try: Jarco Industries is an excellent resource for information about when snow cone machine shaver blades need to be changed and how to change them.

Copyright © 2011 Business.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

---