The 8 Best Cotton Candy Makers of 2020

Best Overall: VIVO Electric Commercial Cotton Candy Machine

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This easy-to-use machine makes fresh cotton candy without the hassle. All you need to do is turn it on, pour in the sugar, and watch as it produces 2-3 servings of cotton candy per minute.

This works with hard candies, so you can make peppermint cotton candy to melt into your hot chocolate, or sour cotton candy to garnish your margarita. It even works with sugar-free hard candies, so everyone can enjoy cotton candy, even those avoiding sugar. Of course, you can also buy colored and flavored flossing sugar to make cotton candy that tastes just like the confections you find at a carnival or fair.

The machine comes apart easily for cleaning and comes with spare parts and a sugar scoop.

Best Cart: Great Northern Popcorn Commercial Cotton Candy Machine With Cart

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No need to find table space, since this cotton candy maker is a cart that you can roll from room to room or take anywhere there’s an electric outlet to plug it in. This is a commercial quality machine, so it works super-fast, too. It heats up in 6 minutes, then you just pour in the sugar and start twirling cotton candy cones right away. You can make up to two cotton candy cones per minute.

The kettle is stainless steel, so it won’t rust, stain, or retain odors, and it’s easy to keep clean since it’s removable. The power switch, heat switch, and a voltmeter are conveniently located on a front panel, so there’s no need to hunt for the controls. There is a storage drawer with three bins for supplies, so you can tuck away everything you need to make cones for a party.

This weighs in at 46 pounds, so you know it’s heavy-duty, but it’s still easy to move for use and storage. A scoop, manual, and spare parts kit are included.

Best High-End: Olde Midway Commercial Quality Cotton Candy Machine Cart

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This high-end machine has the advantages of a commercial quality machine with a 950-watt heating element and a belt-driven motor, but it’s designed to be easy enough for home use. It makes two servings of cotton candy per minute, so you can feed all the kids at a party in no time.

This has a three-bin storage drawer and includes a sugar scoop and two extra motor drive belts to keep it running for years. There are separate controls for turning the machine on and for heating. A voltmeter on the front of the machine lets you know that it’s operating properly.

The stainless steel bowl is removable for easy cleaning, and four clamps hold it in place during operation to keep it steady. This does not have a plastic shield over the bowl.

Best Budget: The Candery Premium Cotton Candy Machine

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This easy-to-use machine won't break the bank and comes with everything you need—including 10 candy cones and a sugar scoop. In addition to cotton candy, you can also make hard candies and sugar floss. This premium machine is an update to The Candery Store's previous model and features a larger stainless steel bowl.

Its colorful design will make it a standout on your countertop but you don't have to worry about it taking up too much space. It's also lightweight at around 4 pounds so you can take it with you to your next picnic or outdoor gathering. Customers say it's simple to use and easy to clean, and most importantly, you'll get fluffy, delicious cotton candy every time.

Best Commercial: Clevr Large Commercial Cotton Candy Machine

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This commercial-quality machine boasts 1,080 Watts of power, a 20.5-inch stainless steel bowl, and the ability to create 2-4 servings per minute—making it ideal for feeding a large crowd's sugar cravings. It also includes a convenient three-bin storage drawer, a stainless steel scoop, and extra drive motor belts. Plus, it has a safety feature that ensures it won't turn on unless the bowl is secured properly in its place. The downside? It's quite heavy at 30 pounds.

Best Compact: Nostalgia Retro Cotton Candy Machine

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Cute, small, and fun, this retro-looking cotton candy maker is what you need for kids’ parties or family movie nights. This compactly designed machine will fit on your counter or table to make cotton candy from your favorite hard candies or flossing sugar. Even better, you can even use sugar-free candies, so everyone can have their favorite, even when they’re avoiding sugar.

The clear rim lets you watch the cotton candy form, and it disassembles easily for thorough cleaning. This includes two reusable plastic cones and one sugar scoop.

Best for Events: Funtime Candy Cloud Cotton Candy Machine

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Funtime is a trusted brand that's been around since the 90s and is known for its stylish and functional popcorn machines that were inspired by the Coney Island popcorn machines of the 1920s. Its cotton candy machine has that same nod to the past with the efficiency and power you need for all your modern-day gatherings. If you're looking for a crowd-pleaser, this cart is it.

All it takes is 2 minutes to heat up the 920-Watt spinner and then it can produce one cotton candy cone every 30 seconds! The stylish cart will make you look like a pro. Plus, there's a stainless steel storage tray for things like cones, sugar, scoops, and more.