Great Northern Popcorn Company Premium Quality Ice Cub Shaved Ice Machine
Quick take
The Ice Cub is a commercial-grade ice shaver designed to produce very fine, fluffy shaved ice from block ice, not crushed “snow cone” ice. Owners consistently describe strong output and noticeably improved ice texture for syrup drinks, with a key tradeoff: the machine is tall and the outer housing is mostly plastic, so placement and careful handling matter.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Commercial-style 1/3 hp motor (1725 rpm) for high-volume shaving (rated 6 lb/minute).
- Fully adjustable stainless steel blade (replaceable) for tuning shave texture.
- Stainless blade system and tray design aimed at easier cleanup (dry-off is commonly mentioned).
- Owners describe smooth, “snow” like shaved ice quality, especially once syrup is added.
Cons
- Mostly plastic housing, so long-term durability depends on careful handling and storage.
- It’s a tall unit, so countertop clearance can be an issue in kitchens with upper cabinets.
- Requires block ice setup (freezing and correct block dimensions), which takes planning.
- Safety features exist, but blade/spike handling is still a real consideration when operating and cleaning.
What buyers think
Buyer-review evidence is strong on ice texture and usability. Multiple owners highlight that the machine produces very fine, soft shaved ice compared with basic snow cone style machines, and that the result holds up well once syrup is applied. People also tend to describe solid performance for home entertaining and seasonal business use, with fast shaving during busy periods. On usability, there is repeated mention of safety guard/plate use and the importance of being careful around sharp parts during operation and cleanup. Setup and workflow come up often as well, particularly the need to freeze block ice correctly and to manage the machine’s footprint (including its height) for practical counter or outdoor use.
What this machine is for
The Great Northern Ice Cub is built for shaved ice that looks and feels like classic shaved ice, meaning fine, fluffy “snow” texture rather than coarse crushed ice. That goal is why the machine is designed around block ice shaving, with an adjustable stainless blade to tune the cut.
Key features that affect results
Block ice and shave texture
Instead of starting with loose ice, you load a frozen block and let the blade shave it into soft ice. The machine is rated to handle block sizes up to about 6 inches tall by 8 inches in diameter (and owners often share that using your own block ice method is part of getting consistent results). If you want the smoothest texture, filtered water and consistent block freezing habits matter.
Adjustable stainless blade
A fully adjustable stainless steel blade (replaceable) is one of the biggest “dial-in” features. Buyers who use the machine for different crowd speeds often emphasize that you can get both a very fine shave and a rougher cut depending on how you set things up for the rush.
Motor and capacity for volume
This is the type of machine aimed at heavier use, supported by a 1/3 hp motor rated at 1725 rpm. The shaver is rated at about 6 pounds per minute (over 350 pounds per hour), so it’s positioned for parties and line service more than occasional single-serve use.
Pros and cons in plain English
Pros you can plan around
- High output for events: The motor rating and capacity are designed for continuous use when you have multiple customers.
- Better shaved ice texture: Owners repeatedly connect the machine’s shaving method to softer, fluffier ice quality.
- Tuning is possible: The adjustable blade helps you match texture to preference and service speed.
- Cleanup is straightforward: Several owners describe quick cleanup with simple drying after use.
Tradeoffs to consider before buying
- Housing is not fully metal: The outer body is described as plastic, so you’ll want stable placement and careful storage.
- Counter space and height matter: Multiple owners flag that it’s tall, which can create problems under cabinets.
- You’re buying a workflow: If you prefer “grab ice and go,” this style will feel like more work because it depends on block ice preparation.
- Sharp parts require attention: Even with safety guards, users mention the blade and spikes are sharp, so it’s not a hands-off machine around kids.
Who should buy it
This shaved ice machine is a good fit if you want classic shaved ice texture and you plan to make it often enough to justify block prep. It also makes sense for seasonal business use or frequent entertaining where speed matters. If you have the counter clearance and you’re comfortable treating it like a piece of equipment (setup, adjustment, and careful operation), it’s likely to feel worth the space.
Who should avoid it
If you only want a casual snow cone in small batches, or you’d rather not prepare block ice, this may feel like too much effort. If your kitchen setup lacks vertical clearance, the tall footprint can be a dealbreaker. And if you’re looking for an all-metal tank style you can toss in and out of storage, the mostly plastic housing may not match your durability expectations.
Price and availability
Check the latest price and current availability before ordering, since shaved ice machines in this tier can vary by retailer and time of year.
Alternatives to consider (by buyer priorities)
- If you want “shaved ice texture” rather than crushed: Look for machines explicitly designed for shaved/block ice output with adjustable blade controls.
- If you need compact counter footprint: Choose models marketed as countertop-friendly or shorter height to fit under standard cabinet clearances.
- If you prioritize max durability: Consider units with fully metal housings, especially if you expect frequent transport, storage changes, or outdoor exposure.
- If you want the simplest home experience: A smaller, basic snow cone style machine can be easier, but it may not deliver the same fluffy texture as a true ice shaver.
Verdict
The Great Northern Ice Cub is best for buyers who care about authentic, fine shaved ice and are willing to work with block ice preparation. With its adjustable stainless blade and commercial-style motor rating, it’s built for volume and tuning. The main reasons people hesitate are practical, not mysterious: it’s tall, it’s mostly plastic outside, and it’s a sharper, more equipment-like machine that needs careful handling.
FAQ
Does this machine work with block ice only?
Yes, it’s designed to shave frozen block ice. You load a block (up to roughly 6 inches tall by 8 inches in diameter) and the blade shaves it into shaved ice.
How fine is the shaved ice compared with snow cone machines?
Owners consistently describe very fine, soft, fluffy shaved ice (more “snow” like). The shave texture is also influenced by your blade adjustment and how you set up your block ice.
Is it suitable for home use or parties?
It’s used by homeowners for heavy entertaining, and its high output rating supports busy periods. If you have enough clearance for the tall unit and you’re comfortable with block prep, it can be a strong home choice.
Will it fit under kitchen cabinets?
It can be a tight fit because the machine is tall. If your counter space has upper cabinets, measure clearance before buying.
How safe is it to operate around kids?
The machine includes safety-related features, and owners recommend using the safety guard/plate. Still, the blade and spikes are sharp, so it should not be treated like a toy around children.
Is cleanup difficult?
Cleanup is generally described as simple. Many owners mention drying off and removing the parts that contact the ice, but always handle sharp components carefully.
Specifications
| Product Title | Great Northern Popcorn Company Premium Quality Ice Cub Shaved Ice Machine Commercial Ice Shaver, Blue, 1/3 hp, 6057 Ice Cub Shaver |
|---|---|
| Category | Home & Kitchen > Kitchen & Dining > Small Appliances > Specialty Appliances > Shaved Ice Machines |
| Brand | Great Northern Popcorn Company |
| Manufacturer | Great Northern Popcorn |
| Model Name | 83-DT5616 |
| Model Number | 6057 Ice Cub Shaver |
| Item Weight | 40.1 Pounds |
| Brand Name | Great Northern Popcorn Company |
| UPC | 613103032016 |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00613103032016 |
| Warranty Description | 1 Year Limited Manufacturer |
| Part Number | 6057 ICE CUB SHAVER |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Item Type Name | Great Northern Popcorn Company Ice Cub Shaved Ice Machine |
| Included Components | Machine |
| Capacity | 6 Pounds |
| Wattage | 250 watts |
| Material Type | Plastic, Stainless Steel |
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