Years ago (two homes back), I tried to stop buying plug-in hand appliances and went to only hand powered ones if I did buy anything. And for years, I bought very few new appliances.
Being so hot in West Virginia, I gave in and picked up a rotary ice shaver. They are not expensive, at under $20. This one is a small unit, sets up quickly, and is attractive.
A little effort, and we get cooling treats for the late afternoon.
It comes with the main part, a handle and the interior cone that has metal blades, plus a cleaning brush. Setup took a minute. The base has a suction setup that uses a knob to flip, which seals it to a smooth countertop.
While one could make snow cones (where you flavor with coffee/Italian Soda syrups), by dropping ice cubes through it, I opted to freeze sugar-free lemonade that I had frozen in ice cube trays. I used a favorite brand that uses stevia to sweeten. This made the process easy. Yes, one can make the lemonade from scratch, but I had it on hand.
I froze two trays’ worth, popped them out into a storage container, and froze a second batch. This is open ended, do as much as you’d like.
It produced a light and fluffy snow like ice.
Cleanup was a snap, and the grating cone insert is easy to handle. No fear of grabbing it wrong.
So yes, a unitasker appliance, but fun and easy to use.
– Sarah