Shave Ice Community Web Board

To answer your question, I do not notice a very big difference in the appearance of the ice before I put on the flavor. However, when I use the clouded ice, the consistency / texture is better. It absorbs flavors better and doesn't seem to melt as quickly.

I've read on these boards that clear ice is the best. In my experience over the last year is that it isn't true. When I get a clouded looking block of ice, it shaves much better for me. Yes, I still temper it, but it remains clouded. Every now and then I get a block that is mostly clear. Those block...

There's a shave ice cart called So Cold in Oregon that sells their shave ice with alcohol.

Thanks for this post. I have been having similar problems with my Swan. Had it serviced and there was lots of brake shoe dust in there. The brake shoe was replaced, but it still is being finicky when shaving. Anyone else who can give more info, please do!

I took my machine to another vendor in my area who services Swans. My machine has long been finicky and recently it was not shaving at a couple events and I manually applied resistance to the handle. Not good. When he opened it up the brake shoe literally had left gold shavings around the inside bec...

I dont' think you need that many. I have a mobile cart and have 16 flavors. I'm still in the process of sampling some of the HTK flavors, but once I try all the ones that people love and order often, I will set my final menu board. So, in my opinion, pick around 15-10 flavors that are tried and true.

In the original post, it says that the syrup will last 1-2 months in the fridge. I assume you are talking about if it is made WITHOUT preservatives, right? I have some syrup that has been in the fridge for 4 weeks and I don't see any mold, so it's okay to use?

I'm fairly new to the business and have been using an extension cord. Is there anyone out there who has used an extension cord over months or years of business and have either had no issues or seen issues with their motor or anything?

How would I avoid this?

I already have an electric Swan machine. Someone is selling a nice manual one in our area on craigslist. I thought it might be nice to have as a back-up, supplement, or when no electricity is a problem. How many shave ice can you make with one of those before your arm feels like it's going to fall o...

I've found that the shave quality of my product can vary even from ice block to ice block. And yes, a fluffier, higher quality shave will absorb the flavors better, so it may not get to the bottom as much. You can see youtube videos of people who poke many holes in it with a skewer before pouring th...