Popcorn vs Candy Floss vs Slush Machine: Which Makes the Most Money?
Quick answerAll three are high-margin impulse sellers because the ingredients cost very little per serving. Candy floss and popcorn are the cheapest machines to start with and suit events, cinemas, play centres and party hire. A slush machine costs more upfront but sells in volume all summer from a fixed counter, with two flavours on tap. For weddings and corporate events, a chocolate fountain is the showpiece. Use the calculator to see how quickly each pays for itself.
Which machine suits your venue?
1. Where will you sell?
2. When is your busiest season?
3. What's your starting budget?
Your match: a popcorn machine
The smell sells it for you. 12oz kettle with a warming deck, £164.99.
View popcorn machineYour match: a candy floss machine
Made in front of the customer, which draws a queue at any event. £179.99.
View candy floss machineYour match: a slush machine
Two flavours, 30L capacity, high volume through the summer. £1,499.99.
View slush machineYour match: a chocolate fountain
The five-tier centrepiece for events and hire, 8kg capacity. £497.04.
View chocolate fountainProfit calculator
Pick a machine, then set your own prices. Starting values are typical examples; change them to match your area and supplier costs.
Estimates only. Excludes pitch fees, staff, electricity and VAT where applicable.
Side-by-side comparison
| Popcorn | Candy floss | Slush | Chocolate fountain | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Machine price | £164.99 | £179.99 | £1,499.99 | £497.04 |
| Ingredients | Kernels, oil, salt or sugar | Sugar or flavoured floss sugar | Slush syrup and water | Chocolate plus dipping items |
| Serving speed | Batches, held on warming deck | Made to order in seconds | Instant, poured from tap | Self-serve dipping |
| Theatre | Smell draws people in | Made in front of customer | Colourful tanks on show | Event centrepiece |
| Season | All year | All year, peaks at events | Strongest in summer | Weddings and party season |
| Best for | Cinemas, bars, play centres | Fairs, parties, markets | Cafés, takeaways, dessert shops | Event hire, catering |
Tips to sell more
- Put the machine where people can see it. All four sell on sight, smell or theatre, so don't hide them behind the counter.
- Offer sizes. A small, medium and large option lifts average spend more than a single price.
- Bundle with drinks or a ticket at cinemas, play centres and parties.
- Rent out as party hire on quiet weekdays to earn from the same machine twice.
- Keep it clean and running smoothly. Empty and clean bowls, kettles and tanks at the end of each day.
Frequently asked questions
Which snack machine has the best profit margin?
Candy floss and popcorn usually have the highest margin per serving because the main ingredients cost pennies. Slush has a slightly higher cost per cup but sells in larger volumes from a fixed counter.
Is a slush machine worth it for a café?
If you have steady footfall in warm months, yes. Two flavours on tap sell with no prep time, and a twin 15L machine holds enough for a busy afternoon without refilling.
Can I run a candy floss or popcorn machine at outdoor events?
Yes, with a suitable power supply. Check the machine's power rating against your generator or pitch supply, and keep it covered from rain and wind.
How much chocolate does a fountain need?
The Keloo 5-tier fountain needs a minimum of 2.5kg to run a clean flow and holds up to 8kg for a full event.
Start selling high-margin treats
Popcorn, candy floss, slush machines and chocolate fountains with a 12-month warranty and next-day UK delivery. Call 0121 769 3436 for trade pricing.
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