How different is the ice this makes from commercial ice shaver? Can you tell a difference between this and the soft shaved ice from a snowball store?

This differs in size and strength. It is a small unit about the size of a blender. Its body is ridged plastic with metal blades. When filled with ice you press the lid down for instant snow like shaved ice that only block shavers can beat. It takes around 30 seconds to do 1 so it is pretty fast but it's LOUD. EVERYONE WILL KNOW YOUR USING IT. It's great to make a few at a time but not for a business. You can take it anywhere and plug it in and your ready! Hands down the best home unit you can buy. If you want to compare Apple's to Apple's then get the snowie 2000 professional concession shaved. It's the best and fastest on the market.

How close is this machine to Bahama Bucks?

We purchased this machine to help with our Bahama bucks cravings. The snow is very similar-not exactly the same, but it’s MUCH better than the chunky cheap snow cones that you get at a concession stand. Love that we aren’t spending $30 a visit for snow cones as well. We have had at least one round of snow cones a piece every day since we had it delivered. Definitely worth it!!!

What type of cup best fits inside the area where the snow comes out? I see there are no cups that come with the machine.

I had read in the reviews that a cup about 3½ inches at the top should work nicely. I had 16oz Styrofoam cups & they're exactly 3½ inches & they work perfectly. I can get the cup firmly inside the clear dome shaper & virtually no ice escapes. I think it's because the Styrofoam has a little give to it so you can get a snug fit. I tried other cups & ice went everywhere. With Styrofoam cups virtual no ice escapes.

Do you crush the ice like a snowball before adding syrup?

You can use regular ice- I fill a glass or you can buy snow cone paper cups cheap- pile it as high as you want in the cup and add one or combinations of snow cone syrups- it runs down in- - you can add more to your taste- it works perfectly- I love it!