The first cotton candy makers first began production in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Some experts claim that Thomas Patton holds the title as first "official" cotton candy maker after receiving a patent for a gas-fired rotating plate in 1900. This machine and the delectable treat it created were introduced to the public at the Ringling Brothers Circus of 1900.

Others contend that the candy makers William Morrison and John Wharton beat Patton to the punch with their "Fairy Floss" machine. This cotton candy maker was invented in 1897, patented in 1899, and brought to the St. Louis World's Fair in 1904. Regardless of who holds the title, these inventors were instrumental in making cotton candy makers a regular and recognizable sight to carnivals, circuses, fairgrounds and theme parks for decades to come.

The cotton candy makers of today are not too different from their ancestors of more than a century ago. A metal bowl sits on top of a centrifugally spun, electrically powered spinner head. Sugar is poured into a holding tray, heated up, and spun through tiny holes in the inside of the bowl, allowing the operator to collect the sugary threads into a serve-able shape.

Industrial vs. Residential Cotton Candy Makers

For professional concession stand owners, it is important to purchase a cotton candy maker that is durable and able to produce candy continuously over a long period of time. Individuals or families who wish to provide birthday and party guests with a special treat, or by schools and churches for fundraising and holiday events can rent smaller makers. Some cotton candy machines can even be filled with more than two color/flavor combinations to offer more to customers and increase production.