Buying guide for Best bubble guns
You could argue that bubbles are the perfect toy. They are fascinating for children (and adults) of all ages. They are inexpensive and easy to use. Bubbles get kids outside in the fresh air. When the bubbles pop, they’re gone, so there’s no cleanup. There’s only one thing that could make bubbles even more fun: having more of them!
This is where a bubble gun comes in. A bubble gun is a plastic, battery-powered toy that creates a multitude of bubbles with the squeeze of a trigger. No more making only a couple bubbles at a time with the messy dip-and-blow process. With the best bubble gun, you can make hundreds of bubbles in a few seconds.
Before you purchase a bubble gun, it is important to understand how they work, what the various features are, and how much you can expect to spend. The best way to do that is to read a buyer’s guide from a trusted source. Additionally, it can help to have an unbiased top-products list so you know which models are considered the best to buy. Once you have these tools, you can shop with confidence, knowing how to find quality at a great price.
What to consider in your search for the best bubble gun
How do you make a bubble?
Water doesn’t make the best bubbles because it has too much surface tension. You can easily prove this by filling a glass with water to the brim, placing an index card completely over the top of the glass, and quickly inverting the glass while holding the card. When it is upside down, you can remove your hand from the card. The surface tension, along with a little help from atmospheric pressure, will hold the index card to the glass, and no water will spill out. (Note: If you try this experiment, do it over the sink in case something goes wrong!) The principle is that surface tension doesn’t allow water to spread thin enough to create a bubble.
Now, if you add dish soap to water, it reduces the surface tension of the water. You can prove this by repeating the experiment, only this time, add a little dish soap to the water. When you turn the glass over, water immediately rushes out, and the index card falls in the sink.
The dish soap reduces the surface tension so the water molecules can spread out into a thin film. All that’s needed to create a bubble is a little air pressure. Not enough air pressure and the bubble won’t form; too much air pressure and the bubble will burst before it is made.
How does a bubble gun work?
A bubble gun has two important parts: the pump and the fan.
The pump: The pump draws the bubble solution up and out of the reservoir. It then deposits it in the front opening of the plastic gun. The muzzle of the toy gun serves the same purpose as a bubble wand: it holds the solution in place until air pressure can be applied.
The fan: Every bubble gun has a tiny fan that creates the air pressure needed to make bubbles. This “wind” flows out the front of the bubble gun (as long as the trigger is being held). If bubble solution is present, that air current turns the solution into a bubble. As more solution pumps into place, more bubbles are made. This process happens in an instant. After just a few seconds, numerous bubbles will be formed. Some guns have multiple holes in the front, so several bubbles can be made at once.
Staff Tip
If holding the trigger down doesn’t give you the number of bubbles you were hoping for, try multiple short blasts to see if that is more effective.
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Bubble gun features
Durability
One of the biggest concerns with a bubble gun is durability. Kids will be running around while carrying this toy, so accidents can happen: the bubble gun may drop to the ground. You want a model with a rugged build that won’t easily break.
Rounded edges
If your child will be using the bubble gun themselves, for safety, make sure it has no sharp edges or rough seams.
Number of bubbles
Some bubble guns can produce dozens of bubbles when fired. Other models boast the ability to release thousands of bubbles per minute. If it’s important to you to have lots of bubbles, look for a bubble gun with more than one opening in the front. Some high-end models have as many as 52 bubble holes.
Lights
Since bubble guns are battery-powered, some manufacturers take advantage of that and add LED lights. The lights won’t make more bubbles, but they can make playing even more fun.
Design
You can get a bubble gun in nearly any design. Some models resemble prehistoric creatures, while others look like futuristic laser guns. Choose the design that makes your child happy — just don’t make that a priority over functionality.
Multiple guns
If you have more than one child, you’d like to play along, or you are hosting a party, you will need more than one bubble gun. The most economical way to purchase several is to buy a pack that contains multiple bubble guns.
Don’t throw out your bubble jar. It can be refilled with homemade bubble solution to give you an endless supply of bubbles.
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Accessories that bubble guns require
Batteries
Bubble guns require batteries to operate. Sometimes, your purchase will include your first set of batteries. Usually, these aren’t the best or longest-lasting option. To have the best experience, it is recommended that you use a fresh set of AAA batteries or AA batteries, depending on what your model requires.
Dish soap
Your bubble gun will usually come with a small container of bubble solution — this is required to make the bubbles. However, if your child enjoys using their new toy, that solution won’t last long. While you could certainly purchase refills from the manufacturer, a more cost-effective strategy is to make your own bubble solution using dish soap and water.
How much do bubble guns cost?
Inexpensive
It is possible to get a fun bubble gun in a cool design, such as a dinosaur, for as little as $10 to $15. Be careful about purchasing models for less than $10, as build quality may be satisfactory.
Mid-range
If you’d like a bubble gun with a little extra, such as one that produces more bubbles or a gun that lights up, you will have to spend a little more. The $15 to $20 range is where you will find these models.
Expensive
Once you get into the $25+ price range, you will either be getting a pack with multiple bubble guns or a model with premium features, such as a lithium battery. High-end bubble guns also create more bubbles than other guns.
For Your Safety
Bubble solution is made with liquid soap. Use caution when playing with a bubble gun, especially if it is on a hard surface like a brick patio, which can become slick.
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How to make your own bubble solution
When you run out of bubble solution for your bubble gun, you can quickly and easily mix up your own. All you need are the following ingredients:
- 1 cup of water
- 4 tablespoons of dish soap
- 2 tablespoons of corn syrup
To make bubble solution, gently mix 4 tablespoons of dish soap and 2 tablespoons of corn syrup into 1 cup of water.
Note that while this is an excellent starting point, you can experiment with the recipe to see if you can make even tougher bubbles by adding more dish soap or corn syrup.
Cleaning tips for bubble stains
Not all bubble solutions leave stains behind when the bubble pops. However, if that happens, you’ll want to know the best way to get rid of those stains. Here are a few tips that let you do exactly that.
- Test the area. Even though these cleaning tips are for mild solutions, it is always best to test an inconspicuous area first to make sure these methods do not make the problem worse.
- Try a damp cloth. Often, it’s just a watermark that’s left behind. The best way to remove that mark is by using a damp cloth.
- Try dish soap. If the damp cloth isn’t quite enough, apply just a dab of dish soap to a cloth. Wipe in circular motions, and clean with a fresh damp cloth.
- Use white vinegar for stubborn marks. If the dish soap doesn’t work, step up your tactics with a little white vinegar on a cloth. When finished, clean with a fresh damp cloth.
- Use a hose. If you find bubble stains on a driveway or patio, a quick hosing down will often solve the problem.
- Just wait. Often, an outdoor bubble stain will simply fade over time. If the tiny marks don’t bother you, just leave them alone. In a few days, you may find they have vanished altogether.
FAQ
Q. What age is best for a bubble gun?
A. The best answer is to check the packaging for the manufacturer’s recommendations, as many models have small parts that could pose choking hazards. In general, bubble guns are recommended for ages three and up.
Q. Are bubble guns safe for indoor play?
A. Bubble guns are best for outdoor play. Even if you do not mind the soapy film the bubbles leave behind on your walls and furniture, any bubbles that land on the floor could create slick conditions. Additionally, playing with bubbles often means racing about, which could be dangerous indoors around furniture with sharp edges.
Q. How do I clean my bubble gun?
A. Since bubble guns have electrical components, you never want to submerge the gun. The best way to clean a bubble gun is to wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth to remove any sticky film that may accumulate during use. If you’d like to wash the inside, consider running clean water through the gun. This is important if you are using bubble solution that contains additives like sugar or corn syrup.
Q. Are bubbles toxic?
A. Generally, no. However, a better answer is they should not be. Before purchasing, make sure the bubble solution is labeled “non-toxic.” If you are unsure, or the labeling is unclear, it might be best to consider a different bubble gun.
Q. Can you color bubbles?
A. Adding food coloring or other dyes to your bubble solution may seem like a great idea, but there are two reasons you won’t want to do this. First, food dyes can stain — a bubble that bursts on clothing might leave a stain that is very difficult to remove. Second, the effort is not worth the reward. In other words, you won’t be able to see the color in most cases. If you do, it will probably be so faint, it won’t be impressive.
