Buying guide for Best bubble machines
With little more than soap and water, you too can create the magic and fun of bubbles, but blowing them yourself can be a pain (especially if you have a bubble-obsessed kid) or downright impractical if you need a continuous stream of bubbles for a party or event. Instead, you can choose to save your breath and get a bubble machine.
When looking for a bubble machine, the first thing to decide is whether you want a basic home machine or a professional-grade model. You should also find out the approximate number of bubbles your machine can create per hour, which generally ranges from a couple of hundred to a couple of thousand. Other important factors include the power source, the capacity of the reservoir, and the material and construction quality.
Professional vs. home bubble machines
Perhaps the first factor to decide on is whether you want a professional bubble machine or one designed for home use. Professional bubble machines are high-end options. They tend to be extremely durable and are designed to stand up to heavy use. For example, if you need a bubble machine you can use several times per week, this is the type to consider. The downside to professional bubble machines is that they tend to be expensive, so unless you want a bubble machine for a professional endeavor, you might be better served by a home bubble machine. These range in quality from very basic kids' models to larger and more durable mid-range machines.
Key considerations
Power source
Some bubble machines are battery-powered and some use electricity; you'll need to decide which option would work better for you. Battery-powered bubble machines are easily portable and great for use in your home, in your yard, or on the go. However, they tend to be slightly less powerful than electrically powered bubble machines, and you have the hassle of changing out the batteries.
If you choose a bubble machine that uses electricity, you'll need to have access to a power outlet. On the plus side, you'll have a powerful bubble machine that always has enough energy to keep it going.
Bubble output
The majority of bubble machines list an estimated bubble output per minute. Basic home models can usually create up to 500 bubbles per minute, which isn't a huge volume of bubbles, but it’s still far more than one person could manage without a bubble machine. More powerful home models can manage around 1,000 to 1,500 bubbles per minute. Top professional models can blow around 1,500 to 2,500 bubbles per minute.
Did you know?
High-capacity bubble machines have multiple wands that spin at once to create a large volume of bubbles.
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Reservoir size
The reservoir of a bubble machine is where the bubble liquid goes. The larger the reservoir, the longer the bubble machine can run without needing to be refilled. Compact home bubble machines have tiny reservoirs and may only go 10 or 20 minutes before you need to refill them. Large professional models have reservoirs of up to a liter; these can run for an hour or two without a top up.
Casing material
Although many bubble machines have a plastic casing, the sturdiest options feature a steel or aluminum outer shell. If you choose a plastic option, bear in mind that not all plastics are created equally. Look for a model with a heavy-duty molded plastic outer rather than a flimsy plastic casing.
Features
Remote control
Some bubble machines can be turned on and off by a remote control. This is an excellent feature if you'll be using your bubble machine for performances, as you can start the machine remotely at a certain point in the performance and switch it off when needed. Otherwise, someone would need to manually switch it on and off at the unit, which could ruin the vibe.
Battery life
If you think you might want a battery-powered bubble machine, try to find out the expected battery life first. In some cases, the battery life isn't listed, as it can vary depending on what brand of batteries you use. If you're unsure how long your batteries will last, it’s a good idea to keep backups on hand for important events.
"Bubble machines are a great source of entertainment for kids at parties and family gatherings. "
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Color
The majority of professional-grade bubble machines are black or white, although there are a few exceptions. Bubble machines designed for kids, on the other hand, tend to be brightly colored. Many are shaped like animals or similar to appeal to little ones. Of course, the color of your bubble machine should be secondary to the quality of its performance.
Special effects
You can find bubble machines that do more than just blow bubbles. Some produce lights, sounds, and even fog. These kinds of special effects can add an extra dimension of fun to your endeavors. However, if you want a bubble machine with special effects, we recommend you choose one that makes those effects optional — there may be times when you want bubbles and nothing else.
Bubble machine prices
You can find bubble machines that cost anywhere from $10 to $200. Basic home bubble machines designed with kids in mind generally cost between $10 and $30. These are usually battery-powered and made from plastic with few extra features.
Mid-range bubble machines cost roughly $30 to $100. They're generally designed for home use or for small parties or events. They don't quite have the output of professional models, but they suit the majority of buyers — especially the products available at the top of the price range.
High-end professional bubble machines cost between $100 and $200. These have a high bubble output and are extremely durable and designed for heavy-duty use. They tend to have a wide range of features, such as remotes and timers.
Tips
- Find out how loud the motor is on any bubble machine you're considering. Some powerful bubble machines can be quite loud, which could detract from a quiet party or performance.
- If you choose a battery-powered bubble machine, find out what kind of batteries it takes before you buy. You don't want to be disappointed when the bubble machine arrives but you don't have the correct batteries to power it.
- Think about how often you'll use your bubble machine. Sure, the high-end models are excellent, but you won't get your money's worth if you only plan to use your bubble machine once or twice.
- Check the length of the power cord on your chosen bubble machine. If it has a short power cord, you'll either need to position it near an outlet or use an extension cord.
FAQ
Q. Where can I find bubble liquid for my bubble machine?
A. You can find bubble liquid online and in toy stores. Just make sure the bubble liquid you choose is suitable for use in bubble machines.
Q. How do bubble machines work?
A. There are three main components to a bubble machine: the wands, the reservoir, and the fan. All bubble machines feature rotating wands. As they rotate, they dip in and out of the reservoir filled with bubble fluid. The fan blows from behind the wands out through the front of the bubble machine. As it blows, it creates bubbles from the liquid on the wands.
Q. Are bubble machines easy to use?
A. Yes, the vast majority of bubble machines are extremely easy to use. You simply fill the reservoir, plug the machine into an outlet or insert batteries, and switch it on.
