Are you looking for a way to kick up your backyard gatherings a notch? A bubble machine is a relatively inexpensive way to bring something extra to your events that everyone can enjoy, from adults to children to pets. Adults, that’s us, parents, can enjoy a bubble maker when you bring it to the backyard to enhance parties, barbeques, or other gatherings or use it on the dance floor at weddings or other parties.
You can use a bubble machine with children and toddlers in a myriad of ways, from entertaining a big group at a birthday party or play date with some basic bubble chasing to boosting the fun factor at the beach, the park, a pool party, or indoor occasions like a dance party or special bath time.
Zerhunt Bubble Machine
Considering all factors – durability, bubble quality, versatility, and ease of use – the top bubble machine on our list is the Zerhunt Bubble Machine.
Our Top Picks
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The Best Bubble Machines for Kids
1. Zerhunt Bubble Machine
Additional Specifications
Specifically, we chose our products based on the following:
- Material: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
- Bubble Output: 10,000 per minute
- Continuous Use: 30 Minutes
- Item Weight: 1.81 Pounds
- Manufacturer: Zerhunt
Whether you are looking for a bubble blower for backyard playtime or at a wedding or party event, the Zerhunt Bubble Machine is a sure winner. Made of durable and high-quality ABS plastic, it weighs just over 2 pounds and is lightweight enough to carry around for bubbles on the go.
The built-in motor and six spinning wands can operate at two different speeds and combine to generate over 4000 bubbles per minute! If curious children or pets try to investigate, the Zerhunt Bubble Machine has safety features that automatically cause the wands to stop if touched.
The tank of this bubble machine has a capacity of 13.5 oz, giving you up to 30 minutes of solid bubble-blowing before the bubble solution needs to be replaced. The Zerhunt Bubble Machine can either be plugged into an outlet with the AC adapter or use six C batteries (not included) and take it anywhere you want! Available in black and white, this bubble machine will bring you and your family hours of entertainment.
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2. 1-By-One Auto Bubble Blower Machine
Additional Specifications
Specifically, we chose our products based on the following:
- Material: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
- Bubble Output: 5,000 per minute
- Continuous Use: 40 – 60 Minutes
- Item Weight: 3 Pounds
- Manufacturer: KINDIARY
The 1byone Auto Bubble Blower Machine has one of our list’s highest bubble output rates, so if quantity matters to you, this is where it’s at! With six spinning wands and two different speed modes, this bubble machine can last up to an hour. Speed level one will give you approximately 3000 bubbles per minute and last up to an hour, while speed level two will provide you with a higher amount of bubbles at 4500 bubbles per minute while lasting a slightly shorter 40 minutes.
The 1byone Auto Bubble Blower Machine has a reservoir with a slightly smaller capacity than others on our list, at 12.8 oz. Still, it is incredibly efficient and can last longer than other machines with larger capacities.
This bubble maker is made from high-quality ABS plastic, which means it is both lightweight and durable and comes with a convenient handle for carrying. It’s versatile and can be powered by either plugging in the AC adapter or six C batteries so that you can use it on the go or at home. Priced at less than thirty dollars, the 1byone Auto Bubble Blower Machine is a versatile, economical choice that will surely bring you a great bang for your buck.
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3. ADJ Products Bubbletron
Additional Specifications
Specifically, we chose our products based on the following:
- Material: Plastic
- Bubble Output: 5,000 per minute
- Continuous Use: 120 Minutes
- Item Weight: 4 Pounds
- Manufacturer: KINDIARY
The clear winner is the ADJ Products Bubbletron for the ultimate in bubble-blowing longevity. This is a high-capacity, high-output, professional-grade bubble machine comparable to those used by DJs and entertainers. If you need serious bubble power, this is the machine you should be after! Its capacity is a whopping 67 oz, twice the size of our list’s next biggest bubble blower.
As the machine goes through 33 oz of bubble solution every two hours, you can fill the tank, step back, and enjoy up to four hours straight of bubbles. This makes it perfect for weddings, parties, or other occasions where you don’t want to monitor the level of bubble solution and keep refilling the tank.
The ADJ Products Bubbletron is made of durable yet lightweight plastic, and even though it is much larger than other machines on our list, it weighs in at a very manageable 4 pounds. There is a convenient handle for carrying. Take note that this machine is plug-in only. It can be operated manually with the on/off switch or the wired remote control. The cord is 25 feet long, so be aware of possible tripping hazards.
This machine is top-shelf quality, but it comes at a price. The ADJ Products Bubbletron is significantly more expensive than other options on our list. However, if you have a big event coming up, it could be just what you are looking for.
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4. Kidzlane Bubble Machine
Additional Specifications
Specifically, we chose our products based on the following:
- Material: Plastic
- Bubble Output: 500 – 1000 per minute
- Item Weight: 1.96 Pounds
- Manufacturer: Kidzlane
- Power Source: 6 AA batteries (Not included)
Delight kids of all ages with the fun design of the Kidzlane Bubble Machine! The bright and friendly dolphin shape has ten spinning wands inside its mouth and a quiet yet powerful motor that will produce more than five hundred bubbles per minute for tons of bubbly fun. It’s designed with a flat base that allows it to sit stably on most surfaces, and because it runs on six AA batteries (not included), you can easily bring it along with you on outings to add some fun.
The straightforward design of the Kidzlane Bubble Machine makes it easy for even children to operate, with a simple on/off switch on the back. The internal reservoir can hold up to 6 oz, and it even comes with an 8 oz bottle of bubble solution, so you can start playing with it immediately.
The amount of bubble solution this machine holds will give you about 30 minutes of steady bubbles before refilling it. Remember to have a refilled bottle of bubble solution nearby if you plan to run it continuously during a birthday party or barbeque event.
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5. Easycel Bubble Machine
Additional Specifications
Specifically, we chose our products based on the following:
- Material: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
- Bubble Output: 1,000 – 1,500 per minute
- Continuous Use: 30 Minutes
- Item Weight: 2.25 Pounds
- Manufacturer: EASYCEL
- Power Source: AC Cord (included), 6 C size batteries (not included)
For a neutral bubble machine suitable for a wide range of occasions for kids and adults, check out the Easycel Bubble Machine. The simple and unobtrusive design will fit right in at children’s birthday parties and formal events like weddings. It includes six spinning wands that generate thousands of bubbles per minute and has two-speed settings to suit different occasions. The tank can hold up to 13.5 oz of bubble solution for up to 30 minutes of bubble-blowing time, so make sure you have refills on hand if you plan to run the machine continuously!
The Easycel Bubble Machine can be plugged in or powered by batteries on the go (it takes six ‘C’ batteries, which are not included). It’s lightweight and comes with a convenient built-in handle for carrying. Easy to operate and refill, it also has the built-in safety feature of autostop when anything comes into contact with the spinning wands to prevent little fingers from being accidentally hurt. This bubble maker does not include any bubble solution, so it must be purchased separately.
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6. Theefun Bubble Machine
Additional Specifications
Specifically, we chose our products based on the following:
- Material: Plastic and metal
- Bubble Output: 800 per minute
- Manufacturer: Theefun
- Power Source: AC Cord (included), one 12V battery (not included)
If you need big bubble power, look no further than the Theefun Bubble Machine! This high-output bubble machine is outfitted with a high-velocity fan and 16 bubble wands that generate 800 bubbles per minute.
This bubble machine is professional-grade and made of metal to stand up to heavy-duty use. It’s still lightweight enough, at slightly over 4 pounds, to be carried by the detachable handle. The large 25 oz capacity bubble reservoir means it will last twice as long as several others on our list.
This bubble maker is plug-in only, so you’ll need to ensure you have an outlet handy, but it’s very easy to operate. You can turn on the Theefun Bubble Machine with the simple on/off switch or the handy wireless remote control. The machine does not take batteries, but the wireless remote takes one 12V battery, allowing you to control the machine up to ten feet away.
There’s a simple switch on the machine – flick it over to the ‘II’ side to operate with the wireless remote, or put it on ‘I,’ and the bubble machine will begin to work automatically. Move the switch to the ‘O’’ position to switch the machine off. This is a well-built and sturdy bubble machine you can use in various situations.
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7. Baisun Bubble Machine
Additional Specifications
Specifically, we chose our products based on the following:
- Material: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
- Bubble Output: 8,000 per minute
- Continuous Use: 120 Minutes
- Item Weight: 4 Pounds
- Manufacturer: Baisun
If you want versatility in a bubble machine, try the Baisun Bubble Machine! This machine has several different options integrated into the design to create the perfect atmosphere for your backyard birthday party, barbeque, wedding, or other occasions that need a bit of fun.
This bubble machine has two different speed settings and a half-liter capacity tank to produce thousands of bubbles. It also has an LED light function with seven different lighting effects that will let you turn an indoor dance party into a toddler discotheque or add an element of fun to an outdoor party after dark.
The Baisun Bubble Machine can be powered by a plug-in adapter or batteries, depending on where you’re using it. It takes three rechargeable batteries. There’s also a remote control (two AAA batteries required), which allows you to not only turn the machine on and off, but adjust the speed, turn on the LED light effects, activate the strobe lights, and engage the ‘voice mode,’ where the LED light effects are triggered by music.
Note that batteries are not included, and some parents have found that the rechargeable batteries required for this bubble blower can be difficult to find. However, this machine can still be used plugged in, so if you’re looking for a versatile bubble machine and don’t need to be able to take it away from the house or yard, the Baisun Bubble Machine may be a great choice.
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8. EduCuties Bubble Machine
Additional Specifications
Specifically, we chose our products based on the following:
- Material: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
- Bubble Output: 2,000 per minute
- Continuous Use: 60 Minutes
- Item Weight: 1.64 Pounds
- Manufacturer: EduCuties
- Power Source: 4 Lithium Polymer batteries (included)
This adorable little dinosaur has a secret; he’s a bubble machine. The EduCuties Bubble Machine stands just 9 inches high and weighs only 1.6 pounds, but the powerful motor can produce over 2000 bubbles per minute for optimum fun for kids. It also has colorful flashing LED lights you can turn on for fun after dark. Just turn the machine on, open his mouth, and watch the bubbles pour out! When you’re ready to turn the machine off, close the dinosaur’s mouth.
The EduCuties is designed for and by children, so it has a few safety features. It has an independent sealed bubble solution device, stopping the bubble solution from overflowing and spilling. If excited toddlers want to grab the friendly, bubbly dinosaur, you don’t need to worry about the solution spilling. This bubble machine runs on a 3.7V rechargeable battery, which is included.
A single charge can typically run the bubble machine for approximately one hour. This machine comes with four bottles of bubble refills so that you can get started immediately as soon as the battery charges – it should take around 1 hour for the battery to reach full charge. Overall, the EduCuties Bubble Machine is a fantastic choice for a toddler-friendly bubble machine.
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9. ATDAWN Metal Portable Bubbles Machine
Additional Specifications
Specifically, we chose our products based on the following:
- Material: Metal
- Item Weight: 3.72 Pounds
- Manufacturer: ATDAWN
Look no further than the Atdawn Metal Portable Bubble Machine for big power and capacity. This bubble machine has one of our list’s biggest reservoir capacities, checking in at 33 oz. Although it is made of metal and fairly large compared to other machines on the market, this one still weighs in at just under 4 pounds, so it’s quite portable and comes with a convenient handle for easy transportation.
The 30V motor can generate a high volume of bubbles per minute, so this machine is a great choice for large gatherings or occasions when you want to fill a dance floor or other large area. Fill the reservoir with bubble solution, plug it in, and enjoy!
The Atdawn is powered by plugging it into an outlet, so be aware that you cannot transport it to the beach, park, etc. It comes with a wireless remote control with a range of 45 feet, so you can operate it from anywhere within an average-sized home or backyard. It can also be operated manually.
For manual use, turn the on/off switch to the ‘I’ and the ‘O’’ position to stop. When you want to switch to the wireless remote, move the on/off switch to the ‘II’ position to activate the remote. The Atdawn offers great value for a high-output bubble maker that works well in large gatherings.
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Fun Ways to Use Your Bubble Machine
If you’re looking for a cheap and easy way to entertain a group of children, bubbles are one of the easiest ways. You can buy a bottle of bubble solution with a plastic wand and stand there blowing bubbles yourself, but that can be inconsistent, requiring you to stand there blowing the bubbles, too.
A bubble machine eliminates the need for human labor and provides consistency in size and shape. Birthday parties, play dates at home or in the park, dance parties, backyard barbeques, or even adult occasions like cookouts and weddings can all be enhanced with the entertainment of a bubble machine. If you’re brave, you can use them indoors as well – try adding bubbles for a fun bath routine or make some rainy day fort building a little more exciting!
Although toddlers and kids are easily entertained by simply chasing bubbles around, you can add to the excitement by adding a few accessories or playing games. Teach children to “catch” the bubble in their hands and clap them together to pop it, counting aloud each time they get a bubble to practice numeracy skills.
You can also adapt this activity to have everyone name a color, animal, or object from another category. Or you can turn it into a collaborative challenge by having children take turns clapping bubbles while practicing their ABCs – the first child pops and says A, the next child says B, and so on.
With toddlers or young kids, you can have them stomp the bubbles. Set the machine on the ground and encourage kids to jump or stamp on the bubbles to burst them. For older kids, you can buy some inexpensive butterfly nets and have the children catch the bubbles. Add on the adaptation from above with counting or the ABCs to give the game a little extra.
A variation on the butterfly net game is buying some flyswatters and having the children swat at the bubbles. For some reason, whacking bubbles with a fly swatter is irresistible to most children. These versions are best played outside in a large area with kids a bit older, making it less likely that they will swat each other in the face.
What to Look for When Buying a Bubble Machine for Kids – A Buyer’s Guide
Purpose and Function
Before purchasing a bubble machine, consider the types of occasions where you plan to use it. Bubble machines can be fun in various situations – parties, weddings, barbecues, camping trips, a day at the beach, indoor play, entertaining toddlers, pets, poolside, a slip and slide, general water play – the possibilities are endless.
Some types of play are better suited to one style of bubble machine than others. For example, if you plan to bring your bubble machine outside to places like the beach or camping, you’ll want to look for a battery-powered one. If you plan to use it at backyard parties, plug-in or battery-operated will work well. If kids and pets are around the bubble maker with any regularity, consider looking for one with safety features like a spill-proof bubble tank or a spinner that automatically stops when touched by accident.
Tank Size and Capacity
Consider what situations you plan to use your bubble machine for when looking at the tank size. Some machines on our list have very large capacities – the largest tank capacity is 67 oz. While this might be ideal for keeping the bubbles going all night on the dance floor at a wedding, it’s probably unnecessary if you’re looking for a bubble machine to entertain a toddler in the backyard for a short time.
For occasional casual use at home, a small bubble machine with a tank in the 13.5 oz range should suit your needs just fine. It can be easy to get excited about wanting the biggest and the best bubble machine, but also consider that the bigger the tank, the bigger and heavier the machine. If you’re planning to bring your bubble machine to the park, the beach, etc., a smaller tank might also mean a smaller, lighter machine that is easier to transport.
Battery or Plug-In?
There are pros and cons of plug-in and battery-operated bubble machines, so think about what you plan to use the machine for before you decide. The obvious pro for machines that require a cord and AC adapter is that you won’t need to keep purchasing batteries, which can add up quickly when you need six every time. If you plan to use the machine frequently for entertaining children or pets, this cost could get out of hand quickly so a plug-in machine might be a good choice.
On the other hand, a machine that needs to be plugged in is restricted to only being used within a few feet of an outlet, so you’ll be limited in where you can use it. Remember that cords can also become a tripping hazard, particularly if young kids running around with excitement are involved. If you go with a corded model, consider placing it against a wall to eliminate the risk of tripping and falling.
With a battery-operated bubble machine, you do not need to worry about tripping over a cord. You can bring the machine anywhere and set it up wherever it is convenient, whether just a particular spot in your backyard, to the park or beach for bubble-chasing fun, on a camping trip, family picnic, or festival.
The downside to a battery-operated machine is that it can go through batteries quickly if you use it frequently. The cost can increase, particularly if the machine requires several large C batteries. For occasional use, though, a battery-operated bubble machine is handy. If you think you might use your machine in a few different situations, consider buying one that can operate by plugging it in and batteries.
Bubble Solution Refill Frequency
The frequency you will have to refill your machine will depend on how large the bubble solution reservoir is. Generally speaking, the larger the tank, the less often you must refill it. A 13.5 oz tank, a standard size in average bubble machines, will last approximately half an hour before refilling. Larger bubble machines might have a tank with a 33 oz capacity and must be refilled only once an hour. The largest bubble machine on our list, a professional-grade machine used by DJs at weddings and parties, has a 67 oz tank and can last up to 4 hours before refilling.
Noise
Most bubble machines are not very loud, but check the description of the particular model you are interested in. If the motor is very large, the bubble machine will likely be louder than some smaller models. Still, even the largest professional-grade bubble maker on our list is not disruptively loud. However, the rule of thumb would be that the smaller the machine, the quieter the motor.
Amount and Speed of Bubbles
The speed at which the bubbles will come out of your bubble maker will depend on the quality of the motor and the number of wands the bubble machine has. The stronger the motor and the more wands attached to the bubble maker, the faster the bubbles emerge. To determine the speed of the bubbles, look for the rate of bubbles per minute.
Some of the smaller bubble makers on our list, with smaller motors, will have a rate of around 1000 bubbles per minute, while the larger professional-grade bubble machines with bigger motors will have higher rates of around 4000 bubbles per minute. Some machines on our list have two-speed options, so you can choose if you would like the bubbles to come out faster or slower, depending on your occasion.
Bubble Machine Safety Guide
While chasing bubbles is generally seen as a pretty low-key and safe activity, there are still a few guidelines to keep in mind to ensure that things stay that way.
- Firstly, the bubble solution used in the machine can be dangerous if ingested and can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and burning in the throat if enough is swallowed. Hence, it’s important to keep the refill bottles out of reach of children. Look for no-spill caps on your bubble refill containers. You can also consider making your own simple non-toxic bubble solution at home – see below for a basic recipe you can try out.
- When using a bubble machine, being aware of your surroundings is important. Kids love to run around chasing bubbles, so set the machine up in an open area with lots of space to run around. It’s also worth reminding kids of boundaries to stay in – just because the bubbles drift out into the street, it doesn’t mean you should chase them out there! If you’re in a yard without a fence or a large public park, consider using chalk or some ribbon for visual cues to keep children in a specific area that gives them plenty of room to run around but where you can still keep an eye on them.
- Make sure that the area where you’re using your bubble machine is also on a safe surface. Indoors, when bubbles pop, they can leave a residue on the floor, making it slippery on bare wood or laminate floors. If you’re using your bubble maker indoors, consider using a skid-proof surface like rubber mats or ensuring children wear shoes with rubber soles.
- If you’re using a bubble machine that needs to be plugged in, see that it is placed so that eager bubble chasers will not trip over the cord. Battery-powered machines don’t require cords and are portable so that you can bring them to places like the park or the beach for some on-the-go fun. Whether you’re using a plug-in or battery-powered bubble machine, be aware that it’s unsafe to use outside when inclement weather.
A Word On Safety
Making your non-toxic bubble solution isn’t always an option. If you decide to use commercially available bubble refills, make sure you take safety precautions and always store the solution out of reach of babies, toddlers, young children, and pets.
Most soaps are minimally poisonous in small amounts, but they can still cause irritation and symptoms of nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea when ingested. Another risk is getting the solution in the eyes, which can cause redness, pain, or potentially temporary loss of vision. If your child gets bubble solution in their eyes, flush the eyes out with water immediately.
Call the Poison Control hotline if you suspect your child has swallowed an amount of bubble solution. In the US, this number is 1-800-222-1222.
This free and confidential hotline to specialists offers immediate assistance to everyone and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They will ask about your child’s symptoms, what type of solution was ingested, and how much, and can offer guidance on what to do next.
In severe cases, they may recommend you go to an emergency room immediately. You should never make a child who has swallowed something they shouldn’t vomit unless a medical professional advises you to do so.
Homemade Non-Toxic Bubble Solution Recipe
You can buy bubble solutions in bulk at the store, but it’s also super easy and inexpensive at home. This can be a particularly good idea if you have toddlers or young kids who might mistakenly ingest the bubble solution. If you’re concerned about the possibility of swallowing bubble solution, try the recipe below for a non-toxic bubble solution you can make at home.
What You’ll Need:
- Non-toxic dish soap
- Corn syrup
- Water
- Measuring cups
- A funnel
- A wooden spoon for mixing
- Empty bottle for storing the bubble solution
Directions:
Check out your recycling bin for a glass bottle or jar suitable to reuse before purchasing a bottle. When you’re ready to mix up your solution, combine 3 cups of water, 1/3 cup corn syrup, and 1 cup of dish soap, using the spoon to mix well until combined. You can double or triple the recipe to fill the bottle size.
Once mixed well, all you need to do is use the funnel to pour the bubble solution into your glass bottle or jar, seal it, and find a spot to store it out of reach of children. Even though this solution is non-toxic, it’s still good to take precautions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Homemade Bubble Solution?
Yes! You can try out any solution in the bubble machines on our list. Check out the recipe above for a homemade, non-toxic bubble solution for young children or pets. However, some solutions may not be ideal for different bubble machines.
If you try a homemade bubble solution, but the bubbles it produces are subpar, try tweaking your recipe. Read reviews for your bubble machine as well, as some may note if a particular type of bubble solution (thicker, etc.) works best with that specific machine.
If I Use the Machine Indoors, Will the Bubble Solution Make My Floors Sticky?
Unfortunately, yes. When the bubbles inevitably land on the floor and pop, they make it sticky and wet. The mess is worth it in some situations, such as occasions ranging from a wedding dance floor to entertaining toddlers on a rainy day. But if you use it indoors, take safety precautions like putting children in shoes with nonslip soles, and be prepared to clean your floors when done.
Do Bubble Machines Have Multiple Speeds?
This will vary from machine to machine. Some bubble machines on our list have multiple speeds, and others do not. Read the product description carefully to understand the features of the bubble machine you plan to purchase.
If You Lose the Remote, is There a Control Panel on the Machine?
Never fear! All of the machines on our list, including those with wireless remote control, can also be operated manually with a switch on the machine itself, so rest assured that if the remote is misplaced by accident, you can still operate your bubble machine.
