The 10 Best Bubble Machines
Editor's Notes
October 22, 2020:
This is a bit of a tricky category, since its ambiguous nature demands that it be split between two basic subsets of bubble machines: professional-grade bubble machines that are suitable for grown-up events at big venues, and bubble machines for kids that tend to be more affordable, less industrial, and – perhaps most notably – made of colored plastic.
While the majority of our picks for the former subset managed to make it through this round of updates, we did replace the Chauvet DJ King B-550 with the Chauvet DJ Hurricane Haze Machine — a large unit with two reservoirs, which allows it to double as a fog machine.
We also saw quite a bit of turnover in the latter subset, with the Fisher-Price Bubble Mower and My Bubble Machine both being removed due to availability issues. And, we decided to err on the side of caution, and eliminated the Little Kids Candylicious from our list after observing several complaints from parents who say they’re children reacted terribly to the unit’s bubble solution, breaking out in hives despite any previous history of allergies.
Our new selections this time around are the WisToyz Super Dog — a budget-friendly model with a small reservoir, which can be a hassle, but also means that you’re looking at minimal cleanup if it tips over; the WisToyz Dino — a suped-up version of the Super Dog that can walk around, and even dance to music played out of its built-in speaker; and the Theefun TBM01 — which doesn’t boast a long list of bells and whistles, but does come with a wireless remote control and is quite affordable.
While I’ve got your attention here, since it seems like there’s a good chance you’re planning something, perhaps I can interest you in some of our other rankings relating to event-enhancing equipment, like strobe lights, laser stage lighting, DJ booths and DJ speakers, all of which – when used in combination with your new bubble machine – are sure to get your party popping.
November 29, 2019:
This round of updates, we removed the 1byOne Professional due to availability issues, and eliminated the Gazillion Hurricane after noting several comments criticizing the latest version of the offering. With the space that created, we endeavored to balance the juvenile-focused options in this category against some models that are geared toward adults. Because, if there’s one thing in this life I can say with utter conviction, it’s that grownups like bubbles too!
Our new additions include the Chauvet DJ King B-550 – a professional-grade machine designed for large venues and big parties, the TC-Home Stage Machine – which became the most expensive option ranked here by a longshot, but also doubles as a fully-functional fog machine, and the Baisun Automatic – a reasonably-priced choice you can really have some fun with, thanks to its three built-in RGB LEDs.
A few things to think about while shopping in this category:
Target Audience: This should go without saying, but in a category that plays host to options for both the young and old, make sure you know which is which. While you might get away with showing up to a kid's birthday with a nightclub-style bubble machine, turning up to your buddy’s bachelor party with a Fisher Price offering might be less well received.
Portability: In terms of the adult options, this means picking an offering that’s lightweight with sturdy handles – like the Baisun Automatic or the TC-Home Stage Machine. In terms of the kid options, this means picking a battery-powered offering like the My Bubble Machine or the Bubbletastic Bacon Blower, that can easily enhance a day at the park or playground.
Extra Utility: In terms of the adult options, this also means picking an option like the Baisun Automatic or the TC-Home Stage Machine, that can double as a stage light or fog machine. In terms of the kid options, this means going for the Fisher-Price Bubble Mower, that can still act as toy push mower even in the absence of bubble solution.
Bubbles, Bubbles, And More Bubbles!
The soap molecules attempt to separate from the water, pulling apart its molecules in the process.
Okay, people. It's time for adults to admit something to one another that they generally only reveal in the presence of children:
We love bubbles!
It's true. You know it, and we know it. It seems that enjoying bubbles is not something that a person simply grows out of. Sure, you might try to pretend like you're bored at the six-year-old's birthday party when they ask you to blow bubbles with them again and again. But the truth is, you are loving it as much as they are.
The fascination with bubbles begins in toddler-hood and extends to grade school science classes. In those classes, we learned that surface tension allows a bubble to form. When we add soap, it reduces the surface tension and allows bubbles to form more easily.
The soap molecules attempt to separate from the water, pulling apart its molecules in the process. Rapid evaporation causes bubbles to pop, but the soap is more resistant to evaporation than the water. This makes soap and water bubbles lighter weight than plain water bubbles, allowing them to stick to an open surface and to last longer.
This process is the reason you can create bubbles for hours on end with a bubble wand and why bubble machines are so much fun. These machines dip rotating wands into a soap and water solution and forcefully blow air through the wands to create a stream of bubbles for hours - or at least until the bubble solution runs out.
While the concept might seem simple, bubbles serve a scientific purpose that scientists attempt to utilize to not only learn more about our world but to also aid in space exploration. Bubbles can create complications during space travel and cause irreparable damage to machines. Understanding how bubbles operate in space as compared to earth has helped to enhance exploration safety. It is also possible that harnessing bubble energy can form the basis for more efficient energy production in the future.
Bubbles: Not Just For Kids
Bubble machines are a popular choice for children's outdoor birthday parties and other events such as weddings and graduations. You can purchase nearly any type of machine your heart desires. Some machines are made especially for children and can produce hundreds or even thousands of bubbles within seconds. Some children's bubble machines are sold in toy form such as a toy mower that spits out bubbles as your little one plays.
Some machines are made especially for children and can produce hundreds or even thousands of bubbles within seconds.
They seem to be most popular at children's birthday parties where the kids can chase and pop the bubbles to their little heart's content. However, they are being used more and more at adult parties such as weddings and graduations. They add a touch of whimsy to any event and create an atmosphere of fun and excitement. They are an excellent choice for dance parties and are often used at proms and other school dances.
Bubbles and some bubble machines are often incorporated into artistic expression by street performers. Soap bubble performances are both entertaining and creative. While the performers might make it look easy, it actually requires a significant amount of practice and skill to mesmerize audiences. Some performers are talented enough to create complicated shapes that take on the appearance of people or animals. Some are able to encase people and objects into the bubbles they form. They often use smoke, lights, helium, or other gases to enhance the visual experience.
You can even purchase machines that produce bubbles with scents, colors, and even flavors. Most take batteries, but some come with wall plugs for convenient long-term use. They are a great way for adults to enjoy bubbles under the guise of decorative quality without letting on to judgmental onlookers that they are secretly children at heart.
A Brief History Of The Bubble Machine
The earliest depictions of bubbles being used for recreational enjoyment are found in Flemish paintings from the seventeenth century. These paintings show children using clay pipes to blow bubbles. Throughout the next two centuries, mothers commonly gave children leftover soap to create their own solution and blow bubbles.
They represented peace and harmony and were often used at music festivals and fairs.
In the 19th century, Sir John Everett Millais painted the famous work known simply as "Bubbles." It depicts a child mesmerized by a bubble he just created using a pipe and a bowl. Originally titled "A Child's World," this painting soared to popularity while being used in advertisements by Pears Soap.
Beginning in the twentieth century, street peddlers noticed an opening and began selling bubbles to children as toys. In the 1940's, the chemical company, Chemtoy, began bottling bubble solution and using widespread marketing techniques to distribute and sell bubbles as a toy.
For the first time since the Pears Soap advertisements, the bubbles became symbolic once again with the onset of the 1960s. They represented peace and harmony and were often used at music festivals and fairs.
The next few decades brought on an influx of companies producing their own brands of bubble solution which birthed the necessity for more creative ways to use them. At long last, the bubble machine was invented and marketed to the public making parties and other special events that much more enjoyable.