It isn’t unusual for toddlers and kids of all ages to nag their parents to blow some bubbles. Be it when playing in the garden, at the local park, or at a friend’s house, it’s the sort of activity that everybody loves and can get involved with. Like most toys for toddlers, bubbles are fun, affordable, accessible, and they encourage independence. That's why we've made it our mission to find the ultimate best battery operated bubble machine.
However, there does seem to be an extensive range of machines nowadays, which makes the selection process tricky for some. Do you want one for the indoors? Maybe you want a bubble machine that is best suited for the garden with more space and less to clean up? There are also devices that are automatic, and others that are more interactive.
Whatever it is you're after, we've listed the best bubble machines currently on the market. Shop our top picks below.
Best bubble machine for kids at a glance
Here's a quick look at our top 3 favourite bubble machines...
• Best overall bubble machine: Bubble Mania Bubble Whale - £15.99 Amazon
• Best bubble machine for secret bubble formula: Gazillion Bubbles Gazillion Tornado Bubble Toy - £11.99 Amazon
• Best novelty bubble machine: Guilty Gadgets Lawn Bubble Mower - £19.99 Amazon
The best bubble machine UK 2024
Best overall bubble machine
Best long run time bubble machine
The Bubble Mania bubble whale is the best bubble machine for any kid who adores bubbles coming out of the sprout of a whale. Different to most, the Bubble Whale squirts bubbles upwards, just like a real whale. Completely automatic too, all you need to do is fill it up with some solution and it will do all the hard work for you. Strong, sturdy, and built to last, this little guy is a keeper.
It has a high performance motor, which means it easily fills the air with bubbles, and you'll need 4 x AA batteries for it. One reviewer said, "I bought this whale because I read it 'spits out bubbles at an industrial scale'. Never a truer word spoken. The amount of bubbles this spits out is unbelievable. Just stock up on lots of bubble mixture, you will need it!" Luckily you do get two free jumbo tubs of bubble solution, but you can't buy more so you'll have to buy from another brand or make your own. The only downside of being so powerful is that what goes up must come down, so be prepared for everything the bubbles land on to get sticky and soapy - it's best to use this bubble machine outside.
Another customers points out; "Something to keep in mind is that when you move the machine while there is still liquid inside the whale’s mouth, it will most definitely spill, no matter how careful you are", so this might not be entirely suited for younger kids to hold, unless you're okay with them spilling soapy water all over themselves and the floor. They can help push the button on the side to release the bubbles into the air while you hold it instead, or place the whale on a surface for them to use independently.
Pros
- Cute whale design that's fun for young kids to use
- Strong and sturdy - built to last
- Shoots bubbles upwards just like a real whale
- High performance motor fills the air with bubbles
- Easy to use - just add bubble solution and press push button on side for bubbles
- Extra large bubble reservoir means less time filling it up
- Comes with 2 x free jumbo 8 fl oz of non-topic bubble solution tub
Cons
- You'll need 4 x AA batteries to operate the bubble machine
- They don't sell extra bubble liquid to replace when you run out
- Makes more sticky mess leaving the ground soapy due to the amount of bubbles
- Easy to spill the liquid out of the whale's mouth when in use
Best bubble machine with cute design
Best 500 bubble machine
AmazonBetheaces bubble machine is the best choice for any kid or toddler who loves a cute and cheeky frog friend to play with. Coming with two bottles of liquid, this toy is great for both girls and boys and produces a continuous stream of 500 bubbles per minute. Suitable for indoor and outdoor garden games, the lightweight frog is child-friendly (made from ABS plastic) and easy to use - just be aware that with so many bubbles it is likely to leave a soapy residue on surfaces, so may be best to use it outdoors.
One reviewer said, "Really pleased with the product, came in time for our granddaughter's birthday party. She was over the moon with it and in no time at all her friends were chasing streams of bubbles around the garden. Definitely a big hit with her and she will enjoy it all summer I am sure. It is small but well built and powerful. Runs for about fifteen minutes before needing a refill. Takes 4AA batteries which are not included, comes well packaged and is a fair price for the quality."
We like that the machine is small and lightweight making it easy to take with you for fun in the park. However, because the air duct of the device is compact, it can be a little noisy when it runs. This is more noticeable in small and quiet spaces though. Don't forget to take extra bubble solution and batteries with you, as it only runs for 15 minutes before it'll need refilling.
Pros
- Produces a continuous stream of more than 500 colourful bubbles per minute
- Easy to pour bubble mixture in the front - any kid can do it, then switch on and play
- Space-saving size and lightweight for portability and easy storage
- Easy to wipe clean with a wet cloth or tissues
Cons
- Needs 4 x AA batteries that are not included
- Needs refilling after 15 minutes
- May sound a little noisy when it runs
Best bubble machine for secret bubble formula
Best bubble machine with no pump
For something bolder, the Gazillion Tornado bubble toy is the best bubble-blowing machine for anyone who is after lots and lots of bubbles. Coming in green, blue, yellow and multi, the toy quite literally blows a storm of bubbles straight up into the air. It’s appropriate for kids three years and up (so a little older than the automatic machines) and is great for non-toxic bubble fun.
The company claims to have a secret formula that produces the most bubbles when used in conjunction with one of their products. They say; "Our top - secret bubble solution blows bigger, brighter, more colorful bubbles than any other solution on the market."
One reviewer said, "Great product works very well not like others, don’t need to keep refilling that often either." Other customers have reported issues with the speed and some leakage, saying it runs really slow, and thought it did in fact need to be refilled more quickly. Opinions are also mixed on the battery life and arm rotation.
Pros
- Blows a storm of bubbles straight up into the air for kids to jump around in
- The non-stop bubble action means there's no wait time like with a pump
- Includes a 4 oz bottle of non-toxic bubble solution
Cons
- Not suitable for kids under 3 years
- Needs 4 AA batteries that are not included
Best bubble machine to spread a little magic
Best wand bubble machine
This is an automatic magical bubble wand for kids who want their inner princess or fairy to shine. The Magic Fairy Stick Bubble Maker has a flashing light and music, and can produce over 1,000 colourful bubbles per minute. It comes with bottles of non-sticky bubble solution, and is suitable for kids three years and up who want to take control and create some magic!
One reviewer said, "Bought as a gift for my princess-crazy 3-year-old and it went down very well! She loves the wings and the fact that it plays a tune when she pushes the button, and it’s great for me because it’s easy for her to use on her own without her spilling the bubble solution everywhere. Very easy to use for little hands."
We like that the design is leak-proof, especially as a child is likely to want to wave the wand around in the air. It's worth mentioning that the wand works best to blow bubbles when it is held upright though.
Pros
- Fun bubble wand for kids to wave, encouraging independent use of the bubble machine
- Adding to the wonder, the bubble wand also has flashing light and music
- The wand lights up well in a darker room
- Easy to use by simply pressing the button
- The wings on the wand are removable
- Leakproof design means less mess
- The bubble solution is non sticky
- Can be used indoors or outdoors
Cons
- Requires 3 x AA batteries that don't come included
- Instructions say not to use rechargeable batteries
- It needs to be kept upright to work well
Best novelty bubble machine
Best bubble lawn mower
Guilty Gadgets presents the very popular Lawn Bubble Mower toy for kids and toddlers. This bubble machine has a soapy solution included and is battery operated – phew! But you'll have to buy your own batteries separately as it doesn't come with them included. All you need to do is fill up the little reservoir in the front of the mower with the bubble solution, which does come included, and then press the power button and the bubbles come out. Meanwhile, watch your kid’s faces light up with satisfaction due to their top-notch mowing skills.
One reviewer said, "It was easy to put together, the right height for my nephew son who is two. It was a great hit at the party, so much so three other mums wanted one, all the kids loved it. Works very well. Got big bottles of liquid to last all summer."
We like that the bubble solution is super strong, but we wish you could choose what colour mower you'd prefer. Beware that the bubble mixture can spill when "mowing" so it's not ideal for indoor use. But then, why would your child want to mow the carpet?
Pros
- Kid's can "help"in the garden with this pretend lawn mower that blow bubbles
- Comes with 120ml of super strong bubble solution
- Easy to assemble
- Easy to use, just press the button to create hundreds of swirling bubbles
Cons
- You can't choose a preferred colour of lawn mower - you just get what comes
- Takes 3 x AA that don't come included
Bubble Machine Buying Guide
There are loads of bubble machines to choose from, and it's easy to feel overwhelmed, so we've put together this little buying guide so you'll know what to look for when choosing the best bubble machine for your kids.
Does it offer extra features?
Bubble machines often do more than just blow bubbles, didn't you know? So take your time when shopping and find a bubble machine with plenty of entertainment potential!
Some fun features to look out for that kids will love include:
• flashing lights
• music
• funky colours
• spinning or moving parts
• hand-held vs being placed on a surface
Is it good value for money?
A bubble machine doesn't have to cost the earth to do what it says on the box! Let's face it, we're talking about bubbles being blown into the air, it's not rocket science. So there's no need to go for the most expensive model ubnless it ticks all of your boxes and more. We suggest assessing all the extra features and working out if they're worth the extra money. A budget bubble machine that blows bubbles will still provide hours of fun for your little ones!
How many batteries does it need?
A bubble machine that takes more batteries will end up working out as more expensive in the long run. So it's a good idea to check this out before purchasing so you'll know what to expect. Bubble machines run out of batteries fairly quickly as they're in constant use, so the fewer batteries you'll have to buy for it, the better.
How much bubble mixture does it come with?
Most bubble machines come with at least one small bottle of bubble solution, but it's a good aidea to double check to make sure you're getting good value for your money. Some will even come with two or three bottles, so do your research and go for one with plenty of extras - unless you have the ultimate homemade bubble formula hidden up your sleeve!
What age is it suitable for?
Bubble machines have different recommendations when it comes to age suitability, so check this out before you buy. Most of them are for 3+ years due to small parts. As long as you're aware of the age recommendation though, you can supervise younger kids still if they want to join in the fun.
Bubble Machine FAQs
How do bubble machines work?
Bubble machines are great fun because they blow out billions of bubbles for kids to enjoy with pretty much no effort on their part, or yours! They work with an integrated fan that assists the formation of bubbles within the machine, where a bubble ring touches the bubble solution you have added in. the bubbles are then forced out through an opening that'll determine the direction the bubbles will go - for example, up into the air.
Are bubble machines good for babies?
Bubbles are a great baby sensory activity. Bubble machines can help encourage their hand-eye coordination and motor skills. Just ensure the machines are out of reach from your baby if they are under the recommended age, and that the bubbles do not blow directly onto them.
What age is a bubble machine for?
As mentioned above, babies can enjoy bubbles if an adult is operating the bubble machine. If a toddler or young child is operating it you shoul always pay attention to the age recommendations for that particular product. Generally bubble machines are suitable for ages 3+ but they may vary.
Can you use a bubble machine indoors?
You certainly can use a bubble machine indoors - in fact, it's recommended not to use one outdoors if it's raining due to them usually being battery operated. However, if you're allowing kids to use a bubble machine indoors, be aware that they're likely to make a mess. This is firstly due to the amount of bubbles the machines produce, which blow up into the air at incredible speed and then must come down, settling on surfaces and leaving a soapy residue, and secondly because the bubble mixture usually pours into the machine and may get slopped about if the machine is being held or gets knocked over while on a surface. Either way, beware that non-porous srufaces like in the kitchen or any room without carpet may become a slipping hazard.
What is the best bubble blowing solution?
Usually a bottle or two of bubble mixture comes included when you purchase a bubble machine, but what happens when you run out? Some brands manufacture their own special formulas that can be purchased separately to replace the bubble mixture when it runs out. And some brands recommend using their own special formula with their products for the best bubble-blowing performance.
How to make bubble fluid for bubble machine
Most families will make a homemade bubble mixture when they run out. If you want to have a go at making your own homemade bubble solution there are plenty of ideas online to help you come up with a soapy formula that'll produce great bubbles. Usually this involves certain ratios of dish soap and water. We recommend browsing on parenting forums to find out what other parents recommend - but you could try one part dishwashing soap to six parts water, and adjust if necessary.
What bubble machine makes the most bubbles?
We think you can't go wrong with a battery-operated bubble machine as they will blow out an obscene amount of bubbles - far more than you could possible count, and far more than you'd ever be able to blow yourself. However, it's worth noting that some brands, like Gazillion Bubbles Gazillion Tornado Bubble Toy, state you'll get the most bubbles when you use their own special formula bubble solution along with their products. It's also important to follow instructions as some bubble machines mention they work better when help upright, and this is especially true for any machine that is design to blow bubbles up in the air. Sometimes it might be tricky to get kids to hold it upright though, depending on the design - for example, with the Ucradle Bubble Machine Automatic Bubble Wand kids will be temped to wave it around, and this may affect the amount of bubbles that blow out of it.
How to fill a bubble machine
Your bubble machines should come with their own instructions, so fread and follow these carefully and you won't go far wrong. Generally speaking it's a good idea to set the machine on a surface or hold it so that the opening is facing upwards. Then you'll be able to pour bubble solution directly in from the top. Sometimes the use of a kitchen funnel may help to prevent spillages, but if you refill the bubble machine outdoors, it won't matter if you spill a bit of soapy water over the edge of the opening - it's all fun and games!
How to clean a bubble machine
Cleaning a bubble machine is fairly straightforward, as it's basically soapy water, but this can get a bit gunky, so knowing how to clean the machine properly and safely is useful. the main thing to remember is to remove the batteries beforehand when doing a more thorough clean, especially if this involved dunking it into a bowl of water or running it under a tap. During use, you can simply dry the machine off with a small towel or some tissue paper if it becomes a bit too wet and sticky. Keep in mind that each bubble machine should come with instructions, including how to clean it, so read and follow these carefully.
Are they worth it?
It's well known that children love bubbles, but it's also very easy for younger children to spill bubble mixture with standard bubble sets. Independent kids will often insist on holding bubble bottles, which leads to spillages. With a bubble machine your child can turn it on and off as they please without the disappointment of losing all the bubble mix or making a big sticky mess, especially if they are using it indoors! Bubble machines also blow out hundreds, if not thousands of bubbles per minute with zero effort. So they are great fun and kids won't get frustrated at not being able to blow the bubbles themselves.
Proud aunt to her teen niece, Zara Mohammed is a Digital Writer for Mother&Baby. She has 10 years freelance writing experience creating lifestyle content for various platforms, including pregnancy, women’s health, parenting, child development and child mental health, plus lots of fun seasonal family articles and celebrity news.