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Gumball machines are a popular novelty item, offering candy of all sorts and a whimsical aesthetic to homes, businesses, and special events. When it comes to selecting a gumball machine, one must consider the amount of use it can handle, candy capacity, and the quality of the product to ensure it serves its purpose. To assist with your search, we tested and reviewed a wide variety of gumball machines to identify the best ones for you. In this article, we share our findings and guide you through the process of choosing the best gumball machine.
The best gumball machine should be reliable, easy to use, durable, and visually appealing. The quality of the construction, the capacity of the gumball load, and the functionality of the machine are all critical factors. Furthermore, the machine should dispense the gumballs smoothly and not frequently jam or malfunction.
Additionally, when purchasing a gumball machine, it’s essential to verify that it fits into your space, as they come in various sizes and designs. Some are designed to sit on a countertop, while others need to be mounted on a stand.
Over the course of this article, we will share our gathered knowledge and review numerous trustworthy and reliable gumball machines currently on the market, helping you make a well-informed decision. With our information, you’re in a better position to select an outstanding, durable, and visually appealing gumball machine for your home, workplace, or establishment.
Best Gumball Machines
Choosing the ideal gumball machine is paramount to its functionality and long-term use. The machine has to be durable, appealing, easy to maintain, and most importantly, it should efficiently dispense gumballs. With the vast range of gumball machines available, it can be a daunting task to select the most suitable one for your needs. To help you narrow down your search, we have assembled a list of the best gumball machines based on their performance, quality, and overall value.
8.5″ Coin Operated Gumball Machine Bank for Kids – Dubble Bubble Style Red Gum Dispenser With 45 Gumballs – Classic Candy Toy Bank
If you’re looking for a fun and interactive way to teach your child about saving money, the 8.5″ Coin Operated Gumball Machine Bank for Kids is a great option.
Pros
- The gumball machine design is cute and appealing to kids, making it an effective way to encourage them to save their allowance or pocket money.
- The bank can hold up to 45 gumballs, which is a nice touch and adds to the overall fun factor of the product.
- The machine is easy to operate, and kids can easily insert their coins and operate the lever to dispense gumballs.
Cons
- The gumballs that come with the machine are not real Dubble Bubble gumballs, which may be disappointing to some kids.
- The machine is battery-operated, which means you’ll need to replace the batteries periodically.
- The machine is made of plastic, which may not be as durable as other materials.
Overall, we think the 8.5″ Coin Operated Gumball Machine Bank for Kids is a great choice for parents who want to teach their children about saving money in a fun and interactive way. The gumball machine design is cute and appealing to kids, and the machine is easy to operate. While the gumballs that come with the machine are not real Dubble Bubble gumballs, and the machine is battery-operated and made of plastic, these are minor drawbacks that don’t detract from the overall quality of the product.
Medium Gumball Bank, 12″
If you’re looking for a fun and interactive way to save money, the Medium Gumball Bank, 12″ is a great option.
Pros
- The bank is large enough to hold a decent amount of change, but not so large that it takes up too much space.
- The gumball machine design is cute and adds a playful element to saving money.
- The bank is well-made and sturdy, ensuring that your savings will be secure.
Cons
- The bank requires 1.5″ diameter coins or smaller, which may be an issue for larger coins or bills.
- The bank may take some time to fill up if you’re saving smaller amounts of change at a time.
- The bank may not be suitable for those who prefer a more traditional savings jar or piggy bank.
The Medium Gumball Bank, 12″ is a great choice for anyone who wants to save money in a fun and interactive way. The gumball machine design is cute and adds a playful element to saving, while the bank itself is well-made and sturdy. However, those who prefer a more traditional savings jar or piggy bank may not find this option to be suitable.
If you’re looking for a savings jar that is large enough to hold a decent amount of change, but not so large that it takes up too much space, the Medium Gumball Bank, 12″ is a great choice. The bank is designed to hold 1.5″ diameter coins or smaller, which means that it can accommodate most coins and bills. However, it may take some time to fill up if you’re saving smaller amounts of change at a time.
Overall, the Medium Gumball Bank, 12″ is a great option for anyone who wants to save money in a fun and interactive way. It’s well-made, sturdy, and adds a playful element to saving. If you’re looking for a savings jar that is both functional and fun, this is definitely worth considering.
Thames & Kosmos Gumball Machine Maker Lab – Build Machines with Physics & Engineering Lessons | 12 Experiments | Make Your Own Gumball Machines | Includes Gumballs | Award Winner
If you’re looking for a fun and educational way to spend an afternoon, the Thames & Kosmos Gumball Machine Maker Lab is a great choice. With 12 experiments that teach physics and engineering principles, you’ll be building your own gumball machines in no time.
Pros
- The experiments are easy to follow and the instructions are clear.
- The materials are high-quality and durable, ensuring that your gumball machines will last for a long time.
- The experiments are both fun and educational, making this kit a great choice for anyone interested in science and engineering.
Cons
- Some of the experiments require adult supervision, which may be inconvenient for some users.
- The kit is a bit pricey compared to other science kits on the market.
- The kit only comes with enough materials to build one gumball machine, which may be disappointing for those who want to build multiple machines.
Overall, we highly recommend the Thames & Kosmos Gumball Machine Maker Lab for anyone looking for a fun and educational way to spend an afternoon. With its clear instructions, high-quality materials, and engaging experiments, this kit is sure to provide hours of entertainment while teaching important scientific and engineering concepts.
Great Northern Popcorn Company 83-DT5683 Vintage-Look Gumball Stand-Nostalgic Decor and Vending Machine by Northern Popcorn, Red
If you’re looking for a nostalgic and fun way to serve popcorn at your next event, the Great Northern Popcorn Company 83-DT5683 Vintage-Look Gumball Stand is a great option.
Pros
- The popcorn machine is easy to use and clean.
- The red color is vibrant and eye-catching.
- The vintage design adds a touch of nostalgia to any event.
Cons
- The popcorn machine only holds 2 pounds of popcorn kernels at a time, which may not be enough for larger events.
- The machine may take a few minutes to heat up and start popping the corn.
- The price point may be a bit high for those on a tight budget.
We recently used this popcorn machine at a birthday party and it was a huge hit with both kids and adults. The machine is easy to use and clean, and the red color was a great addition to the party decor. The vintage design also added a fun and nostalgic touch to the event.
One thing to note is that the machine only holds 2 pounds of popcorn kernels at a time, which may not be enough for larger events. However, for smaller gatherings, this amount is plenty. Additionally, the machine may take a few minutes to heat up and start popping the corn, so it’s important to plan accordingly.
Overall, if you’re looking for a fun and unique way to serve popcorn at your next event, the Great Northern Popcorn Company 83-DT5683 Vintage-Look Gumball Stand is definitely worth considering.
Schylling Brand Classic Retro Gumball Coin Bank – 8.5″ Tall – Includes 45 Dubble Bubble Gumballs – Ages 3+
This Schylling Brand Classic Retro Gumball Coin Bank is a fun and unique way to teach children about saving money. The bank stands 8.5 inches tall and includes 45 Dubble Bubble Gumballs, making it an exciting experience for kids to deposit their coins and watch the gumballs fill up the bank.
Pros
- The vintage design of the gumball machine is sure to bring a smile to both children and adults.
- The easy coin slot access makes it simple for kids to deposit their coins without any hassle.
- The sturdy construction of the bank ensures that it can withstand daily use and wear and tear.
Cons
- The gumballs may not fit through the coin slot, requiring adults to help with depositing them.
- The bank may not be suitable for older children or adults who prefer a more traditional savings jar or piggy bank.
- The gumballs may dry out and become sticky or stale if not stored properly.
Overall, the Schylling Brand Classic Retro Gumball Coin Bank is a great choice for parents looking for a fun and interactive way to teach their children about saving money. The vintage design and included gumballs make it a unique and exciting experience for kids, while the sturdy construction ensures that it can withstand daily use.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying a gumball machine, there are a few things to consider to ensure you get the best product for your needs. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
Capacity
One of the most important factors to consider is the capacity of the machine. This will determine how many gumballs it can hold and how often it will need to be refilled. If you plan on using the machine frequently, you may want to consider a larger capacity machine.
Material
The material of the machine is also important to consider. Most gumball machines are made of plastic, but there are also options made of metal or stainless steel. Metal or stainless steel machines tend to be more durable and long-lasting, but they may also be more expensive.
Design
The design of the machine is also important to consider. Some machines have a more classic or retro design, while others have a more modern or sleek look. Consider the style of your space and choose a machine that fits in with the overall design.
Features
Finally, consider any additional features that the machine may have. Some machines come with a built-in counter or a locking mechanism to prevent theft. Others may have a more advanced dispensing mechanism or a built-in light. Think about what features are important to you and choose a machine that meets your needs.
By considering these factors, you can ensure that you choose the best gumball machine for your needs.
