Gumball machines add a delightful touch to any setting, whether it’s a formal entrance or your cozy living room. These colorful dispensers, beloved by both kids and adults, provide a classic sweet treat with just the drop of a coin. However, it’s essential to recognize that gumball machines vary, and choosing the perfect one for your needs can significantly elevate your experience.
The best gumball machine should be sturdy, easy to operate, visually appealing, and capable of dispensing candy smoothly and evenly. The wrong machine can lead to jammed candies, difficulty in filling, and even breakage. But fear not! We have rigorously investigated and tested a variety of gumball machines to identify the ones that will deliver the best overall user experience.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of picking the best gumball machine. We will share our findings and insights from our hands-on trials to guarantee that you get the high-quality machine you deserve. After reading this comprehensive guide, you will be fully equipped to find a gumball machine to delight your most discerning gumball enthusiast, be it yourself, your family, or your customers.
Best Gumball Machines
Selecting a high-quality gumball machine is essential to guarantee smooth functioning and customer satisfaction. The best gumball machine should not only be visually appealing but also durable, easy to operate, and dispense candy evenly. With numerous models available in the market, it can be daunting to pick the best one. We’ve put our time into extensive research and trials to help you in your search. In this article, we bring you the top picks for the best gumball machines, each having excelled in various aspects of quality, appeal, and performance.
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 kids about saving money, the 8.5″ Coin Operated Gumball Machine Bank is a great choice.
Pros
- The gumball machine bank is a unique and fun way to encourage kids to save money.
- The machine can hold up to 450 pieces of small change, so it can store a significant amount of money.
- The machine is operated by a coin slot, making it an interactive way for kids to save their money.
Cons
- The machine only comes with 45 gumballs, which may not be enough for some kids.
- The machine is relatively small, so it may not be suitable for older kids or teenagers.
- The machine may not be suitable for kids with allergies to gumballs or other types of candy.
The 8.5″ Coin Operated Gumball Machine Bank is a great choice for parents who want to encourage their kids to save money in a fun and interactive way. The machine is operated by a coin slot, so kids can deposit their coins and watch as the machine dispenses a gumball as a reward. The machine can hold up to 450 pieces of small change, so it can store a significant amount of money.
One potential downside of the machine is that it only comes with 45 gumballs, which may not be enough for some kids. Additionally, the machine is relatively small, so it may not be suitable for older kids or teenagers. Finally, the machine may not be suitable for kids with allergies to gumballs or other types of candy.
Overall, if you’re looking for a unique and fun way to encourage your kids to save money, the 8.5″ Coin Operated Gumball Machine Bank is definitely worth considering.
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 unique and nostalgic 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 vintage design of the popcorn machine is sure to be a conversation starter at any event.
- The popcorn machine is easy to use and operates off of standard 110V household current, making it a convenient option for serving popcorn.
- The popcorn machine comes with a 1/4 cup measuring scoop and a serving tray, making it easy to serve popcorn to guests.
Cons
- The popcorn machine only makes 1/2 oz of popcorn at a time, which may not be enough for larger events or gatherings.
- The popcorn machine is relatively small, measuring at 8.5 x 7.5 x 13 inches, which may make it difficult to serve popcorn to a large number of guests.
- The popcorn machine is made of plastic, which may not be as durable as machines made of other materials.
We’ve used the Great Northern Popcorn Company 83-DT5683 Vintage-Look Gumball Stand at a few events and have found it to be a great option for serving popcorn. The vintage design of the machine is sure to be a hit with guests, and the ease of use is a big plus. The popcorn machine is also relatively easy to clean, which is important for any event.
One thing to keep in mind is that the popcorn machine only makes 1/2 oz of popcorn at a time, so it may not be the best option for larger events or gatherings. Additionally, the machine is relatively small, which may make it difficult to serve popcorn to a large number of guests. Finally, the machine is made of plastic, which may not be as durable as machines made of other materials.
Overall, if you’re looking for a unique and nostalgic way to serve popcorn at your next event, the Great Northern Popcorn Company 83-DT5683 Vintage-Look Gumball Stand is a great option to consider.
Medium Gumball Bank, 12″
If you’re looking for a fun and interactive way to save money, the Medium Gumball Bank is a great option.
Pros
- The spinning action makes saving money more enjoyable.
- The large size of the bank makes it easy to see how much money you have saved.
- The bank can hold up to 300 gumballs or 2000 coins, making it a great option for those who want to save a significant amount of money.
Cons
- The bank requires 2 “C” cell batteries (not included), which may be a downside for some users.
- The bank may not be suitable for those who prefer a more traditional savings jar.
- The spinning action may not be suitable for those who prefer a more quiet savings experience.
The Medium Gumball Bank is a great option for those who want to make saving money more enjoyable. The spinning action of the bank is a unique feature that sets it apart from other savings jars. The large size of the bank also makes it easy to see how much money you have saved, which can be a great motivator to save more.
One potential downside of the bank is that it requires 2 “C” cell batteries, which are not included. This may be a concern for some users who do not want to have to purchase batteries separately. Additionally, the spinning action of the bank may not be suitable for those who prefer a more quiet savings experience.
Overall, the Medium Gumball Bank is a fun and interactive way to save money. If you’re looking for a unique and engaging way to save your money, this bank is definitely worth considering.
Schylling Brand Classic Retro Gumball Coin Bank – 8.5″ Tall – Includes 45 Dubble Bubble Gumballs – Ages 3+
If you’re looking for a fun and interactive way to teach your kids about saving money, the Schylling Brand Classic Retro Gumball Coin Bank might be just what you need.
Pros
- The gumball machine coin bank is a great way to make saving money fun for kids.
- The machine dispenses a gumball for every dollar saved, providing a tangible reward for their hard work.
- The bank holds up to 25 coins, providing a good incentive for kids to save up for a treat.
Cons
- The gumballs included with the bank might not be to your child’s liking.
- The machine requires 2 LR44 batteries, which are included, but might need to be replaced over time.
- The machine might not be as durable as some other coin banks on the market.
We’ve used the Schylling Brand Classic Retro Gumball Coin Bank with our own kids, and we’ve found that it’s a great way to get them excited about saving money. The gumball dispensing feature is a fun touch that our kids love, and it provides a nice reward for their hard work.
One thing to keep in mind is that the gumballs included with the bank might not be to your child’s liking. However, we’ve found that our kids don’t mind the gumballs that come with the bank, and they enjoy the fact that they get a new gumball every time they save up a dollar.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the machine requires 2 LR44 batteries, which are included, but might need to be replaced over time. Additionally, the machine might not be as durable as some other coin banks on the market, so it might not hold up as well over time.
Overall, we think that the Schylling Brand Classic Retro Gumball Coin Bank is a great choice for parents who want to make saving money fun for their kids. The gumball dispensing feature is a unique touch that sets this coin bank apart from others on the market, and it’s a great way to get your kids excited about saving up for a treat.
Mini Gumball Machine – Premium Vintage Candy Dispenser with Glass Globe, Metal Base, and Free Spin Coin Mechanism by Great Northern Popcorn (Red)
If you’re looking for a vintage-inspired gumball machine that can bring back memories, the Mini Gumball Machine by Great Northern Popcorn is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The glass globe and metal base give this gumball machine a classic and stylish look.
- The free spin coin mechanism adds a fun and interactive element to the machine.
- The machine is compact and portable, making it easy to move around and place on a desk or table.
Cons
- The machine only holds about 15-20 pieces of gumballs at a time, which may not be enough for larger gatherings or events.
- The gumballs may stick to the machine’s chute, requiring some manual intervention to dispense them.
- The machine’s coins may not always align properly, causing the machine to malfunction.
Overall, we found the Mini Gumball Machine to be a fun and unique addition to any desk or table. The glass globe and metal base give it a classic and stylish look, while the free spin coin mechanism adds a fun and interactive element to the machine. However, the machine’s small size may limit its usefulness for larger gatherings or events, and some manual intervention may be required to dispense the gumballs. Despite these minor drawbacks, we would recommend the Mini Gumball Machine to anyone looking for a vintage-inspired gumball machine that can bring back memories.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying a gumball machine, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you get the best product for your needs. In this section, we will discuss the most important factors to keep in mind when making your purchase.
Capacity
One of the most important factors to consider when buying a gumball machine is its capacity. This refers to the number of gumballs that the machine can hold at one time. If you plan on using the machine frequently, or if you expect a lot of customers to be using it, you will want to choose a machine with a larger capacity.
Size and Weight
Another important factor to consider is the size and weight of the machine. If you plan on moving the machine around frequently, or if you have limited space, you will want to choose a machine that is compact and lightweight. However, if you are looking for a machine that can handle a large volume of customers, you may need to choose a larger, heavier machine.
Material
The material of the gumball machine is also an important consideration. Machines made from high-quality materials, such as stainless steel or durable plastic, are more likely to last a long time and require less maintenance. Additionally, the material can affect the overall appearance and style of the machine.
Price
Finally, price is always a consideration when making a purchase. While it may be tempting to choose the cheapest option available, it is important to remember that a higher price tag often indicates better quality and durability. When choosing a gumball machine, it is important to find a balance between price and quality to ensure that you get the best value for your money.
In summary, when choosing a gumball machine, it is important to consider its capacity, size and weight, material, and price. By keeping these factors in mind, you can find a machine that meets your needs and provides a fun and enjoyable experience for you and your customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top features to look for in a gumball machine for a business?
When choosing a gumball machine for a business, it is important to consider factors such as capacity, durability, and ease of use. A high-capacity machine can handle a larger volume of customers, while a durable machine can withstand frequent use. Additionally, a machine that is easy to operate and maintain can save time and resources.
How do you determine the appropriate size of a gumball machine for your needs?
The size of a gumball machine depends on the intended use and the amount of space available. For a business, it is important to choose a machine that can accommodate a sufficient amount of gumballs while also fitting comfortably in the designated space.
What is the difference between a manual and automatic gumball machine?
A manual gumball machine requires the user to turn a crank or lever to dispense a gumball, while an automatic machine uses a sensor or button to dispense the candy. Automatic machines are generally faster and more convenient, but may also be more expensive.
Which gumball machines are known for their durability and longevity?
Gumball machines made from high-quality materials, such as stainless steel or heavy-duty plastic, are known for their durability and longevity. Additionally, machines with sturdy components and a solid construction can withstand frequent use and maintain their functionality over time.
What are the most popular gumball machine brands among consumers?
Some of the most popular gumball machine brands among consumers include Hershey’s, Candy Land, and Redwood. These brands are known for their high-quality materials, fun designs, and reliable functionality.
What are the best options for gumball machines that are easy to operate and maintain?
Gumball machines with simple designs and easy-to-use components are generally the easiest to operate and maintain. Additionally, machines with removable parts and accessible areas for cleaning and maintenance can save time and resources in the long run.
