Last Updated on July 29, 2020 by Jake
One of my favorite things as a kid was going to arcades like Dave and Busters. The best part was playing countless different games that I couldn’t play at home. Games like arcade basketball, racing games, and most of all, Skee Ball. Skee Ball is an addicting game of skill played by rolling a ball up an incline, over a ball hop, and into targets worth different amounts of points.
Unbeknownst to me until recently, you can actually play Skee Ball at home! Nowadays, there are a handful of manufacturers that make in home Skee Ball arcade style games. If you’re anything like me, the idea of an in home Skee Ball machine sounds like a total blast. Below you’ll see our reviews on the best Skee Ball machine for home and a buyer’s guide to help you find the best model:
Table of Contents
In a Hurry? Here’s Our Top Picks:
| Image | Title | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
 | BARRINGTON Roll and Score Game Set, 10’ | View on Amazon | |
 | Lancaster 108 Inch Classic Arcade Roll and Score, Skee Ball Game Machine Table | View on Amazon | |
 | Hathaway Boardwalk 8-ft Arcade Ball Table for Family Game Rooms with LED Track Lighting, Scratch-Resistant Playfield | View on Amazon | |
 | Ready AIM and Throw! 9 Ft. Roll and Score Table | View on Amazon | |
 | Hot Shot 8-ft Arcade Ball Table | View on Amazon |
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Best Skee Ball Machine Reviews
BARRINGTON Roll and Score Game Set
Best Vintage Skee Ball Machine
- CLASSIC FAMILY GAME: With its long design and plug-in electronic scoring, this classic arcade game promises endless fun for the entire family. Plus, the automatic ball return system ensures non-stop rolling and scoring excitement.
- PLAYING SURFACE & BALL ROLL: The game table has a 12mm thick one-piece playing surface made of engineered wood for a smooth ball roll. At 10’ long, 24.75” wide, and about 4.75’ tall, it brings fun and competition to your arcade game room.
- CRAFTMANSHIP: The table construction is distressed Oak PVC laminate and engineered wood. After each roll, the automatic ball return sends the balls to the goal box for another throw. A metal cage with an antique finish keeps the balls in the game.
- ARCADE-STYLE GAME: Modern LED electronic scorer with fun arcade sound effects registers the score when balls enter one of the sturdy ABS scoring rings. You can play games in either single or two-player mode. A plug-in adapter powers the game.
- STURDY LEG DESIGN & ROOM SIZE: A dark coating covers the metal table legs, giving the legs a more industrial style. The legs are also rust-resistant. To ensure ample space for free movement around the game table, we recommend a room size of 13.5’ x 6’.
When it comes to the details you want in the best Skee Ball table, the Barrington Roll and Score hits the nail on the head on just about everything. This machine has all of the modern features you want while maintaining a rustic, elegant look. It’s 10 feet long so it has a full game feel to it.
The machine is designed with distressed oak and iron trimming to give a vintage aesthetic. The legs are industrially designed to maximize stability. A dark metal cage encloses the scoring area which prevents balls from flying across the room. In the right game room, your machine could look more like a designer piece than a Skee Ball game.
Features wise the Barrington is kitted with a quick-response, automatic ball return which minimizes time between games. At the top of the cage is a LED display with automatic scoring and a sound system that plays effects when good shots are made.
All in all, it’s hard to argue with the merits of this machine. It gets our vote for the best Skee Ball machine for adults due to the mature look of the wood. However, it’s definitely a great option for kids as well!
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
Lancaster Classic Arcade Roll and Score Game
Lancaster is a reputable manufacturer of game room tables, and they also make one of the best Skee Ball table products. Their table is 9 feet long and has a classic vibe to it. The majority of the table is made of wood with plastic accents. LED lights brighten up the score board and illuminate the scoring areas on the machine. A clear acrylic cover encloses the scoring area for safety.
The Lancaster Skee Ball table also has an automatic ball return and built in sound effects. Easy push buttons are also featured for ease of use for kids. Due to the slightly more compact size and ease of use, the Lancaster gets our vote for best Skee Ball machine for families. It’s couldn’t be easier to use for kids while still being fun for adults. Best part is, it’s got by far one of the most reasonable price points of any machine on this list.
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
Hathaway Boardwalk 8-ft Arcade Ball Table
- FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY – Enjoy classic arcade ball in your game room or office with this handsome table from Hathaway. Kids will love its smooth play and competitive two-player mode. Adults will love its vintage look and durable construction.
- STUNNING DESIGN – The Boardwalk’s gorgeous cabinet features a rich, oak melamine surface that is sure to delight the eye. Its high-gloss playfield features LED side lighting and sleek, modern targets. Digital sound effects add a vintage touch.
- BUILT TO LAST – Quality, engineered wood construction ensures long-lasting durability and stability. The Boardwalk’s high-quality net ensures that balls stay in play, keeping the fun rolling at a crisp, competitive pace.
- 180-DAY WARRANTY - Your table comes with a 180-day manufacturer warranty. We promise that it will arrive damage free with all necessary parts and accessories. Otherwise, we’ll send replacement parts or an entirely new table at no cost to you.
- DIMENSIONS - Playing surface: 63-in L x 21.25-in W; Table dimensions: 99-in L x 25-3/4-in W x 53-in H.
Hathaway is another reputable company that offers a Skee Ball table product. Their version is a great option if your game room is tight on space. At only 8 feet long, the Hathaway Boardwalk Skee Ball table is definitely more compact than the other machines on this list. It is NOT a full size arcade style table.
With that being said though, it’s still constructed with quality materials. It has a wood frame and a scratch resistant poly sealed, glossy playing surface. Similar to other models on this list, it has built in electronic scoring and sound effects to create an exciting environment to play in.
Another fun feature – this table has a built in 2 player game mode, meaning you can easily play in teams! Great fun for the family or your kids.
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
Ready Aim and Throw! Roll and Score Table
Best Skee Ball Machine for the Money
At first glance, the low price of the Skee Ball Table may lead some to believe that it isn’t high quality. Frankly, that just isn’t the case. Despite the great price point, this machine is very well built by a reputable manufacturer.
The table is 9 feet long, so it’s a great length for adults and kids to enjoy equally. As with any other good Skee Ball machine, it comes equipped with LED lighting in the target area, on the scoreboard, and has built in sound effects.
MD Sports gets our vote for best Skee Ball table under $500 and is a perfect option for family game night.
Hot Shot 8-ft Arcade Ball Table
Best Skee Ball Machine for Kids
- COMPLETE 8 FT ARCADE ROLL AND SCORE GAME - Designed for endless fun, this arcade ball table brings a classic game home, featuring a full 8 ft length, LED electronic scoring, and six durable rubberized game balls.
- FOLDABLE FOR EASY STORAGE - Space-saving design allows the table to fold up easily, with interlocking gears and metal hinges that create a compact structure for convenient storage when not in use.
- RUGGED, SCRATCH-RESISTANT PLAYFIELD - Constructed from engineered wood with a poly-sealed playfield, this table offers durability and a smooth surface for gameplay. ABS scoring rings and reinforced netting enhance stability and keep balls on track.
- AUTOMATIC BALL RETURN SYSTEM - The built-in automatic ball return system ensures a seamless game flow, delivering balls back to players quickly to keep up the excitement and minimize interruptions.
- BRIGHT LED SCORING SYSTEM - Equipped with an LED scoring unit that tracks points accurately, adding a modern arcade feel and enhancing the competitive experience for family and friends.
When it comes to a Skee Ball table designed purely for kids, I point people to the Hot Shot Arcade Ball Table. At only 8 feet long it’s not an arcade style Skee Ball machine, but it more than gets the point across for kids.
The Hot Shot comes with a very basic electronic scoring system and no sound effects upon scoring. One nice thing is that it’s designed to fold up and store. As you can imagine for a Skee Ball table, that means the quality of materials isn’t going to be as great as it could be. MDF and basic plastics are the primary materials with which this table is constructed.
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Skee-Ball Centennial Alley Game
Best Skee Ball Machine…but
Holy smokes! That price tag. It’s very high. Now, there are good reasons for this, but for 99% of the world (including me) this machine is out of budget. But if you can afford it, you will be handsomely rewarded with a stunning piece for your game room.
You’ll notice the other products on this list don’t actually have the words Skee-Ball in their title. While the table designs are for the exact same game, Skee-Ball is actually it’s own trademarked brand. So with this table, you are buying a truly authentic Skee-Ball machine. Not only that, but it’s a limited release model celebrating the 100th anniversary of Skee-Ball! A truly incredible piece for any fan of the game.
Aside from that, it’s hand crafted with oak and has many retro features, such as a handle action lever. Not surprisingly with something this elegant and expensive, the manufacturer includes a nice warranty on the machine so you can purchase with confidence. Head and shoulders, it’s our vote for the best Skee Ball machine on this list – but again, the price tag will be a major turn off for many.
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
Skee Ball Machine Buyer’s Guide
Some of this buyer’s guide has already been touched on in the reviews above, but there are a few things that I think are very important to reiterate when it comes to making a buying decision.
What is the Skee Ball Machine Made Of?
First and foremost, the best skee ball machine will be built with quality materials. Many skee ball tables are quite expensive, so you want to make sure your investment lasts. On top of that, cheap building materials will create an inconsistent playfield for the game itself. That’s an incredibly frustrating outcome that you want to avoid.
With that in mind, it may be worth it to buy a slightly more expensive skee ball machine that is made from higher quality materials.
Aesthetic
Ultimately, any furniture piece that you buy needs to be an aesthetic fit in your game room. Do you have a rustic, retro, modern, or futuristic vibe going on? Or none of the above? All of those are things to consider when thinking about buying the best skee ball machine for you.
As mentioned above, skee ball machines come in many different sizes, colors, and materials. Many have different patterns of LED lighting that illuminate the playing field, all of which are highly visible from other areas of your game room. With that in mind, try your best to visualize how the style of the skee ball machine fits into your game room.
Space
How much space does a Skee Ball table use? It depends on the model, but Skee Ball tables are typically about 10 feet tall, 2.5 feet wide, and 4 feet tall (10′ x 2.5′ x 4′). This is obviously something to consider before making a purchase.
The nice thing about these dimensions is that they can fit into spaces that might be awkward for other activities. It’s super easy to put a Skee Ball table up against a wall – it doesn’t inhibit players ability to play the game at all.
Who Are the Primary Players?
Are you buying for adults or kids? Or both? The answer to that question shapes which table you should be looking to purchase. The best Skee Ball machine for adults is not necessarily the same as the best skee ball machine for kids. Generally speaking, cheaper models are better for kids and mid to high priced models are more fun for adult usage.
New vs Used Skee Ball Machine
If you are really into vintage skee ball machines but can’t swallow the steep price tag of a new machine, used is a great route to go. Often times you can check Craigslist or eBay and find deals on used Skee Ball machines that will make a great addition to your game room.
Looking For More Arcade Style Games?
Check out our posts on the best indoor basketball games, cocktail arcade tables, and arcade cabinet games next!
Conclusion
We hope you’ve enjoyed our list and now have the knowledge to go find the best skee ball machine for you. If there are any models you feel like we left out, please let me know in the comments section below.
Need ideas for your game room? Check out our mega post with over 100 ideas to enhance your game room! You should also check out our combo table reviews and shuffleboard table reviews if you want something to compliment a new Skee Ball table!
Last update on 2022-06-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API