All categories
Business & Offices
Electronics & Media
Fashion & Accessories
Groceries & Essentials
Health & Personal Care
Home & Living
Kids & Family
Sports & Outdoors
Search in ZoneOffer
Air hockey is a fast, noisy, delightfully simple game — but its performance hinges on a handful of small parts. A warped puck, a tired fan motor, or sticky mallets can turn a thrilling two-minute rally into a frustrating chore. That’s why investing in quality accessories pays off: they keep the table feeling slick, the puck gliding true, and the game as competitive as you want it to be. Think of accessories as the lubrication in an engine — invisible until something creaks, then suddenly everything matters.
If you’re shopping in the UK for air hockey tables, pucks, mallets, or replacement motors, you’ve got a healthy selection of retailers to consider. Each shop brings different strengths: convenience, selection, price or specialist know‑how. Below I’ve rounded up trusted places where many players find the best balance of choice and value.
Argos remains a go‑to for families looking for portable or mid‑size air hockey tables. You’ll usually find affordable 4‑ to 6‑foot models that suit living rooms or dens, plus spare pucks and mallets. Argos’ strength is accessibility — it’s simple to compare models and snap up a popular item quickly, especially when you need a replacement puck in a hurry.
Amazon’s UK marketplace is hard to beat for sheer variety. From budget tabletop sets to near‑arcade home tables, you can shop new brands and independent sellers for accessories like LED goal lights, high‑performance pucks, and replacement blowers. Customer reviews and Q&A threads help you spot quality items, and Prime delivery often means you’re back playing in a single day when you only need a puck or two.
Smyths targets younger players and family game rooms, offering sturdy but affordable models that handle enthusiastic play. Their ranges often include bundled accessories and themed sets — useful if you want a complete starter kit with mallets and extra pucks. Smyths is especially handy if you want to let kids try before committing to a larger home arcade table.
When a table is both a furniture piece and a game, John Lewis is a destination to consider. Their curated selection tends toward higher‑quality, well‑designed tables and accessories that complement a grown‑up living space. Expect better build quality and refined aesthetics, and look for solid replacement parts and professional motor units if you want longevity over bargain prices.
Wayfair and similar home retailers often carry a range of game tables, including air hockey, that marry form and function. If your priority is a table that looks as good as it plays, these sites offer a variety of finishes and sizes, plus covers and cabinets to protect the top. They’re also useful for finding less‑mainstream accessories like integrated storage or bespoke paddles.
For hard‑to‑find motors, replacement fan housings, or vintage puck designs, eBay is where collectors and DIY fixers often turn. You can score genuine replacement parts from older arcade models, or pick up a secondhand table to repair. Shopping used requires patience and a careful eye, but it’s unmatched when you need specific components that new retailers no longer stock.
Dunelm and similar homeware retailers may not be the primary destination for motors, but they’re useful for accessories that keep your table looking good — table covers, anti‑slip mats, and storage solutions. If you’re protecting a table in a multi‑use room, these stores have practical add‑ons that prevent surface damage and reduce dust build‑up.
Stores such as Sports Direct or independent billiards and arcade shops can be great for technical guidance. They often stock higher‑end motors, replacement bearings and electrical components, and they have staff who can advise on compatibility. If you want a professional opinion on converting a tabletop blower or fitting a new control panel, these shops are worth a visit.
Choosing an accessory isn’t just about matching sizes — it’s about compatibility, durability and the way a part changes play. Before you hit “buy,” check three critical areas: size and fit, material quality, and whether the accessory is designed for recreational or arcade‑grade use. Treat each purchase as a small investment toward making every match feel fair and fast.
Air hockey tables range from compact 3‑ to 4‑foot tabletop units to room‑dominating 7‑foot arcade tables. Always measure in feet and inches and verify that replacement pucks, mallets and fans are compatible with your table’s playing surface and puck hole diameter. A puck that’s off by just 1/8 of an inch can wobble or jam — that sounds tiny until you’re missing every shot.
Accessories vary from cheap plastic to reinforced, high‑density designs. For mallets, look for a comfortable grip and a robust face that won’t chip under repeated strikes; for pucks, a balanced, low‑friction design is ideal. If you want the arcade feel, aim for heavier mallets and solid pucks that keep momentum across the table’s surface.
The motor and fan determine how well the puck floats. Arcade tables use high‑output blowers measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM), while home tables have smaller motors. When replacing a fan, check both voltage and CFM ratings — a mismatch can cause under‑performance or electrical issues. If you’re unsure, ask a retailer or technician for compatibility details before swapping the motor.
Not all accessories are created equal. Some are gimmicks, but others meaningfully lift your game. Here are the upgrades players report make the most difference: better pucks and mallets, electronic scoring and goal lights, and table maintenance gear that keeps the surface slick.
Upgrading to tournament‑quality pucks and solid mallets delivers more consistent play. Look for pucks with a smooth edge and a uniform weight, typically around 2 to 3 ounces, and mallets that fit comfortably in your hand. A good mallet gives you control and power without wrist strain — a small ergonomic improvement can turn a weekend player into a serious contender.
Adding or upgrading an electronic scorer and LED goal lights makes matches feel official and keeps score fairly during fast play. These upgrades are especially popular for social game rooms or man caves, and they typically attach to the goal area with minimal wiring. They’re an easy way to heighten the atmosphere without grinding into mechanical work.
A protective cover is a low‑cost, high‑impact purchase. Dust is the enemy of fans and smooth play, and a fitted cover will keep your surface clear between sessions. Anti‑skid pads and edge protectors also reduce wear on the cabinet and prevent scuffs on hard floors — simple measures that preserve resale value and keep the table ready for the next match.
If your table has lost its airflow or hums instead of blowing, replacement motors and bearings can revive it. Upgrading to a slightly higher CFM motor will improve glide on larger tables, but ensure the unit matches your table’s electrical requirements. Bearings and fan housings wear out over time; replacing them restores balance and reduces vibration, returning the table to near‑new performance.
Size matters: a 7‑foot arcade table is amazing to play on but demands a lot of space. Before you buy, measure the room in feet and inches and leave at least 3 feet of clearance on each end and 2 feet on the sides for comfortable play. Compact 4‑ to 5‑foot tables are excellent for living rooms and basements, while 6 to 7‑foot tables suit dedicated game rooms where you want the full arcade experience.
You don’t need to break the bank to get a great table and accessories, but spending a little more on key parts saves money long term. Allocate your budget roughly like this: table first (60–70% of budget), mallets/pucks and covers next (20–30%), and technical upgrades like motors or scorers last (10–20%). If you’re on a strict budget, prioritize a solid playing surface and a reliable blower — everything else can be upgraded later.
Routine care keeps an air hockey table in playable condition for years. Regularly clean the surface, empty dust from the blower area, and check for loose screws or worn bearings. A few minutes of maintenance after heavy use prevents costly repairs later and ensures every match starts smooth and fast.
Use a soft cloth and a gentle cleaner to remove dust and fingerprints; avoid abrasive chemicals that strip the finish. Wipe in straight lines rather than circles to detect and remove stickier grime. Cover the table when not in use to prevent dust accumulation that clogs fan holes and slows airflow.
Periodically open the motor housing to remove lint and dust — a small brush and canned air are great for this. Check ventilation ports for blockages and ensure the fan blades are balanced and undamaged. If vibration increases, inspect bearings and replace them before the motor suffers permanent damage.
Minor surface scratches can be buffed out with specialized polishes designed for laminated game surfaces. For larger gouges, a professional resurfacing kit or technician may be needed. Prevention is easier: use puck stops and corner guards during vigorous play to reduce the chance of chipping the table edge.
Rare parts often turn up on specialist forums, online marketplaces and auction sites. Joining UK‑based game room communities helps you spot salvageable tables, donor parts, and custom modders who can fabricate brackets, control panels or bespoke mallets. For vintage arcade motors or unique puck designs, broaden your search to international sellers but check voltage compatibility and conversion needs for UK mains.
Whenever possible, try a table before you commit. Showrooms at game stores or leisure retailers let you feel differences in glide, puck responsiveness and mallet balance. If a demo isn’t available, watch video reviews focusing on table play rather than just aesthetics — hearing the table’s motor, seeing puck behavior and watching edge deflections can tell you a lot about real‑world performance.
Before completing a purchase, run through this quick checklist in feet and inches: measure your space, verify table dimensions, confirm accessory compatibility in inches, check motor specs in voltage and airflow, and prioritise a protective cover. Make sure replacement pucks and mallets are the right size in inches for your table and that any electrical parts meet UK standards. Taking a methodical approach avoids nasty surprises and gets you playing faster.
Air hockey is one of those games that feels effortless when everything is right — and a few smart accessory choices make the difference. Whether you’re equipping a family game room, upgrading a dedicated arcade space, or hunting for that elusive replacement motor, UK retailers from mainstream stores to specialist shops and marketplaces offer the parts you need. Measure twice, buy once, and enjoy the sound of a puck sliding smoothly across a well‑kept surface.
Conclusion: With the right accessories and a bit of maintenance, any air hockey table can feel tournament‑ready. Shop smart by matching size, quality and retailer strengths to your needs, and treat small parts as essential investments rather than optional extras. Your opponents — and your future self — will thank you.
Air Hockey - Other | Price | |
---|---|---|
Instant Air Hockey | £ 13,- |