Looking for the best spray tan machine for your money? There is a new line of spray tanning devices on the market with some very impressive enhancements.
These components can give some useful benefits when tanning, not only improving the appearance of your spray tan but also making the task easier. Take note as we review and rank the top spray tan machines on the market today.
Today, we’ll highlight 5 of the best tanning machines to suit all tastes and budgets.
We’ll also be guiding you every step of the way so you can get the most effective machine the easy way.
5 Best Spray Tanning Machines Worth Your Money
If that roster of benefits piques your interest, we’ll get right down to business with an impartial exploration of 5 of the most effective tanning machines in a crowded market. Once we’re done reviewing these machines, we’ll walk you through choosing one the easy way.
1. Maxi-Mist Lite Plus Spray Tanning Kit (HVLP Airbrush)
If you’ve never tried spray tanning before, this complete kit from Maxi-Mist is a smart solution.
Cropping up on almost all collections of the best home spray tanning machine, what makes it so good?
While this is mainly intended as a machine for home use, the travel-friendly nature and absolute portability make it a winner if you have a small mobile tanning business, too.
You’ll be able to get through up to 10 daily applications without overworking the machine. Click the following link for more information on how long a spray tan lasts.
The mist comes out very finely atomized and you won’t be blighted by any meaningful overspray.
- All these products are free of gluten and parabens.
- They’re also vegan-friendly.
- Tent breaks down into a highly convenient carrying bag.
You’ll get a Tampa Bay three-depth solution package thrown in so you can get going right out the box whatever shade and depth of tan you’re looking for.
Beyond start-up stage, you’ll be free to use any solution you like so you won’t be locked into a given brand.
The SatinAire spray head has a trio of 5oz cups and a pair of lids.
The potent single-stage turbine delivers 47 CFM of airflow while it’s rated at 75 decibels meaning you won’t create too much noise in pursuit of that perfect tan.
The tent that comes included is a nice touch. Leak-proof and with heavy-duty seams to make sure it stays the distance, shoulder-height viewing windows allow plenty of light in without compromising privacy.
For an all-inclusive kit capable of imparting an even tan horizontally and vertically, the Maxi-Mist Lite Plus is enduringly popular with just cause.
Why not road test one today for far less than you might imagine?
PROS
- Ideal for up to 10 applications a day
- Suitable for use by absolute beginners with everything you need bundled down to a pro-grade tent
- 300-watt single-stage turbine kicking out generous airflow without too much noise
CON
- Some reported issues with quality control so check the contents of your package closely upon receipt
2. Aura Allure Spray Tan Machine Kit with Tent
Here’s another industry favorite for good reason.
The Aura Allure gives you all you need to get started without hitting the store for supplies.
Any spray tanning machine stands or falls on the strength of nozzle performance and Aura nails this down a treat.
With Satin Spray tech built in, you’ll keep overspray to the bare minimum while enjoying incredibly fine and even coverage.
Flow control is also impeccably designed so you can tweak the volume of solution anywhere from 0 to 2 fluid ounces.
- You can tweak the volume of solution with the flow control.
- You get 3 Norvell solutions.
- Lengthy hose allows for maximum mobility.
The turbine might not be whisper-quiet as claimed but it’s certainly not going to cause a commotion either.
With 11 ½ feet of completely flexible hose, you’ll enjoy ample room for maneuver and a soft hose capable of withstanding some serious punishment. You’ll be able to move the kit with the gun docked.
The tent bundled is a nice bonus and this comes complete with a carrying bag so you can shift your tanning system around seamlessly.
Product-wise, you’ll get 3 Norvell solutions chucked in including a rapid tan and a balancing spray to promote a natural and even look.
Attention to detail extends throughout with a neat storage management solution meaning that lengthy hose won’t end up cluttering up your living room or salon when not in use.
Build quality is robust and this machine will easily cope with light commercial use.
Considering the pocket-friendly pricing, this tanning machine might well be the wisest investment you make this year. Treat yourself to a year-round tan without needing to hit the beach or make your skin suffer!
PROS
- Oversized tent that doubles as a carrying bag perfect for your mobile tanning business
- Spray gun has proprietary nozzle technology baked in for optimum atomization
- Remarkably precise flow control for smooth and even results
CON
- A few complaints about low pressure
3. Maxi-Mist Allure Xena Spray Tanning System (HVLP)
Another Maxi-Mist classic up next in the form of the HVLP Xena.
If you’re an absolute beginner, you’ll embrace the sheer simplicity of this tanning machine.
If, on the other hand, you’re an experienced tanning practitioner with a small mobile business, you’ll appreciate the ability to get up to 25 daily uses from the Xena.
Extremely lightweight at 3 ½ pounds and very easy to carry around, the lengthy 11 ½-foot hose means you won’t feel constrained when you’re using the machine.
The turbine is powerful yet runs pretty quietly.
With the Xena spray gun, you’ll be able to easily adjust the pattern horizontally and vertically and you’ll find it a breeze to use even if you’ve never tried a spray gun before.
Eco-friendly Tampa Bay tan solutions included give you an 8%, 10% and 12% solution so you’ve got all main bases covered right out the box.
For a cost-effective alternative to shelling out for weekly salon visits, this spray tanning machine is well worth popping on your shortlist.
PROS
- Nozzle delivers clog-free performance with outstandingly even coverage
- Capable of anywhere up to 25 applications a day so ideal for light salon use
- Rated at 72 decibels so reasonably quiet in operation
CON
- Build quality is slightly flimsy
4. Norvell Sunless Kit
An industry legend, Norvell has been in the sunless field for 3 generations and this first-class kit gives you everything you need to get started down the home tanning route the easy way.
While a few users have complained about the gun being slightly bulky, it’s also undeniably easy to use. The HVLP unit gives you a great deal of ability to fine-tune the spray while experiencing almost nothing by the way of overspray.
This keeps your working environment spotless while reducing the amount of wastage.
You get 3 Norvell solutions in this kit so you can experiment with tones and depths to see which takes your fancy.
All these are certified cruelty-free and packed with natural ingredients. You can expect the effects of these solutions to kick in anywhere from 2 to 4 hours after application for that just-stepped-off-the-beach look.
- Comes with DVD instructions to help beginners.
- You get 3 Norvell solutions in this kit.
- Certified cruelty-free with natural ingredients.
While you won’t get a tent or any other extras with this kit, that keeps the price down nicely so it’s not all bad.
The noise of this machine is roughly comparable to a blow dryer so you won’t be menaced by noise in pursuit of that perfect tan.
If you’re just starting out with spray tanning, the highly instructional sunless DVD included is well worth taking the time to watch.
You’ll get plenty of handy hints from an industry specialist and you’ll be thanking Norvell when you examine the results of your first tanning session.
It’s easy to see why this model is Norvell’s strongest seller so why not give it a try and start enjoying a deep and glowing tan year-round for a very reasonable investment?
PROS
- Pro-grade brand backed by tanning specialists
- Highly adjustable spray pattern with almost no overspray
- 3 top-tier tanning solutions included to get you started
CON
- You might find the gun a little unwieldy, especially if you’ve got smaller hands
5. Black Fascination Spray Tanning Machine
If you’re looking for a robust kit with some classic Norvell extras bundled, the Black Fascination is a cost-effective way to start going sunless.
The spray gun applicator is low maintenance and the spray can be regulated nicely.
We will point out this is not the easiest gun to use right off the bat but it takes very little time to familiarize yourself with it.
From that point forth, it’s a pleasure to use.
Using the turbine, on the other hand, couldn’t be much easier. You’ll enjoy simple, one-button operation and the machine doesn’t make too much by the way of noise either.
While this tanning machine is marketed mainly at home users, it will serve a turn in a low-volume salon.
- Primarily for home use but ok for small salon.
- Lightweight makes it ideal for mobile use.
- Low maintenance spray gun applicator
Due to its lightweight nature and slimline form factor, it also makes a neat solution if you’ve got a mobile tanning business.
You won’t be able to hammer this machine for sustained and heavy work but if you’ve got a small commercial concern, it’s more than fit for purpose.
The Norvell 4-step tanning and maintenance kit included is a nice bonus at this price point and lets you get started with the best solution on the market.
If you’re looking for a sleek and compact spray tanning machine without spending a fortune, we can’t recommend this Black Fascination bundle strongly enough.
The warranty and support you’ll receive from the manufacturer rate a mention too so you’re in safe hands.
PROS
- Highly flexible spray gun lets you take complete control of the tanning process
- Elegant yet functional tent included which doubles as a carry bag for your kit
- Take advantage of the Norvell sunless kit thrown in
CON
- Spray adjustment can be awkward until you get used to it so pack a little patience
OK…
Now you’ve got a solid idea of some of the finest machines money can buy, what do you need to consider on the buying trail?
We’ve got you covered there just like your machine will be covering your skin if you bear these pointers in mind…
Key Benefits of Spray Tan Kits
- A glowing tan works wonders for hiding a broad spread of skin imperfections from stretch marks and varicose veins to age spots and sun damage.
- Compared to manually applying a fake tan, spray tan machines guarantee even and consistent coverage free with no streaks or patches to ruin the effect.
- Keep a tan year-round without needing to head off on vacation or put yourself at risk of skin cancer.
- Enjoy the utmost flexibility with no need to schedule an appointment at the salon while also saving month on month.
- Tweak the depth and tone of your tan to suit.
- Tans imparted by spray tanning machines look remarkably natural.
- Shotgun delivery with only 15 minutes needed per session for striking and noticeable results.
First up, give some thought to the principal components and type of machine…
3 Main Components: Compressor, Spray Gun, Spray Tan Hose
While machines vary substantially in terms of features, the core components remain the same:
- Compressor
- Spray Gun
- Spray Tan Hose
We’ll look now at some of the ways in which they differ.
Airbrush Tanning Compressor
The early versions of spray tanning machines usually featured an airbrush pressed into commission by an air pump compressor.
Cheap and very quiet in operation, the drawback with this variant is the time it takes to cover the whole body. You’ll be looking at anywhere from 30 to 40 minutes to get the job done.
The other significant drawback with airbrush tanning compressors is the amount of overspray. Tanning can be a very messy business indeed with this type of machine.
LVLP Machines
Low volume, low-pressure machines kick out only 1 PSI of pressure with highly customizable flow and pattern.The spray shooting out is remarkably fine with overspray minimized to the point of being unnoticeable.
HVLP Machines
High volume, low-pressure machines make use of a turbine with air generated through a flexible length of hose.
Pressure, as the name makes clear, is slightly higher than you’ll get from an LVLP machine at 4 to 10 PSI.HVLP machines promote consistent flow with overspray cuts to the bone. An HVLP unit also comes with protection against overheating in place while using much less solution. These machines are much more compact and much lighter than compressors. The vast bulk of pro-grade tanning machines is HVLP. With both LVLP and HVLP machines, sessions are shotgun taking no more than 10 minutes and sometimes as little as 5 minutes
Spray Gun
The majority of spray guns are made from either stainless steel or plastic. Metal guns deliver a fine and highly controlled spray. These come as single-phase and dual-phase depending on how the solution is atomized then sprayed.
Plastic spray guns, on the other hand, are lighter and easier to use. If you’re planning to carry out multiple tanning jobs in one day, these guns often make the best fit. You should always lookout for a gun that’s easy to break down and clean, too.
Spray Tan Hose
While the hose might not be the most complex component, get this part wrong, and performance can be dramatically impacted. Hoses can be flexible, made from rigid, durable plastic, or especially double-coated material built to stay the distance. A cheap hose will let you down. Rigid hoses are fine if you plan to set your machine up in a permanent location but for most purposes, flexible hoses are superior. You’ll enjoy much more freedom of movement.
Alright…
With those basics in place, it’s time to double time on some more key elements to streamline your buying decision.
Noise Factor
Only you know how much the noise kicked out from a tanning machine will bother you.
If you’re looking for a machine to use in a commercial backdrop, you can get away with a little more volume than you’d tolerate at home. That said, you don’t want something so loud it spoils the relaxing atmosphere of any spa facilities in place.
With so many quiet machines on the market, there’s no need to put up with a noisy machine so take your time and get this right or you might live to regret it.
Weight
Weight depends to a large extent on intended usage.
For machines you’ll set up at home or in a salon, the weight is semi-redundant. If, on the other hand, you’re starting a small mobile tanning business, the last thing you want is something that’s a strain to shift from car to house.
There’s no shortage of lightweight and highly portable models. Take your time and make sure you think about your specific needs since there’s no catch-all solution to what weight is right.
Volume of Use
Again, think closely about how you’re planning to use your machine. Check carefully to see that the machine can perform in line with your requirements.
Most machines come rated for light, medium or heavy use. Light use machine will serve you perfectly well for at-home tanning.
If you’re looking to kit out a salon, you should shoot for a machine built to cope. Fail to do this and you’ll end up burning it out and needing to buy another.
Ease of Use
It’s critical to get a tanning machine that’s a pleasure to use. Anything laborious or task is likely to end up getting precious little action and will be a waste of time and money.
Here, double down on user feedback and reviews. Generally, when someone has spent their hard-earned money on any product, they’ll be only too happy to share their thoughts on how their purchase performs.
Time spent researching in this area will repay you tenfold so don’t rush in and end up regretting the machine you choose in a hurry.
Ergonomics
The more you plan to use your tanning machine, the more important it is to prioritize a neatly designed handle. Machines that are carelessly designed on this front will induce fatigue easily.
Think about the overall feel of the machine and whether or not you feel comfortable using it. Even if you plan to buy your machine online to get the best possible price, there’s no harm in visiting a store to try one out first. Think of it as active window-shopping!
Maintenance and Warranty
As with any appliance, you should make sure the guarantee in place is to your satisfaction before committing to purchase. It’s worth monitoring user feedback with regard to customer care, too.
After all, a warranty that looks solid on paper is fundamentally useless if the customer service department has a reputation for being unresponsive and unhelpful.
You should also take the time to investigate how easy it is to clean and maintain the machine you have in mind. If you dread the thought of clean-up, your machine is likely to stay in the cupboard and your skin will stay pasty white!
Cost
We’ve left price for last since, while always a factor in any buying decision, it should certainly not be the prevailing factor.
You should focus on the price/performance ratio rather than purely on the bottom line.
Our general advice is to spend as much as you can comfortably afford while never overextending yourself. You don’t need to outlay a fortune on a spray tanning machine but the more you spend, the better the end result.
Conclusion
Well, we trust by now you have a solid idea of what to look out for in the best spray tanning machine and a shortlist of machines that mesh with your needs.
Don’t forget to bookmark our site, follow us on social media, and, of course, come back soon.
And when you return, we’ll expect you to have a glowing and even tan!
