Kmart, Big W & Rebel Foosball Tables – Are Cheap Tables Worth It?
What you actually get from a budget foosball table at Kmart, Big W or Rebel, who they suit, and when it's worth spending more on a proper table.
“Foosball table Kmart” is one of the most-searched foosball terms in Australia, and it’s easy to see why. Department stores like Kmart, Big W and Rebel sell foosball tables at a fraction of the price of a specialist table. But are they any good? Here’s what you get for the money, who they suit, and when to spend more.
Budget vs mid-range vs tournament at a glance
| Department store (Kmart, Big W, Rebel) | Mid-range specialist | Tournament grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical price | Under $150 (tabletop) to about $400 (4ft) | $500–$1,500 | $1,500+ |
| Typical size | Tabletop or 4ft (about 121 × 61 cm) | 4–5ft | About 140–150 × 75 cm |
| Weight | 5–25 kg | 40–70 kg | 70–130 kg |
| Rods | Thin, often hollow, plastic bushings | Solid or hollow steel, bearings | Hollow steel, precision bearings |
| Lifespan with regular play | Months to a couple of years | Many years | Decades |
| Best for | Young kids, occasional games | Families, regular play | Serious players, clubs |
Prices change often and sales are common, so treat these as rough ranges and check current prices before you buy.
What each retailer typically sells
Kmart
Kmart’s range leans towards tabletop and mini foosball tables and the occasional compact freestanding table. They’re very affordable and often sell out around Christmas. These are great as a kids’ toy or a novelty for a games night, but they’re light and small, so they slide around during play and suit younger players best.
Big W
Big W usually stocks a mix of tabletop tables, compact freestanding tables and multi-game tables (foosball combined with air hockey, pool or table tennis tops). The multi-game tables are tempting value, but each game is a compromise. If foosball is the main event, a dedicated table plays much better.
Rebel
As a sports retailer, Rebel tends to carry full-height 4ft freestanding tables that feel a step up from toy-store tables. They’re a reasonable choice for casual family play, though they’re still built to a budget price rather than for heavy use.
What you give up with a cheap foosball table
A foosball table’s price mostly goes into four things. This is where budget tables save money, and what you’ll notice when you play:
- Weight and stability. A light MDF cabinet shifts and wobbles when players get competitive. Heavier tables stay put, which makes a surprising difference to how much fun it is.
- Rods and bearings. Budget rods often run through plastic bushings, so they feel sticky and loosen over time. Steel rods on bearings slide and spin smoothly for years.
- Players (foosmen). Cheap moulded players are light and sometimes loose on the rod, which makes passing and controlling the ball hard. Better tables have firmly fixed, often counterbalanced players.
- Playfield and ball. A thin or warped playfield and a hard, bouncy ball make control almost impossible. This is the cheapest thing to fix: a better foosball ball improves almost any table.
Who a budget table suits
A Kmart, Big W or Rebel table is a sensible buy if:
- It’s for young children. Kids under about ten won’t notice the difference, and a tabletop set sits at the right height for them.
- You’re not sure you’ll play much. It’s a low-risk way to find out whether foosball sticks in your house.
- Space or budget is tight. A tabletop table packs away in a cupboard.
- It’s for occasional parties or a holiday house.
When to spend more
Skip the budget table and look at a mid-range table if:
- Teens or adults will play often. Hard, frequent play is what wears out budget rods and cabinets.
- You want to actually get good. Shots like the pull and snake need a stable table and smooth rods.
- It’s for an office, club or rumpus room where it’ll be used every day.
A $600–$1,000 table used for ten years usually works out cheaper than replacing a $250 table every couple of years. See our guide to the types of foosball tables and our list of 8 great foosball tables you can buy in Australia for options at every price.
How to get the most from a budget table
If you do buy a cheap table, a few small things make it play much better:
- Level it. Use a phone spirit-level app on the playfield and pack the legs if needed.
- Tighten every bolt after the first few games, and again every few months.
- Put it on a rug or anti-slip mat so it doesn’t slide.
- Swap the ball for a textured foosball ball for better control.
- Lubricate the rods with silicone spray (not WD-40, which attracts dust). See our accessories guide for what to buy.
The verdict
Department store foosball tables are good at what they’re meant for: cheap, fun games for kids and casual players. They’re not built for years of hard play. If you’re buying for young children or just testing the waters, a Kmart, Big W or Rebel table is fine. If foosball is going to be a regular part of your household, spend a little more once and you’ll get a table that’s more fun to play and lasts far longer.
Ready to compare proper tables? Browse our foosball tables guide.