Joseph works as an editor in one of the magazines dedicated to video games. Here, at RecRoomPick, he’s given the opportunity to enjoy the reverse of the medal – the no less engaging world of offline games.
Ryan knows everything when it comes to gaming, both online and offline. Since his early years he’s been in love with arcades, air hockey, and foosball. Finally, he’s given the opportunity to share his knowledge and opinion on the hobby of his life (and even get paid for it!).
Last updated: February 16, 2024
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Foosball tables are a lot of fun – that’s not up for debate. Everybody loves them, they just seem to draw people in and encourage great sport. The game is addictive, in a good way. And it’s a great game to play while having a social gathering. The beauty of an outdoor table is that it’s always fun to be outside in good weather, and when it comes to space for activities, a lot of us have more room available outside in the garden than in the house.
We wanted to help you find the best outdoor foosball table amid what’s a massive amount of choices out there, and we’ve concentrated on some key factors and features that are going to enhance your outdoor foosball experience. As you’d expect, weather resistance and materials used in construction is a factor we’ve considered in the first place. We’ve also looked at rod types and handles – a big influencer on quality of play, and we’ve taken into account weight and build quality – important in so many ways, as you’ll learn when you read on. If you follow our buying guide, you should end up with a great outdoor foosball table that’ll provide you with years of great fun.
We’ve done detailed research, and we’ve also looked at user-experience and buyer reviews in arriving at our list of top five tables. We’ll give you the low-down on everything – including detailed reviews of each model and a buying guide to help you to know what to look for when it comes to finding the best outdoor foosball table for you – so prepare for kick-off…
This is a great outdoor foosball table and the first thing to mention is that it’s constructed from marine-grade plywood – but that’s not all that it’s got going for it, not by any means.
The Garlando G-500 is a sturdy table and it weighs in at 172 pounds, which will keep it solid and level during even the most heated of gameplay. This is also a full-size table, measuring up at 56 inches long, by 34.5 inches wide and giving the full foosball gaming experience. You’re also getting the benefit here of counterbalanced players, which is essential for proper match playing and one of the features we’re prioritizing within this review.
This Garlando table has its outdoor credentials further validated by having a full rustproof design, which means that it can be kept outside in all weathers. It’s a true outdoor table.
Safety also comes into play here, because this model has telescopic rods, so you won’t have to worry about dodging your opponent’s strokes and it just makes playing a bit more carefree – which is what it should be about.
As if all of that wasn’t enough – the Garlando G-500 incorporates very heavy-duty leveling feet, which are a whopping four inches in size and give an extremely stable footing to this already excellent table. Garlando tops the whole package off with a really nice and durable PVC cover – meaning this isn’t just going to stay cleaner, it’s also going to be very hard to beat for exterior use.
This Playcraft table is the weightiest of this bunch at an incredible 225 pounds. Watch out for the shipping weight, which is up to 275 pounds – ouch. You’ll need to plan the logistics of this table pretty carefully and have all your bases covered, but it’ll never move once you get it to where it’s going – and that’s for sure!
This table ticks a heck of a lot of boxes. It’s got big and solid five-inch wide legs and the leveling legs are a massive six inches in diameter so it’s a very stable table indeed. Everything looks solid here because it definitely is.
This is a fairly big table, at 56 inches by 30 inches and there’s no issue with weatherproofing because it’s made of composite materials. The aluminum rods won’t be every person’s cup of tea, but they won’t rust, and they are mounted on ball bearings, which will help a lot with gameplay and power.
The players are fully counterbalanced, which will please advanced players a lot, and the table does come with the all-important cover, for when it’s left outside in all weathers, so it’ll be easier to keep clean and free-moving.
It won’t bother the experienced players as much as parents and novices, but you don’t get telescopic rods on this model. It suggests to us, along with the weight and the leveling system employed, that the manufacturer is maybe concentrating heavily on the more serious foosball enthusiasts out there, rather than a wider demographic.
This is certainly a more traditional looking table.
This is a very interesting table, and it’s a great weight for match play at 165 pounds so there’s going to be no issues with movement or tilting during play – unless you’re playing against the Incredible Hulk.
Construction material is Medex, which is said to be very ecofriendly, and everything is rustproof, so weathering isn’t going to affect the Tahiti table at all.
The legs are solid, and one of the nicest features with this unit is that the players are all diecast and hand-painted. It’s from France, so possibly even by a descendant of Claude Monet – but we can’t confirm that so don’t quote us…
The rods are telescopic – which is always going to be a great feature for any foosball table, and it really does look quite striking. Although this table isn’t a classic foosball table type of design, it does possess a certain je n’ais se quoi (ok, already. we’ll stop with the French thing now).
There’s no cover with this table, which is extremely disappointing for the price, and it sort of lets it down as a package. Also concerning is the lack of any leveling feet and we can’t help but feel that they’ve tried too hard on the aesthetic with this table and neglected some of the things that matter a lot in an outdoor foosball table. It’s a great looking table and the materials are all fine. It’s just lacking a few features we’d expect for a table that’s otherwise of great quality.
Ok, so this folding foosball table is made of plastic, which will no doubt put some people off – but the construction is reinforced with fiberglass, so it’s not as bad as it first sounds.
One of the main problems with this table is the weight. It’s down at 132 pounds and with more active gameplay, that just isn’t going to be ideal. It also has folding legs – which will come in very handy for some people when combined with the relatively low weight. It’ll also be a concern, though, for more advanced and harder core players because it reduces overall stability somewhat.
This table does have telescopic rods, which is a great feature to have. Although not your classic looking foosball table, it does have a nice aesthetic going on and it’s modern in appearance if that’s more your thing than obsessive gameplay is.
The plastic construction will endure just fine outdoors, so that’s not an issue, and the chrome-work here is all rustproof, so there are no concerns at all from the elements. However, no cover is included with this table, which is disappointing.
The biggest drawback here is a complete lack of any leveling system, which is not ideal and will make balancing this table a real problem for most enthusiasts.
All in all, this is a table that’s probably geared towards somebody that isn’t too fussed about match play and is prepared to bring this table inside when things get tougher outside.
There’s nothing too ‘cavalier’ about the way the Kettler table is presented. In fact, everything about it screams that it’s a really useful option for those on a slightly lower budget. It has absolutely everything you’d want in an outdoor foosball table – just not overly chunky and a little under the ideal weight because of that.
What you do get for a relatively modest spend is great features. It comes with a cover and all the materials used are rust proof and weatherproof. The table playing surface is a nifty glass one, and if you keep that nice and clean it’ll guarantee lightning fast gameplay and some seriously great fun.
We get telescopic steel rods here, which is great for the kids and makes it a really good family table. It’s pleasing to behold and has some really nice handle action going on.
You get leveling feet which, again aren’t the biggest or chunkiest, but will certainly do the job and keep the thing horizontal. This table is also a full-size 58-inches by 30-inches so it ticks that box off nicely.
All-in-all, this is a great table for this point on the price range and maybe it’s even better than that. It gets our best budget pick because in terms of what’s out there, you just get so much in the way of features here and for the cost, it’s easier to overlook omissions that are present on some of the tables that cost twice as much. I like it. Great budget and family option.
So, you’ve decided to take the plunge and splash dollars on a decent foosball table. What do you need to look for? We’ll break it down for you in this guide.
Well, the truth is that some of the factors are going to depend on the space you have available, and on your level of skill. As you read on, you’ll notice that different tables have different features and some of them suit advanced players more than others, so keep an eye on that.
Another big factor when you start shopping around will be your budget. Tables range from cheap to ridiculously expensive, and it’s a great idea to set yourself a realistic limit before you go out and buy.
But there are certain elements to a foosball table that you really need to take into account when you buy. I’m going to list the most crucial aspects of that in this section, and if you keep these in mind when you start to search for your own foosball table, you won’t go too far wrong. There is an overwhelming range of choice in tables out there, and the main thing to remember aside from the following points is to have some fun. It gets competitive, but always remember that it’s just a game! If you’re having fun – then you’ve probably bought well.
An outdoor foosball table: What it should be like?
It may sound obvious, but the table needs to be constructed of materials that are resistant to water and moisture. If the table structure is based on plywood, then that plywood needs to be marine grade, like the one the Garlando G-500 is constructed from. If it’s an MDF based table, the whole thing needs to be laminated thoroughly in a plastic or a melamine coating, in order to keep the vulnerable materials dry. All metal fittings need to be either not steel, or rust-proofed. In an outdoor situation, the table is going to hold some standing water at times, and even when it appears dry, there’s still going to be a lot of moisture around.
Another outdoor-specific item to consider when buying a foosball table is whether or not it comes supplied with a cover. No matter how good the construction of your table, a cover is only ever going to help. Covers prevent moisture and weather, and dirt and debris getting onto, and into the workings of the table. A cover will only ever prolong the life of your foosball table, and it’ll save you a lot of cleaning and maintenance too.
How much space do you need for a foosball table?
A full-size foosball table measures about 56 inches by 30 inches – but the room you need to site one isn’t limited to that area. You’ll need to take into account some extra space for your foosball table, to allow adequate movement of the rods and enough room for players to comfortably play.
With a full-size table, look to allow at least 10 feet by 5 feet.
It’s surprising how much a foosball player moves about when they’re ‘in the zone’ and the truth is that you want that zone to be too big rather than too small. Nobody likes to play with their back against the wall, and likewise, you really don’t want to site your foosball table too near to any priceless Ming vases, or even a mini-bar. Drinks will get spilled, and ornaments will be broken.
The best policy is definitely to keep elbows away from items that may be knocked over or cracked. Opt for more room or get a smaller foosball table.
Does foosball table weight matter?
Weight matters a great deal with foosball tables. It’s a deciding quality-factor, and it’ll influence your playing experience a lot. Tilting the table can ruin a game and offer a distinct advantage to one or another player.
A table that’s over 175 pounds, like our heaviest Playcraft Extera, is a lot less likely to move or tilt during frenzied play – so look for weight when you buy. Weight can also be a great indicator of the quality of build – as with pool tables and so many other items.
If you’re playing on a table that weighs 175 pounds or so, it’s likely that the walls are going to be thicker, and that the playing surface is, too. Extra weight will also be likely where the framing materials are thicker and stronger, so it’s always better to be looking for a weightier table, rather than a flimsier, less heavy build.
Playing rods and handles
If you’re going to take your foosball relatively seriously, then rods are a big issue. They affect the speed of the game and the power you’ll be able to generate when striking the ball.
You might think that solid steel rods would be the ultimate, but you want the rods to spin well, with little resistance, and so you’ll find that hollow rods – when made from good quality steel – are the way to go.
Your rod will spin much more quickly, giving more power when shooting at your opponent’s goal, and generating more speed. Handles are also extremely important. The last thing you want is for your handle to spin or move on the rod when you’re performing close control movements, defending, or trying to generate power. Either good quality rubber or wooden handles are best, and make sure they’re properly fixed to that rod – or your gameplay is going to suffer.
Foosball men and goalie configuration
There are several reasons why you see three goalies on some rods and one on others. One influencing factor is location, or origin of the table.
European tables tend to go for one goalie, although not exclusively, and American tables tend to opt for three goalies.
The two different configurations do – as you might expect – heavily influence the type of game you’re likely to have. You’re going to get less goals with three shot-stoppers each end, and you’ll need to have more skill to work with just one goalkeeper.
Tables are available – at the more expensive end of the market usually – that offer interchangeability in goalie configuration. These tables allow you to remove or adjust and play with either one or three keepers. This is a great idea if you’re going to be putting the table in an environment where players with all levels of skill will be playing. Kids are better off with three keepers – it’ll keep the scores down and the playing active. More advanced players will want to play with just the one keeper.
Foosball table setting up
Apart from placing your table away from any obstructions and breakage hazards, what else should you be doing when you get your new table home and start setting it up?
This is pretty simple – it needs to be perfectly flat and level. Roll is your enemy here, and any out-of-level action is going to produce a situation where the ball rolls on the table in one direction or another, rather than stays still when at rest.
The only time you want a ball to move on a foosball table is when a force other than gravity is exerted on it, and the only way to make sure that gravity can’t move the ball on a foosball table is to get the playing surface perfectly level.
Quality of the table will be a massive deciding factor in how successful you are at leveling your table, because the thickness of the playing surface will allow twist if it’s too flimsy, and the pricier tables will be way more likely to have a decent system for leveling up the table. You’ll need to spend time leveling up when you initially set up the table, and you may need to revisit and hone it again periodically, because use can throw off the level over time. It has to be level for a fair game, though.
It’s a great idea to cover an outdoor table when it’s standing unused. Even if it’s very weather-resistant, covering it up will protect it from falling debris, leaves and dust. Stopping the ingress of any moisture and rain or snow is also always desirable. And depending on where you live, protecting your foosball table from the ravages of sun damage will prolong its life greatly. So, cover up whenever you can – it’ll help.
Telescopic handles can add a safety element to foosball and they’re great for when smaller kids are around during play or are playing themselves. The telescopic nature of the rods basically means that they don’t protrude out the other side of the table, which can be a hazard when a game heats up and the rods start moving fast.
Counterbalanced foosball men have some very distinct advantages – especially when your game-playing becomes more advanced. When the players are balanced it means that they will stay in the position your hand leaves them in, and that they won’t just allow gravity to pull them back down to an upright position when you let go of the handle. This is very helpful for when you want to surprise your opponent with a long goalie clearance from the back of the foosball table, or for when you want to attempt a killer shot from the rear of the field. You can make sure all your foosball men are sitting vertically before you let fly with that show stopping shot.
This can come down to a few different factors. Level of experience often means that manufacturers will make tables that are more intended for use by inexperienced players with three goalies on the rod. This makes for more prolonged action between goals and less of a stop-start nature to a game in which two novice players are on the table, as it’s way harder to score past three goalies than it past one. Some tables allow you to add or remove goalies, and this is a great feature for when many different players are all using the one table. It means you can adjust the configuration according to level of experience, and even allow novices to play against experts with an advantage, to level things up.
Wrapping It Up
The Garlando G-500 comes in as the clear winner here. It’s the best all-round outdoor foosball table on the list and it’ll be a great purchase and provide many hours of fun for anyone that chooses it. It plays great, looks great and ticks all the boxes.
The Playcraft Extera is just a monster. At 225 pounds it’s the heaviest table we looked at and it deserves a shout for that, along with all of its great features. It’s by no means perfect but it deserves to be where it is, purely because it could handle a hurricane and come out unscathed.
The Kettler Cavalier steals the budget spot, because not only is it packed with pro-table features – it brings decent gameplay to those on a lower budget and that can ever be a bad thing. You don’t get as much weight or chunky features but it’s nearly half the cost – and if that matters to you, then this is a great option.
Right. We’re off for a game of foosball. Anyone joining us?
It may sound obvious, but the table needs to be constructed of materials that are resistant to water and moisture. If the table structure is based on plywood, then that plywood needs to be marine grade, like the one the 
A full-size foosball table measures about 56 inches by 30 inches – but the room you need to site one isn’t limited to that area. You’ll need to take into account some extra space for your foosball table, to allow adequate movement of the rods and enough room for players to comfortably play.
If you’re going to take your foosball relatively seriously, then rods are a big issue. They affect the speed of the game and the power you’ll be able to generate when striking the ball.
There are several reasons why you see three goalies on some rods and one on others. One influencing factor is location, or origin of the table.
