Love Machines in Ireland

What is a love machine?

It is what most people call a sex machine: a motor that pushes a dildo back and forth continuously, at the pace you decide and without ever tiring. Compared with a dildo, you don't have to move it by hand. Compared with a vibrator, what matters here is the in-and-out movement, although some models also vibrate or rotate. The attachment is fixed to an arm or a bar, and on many models it can be swapped for another of a different shape or size. It is used for vaginal or anal penetration, solo or with a partner. It leaves your hands free to touch your clitoris, your penis or the rest of your body, or to caress your partner while the machine does the work.

Types of sex machines

Models differ in where they rest, how they are controlled and what the attachment does besides thrusting.

• Portable: more compact and lighter, they are held in the hand or rest on the bed or the floor, and they can be stored in a cupboard without taking up much room. They are the most practical if you want to move them around or take them travelling.
• Tabletop or with a base: a stable structure that sits on the bed or the floor. They tend to have a longer stroke and more thrust than portable ones, and the angle of the arm is often adjustable to suit your position.
• Connected: controlled from an app, like Kiiroo's Pleasure Drive, designed to be used with a webcam. This way someone else can set the pace, whether they are next to you or far away.
• With a rotating or vibrating dildo: besides the thrust, the attachment rotates or vibrates, combining penetration with another sensation.

How it works and what can be adjusted

At the most basic level they all do the same thing: a motor turns its rotation into a back-and-forth movement that pushes the attachment. From there they differ in the number of speeds, the force of the thrust, the stroke (how far the dildo goes in and out with each movement) and, on many, the angle of the arm. Some models go from a slow, gentle rhythm, almost a caress, to fast, hard thrusts, so the same device lets you start slowly and build up when you feel like it.

Some plug into the mains and others run on a battery. Plug-in ones don't run out of charge halfway through a session; battery ones can be taken to any corner of the house without a cable. Some are controlled with buttons on the machine itself, others with a remote control and others from an app on your phone, which means your partner can set the pace. Manufacturers describe them as quiet for their power and built to last many uses. Noise usually increases with speed, so if discretion matters to you, check the product page.

Who they are for

They are for anyone who already enjoys penetration and wants a steady rhythm that is hard to keep up for long by hand or with another person. Also for couples who want to add something different to their play and for anyone curious about technology applied to sex. As the machine doesn't tire, it suits long sessions, and as it stays in place it makes positions that would otherwise be awkward easier, such as on all fours or lying on your side.

As a couple, one person can hold the remote while the other lets go, and if you enjoy control play it combines well with BDSM accessories. If what you want is for your partner to penetrate you with a dildo, moving it themselves, what you need is a strap-on harness. For more ideas to share, take a look at our sex toys for couples.

Safety

Always start at the lowest speed and the shortest stroke, and position yourself so that you can move away or stop the machine at any moment: the remote or the button must be within reach. Use plenty of lubricant and top it up, because continuous friction wears it away. With silicone or TPR attachments, use a water-based one, and for anal use a thicker anal one. If you feel pain, stop. If you use it as a couple, talk beforehand about what you both want and agree a safe word: consent matters just the same with a machine in the middle. Don't share the attachment without washing it or putting a new condom on it, and do the same if you move from anal to vaginal use.

Care and cleaning

What gets washed is the attachment, which normally detaches from the arm; the motor and the frame must not get wet. Most are made from materials that are easy to clean. Wash the dildo before and after every use with warm water and mild soap or a cleaner made for sex toys, and always follow the manufacturer's instructions. Silicone cleans very well. TPR is softer and slightly porous, so it is best washed with more care and used with a condom if shared. The mechanical part is cleaned with a well-wrung damp cloth, with the machine switched off and unplugged. If it has leather parts, such as straps or seats, don't wet them: wipe them with a barely damp cloth or a leather product. Leave everything to air dry and store it somewhere dry, away from direct sunlight, which damages soft materials. If it is battery-powered, charge it with the charger supplied.

How to choose

• Attachment: the product page gives the insertable length and the diameter; to start with, a shorter, slimmer one is better. Also check whether it can be swapped for another.
• Fixing and size: portable if you want to store it and move it around easily, base or tabletop if you want stability. Look at the dimensions, the weight and the thrust given on the product page.
• Adjustment: how many speeds it has, whether the stroke can be adjusted and whether the angle of the arm can be changed.
• Power: mains or battery, and if it is a battery, how long a charge lasts.
• Control: buttons on the machine, remote control or app; if it is connected, check which phone or platform it works with.
• Material: the attachment is usually silicone or TPR, and the frame rigid plastic (ABS) and, on some models, leather. Look for body-safe materials and, if you have allergies, check the full composition on the product page.

Love Machines: frequently asked questions

How do you use a sex machine?

Place the machine on a stable surface, put lubricant on the attachment, adjust the angle and the distance from your body and start at the lowest speed. Then gradually increase the speed, the force or the stroke until you find your rhythm. If you play as a couple, talk beforehand and be clear about how to stop it.

What is a love machine for?

For vaginal or anal penetration at a steady rhythm that doesn't depend on your hand or on tiredness. Depending on the model and the attachment, it can combine penetration with vibration, rotation or a massage effect. As it stays in place, it makes awkward positions easier and leaves your hands free, solo or with a partner.

Are they suitable for beginners?

Yes, if you start slowly. They look more intimidating than they are, and many are designed with first-time users in mind: with the minimum speed, a short stroke and a slim attachment, the first contact is gentle. The shop also offers a guide and recommendations for beginners.

How do I clean and look after my love machine?

Wash the attachment before and after every use with warm water and mild soap or a sex toy cleaner, and wipe the mechanical part with a damp cloth with the machine unplugged. Don't submerge it, because it contains a motor. Store it dry and away from direct sunlight.

What lubricant should I use with a sex machine?

A water-based lubricant, which works well with silicone and TPR attachments. For anal sex, choose a thicker one, and use more than you would by hand.

Can I fit a different dildo to my machine?

Only if the product page says so. The fitting differs from one model to another, so check which attachments your machine accepts before buying a new one.

What should I consider when choosing a love machine?

First, where you will use it and whether it needs to travel with you: that decides between a portable one and one with a base. Then, the size of the attachment and whether buttons are enough or you want a remote control or an app.

Are they noisy?

Less than their power would suggest, according to the manufacturers, although they are louder at high speeds. If it worries you, check the product page to see whether the model is described as quiet.

Is it safe to buy a sex machine online?

Yes. The purchase is discreet, your privacy is looked after from the moment you pay until it arrives, and your personal and banking details are protected with state-of-the-art encryption technology.

How can I tell if a love machine is good quality?

Look at the full product page (materials, dimensions, power, power supply and cleaning instructions) and read other buyers' reviews. The models in this shop are selected on the basis of manufacturing, durability and user satisfaction, and we work directly with leading manufacturers in the sector.