While I have no idea WHY IT IS SO COSTLY (??!) I do find that I am totally happy I ordered it. It does not contain all the escaping cotton but it does allow for me to make CC outside even when it's windy. I'm not allowed to make it inside because of the sugar fallout nor too close to the house because of ants. The Queen of Cotton Candy at the roller rink I worked at soooo many years ago is BACK!!!!We bought this to help so the cotton candy doesn’t escape as much. While some does escape, it really makes a difference. We will not use our machine without it.It is fairly easy to clamp on the machine. It is a little challenging to take off. It is easy to clean.We store it attached to the cotton candy machine and then cover it with Saran Wrap to keep dust out.I would definitely recommend it.When I first looked at the item, it was $99 but when I decided to purchase it, it had gone up to $109. Still bought it because some reviews mentioned the top will keep the floss getting blown everywhere. I am glad I got it. The plastic isn't too flimsy but it certainly is quite bulky.Fits perfectly on machine and cleans up quicklyWorks great.Had been using a machine I bought 30+ years ago. It is a small home model. Was great but 4 grandchildren each waiting 10 to get a small cone made me look into this maker. WHAT A GREAT CHOICE I MADE!!!! This comes in a few parts & only pictures to put together. Between husband & myself it took 1/2 to put together. Had 14 cones bagged into 7 bags 15 minutes!!! Couldn't keep up with the machine. So very exited to have this new machine? Look forward to make many more in the future. Bought cover & am do happy I did. Can make it and be able to make anytime I want now. COVER IT WORTH IT!!! Almost didn't get it but am very happy I did. This is with every penny I paid for it. Also bought the plain cones 300, printed bags 100 & 4 different cartoons of sugar. Very happy with it all. Thank you Amazon for having this. After 35+ years using the small machine, am so happy I bought this?I bought the VIVI cotton candy machine and didn't purchase this because of the price. Trial run of my machine was proof if you make candy inside you definitely need the bubble. It catches the sugar and stray candy that little kids miss. I just use very hot water to rinse it off so it's easy to clean.Purchased the bubble to keep the floss from disturbing the horses at an event we attended and the bubble worked great. I like how it snapped onto the metal bowl. We added some little strips of foam to add cushion because the vibration was making the whole thing rattle very loud. I believe that the bubble could be made of a harder plastic that is a little more firmer at the top inside opening of the dome. When we hold that part with one hand when the machine is starting out, it helps muffle the vibrational noise. And it needs to be scratch resistant because it is very clear and glossy but scratches easily. The bubble is worth the money when you're at a function and people don't want sticky floss getting on their stuff.My 12 year old purchased this out of his own money for the launch of his little cotton candy business.The shield looks like a great idea, but it affects the performance of the machine - maybe due to air flow?The floss kept getting caught up and he had to trash 90% of the cotton candy he made. He tried cleaning (and re-cleaning!) the machine and adjusting his methods and sugar formula until he ultimately decided to try making the cotton candy without the shield. The machine works perfectly without it!So, for $210, this was an enormous waste of his hard-earned money. I sure wish we'd realised sooner that it was the shield causing all of the problems! We'd have absolutely returned it. :-(Do not buy this added extra. It does not actually stop the floss feom flyingbout and plus it completely changes the way the floss comes out ajd makes it harder to catch... Expensive product for not good results. Im very unhappy about this purchase.doesn't protect surrounding from scatters cotton candy and sugarvery expensive