Last Updated on March 25 by Monty Python
Whether it is a musical concert, live event, or Halloween, fog machines choose by default. They are loved in lively gatherings for creating a very special mood and ambiance. They provide wit a very easy way in the creation of fog or mist in the air.
There are plenty of different types of best fog machines with varying levels of fog output. The area or the venue where you want to install and use the fog lights tells that which one is the best for you.
However, there are plenty of other features as well to be considered which could determine the best fit for you. This guide is exactly meant to help you with all this information so that you could easily pick the best fog machine to spruce up your venue with fog and mist. Also check out the How to Make Fog Juice?
Types Of Fog Machines With fog machines becoming a popular piece of equipment in the event/entertainment industry, more and more people are going to be looking for fog machine information.
Fog Machine Accessories Your fog machine can be made more versatile as well as enjoyable by adding a few exciting accessories.
Top 10 Best Fog Machines
At this point, you can evaluate the below fog machines based on their features, pros, and cons. The information given below will help you with the identification of the best fog machine which also matches your needs.
The following are the best fog machines available and there is one or more for all those who are looking for the best possible product:
See Also: CHAUVET DJ LED Lighting System (GIGBAR 2) Review (Best Compact Fog Machine )
ADJ Products JETT Stream Fog Fury Machine
This is a powerful and high-velocity fog machine of vertical design. It employs innovative heater technology for the production of bursts of mist which could go well beyond 25 feet distance within a quick time. There is a fantastic color mixer built-in lights with this system.
You may add some striking color effect to the mist and that too with no need of having any supplementary equipment. This product makes use of 12 x RGBA 3W LED lights. It is coupled with excellent DMX technology as well.
You will be happy to find out that this one is a low-maintenance fog machine. Some excellent safety features ensure heat levels are at optimum level.
Pros
- Powerful fog machine of 700 watts
- Multi-direction fog effects
- Low fog juice indicator
- Wired remote control, manual, or DMX control options
- Safety loop and clog prevention
Cons
- Noticeable pump noise and vibration
Theefun 450 Watts Fogger with 6 LEDs
This is a 450 watts machine that you can depend on for giving an optimal performance for smaller venues. The built-in heat generator is one of the fines and it quickly warms up within 45 seconds to give a stellar performance. You need to give it 2 to 3 minutes for the first performance to heat up. The odorless fog produced through this equipment could be over 2500 CFM.
The 6 LED lights provided onboard would take the mysterious and boisterous atmosphere to another level. The fog machine is suitable to be used in live concerts, weddings, family reunions, and other parties.
There is a useful temperature sensor included in this one which will indicate when the unit gets overheated. On top of that, the fuse of the machine would also burn out once it gets overloaded. These safety features minimize any potential dangers associated with the machine.
Pros
- Comes with a remote control
- Durable and compact design
- Reliable safety features
- Excellent strobe light effect with mist
- Quick to warm up
Cons
- Might not be long lasting
ADJ Mister Kool II Fog Machine
If you are the one looking for producing some cool and thick Low-lying fog mist effects then this fogger from ADJ is a perfect choice.
It is an undisputed leader in the foggers’ category of low-lying effects. The equipment is quite easy to use. It comes with the option of ice and a normal water-based fluid level indicator, which produces mystifying fog with no need of having dry ice.
Neither does it require having any bulky CO2 tanks. The warm-up time of this machine is also very fast. You can expect this machine to perform at its full capacity within three minutes of powering it up.
It has a reasonably powerful heater of 70 watts which is good for medium size venues and yards. The expected output range of this fogger is 3,500 cubic feet per minute which are quite impressive.
Low-lying fog juice is intended for use in ground fog machines.
Pros
- Easy setup with a user-friendly design
- No spilling or splashing of fluid
- Good portability with carrying handle
- Robust construction with metallic body
Cons
- The back panel may become too hot
AGPTEK Smoke Machine with Colorful LED Lights
This is a 500 watts fog machine that is found to be unscented, non-toxic, and high-powered. The supported wattage allows this unit to produce odorless mist up to 2,000 CFM.
The duration period of time that the fog takes is about 25 seconds. This fogger could also be used without having any scruples. It is because the machine is not known for producing any type of toxic gas at all.
13 beautiful and colorful lights make the impact even more dramatic and exciting at the venue. There are two remote controls where one is for switching the equipment on and off while the other is to control the LED lights. Make sure that this equipment is capable of working only with 110 – 130V.
Pros
- RGB LED light effect
- Durable design
- Easy to use system
- 20% energy saving with high performance
- Long-lasting fog production
Cons
- Loose screw issues
GEJRIO 500 Watts Fog Machine with Remote Control
GEJRIO brand did a fantastic job here for producing this high output and non-toxic fog machine. This fog machine is a 500 watts system that could cover an area of 2,000 CFM which will be within 4 to 5 meters distance. The total duration of the produced mist is nearly 30 seconds.
No scruples are required for using this machinery. Allow this machine 2 to 3 minutes to warm up and before you could expect this to perform at its optimum capacity.
There is a preheat lamp along with a long wired controller of 3 meters. The wireless remote control could be used for controlling the unit within the range of 50 meters. You need to press a single button to make the machine start or stop.
Pros
- CE, FCC, and ROHS certified
- The smart temperature control mechanism
- 16 beautiful RGB colors light effect
- High quality, durable material
- Convenient to use
Cons
- Low quality remote for light
KBLbfb Portable Fog Machine with LED Lights
This is a powerful machine with a capacity of 500 watts. It has a portable and reasonably lightweight design that allows users to carry, place and store with ease. You will get this with a wired and wireless control which will give you full control of the functionality of the fog machine and the beautiful LED lights. The remote can seamlessly work within a radius of 50 meters and that would cover some good size venues as well. The wired controller has a 3-meter long cable. There is spectacular LED lighting onboard and that makes this fog machine a very special one. It is the brightness and striking colors of the light which make it so special.
Pros
- Wired and wireless remote option
- Preheating lamp option
- Portable design with carrying handle
- 250ml long-lasting tank
- 90 days of unconditional return warranty
Cons
- No control to change the light color
Sunolga Fog Machine with LED Lights
The Sunolga brand has come up with an exciting and effective fog spray machine. The power supply of 500 watts is decent enough to cover 2,000 cubic feet per minute. Smoke will have the potential to travel to 2 to 3 meters in distance. The time duration for the fog is about 30 to 40 seconds.
This is an energy-saving design and it will save you 20% on the energy cost as compared with the other traditional models of such machines. The warm-up time that this machine takes is about 3 to 5 minutes.
The machine overall is found to be quite reliable, durable, and safe. It is manufactured with aluminum material which offers excellent heat dissipation as well. The RGB light design adds more fun to this sensational fog machine.
Pros
- RoHS, CE, and FCC certified
- Large-capacity 350ml tank(LED-illuminated tank)
- Durable design with superb heat dissipation
- 6 LED lights with color changing option
- Quick to warm up and perform
JDR Fog Machine with LED Light and Remote Control
This is a 400-watts fog machine and you could trust this one to be used in parties in smaller venues. It will provide an output of 2,000 CFM output. The machinery is facilitated with the advanced Electronic Thermo Sensing (ETS) control along with the unique piping technology as well. The first warm-up of the machine requires 3 to 4 minutes. Then it could perform within 14 to 30 seconds in every round for mystifying fog in a great manner. Make sure that you wait for the indicating red light to turn green to operate it. This light color change indicates that the machine is warmed up and ready to use. The unique remote control system comes with both the wired and wireless control options. The light feature of this equipment is controllable and there is also a visible preheating lamp option given as well.
Pros
- Easy to use control panel
- Compact model with handle
- Remote control option (wired and wireless)
- The intelligent temperature control mechanism
- LED light could be switched on and off
Cons
- Lights are not color changing
J VIRFUN Fog Machine with Remote Control
This is a highly effective fog spray model. It is capable of producing unscented and uniform fog in a very quick time. It takes only a few minutes to warm up and then can give an output of 2,000 CFM over a distance of 2 to 3 meters. The wired and wireless remote control option makes it quite easy to work with. You can have direct control of the fog machine within a radius of 45 meters.
This is a good enough distance for a fog machine of 400 watts which is suitable for limited size venues. The machine is ideal for Halloween parties, small live performances, weddings, and corporate functions. To make this fog machine perform to its best potential, make sure that you only use it with professional fog juice.
Pros
- Reliable safety protection system
- Energy-saving design
- Non-toxic fog
- Highly portable design
- Uniform fog production
Cons
- It May get easily clogged
IPHUNGO Fog Machine with Controllable Lights
This is an incredible fog machine with 500 watts power supply. This will offer an output of 3,000 cubic feet per minute. The non-toxic fog is capable of traveling to 2 to 3 meters in distance for a span of 20 to 30 seconds. Using this machine is quite convenient and simple. 13 LED lights of different colors give a strobe light effect. The lights are controllable and you may change their speed along with the color options. The RGB light effect will be great to further heighten the atmosphere at the venue. On top of all these features, it comes with one piece of wired and then a couple of wireless remote controls for making it operate easily from a distance.
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Pros
- Strobe and RGB LED light effect
- Lightweight and portable design
- Quick to warm up
- Color switch option through remote control
- Easy to use functions
Cons
- A smaller capacity of the tank
Frequently Asked Questions about Fog Machines
How to ensure that my fog machine doesn’t get clogged
You must ensure thorough cleaning of the foggers after every use with a proper cleaning solution, which is specially designed for such machines. This would avoid any clogging in the foggers.
Do foggers come with remote control?
The remote control is more of a standard feature in most of the foggers available today.
Does the timer of a fog machine work for both starting and stopping the machine?
Yes, the majority of foggers can be programmed to make them start and stop automatically.
Is fog through foggers safe to breathe?
Yes, it is generally safe. However, if you are allergic to smoke or have breathing problems then you must avoid such venues.
What is the use of a fog machine?
Fog machines can be used in many different ways. Clubs use them to create atmospheres or on stages when bands or DJs play. People use fog machines for personal parties, but also for holidays such as Halloween.
How long does fog machine fog last?
Fog machines do not last very long. If you are inside, you’ll get more fog, but if you’re outdoors, your fog will be gone in about five seconds. You can expect at least one minute’s worth of quality fog with one shot.
How Do Fog Machines Work?
Fog machines are used by users who want to create fog. Users include consumers or those who need fog machines for commercial purposes. Fogging machines are kept in tanks and then pushed using a heat exchanger. This ensures that the fluid vaporizes and pushes the vapor through a nozzle. After combining with the air outside, the fog creates fog.
Are fog machines safe?
Many fog machines in the market come from certified manufacturers. Always check the labels on each fog machine to make sure they are safe.
What is the difference between a fog machine and a haze machine?
A fog machine creates a thick, heavy fog that makes things disappear. Haze machines create a thin fog that stays in the air. You can make light patterns on the haze by using different lights.
Things to consider when buying Fog Machines
The fog machines shouldn’t be taken as some overly complicated machines. They are meant to pump out fog from a reservoir which is converted into vapor from liquid form, before getting discharged. This is how the fog machine performs. However, there are plenty of key features discussed below which will influence your decision about buying a particular fog machine:
Types
The following are the different types of foggers or fog machines:
- Regular
This is the one known for producing a smoky tall cloud of 5 to 10 feet. The cloud could get taller and bigger depending upon how long you run the machine. It is a heated vapor where the heat is behind the beautiful slow-rising effect. These are the most inexpensive of all types.
- Low
This is the one that flows flow and creates a great ankle effect. They look awesome in the proper setting but they must be set up properly to work right. This is known to have the chilled fog which stays low as compared to the heated vapor fog which rises above.
- Tiny
This is a small and probably the least popular of all the foggers but still, it is worth mentioning. They are preferred for set pieces and a few other special places. They have a very tight niche that is specific to theatrical instruments.
- CO2 Fog Jets
This CO2 lookalike fog jet gives a cool effect which is one of the latest inclusion in the fog machines’ category. It is a fogger capable of going straight up while giving a colored jet of steam and light.
- Fog Curtains
This is a wonderful technology that gives a very unique fog effect. It employs a chiller through which the fog is pushed that goes onto the overhead distribution unit. It might be an expensive model option but the effect is worth every penny.
Wattage
Wattage plays a pivotal role in the output and performance of the fog machine. This is also a factor that determines the size or capacity of the fogger in a way. You may find such machines with wattage in the range of 400 to 1,000 watts. The smaller one with lesser wattage would have a smaller volume of fog. That is measured in cubic ft. per minute.
A fog machine with 400 watts is known for offers 150 cubic ft. of fog approximately every minute. This makes it one of the most common fog machines and majority of purchases for basic needs are with this machine. A fogger with a 700 watts capacity could allow 3500 cubic feet per minute fog.
This is a good option for a larger space such as a yard. The 1,000 watts machine can produce nearly 4500 cubic ft. fog per minute. It is the best option for larger venues.
Physical Size
The physical size of the fogger matters a lot in many ways. If you have a smaller fog machine then it will be quite easy to carry from your home to the venue. The DJs will find it easy to move from one venue to the other. Remember that while you look for a compact or portable machine then that should not limit the desirable performance. Just imagine the idea of having a compact yet powerful fogger for a Halloween party that could be easily hidden anywhere while creating an eerie environment.
Sound
A lot of fog machines seen today are found to be quite noisy. Therefore, you need to consider the amount of noise that the audience at the venue will be able to endure. It is good to find one which is capable of producing mist in a very quiet way. On top of that, one way of evaluating a good fogger is that it would produce far less sound. You must make a note here that almost all of the foggers are known for producing a hiss-like sound. It is just that some are louder and some quieter. Don’t get carried away with low price products which may produce a good amount of mist but it is quite noisy.
Controls
Almost all of the best fog machines available today come with convenient intuitive controls. It is pivotal to scan the reviews of a specific product to find out that how user-friendly its controls and features are. The majority of the foggers today come with wireless and wired controls both of which ensure convenient use of the machine. It is also good to find a machine that comes with a timer control so that it will auto-shutoff and before it starts to overheat.
Fluid
The fluid of the fog machines comes in the form of water-based or glycol solutions where the latter one is an active ingredient. This active ingredient could be triethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerin, or a combo of all these. Every machine comes with its specific heat process and for that, it requires to have the right chemical composition for making it operate seamlessly. Therefore, make sure that you give due importance to the requirements of fog fluid or fog juice as it will be a pivotal component to the success of your purchased fog machine. You may also take the user experience with the fog juice to the next level with the inclusion of scent in the fog juice. Depending upon the nature of the event, you could pick the scent accordingly. Make sure that you only add the recommended scents by the manufacturer into the machine. If you add any random scent then your fogger will be at risk of damage.
Conclusion
If you are looking to spruce up the ambiance of any venue then fog machines could do it most desirably. You just need to look for the right fog machine for the right occasion. These foggers are found to be a great option for creating cool special effects in concerts, Halloween parties, dance parties, weddings, photography sessions, and many other events. It is important to pick the right type and size of fogger which suits the needs of the venue in the best possible manner. There are different types of foggers available based upon the type of impact or effect they would create with the fog. So you must check out all and then make a decision accordingly. This guide has got it all. You can follow this guide to pick one of the best foggers while ensuring that all its features match your needs.
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