The 5 Best Fog Machines of 2023 – Pro and Budget Options
If you want to get a nice effect when performing on stage, fog machines are one of the best options. These used to be big machines, but with the development of smaller and cheaper options, they have become pretty accessible for all budgets.
In this article, we’re going to present to you the 5 of the best fog machines on the market today.
The 5 Best Fog Machines of 2023 – At a Glance
1. Fog Machine AGPTEK 500W
AGPTEK 500W is a portable fog machine with LED lights and wireless remote control. The fog machine has an aluminum exterior, meaning it’s durable and can last for a long time. With it you won’t get liquid needed for creating fog, so make sure to buy that.
As for the fog production, AGPTEK will provide you with around 2000 cube feet per minute of smoke with two or three meters of distance when shooting it out. Between the puffs, you’ll need to wait several seconds for the machine to heat up again. With the machine you’ll get a power outlet cord and remote control, so you can safely work the machine while you’re on the floor as well, without the need for an operator to be present.
Three LED lights will also provide you with enough lightning for your fog machine. With them, you can easily create an atmosphere you need. This is a perfect buy for everyone, whether you’re a professional or just need an affordable machine for personal use.
2. Chauvet DJ Hurricane 1800
If you’re a DJ, you’ll probably have to build up some atmosphere for your performance. Fog machines can be just the right answer, and if you’re looking for a pro option, DJ Hurricane 1800 is just the pick for you.
H1800 is a water-based, 1-channel DMX fog machine. The tank has the capacity for 5 liters of liquid and the machine needs 10 minutes to heat up. It has a total fog production of 29.600 CFM, so it will fill up the room really quickly with quality made fog. The design is adapted for professional use, with a metal and 180 degrees rotatable body.
As for the connectivity, you get a 3 pin XLR in/out for DMX512, so you can connect it together with your lights, making it a complete show. Also, the tank is illuminated with LED lights. This is a high-end product that’s not meant to be used by everybody. If you’re a DJ or event organizer, this is a great option to consider.
3. ATDAWN Halloween Fog Machine
Sometimes you need a fog machine that’s not very expensive and doesn’t have many fancy options but is just a reliable house item. ATDAWN is a great little fog machine that’s perfect for home use at parties or Haloween.
It holds 300ml of fluid in the tank and has a black metal exterior, so you don’t have to worry about it breaking or damaging. It produces 1500 cubic feet per minute and has an average consumption of 7.5ml/minute, so you’ll definitely have more than enough for what you want to achieve.
This machine can be operated both manually and wirelessly through remote control. Manual control can be also achieved through a wired remote control which gives you up to 5 meters of space from the machine. This is a great buy for anyone looking to get an amateur level machine that does its job nicely.
4. ADJ Fog Fury Jett
We finish off this list with the heavy-duty contender for professional users. Fog Fury Jett is different to other items on this list for the sole reason that it’s the only one that shoots the fog vertically and not horizontally.
It comes with a big tank of 0.8 gallons, which has 20.000 CFM output. Thanks to its ETS technology, it doesn’t have to warm up again in between the blasts like the other fog machines but it can continue blasting straight away. It has a 7-channel DMX connection as well as 12 packs of three LEDs with different lights. You can control it with remote control and manually as well as through DMX cable.
5. Stairville AF-250 Fog Machine
AF-250 is a high-end, quality machine meant to be used in clubs by professionals. This is a heavy-duty, large-item, with 1.9 liters of tank space. It produces 180 m3 of fog per minute, with the dispersion of up to 5 meters. It’s powered with 1300W of power, but it has a feel of 1800W, so you’ll keep your costs down to get the same result as with stronger machines.
This fog machine can be controlled through remote control with a built-in timer or by a DMX512 cable, alongside with lighting to get a complete feel. It has a 3-pin XLR in/out for DMX. The body of this machine is built to last and endure everything, with a thick metal shell. It also comes with a hang-on bracket, through which you can easily hang it on a ceiling or beams in your club. This is a top of the line item, which is large, hefty, durable, and very quality made and is meant for a strict professional use.
Common Questions about Fog Machines
Difference between a fog machine and a haze machine
Even though people mix up these two machines, there are quite large differences between the two. The fog machine creates a cloud of thick, white smoke that is not translucent and is very noticeable. It can be spread around the floor (think first dance at the wedding) or going up into the air.
Haze machines create a much thinner veil of smoke that lasts much longer than fog machines do. The whole point of this some is to hold on in the air, creating different light patterns with lights in the space.
Is fog machine smoke bad for you?
The short answer is no, they’re not. Fog machines use water and different types of glycol syrups to create their fog, which, if the machine is working properly, is not hazardous at all. Note that some people can be irritated by this machine, but those are really rare incidents.
What is the use of a fog machine?
Fog machines can be used in several different ways. At clubs, it is used to create an atmosphere or on stage when the bands or DJs play. At home, people use it for personal celebrations/parties, but also for stuff like Halloween.
How long does fog machine fog last?
Fog machine fog doesn’t really last that long. If you’re indoors, of course, your fog will last longer and have a better effect, but if you’re outside and the wind is blowing, your fog will disappear in 5 seconds. But, expect at least one minute of quality fog with one spray of fog.
Summary
We hope that this article has helped you inform you on the topic of fog machines as well as present to you different options for you to buy.
Whether you’re a professional that will use this machine every day on stage or are more casual user, there’s something for everyone here.
