Best Fog Machines | Buyer’s Guide 2023

  • By: Kevin
  • Date: May 26, 2023
  • Time to read: 9 min.
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The Best Fog Machines are:

  • Rockville R1200L Fog/Smoke Machine
  • Chauvet Hurricane 1800 FLEX Fogger with Remote
  • Theefun Halloween Fog Machine with Lights
  • ADJ Products VF VOLCANO FOG Machine

Looking to buy a fog machine for your next party or special event? Not sure where to start? Check out our buyer’s guide for the best fog machines.

In this guide, we will discuss the different types of fog machines available, as well as the features you should look for when making your purchase.

We will also provide recommendations for some of the best fog machines on the market today. So whether you’re looking for a professional-grade fog machine or something for your child’s birthday party, we’ve got you covered.

How to Choose the Best Fog Machine

With so many types of fog machines available on the market, it can be difficult to know which one to choose. Here are some things to keep in mind when making your selection:

Type of fog machine

There are different types of fog machines on the market today. They include the following, among others:

Low lying fog machines: These types of fog machines produce a dense, low-lying cloud of fog that hugs the ground. They are perfect for creating a spooky or mysterious atmosphere. Here are the best low-lying fog machines.

Dry ice machines: These fog machines use dry ice to create thick clouds of fog. They are often used for special effects in movies and TV shows. Here are the best dry ice fog machines.

Water-based fog machines: These fog machines use water to create fog. They are often used in haunted houses or Halloween parties.

Oil-based fog machines: These fog machines use oil to create fog. They are often used in nightclubs or other venues where a thick cloud of fog is desired.

Size of the machine

Fog machines come in all different sizes. Some are small and compact, while others are large and bulky. The size of the machine you need will depend on the size of the area you need to fog.

For example, if you’re looking to fog a small room, then a small machine will suffice. But if you’re looking to fog a large room or outdoor area, then you’ll need a larger machine.

Fluid Tank and Output Capacity

This is another key factor to consider when choosing a fog machine. The fluid tank capacity is the amount of fluid the fog machine can hold, while the output capacity is the amount of fluid the machine can produce per hour.

This is an important consideration because the fluid tank and the fog output capacity will affect the amount of fog juice you will need to use, the fog output, and how much dense fog it produces, among other things.

Power Rating

The power rating of a fog machine will determine how much power it uses and how quickly it can heat up the fluid to create fog.

For example, a low-power machine may take longer to heat up and produce less thick fog, while a powerful fog machine will heat up quickly and produce more fog with much less fog liquid. The power rating is usually measured in watts.

The higher the wattage, the more powerful the machine.

Coverage

The CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating of a fog machine will determine how much area it can cover. For example, a fog machine with a CFM rating of 100 can cover an area of 100 square feet in one minute.

The higher the cubic feet per minute rating, the more coverage you’ll get from the machine.

You want to get a machine that has a high cubic feet per minute rating if you need to fog a large area. If you need just a few cubic feet of fog, then a lower CFM rating will suffice.

Weight

Weight is another consideration you’ll want to take into account when choosing a fog machine. You want a portable fog machine that you can easily move around during your Halloween party or similar event.

However, if there is no need to move the fog machine around, then weight may not be as big of a consideration. Note, however, that most heavier fog machines are more powerful than their lighter counterparts.

Remote or No Remote?

Fog machines come with or without a remote. A remote will allow you to turn the machine on and off from a distance, which can be helpful if you’re using the fog machine in a large area.

If you don’t need a remote, then you can save some money by opting for a model that doesn’t have one.

If you decide to go for a fog machine with remote control, you will also need to choose between a wired remote and a wireless remote. Wired remote control fog machines are less expensive, but you will be limited by the length of the cord.

Wireless remote control fog machines are more expensive, but they offer more flexibility in terms of where you can place the machine.

Fog Fluid

The type of fluid you use in your fog machine will also affect the quality of the fog. Most fog machines use water-based fluid juices, but there are also oil-based fog machines available.

Water-based fog fluid is the most common type of fluid and it produces a non-toxic smoke that dissipates quickly. Oil-based fog fluids produce a thicker smoke that lingers in the air for longer.

The downside of oil-based fog fluid is that it can be toxic if inhaled, so it’s not recommended for indoor use.

Other Factors

Other factors to consider when choosing a fog machine include:

Pump: Fog machine pumps can be either internal or external. External pumps are more expensive, but they offer better performance.

Heat-up Time: This is the amount of time it takes for the smoke machine to heat up and produce fog. The shorter the heat-up time, the better.

Fog Density: This is the thickness of the fog produced by the machine. The thicker the fog, the more impressive it will look.

Fog Output: This is the amount of fog produced by the machine per minute. The higher the output, the more fog you’ll get.

Fog Juice Components: As already mentioned, most fog machines use water-based fluid. However, some fog juices also contain glycol or propylene glycol. These ingredients help to produce a thicker fog.

Fog Effect: If you want a low lying fog effect, then you’ll need to choose a fog machine that has a low-lying nozzle. Some fog machines also have built-in LED lights that create an impressive light show.

Fog Juice Requirements: How much fog juice the machine will need will depend on the size of the tank and the output of the machine. If you’ll be using the machine for a long time, then you’ll need to get a fog machine with a large tank.

4 Best Fog Machines

Rockville R1200L Fog/Smoke Machine

Best Rated
Rockville R1200L Fog/Smoke Machine

The Rockville R1200L Fog/Smoke Machine is one of the best-rated fog machines on Amazon. It's a versatile machine that can be used for a variety of events, including parties, Halloween, and more.

The R1200L has multiple features that make it a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality fog machine.

It has seven DMX channels, two remotes (wired and wireless), and an output of 12,000 cubic feet per minute. This is a huge CFM given the size of the machine.

The fluid capacity meter is a nice touch, and the fact that it comes with a wired remote is also very convenient. The wireless remote has a range of 65 ft.

The R1200L also has a very low fluid consumption rate of just ten ounces per hour. This means that you won't have to worry about constantly refilling the tank. Overall, the Rockville R1200L is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality fog machine.

Key Features:

  • 7 Channel DMX
  • Two Remotes: 1 wired remote and 1 wireless timer remote
  • Output: 12,000 cubic feet per meet
  • Fluid Capacity Meter
  • Wired Remote
  • Wireless remote range: 65 ft.
  • Fog fluid consumption: 10 Oz per hour
  • Tank Capacity: 1.2 liters

Verdict: If you’re looking for a high-quality fog machine with a lot of features, then the Rockville R1200L is a great option. It’s versatile and easy to use. This is among the best choices on the market.

Pros
  • Multi-colored LED lights create an impressive light show
  • Seven DMX channels offer a lot of flexibility
  • 2 remotes (wired and wireless) are included
  • The fluid capacity meter is a nice touch
  • The machine has a low fluid consumption rate of just ten ounces per hour
Cons
  • Some users have reported that the machine is difficult to clean

Chauvet Hurricane 1800 FLEX Fogger with Remote

Best Overall
Chauvet Hurricane 1800 FLEX Fogger with Remote

The Chauvet Hurricane 1800 FLEX Fogger with Remote is our top pick for the best overall fog machine. This Chauvet fog machine is a versatile and powerful option that can be used for a variety of events. 

It comes with remote control, has both three-pin and five-pin DMX connections, and even has a wired timer remote.

This Chauvet fog machine also has a compact design, making it easy to transport and set-up. And, it's a water-based fogger, which means that it won't leave behind any film or residue.

The Hurricane 1800 FLEX also has an automatic sensor and advanced fluid sensor. These sensors help to keep the machine running smoothly and prevent overfilling. Additionally, the Hurricane 1800 FLEX has an adjustable 180-degree angle, so you can direct the fog where you want it to go.

Finally, this Chauvet fog machine has a large tank capacity and a fast start-up time of just ten minutes. Overall, the Chauvet Hurricane 1800 FLEX is a versatile and powerful fog machine that is sure to meet your needs.

Key Features:

  • Comes with remote control
  • 3-Pin and 5-pin DMX connections
  • 1-Channel DMX
  • Compact design
  • Water-based fogger
  • Automatic sensor and advanced fluid sensor

Verdict: If you are looking for a versatile and powerful fogger, the Chauvet Hurricane 1800 FLEX Fogger with Remote is a great option.

It comes with a variety of features that make it easy to use and sure to meet your needs. However, it is quite pricey. But with the features and quality, it is worth the investment.

Pros
  • Wired timer remote included
  • Compact design makes it easy to transport and set-up
  • Water-based fogger won't leave behind any residue
  • Adjustable 180-degree angle
  • Large tank capacity
  • Fast start-up time of just ten minutes
Cons
  • Quite pricey

Theefun Halloween Fog Machine with Lights

Best Budget
Theefun Halloween Fog Machine with Lights

The Theefun Halloween Fog Machine with Lights is our top pick for the best budget fog machine. This Theefun fog machine is a great choice for anyone looking for an affordable option that doesn't sacrifice quality.

This Theefun 450W fog machine comes with 6 LED lights in 7 colors. These lights create impressive strobe effects that are perfect for parties. 

Additionally, this fog machine is portable and comes with wireless remote control. The remote control has a range of up to 23 ft, so you can easily control the machine from a distance.

The fogger also has a psychedelic fog spray. This fog spray is sure to add an extra level of excitement to any event. Additionally, the fog machine has an aluminum body. This makes it durable and long-lasting.

Finally, this Theefun fog machine is easy to use with its intuitive operation. Overall, the Theefun Halloween Fog Machine with Lights is a great choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly option that doesn't sacrifice quality or features.

Key Features:

  • Comes with 6 LED lights in 7 colors
  • Portable with wireless remote control
  • Remote control range of up to 23 ft.
  • Psychedelic fog spray
  • Aluminum body

Verdict: If you are looking for a budget-friendly option that doesn’t sacrifice quality or features, the Theefun Halloween Fog Machine with Lights is a great choice. For its price point, this fog machine is sure to impress.

Pros
  • Affordable option
  • Strobe effects are perfect for parties
  • Portable fog machine with wireless remote control
  • Aluminum body is durable and long-lasting.
  • Intuitive operation
Cons
  • It May is not as powerful as some of the other options on this list

ADJ Products VF VOLCANO FOG Machine

Best for Small Spaces
ADJ Products VF VOLCANO FOG Machine

The ADJ Products VF VOLCANO FOG machine is our top pick for the best fog machine for small spaces. This ADJ Products fog machine is a great choice for anyone looking for a compact and lightweight option.

This ADJ Products fog machine is a professional 750W fog machine. It has a high-performance pump that provides optimum output. 

Additionally, this fog machine features Thermo Sensing Technology. This technology ensures that the fog machine heats up quickly and evenly.

The fog machine has two modes: remote and manual. The remote mode is great for controlling the fog machine from a distance. The manual mode is great for when you want to have more control over the output of the fog machine.

Additionally, this fog machine has a low fluid LED indicator. This indicator lets you know when it is time to refill the tank.

Key Features:

  • 750W professional fog machine
  • High-performance pump for optimum output
  • 2 Modes: Remote and Manual
  • Low Fluid LED indicator

Verdict: ADJ Products VF VOLCANO FOG machine is a great choice for anyone looking for a compact and lightweight option. It is a great choice for small spaces because of its compact size.

It is also a great choice for anyone looking for a fog machine with two modes: remote and manual.

Pros
  • A compact and lightweight option
  • Professional 750W fog machine
  • High-performance pump provides optimum output
  • Thermo Sensing Technology ensures that the fog machine heats up quickly and evenly.
  • Two modes: remote and manual
Cons
  • It may not be as powerful as some of the other options on this list

Best Fog Machine FAQs

Final Thoughts

Getting a fog machine is a great way to enhance the ambiance of any space. Whether you’re looking for a machine for a small space or a machine with two modes, we hope our list has helped you find the best fog machine for your needs.

If you want to learn more check out 10 common uses for fog machines.


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