Free shipping
within Germany for orders over 29€
55.000 products
ready for shipment
Money Back
30 Day Return Policy
You have placed the following items into your shopping cart
Free shipping
within Germany for orders over 29€
55.000 products
ready for shipment
Money Back
30 Day Return Policy
53 items
The fog machine is a true classic among effect machines and almost indispensable in lighting setups. Here's what you need to know...
The fog machine is a true classic among effect machines and almost indispensable in lighting setups. Here's everything you should know and what to look out for when buying!
The fog machine (traditionally also referred to as a fogger) is a long-time favourite in the event industry, as fog effects have always been a crucial theatrical element used in a wide range of settings, including:
To function, a fog machine requires fluid, commonly known as fog fluid. This fluid is heated inside the machine and released as fog.
By the way: Stage fog is not only impressive on its own but especially effective when combined with lighting and laser effects – depending, of course, on the venue's specific conditions.
Related to fog machines but used differently are the following effect machines:
For more details, check our category pages on hazers and fazers and fog fluids and scent additives.
Besides price, it’s important to consider some technical features when purchasing your fog machine. One of the most important is the heating power, indicated in watts. Since fog fluid is vaporised through heat, insufficient heating power may lead to poor results. Two guidelines are:
Another key factor is the fog output volume, usually given in cubic metres per minute. It tells you how much space the machine can fill with fog. For outdoor use, you’ll want high output – otherwise the effect dissipates too quickly in the wind.
In addition to the basics, demanding users may want to look for these extra features:
Tip: The quality of the fog effect isn’t just about the machine itself – the fluid also plays a major role. It's worth investing in good fluid for the best results.
Another key point is how the fog machine is controlled. Most devices offer one or two options:
Professionals ensure the machine has a DMX input so it can be integrated into a full lighting setup using a DMX controller.
Precise control over fog output is also important – when you hit "stop", the fog should stop immediately. Machines with magnetic valves (also known as Instant Fog Stop) are a great choice here.
If you want to produce standard fog effects, a fogger or basic fog machine will suit you perfectly. But since there are many models, you should definitely consider the performance specs mentioned above. A low-cost unit won’t help if its output isn’t strong enough for stage use.
If you're just after a simple fog machine for private parties, you don’t need to spend much. Affordable machines with decent heating power and output are available for a low price. A party fog machine should offer around 400 watts of heating power and a fog output of approx. 60 m³/min.
Professional users also look at other factors: Is the fog machine DMX-compatible? What’s the fluid consumption? How precise is the fog output control?
