Best Fog Machine Reviews (Pro And Budget Options)

Are you looking for a fog machine for some professional demand or looking for one to give your party a real tough, freaky fun? If so, you are at the right place.

Fog machines have made a big difference in the entertainment industry. They are machines that produce artificial smoke. Also, they can be used for various entertainment purposes like DJ music parties, dramatic moods, any light shows, and Halloween festivals to create an artificial haunted atmospheric condition.

When it comes to entertainment industry, Hollywood movies are known for their theatrical effects, which make us feel real. Imagine you watching a Superman movie in a theatre. Would you like the Hero making his entry in a fog or from a plain background? Naturally, from a foggy background, right?! To create that punch and drama, a fog machine is used.

Moreover, it can also be used in some industrial operations, military operations, and other training programs. So if you are looking for one, we can help you to find some of the best in the business.  Selecting the top fog machine from hundreds of products can be genuinely a mind-boggling task. To make the job easier for you, I have compiled a list of the best outdoor fog machine available in the market.

LIST OF THE BEST FOG MACHINE

THE BEST FOG MACHINES REVIEW

1. AMERICAN DJ MISTER Kool II - BEST GROUND FOG MACHINE

American Dj  - low lying fog machine

PRODUCT DETAILS:

  • Warm up time of 5 minutes
  • The timer has been installed to produce fog when needed automatically.
  • Users can control the output and duration of the fogging.
  • Capacity of the fog fluid tank: 0.13gal 
  • Machine weight is 20 pounds.
  • 400 W heater.

Do you wish to create perfect fog effects for your dance shows or any other special events? Then, the American DJ Mister Kool Fog Machine is the best ground fog machine for you. You will not find even a site not suggesting this brand. That's because the Company has gained the trust of users with their amazing atmospheric effect equipment manufacture.

The moment this fog machine stepped into my house, I wasn't able to restrict myself from knowing about its features. Now, I'll discuss the main points that I liked the most about this machine.

As the machine's fog output is 2500 ft³/minute, you can dance through the thick low laying white clouds that don't rise for a long time. I'm in love with this fog machine already.

Want to achieve dense ground-level clouds? Well, the professional quality fog juice/liquid helps you get that done. Yes, this machine generates copious amounts of fog with ordinary ice cubes and fog juice. So you needn't invest in expensive fog chillers, bulky air conditioning units, or dry ice. Not only that, you can load up to 4 pounds of ice in the chiller box.

The unit comes with an ON/OFF switch, a water drainage valve system for easy cleanup, a plastic water collection bag, a timer remote. I appreciate this machine not only for its thick fog but also for the ease of use and durability. 

Overall, the AMERICAN DJ MISTER KOOL low fog machine is a great and useful tool for filmmaking and home use! I have used other fog machines for years, but I would strongly claim this to be the best outdoor one for the money.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

  • It is a quiet machine.
  • It is ideal for outdoor use.
  • Remote control

2. AGPTEK 500W - BEST OUTDOOR FOG MACHINE

AGPTEK 500W - low lying fog machine

PRODUCT DETAILS:

  • Power: 500 W  
  • Warm-up time of 2 - 3 minutes.
  • A full tank capacity of 0.13 L that can last between 1 - 3 hours depending on usage.
  • Voltage: 110 V.
  • The application area is around 20 – 30 square metres.
  • Wireless remote with a working range of 33 feet.
  • Weight: 4.32 pounds.

During my research of the best low lying fog machines. I found most machines to a bit bulky. But, luckily I found a compact smoke machine from AGPTEK.

I first thought that as this is cheap and also compact, its performance might be low. However, the lighting effects and the fog effect reviews of this product broke the myth.

Like the previous machines, this too creates a fog effect of about 2000 CFM with 2-3 m distance and has a normal warm up time of 2-3 minutes.

Now, speaking about its unique features that I personally like the most. First, It's made up of high-quality metals to resist corrosion. The machine's ability to create a foggy atmosphere with vibrant changing colors makes it ideal for concerts, stages and other corporate events. Thirdly, I noticed that the Company has been very peculiar to manufacture a quality portable fog machine.

I say this because I got a positive review stating that the machine and emits fog for about 20 seconds and then pauses for another 3 minutes. This helps the machine cool down and prevent overheating.

Though, there are great features in this single device. I want to make my review genuine, so I would just say a word of caution to you. Please avoid touching the water as the machine is not waterproof.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Compact, Easy to assemble and use.
  • Clean-up is very easy.
  • Produces a ton of fog very quickly.
  • Quiet during operation.
  • Uses less fog fluid for more fog production.

3. FANSTECK - BEST GROUND FOGGER MACHINE

Fansteck - low lying fog machine

PRODUCT DETAILS:

  • Wireless remote control with a range of 30m.
  • Non-toxic and has an enormous capacity.
  • The aluminium body guarantees better heat dissipation for ensuring durability and long lifespan.
  • Regular warm up time of 2-3 minutes

If you're looking for a cheap yet quality fog machine, then you should have your hands on the Fansteck Halloween fog machine. Though of a low price, it is perfect for creating a spooky and mysterious atmosphere.

Though I haven't tried using this product, the reviews were great. That's why I'm listing this product here. Now, let me give a brief idea about the machine's details.

This fog machine with lights is equipped with 3 stages LED Lights to combine the fog. There are 12 adjustable colors and 4 special effects include Smooth/Flash/Fade/Strobe.

Firstly, It comes with wireless remote control for distant use so that you can control your machine from within a 30-meter radius.

This ground fogger machine has 500W, which can produce uniform and unscented fog equally. After a warm-up time of 2-3 minutes, you will notice uniform white clouds. The fog output is about 2500 CFM.

While I was reviewing this machine, I was amazed that it is FCC, CE, and RoHS certified for safe, non-toxic production.

For safety purposes and a long lifespan, it is necessary for the heat generated by the machine to get appropriately dissipated. The unit is built with aluminum with a 300 ml tank for long-lasting fog production to ensure this.

Lastly, the package includes a power cable, a wired connector, a wireless remote handle, and a user manual. I give a big thumbs up for this outdoor fog machine!

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Creates a decent amount of fog.
  • Small and easy to carry.
  • Effective and huge output.
  • Non-toxic

4. ADJ VF1600 - BEST DRY ICE FOG MACHINE

ADJ VF1600 - low lying fog machine

PRODUCT DETAILS:

  • Fog fluid tank capacity of 2.3 L(non-removable)
  • Smoke coverage of 10 - 100 square mts.
  • Weight of 16.28 pounds.
  • Warm-up time of 8 min
  • Low fog fluid shut off sensor 
  • Wireless remote control
  • Fluid Level Indicator

If you had noticed the above-mentioned dry ice fog machine, they had a moderate power rating of say 400-500W, and mostly they were for indoor purposes. But, Some enthusiasts would love a very powerful fog machine to use outdoors? So, for your concern, here is the right product for you again from the famous brand ADJ. It's not very costly, which is an added advantage. Now let me see whether this product makes up your mind to purchase one.

Let me start with the power rating. The machine has a power rating of 1500W. This fog machine is perfect for producing low lying fog that stays on the ground, similar to a dry-ice effect. It is ideal for bands, clubs, discos, mobile DJ and theatrical shows, wedding party events etc.

As it uses standard fog fluid and ice cubes to create its low lying fog, you needn't have to purchase dry ice, expensive fog chillers or heavy air conditioning units. All you need to do is fill the fog fluid and ice in the container. Not only that, but it also has a wired timer control for user-friendly operation and an Electronic Thermo Sensor for keeping in track with the heating level.

I first felt that this machine is loved by many only for its power output. But, only when I came to know about the fact that it pumps out the chilled, low lying fog at 20,000CFM, I could imagine how dynamic this dry ice smoke machine would be!

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Lightweight and compact.
  • Excellent performance of the chilling bin.
  • Can be used outdoors
  • Excellent output.
  • LED effect.

5. ADJ PRODUCTS FOG FURY - BEST professional fog machine

ADJ JETT STREAM - best fog machine

PRODUCT DETAILS:

  • Fog shoots up to 40 feet in the air
  • 40,000 cubic feet per minute output
  • DMX wireless control
  • Use both vertically and horizontally

ADJ VF Volcano fog machine is a strong yet safe vertical heater-type appliance that sprays fog into the air. Nevertheless, you may utilize it horizontally by just changing the location of the unit. The appearance is enhanced further by the built-in LED lights.

This contains specific mounting parts on each side, so if you hang the machine, you may obtain the upside-down fog. Additionally, for more practical placement, a tank for the fog fluid may be installed on both the front and rear of the machine.

Not only is the wireless control line of sight 2,500 feet, but there are also 28 lights, including 7 green, 6 red, blue, 3 ambers, and UV.

Furthermore, if you utilize the full power of 1550 watts, the heating period before the first fog spray is around 9 minutes. The machine reheats for 80 seconds while in use.

A water-based solution is an optimum fluid for this model. It consumes 150 ccs of the selected fog liquid every minute. You may fill the tank with 2.5 liters at a time.

This professional fog machine is a fan favorite! Since you are looking for a strong model since there is a significant hall to fog. Furthermore, it is durable in use, warms up fast, and requires little maintenance. Aside from that, it's an excellent choice.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

  • It is a quiet machine.
  • ETS (Energy Transfer System) power system 
  • DMX lights
  • Big tank (0.8 gallons)
  • Remote contollable

6. ADJ PRODUCTS VF - BEST SMALL FOGGING MACHINE

ADJ PRODUCTS VF - best fog machine

PRODUCT DETAILS:

  • There are two operating modes.
  • Sprays of dry fog up to 15 feet high
  • A unique handle for easy transport
  • 8,000 cubic feet per minute output

The ADJ volcanic fog machine excels in vertical fog and smaller spaces. With the correct liquid, you may produce forceful steam as well as a CO2 effect. Despite being less powerful than the other models, this machine is still considered professional. There are also two operational modes and some LED bonuses.

The machine should be installed upright no other positions are recommended. Moreover, when operating at full power of 770 watts, it consumes 14 ml of fog solution per minute. The tank can hold up to 1 liter of fluid at a time. It is strongly advised to only use high-quality distilled water-based solutions.

Furthermore, the heating time is only 6 minutes, whereas the typical reheating time is 9.3 seconds. The spray interval may be set to up to 8 seconds, with the second output normally arriving in around 9 seconds.

The 6 LEDs, on the other contrary, consist of the standard combination of 2 red, 2 green, and 2 blue bulbs. Aside from that, there is a smaller, slightly less robust model. We appreciate how open they are about possible risks and how they work to avoid them.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

  • ETS technology to reduce the warm-up time between the fog emissions.
  • Has a "Low Fluid indicator" on it's backside
  • Compact and affordable
  • Delivers continuous fog output up to 15 feet high

7. TENGCHANG 1500W - BEST HALLOWEEN FOG MACHINE

Tengchang 1500W - best fog machine

PRODUCT DETAILS:

  • 18,000 cubic feet per minute output
  • 2-liter container
  • The heating time is about 4-5 minutes.
  • Remotes, both wireless and wired

Tengchang Fog Smoke Machine produces a low-lying fog comparable to that of dry ice. Although chilled fog machines are much more pricey, this is a lower-cost variation that creates thick mist and utilizes ordinary fog liquid. It is ideal for medium-sized events and may be managed remotely.

It's meant to be a cheaper alternative to more costly dry ice fog makers. Nevertheless, dry ice can be used to enhance the effect. It is an excellent machine for making Halloween decorations.

It's just for inside, although it's also great for a yard, where you could set up a miniature graveyard or whatever. It warms up quickly for such a strong machine. 

Despite it being stated that this machine can cover up to 100 square meters, you shouldn't use it to its full capacity. It's an excellent choice for medium-sized rooms.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Built in LEDs and DMX support
  • The fog emissions reaches up to 8-12 meters in the air
  • Remote control
  • Easy to control and shows no heating up issues

8. THEEFUN 450W- BEST FOG MACHINE FOR WEDDING

THEEFUN 500W

PRODUCT DETAILS:

  • There is a provision of wireless and wired remote control.
  • Compact and portable 
  • Warm-up time of 3minutes.
  • Cloud coverage of about 9.8 ft.
  • FCC, CE and RoHS certified.
  • Controllable lights and a visible preheating lamp.
  • Package contains a smoke machine, power cord, user manual and remote controller.

The Theefun fog machine is a safe and certified machine that can produce thick fog along with beautiful lighting effects. It is ideal for birthdays, festivals, weddings, house parties and nightclubs. This one of the best foggers suitable for all purpose and is so user-friendly.

It comes with wireless remote control that allows you to control the machine from within a 10 M. You can turn the RGB light ON or OFF while spraying. It is built from aluminium for better heat dissipation and to ensure durability.

It can warm up in about 2 - 3 minutes, since it is equipped with an advanced electronic thermostat control system and unique pipeline technology.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Compact and portable fog machine.
  • Unique Remote Control.
  • Simple to attach the handle.
  • The smoke volume is also substantial.

9. ADJ FURY 1000 II - BEST WATER BASED FOG MACHINES

ADJ FURY 1000 II  - low lying fog machine

PRODUCT DETAILS:

  • Visible fog fluid level indicator on rear.
  • Single yoke to mount on a wall or from trussing brackets.
  • Weighs 6.35 pounds.
  • Power: 700 W 
  • 4-minute warm-up time. 
  • This fogger works on water-based fog fluid only.

This 700W ground fogger is compact and lightweight and comes with a unique heating element design that uses an oil type transmission throughout the pipeline. This design helps it to prevent clogging.

It is equipped with a high-performance pump system for maximum output. It also has other convenient features like a visible fog fluid level built-in to the rear of the unit to see how much fluid is in the tank, and an LED heating indicator system that changes color depending on whether it is heating up or ready to use.

It produces about 4000 CFM of fog and has a built-in internal tank with a 0.9 liter capacity.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

  • It ejects long bursts of smoke with relatively short pauses between.
  • Strong and robust construction.
  • Excellent performance.
  • Contains red and green light for indicating whether it is hot or cool.

10. EASIFE HAZER 2000CFM - BEST FOG MACHINE FOR HALLOWEEN

low lying fog machine

PRODUCT DETAILS:

  • Uses fog liquid
  • Remote control
  • Saves energy, and it is non-toxic.
  • Ideal for indoor use
  • DJ light color with lighting-change mode.
  • Unique pipeline technology for a better supply of fog liquid.
  • Fluid tank capacity is 0.6 L.
  • Continuous fog for about 40 minutes

Want to enjoy the fog effects along with the LED light effect? Sounds great, right yes. The second product on my list is the Easife 500W fog machine, which acts as a fog generator and lighting machine at one time.

I bought this ground fogger a year back for a home event, and I found this to be a great machine as it produced a uniform and continuous fog of 40 minutes. I would ask you to purchase one before Christmas because it's gonna definitely amaze you with a smoky effect.

Now comes the review part, which I like doing the most. Unlike ADJ Mister Kool, this produces a thick layer of fog at 2000ft³/minute with a warm-up time of around 3 to 5 minutes. The top feature is that it's safe for children to be exposed to this environment as it does not create any toxic gases.

This best fog machine other features include two individual switches with two wireless remote controls to control the fog and the lights.

It is built with aluminum for better heat dissipation and to ensure durability. It comes with an advanced electronic thermostat control system and unique pipeline technology. This helps the machine to heat up quickly and saves 20% more energy than traditional smoke machines. 

As mentioned earlier, this also produces great lighting effects. This is because of the three LED strobes with seven colors that illumine and change colors simultaneously with the smoke. You can choose one color fixed separately or apply any color change effect with the remote control. Totally worth the price!

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Easy to maintain and operate.
  • Beautiful visual effects are produced due to the built-in light.
  • The fog comes out fast and builds volume at a reasonable rate.
  • Robust build quality of the metal case.
    Safe to use.
  • High safety 

BUYER'S GUIDE FOR BEST FOG MACHINE

Before you purchase your desired best fog machine, you need to assess its controls and features so that you will not find any complication further. It is important to consider how and where you are going to use the fog machine.

Here are some the main factors you need to take into account before purchasing any fog machine.

  • Power: Output wattage is an important factor. All models have the wattage range from 400-1000 watts. Higher the wattage, the machine will be more durable and produce more fog. 
  • Sound: The fog machines can get  quite noisy. Hence, your must consider the amount of noise you can endure. It is best to buy a product that sends out a quiet mist. Mostly, high-end fog machine produce less noise. Remember that all fog machines make a hiss like sound. 
  • Fog Output: One of the most important thing to consider, while buying a fog machine is the CFM. Which means the density of the fog it generates. Considering the CFM and wattage rating together will help you to get a much clear idea on the performance of the fog machine. 
  • Controls: All smoke machines are featured with intuitive controls. Most of the models provide both wired and wireless controls for convenience. You can also use the review of the model to know how user-friendly its features will be. Also check whether the fog machine has timer, as it will turn on and off automatically, thus reduce the overheating and eliminate the need to monitor. 
  • Fluid:  Fog fluids are available as glycol and other water based solutions. Every model has its own way of heating process and needs the right chemical composition for it operation.  
  • Fluid tank capacity: This refers to the amount of fog fluid the tank can hold at a time. If the fluid capacity is enormous, it won’t need frequent refilling and can work for more extended periods.
  • Warm-up time: Warm-up time is the time required for a machine to heat up sufficiently before it can eject the smoke.

These are five main factors you need to keep in mind while buying a fog machine. Also, consider the size and weight as per your requirements and usage. 

CONCLUSION

These are the best fog machines available in the market currently. You will notice that I have taken care of all the criteria mentioned above. 

I have also emphasized on some other vital points like the ease of use, weight, indicator systems etc. All these machines are constructed with aluminum, which helps in quicker dissipation of heat and makes them durable and long-lasting. 

I hope you have found what you were looking for. Share your views about this article in the comment section 🙂 

Nicolas Gilli
 

Hi, I'm Nicholas Gilli, I'm a blogger who is very much interested in blogging about film-making gadgets. I have experience as a cinematographer in the film industry for more than 15 years. My blogs would comprise of articles about film making gadgets and guides on how to use them. Even if you are a beginner you will learn a lot about cinematography here. Happy reading.

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