Smoke Machine & Hazer Buying Guide

As specialists in atmospherics, with over 25 years in varying industry roles, our experts are always happy to advise on the best combination of machines or settings to create your specific effects.

Use this guide to determine which specifications matter most for your requirements, or contact us for further advice on your individual setup.

1. Machine type

First, establish which type of equipment is needed for the effects you’re looking to produce.

Smoke or Fog Machine - Generates thick, opaque clouds of smoke. These terms are interchangeable for the same type of machine and are great for dramatic effects.

Hazer - Produces a fine, translucent mist. These are designed for enhancing lighting effects, revealing beams and lasers, and creating an overall atmosphere.

Install Fog Machines - Designed for nightclubs and venues to create maximum effects. These remain mostly fitted in place with external fluid barrels to run continuously without frequent top-ups.

Low Fog - Creates a heavy, dense cloud that hugs the ground without rising. This simulates a dry ice effect and is perfect for "walking on clouds" moments at weddings, theatrical reveals, or “spooky” effects.

The effects and output of all these machines can be enhanced with the addition of fans to increase dispersion and direct visibility, creating even more versatility.

We also supply snow machines and snow fluid, to cover all of your atmospheric effect requirements.

2. Location and environment (Indoor vs Outdoor)

For festivals and outdoor events, for all machine types, look for a higher power wattage. This will provide the necessary power to easily fill a large area and consistently maintain the effect visibility in the open air, especially when combating wind and breeze.

If using a hazer outdoors, an oil based option is ideal for producing greater density haze and hang time without dissipating.

Another key consideration for outdoor events will depend on the machine’s positioning, if inclement weather or dust levels may affect it. Check the machine’s IP rating to ensure compatibility with your needs - our outdoor smoke machine range is ideal for this purpose.

Outdoor Smoke Machines

3. Hazers - Oil vs Water Based

With hazers specifically, fluids are available in either oil or water based. Oil is ideal for outdoor spaces due to longer hang time, and is generally more economical with fluid consumption.

However, it is unable to be used at many indoor venues due to restrictions, as some fluids can leave a residue, and there are concerns amongst some artists over the potential effects on their performance.

Our oil based haze fluids are residue-free, but for the greatest versatility in different project types if oil will be needed sometimes, the Therma Tour 600 or 800 can use both oil and water based fluids if fully flushed out between, giving you maximum control.

Otherwise, opting for a water based hazer will meet the needs for the majority of indoor productions, with a wide variety of machines to choose from.

Water Based HazersOil Based Hazers

4. Coverage and output

A larger venue will need greater coverage volume to fill the space, whereas smaller theatres or event spaces won’t need to prioritise this aspect as much.

Also consider the type of effect you’re looking to produce, and how rapidly you need to do so. Sudden bursts of thick smoke will need a higher output to push out larger clouds as quickly as possible, compared to a requirement for a constantly running lower volume of fog, when fluid and power efficiency may be a more important consideration.

Though many variables come into play when looking at the CFM (cubic feet per minute) or m³ per minute figures, making it not an exact science, they can still provide a good starting point for comparing between machines when looking at the capacity you need.

5. Power Level

Generally, the higher the wattage, the more powerful the output. A higher-powered machine can maintain its heat more effectively, allowing it to produce fog for longer bursts without needing to ramp down its pump speed in order to reheat as often.

6. Transporting vs Static

Products with built in flight cases are great for large scale touring, often equipped with heavy duty casing and wheels for easy loading.

Alternatively, add-on flight cases can be provided to protect your equipment during transportation, then used as a stand onsite. Check out our range of machine accessories or contact us if there’s a specific case you require.

For venues, our Install Fog range is ideal, as these machines are designed to remain mostly on site and can be linked to external fluid barrels for ease of operation.

Cases & AccessoriesInstall Fog
Hand holding a haze machine remote control labeled over a theater with red curtains and an audience.

7. Control Options

Depending on your production requirements, consider if you will need to control your machine via an onboard control, or by remote.

Some machines will have remotes included, or you can easily upgrade with a separate add-on remote to meet your needs or add more advanced control options. Our remotes and accessories collection includes multiple options for adding this functionality to your setup.

Remotes & Accessories

8. Operating Time and Fluid Reservoir Size

For running all day at a themed attraction, a longer operating time and larger onboard fluid reservoir are important to avoid continuous refilling and manual checks of the fluid level.

For effects during a touring performance or concert, a smaller size for easier transport and storage may be better, and fluid can be topped up between shows without much difficulty.

Depending on machine compatibility, either choice could be supplemented with external fluid capacity through a connector accessory if needed, such as the JEM / Martin External Fluid Reservoir Accessory, to increase capacity up to 25l.

9. Continuous Output and Ready Time

Look for machines specifically rated for "continuous output” if your performance requires an ongoing level of smoke or haze without drop out time.

This means the heater is powerful enough to vaporize fluid as fast as it pumps it, so it never has to stop to reheat. With a less powerful heater the machines generally start at a higher output, then the fog/haze output level may reduce in order to maintain its optimum temperature and a continuous output.

Additionally, thinner smoke fluid (such as a quick dissipating version) can tend to use heat more quickly, which may result in a quicker ramp down, so keep this in mind when selecting the right fluid type for your application.

Different machines will have varying warm-up times, with some as little as one minute. For productions where effects are intermittent, keep this in mind when selecting the right machine, and consider whether a rapid ready time will improve the planning of your effects.

(Curious why the continuous output and fluid consumption figures on specs don't seem to add up? We've got a deep dive into the technical reason why in continuous fluid output figures explained)

10. Noise Levels

If you’re producing effects for a theatrical performance or acoustic set, sound levels may be a concern.

Look for a variable fan speed to run the machine on low during quieter moments, or if you’re using a separate fan to disperse the effects, check the dBa level to keep additional sound levels to a minimum.

Illustration of stage lighting equipment with a workshop background

11. Maintenance & Servicing

With all smoke machines and hazers, proper maintenance is vital for the longevity of your equipment.

We recommend using JEM Pro-Clean Fluid to clear out the heater before storage, especially when a machine is coming off a show, and on a regular basis for general maintenance and to reduce mineral build up.

Additionally, regular servicing is often a requirement of manufacturer warranties, and will keep your equipment running its best for years to come.

Visit our servicing site at HazeTech Service to book in general servicing, ongoing maintenance, manufacturer-supported warranty or one-off repairs for a huge variety of machines and brands.

HazeTech Service

Need further advice?

With over 25 years in the atmospherics industry, our expert advisors can help find the ideal machine for your setup.