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A fog machine is a true classic among effect units and almost indispensable for lighting rigs. Here’s what matters – and what to consider before you buy.
The fog machine (often simply called a fogger) is a staple in live production: fog has long been a key atmospheric tool and is used in many settings, including:
To work, a fog machine needs a dedicated fluid – fog fluid. During operation, the fluid is heated inside the unit and released as fog.
Good to know: fog looks great on its own, but really comes alive when paired with lighting and lasers – always depending on the local conditions and airflow.
Closely related to fog machines (but geared towards slightly different applications) are these two effect units:
On the relevant category pages you’ll find more information on hazers and fazers, as well as fog fluid and scent additives.
Beyond the price, there are a few technical specs worth checking. One of the most important is the heater wattage: fog fluid turns into fog through heat. If the heating power is too low, results can be underwhelming. Two practical benchmarks:
Another key factor is the output volume, usually quoted in m³/min. It indicates how much space the unit can effectively “fog up”. For outdoor use in particular, you’ll want solid output – otherwise the effect disappears quickly.
Alongside these basics, more demanding users often look at a few extra details:
Tip: the quality of the effect depends not only on the machine, but also on the fluid – it’s worth choosing carefully for the best results.
Another key point is how you control the fog output. Most units offer one or two options:
Many professional users look for a DMX input, as it allows the fog machine to be integrated into the show control via a DMX controller.
Equally important is precise stopping behaviour – when you hit “stop”, it should actually stop. Units with solenoid valves (often marketed as Instant Fog Stop) are a strong choice here.
If you’re after classic fog effects, a straightforward fogger is usually a safe bet. With so many variations available, it’s worth checking the specs above: a great price won’t help if the output volume is too low for the space and the effect falls flat.
For a house party, you don’t have to spend a fortune. Affordable units with decent heater power and output are widely available. As a rough guideline, around 400 W and an output of about 60 m³/min can work well in smaller rooms.
Professional users, however, will also consider other factors: is the unit DMX-capable? What’s the consumption like? How precisely can you control the output?