Fog and effect machines create visible atmosphere on stage, at parties, in clubs, at events, in theatres or during DJ sets. Fog is especially important in combination with lighting, because haze, mist or fog makes light beams, lasers and moving-light effects clearly visible in the room. The right machine mainly depends on the desired effect and the application: should light be made subtly visible, should a dense fog burst be created, should low fog move across the stage, or should an eye-catching special effect such as confetti, snow, bubbles or foam be used? Room size, ventilation, mobility and control options also play an important role when choosing the right machine. Typical applications can be roughly divided as follows: Low fog, haze and fog effects support lighting moods, scene changes and dramatic show moments. Hazers and fog machines make beams, moving lights and lasers visible and strengthen the impact of the light show. Confetti, bubbles, snow or foam create eye-catching effects for highlights, drops and special programme moments. Compact machines are suitable for DJs, small stages, club events, weddings and temporary shows with fast setup. A classic fog machine creates visible fog clouds and is suitable for quick effects, parties, small stages and DJ setups. The fog usually appears in clearly visible bursts and then spreads through the room. This creates a direct effect that works especially well with coloured light and beams. A hazer works more subtly and creates fine, even haze. It is often less obvious in the room than dense fog, but makes light beams and shows appear much more three-dimensional. A low fog machine, on the other hand, creates low-lying fog that floats over the floor and is often used for theatre, weddings, stage performances or show moments. In addition to fog and haze effects, there are other effect machines for special show moments. Confetti machines are ideal for finales, drops, club shows and events. Bubble machines create decorative effects for parties, children’s events, weddings, photo shoots or stage sets. Snow machines create a winter atmosphere, seasonal shows and atmospheric stage scenes. Foam machines, wind machines and other effect machines can also visually enhance a show. It is important to consider the effect, room size, audience situation and cleaning effort together. While a hazer works subtly in the background, confetti, snow, foam or bubbles are deliberately visible effects that should be planned carefully. With fog and effect machines, the right consumables are especially important. Fog machines, hazers, low fog machines, bubble machines, snow machines and foam machines each require suitable fluids or special consumables. For confetti effects, the right confetti refill material and cartridges are needed depending on the device. Important: Always use the fluid or consumable that matches the device. Incorrect fluids can reduce the effect, cause residue or put unnecessary strain on the machine. Fog fluid is suitable for classic fog machines, while haze fluid is used for fine, even haze in light shows. Bubble, snow and foam fluid should always be chosen to match the specific machine and desired effect. Confetti machines and confetti cannons need suitable consumables that match the device and the venue. For longer events, it is worth planning enough fluid, confetti or other consumables in advance. Many fog and effect machines can be controlled manually, by timer, remote control or DMX. For simple parties, a compact machine with remote control is often enough. For stages, clubs, theatres or fixed lighting installations, DMX control is useful because fog, haze or effects can be combined precisely with lighting moods and show sequences. When using these machines, room size, ventilation, floor surface, audience and safety regulations should be considered. Fog and haze can affect smoke detectors depending on the environment, low fog or foam effects can make surfaces slippery, and confetti should be planned with cleaning, material and venue in mind. Use compact machines in moderation, ventilate sufficiently and avoid letting fog or haze become too dense for too long. DMX control, sufficient output reserves and coordinated show sequences make professional use easier. Audience, cleaning, safety distances and floor surface should be included in effect planning beforehand. For fixed setups, consumables, maintenance, control and accessibility should be planned for the long term. A fog machine creates visible fog clouds or fog bursts. A hazer creates finer, more even haze that makes light beams visible without filling the room with dense fog as strongly. A low fog machine creates low-lying fog that stays close to the floor. This effect is often used in theatre, weddings, stage performances and atmospheric show moments. The right fluid depends on the type of machine. Fog machines, hazers, snow, foam and bubble machines each require suitable fluids. Always use the consumables recommended by the device or manufacturer. Many larger or stage-ready fog and effect machines offer DMX control. This allows fog, haze, confetti or other effects to be integrated into light shows and show sequences. Important factors include suitable room size, ventilation, stable placement, suitable consumables and consideration for smoke detectors, audience, floor surfaces and cleaning. Effects should always match the venue and event.Buy fog and effect machines – atmosphere for stage, DJ sets and events
What are fog and effect machines used for?
Stage & theatre
DJ & club
Party & event
Mobile setups
Fog machine, hazer or low fog machine?
Special effects: confetti, snow, bubbles and foam
Fluids, consumables and accessories
Fog fluid & haze fluid
Special fluids
Confetti & cartridges
Planning & refills
Control, venue and safety
Small rooms
Stage & club
Events
Installations
FAQ – fog and effect machines
What is the difference between a fog machine and a hazer?
What does a low fog machine do?
Which fluid do I need for my effect machine?
Can fog and effect machines be controlled via DMX?
What should you consider when using fog and effect machines?