CO2 Jet Machines and the “White Plume” Effect: what you really need to know

CO2 special effects machines use carbon dioxide stored in pressurized cylinders to create thick, white smoke columns. In this educational article, Audio Effetti explains why standard “CO2 jet cannons” don’t always produce the iconic “white plume” effect—and what steps to take to make it happen.

Widely used in the entertainment industry, CO2 jet machines are available in many models. Audio Effetti offers a range of options from leading brands like The Confetti Maker, Explo, and Sparkular, each with its own build features and optional extra effects.

The concept is simple: the machine connects to a CO2 cylinder via a special hose and a 3/8" connector. When triggered electrically, a valve opens, releasing CO2 to create a dramatic column of cryogenic fog. It’s completely safe and can shoot up to 20 meters high—though typically between 7 and 12 meters, depending on the internal pressure.

Inside the cylinder, most of the CO2 is stored as gas under pressure, with liquid CO2 at the bottom. If the gas pressure is too low or there's no siphon tube to draw the liquid, the result is underwhelming. Low pressure produces a weaker, less visible effect.

To achieve the famous “white plume” effect, a different type of cylinder is required—one equipped with a dip tube, allowing the machine to draw liquid CO2 from the bottom. When the valve opens and the machine is triggered, the pressure pushes the liquid CO2 through the tube and out through the nozzle into the surrounding air, which is at much lower pressure.

At this point, the liquid CO2 expands rapidly, instantly vaporizing and causing a sudden temperature drop. This forms a dense, cold fog that condenses the moisture in the air—creating the signature feather-like white effect. The process is far more efficient with liquid CO2: using gas alone would result in a much weaker visual and less dense smoke. Liquid CO2 also ensures more consistent performance.

Why the “white plume” effect is so unique and in demand:

• It delivers an extremely fast and powerful burst, unlike any traditional smoke machine
• The effect is immediate—appears in a flash and disappears just as fast
• It's paired with a powerful hissing sound that grabs the crowd’s attention, even in large venues with high-end audio systems

To get the most out of your CO2 setup, make sure the ambient temperature isn’t too high and that humidity levels are adequate. The density and visibility of the plume depend both on cylinder pressure and environmental conditions.

In short, the machine itself doesn’t determine whether you’ll achieve the plume effect—it all comes down to the cylinder and the atmosphere in which it’s used.

The good news? Any CO2 machine distributed by Audio Effetti—from compact entry-level units to advanced pro models—can create this stunning white cloud with the right setup. Perfect for concerts, theatre productions, club nights, and sports events where maximum visual impact matters.

Here are some of our most exciting options:

• Explo CO2WAVE – Combines CO2 effects with ±90° movement from the Explo X2 Wave Flamer; reach: up to 10 m

 

• SPARKULAR CO2JET – Shoots CO2 up to 8–10 m; can be installed at various angles, including upside-down

 

• The Confetti Maker CO2 Jet – A small, easy-to-use machine triggered via electric pulse; connects directly to a CO2 cylinder

 

• The Confetti Maker Turbo Jet – Designed for 20 m smoke columns, it’s the “big brother” of the CO2 Jet

 

• The Confetti Maker CO2 Gun – Same concept, but in handheld format—great for DJs, performers, and dancefloors

 

• The Confetti Maker Combi Gun – Shoots confetti and CO2 at the same time; ideal for dancers and entertainers, with a 10 m reach

 

• The Confetti Maker CO2 LED – Features 18 high-power RGB LEDs and 6 DMX channels to project colored CO2 plumes up to 10 m

Want to know more?

Email us at international@audioeffetti.it