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Professional fog machines are widely used to create artificial fog or smoke for visual and scenic purposes. Ideal for concerts, award ceremonies, sporting events, and private parties, they are also commonly used on film sets, in theatres, and clubs. There are also CO2 machines which, while not technically part of this category, produce a smoke jet effect shorter and more intense, but highly impactful. Behind this seemingly simple concept lies a range of practical considerations worth exploring.
Fog and haze effects, now highly sought after for the most impressive shows, rely on a process in which a special fog fluid is heated until it turns into vapor inside a boiler, and is then expelled through a nozzle. Choosing a fog machine depends mainly on two factors: the environment where it will be used and the type of effect you want to achieve. The former relates to the machine’s output power, the latter to the type of fluid and the underlying operating principle, which is not as trivial as it may seem. English terminology, in fact, doesn’t always help to distinguish these differences: what is generally referred to as a fog/smoke machine may actually produce high fog, low fog, or haze with varying dispersion times.
Broadly speaking, we can identify the following categories:
- Fog machines (standard), capable of generating dense fog that rises from the floor to create a dramatic visual effect. The resulting fog is thin and lightweight hence often referred to as haze and lingers in the air for an extended time.
- Low fog machines, ideal for outdoor use, are designed to produce thick, heavy fog that quickly settles to the ground, creating the iconic “mystery” effect.
- Professional hazers, which use water-based haze fluid, generate a more diffused and less opaque effect compared to oil-based systems. These machines fill the space with a fine atmospheric mist that enhances light beam visibility. A key feature of hazers is their ability to produce continuous haze, depending on the tank capacity.
- Haze machines, depending on the fluid used, can create fog clouds ranging from light and ethereal to thick and heavy. The main difference between a hazer and a haze machine is that the former produces a finer, lighter mist, while the latter creates a denser, more visible effect.
CO₂ machines, by contrast, use pressurized carbon dioxide that rapidly expands from liquid to gas. These systems are mainly used in clubs, live shows, and DJ events. You can explore more about the CO2 effect in this dedicated article.
In recent years, leading special effects machine manufacturers including Showven, Antari, The Confetti Maker, and Explo have developed cutting-edge machines that stand out for their features, performance, and visual impact, offering even hybrid fog/haze solutions.
A great example is the new Showven SONICBOOM ReCO2, a CO2 jet simulator based on the SONICBOOM platform, equipped with a turbo fan that achieves the same expulsion speed as a traditional CO₂ jet if not greater. It can produce fog columns up to 15 meters high, delivering a stunning visual effect. Thanks to its integrated 5-liter tank, it can generate up to 10 minutes of continuous fog, equivalent to 15 large CO₂ cylinders. The machine also features 30 x 9W LEDs to illuminate the fog column and offers DMX control via 1 or 11 selectable channels.
Antari offers a 1200W fog machine that delivers impressive performance for its price range, making it one of the best entry-level professional options available. The Z-1200IIIX uses Antari’s patented UNICORE heating technology, combined with an automatic thermal cut-off system for maximum operational safety. An LCD display allows users to monitor the heating status and select from four water-based fog fluids, while an intelligent sensor adjusts the heating temperature based on the fluid in use, ensuring a dry and consistent fog output.
The machine heats up in about 10 minutes and consumes 85 mL/min of fluid, with a 2.5-liter tank. It can be controlled manually, via DMX512, timer, or optionally via wireless remote. Durable and dependable, it is ideal for stage productions, theatre installations, and entertainment events requiring flexible control.
To create low fog effects, we recommend an innovative and highly professional solution: the Showven Creeper AQ PLUS. Unlike most machines on the market, it uses ultrasonic atomization to diffuse fog across the floor. Its primary consumables are purified water and FX-M fog fluid, making it both eco-friendly and safe for human contact, as well as cost-effective. The fog density, humidity, and fan speed are all adjustable, offering maximum versatility to suit various environments.
Perfect for theatres and large venues, the Creeper AQ PLUS delivers an impressive 20,000 cuft/min output with a power draw of 2500W. Its dense fog output, produced by 40-head atomizers, is evenly distributed through a pair of flexible hoses connected to dual outlets. With a 35-liter tank and a 32 mL/min consumption rate, it can operate continuously for up to 1 hour and 20 minutes!
CO2 effect guaranteed with The Confetti Maker CO2 Gun
Some types of live shows call for short, high-impact smoke bursts, which differ from those generated by traditional fog machines. In these cases, pressurized CO2 stored in an external tank is released into the environment to create the desired CO2 effect. These machines can also be portable, such as the TCM FX CO2 Gun a handheld stage device designed to fire powerful CO2 jets, ideal for live performances, DJ sets, clubs, and mid-sized stages. The visual reach may vary with humidity, but it can shoot up to 8 meters.
The smooth, even haze of professional hazers
Professional hazers are stage machines designed to produce a fine and even atmospheric haze, unlike the dense clouds created by fog machines. This effect is essential to highlight lighting and laser beams, making them visible in the air without over-saturating the environment. Hazers are widely used in concerts, theatres, TV studios, and art installations requiring a controlled and immersive atmosphere.
The Antari HZ-350 is one of the most popular choices among professionals, known for its reliability and versatility. Its main strength lies in the continuous and silent haze output, with an ultra-low fluid consumption up to 21 hours of operation with just one liter of haze fluid!
It features 1-channel DMX control, a wireless remote, and an LCD panel that allows full access to all settings, including timer, duration, and interval.
Thanks to its quiet operation, it’s perfect for theatres, TV studios, and any venue where minimal noise is essential. Its 50-meter wireless range also makes it extremely convenient for remote operation from the control room.
In conclusion
Fog and haze machines add that extra level of atmosphere to a wide range of events from private parties to large-scale concerts, corporate shows, or artistic installations. To create these effects successfully, you need a good dose of creativity and, most importantly, the right professional gear.
The Audio Effetti catalogue includes a wide selection of models from compact, budget-friendly foggers to high-performance professional machines capable of producing thousands of m³ of fog per minute. The units we’ve showcased here are sure to leave you amazed!
Want to learn more?
Email us at international@audioeffetti.it
