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An easy and relatively affordable way to take decorating to the next level.
If you want to make your spooky Halloween display even spookier, an easy — and relatively inexpensive — way to do it is with a fog machine. There are plenty of indoor models to add ambiance to your Halloween bash and units designed for outdoor use so you can make your Halloween animatronics standout in along with ways you light up your yard. These machines require a special liquid formula that generally contains nitrogen or glycol, and by heating up the liquid, they create a dense vapor that resembles fog.
While most fog machines operate similarly and are generally easy and quick to set up and operate, there are still a wide range of products on the market, and choosing the best for you may prove to be a time-consuming task. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and price points, and while some produce a simple cloud of fog, others offer special effects, such as low-lying fog or LED light shows. That’s why we rounded up a selection of the best options out there that are well worth considering. Read on for our recommendations, along with a few things to take into account before you shop.
There are several factors you’ll want to consider as you shop for the best fog machine. As you compare different models, you’ll want to look at specifications such as their smoke output, which is typically measured in cubic feet per minute, or CFM. Many machines also list how far they can push the smoke, as well as if they’re suitable for indoor or outdoor use.
Other factors to consider as you look at fog machines include the size of their fluid tank, how long they take to warm up, and how quickly they use fog fluid, as this will dictate how much maintenance they need during use. You’ll also want to consider the size and weight of each machine, as well as any special effects it may offer — things like the number of LED light colors and whether the unit comes with a wireless remote. Also, many include safety feature like auto shutoff if the unit overheats and a low-fluid indicator.
To find the best fog machines for every application, we looked at top-rated models from trusted brands like ADJ Products and Chauvet DJ. We evaluated products based on their size, weight, smoke output, tank size, and features, prioritizing fog machines that are easy to operate. We also considered each fog machine’s safety features, and we read dozens of reviews from verified buyers to ensure each product doesn’t have any major flaws. Also, every fog machines we feature has an average customer rating of 4 stars or more.
Looking for more ways to take your Halloween display to the next level? Check out our tips for how to hang Halloween decorations, the best LED strip lights, and the best outdoor net lights.
This fog machines from ADJ Products is an excellent all-around option, and it’s an especially good pick if you need to take it on the road. It’s highly portable at just 8 pounds, and features a convenient built-in carrying handle. The output is a solid 9,000 CFM—significantly higher than many other units its size—and its 1-liter fog fluid tank can go longer between refills.
The machine comes with both a wired and wireless remote control, and it also has a number of safety features, including electronic thermo-sensing for optimal heat levels and a low fog fluid shut-off sensor to protect the pump. Plus, you can mount the machine using its built-in bracket.
High-quality fog machines can be quite pricey, but this budget-friendly option will get the job done. While it may have a small 300-milliliter tank and a modest output of 1,500 CFM, it’s still suitable for creating fog in a small- to medium-size room.
The unit weighs just a few pounds, and it comes with both wired and wireless remote controls for easy operation. The machine can push fog up to 3 meters (roughly 10 feet), and it heats up in just four minutes.
The Sunolga Fog Machine is a compact, budget-friendly option that has built-in LED lights with 12 colors and three lighting effects, plus it comes with a wireless remote control. It also has an output of 2,000 CFM and can push fog up to 3 meters and weighs only 4.3 pounds.
The remote control works from up to 12 meters, or 40 feet, away, and you can use it to turn the fog on and off, as well as adjust the light settings. The fog machine heats up in as little as three minutes, but keep in mind that it has a small 350-milliliter tank, which means it will need to be refilled more frequently.
If you’re looking for an extremely powerful fog machine for large venues, this model is a worthwhile splurge. It has an impressive output of more than 29,000 CFM, and the machine features an adjustable nozzle that can be rotated up to 180 degrees, allowing you to angle the fog any direction you choose.
There’s also a large 1-gallon tank and a wired remote control, and it offers both three- and five-pin DMX connections. The remote allows you to adjust the fog intervals and duration, and the machine has a low-fluid indicator and automatic shutoff for safety.
Whether you’re creating a Halloween display or putting on a show, this fog machine is an all-around great choice. It’s well-priced and features eight LED bulbs, 13 color options, and a solid 2,000 CFM, plus there are four different light effects to choose from and the lights and fog operate separately. It also comes with one wired and two wireless remotes — a fob to control fog and a remote for lights — and is said to heat up in roughly 3 to 4 minutes.
There’s a grill on the side of the unit to ensure heat is dissipated effectively for safety, as well as a low-fluid indicator on the back panel so can keep an eye on its 250-milliliter tank.
The ADJ Products Fog Fury Jett is another must-have for professional displays at large venues. This vertical fog machine shoots fog straight up into the air for a jet-like effect, and it also has 12 LED lights. It offers a high fog output of 20,000 CFM, and its large 3-liter fog fluid tank needs less frequent refills.
Other highlights include interchangeable mounting options that allow it to shoot fog in multiple directions, a three-pin DMX connection for lighting control, and convenient carrying handle, plus it comes with both wired and wireless remotes.
If you want fog that stays low to the ground, you’ll need a low-lying machine such as the ADJ Mister Kool II. While many low-lying fog machines require dry ice for operation, this model uses ice cubes instead, making it easier to operate. It can hold up to 4 pounds of ice at a time, and it has a fog output of 3,000 CFM.
The Mister Kool II warms up in just three minutes, and the included drainage system has a convenient hose, preventing spills during cleanup. The machine is on the heavier side, weighing 19 pounds, but it’s ideal if you want to create a spooky ambiance for your Halloween display.
This fog machine has a high output of 12,000 CFM, as well as six LED lights that can be synced up to the beat of the music. The machine comes with both wired and wireless remotes—the latter has a range of up to 65 feet — and you can control the color of the lights, as well as the speed.
The fogger is said to heat up in about 4 minutes, and it has a 1.2-liter fluid tank. Plus, unlike many other fog machines, this unit also allows you to adjust the output so you can set it to get the perfect amount of fog for your display.
If your Halloween setup includes a caldron or bowl full of slime, this simple and budget-friendly mini fog machine is all you need. The mister is can be used indoors or outs, and all you have to do is submerge the unit in a container of water and watch it generate mist that spills over the side. Just make sure the top of the nozzle is about 2.5 to 3 inches below the surface.