Party smoke machines are a DJ’s best friend. They’re a staple in creating enchanting atmospheres on the dance floors, accompanying spooky Halloween-themed parties and adding a supernatural element to your next gig.

But what do you need to know about smoke machines to get started? In this article, we’ll guide you through how to find the perfect machine for your needs.

What are Smoke Machines?

Smoke machines, sometimes interchangeably referred to as fog machines, produce thick and swirling ‘smoke’ effects that add unique dramatic flair to a gathering or party.

The truth is that smoke machines do not produce smoke at all. They actually produce fog – hence the confusion in names.

Using a special fluid that is heated inside the machine and then vaporised, fog is emitted to emulate the appearance of smoke but without any of the unwanted side effects.

There is a wide variety of smoke machines out there and each comes with different features, such as volume adjustment, output duration and remote control functionality.

How do Party Smoke Machines Work?

The fog produced by smoke machines is harmless. The most typical fluid used by most machines is a food-grade glycol making it perfectly safe for human exposure and even consumption (though that is not recommended!). The propylene glycol or glycerin liquid is a water-based mixture so that it can be vaporised easily and released, with force, through a nozzle. When the vapour mixes with the cooler air outside the machine it condenses into tiny droplets and appears like smoke.

Some more advanced smoke machine set ups can also utilise dry ice. This solid carbon dioxide element is mixed with warm water causing the dry ice to sublimate and produce a unique fog. This ‘smoke’ typically lies low and flows across the dance floor which can be a fantastic effect to enhance your next event.

Smoke machines can be timed or manually controlled to release the heated and vaporised liquid in the form of fog whenever you so choose – as befits your party, gig or Halloween celebration.

When You Should Use a Smoke Machine

While the choice of how and when to use a smoke machine to elevate your performance and atmosphere is up to you, there are many occasions that are well suited to smoke machine use.

 

• Halloween parties to complement the spooky decor and eerie atmosphere
• Hens and bucks nights to add some dramatic and intimate fog effects
• Weddings to create stunning visuals during dancing and in photographs
• Birthday parties to add a magical touch to the celebration
• Club gigs to enhance the visual setting and create an unforgettable experience

Types of Fog Effects

The fog produced by a smoke machine can often be tailored according to the effect you are trying to produce. However, not all machines can produce all types of fog so make sure to check before you invest in one.

Standard Smoke

This fog is the typical kind that rises and fills out the room. It’s fantastic for Halloween parties, concerts, and theatrical productions where an immersive environment is the key.

Low Lying Fog

This fog, produced by dry ice as mentioned above, stays low to the ground and can be fantastic for use at spooky Halloween gigs or even at atmospheric weddings.

Hazy Fog

A haze machine generates a finer mist that lingers in the air but is less visually obtrusive. With enhanced lighting effects, hazy fog is a great addition at gigs, performances and concerts.

Faze 

This hybrid between smoke and faze allows for both greater control of the fog’s density and over its distribution, which can allow for some unique atmospheric creations.

Using Smoke Machines with Lighting Effects

Smoke machines are best employed in conjunction with lighting effects. Often incorporated into the lighting rig at a concert or gig, the combination can create a totally immersive and visually arresting sensation for dancers, party goers and audience members.

Calibrated correctly, light features can ‘dance’ through the fog thanks to the fine particles that linger about in the air. This can create reflections, glows, distortions and otherwise mesmerising effects for your audience to enjoy.

Using Smoke Machines Indoors and Outdoors

Smoke machines can be used in both indoor venues and outdoor parties. But it is important that your particular machine is suitable for your chosen application. Both settings come with different considerations.

For example, indoor settings should have proper ventilation to prevent smoke build-up which can obscure visibility and, sometimes, even trigger sensitive fire alarms.

If you are playing at an outdoor venue or party, your smoke machine will need to be powerful enough to produce enough fog so that the effect is rendered ineffective due to the open space. (Wind can also be a hugely important factor in enhancing or ruining the ability of the smoke to disperse properly.

Different Types of Fluid

There are actually different types of fluid commonly used in smoke machines that can affect the type and quantity of output.

Standard fluid offers a moderate amount of smoke and a generous amount of ‘hang time’. It’s perfect for general and standard parties and applications. If you want thicker and longer lasting smoke, opt for a denser fluid. This is helpful when filling up larger venues or at outdoor events. Lastly, you may want to consider quick-dissipating fluid if you want more limited hang time from your smoke. 

Remember to always refer to your specific smoke machine’s manual to ensure you use the recommended fluid types only. Each smoke machine’s size, settings and even usage can determine the duration of both the smoke fluid and the longevity of the fog itself. Standard smoke machine tanks should hold enough liquid for a couple hours’ use. However, this can vary depending on the output strength and how you use it.

Staying Safe with Smoke Machines

Smoke machines are quite safe to use and operate, but to ensure your wellbeing (which is paramount), always follow these guidelines:

• Read the manual of your smoke machine to ensure you are familiar with its settings, how it operates and how to use it safely.
• If you are handling dry ice, always wear gloves to avoid frostbite.
• Only use the smoke machine in settings with proper airflow, especially if utilising dry ice.
• Only use approved and quality fog fluid to ensure that the smoke you create is not harmful and that the machine is not damaged.

Find the Right Smoke Machine at DJ City

There is a wide range of smoke machines perfect for your next club gig or Halloween party. Of course, there are many different considerations to factor, such as type of fog effect, fluid compatibility, control features and functionalities and more.

At DJ City, we stock a range of smoke machines that vary in design, size and price so you can find the perfect one for your needs. If you require any assistance in working out which smoke machine is right for you, which will ensure your next Halloween party is the best yet, or how to use the machine for greatest impact at your next performance, reach out to our team today.