The number 1 staple on a lighting rig is the smoke machine. The most popular and easy way to highlight your lighting effects in any situation is to use smoke machines to taste, and let the beams of light dance in the fog. The fine small particles that hover for a while allowing the light to reflect and glow, creating a beam effect. Without small fog particles in the air, there is nothing for light to reflect off leaving your show a little lackluster. Adding a smoke machine to your DJ rig is the ultimate atmospheric enhancer for your dancefloors and venues.
Smoke machines run on a special fluid, don't worry, it's not real smoke. A smoke machine is actually a fog machine, that creates harmless, a fake fog that doesn't need heat or flames. Your smoke machine will heat
up the fluid before spraying out to your audience, in either a timed release or manual push button.
The fluid is made of food-grade Glycol used for human consumption. Although it is inedible, inhaling a small portion is quite safe. We only supply smoke machines with Health and safety approvals which can be downloaded from our fluids page.
Smoke Machine Categorisation
Your smoke machine could cost you from $40 to the most expensive. We can categories smoke machines in the Cubic feet output. The higher the cubic feet output the more expensive unit you will need to consider.
A smoke machine requires componentry and the quality of the components is very relevant as it affects the price, for instance, the heat exchanger is a heating block and a high-quality block will drive the price higher, but then will also give you longer block life which means more fog.
The price is a basic guide of quality when it comes to a smoke machien. For example, the Vaperiza 500 has lower grade stainless than the Chauvet Hurricane 700. You might pay more, but you would get a bit more life out of it.
The DJ City team have worked hard to be sure that we have fog machine solution for you. See our great range or come instore at any of our locations and talk to one of our industry professionals.
Don't forget to grab some high-quality
fog fluid to further help improve your effect. Grab a
smoke scent to add some extra flavour to your party!
What events are smoke machines ideal for?
Smoke machines are ideal for a variety of events where atmospheric effects enhance the experience. They are perfect for concerts, theatrical performances, and stage productions, creating dramatic visuals and mood. DJs and nightclubs use smoke machines to complement lighting effects and energise dance floors. They’re also popular at Halloween parties, haunted houses, and themed events to add an eerie ambiance. Additionally, weddings, photo shoots, and film sets can benefit from the ethereal and mystical effects of smoke machines. Versatile and impactful, smoke machines elevate any event by providing captivating and immersive environments.
Are smoke machines suitable for both indoor and outdoor use?
Yes, smoke machines are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, but there are a few important considerations to keep in mind. When using smoke machines indoors, ensure proper ventilation to prevent excessive smoke build-up, which can trigger fire alarms and obscure visibility. For outdoor use, it's important to account for wind and open spaces, as these factors can disperse the smoke more quickly, reducing its effectiveness.
What kind of smoke fluid should I use?
The type of smoke fluid you should use depends on your specific smoke machine and the effect you want to achieve. Generally, there are three main types of smoke fluid: standard, dense, and quick-dissipating. Standard fluid produces a moderate amount of smoke with average hang time that suitable for most general uses. Dense fluid creates thicker, longer-lasting smoke, ideal for dramatic effects and large venues. Quick-dissipating fluid is perfect for environments where you need a quick burst of smoke that clears rapidly, such as concerts or theatrical productions. Always check your smoke machine's manual for recommended fluid types, and at DJ City, we offer a range of high-quality smoke fluids for your needs.
How long does a tank of smoke fluid last?
The duration a tank of smoke fluid lasts varies based on the size of the smoke machine, settings, and usage. Generally, a standard smoke machine tank can last from an hour to several hours of continuous use and intermittent use extends this time. Higher-output machines use fluid faster than lower-output ones.