If you have a party in your future or you’re preparing to have an event at your school or office, it may be time to buy your own fog machine. Whether you’re starting a new career as a Bar Mitzvah DJ or preparing for a muder-mystery party, the best fog machines can help you create the perfect environment for fun. And with Halloween right around the corner, DIY decorators all over the country are gearing up to terrify and delight the neighborhood children with spooky Halloween displays.
There are actually a surprising number of fog machines for sale online, and it can be hard to know which ones are actually worth buying. Fortunately, the experts at SPY have been hard at work researching the best fog machines for you. This year, we’ve also been talking to the Halloween geniuses behind some of the country’s most viral Halloween displays and haunted houses, and we’ve been asking these experts for help picking the best fog machine for every purpose.
Keep reading to see our recommendations, as well as some recommendations for “fog juice” to put in your new fog machine.
What to Look for in a Fog Machine
To color or not to color? That is the surprising question to ask when buying fog machines. That’s because some of the best fog machines feature a rainbow of LED lights to create colored smoke, but you may prefer a more straightforward machine that produces fog but no colors. It all depends on the kind of ambiance you’re going for, so choose accordingly.
In addition, think about how you want to control your machine. If you want a fog machine you can control from across a room, then opt for a style with a wireless remote.
Finally, keep the size of your event in mind. Smaller fog machines are fun for decorating your yard at Halloween or a small party, while bigger commercial events require a larger machine that can fill an entire dance floor. You don’t want to create an underwhelming display at your event, after all.
Courtesy of Amazon
How We Chose the Best Fog Machines
When it comes to the best fog machines, we prioritized devices that were easy to transport and easy to use. Yes, special effects are awesome and add to an event, but if making them happen is only going to stress you out, what’s the use? In addition, we recently spoke with the Ohio man behind one of the country’s most famous Halloween displays, and he had very strong feelings about what is the best fog machine. Below, we’ve gathered a handful of the most highly rated fog machines that will allow you to add some razzle-dazzle to your next event with minimal effort.
Whether stepping up your party game or creating a lasting memory at a wedding, these fog machines will help you reach your goals.
1. Froggys Fog 1000 Watt Halloween Fog Machine
BEST OVERALL
Looking for the best fog machine for Halloween? Then we recommend the Froggys Fog device, which has won a number of accolades. Not only is this an “Amazon’s Choice” product, but it was also recommended by our go-to Halloween decor expert, who said that it’s the most reliable fog machine he’s ever used. The machine can be ready to dispense fog in just five minutes, and it can be controlled via a wireless remote or timer function. With a 1000 Watt capacity, it’s twice as strong as other fog machines.
What is the best fog machine for DJs and commercial events? We recommend the Mister Kool II, which can quickly fill dance floors, warming up in under three minutes. A powerful 700 Watt heater pushes out 3,000 cubic feet of fog per minute, creating an impressive display that guests will remember. A drainage system makes it easy for users to release the drainage valve and use the included hose and bag to eliminate excess water and avoid spillage. Weighing 19 pounds and designed with a carrying handle, the Mister Kool II is robust enough to create an impressive, low-lying fog effect while still being easy to transport.
Get the fog rolling quickly with the 500-Watt AGPTEK Fog Machine, which can produce non-toxic, unscented fog within minutes. It comes with a wireless remote, which helps with changing the 13 available colors of the LED lights. It’s simple to operate, meaning you can get back to enjoying your event. We also like that the AGPTEK can produce a sizable amount of fog for a small machine and makes a big impact without a big footprint.
The updated 1byone Fog Machine with Wired Remote Control has 400-watt capabilities to help run the machine smoother. The 1byone fog machine is perfect for Halloween, weddings, and any other occasion where you might want to add dramatic effects. A wired controller also comes with the machine, making it easy to cycle through the settings without fear of misplacing the controller. Unlike other fog machines, the 1byone doesn’t have any color effects but can produce a sizable amount of fog at once.
Energy-efficient and made with a durable aluminum body, the YaeCCC Fog Machine is a great middle-ground fog machine. It’s not only affordable, but it also has an added strobe feature that is great for big events. The YaeCCC machine can push fog at an impressive rate of 3,000 cubic feet per minute and comes with a wireless remote. We also like that the YaeCCC is made with a safe heat dissipation control system and produces non-toxic fog.
The JDR Fog Machine is an excellent option for users who want a fog machine they can control from across the room. The unit comes with both a corded and cordless remote, with the cordless option boasting an impressive 50 m range. The 400 Watt machine has a 2000 CFM output and a thermostat control system that helps the JDR heat up in under four minutes. The lightweight and portable fog machine has a convenient carry handle and comes with an operational video to help users get the most out of their machine.
If you want a fog-like effect at your next event but are looking for an alternative to traditional fog, there’s the ADJ Products BUBBLETRON. The Bubbletron has a similar output to the company’s fog machines but uses bubbles to create a visually stunning backdrop. The portable machine boasts a high output of hundreds of bubbles per minute and is constructed using durable plastic that includes an easy access tank. The 24 Watt Bubbletron works with most types of bubbles and runs through one liter of bubbles every two hours when in use.
Are you the house on the block with way too many Halloween decorations? We like the Coffin Skeleton Fog Machine for a fog machine that will turn your house into the spookiest spot on the block come October 31. We love The Home Depot’s Halloween skeleton and the rest of their Halloween collection, and this fog machine is one of the many reasons. Available in a 400 Watt (shown here) and 1000-Watt model, the outside of the machine has a coffin shape and skeleton figure on top, turning the unit into another spooktacular decoration. Add SVI fog liquid to the machine and fill your lawn or indoor party with realistic-looking fog to create an effect that will have guests cackling with glee.
This fun design features a spooky skeleton-patterned tombstone that covers and connects to most 400- or 1,000-Watt fog machines. Once connected and switched on, fog can be pushed out of the front of the tombstone tent for a creepy effect that is perfect for Halloween parties and greeting trick or treaters.
Finally, if you’re going to use smoke machines for your party, you’re going to need some additional supplies. For Halloween 2022 and other events, we’re recommending Froggys Fog Swamp Juice. This particular “smoke juice” comes recommended by SPY’s experts. This long-lasting fluid will help you create spooky scenes for Halloween or get the crowd going at your next dance party.
