Add Some Mood to Your Space with the Best Fog Machine Fluids
Whether you’re throwing a themed party at your house or have a gig at a nightclub, fog machines can help you add some extra “oomph” to an event and create a dream-like vibe. Fog or smoke machines are devices that produce a dense vapor that looks and flows a lot like fog. These machines use a specialized liquid, like glycol or glycerin, that emits thick artificial fog when it’s heated, and every machine makes a different type of fog. The fog can lay low on the ground or scatter, depending on the machine you’re using.
But to create the right look, atmosphere, and ambiance, you need to use the right fog machine fluid. There are plenty of different fog machine liquids on the market too, but all of them are not the same in terms of quality or capability. Some products produce very little fog, while others can create thick, billowing clouds that should quickly fill a room. Plus, not all liquids work well with every type of machine. So, in order to create the right fogged-up look, you need to account for a few different factors. This buyer’s guide can help you make a more well-informed decision by reviewing some of the top-rated fog machine fluids for 2022. So, let’s help get your party started.
Finding Your Next Fog Machine Fluids: A Buyer’s Guide
When it comes to using fog machines, the options for fluids almost seem endless. With so many different products on the market, how do you know which one will be right for your particular machine? Well, in this buyer’s guide, we’ll break down some of the important things about fog machine liquids you should know to find a quality product, which should really help you buy something ideal for your setup.
Things To Look For When Buying Fog Machine Fluids
Compatibility
Before purchasing any fog machine fluid, be sure to check its compatibility with your fog machine. Some liquids can damage specific models, so it’s crucial to choose a liquid that is safe for your specific machine. And you should also consider if you’ll be creating indoor fog or outdoor fog with your machine. Each type of venue comes with its own set of concerns and requirements.
Volume
Most fog machines hold between 33.81 and 67.62 ounces of fluid, but some larger models can even hold up to 169.07 ounces. So, if you plan on using your fog machine frequently, buying a larger amount of liquid is a good idea since you won’t have to refill it as often.
Longevity
Another thing to consider when choosing a fog machine fluid is how long the fog will last. Some liquids produce thick, long-lasting fog that can hang around for hours, while others dissipate pretty quickly. If you need your fog to last all night, look for a liquid with a high glycerin content. On the other hand, if you just need a quick burst of fog, go for a water-based fluid.
Odor
You’ll also want to consider the odor a fog juice puts out. Some liquids can produce a strong, unpleasant odor when they’re dispersed, and others are virtually odorless. If you’re more sensitive to smells (or you’re worried about your guests), choose a fog machine fluid with a low odor level.
Flammability
Most fog machine liquids are not flammable, but some oil-based fluids can be. If you plan on using your fog machine in enclosed spaces, make sure to choose a non-flammable liquid for some added safety and to help avoid accidents.
Residue
When using your fog machine, you want to avoid any type of residue or contamination from the fluid. This can cause the fog to be unhealthy to breathe, and it can also damage your machine. So, make sure you choose a liquid specifically designed for fog machines and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintaining your device.
Different Types of Fog Machine Fluids
Water-based
Water-based fog machine fluids are the most common type of liquid used in fog machines. They are usually made of distilled water and glycerin, which helps produce dense, long-lasting fog. This type of liquid can also be safe to use in most fog machines and is ideal for indoor venues.
Glycerin-based
This type of fog juice is similar to water-based fluids, but it contains more glycerin and less water. This makes this kind of product slightly thicker than water-based liquids, and they can also produce denser fog. Glycerin-based liquids should also be safe to use in most fog machines, and they can work well in indoor and outdoor settings, too.
Oil-based
Oil-based fluids are composed of mineral oil and propylene glycol. This combination can produce a thick, long-lasting fog that can be perfect for outdoor venues. Oil-based liquids can damage some fog machines though, so be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions before using them. Some oil-based liquids are also flammable, so they should not be used indoors.
What Are Fog Machine Fluids Made of?
Water
Water is the key ingredient in any fog machine liquid recipe, and it’s what the vapor that becomes the fog is primarily made of.
Glycerin
Glycol and glycerin are thickening agents that help water vapor form a dense fog, and the more glycerin in a mixture, the thicker and denser the fog can be.
Propylene glycol
Propylene glycol is a colorless, odorless liquid often used in food coloring and flavoring, and it is also used as an antifreeze and in hydraulic fluids. Propylene glycol is also sometimes added to fog machine fluids to help prevent ice crystals from forming.
Fragrance oil
Many people find that plain water vapor has a slightly unpleasant odor. So, fragrance oils are sometimes added to fog liquids for creating a more pleasant smell as the fog is dispersed.
How Long Can Fog Machine Fluid Last?
How long a fog machine fluid will last can depend on a number of different factors, and here are some of them:
Fog machine wattage
How long your fog machine fluid will last depends on your machine’s wattage. A higher wattage machine causes fog juice to evaporate faster, and using a lower wattage machine can make it last longer.
Type of fog machine
There are different types of fog machines, and each consumes fog machine fluid differently. Usually, a standard fog machine consumes more juice than a haze machine. This is because haze machines use lower concentrations of fluid, and the fog they produce is also much more refined. As a result, a standard-size bottle of fluid can last longer in a haze machine than a standard model.
Fluid container’s size
The size of a machine’s fluid container also determines how long the fluid can last. A larger tank can hold more liquid too, allowing a fog machine to produce more fog before needing a refill.
Output setting
If a machine’s output is set at low, less fluid will be required, and it can last longer. On the other hand, if the output is set to high, it will use more fluid and won’t last as long.
Running time
The longer a fog machine is turned on, the more liquid it will use. If you only want a short burst of fog, like for some special effects, you won’t need to use as much liquid compared to running a fog machine continuously.
Comparing the Premier Fog Machine Fluid of 2022 in Detail
Essential Values Fog Machine Fluid
– Best Overall
The Essential Values Fog Machine Fluid is made with U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) certified food-grade ingredients, and it uses a water-based formula that creates high-density fog. This option is also designed mainly for water-based foggers and should work perfectly well with 700+ watt fog machines.
Although this pick is not a haze fluid, it does offer excellent hang time with great dispersion, so you can create a complete white-out effect using this liquid. And this product is unscented too, making it ideal for people who are sensitive to odors as well as people who have asthma. And since this fluid is made with safe ingredients and delivers long-lasting results, we chose it as the best overall on this list.
- Made with safe, non-toxic materials
- Produces thicker, long-lasting results
- Usable in indoor and outdoor venues
- May be inconsistent
FogWorx Fog Machine Fluid
– Best Output
If you want to step up your fogging game, this pick from Fogworx can be an awesome option, and it is made with raw materials that can offer excellent results without side effects. This water-based fluid can also create dry and odorless fog with a good dispersion time that shouldn’t trigger sprinklers or smoke detectors.
Plus, this option can work in machines using as little as 400 watts without compromising on fog quality. And since it is made with pharmaceutical-grade chemicals, this product can offer a lot of hang time without posing a risk to your health. Plus, due to this option’s high output and long-lasting results, it can be ideal for nightclubs, concerts, and laser tag arenas.
- Made with non-toxic, organic ingredients
- Excellent dispersion and hang time
- Dry, odorless, and dense formula
- Might not work well for low-lying effects
Froggys Fog Machine Fluid
– Longest-Lasting
Unlike other fluids, this pick from Froggys uses a thicker formula, and due to the denser concentration, this fog liquid won’t work with low-wattage machines unless it’s diluted. This product can be used safely with fog machines using over 1000 watts though.
In ideal conditions, this fluid can offer up to two hours of hang time, but that doesn’t mean you’ll get a dense cloud. So, this fluid can be ideal for parties where you don’t want to obstruct the vision of your guests too much. And this product is also made with safe ingredients that should not be harmful to pets or children.
- Odorless, non-irritating formula
- Longer hang time with fewer refills
- Water-based formula without residue
- Can’t create zero-visibility atmospheres
Chauvet DJ Fog Machine Fluid
– Perfect for Outdoor Use
The Chauvet DJ Fog Machine Fluid complies with the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) requirements for using safe ingredients. And this pick can also work well with almost any water-based haze and fog machine. With just a gallon of this fluid, you can produce some super thick and dense fog, and this option also offers excellent density and longer hang time indoors and outdoors.
This odorless fluid can provide exceptional output in most fog 900-watt fog machines, too. And since it uses a maximum coverage formula, you can use this pick for creating thick fog pretty much on demand. Plus, the mist it produces shouldn’t dissipate quickly, making it perfect for outdoor settings.
- Doesn’t stain surfaces or leave residue
- Unscented, non-flammable formula
- Creates dense clouds
- May trigger smoke alarms
ADJ Products Fog Machine Fluid
– Budget-Friendly
If you want to help create a heavily fogged atmosphere during a party, this fluid from ADJ Products can be exactly what you need. Just 33.28 ounces of this product can produce extremely dense, long-lasting fog.
This product uses a water-based formula too, and it can work well with most water-based fog machines. The brand does recommend using this pick along with their signature fog machine though, which should help provide better results. And once you’re all set up, you can create thick white clouds with just a few button presses.
- Made with safe, high-grade pharmaceutical ingredients
- Creates dense clouds without using excessive liquid
- Odorless formula for odor-sensitive people
- The quantity is not sufficient
People Also Asked
A: No, all fog machines do not use the same liquid. Each manufacturer uses a unique formula for their fog machine liquids. Some companies even make different types of fog liquids for various purposes, too. For example, there are fog liquids made specifically for Halloween or to use in nightclubs.
A: This depends on your fog machine’s wattage and the size of the room or space you are trying to fog up. Generally, you need about 1 gallon of fog solution for every 1,000 square feet, and a small 400-watt machine uses about 32 ounces of fog liquid every 6 hours. So, for a standard 10x10 room, you’ll need approximately 10 gallons of fog machine fluid. Of course, you can always adjust this amount depending on the fog density you want to create.
A: Most fog machine liquids are safe to breathe, but you may want to avoid excessive inhalation of these fumes. You might start to feel irritation in your nose and throat if you’re more sensitive to these agents, too. Also, people with asthma or respiratory issues may have trouble breathing if they’re exposed to these fumes for extended periods.
