The 7 Best Fog Machines to Create the Creepiest House on the Block

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

The best fog machines can help create a fun and spooky atmosphere during Halloween parties. They’re also great for weddings, concerts, and theatrical productions. By heating a special fluid known as “fog juice” (yes, that’s a thing), these machines can create an artificial fog or mist, enhancing your party’s ambiance. And, when paired with Halloween lights and decorations, they can take your love of Halloween to the next level.

While fog machines are generally used for professional productions, the models on this list are excellent for more low-key events. They come in various sizes and price points and offer features like LED lights and operational modes. Whether you're gifting a fog machine to the biggest Halloween lover in your life or you're looking to transform your home into an epic haunted house, a fog machine is the perfect accessory for throwing a memorable party.

Fog Fury 1000 II Fog Machine

You can certainly find fog machines for half the price of this one, but those budget fog machines likely won't last over time. This model features a much better pump that won't clog as easily as cheaper models, a premium-grade heating element, and a yoke for wall mounting. It produces 4,000 cubic feet of fog per minute, holds 30 ounces of water-based fog, and heats up in under 5 minutes.

DJ Liam C from Indianapolis said that the ADJ Fog Fury is a must-have for his DJ setup and is one of the first things he packs for gigs. “It consistently supplies fog at a rate that will keep your audience involved and excited and runs reliably for hours.”

Our only complaint with this fog machine is that you have to hold the button down on its backside or wired remote to generate fog. Oddly enough, this is a problem with almost every consumer-grade fog machine. Regardless, this one is still one of the most reliable and user-friendly fog machines available.

Halloween Fog Machine

For a small gathering, the budget-friendly Atdawn Halloween Fog Machine will get the job done. It features a 300-milliliter tank with an output of 1,500 cubic feet per minute. While that can’t match our other picks, the Atdawn is still an excellent choice for a living room or garage.

As a bonus, the machine comes with wired and wireless remote controls, allowing you to choose what works best for you. It weighs just over 3 pounds, making it easy to carry with the attached handle, and it can push fog roughly 10 feet. Be aware that this model is made for the indoors only.

Fog Fury Jett

The ADJ Products Fog Fury Jett is a professional-grade option to elevate any event. The machine features a 3-liter tank and a fog output of 20,000 cubic feet per minute, making it an excellent choice for larger spaces. There are three operational modes: manual, remote control, and DMX (Digital Multiplex). This widely used protocol allows the machine to be integrated into a more extensive lighting or effects setup. Speaking of which, the fog machine includes 12 LEDs that will enable you to create some fun lighting effects.

The Fog Fury Jett has an interchangeable fluid tank to mount the machine in multiple directions. Meanwhile, it comes with a wireless remote to control the machine from afar. The machine takes up to 9 minutes to warm up because of its size, but its robust design helps mitigate clogging—a common problem with fog machines. While the Fog Fury Jett is pricey, you get what you pay for thanks to DMX compatibility, high output, and special features.

Fog Machine

While a fog machine focuses on producing fog, we’re big on extra features. The Agptek Fog Machine doesn’t have the most output power (2,000 cubic feet per minute) or the largest tank size (250 milliliters). However, it features LEDs with 13 color options and four light effects. It also includes three remotes—one that’s wired, one that controls the fog, and a third that controls the lights. These extra features help make a pretty standard fog machine a more exciting option, particularly for the price.

Due to its size, the fog machine only takes a few minutes to heat up, so you can add ambiance to your space quickly.

1500-Watt Stage Fog Machine

If you’re in search of a professional-grade fog machine but don’t want to drop several hundred dollars, this option from Qizin is worth a look. It’s equipped with a bigger-than-average 2.2-liter tank, meaning it can be used continuously for 4 hours and will make your space super smoky.

Better yet, it heats up in less than 5 minutes and has an impressive output distance of 23 feet, so it'll add some creepy ambiance quickly. The Qizin can be controlled with a wired remote control that's attached to the unit or with a separate wireless controller. If you don't want to fuss with a controller, there's a red button that you can push to enable its automatic setting.

We appreciate that the fog machine features overheating protection, so you can feel confident that it's safe to use. Lastly, this is also one of the few options that is backed by a 100%-satisfaction, money-back guarantee.

VF Volcano Vertical Fog Machine

The ADJ VF Volcano is a compact and powerful fog machine that mixes color from its integrated LEDs to create a dramatic effect. Since it shoots fog upward like a geyser at the push of a button, it’s the perfect fog machine to scare the pants off anyone who passes by.

This pro-grade fog machine has an extremely high output, which justifies its high price point. It works well both indoors and outdoors and includes a wireless remote. It takes 6 minutes to heat up and has convenient LED lights to let you know when it’s ready. There’s also a fluid indicator for checking to see how much fog juice it has left.

Halloween Mist Maker

Sometimes you need a small mister to really sell the effect of a witch’s cauldron. The Akeydeco Halloween Mist Maker is small enough to fit a bowl or decoration but doesn’t skimp on features. It features 12 LED lights and is ideal for indoor and outdoor use; Akeydeco says it works well with outdoor fountains and ponds. All you have to do is submerge the Mist Maker, and the fog will slowly rise to the surface.

What to Consider

Fog machines are relatively easy to set up and use, making them accessible for all occasions. You fill the machine’s reservoir with fog juice, turn it on, and abracadabra. While most machines operate similarly, some significant differences exist, like output capacity, heating time, and special features. Other features you may want to consider: each machine's size and weight, the tank capacity, noise level, and fluid consumption, which refers to how much fog juice is used over a specific time. Here are the features we recommend before buying a fog machine.

Output Capacity
When choosing a fog machine, consider the size of the area you must cover and the event type. A fog machine’s output capacity refers to the volume of fog it can produce quickly. The output capacity is typically measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM) or cubic meters per minute (CMM). A fog machine with a higher output can produce a larger volume of fog in a shorter time, making it suitable for weddings and concerts. A fog machine with a lower output capacity should be sufficient for smaller gatherings like birthday parties. Some fog machines support an adjustable output capacity, allowing you to control the intensity of the fog.

Heating Time
A fog machine uses a heating element to heat the fog juice and convert it to fog. The heating time can vary depending on the fog machine's size, power, and design. While smaller fog machines can’t cover a large space, they offer shorter heating times (a few minutes). Meanwhile, larger fog machines require longer heating times (up to ten minutes)—something you must account for to avoid delays during your event.

Special Features
Many fog machines offer additional features beyond the ability to produce fog. For example, some feature LED lights that help to create a party atmosphere during weddings and birthdays. You should also look for models that include a remote control, allowing you to control the machine from a distance.

You’ll also want to look for the different modes a fog machine supports, like manual or timer modes. Manual mode gives you complete control over how often a machine expels fog. In contrast, timer mode will run the machine at specific intervals. Before picking one up, consider how you’ll use a fog machine and what will work best for your situation.

How We Selected

We researched the top-rated models from the industry’s most reputable brands to find the best fog machines, comparing essential features like size, weight, output capacity, and heating time. In addition to rigorous research, we considered customer reviews, with every model on this list averaging a 4-star rating. As someone who appreciates a well-executed haunted house, I’ve operated a few fog machines to help create a spooky atmosphere. I used this experience to whittle the options to the best fog machines available.

You Might Also Like

• The Paris Hilton Housewares Collection Brings ‘That’s Hot’ Energy to Your Kitchen

• 16 Best Noise-Canceling Headphones Perfect for Rocking Out in Quiet Bliss

• Beyoncé Uses This $26 Amazon Product for Her Glossy Blonde Hair