6 Best Fog Machines to Take Your Halloween Decor to the Next Level

Key Specs

• Output: 4,000 cubic feet of fog per minute
• Tank Size: 0.9 liters
  

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.

More: It's Never Too Early to Start Planning Your Halloween Costume — Here Are Tons of Ideas

Key Specs

• Output: 25,000 cubic feet of fog per minute
• Tank Size: 2.2 liters

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 on its center 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.

Key Specs

• Output: 2,000 cubic feet of fog per minute
• Tank Size: 0.3 liters

This is the best basic fog machine for around $50, and it's incredibly reliable for the price. It outputs 2,000 cubic feet of fog per minute, and although that's half as much as our best overall pick, this one still works significantly better than several other budget options. It has an output distance of more than 8 feet, which is impressive given its affordable price.

It's worth mentioning the fog this unit creates dissipates into the air instead of on the floor. If you want fog that lingers longer — we recommend splurging for a more expensive model if you can afford to. The machine takes 5 minutes to heat up, holds 10 ounces of water-based fog, and includes a 6.5-foot-long wired remote control.

This option is suited for indoor use only and is backed by a 90-day warranty.

Key Specs

• Output: 5,000 cubic feet of fog per minute
• Tank Size: 1.5 liters

Unfortunately, most high-volume fog machines that provide a continuous output of fog cost upwards of $400. If you’re in search of a fog machine that’s significantly cheaper than that but doesn’t take too long to recharge, you should opt for this model from TC-Home.

The company’s fog machine costs under $60 and takes just 4 minutes to preheat. It offers an impressive fog-spraying distance of 20 feet and covers 5,000 cubic feet of ground per minute. Best of all, this option includes a wireless remote control.

Key Specs

• Output: 5,000 cubic feet of fog per minute
• Tank Size: 1 liter

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.

Key Specs

• Output: 18,000 cubic feet of fog per minute
• Tank Size: 2 liters

If you want to deliver serious frights this Halloween, you should opt for this fog machine. It has 1,500 watts of power, is equipped with a 2-liter tank, and has a fog output of 18,000 cubic feet per minute. For comparison’s sake, the Amazon best-selling JDR Fog Machine only has a 2,000 cubic foot output.

This option includes a wireless remote control that you can use to control the amount of fog and change the color of the machine’s nine LED lights. Considering its larger size and capacity, the XFMOTO fog machine takes 8 minutes to heat up. Once it’s ready to disperse the fog, it shoots it an impressive 20 feet.

Key Specs

• Compatibility: 400-1,500 watt machines
• Capacity: 1 gallon
  

Annoyingly enough, most models do not come with any fog juice when you buy a fog machine. This water-based solution is some of the best you can buy to juice up your new fog machine and is compatible with 400- to 1,500-watt machines.

Best of all, Fog Worx is made from organic ingredients with pharmaceutical-grade chemicals to produce a high-density fog with excellent hang time and dispersion. Fog Worx also sells a medium-density fog that's better suited for smaller-sized indoor environments. Make sure you buy a bottle when you get your machine!