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SMOKE MACHINES
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
(FAQS)

On this page we aim to answer as many of your smoke machine / fog generator questions as possible. There are a lot of questions, and we add to them often. We've tried to order them logically, but you may wish to do a "Find..." (Ctrl+F in IE) word search with your internet browser to find just what you're looking for. If you have a question that you feel should be on this page, please let us know.

Most common questions:

Can you add colour to smoke from smoke machines?
No - it is not possible. Use lighting to colour the smoke or use our pyrotechnic coloured smoke.
In depth answer...

Do you have a smoke machine that does not require mains power?
Yes - our 12V DC smoke machine, car security smoke screen and our exterior gas powered smoke gun.
In depth answer...

Do smoke machines set off smoke detectors?
Yes, both smoke machines and hazers will set off smoke particle detectors, but not heat detectors. It's worth checking with the venue before use. If you are using a smoke machine to test smoke detectors, we can help!

Can I use a smoke machine in the UK or Ireland since the public smoking ban?
The provisions of the Health Act 2006 inasmuch as smoking is concerned makes the possession of lit tobacco in a smoke-free place an offence. Therefore, the issue of smoke machines does not feature unless the smoke comes from lit tobacco - which from any of our products is not the case!

Are smoke machines dangerous?
No - we wouldn't be selling them if they were.
In depth answer...

Click on a question below to view the answer.

Smoke machine basics:

What's the difference between a smoke machine and a fog machine?
What is a smoke machine?
How does a smoke machine work?
What makes the smoke?
How much do smoke machines cost?
Are smoke machines dangerous?
Are smoke machines a risk to health?

About Pea Soup:

Where can I buy a smoke machine?
Where can I hire a smoke machine?
Do you repair smoke machines?
Can I place my order over the internet?
Can I place my order without a credit/debit card?
Why do you only sell to the UK?

Specific applications:

Which smoke machines are suitable for: air flow visualisation?
  leak tests?
  fire safety training?
  creating heavy fog?
  party use?
  special effects?

Other Questions:

What do people use smoke machines for?
Which smoke machine do you recommend?

Why should I get a professional machine instead of a cheaper version?
What safety advice is there for smoke machine use?
How long does the smoke hang in the air for?
How long do smoke machines take to heat up for operation?
How do I clean my smoke machine?
What is 'dry ice'?
What's the difference between dry ice, liquid nitrogen, oil and water based smoke machines?
How do smoke and fog chillers work?
What is a hazer?
What is the difference between a smoke machine and a hazer?
How much does smoke machine fluid cost?
Do I have to use the fluid that the manufacturer makes for my machine?

Why is smoke machine fluid so expensive?
Where does 'dry ice' get its name?
Can I buy smoke fluid that makes coloured smoke?
What are "intelligent lights"?


What's the difference between a smoke machine and a fog machine?

The terms 'smoke machine' and 'fog machine' both refer to the same type of unit.
'Fog machine' is the term used more in the United States, and 'smoke machine' is the term mainly used in the United Kingdom and Europe. Technically, the correct terminology is 'fog machine', as the dictionary definition of fog is 'liquid particles suspended in the air' (smoke/fog machines always vapourise liquid), whereas smoke is 'solid particles suspended in the air'. Tradition along with product descriptions over the decades has created this moniker foible.

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What is a smoke machine?

A smoke machine is basically an eletro-mechanical unit which produces clouds of smoke on demand. Smoke machines are used in theatres, night clubs, film and television studios, theme parks and other entertainment applications to produce a smoke or fog effect which creates the illusion of fog, steam, smoke from a fire, and many other effects. They are also used to create 'safe smoke' in fire training scenarios, for leak testing of buildings and containers, and air flow in wind tunnels. Their size can range from that of a wine bottle to a car.

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How does a smoke machine work?

A smoke machine, in its simplest terms, is a heating element which gets very hot, through which special fluid is pumped and is vapourised, thereby creating smoke vapour which exits the machine through the nozzle. Electronic circuitry ensures that the heating block in the smoke machine is kept between certain temperatures - too hot and the machine turns into a flame thrower - too cold and it shoots out hot liquid.

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What makes the smoke?

The most common type of smoke machine are those which use a water-based fluid, which is made up mainly of pharmaceutical grade glycol and water. There are also other harmless chemicals in the fluid. Other types of smoke machine include dry ice machines (which create a low lying heavy fog that uses solid carbon dioxide AKA dry ice), liquid nitrogen (which also creates a low lying fog), oil based smoke machines (similar in principle to water based machines, but uses an oil rather than a water base - the smoke can withstand much higher temperatures) and hazers (water based haze generators, mainly used to accentuate lighting than for conventional 'smoke' effects).

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How much do smoke machines cost?

Smoke machines range in price, but as the Romans used to say, "Talia expensa sic empta" - you get what you pay for. We sell machines by the most reputable and consistent companies. Smoke machines that are capable of operating continuously at high output will cost more but always have the power available for larger and more varied applications and will never require a re-heat dead band.

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Where can I buy a smoke machine?

Pea Soup supply a wide range of smoke machines in the UK - view product list.

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Where can I hire a smoke machine?

Pea Soup hire out smoke machines in the UK - view Hire page.

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Do you repair smoke machines?

Pea Soup can repair many makes and models of smoke machine - but only the ones we sell. Please contact us for details.

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Can I place my order over the internet?

Yes, for UK delivery we prefer online orders. We accept Visa, Mastercard Switch, Solo, Maestro, Visa Delta, Visa Electron, JCB and Eurocard. Click here to for ordering instructions.

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Can I place my order without a credit / debit card?

Yes. Once you have selected the machine, fluid and/or accessories you'd like, print off and complete the order form and send it along with either a cheque for the correct amount, made payable to 'Pea Soup Ltd.', or with your credit card details filled in on the order form to the address at the bottom of the form. Full step-by-step instructions are on the how to order page. We also accept (and prefer) payment via BACS bank balance transfer. Contact us for the details.
Public Sector / Large Companies: First order must be paid pro-forma. Please FAX your purchase order to 07092 263 475. We can accept GPCs (Government Procurement Cards) for payment.

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Do you send items overseas?

We can and do regularly send the hand portable, high output, oil-based and 12V DC machines worldwide. Please contact us for a shipping quote prior to placing an order.

UK Delivery
Selling other machines overseas currently presents logistical problems with concerns to distribution and billing. In certain cases however (depending on the smoke machine required), it is possible, so do please enquire. We have agreements with certain fog machine manufacturers to sell to the UK only. If you are a distributor or supplier of smoke machines in a country other than the UK and would like to act as a distributor, please contact us.

USA Delivery
Please see our fog machine page for smoke machines available to USA residents, many dispatched from the US.

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What do people use smoke machines for?

In theatre, TV & film to create fire effects, fog (weather) and other special effects, such as low lying mist,
In fire safety training to add realism to the scenario,
In leak testing to visually indicate where there are leaks in buildings, containers, duct work, extraction, HVAC systems, etc.,
In air flow testing to visualise air currents in rooms,
In wind tunnel testing and to test air flow in tunnels and on designs of cars, planes, etc.,
At theme parks and on rides to create atmosphere and special effects,
In nightclubs to pick-out beams of light,
For parties, ...
...plus many, many more uses!

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Which smoke machine do you recommend?

If you need help in choosing a machine your your specific application, please contact us for friendly advice. They vary widely in features and price and some are more appropriate to certain applications than others.

Why not try our smoke machine selector to choose a smoke machine suitable for your requirement?

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Why should I get a professional machine instead of a cheaper version?

Professional machines are built to last for years of heavy operation either in fixed installations or in mobile applications. Most have no 'dead band', which means that they're always ready to make smoke on cue. They'll also be able to create lots more smoke a lot more quickly than cheap machines. Cheaper machines often automatically disable the pump while they're heating back up to temperature, and if you're using the machine in a time sensitive operation (in the theatre for example where you have set cues for smoke to appear), this re-heating dead band could be happening when you need to operate the machine on cue. The dead band may last for up to 1 minute - perhaps longer. Many professional machines have the ability to create continuous thick, dry, white fog output, and can create huge amounts of fog on demand.

We sell so many of our smoke machines to customers who have previously bought machines for £40.00 from other retailers which have failed after only a few months. In the long run, it's false economy to use these 'toy' machines in professional applications.

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Are smoke machines dangerous?

Not if used sensibly. The only danger involved is if the cases are opened (thus the risk of an electric shock - as with every electical applicance) or if the casing of certain units are touched (they can get very hot and may burn you). The smoke which comes out of the smoke nozzle can also be very hot and often there are notices on the machine itself warning of this. Under no circumstances should you touch the nozzle that the smoke comes out of - this will always be very hot when the unit is switched on (and for quite a long time after it is switched off until it cools down).

Manufacturers often warn that you shouldn't install the machine where the public can touch it or touch the hot smoke being generated. The recommended distance ranges from 50cm - 3 metres. If you need the smoke to appear in a public area, one way to get round this safety recommendation is to use ducting to allow you to keep the machine well away. Smoke machines should always be used in a well ventilated area. In case the unit's temperature control malfunctions, it is also wise not to install a machine above people's heads.

You must be very careful when using dry ice smoke machines in confined spaces, as the carbon dioxide produced displaces oxygen in the air and can cause suffocation. Actors shouldn't really lie down in the smoke. There are alternatives to dry ice for low lying smoke, such as chiller units for normal smoke machines and special all-in-one low smoke generators. Think of the poor musicians in the orchestra pit! The moisture in the cloud of dry ice fog sometimes de-tunes their instruments. Check with the machine's manual for details.
You must use the fluid recommended by the manufacturer of the machine. Using other fluid could not only damage the machine (and void the warranty) but also create toxins in the smoke. Even a slight change in the mixture of smoke fluid can cause this. Safe, non-toxic smoke is your responsibility!

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Are smoke machines a risk to health?

The smoke that is produced from the water or oil based smoke machines that we sell is non-toxic and safe when you use the correct manufacturers fluid. For more information, please read the health & safety documents for each type of smoke fluid we sell, which can be found on each smoke fluid product information page. For certain people with asthma or breathing problems, dense smoke can cause eye, nose and throat irritation. It's not advisable to make or use home-made fluid mixture. Always use professionally made fluid. Non-toxic smoke is your responsibility. This link may be useful to you: ESTA - fog and smoke working group - examining the effects of fog and smoke on health. There are other links to smoke & health related web sites on the Links page.

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What safety advice is there for smoke machine use?

For water/oil based machines:
The nozzle and sometimes the whole smoke machine (except handle) gets very hot. Don't touch the hot areas. The areas that get hot usually have a warning note on them. The smoke that comes out of the nozzle is fairly hot and it is always advisable not to go any closer than 50cm in front of it. It shouldn't be installed where the public can get closer than 50 cm from the smoke from the nozzle. Smoke machines shouldn't be installed directly over the public's head. Sometimes they can spit hot fluid out of their nozzle which can burn. Smoke machines are very high power electrical units, often using more than 1kW of electricity, so be careful not to use them in wet places such as outside in the rain.

For dry ice machines:
Dry ice is sub zero and can cause frostbite if handled with bare hands. Always use special gloves to handle dry ice. Dry ice shouldn't be kept in airtight containers.
Don't let people lie down in dry ice fog. They could suffocate. Dry ice machines boil water. This is not only very hot but very heavy too, so it's advisable not to struggle lifting these heavy machines alone.

ALSO: Please be careful when refilling smoke machines - mop up any spills, as people can slip on any fluid left on the floor (it is more slippy than water).

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How long does the smoke hang in the air for?

We supply different smoke fluids that will disperse at different rates. Some, such as Le Maitre's Extra Quick Dissipating fluid can disperse as quickly as steam - disappearing seconds shortly after exiting the smoke machine nozzle, making it great for effects where a large build up of fog is not wanted, other fluids make smoke that hangs in the air for hours. Our oil based smoke generator's smoke will hang for 3 - 4 hours - even in hot environments. It all depends on the application, but if the smoke machine is in a theatre or other location where ventilation is an issue, a fairly quick dispersing fluid should be used so that the location doesn't get fogged up too quickly. A nightclub would normally use a long lasting fluid so the smoke picks out light beams and so that they don't have to keep activating the smoke machine which tends to bring attention to itself (or ideally use a hazer).

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How long do smoke machines take to heat up for operation?

Some conventional machines take a minute or two, some five or ten, and some longer. Usually the heat-up time is mentioned on our product information page. Many non-professional (cheaper) smoke machines will have a 'dead-band' which is when the smoke machine needs to re-heat and stops itself from being operated while this happens. This can be a problem when in a situation where smoke needs to appear on cue such as on television or at a theatre, but is ususally fine for parties or home use when this isn't so much of an issue.
Security smoke machines take only a few seconds to heat up.

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Do you sell machines that can be used without electrical power?

Yes - two (one gas powered, one battery powered), and another three that can be unplugged from the mains after an initial heat-up period.

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How do I clean my smoke machine?

After a while, smoke machines can get clogged up with ash and carbon - a by-product of heating smoke fluid. Smoke fluid can be quite a viscous liquid, so it's almost unavoidable that the machine gets clogged over time. To avoid it happening, follow the instructions you get with your smoke machine with regards to cleaning it. Some suggest a litre of distilled water for every 5 litres of fluid that the machine uses, others suggest water and white vinegar after 40 hours of continuous operation. They may also instruct you to take parts of the nozzle to bits and brush them clean, as they can also become coated in carbon. This is when a maintainable heating block is useful, as found in most professional machines. We supply oil based smoke generators that self-purge themselves after each smoke issue, meaning the heating block never gets clogged.

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What is 'dry ice'?

Dry ice is solid carbon dioxide gas. It's called dry ice because when it 'melts' it changes in state from a solid directly to a gas without ever becoming a liquid. This process is called sublimation. When dry ice is put into boiling water it sublimates and creates these clouds of thick heavy fog which clings to the ground (because it is cold and more dense than air). The fog is odourless and colourless as it is literally clouds of water droplets (and it can therefore leave the stage slightly wet). The Peasouper is a dry ice machine that self-contains this effect for convenient use.

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What's the difference between dry ice, liquid nitrogen, oil and water based smoke machines?

Dry ice and liquid nitrogen smoke machines both create a heavy low lying fog effect. The materials they use to create this are often difficult and expensive to get hold of for most people, hard to store, and the effect can now be easily created on demand by new electronic water based versions. Disney theme parks tend to use nitrogen foggers as the cost of liquid nitrogen is less in bulk than special effect fog fluids. It also disperses quickly and causes no irritation to even sensitive asthmatics. Oil based smoke machines produce smoke than can withstand much higher temperatures than water based fog. Ideal for fire safety training which may also include real flames (water based smoke would simply disappear into the flames if used in conjunction with them). Oil based machines slightly more toxic - they should not be used in an unventilated environment and some people find the smoke unpleasant to breathe. They are ideal for fire training scenarios, as the smoke doesn't layer or disappear at high temperatures like that of a water based smoke. Water based machines are now the 'standard' smoke machine in entertainment applications. There are many different types of water based fluid which hang in the air for hours or disperse quickly like steam. It's the safest type of machine which is one of the reasons why it's the most popular.

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How do smoke and fog chillers work?

Fog chillers cool the conventional 'hot' smoke from a conventional smoke machine to sub-zero temperatures so that it sinks to the ground with a similar effect to that of dry ice or liquid nitrogen. They can save money in the long-term, as dry ice and liquid nitrogen is expensive to deliver and doesn't last very long, even if correctly stored. Special molecular or quick dispersing fluid is often used with fog chillers for two reasons - it makes the fog last the same length of time that dry ice fog would before disappearing, and if longer lasting fluid was used when the smoke warms up again it will rise and fill the room with normal fog that hangs in the air.
Le Maitre make two chiller units. They convert fog from the normal smoke machine into heavy fog by chilling the fog to sub-zero temperatures using a liquid CO2 cylinder. It's so much more easy and convienient than dry ice and more easily stored for longer lengths of time.
Other chiller units are simply large refridgeration systems. They're very expensive and use a lot of power.
Be aware that some 'fog chillers' require you to put dry ice or conventional water ice into them to chill the fog (which doesn't make them as convienient as chillers that don't use ice, but the dry ice will last longer).

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What is a hazer?

A machine that creates a very fine haze which is used to enhance lighting beams. Hazers don't create clouds of thick smoke like smoke machines for special effects. They're favoured by television studios as the haze is almost invisible (for the cameras to see through it) yet it picks out light beams like smoke does. Hazers available.

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What is the difference between a smoke machine and a hazer?

Smoke machines create thick white smoke, whereas hazers create a thinner haze which can be seen when beams of light strike it. Hazers are often used when the blast of smoke from a smoke machine would be too intrusive or noisey. The visibility of smoke created by smoke machines means they're used for special effects, fire training, and all of the other applications mentioned on this site. Hazers can be left to operate continuously and inconspicuously.

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How much does smoke machine fluid cost?

It costs from £11.25 for 5 litres (supplied in box of 4) to £60 for the more specialist mixes such as those which create a fog that disperses quickly or that is specially designed for use in the fog chiller units mentioned in an earlier question. Different manufacturers of fluid charge different prices, which is why generic smoke fluids have been made and are sold worldwide. On the container it will say "suitable for use in most smoke machines". Only the recommended fluid should be used in your machine - see next question.

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Do I have to use the fluid that the manufacturer makes for my machine?

This is a very good question. When you buy a smoke machine, the instruction manual you receive with it will tell you that you must use fluid that has been made by the same manufacturer for that machine. Using other types of fluid will invalidate the warranty and could damage the machine. Other fluids may work in the machine, but by no means all. They may create a sub-standard smoke that is unpleasant to breathe and could damage your health. They could also damage your machine. If you do use another manufacturer's fluid in your machine and need to get it repaired under warranty, the first thing the service engineer will do is use a special indicator to see if you've used the correct fluid or not. You will either then be charged for the repair, or it will be sent back to you unrepaired. If you want to see your smoke machine last a long time, we recommend you use the manufacturer's fluid. It will be optimised for use in your machine.

The main reason smoke generator manufacturers state that the chemical used should be their own is that generators are designed around a specific mixture of chemicals, with specific boiling ranges. Using a smoke fluid that for example is based on propylene glycol /water, which has a relatively low boiling range, through a generator set for glycerine / water (with a much higher boiling range) potentially can crack the chemical, forming unpleasant and potentially toxic compounds (acroleins, aldehydes etc). Even changing the % of water in a mixture can have an effect.

A couple of years ago all the major manufacturers prepared a joint letter stressing the dangers, or more accurately potential dangers of mixing and matching smoke chemicals, stressing that so called generic smoke chemicals simply could not be relied upon to produce a consistent and safe smoke in every generator.

Safe smoke that is non-toxic to breathe in is your responsibility.

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Why is smoke machine fluid expensive?

Manufacturers use very pure pharmaceutical grade ingredients which have an impurity factor of one per billion or similar (very pure) plus the cost of transportation of bulky heavy fluid containers. Hazer fluid is generally more expensive than smoke machine fluid, as hazers aren't yet as common as smoke machines and have a different composition.

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Where does 'dry ice' get its name?

Because the ice is cold (sub-zero) but never gets wet when it melts because it sublimates (see earlier question) turning directly from a solid to a gas without ever becoming a liquid (unlike water ice).

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Can I buy smoke fluid that makes coloured smoke?

No. Fluid that creates coloured fog has never worked and is not available anywhere. The best way to make coloured smoke is to use normal smoke fluid (white smoke) and to colour wash the smoke with coloured lighting. You may see certain smoke fluids are coloured themselves (usually green, red, blue) but the smoke released is white. This is simply a colour indicator to let you know what type of fluid it is in the bottle (say, quick dispersing or long lasting).

The alternative is to use theatrical smoke pyrotechnics that actually make proper coloured smoke - but they can stain fabrics and materials the smoke comes into contact with and the smoke shouldn't be breathed in. Le Maitre are the leaders in stage pyrotechnics manufacturer, and we supply their products.

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What are "intelligent lights"?

Intelligent lights are light fixtures whose beams move and change colour and pattern. They can either use a mirror which moves the projected beam of light (scans or scanners), or move the whole lantern body (moving head). They often use DMX control via a computerised control system. Often used at concerts, discotheques, outdoor events, on TV and in the theatre.

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Read the
Wise Owl's Answers

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