When you’re looking for the best fog machine under $700, you’re entering the top tier of professional-grade equipment. These machines are designed for large-scale productions like concerts, theater performances, outdoor festivals, nightclubs, and even extreme Halloween displays. They offer high-output fog, advanced DMX control, special effects like low-lying fog, and features like quick heat-up times, large tanks, and continuous operation without interruption.
Here are the best fog machines under $700 that deliver impressive fog effects and performance for high-end events.
1. CHAUVET DJ Nimbus Dry Ice Fog Machine
The CHAUVET DJ Nimbus is the go-to fog machine for creating dramatic low-lying fog without the need for special fog fluid. It uses dry ice to create dense fog that hugs the ground, making it perfect for weddings, theater productions, concert stages, and Halloween events. The low-lying fog effect stays close to the ground, creating a stunning visual without the use of regular fog fluids, making it a great choice for professional setups.
- Fog Output: Thick, low-lying fog
- Tank Capacity: 4.5L
- Heat-Up Time: 6 minutes
- Remote Control: Manual control (foot pedal available)
- Price: Around $599
Best For: Weddings, stage performances, photo shoots, or high-end Halloween displays that require low-lying fog without rising.
2. Antari Z-350 Fazer Haze Machine
The Antari Z-350 Fazer is a haze machine that creates a fine mist rather than thick clouds, making it perfect for enhancing lighting effects in concerts, clubs, and theatrical productions. Its low fluid consumption and continuous haze production make it ideal for long-running events. With DMX control, it integrates seamlessly into professional lighting setups, offering precise control over haze output.
- Fog Output: Continuous fine haze
- Tank Capacity: 1.3L
- Heat-Up Time: 1-2 minutes
- Remote Control: Yes (DMX compatible)
- Price: Around $650
Best For: Concerts, nightclubs, and theater performances where a subtle haze enhances lighting effects without overwhelming the space.
3. Antari Z-1500 MKII Fog Machine
The Antari Z-1500 MKII is a high-performance fog machine designed for professional applications such as concerts, festivals, and theater productions. With 40,000 CFM of fog output, it can quickly fill large venues with thick, dense fog. It’s also equipped with DMX compatibility for precision control and self-cleaning technology, ensuring long-term durability and preventing clogging during heavy use.
- Fog Output: 40,000 CFM
- Tank Capacity: 6L
- Heat-Up Time: 4 minutes
- Remote Control: Yes (wired and DMX compatible)
- Price: Around $640
Best For: Concerts, festivals, large outdoor events, and theater productions that require massive fog output and precise control.
4. CHAUVET DJ Geyser P7 Vertical Fog Machine
The CHAUVET DJ Geyser P7 is a vertical fog machine that shoots fog straight into the air while also featuring RGB LED lighting to color the fog for added dramatic effects. With DMX control, you can synchronize the fog and lighting effects with music or stage cues, making it perfect for concerts, nightclubs, theatrical performances, and Halloween displays. This machine is known for creating stunning pyrotechnic-like effects without the fire, making it safe for indoor and outdoor use.
- Fog Output: 25,000 CFM (vertical blasts)
- Tank Capacity: 2L
- Heat-Up Time: 5 minutes
- LED Lights: Yes (RGB)
- Remote Control: Yes (DMX control)
- Price: Around $600
Best For: Concerts, DJ events, nightclubs, and Halloween setups where you need vertical fog blasts combined with color-changing lights for a dynamic visual effect.
5. Froggy’s Fog Titan 1500 DMX Fog Machine
The Froggy’s Fog Titan 1500 is a professional fog machine built for continuous high-output fog. With DMX compatibility, this machine is perfect for large venues or theater productions that require heavy fog usage over long durations. It features a self-cleaning system that prevents clogging, ensuring a longer lifespan. The high fog output and large tank make it ideal for outdoor festivals, concerts, and haunted houses.
- Fog Output: 20,000 CFM
- Tank Capacity: 5L
- Heat-Up Time: 6 minutes
- Remote Control: Yes (DMX compatible)
- Price: Around $620
Best For: Outdoor festivals, theater productions, haunted houses, and concerts needing heavy fog output for extended periods.
6. CHAUVET DJ Hurricane 2000 Fog Machine
The CHAUVET DJ Hurricane 2000 is a high-output fog machine designed for large-scale productions like concerts, theater performances, and outdoor festivals. It offers 25,000 CFM of fog output, making it capable of filling large venues quickly. It also includes DMX control for automated fog bursts, and a timer remote to program fog output at precise intervals, making it ideal for automated stage setups.
- Fog Output: 25,000 CFM
- Tank Capacity: 2.5L
- Heat-Up Time: 4 minutes
- Remote Control: Yes (DMX control and timer)
- Price: Around $620
Best For: Concerts, outdoor events, and theater productions needing continuous, high-volume fog output with programmable intervals.
7. American DJ Entourage Haze Machine
The ADJ Entourage is a professional-grade haze machine perfect for concerts, theater productions, and large events. It creates a fine mist that enhances lighting effects without creating dense clouds of fog. The built-in road case adds durability and makes it easy to transport, while DMX control allows for precise adjustment of haze levels. It’s ideal for venues where continuous haze is needed to highlight stage lighting and effects.
- Fog Output: Continuous fine haze
- Tank Capacity: 2.5L
- Heat-Up Time: Instant
- Remote Control: Yes (DMX and manual control)
- Price: Around $650
Best For: Concerts, indoor events, and theater productions where haze is needed to enhance lighting without overwhelming the space.
8. Martin Magnum 2500 Hz Hazer
The Martin Magnum 2500 is a silent hazer designed for professional environments like theater performances, concerts, and indoor events. It creates a continuous, fine mist that enhances lighting without the noise or overwhelming clouds of a fog machine. This machine is known for its reliability and low fluid consumption, making it a cost-effective option for long-term use. With DMX control, it integrates seamlessly into professional lighting setups.
- Fog Output: Continuous fine haze
- Tank Capacity: 2.5L
- Heat-Up Time: Instant
- Remote Control: Yes (DMX compatible)
- Price: Around $650
Best For: Concerts, theater productions, and indoor events needing a quiet, continuous haze for lighting enhancement.
Key Features to Consider in Fog Machines Under $700
1. Fog Output (CFM)
- Machines in this range produce anywhere from 20,000 to 40,000 CFM, enough to fill large venues, theaters, or outdoor spaces with dense fog. Higher CFM means faster fog production and better coverage.
2. Tank Capacity
- Larger tanks, typically between 2L to 6L, allow for longer runtime without needing frequent refills. This is crucial for long events or productions requiring continuous fog output.
3. Heat-Up Time
- Heat-up times vary, with many machines taking between 2 to 6 minutes to be fully operational. Machines with faster heat-up times are ideal for situations where you need to quickly start or restart fog production.
4. DMX Compatibility
- DMX control is standard in this price range, allowing integration with lighting systems for precise automation of fog and lighting effects. This is ideal for concerts, theater shows, or professional setups where synchronization is key.
5. Vertical vs. Low-Lying Fog
- Machines like the CHAUVET DJ Nimbus or Froggy’s Fog Titan create low-lying fog that hugs the ground, perfect for weddings or theatrical performances. Vertical fog machines like the Geyser P7 shoot fog upward for dramatic effects combined with LED lighting.
6. Haze vs. Fog
- Haze machines like the Antari Z-350 or Martin Magnum 2500 Hz create a fine mist that enhances lighting without creating dense clouds. These are great for concerts, clubs, or events where subtle atmospheric effects are needed.
7. LED Lighting Integration
- Fog machines like the CHAUVET DJ Geyser P7 feature RGB LED lights to add a colorful element to fog bursts. This is especially useful for concerts, DJ shows, or Halloween events where lighting effects are crucial.
Maximizing Your Fog Machine’s Performance
- Use High-Quality Fog Fluid:
Always use high-quality fog or haze fluid to avoid clogging and ensure the best performance. Poor-quality fluids can damage your machine and reduce fog output. - Strategic Placement:
For low-lying fog, place your machine in cooler areas to prevent the fog from rising. Vertical fog machines should be positioned in open spaces for the best visual effect. - Enhance with Lighting:
Fog works best when combined with LED lighting or stage lights to create dramatic shadows, colors, and effects. Pair your fog machine with colored lights for a more immersive experience. - Use DMX for Automation:
With DMX control, you can automate fog bursts to synchronize with music, lighting, or stage cues, ensuring a smooth, professional performance without manual intervention.
For under $700, you can find fog machines that offer top-tier performance, large output, and advanced features like DMX control, LED lighting, and long runtime. Whether you need low-lying fog, vertical blasts with lighting effects, or continuous haze, the models listed here are built to handle professional events, theater productions, concerts, or large outdoor festivals with ease.