What’s the Best Smoke Machine, Hazer or Fazer for Me?
Smoke machines, as well as hazers and fazers, come in various shapes and sizes. We’ve got one for any kind of party and, in this Buyer’s Guide, we help you to pick out the one that’s perfect for you by answering a number of frequently asked questions. If you can’t find the answer to your question here, feel free to contact us!
How It Works | Fazer/Hazer | Smoke Fluid | How Long? | Operation | Low Mist | Flame Effect | Safety | Setting Up | More
1. How does a smoke machine work?
Smoke machines are equipped with a built-in heater. When smoke fluid is pumped past or through it, the heat evaporates the liquid, so it’s actually not smoke that comes out of a smoke machine, but steam.
2. What are fazers and hazers?
A fazer is basically a smoke machine with a built-in fan that continuously helps spread a thin mist. Fazers are great for making light beams visible and as such, add an extra dimension to light shows. They’re also compatible with the same smoke fluid or fog juice used for standard smoke machines.
Just like fazers, hazers also have an on-board fan. Here, the speed of the fan can be very accurately set and, once the hazer has warmed up, it offers continuous performance. Please note that hazers often require special haze fluid.
3. What kind of smoke fluid do I need?
For both smoke machines and fazers, you can use either light, medium or heavy smoke fluid. These three types indicate the density of the smoke. Hazers generally require special fluid, which is why we advise you to use the haze fluid that has been recommended by the manufacturer of your hazer.
4. Can I use my smoke machine continuously for long periods of time?
Smoke machines and fazers need to warm up in between use and while they do so, do not produce any smoke. The length of the warm-up time differs from model to model, and more information can be found in the product specifications listed on each product page. As mentioned, hazers are actually able to continuously produce smoke without needing to warm up again during the process.
5. How do I operate a smoke machine?
So you can use it, most smoke smokes come including a remote control that will either be wired or wireless. In some cases, however, a matching wireless remote is sold separately. Some models even feature a DMX connection and can be controlled using a DMX lighting controller.
6. How do I create low-lying fog?
You can do this using a low fogger; a special smoke machine that cools the smoke with dry ice before it’s pumped out of the machine. Since the smoke is immediately cooled, it doesn’t rise into the air but stays low to the ground.
7. How can I get a flame-thrower effect using a smoke machine?
Some smoke machines feature an LED ring around the output nozzle so you can add colour to the smoke. Select yellow and orange to create a special flame-thrower style effect.
8. What risks come with using a smoke machine?
Any smoke that has just been blown out of a smoke machine can be extremely hot, so never aim your smoke machine towards the audience from up close! Also, after extended use, hot drops of condensation can fall from the nozzle, which is why smoke machines are never suspended above the audience. Finally, it’s worth mentioning that smoke machines can cause smoke detectors to go off, so always make sure that your smoke machine isn’t set up too close to any detectors.
9. What’s the best place to put my smoke machine?
Most smoke machines can be placed on the floor, either flat or at a slight angle, or suspended. Again, never aim the hot smoke at your audience from close range and be aware that hot drops of condensation may fall from the nozzle. Never suspend your smoke machine above a crowd of people.
Fazers and hazers aren’t really built for suspended installation and installing them like this might even affect their performance. Instead, it’s recommended to place your hazer or fazer on a flat, stable surface. This can even be on the floor, since the built-in fan will make sure that the smoke is spread properly regardless.
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Smoke Machines
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DMX Controllers
Smoke Fluid
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Fans
Couplers & Clamps
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