What is a smoke machine?

A smoke machine (also called a fogger) heats a water-based fluid and expels it as a dense, visible cloud. The output is thick, white, and opaque. It creates dramatic, short-burst effects — the kind of billowing clouds you see at the start of a concert or rising from a DJ booth.

The key characteristic: smoke from a fogger settles and dissipates. It creates a visual moment but does not hang in the air for long. In a well-ventilated venue, a burst of smoke will be gone within a minute or two.

Best for: Entrances and exits, dramatic reveal moments, Halloween effects, horror productions, and any application where you want a thick, visible, short-lived effect.

What is a haze machine?

A haze machine produces a much finer, more diffuse particle. Instead of a dense cloud, it creates a thin atmospheric layer that hangs in the air and makes light beams visible without obviously fogging the space.

The key characteristic: haze is persistent. A properly set up haze machine running at low output can maintain a consistent atmospheric layer throughout a show. It is the standard for making moving heads, lasers, and beam lighting look the way they do in professional productions.

Best for: Concert and live event lighting rigs, theatre productions, TV and film sets, nightclubs, and anywhere you want to make your lighting look professional without visible fog.

Can I use a smoke machine instead of a haze machine?

Technically yes, practically no. Smoke machines produce particles that are too large to stay suspended, meaning you would need constant bursts to maintain an atmosphere, which creates uneven density and is distracting in a show context. There is no substitute for a dedicated hazer if atmosphere for lighting is your goal.

What about fluid?

Both types require specific fluid: fog fluid for smoke machines, and haze fluid for hazers. These are not interchangeable. Using the wrong fluid will damage your machine and may void the warranty. We stock compatible fluids for all machines we sell.

Venue and safety considerations

Both smoke and haze can trigger fire alarms depending on the sensitivity of the system. Always notify your venue's fire warden before use. Optical detectors are much more likely to trigger than ion-type detectors. Many professional productions use temporary alarm isolation in consultation with the venue for the duration of the show.

Browse our smoke and haze machine range with options for every budget and application, available for delivery across New Zealand and Australia.