HOME » Event Planning Tips » Haze vs Fog vs Smoke: Dry Ice & CO2 Guide

Compare haze, smoke and fog, plus dry ice and CO2 effects. Learn what each looks like, when to use it, and venue/fire alarm considerations.

Is a smoke effect the same as a dry ice effect? What’s the difference between a CO2 Jett and a CO2 Cannon? How is Haze different to fog? 

We are often asked what the difference is between our Dry Ice, Smoke, Fog, Haze, and CO2 effects. After all, they are all designed to produce ‘smoke’, right? While this may be the case, the visual effect each one creates is very different. Which is why we’ve put together this definitive guide, explaining everything you need to know about their differences.

Haze Effect

What does a Haze Machine create? A haze machine creates a thin, atmospheric mist or haze in the air. Unlike smoke/fog machines that produce thick, opaque clouds, haze machines generate a more subtle and even haze that enhances lighting effects and visibility without obstructing the view.

The Haze Effect: As the haze-filled air spreads, it creates a uniform, translucent haze or mist that hangs in the air. This haze enhances the visibility of light beams, lasers, and other lighting effects by scattering and reflecting the light, making it more visible to the audience or camera.

Longevity: Unlike smoke/fog, which tends to dissipate quickly and can be quite dense, haze from a haze machine lingers in the air for a longer duration. This persistence allows for consistent atmospheric effects throughout a performance or event.

Safety: Haze produced by a haze machine is generally safe for indoor. It is designed to be non-toxic and non-irritating, making it suitable for use in most venues.

Overall, a haze machine creates a subtle, lingering mist in the air that enhances lighting effects, adds depth to visuals, and contributes to the overall atmosphere of a performance or event. This is best used with our Moving Head Lighting to get the most out of those lights.

Smoke / Fog Effect

What does a Smoke / Fog Machine create? A smoke machine, also known as a fog machine, creates a dense, opaque fog or smoke-like effect.

The Smoke Effect: As the smoke-filled air spreads, it creates thick, opaque clouds of smoke that can obscure visibility to varying degrees, depending on the density of the smoke and the airflow in the environment. This is what you might associate the effect with that you may have seen at a school disco or similar event.

Duration: Smoke effects from a smoke machine can last for a significant period, especially in controlled environments with minimal air movement.

Safety: Smoke produced by a smoke machine is typically safe for indoor use when used appropriately. However, it’s essential to consider ventilation and the potential impact on individuals with respiratory sensitivities. These machines are also likely to set off smoke alarms inside a venue.

Overall, a smoke machine creates dense clouds of smoke that can add drama, mystery, or ambiance to a performance, event, or film production. It can be used to create visually striking and immersive atmospheres, enhancing lighting effects, creating special effects, and setting the mood for different scenes.

Low Cloud / Dry Ice Effect

What does a Low Cloud or Dry Ice Machine create? The Low Cloud effect is created by combining Dry Ice with hot water in a special machine. Unlike haze or smoke machines, which produce mist or smoke, a dry ice machine generates a dense fog that stays close to the ground, creating an eerie and magical atmosphere.

The Cloud Effect: The dense fog generated by using Dry Ice is heavier than air, so it naturally flows downwards and hugs the ground, creating a low-lying fog effect, that is visually striking and can transform the atmosphere of a dance floor or stage. It adds a sense of mystery, enchantment, or drama, making it ideal for special moments or scenes that require a magical or otherworldly ambiance. Perfect at a wedding for the couples’ First Dance.

Duration: The effect produced by a dry ice machine will typically last just a few minutes. As the dry ice and hot water combine, the hot water gets cooled quickly which means the effectiveness of the machine will diminish. Typically this can last about 3-5 minutes. However, we can create longer lasting effects with the use of multiple machines.

Safety Considerations: While dry ice fog is generally safe when used properly, precautions should be taken to ensure adequate ventilation, especially in enclosed spaces.

Overall, a dry ice machine creates a captivating low-lying fog effect that adds a touch of enchantment and drama to moments. We only recommend this for indoor use.

What about CO2 Cannons, Jets and Guns ? What’s the difference?

CO2 Gun, CO2 Jet, and CO2 Cannon are terms used to describe different types of devices that emit bursts of compressed carbon dioxide (CO2) gas for special effects purposes. While they all serve similar functions, there are distinctions in their design, size, portability, and the scale of the effects they create.

CO2 Gun

A CO2 Gun is a handheld device that emits a directed burst of CO2 gas. It is usually operated manually by a performer or operator, allowing for precise control over when and where the CO2 burst occurs. CO2 guns are commonly used at private events, live performances, concerts, nightclubs, and events where performers want to create dynamic and interactive effects by shooting CO2 bursts into the air or towards the audience.

These devices are portable, easy to handle, and offer flexibility in creating visual impact on a smaller scale. This is a popular effect for weddings and other parties looking to add some energy during dancing time.

CO2 Jet

A CO2 Jet is a device that emits a focused stream or burst of CO2 gas in a specific direction. Unlike a CO2 gun, a CO2 jet may be handheld or mounted in a fixed position. CO2 jets are often used by stage performers, DJs, and entertainers to create dynamic bursts of fog or smoke effects directly from the device’s nozzle. They can be controlled manually or integrated into automated systems for synchronised effects with music, lighting, and other elements of the performance.

CO2 jets are versatile and can be used in various entertainment settings, including private events, concerts, clubs, theatrical productions, and special events.

CO2 Cannon

A CO2 Cannon is a larger and more powerful device that releases a substantial burst or cloud of CO2 gas. CO2 cannons are typically mounted in fixed positions or integrated into stage setups. They are designed to create impressive and dramatic fog effects that cover a larger area, adding depth and atmosphere to stage productions, concerts, festivals, and major events.

CO2 cannons can be controlled remotely or programmed into automated systems for synchronised and impactful fog effects. Due to their larger size and output, CO2 cannons are ideal for creating immersive fog effects on a larger scale, enhancing the overall visual experience of a performance or event.

As you can see, the main differences between CO2 Guns, CO2 Jets, and CO2 Cannons lie in their size, portability, method of operation, and the scale of the fog or smoke effects they produce. CO2 Guns and Jets are handheld or mounted devices used for smaller-scale and interactive effects, while CO2 Cannons are larger, fixed or mounted devices designed for creating more substantial and immersive fog effects in stage productions and events.

In conclusion, despite their common goal of producing ‘smoke’, each effect, whether it be haze, fog, smoke, dry ice, and CO2, creates a distinct visual impact. Haze machines generate a subtle mist that enhances lighting effects, while smoke machines produce dense clouds for dramatic ambiance. Dry ice machines create low-lying fog for a magical atmosphere, and CO2 devices, including guns, jets, and cannons, offer varying levels of control and scale in producing fog or smoke effects.

Understanding these differences is crucial for selecting the right atmospheric effect to enhance the overall atmosphere and visual experience of performances and events.

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