How to choose the right smoke fluid

Choosing the right smoke fluid is more important than many people think. Smoke fluid not only determines how much smoke you see, but also how long it lingers, how dense it is, and what effect you create — from a light haze to thick fog or a CO2 plume.

Whether you want to enhance a light show, festival, theater production, photoshoot, or model train, the right smoke fluid ensures you get the desired result. This guide explains what smoke fluids are, how they work, the different types, and how to choose the perfect fluid for your application.

What is smoke fluid?

Smoke fluid is a liquid that is heated in a smoke machine, producing vapor (aerosol) that resembles smoke or mist.
Most modern smoke fluids are water-based and contain safe ingredients such as glycol or glycerin. Some special fluids are oil-based, which creates a longer-lasting effect.

It is important to know that smoke fluid itself is non-toxic, as long as you choose products of medical or food-grade quality, such as those used in professional shows and studios.

Tip: Always use smoke fluid suitable for your type of machine. Not every smoke machine is compatible with all fluids.

Different types of smoke fluid and their effects

There are several types of smoke fluids, each with their own properties and purposes. Below we discuss the main categories — from standard smoke to low fog and hazer fluids — including examples of professional products.

1. Standard smoke fluids

These are the most commonly used smoke fluids. They produce a medium-density smoke that dissipates slowly, suitable for parties, shows, DJ performances, and general use.
A good example is Global Deluxe Smoke Fluid, an all-round fluid that works in almost any smoke machine.

• Effect: medium smoke density, slow dissipating

• Use: indoor, events, club shows

• Advantage: versatile, residue-free

2. CO2 simulation smoke fluids

CO2 effects are powerful, fast, and spectacular — but liquid CO2 is expensive and cumbersome.
Smoke fluids that simulate CO2 give the same visual impact without gas bottles.

A standard choice is our CO2 Simulation Fluid, which creates a short, explosive plume that quickly disappears.
If you want even more powerful and realistic CO2 jets, Xtreme Jet Steam Smoke Fluid provides a stronger output and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

• Effect: short, thick plume, fast dissipating

• Use: events, festivals, theaters

• Advantage: safe alternative to CO2 gas

3. Hazer and light-effect smoke fluids

For light and laser shows, thick smoke is undesirable. You want a fine, long-lasting haze that makes light beams visible without obstructing vision.
Use a hazer smoke fluid, specially designed for hazers or fazers.

• Effect: light haze, long-lasting

• Use: theaters, clubs, studios

• Advantage: ideal for lasers and spotlights

Tip: Use Laser Smoke Fluid for laser shows — it creates a stable smoke layer where laser beams remain sharp, even outdoors with light wind.

4. Low fog smoke fluids

Low fog fluids are designed to be used in machines that actively cool the smoke so that it stays low over the floor. The fluid itself does not create low fog; the cooling process produces this effect.

Variants include:

• Heavy Low Fog Long – for large stages or outdoor locations, lasts extra long

• Heavy Low Fog Short – for smaller stages, dissipates faster

When used in a standard smoke machine, these fluids produce a normal smoke plume that is slightly denser and heavier than standard smoke.

5. Mini and handheld smoke fluids

For small portable smoke machines, such as SmokeGENIE, Lensgo Smoke B, or Ulanzi FILMOG Ace, special smoke fluids are needed that vaporize quickly and are safe for use in small spaces or near people.

Mini Fog Smoke Fluid is designed for this: made from medical and USP food-grade ingredients, completely safe, residue-free, and suitable for photography, film, cosplay, or even model trains with steam locomotives.

• Effect: white plumes, fast dissipating

• Use: indoor, creative applications

• Advantage: safe, odorless, non-toxic

6. Oil-based smoke fluids

Unlike most water-based fluids, some smoke fluids are oil-based. These produce a thicker, longer-lasting smoke, mainly used in film studios and theaters.

ME Smoke Oil is a professional example, an excellent alternative to MDG Neutral Fluid.

• Effect: dense, stable smoke

• Use: theater, film, long shows

• Advantage: long-lasting, consistent output

Tip: Use oil-based products only in machines that support them to prevent damage.

Indoor or outdoor use?

Not all smoke fluids work the same indoors and outdoors.
Indoors, lighter smoke that dissipates quickly is preferred so the space does not fill up (e.g., CO2 Simulation or Mini Fog).
Outdoors, more wind requires denser fluids that remain visible (e.g., Xtreme Jet Steam or Laser Smoke Fluid).

Tip: Always use fluids suitable for your environment. Some, like Xtreme Jet Steam, are designed for both indoor and outdoor use.

Tips for choosing smoke fluid

1. Look at the purpose: Do you want smoke for light beams, low fog, or CO2 effects?

2. Check your machine: Make sure your smoke machine works with water-based or oil-based fluid. Always use the correct fluid to avoid damage.

3. Consider dissipation time: How quickly the smoke disappears determines the effect.

4. Choose safe quality: Medical or food-grade fluids are healthier and leave no residue.

5. Test different types: Sometimes your machine performs better with a different fluid density.

Conclusion

Choosing the right smoke fluid depends on the effect you want, your smoke machine, and the conditions you are working in.
Hazer fluids are ideal for light shows, low fog fluids for stage floors, and CO2 simulation for powerful bursts.
Use water-based fluids for safe and clean use, and oil-based fluids for long-lasting effects in theater or film.

Whether you are a professional stage operator, photographer, or hobbyist with a model train, the right smoke fluid lets you get the most out of your equipment and creativity.