Using a fog machine in 5 steps:
- Fill the tank with fog liquid while the machine is switched off.
- Connect the wired remote to the machine.
- Switch on the machine.
- Wait about 5 minutes for the red ready light on the wired remote to come on.
- Press the remote button. You get about 17 to 18 seconds of fog, then the machine pauses to reheat. Press again when the red light comes back on.
That is the whole routine. A fog machine makes laser and beam lights show up as real lines in the air, adds atmosphere to a first dance, and turns a plain stage into something people want to film. Below, we go through each step, the remotes, refills, and what to check if something seems off.
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Before you switch on: three simple rules
These come straight from the instructions Mr Jayantha, our owner, sends with every machine.
- Keep the switch off while you set up. Fill the tank first, then switch on.
- Never run it without fog liquid. Running dry damages the pump and burns the heater.
- Use only good-quality, water-based fog liquid. Poor-quality liquid is the most common reason a heater gets blocked, and it voids the warranty.
Also, use the plug the machine came with, from a proper socket. Event gear can be damaged when the original plug is cut off and the wires are connected straight to the power.
Check with the venue first, some have smoke detectors.
Warm-up and the ready light
The machine needs time to heat up before it can make fog. Plan for about 5 minutes, and go by the light: the machine is ready when the red light on the wired remote comes on. The exact time can differ from machine to machine.
Pressing the button before the red light is on will not give you fog. So switch on early, well before the couple walks in or the DJ starts.
| Machine | Good for |
|---|---|
| 500W Fog Machine | Small rooms, karaoke, home parties |
| 600W RGB Fog Machine | DJ parties, coloured fog |
| 900W Fog Machine | Weddings, mid-size halls |
| 1000W Fog Machine | Weddings, mid-size events |
| 1500W Fog Machine | Large stages, outdoor shows |
For prices and to compare all models, see our fog machines page.
Standard fog machines do not make low fog, the kind that stays close to the floor. The fog rises and spreads into the room.
Why the fog comes in bursts
This is the question we hear most after a delivery.
Last August, a customer messaged us the day his machine arrived. The fog ran for about 15 seconds, stopped, and started again a minute or two later. He wanted to know if something was wrong.
Nothing was wrong. Our fog machines have a thermostat that protects the heater from overheating. When you hold the button, the machine gives about 17 to 18 seconds of fog, then stops and heats up again. As Mr Jayantha told that customer: "It would work again after the red light is on."
So the rhythm is: burst, pause, red light, burst again. There is no time limit on using it through the night. It just needs a short rest between bursts.
Using that rhythm at an event:
- First dance: Give a few bursts just before the couple steps onto the floor, so the room already has atmosphere when they arrive.
- DJ night: Give short bursts on the big moments. The fog hangs in the air and catches the laser lights and PAR lights between bursts.
- Stage show: Time bursts for entrances and reveals, and use the pause for quieter parts.
Wired remote vs wireless remote
Most of our fog machines come with two remotes: a wired remote and a wireless remote. The wired remote has the red ready light and is the simplest way to run the machine.
The 600W RGB Fog Machine comes with three: a wired remote, a wireless remote for the fog and a separate wireless remote for the coloured LEDs. What comes in the box can differ from model to model, so check the product page or ask us on WhatsApp before you order.
- Wired remote: Best when you are near the machine, for example at the DJ table. The ready light is right in front of you.
- Wireless remote: Best when the machine is behind the stage or across the dance floor and you want to fire it from where you stand.
Can I use it without a remote? The 900W, 1000W and 1500W machines have a manual switch on the machine, so you can still make fog without the remote. If you have lost your remote, WhatsApp us and we will sort out a replacement.
Refilling
When the fog gets weaker or stops, check the tank first. Often it is just empty.
- Switch the machine off.
- Pour fog liquid into the tank. The 900W's tank holds 1 litre.
- Make sure the liquid pipe inside the tank sits in the liquid.
- Switch on, wait for the red light, and carry on.
How much to buy: our fog liquid comes in Strawberry and Apple, in 1L, 2L, 4L and 5L cans. Most customers buy the 2L. On the 600W, one litre gives about 200 shots, which is enough for one night.
For a long event, keep a spare can next to the machine. Running out halfway through is no fun, and running dry damages the machine. If liquid is left over in the tank after the event and it is still clear, you can use it again.
Water won't make fog. Use proper fog liquid only.
Simple fault checks
Most "it's not working" messages are solved in a couple of minutes. Check these in order.
- No lights at all. Check the plug, the socket and the machine's power switch. Try another socket.
- On, but nothing happens when I press. Wait for the red light. If you switched on less than about 5 minutes ago, it is still heating. Check the remote cable is pushed in properly.
- Fog for a few seconds, then it stops. That is the normal burst and reheat cycle. Wait for the red light and press again.
- Humming, but no fog, and the tank level is not going down. The heater is most likely blocked. Poor-quality liquid is the usual cause. Please do not open the machine. WhatsApp us and we'll walk you through cleaning.
- Wireless remote does nothing, wired one works. Use the wired remote for the event and WhatsApp us afterwards.
- Fog is weak and thin. Check the liquid level and that you are using proper fog liquid. If it stays weak, WhatsApp us.
Keep your hands clear of the nozzle while the machine heats up: it gets very hot. If the pump hums but no fog comes out after the ready light is on, switch off and let the machine cool, then contact JDN before attempting any cleaning.
When to WhatsApp JDN
Over 2,000 customers buy their event gear from us, and we have delivered over 20,000 cans of fog liquid. Most of the questions in this guide reach us on WhatsApp first, so please message us at 077 665 7788 when:
- Your machine has just arrived. Give us a call and Mr Jayantha will explain how to use it. In his words: "I will tell you how to operate the machine accurately."
- You have done the checks above and it still is not working. Send a short video of what happens when you press the remote.
- Your machine needs cleaning. WhatsApp us and we'll walk you through cleaning.
- You think a part has failed, such as the pump or heater. Please do not open the machine yourself. We handle repairs.
- Your machine is under warranty. JDN fog machines come with a 6-month warranty. Keep your warranty card.
- You need a refill or are not sure which size suits you.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a fog machine take to heat up?
A JDN fog machine takes about 5 minutes to heat up. The exact time can differ from machine to machine, so wait for the red light on the wired remote to come on. Press the fog button only after the red light is on.
Why does my fog machine stop after a few seconds?
This is normal. A thermostat protects the heater from overheating. The machine gives about 17 to 18 seconds of fog, then pauses to heat up again. When the red light on the remote comes back on, press the button for the next burst.
Can I use a fog machine without a remote?
Yes, on some models. The JDN 900W, 1000W and 1500W fog machines have a manual switch on the machine. If you have lost your remote, contact JDN on WhatsApp at 077 665 7788 for a replacement.
How much fog liquid do I need for one event?
On the JDN 600W, one litre gives about 200 shots of fog, which is enough for one night. Most customers buy the 2L can. JDN fog liquid comes in Strawberry and Apple, in 1L, 2L, 4L and 5L cans.
Can I use a fog machine at a hotel or hall?
Check with the venue first, because some venues have smoke detectors. Ask them before the event and agree where the machine can go.
My fog machine hums but makes no smoke. What is wrong?
If the pump hums but no fog comes out and the liquid level is not going down, the heater is most likely blocked. This usually happens after using poor-quality fog liquid. Do not open the machine. Contact JDN on WhatsApp at 077 665 7788 and we'll walk you through cleaning.
What warranty do JDN fog machines have?
JDN fog machines come with a 6-month warranty. Using poor-quality fog liquid voids the warranty. Keep your warranty card and contact JDN on WhatsApp at 077 665 7788 if the machine has a problem.