Thread: Last minute fogger advice

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Please help. Any advice on a higher end fogger? I'm looking to spend up to about $500 and I'm debating between a few. I like the idea of a 40,000CFM fogger (wow), but is it too much and how hard is it to cool that much fog at once? I've got a huge front yard on a corner lot so it's going to be damn hard to make TOO much fog... plus it's generally breezy here so a lot of it gets wisped away. I'm planning on making a coffin cooler so I'll be using 100+ lbs of ice to cool it. I'm looking at:

Omnisistem DF-3000 - 3000w and 40k CFM - $499

Antari Z-1500 II - 1500w and 20k CFM - $499

DL-3000 - 3000w and 40k CFM - $399 (somewhat concerned about this one since only one place I can find sells it)

Chauvet Hurricane 1800 - 1800w and 25k CFM - $299

Looking at other posts I also see that several people here use (and like) the VEI machines from Minions Web. I'd be interested in hearing about these foggers as well or any other high output foggers.

Also looking for recomendations on fluid.

Thanks in advance.

I heard the VEI machines aren't up to par as other machines so stay away from those.

Fog Fluid recommendation Froggy's Fog definitely you can get Freezin' fog which is capaple for a chilled low lying affect, then there's Swamp Juice this is the thickest, long lasting fog juice money you can buy long hang times, and will disperse all over the Neighborhood, especially those high end expensive foggers you're going to buy.

Thanks. I was leaning towards Froggy's anyway. I've heard nothing but good about them. I'm just hoping I don't have to get the 55gal. drum!!

Check the interval and duration on the Chavet controls. I just got a Chavet 1300, and was surprised the FASTEST interval was 50 seconds. So either I have to turn the duration up (meaning move volume thru the cooler, less time to cool), or put up with fog that dissipates before the next cycle.

American DJ remotes appear to cycle as fast as 30 seconds, much better.

I've not looked at the upper end units you are evaluating though, so maybe the remotes are better.

I purchased a VEI V-3000 this year and I've since sold my 1000W MBT and Chauvet 1700 foggers. The VEI makes LOTS of fog.

To be honest, I wouldn't get hung up on the specs as there really isn't any sort of standard in the industry. No one can really tell you what XX,000 CFM really means. (Least I haven't found any meaningful specs.)

One caution I would offer is check the specs carefully. Some of those larger machines may not run properly on a regular 15A household circuit. And sometimes the ratings and output are different if you run it on 120 vs. 220. I'd be really careful there. My old Chauvet Hurricane 1700 would not run on a 15A breaker, it needed a 20A. Most 1000W machines will run on a 15A breaker no problems. I'd be a little hesitant if someone told me that a 3000W machine would also run on a 15A breaker. The more power you are using ot create fog, the more power you need from the outlet.

The Chauvet is not 1800W, its only 1,364W max according to the manual.
I'd be skeptical of the Omnisistem being a full 3000W if it will run on a 15A household breaker.
If the Antari is a full 1500W it would be similar in output to the Chauvet.
And I've never heard of the DL-3000. Same as the Omnisistem though, I'd be skeptical of the 3000W claim.

What I can tell you is I fogged a space that was 40' wide by 50' deep to a depth of over 6 feet of fog with the VEI V3000 in 1 minute and 30 seconds. I completely obscured 2 cars and most of 2 other cars.

The thread about the machine with photos is here: New Fogger testing and review. VEI V3000

I like the V3000 enough that I sold my other foggers off already. I've used it in a professional haunt 2 nights already, set on constant fogging for 4 hours and 6 hours at 10% output. We filled the rooms we needed to, and I'm still using the first gallon of Juice that I put into it. So far, I haven't even bothered with the digital timer functions or the wireless remote it came with. I set the output volume and lock the fogger on continuously. In the thread I linked to the fogger was running at 50% output and it was in continuous mode. (Which means there are no reheat cycles) It will not do 100% output continuously, but being able to run the fog without a break is fantastic. I dont need to shoot a big burst on the timer as I'm not depending on that burst to linger while the machine reheats.

I just bought a smaller machine American DJ 1700HD. Haven't received it yet so can't comment on it's actual performance. I've heard good things about the VEI 3000. Hauntedfog had one the other day for $359. My old VEI 700w model is rated at 3300 cu ft min. I have a hard time believeing some of the claims of 30,000 and 40,000 outputs from 3 and 4x hotter heaters.
BTW power is ALWAYS voltage times current (120v x 10A = 1200w) The fuse current also has to account for the pump, and such. Bigger heater power number than fuse current allows is perpetual motion.

If you're willing to put $500 into it, you should look at LeMaitre (lee-may-ter). Top of the line entertainment industry gear.

Thanks for all the input. I ended up ordering the VEI V-3000 for $359. Should arrive next week.
CountZero... special thanks to you. If I had ended up ordering another type, I was planning on shipping it to you and having you do a side-by-side test since you mentioned it in your other post. You seem to the the authority on foggers!

I think you are going to be really happy with that fogger. Its a beast. Hopefully you will have the correct timer manual with it when it arrives. If not, PM me your E-Mail address and I'll forward over the correct manual for the timer.

Honestly though, since I got mine, I really haven't used the timer functions at all. Its just much easier to set it up to run continuously and just let the fog roll.

I was thinking of doing the same... just let it go constantly. From what I saw on your posts, I'm thinking that it should create enough for for what I'm after... all depends on the wind I suppose.
And thanks for the offer on the manual. When I called Haunted Fog, they said they were including the new/updated manual, so I'm thinking that you talking to them spurred them into including the right one.