SurgeFX Tempest 3000W Professional Fog Machine

Who It's For

Touring Productions & Concert Stages — 40,000 cuft/min fills large stages and arenas with dense fog in seconds. The 4-minute warmup and continuous output mean you're never waiting between cues. DMX integration syncs fog bursts with your lighting rig.

Nightclubs & Dance Venues — Thick fog transforms lighting effects — beams cut through it, washes glow within it, lasers become visible shafts. Pair the Tempest with your existing stage lighting to turn dense fog into a dramatic visual canvas.

Haunted Attractions & Halloween Events — Massive, rapid fog coverage with timed intervals. Set the quantitative timer for automatic bursts at your preferred interval and volume — then let the Tempest run hands-free while actors work the scene.

Theater & Film Production — Consistent, even fog density without the reheat gaps common in lower-wattage machines. The dual temp control keeps output quality stable across multi-hour performances and long shoot days.

DJ & Mobile Event Production — Despite 3000W of power, the Tempest weighs just 16.5 lbs with ABS carry handles for easy transport. Wireless remote control lets you trigger fog from across the venue without running DMX cable.

3000W High-Output Heater

An industrial-grade heating element produces massive fog volume — 40,000 cubic feet per minute — with a directed spray distance of 23–33 ft (7–10 m) from the nozzle. The fog is dense, even, and consistent from the first burst to continuous operation.

Dual Temperature Control

The Tempest uses both electronic and mechanical temperature regulation. This dual system maintains optimal heater temperature during continuous operation — the machine keeps producing fog without the mid-show shutdowns that plague single-thermostat machines. Once warmed up, it runs.

4-Minute Warmup

From cold to firing in 4 minutes. Fast enough for last-minute setup changes and quick event turnarounds. The top-mounted heat dissipation slots keep the internals cool during extended runs, preventing thermal shutdown.

1.6-Gallon (6L) Fluid Tank

The oversized tank holds 1.6 gallons (6 liters) of fog fluid with a consumption rate of approximately 1 liter per hour at continuous output. That's roughly 6 hours of continuous fog on a full tank — enough for most events without a refill.

Triple Control Options

DMX512: Integrate directly into your lighting console for synchronized fog cues. Wireless Remote: Trigger fog from anywhere in the venue — no cable runs. On-Board Timer: Set spray interval and duration for automated, hands-free operation with quantitative output control.

Road-Ready Construction

High-quality ABS material housing with non-slip carry handles on both sides. Top-mounted heat dissipation slots with evenly arranged ventilation keep the internals cool during extended runs. Compact footprint at 11.6 × 9.8 × 10.6 in — fits in standard road cases and vehicle cargo areas.

In the Box

• SurgeFX Tempest 3000W Fog Machine
• Power Cord
• DMX Cable
• Wireless Remote Control

You'll Also Need

• Fog Fluid — Water-based fog fluid required. We recommend SurgeFX Nebula™ Fog Fluids for best results. Not included.

Complete the Effect

Nebula™ Fog Fluids →
Purpose-formulated water-based fog fluid designed for high-output machines like the Tempest. Clean-burning, residue-free, and optimized for dense, even fog output that doesn't clog pumps or heaters.

Stage Lighting →
Fog is a lighting multiplier — beams become visible shafts, washes become glowing clouds, and lasers cut dramatic lines through the atmosphere. Venue-wide lighting transforms the entire fog-filled space into a dramatic visual environment.

CO₂ Effects →
Layer fog and CO₂ for maximum impact. Fog provides persistent atmosphere and lighting enhancement, while CO₂ blasts deliver sharp, instant moments that punch through the fog layer. Two different effects, two different purposes — combined for depth.

Cold Spark FX →
Cold sparks through fog create a stunning visual effect — the sparks become more visible and defined against the atmospheric background. Fire sparks through Tempest fog for enhanced depth and drama.

Haze FX →
The Tempest produces thick, dramatic fog for high-impact moments. For subtle, persistent atmospheric haze between fog bursts, pair it with a dedicated haze machine running continuously at low output.

How quickly does it warm up?

Approximately 4 minutes from cold to ready. The heat indicator on the unit will signal when the heater has reached operating temperature and the machine is ready to fire.

Will it stop producing fog during a long show?

No — this is the Tempest's key advantage. The dual temperature control system (electronic + mechanical) keeps the heater at optimal temperature during continuous operation. Single-thermostat machines overheat and shut down for reheat cycles; the Tempest's dual system prevents this, maintaining consistent fog output through multi-hour performances.

What fog fluid should I use?

Use water-based fog fluid only. We recommend SurgeFX Nebula™ Fog Fluids — they're formulated for high-output machines and produce dense, clean fog without pump-clogging residue. Using non-water-based fluids, oil-based fluids, or low-quality alternatives can damage the pump and heater, and will void the warranty.

How long does a full tank last?

The 6-liter tank provides approximately 6 hours of runtime at continuous output (~1 L/hour consumption). Actual runtime depends on your output settings — shorter burst intervals use less fluid per hour than continuous maximum output.

Will it set off fire alarms?

Water-based fog can trigger smoke detectors — particularly photoelectric detectors in enclosed spaces. For indoor events, notify venue management and consider temporarily disabling detectors in the production area (with proper fire safety protocols in place). The fog itself is non-toxic and leaves no residue.

Can I use the timer for automated operation?

Yes. The on-board quantitative timer lets you set spray interval (time between bursts) and spray duration (length of each burst). Once programmed, the Tempest fires automatically at your set intervals — hands-free operation for haunted attractions, theater, or any application where manual triggering isn't practical.

Is this machine suitable for outdoor events?

Yes, though wind will disperse fog more quickly outdoors. For outdoor use, position the machine upwind of the target area and increase output settings to compensate for natural dissipation. The Tempest's 40,000 cuft/min output handles outdoor conditions better than lower-powered machines.

Need help choosing the right fog machine?

Browse our full Fog FX collection or call our team at (866) 577-8743 — we'll help you match the right machine to your venue size and production needs.

Position for Maximum Coverage

Place the Tempest on a flat, level surface with the nozzle aimed at the area you want to fill first. For stage coverage, position it upstage center and let the fog drift forward toward the audience. For dance floor coverage, place it at the edge and aim across the floor.

Use the Timer for Consistency

For events where you want persistent fog density without manual control, set the quantitative timer to fire short bursts at regular intervals. Start with 5-second bursts every 2–3 minutes and adjust based on how the fog holds in your venue. Smaller rooms need less; large venues with HVAC may need more frequent bursts.

Fluid Quality Matters

Cheap fog fluid produces thin, wispy output and leaves residue that clogs the pump over time. Nebula™ fog fluids are water-based, clean-burning, and produce noticeably denser fog at the same machine settings. The difference in output quality is immediately visible.

Ventilation Awareness

Dense fog in enclosed spaces reduces visibility and can trigger fire alarms. For indoor events, communicate with venue management about detector placement and ensure adequate airflow to prevent over-accumulation. Crack doors or use fans to control fog density if needed — it's easier to add more fog than to clear an over-fogged room.

Maintenance

After each use, run a small amount of distilled water through the machine to flush the pump and heater lines. This prevents fluid residue from building up inside the heating element and extends the machine's life significantly. Store upright in a dry environment.