Atmospheric Snow Machines such as the Elation Crisp , Elation Crisp Max, ADJ VF Snow Flurry Ho,  ADJ VF Flurry, ADJ Entour Snow and Chauvet DJ SM250 are manufactured by theatrical lighting companies and are primarily intended for use at theatrical events to produce the atmospheric effect of snow falling from the sky. A great use for an atmospheric snow machine would be in a stage production where you are trying to create the effect of snow for a wintery, snowy scene. These snow machines will create the look of snowflakes in the air. You can manipulate the size and speed of the snow flake production to make a heavy snow or a light snow. Outside of theatrical and stage events, we also find many people using snow machines for live events such as weddings, parties, and parades.

Will snow accumulate on the ground with an atmospheric snow machine? No, snow will not accumulate on the ground with an atmospheric snow machine. The snow is intended to create an “atmospheric effect” meaning that there will be snow flakes in the air. The snow will not however accumulate on the ground. These snow machines are not meant for any outdoor winter activities such as a snowball fight, sledding, skiing, snowshoeing, etc.

How much fluid do I need to run the snow machine?

• Each snow machine will have specifications that indicate the type of snow fluid to be used with that specific snow machine. Please make sure you use the correct fluid.
• You will then need to determine how long you want to run the snow machine and the output desired. For determining how long you want to run the machine, you will want to look at the “output” or the “fan speed adjustment”. For instance, if you run a machine at 100% capacity, then it will generate snow at 100% of capacity. If you run the machine at 50% capacity, then it will generally speaking create 50% of the snow as would 100% output thus doubling the amount of time that the fluid will last.
• Some machines also let you adjust the size of the snow, which can be determined as the “snow adjustment.”

As per the manufacturer, the Elation Crisp Max and the Elation Crisp will run for 30 minutes at 100% capacity or will run for 60 minutes at 50% capacity with 20 liters of snow. You can use the APS-2L (2 liters), APS-4L (4 liters), APS-20L (20 liters), ALS-1LC (20 liters via concentrate), or APS-4LC (80 liters via concentrate) with the Elation Crisp and Crisp Max.

The ADJ VF Snow Flurry Ho will consume 430ml/minute at 100% output. The ADJ VF Snow Flurry Ho uses the ADJ Snow Gal (1 gallon) of snow fluid. The are 3,785 milliliters in a gallon. This means that at 100% capacity 1 gallon of ADJ Snow Gal will run for 8.8 minutes and at 50% capacity will run for 17.6 minutes.

The ADJ VF Flurry will consume 200ml/minute at 100% output. The ADJ VF Flurry also utilizes the ADJ Snow Gal (1 gallon) of snow fluid. At 100% output, the ADJ VF Flurry will run for 18.9 minutes and at 50% output the ADJ VF Flurry will run for 37.85 minutes.

The ADJ Entour Snow will consume 500ml/minute at 100% output. The ADJ Entour Snow also utilizes the ADJ Snow Gal snow fluid. At 100% output, the ADJ Entour Snow will run for 7.5 minutes and at 50% output will run for 15 minutes.

The Chauvet SM250 uses the Chauvet DJ SJU snow machine fluid, which is a 3.8 Liter container. The Chauvet SM250 will consume 580ml/minute so at 100% capacity. The 3.8 liter SJU contains 3800 milliliters of fluid so will run for 6.5 minutes at 100% capacity and 13.1 minutes at 50% capacity.

How do I clean a snow machine?

Do not allow the snow machine to become clogged. After every 40 hours of continuous operation, use clean water through the system to prevent the accumulation of particulate matter in the pump. The recommended cleaning procedure is as follows. 

1. Unplug the product from power. 

2. Empty all snow fluid from the machine.

3. Add clean water to the tank. 

4. Connect the product to power and allow it to warm up. 

5. Run the unit in a well-ventilated area until the tank is almost empty. Do not allow the pump to run dry. 

6. Refill with snow fluid to continue using the snow machine. 

Run the machine briefly to clear any remaining water from the pump. Before storing the snow machine, run clean water through the system as described in the cleaning procedure above; however, only follow steps 1 through 5. Do not refill the tank with snow fluid if storing the snow machine. Cleaning the system prior to storage will help prevent any particles from condensing inside the pump while not in use. Do Not operate the machine without fluid at any time.

How high in the air will the snow project?

Please check the manufacturer’s specifications to see the snow height output and the snow distance output. Not all manufacturers will post this information. The Elation Crisp Max, Elation Crisp and ADJ Entour Snow have the best snow height output (32.8ft/10meters) and snow distance output (39.3ft/12 meters) of the snow machines discussed in this article.

Will the snow stain the carpet? Or create a slipping hazard?

The snow is a water-based fluid and should not stain carpeting. This being said, please test the machine in a small area first to make sure that you are okay with the results. The snow fluid, when it lands on the ground, will create some moisture which could generate a slipping hazard. The snow fluid does dissipate fairly quickly.

Will the snow coming out of the machine be cold?

No, the snow generated from the snow machines is not cold. The snow is generated from a water-based formula.

Can I use the snow machine outside?

Warning! To prevent or reduce the risk of electrical shock or fire, do not expose this unit to rain or moisture. Also, most of these machines can be used up to a temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit, but please check your exact machine for temperature specifications.

Are the snow machines noisy?

The sound levels produced by each specific snow machine do vary. This being said most of the snow machines make a quiet noise akin to the sound of a hair dryer being used at a high setting.

Hopefully you have enjoyed this recap of atmospheric snow machines. Please feel free to visit us at Knight Sound & Lighting (www.goknight.com) to discuss your snow machine needs. We offer a full line of products for commercial lighting control, theatrical lighting, and pro sound.