How Far Can a Flame Machine Shoot Flames?
, by Katy Chen, 9 min reading time
How Far Can a Flame Machine Shoot Flames?
You're planning a show and wondering if your flame effects will make an impact.
Will they reach the back row? Or worse – will they hit the ceiling?
Let's cut to the chase.
Most professional flame machines shoot between 3 to 10 meters (10 to 33 feet).
But that's just the short answer.
The real answer depends on several factors that can make or break your show.
What Factors Determine Flame Height?
Not all flame machines are created equal.
The distance your flames will reach depends on several key factors:
- Fuel Type - LPG (propane) typically produces taller flames than aerosol-based systems.
- Pressure Settings - Higher pressure equals higher flames, but requires proper safety protocols.
- Nozzle Design - Specialized nozzles can focus the flame for greater height or spread it for width.
- Machine Power - Higher wattage machines (180W+) generally produce more impressive flames.
- Environmental Conditions - Wind, humidity, and temperature all affect flame performance.
Understanding these variables is crucial when selecting the right flame machine for your event.
A small club needs different flame heights than an outdoor festival main stage.
Not Sure Which Flame Height You Need?
Our experts at Any Case Gear will help you select the perfect flame machine based on your venue size, ceiling height, and safety requirements.
Get a Free ConsultationTypes of Flame Machines & Their Ranges
Different flame machine types produce different flame heights.
Here's what you can expect from each:
Aerosol-Based Systems
Typical Height: 2-3 meters (6-10 feet)
Best For: Small venues, indoor events with lower ceilings, DJ booths
Pros: More affordable, easier to transport, simpler setup
Liquid Fuel Systems
Typical Height: 3-6 meters (10-20 feet)
Best For: Medium venues, theatrical performances, indoor concerts
Pros: Reliable flame height, potential for colored flames, moderate setup
LPG/Propane Systems
Typical Height: 5-10 meters (16-33 feet)
Best For: Large venues, outdoor festivals, arena shows
Pros: Maximum impact, impressive height, professional-grade effect
The key is matching the flame machine type to your specific venue requirements.
Using an LPG system with 10-meter flames in a venue with 5-meter ceilings is a recipe for disaster.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I've seen plenty of event companies make these costly errors:
What To Do
- Calculate ceiling clearance plus a 3-meter safety buffer
- Test flame height during setup before audience arrival
- Use DMX control for precise flame height management
- Have fire extinguishers and trained personnel present
- Match flame effect size to venue scale and audience distance
What Not To Do
- Assume bigger flames are always better (they're not)
- Ignore venue fire regulations and safety protocols
- Use the wrong fuel type for your specific machine
- Place flame machines too close to other equipment or materials
- Operate without proper training or certification
The biggest mistake? Thinking a 10-meter flame will work everywhere.
A massive flame effect at a small corporate event is like bringing a flamethrower to light a birthday candle.
Real-World Use Cases
Let's look at how flame height matters in different scenarios:
| Venue Type | Ideal Flame Height | Machine Type | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Club (3-4m ceiling) | 1-2 meters | Aerosol-based | Low ceiling clearance, proximity to audience |
| Theater Stage | 3-5 meters | Liquid fuel | Theatrical impact, sight lines, set design |
| Indoor Arena | 5-7 meters | LPG/Propane | Distance from audience, visibility from all seats |
| Outdoor Festival | 8-10 meters | High-power LPG | Wind conditions, maximum visual impact |
I once worked a festival where the promoter insisted on maximum flame height for a tent stage.
We had to explain that 10-meter flames in a 12-meter tent wasn't just overkill – it was a fire hazard.
We used 3-meter flames instead, and the crowd still went wild.
How to Choose the Right Flame Machine
Follow these steps to select the perfect flame machine for your event:
- Measure your venue's ceiling height and subtract at least 3 meters for safety clearance.
- Consider your audience distance – further audiences need taller flames to create impact.
- Check local fire regulations – some venues require specific certifications or won't allow certain fuel types.
- Determine power requirements – higher-powered machines need proper electrical support.
- Evaluate control needs – DMX control allows precise flame height management during performances.
Remember: the right flame machine isn't always the one with the tallest flames.
It's the one that creates the right impact for your specific event while maintaining safety.
Need Help Selecting the Perfect Flame Machine?
At Any Case Gear, we've helped hundreds of event companies find the ideal flame effect for their specific venue and audience requirements.
Browse Our Flame Machine SelectionThe Bottom Line on Flame Machine Height
So how far can a flame machine shoot flames? Anywhere from 3 to 10 meters, depending on the machine type and setup.
But the real question isn't "how high can it go?" but rather "what's the right height for your event?"
The perfect flame effect creates impact without compromising safety or overwhelming your venue.
At Any Case Gear, we've helped countless event companies find that sweet spot.
Whether you need subtle 2-meter flames for an intimate corporate event or massive 10-meter bursts for a festival main stage, we've got you covered.
Have questions about which flame machine is right for your next event? Reach out for a no-pressure consultation.
We'll help you find the perfect balance of impact, safety, and value.
