Whether you are a filmmaker chasing a cinematic atmosphere, a photographer building a striking portfolio, or a couple planning the perfect gender reveal, coloured smoke is one of the most versatile — and visually dramatic — tools you can add to your kit. But not every smoke grenade is the same. Choosing the wrong size, colour, or quantity can mean wasted budget, underwhelming results, or a reshoot nobody wanted.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the two most popular consumer-grade coloured smoke products on the market — the Enola Gaye EG18 and the Enola Gaye EG25 — so you can pick the right smoke for your project, plan your shot with confidence, and get it right the first time.

At SPFX Supply, we stock both models in every available colour and ship across Canada from our warehouse in Toronto. Let’s get into it.

What Is Coloured Smoke and How Does It Work?

Coloured smoke grenades are consumer-grade pyrotechnic devices that produce a dense, vibrant cloud of non-toxic, water-based dye smoke when ignited. Unlike theatrical fog machines that create a translucent haze, smoke grenades generate an opaque, richly saturated plume that holds its colour on camera and in photographs.

Each unit uses a simple wire-pull ignition system — no lighters, matches, or electrical igniters required. You pull a ring, the fuse lights, and within a few seconds a steady stream of coloured smoke begins to pour from the canister. The smoke dissipates naturally in the open air and does not leave permanent residue on most surfaces, though the dye can temporarily stain skin and light-coloured clothing.

Both the EG18 and EG25 are manufactured by Enola Gaye, a UK-based pyrotechnics company that has become the global standard for coloured smoke in film, photography, and events. Their products are used on Hollywood sets, in international advertising campaigns, and at thousands of events every year.

Enola Gaye EG18: The Full-Size Smoke Grenade

Price: ~$20–25 CAD per unit Burn Time: Approximately 90 seconds Ignition: Wire-pull Output: High-density, large-volume smoke plume Available Colours: Red, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, Purple, Pink, White, Black (9 colours)

Shop EG18 Smoke Grenades at SPFX Supply

The EG18 is the workhorse of professional coloured smoke. If you have seen coloured smoke in a music video, a feature film, or a high-end commercial, there is a very good chance it was an EG18.

Why Choose the EG18?

Volume and density. The EG18 produces a thick, expansive cloud that fills the frame — even on wide-angle lenses. It delivers enough smoke to cover a large area, wrap around vehicles, roll across open fields, or create a wall of colour behind a subject.

90-second burn time. A minute and a half gives directors and photographers meaningful working time. You can call action, let the smoke build, shoot multiple angles, and still have smoke in the frame. For film and video work, this extended burn is invaluable because it allows for multiple takes or continuous coverage without needing to reset.

Nine colours. The EG18 colour range covers virtually any creative brief. Need a moody atmosphere? Black or white. Vibrant energy? Orange, pink, or yellow. Team colours for a sports promo? Mix and match.

Best Use Cases for the EG18

• Film and television production — establishing shots, action sequences, atmospheric backgrounds
• Music videos — dynamic performance shots, colour-themed visual concepts
• Large outdoor photography — fashion editorials, automotive shoots, band promos
• Commercial advertising — product launches, brand campaigns, festival marketing
• Paintball and airsoft — tactical smoke screens and game effects

How Many EG18 Units Do You Need?

For a single subject in a medium shot, one EG18 is often enough. For wide shots, environmental coverage, or video work where you need sustained smoke, plan for 3 to 6 units per setup. Professionals often ignite multiple grenades simultaneously — spaced apart — to create layered, dimensional smoke that looks natural and fills the scene evenly.

Enola Gaye EG25: The Mini Smoke Grenade

Price: ~$12–15 CAD per unit Burn Time: Approximately 50 seconds Ignition: Wire-pull Output: Moderate density, controlled smoke plume Available Colours: Multiple colours available, including Pink and Blue for gender reveals

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The EG25 is the compact, budget-friendly alternative to the EG18. It produces a smaller, more controlled plume of smoke — which, depending on your project, might actually be exactly what you want.

Why Choose the EG25?

Smaller output, more control. Not every shot calls for a massive cloud of smoke. The EG25 produces enough colour to create a vivid accent without overwhelming your subject. For portrait photography, the EG25 often strikes the ideal balance: visible, photogenic smoke that enhances the image without hiding your model.

Lower price point. At roughly $12–15 CAD per unit, the EG25 lets you experiment with multiple colours, run several setups, or buy in bulk for events without stretching the budget. For a gender reveal party, a set of EG25 units costs significantly less than a set of EG18s and still delivers the "wow" moment.

Easier handling. The smaller canister is lighter and more comfortable to hold — an important consideration when your subject (who may not be a trained actor or crew member) needs to hold the device on camera.

Best Use Cases for the EG25

• Portrait and engagement photography — handheld smoke accents, colour pops behind couples
• Gender reveal events — the go-to choice for that unforgettable pink or blue reveal
• Smaller outdoor events — birthday parties, grad photos, social media content
• Tighter shooting locations — backyards, urban alleys, rooftops
• Content creators and influencers — short-form video, Instagram Reels, TikTok

How Many EG25 Units Do You Need?

For a portrait session, 2 to 4 units gives you enough coverage for several setups with different colours or positions. For a gender reveal, most people go with 2 to 4 units of the same colour (pink or blue) so the smoke is visible and dramatic in photos and videos.

EG18 vs EG25: Side-by-Side Comparison

The short version: If you are working on a professional production or need heavy, sustained smoke, go with the EG18. If you are shooting portraits, planning a gender reveal, or working in a smaller space, the EG25 is your pick.

Gender Reveal Smoke: Pink & Blue EG25 Units

Shop Gender Reveal Smoke at SPFX Supply

Gender reveal smoke has become one of the most popular ways to announce a baby’s sex, and for good reason — it photographs beautifully, it creates genuine excitement, and it gives you a moment that looks as good on camera as it feels in person.

SPFX Supply carries specifically packaged EG25 units in pink and blue designed for gender reveals. These are the same reliable Enola Gaye EG25 product, but labelled and packaged for the occasion.

Tips for a Great Gender Reveal with Smoke

• Buy extras. We recommend at least 2–4 units so the smoke is clearly visible in photos and video. One grenade can look subtle; two or more create the dramatic cloud people remember.
• Designate a photographer or videographer. You only get one take at the genuine reaction. Make sure someone is capturing it.
• Choose an open outdoor space. Parks, backyards, and fields all work well. Avoid areas near dry grass or brush.
• Check the wind. Stand so the wind carries the smoke behind or beside you, not directly into your face. More on wind strategy below.
• Coordinate the pull. Have both partners pull their smoke grenades simultaneously for a symmetric, photogenic cloud.

Safety Information: What You Need to Know

Coloured smoke grenades are pyrotechnic devices, and they deserve respect. While the EG18 and EG25 are consumer-grade products designed for safe, supervised use, following basic safety guidelines protects you, your subjects, your crew, and the environment.

Essential Safety Rules

1. Outdoor use only. Never ignite a smoke grenade indoors, inside a vehicle, or in any enclosed or poorly ventilated space. The smoke is dense and will fill a room almost instantly, creating a breathing hazard and potentially triggering fire alarms or sprinkler systems.

2. Fire hazard awareness. The smoke canister gets hot during use. Do not place an active grenade directly on dry grass, leaves, wooden decks, or any flammable surface. Hold the device by its body (which is designed to be safe to grip) or place it on a non-flammable surface such as concrete, gravel, or a metal plate.

3. Keep away from face and eyes. The dye in coloured smoke can cause irritation if inhaled directly or if it contacts eyes. Position yourself upwind so the smoke drifts away from you. If working with talent or event guests, brief them on this before ignition.

4. Supervise children. Smoke grenades should only be ignited by adults. At gender reveals and family events, keep children at a safe viewing distance.

5. Check local fire regulations. Some municipal parks, conservation areas, and event venues have restrictions on pyrotechnics. If you are shooting on a film set, confirm with your locations department. If you are hosting a private event, check with the venue.

6. Have water nearby. Keep a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher on hand to fully extinguish a spent grenade before disposal. Drop used canisters into water to cool them completely.

7. Staining warning. The dye can temporarily stain skin, hair, and light-coloured clothing. Advise talent and event guests accordingly. Staining typically washes out, but avoid wearing white if you will be in close proximity to the smoke.

Canadian Regulations: What You Need to Know

One of the most common questions we get at SPFX Supply is: "Do I need a licence to buy coloured smoke in Canada?"

The short answer is no. The Enola Gaye EG18 and EG25 are classified as consumer-grade pyrotechnics under Canadian regulations. They are legal to purchase, possess, and use by any adult in Canada without a pyrotechnics licence, a special effects permit, or any other certification.

This is an important distinction. Professional-grade pyrotechnics — the type used by licensed special effects supervisors on major film sets — do require certification, insurance, and regulatory approval. Consumer-grade products like the EG18 and EG25 fall below that threshold and are available for general purchase.

That said, common sense applies:

• You are responsible for safe use and fire prevention.
• Some municipalities may restrict pyrotechnic use in public parks or during fire bans. Check your local bylaws.
• Film productions shooting on public property may still need a permit for the shoot itself, even if the smoke products are consumer-grade.
• Transport and storage should follow basic safety practices: keep grenades in a cool, dry place away from heat sources.

Pro Tips: Getting the Best Results with Coloured Smoke

Whether you are a seasoned cinematographer or pulling a smoke grenade for the first time, these tips will help you get better results.

1. Work with the Wind, Not Against It

Wind is the single biggest factor in how your smoke looks on camera. Before you pull the pin, check the wind direction. Position your subject so the smoke drifts behind them or across the frame — not directly into the lens or into your subject’s face.

Light, steady wind is ideal. Dead calm can cause smoke to pool and rise vertically rather than spread. Heavy wind disperses smoke too quickly. If conditions are gusty, consider using multiple units to compensate for faster dispersal.

2. Use Multiple Units for Larger Setups

A single smoke grenade can look great in a tight portrait, but for wide shots, video, or events, layering multiple units creates a far more impressive effect. Stagger them across the scene — place one close to camera and one further back to create depth. Mix colours for a festival look, or use a single colour for dramatic impact.

3. Time Your Ignition

Smoke grenades reach their peak output about 5–10 seconds after ignition. If you are coordinating with a camera operator or a countdown, factor in that short ramp-up time. For video, start rolling before you pull the pin so you capture the smoke building from nothing.

4. Backlight the Smoke

Coloured smoke looks most vivid when it is backlit or side-lit. Shooting with the sun behind or beside the smoke makes the colour glow and reveals the texture and movement within the plume. Front-lighting tends to flatten the smoke and wash out the colour.

5. Shoot in Burst or Continuous Mode

If you are shooting stills, switch to burst mode. Smoke moves fast and changes shape constantly. A burst of 10–20 frames gives you far more options in post than a single click.

6. Plan for Staining

Brief your talent: dye can stain skin and clothes. Dark clothing hides any dye contact. If wardrobe is a concern, position the smoke downwind of the subject so the densest part of the plume does not make direct contact.

7. Dispose Safely

After use, drop spent canisters into a bucket of water to cool completely before disposing of them. Never throw a hot canister into a garbage bin or leave it on the ground in a dry area.

Which Colours Should You Choose?

Colour choice depends on your creative vision, but here are some practical notes:

• White is the most versatile and cinematic. It reads as atmospheric fog and works in nearly any scenario — film, photography, events — without clashing with wardrobe or set design.
• Red and orange are high-energy and photograph with strong contrast against green landscapes and blue skies.
• Blue and purple create moody, dramatic tones and pair well with golden-hour lighting.
• Pink is the go-to for gender reveals and adds a soft, warm accent to portraits.
• Yellow and green pop against dark backgrounds and urban environments.
• Black is a bold choice for edgy, high-contrast visuals — music videos, action scenes, and automotive shoots.

For multi-colour setups, complementary combinations like pink and blue, orange and purple, or red and yellow tend to create the most visually striking results.

Where to Buy Coloured Smoke in Canada

SPFX Supply is a Canadian special effects supplier based in Toronto (333 Bering Ave, Unit 100, Toronto, ON M8Z 3A8). We stock Enola Gaye EG18 and EG25 smoke grenades in every available colour, along with gender reveal smoke packages, and we ship across Canada.

Whether you are a film production company ordering for a shoot, a photographer building a creative kit, or a couple planning a gender reveal, we have you covered — and our team is always happy to help you figure out exactly what you need and how much of it to order.

Shop the full coloured smoke collection:

• Enola Gaye EG18 Smoke Grenades
• Enola Gaye EG25 Smoke Grenades
• Gender Reveal Smoke (Pink & Blue)
• Browse All Coloured Smoke Products

Have questions about quantities, colours, or which product is right for your project? Get in touch with us — we are always glad to help.

Stay Supplied.

SPFX Supply is a Canadian special effects supplier shipping coloured smoke, fog machines, haze machines, and professional SFX equipment across Canada from Toronto, Ontario.

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