Buy Smoke Grenades Online

Coloured smoke grenades

Smoke grenades – also called smoke bombs or smoke flares – are the easiest way to add colour to daylight. There’s no flame, no bang and no sparks: just a thick plume of coloured smoke that photographs beautifully. They’re a favourite with wedding photographers, gender reveal parties, content creators, paintball and airsoft sites and car and bike meets.

Because the effect works in daylight, they pair well with our confetti cannons and the rest of our daytime fireworks.

Smoke grenade or smoke bomb?

They’re the same thing. “Smoke grenade” usually describes the handheld, ring-pull format; “smoke bomb” is the more casual term people use online. Both are Category F1 pyrotechnics – the lowest hazard class – so there’s no curfew on when you can use them, unlike louder F2 and F3 fireworks.

Choose your colour

Delete any colours you don’t stock, and add any extras.

How many do you need?

Buying for a business or a big event? See our bulk buy range.

How to use a smoke grenade

1.   Check the wind. Work out which way it’s blowing and stand upwind so the smoke moves away from you and your camera.
2.   Clear the area. Choose bare ground, tarmac or gravel – never dry grass, crops or anything that could catch.
3.   Pull the ring firmly. Hold the grenade at arm’s length, away from your face and body, or place it on the ground.
4.   Let it build. The smoke thickens after a few seconds – start shooting once the plume is full.
5.   Move slowly. Sweeping it gently gives trails; holding it still gives a dense cloud.
6.   Let it burn out, then soak it in water before putting it in the bin.

Where you can (and can’t) use them

•       Private land – fine with the landowner’s permission.
•       Hired venues – always ask first; many have their own rules about smoke and alarms.
•       Public parks and beaches – you need the council’s or landowner’s permission.
•       Sports grounds – never. Taking smoke, flares or fireworks into a stadium is a criminal offence.
•       Near roads or railways – never. Drifting smoke can block a driver’s view.
•       Near farms and livestock – avoid, and let the farmer know if you’re close by.
•       Indoors – never; they’re outdoor products and will set off alarms.

Photography tips

•       Shoot in the hour before sunset – low light through smoke looks superb.
•       Backlight the smoke so it glows, and keep the sun behind or to the side of the plume.
•       Use a fast shutter speed to freeze the trails, or slower to blur them.
•       A light breeze shapes the smoke; strong wind blows it flat.
•       Two colours in one shot works well – try pink and blue, or red and white.
•       If you’re using a drone, keep it well above the plume and clear of the smoke.

Staining and clean-up

Coloured smoke can leave temporary marks, especially darker colours on light surfaces. Keep it away from white dresses, pale walls and paving, hold it out to the side rather than in front of you, and wash any marks out quickly rather than letting them dry.

Storage and safety

•       Adults only – you must be 18 or over to buy smoke grenades.
•       Don’t breathe the smoke directly, and keep children and pets well back and upwind.
•       The body gets hot in use – hold by the base and don’t throw it towards anyone.
•       Store in a cool, dry place, out of reach of children.
•       Soak used grenades in water before disposal.

See our firework safety guide for more.

Popular uses

Gender reveals, weddings and engagement shoots, birthdays, Eid and family celebrations, sports and car meets on private land, paintball and airsoft, music videos and social content.

Why buy smoke grenades from Big Shotter?

We’re a UK firework company and a member of the British Fireworks Association. Smoke-only orders go at our lower non-pyro delivery rate, with free UK delivery on orders over £290. Need a case for an event or a studio? Call us on 07931 714846.