Every automotive smoke machine gets a score from 0 to 100% built from five factors, which maps onto the 5-point rating shown on the site (a 0% score would be 1.5 stars; a perfect score, 5). Each factor is scored against fixed reference points, not against the other products in the list, so adding a new model never moves another model’s rating. Machines are grouped by whether the maker states an EVAP-safe setting (an EVAP mode, or an output of about 1 PSI or less), and both groups use the same scale.
| Factor | Measures | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Value | current price, lower is better | 30% |
| Pressure coverage | an EVAP-safe low setting and a high setting for boost leaks | 25% |
| Measurement | pressure gauge or digital display, and a flow meter | 20% |
| Features | built-in pump, air mode, EVAP adapter, fluid, own battery and case | 15% |
| Warranty | warranty length | 10% |
Where the numbers come from
Pressure, gauges, air source, kit contents and warranty come from the maker’s product copy, including the maker’s own copy on a retail listing. Makers of these tools publish few specs, so many fields are blank. Where a maker gives two different figures for the same thing, the lower or more cautious one is used, or the figure is left out. Prices are checked at the stores each page links to, and the lowest is used.
The factors
Value is the current price on a log scale, so halving the price always counts the same: $600 scores zero and $50 full marks.
Pressure coverage is half for an EVAP-safe low setting and half for the highest stated pressure, which matters for turbo, boost and intake leaks: 2 PSI earns nothing of that half and 20 PSI all of it. A machine with both an EVAP mode and a 20 PSI mode scores full marks.
Measurement is 60% for a digital pressure display or 40% for a pressure gauge, plus 40% for a flow meter.
Features is 30% for a built-in air pump (no compressor needed), 20% for an air-only mode (check for a leak before using fluid), 15% for an included EVAP service port or gas cap adapter, 15% for included smoke fluid, 10% for running on its own battery and 10% for a carry case.
Warranty is the maker’s warranty: 1 year scores zero and 3 years or a lifetime warranty full marks.
What isn’t scored
Smoke output in L/min, the number of cap plugs, the kind of smoke fluid, vacuum testing, power source and release date are listed but not scored.
Missing data
If a maker publishes neither an EVAP setting nor a pressure, pressure coverage gets the neutral middle score (50) and the product page marks it as estimated. Features score neutral only when none of them is published; a feature the maker doesn’t mention otherwise counts as absent. Two factors are exceptions. A machine with no gauge or flow meter in its listing scores zero for measurement, since a gauge is a feature makers advertise when they have one. A maker that doesn’t publish a warranty gets no warranty counted, so that factor scores zero, the same as a one-year warranty. Both are marked estimated.
Ties and discontinued models
Products are ranked by score within each group. Discontinued models stay listed but rank below every current model and can be hidden with the “Hide discontinued” filter.