The heat-up time is 9 minutes. The smoke height is about 4-5 meters. I've gotten 4 pieces, the effect was superb, especially the sound of the machine when the smoke is released . The remote works well from about 4-5 meters distance.
Cons : the continous smoke emission time is only 10 seconds, after that, the machine stops to reheat, and after that , the continous smoke emission time drops below 10 seconds.
But, for the price, i believe is the best vertical fog machine.