Fountains vs Cakes vs Artillery Shells: What's the Difference
Jun 30th 2026
Have you ever been shopping for fireworks and felt confused by the difference between fountains, cakes, and artillery shells, and were unsure what to buy for your fireworks needs? The difference between the different types of firework options is not always clear or obvious, and it is easy to get overwhelmed when shopping in a fireworks tent.
Each type of firework serves a specific purpose in building your show. Here is your expert guide on three major consumer fireworks types and how to choose exactly what you need this summer.
Fountains
If you are a beginner fireworks user or you want to see some sparkling action from ground level, fountains are the way to go. Fountains shoot bursts of colored sparks between 5 and 25 feet high. These fountains are different from your typical aerial firework because fountains do not launch a physical burst into the air. To use a fountain, set it on the ground, light the fuse, and then step back and admire the beautiful color sparking out into the air. This option is also great to have around younger kids or areas with a limited amount of space because the danger level is relatively low, and they have a small environmental footprint.
Cakes
When you think of your average backyard show, you can most likely expect a good number of cakes to be in the mix during the duration of the show. A cake is a cluster of tubes all combined under a single fuse to create a mult-shot experience with a single light. These aerial burst shoot from 75 to 200 feet in the air with different effects, colors, and patterns displayed in the sky. Every cake will come with a distinct number of shots, with some having many shots to create a longer show, while other cakes come with a few big, powerful booms. Cakes generally come in two main types: 200-gram cakes and 500-gram cakes.
200-Gram Cakes
- 200 grams of total pyrotechnic composition
- Launches anywhere from 75 to 150 feet into the air
- Typically fewer shots than 500 gram cakes, focusing on quick or high-intensity sequences
- Budget-friendly and great for smaller backyard shows
500-Gram Cakes
- 500 grams of total pyrotechnic composition
- Largest legal consumer firework cakes in the US with launches up to 200 feet
- Generally, heavier hitters, with larger duration or higher intensity
- More expensive, with serious firework enthusiasts in mind
Artillery Shells
If you are looking for more professional-grade fireworks, artillery shells are your best bet. Artillery shells come in two distinct parts: the tube or mortar they launch from, and the individual shells you load into it. To launch these fireworks, load the shells into the mortar, light the fuse, and than watch the shells be launched and exploded into the sky with your classic big breaks and bursts covering the sky. These shells are equipped to launch around 75 to 150 feet into the air and are known to break more impressively than a cake. A downside of these shells is that you have to load and launch each shell into the mortar individually which increases the workload and safety risks.
Firework Type Comparison
| Fountains | Cakes | Artillery Shells | |
| Price | Budget friendly | Mid-tier | Most expensive |
| Effect Size | Small ground effect | Medium aerial bursts | Large aerial breaks |
| Launch Distance | Ground level | 75-200 ft | 75-150 ft |
| Space Needed | Small | Medium | Large open space |
| Safety | Safest | Moderate | Use extra caution |
Final Thoughts
Become an expert and create an unforgettable summer celebration this fireworks season by understanding the differences between these popular firework types. Plan your show smartly by knowing the pros and cons of each option, and most importantly, stay safe and follow all local fireworks laws when planning your show. Now that you know the differences, you're ready to put together a show worth watching.