diff --git a/code/modules/reagents/chemistry/machinery/smoke_machine.dm b/code/modules/reagents/chemistry/machinery/smoke_machine.dm
index 86205caba5..7941853a91 100644
--- a/code/modules/reagents/chemistry/machinery/smoke_machine.dm
+++ b/code/modules/reagents/chemistry/machinery/smoke_machine.dm
@@ -46,6 +46,8 @@
 	var/new_volume = REAGENTS_BASE_VOLUME
 	for(var/obj/item/stock_parts/matter_bin/B in component_parts)
 		new_volume += REAGENTS_BASE_VOLUME * B.rating
+	if(!reagents)
+		create_reagents(new_volume)
 	reagents.maximum_volume = new_volume
 	if(new_volume < reagents.total_volume)
 		reagents.reaction(loc, TOUCH) // if someone manages to downgrade it without deconstructing