We've tested over 31 fans in our Lab in Des Moines, Iowa, where we spent hours evaluating each fan's power and assessing their design and extra features. We also sent top-performing fans home with our testers to gauge their performance over six months and share their feedback on what it was like to use each fan in real-world conditions. Backed by our testing in the lab and at home, here are our best fans to keep you cool.
In the past few years, we've tested bladeless fans that are incredibly quiet (and great for homes with kids and pets), models with remote controls or apps to make it easier to operate your fan from across the room, and combination fans that also serve as space heaters or air purifiers. We've also tested and loved plenty of simpler options that do their job incredibly at a very budget-friendly price. Which direction you go will be determined by your budget and how you expect to use your fan.
Fans are a quick and easy way to circulate the air in a space, which can make a hot, stuffy room feel cooler without raising your electrical bill as much as a window or portable air conditioner. While fans are not a new invention by any means, there are lots of newer styles and features to consider, especially if you're planning to use one as a primary way to circulate air in your home.
Best Overall
Better Homes & Gardens Tower Fan
$48 At Walmart
Our Ratings
What We Like
Unique features
Relatively quiet operation
Sleek design
Affordable price
What We Don't Like
Base wobbles slightly during use
Only effective in direct line of flow
After we tested over 30 fans in various styles and sizes, the Better Homes & Gardens 3-Speed Tower wins our title as Best Overall, based on its affordable price, unique features (almost too many to test!), and sleek design. (Better Homes & Gardens is owned by The Spruce's parent company, Dotdash Meredith.) This tower fan not only oscillates but also has three wind modes—you can select natural wind, sleep wind, and regular wind, each available at three speeds. While testing, we were impressed by the fan’s quiet operation, even while using the highest, strongest speed on the regular setting. After testing this product at home, we noted that this fan kept our room cool and offered the perfect amount of noise at night. As you may expect from its name, the sleep mode produced an even quieter sound at each speed, and the wind mode had a stronger airflow but still produced a relaxing sound.
On the top of the fan, you can find thoughtful features, including a magnetic area to store the remote; an LED-lighted control panel that turns off after a minute, so it doesn’t disturb you at night; a 7.5-hour programmable timer; and a handle, so you can easily carry the fan from room to room. In fact, we noted it was so light, we could move it with just one hand. However, we feel that this is not the best fan to travel with because it is not as compact as some other options we tested.
Regarding the fan’s effectiveness, while testing, we noted that it employs a direct flow and feels most cooling when it is relatively close up, with the airflow pointed directly at you. For example, while testing the airflow from different distances, we noted it was most cooling from 6 to 8 feet of its direct flow. Outside the direct flow (while the fan was stationary or oscillating), we could not feel it. So, if you are looking for a fan multiple people can feel in different parts of the room, this might not be the best option.
Tall and slender, this tower features internal oscillation: While the fan’s inside moves, the outside shell remains still. Although this product is designed to be more stable than a fan that entirely moves while oscillating (and provides more range of motion), the fan base wobbled a bit during use. However, this may be due to the way the fan was assembled, and we have had no issues with it toppling over. Overall, this affordable fan should keep you cool, has unique and useful features, and looks sleek in any room, making it our top pick.
How It Performed Long-Term
After using this tower fan for over six months at one of our homes, we continue to be impressed by its powerful airflow and quiet operation. We've enjoyed using it to cool us off during the warmer months, and even during cooler temperatures, we've found the fan helpful in circulating the air while cooking, as well as to cool the room after home workouts. Even after daily use for six months, it continues to operate like new, making it worthy of remaining our top pick.
Dimensions: 12 x 12 x 41.50 inches | Weight: Not listed | Number of Fan Speeds: 3 wind modes with 3 speed settings each | CFM: Not listed | Decibel Rating: Not listed | Cord Length: Not listed | Oscillation: Yes
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
Best Desk
Vornado Large Air Circulator
Amazon
$90 At Amazon
$100 At Wayfair
$100 At Home Depot
Our Ratings
What We Like
Powerful and quiet
Adjustable
Simple design blends in
Five-year warranty
What We Don't Like
Doesn’t oscillate
No remote control
After testing the Vornado 660 Whole Room Air Circulator in our lab and at home, we found it to be a powerful option for any room. Small enough to sit on a desk or dresser, this fan is designed to circulate air up to 100 feet. And although it doesn’t oscillate, while testing in our lab, we noted that we felt the fan’s direct airflow up to 20 feet away. Plus, we loved that you can tilt it up to a 90-degree angle, from horizontal to vertical to point it where needed.
This fan lacks a handle and is a bit bulky compared with other desk fans, but it is powerful for its size and portable enough to carry from room to room. It also lacks a remote, but the push-button controls on the back of the fan, adjusting the speeds from whisper-quiet to turbo, are straightforward and easy to use. After using this fan at home for months, we not only noticed this fan circulating air in a rather large and lofty room, but it also cooled the space significantly. Overall we found it to be small, but mighty and found the color and design to be minimal enough to not be an eyesore or change the overall style of the room. We also love that it comes with a five-year warranty in case of any issues.
Dimensions: 15 x 13.5 x 11.8 | Weight: 7.32 pounds | Number of Fan Speeds: 4 | CFM: Not listed | Decibel Rating: 48 | Cord Length: 72 inches | Oscillation: No
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
Best Quiet
Pelonis Pedestal Fan
Amazon
$80 At Amazon
$37 At Walmart
Our Ratings
What We Like
Quiet at highest speed
Sturdy design
Wide oscillation
Powerful, strong breeze
What We Don't Like
A bit pricey
The Pelonis Standing Fan stood out for its quiet yet powerful performance and sturdy design during our lab and long-term home testing. Even at the highest of 12 air speed settings, the fan was relatively quiet, with a strong breeze felt at 6 feet and a noticeable breeze detected even at 20 feet. We've found the amount of features on this fan is really what makes it stand out, including wide, 85-degree oscillation; easily adjustable height; a digital display; a 12-hour timer; and basic remote control. The head of the fan even tilts up or down.
We did note that this fan is a bit heavier than expected, and with its handle a bit too close to the blades, it isn’t the easiest fan to carry. However, it was light enough to move with one hand. Also, we noted that we had to cycle through each speed to change speed settings, but it was still quick and easy to do.
How It Performed Long-Term
After using this fan for over six months at home, we continue to be impressed by its array of features, quiet blades, and exceptional performance in cooling any room. We are even happy that it has a heavy base which prevented our dog from knocking it over! We've also appreciated its adjustable height, and haven't noticed any change in the looks or performance of the fan during this time.
Dimensions: 15.75 x 15.75 x 51.18 inches | Weight: 12.35 pounds | Number of Fan Speeds: 12 | CFM: Not listed | Decibel Rating: 38 dBA | Cord Length: Not listed | Oscillation: Yes
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
Best Splurge
Rowenta Turbo Silence Extreme+ Stand Fan
Amazon
$138 At Amazon
$180 At Wayfair
$127 At Walmart
Our Ratings
What We Like
Cools a large space
Five speed settings
Includes remote control
Sturdy base
What We don't Like
Large footprint
Heavy to move
For a fan that cools a larger space without being too noisy (and is, on some settings, almost silent!), we recommend the Rowenta Turbo Silence Extreme+ Stand Fan. Although it’s not the most stylish or affordable option we tested, this powerful, sturdy, and effective oscillating fan is well worth its slightly higher price point.
We love how versatile it can be, with an adjustable height from about 43 to 57 inches and five speed settings so you can tailor it to suit your needs. Choose the powerful Turbo Boost setting when you really want to cool down or Silent Night Mode when you need it to be as quiet as possible. In fact, while using this speed, we noted that the fan was almost silent. Note that this fan is heavy and takes two hands to move. However, we appreciated the sturdy base and found that it wasn't easy to tip over.
While testing, the airflow performance in front of and to the sides of the fan’s direct line was impressive—we felt the airflow from as far as 20 feet, as well as when we were out of the direct flow. The fan oscillates about a foot in each direction, so the airflow can directly reach more parts of the room.
How It Performed Long-Term
After over six months of using this fan at home, we continue to be impressed by its very quiet, yet powerful performance. We've found it very effective in cooling down a small room that does not have an air conditioner, making it comfortable enough to work or watch TV in the summer. We especially love being able to easily switch between oscillating and fixed positions (depending on hot the room is!) with the remote control. And although this isn't the best portable option and isn't easy to tuck away when not in use, we haven't found it to be an eyesore either.
Dimensions: 18 x 17 x 53 inches | Weight: 17.6 pounds | Number of Fan Speeds: 5 | CFM: 2400 on maximum speed | Decibel Rating: 35 dBA on minimum speed | Cord Length: Not listed | Oscillation: Yes
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
Best Large Room
Lasko Fan & Space Heater Combo Tower
$119 At Amazon
$153 At Wayfair
$155 At Wayfair
Our Ratings
What We Like
Combined fan and heater
Tall, to reach higher areas
Tip-over safety feature
Easy-clean filter
What We Don't Like
Short cord
After testing the Lasko FH500 Fan & Space Heater Combo Tower, we found it to be a great value, with features that can help make a larger room feel comfortable year-round. This 1,500-watt combined heater-fan is ETL-listed, meaning it's certified as meeting the requirement of widely accepted safety standards. It features a bladeless design and tip-over safety feature, so it should automatically shut off if it falls over. While testing, we found this four-speed fan effective at circulating the air, even as far as 20 feet. And at its highest setting, the sound is subtle enough to act as white noise. We also like that the unit has built-in storage for the included remote control.
Although it is not height-adjustable, this combination heater and fan is tall enough to reach over a bed (when used as a fan), so it is a great option for most bedrooms. In fact, when testing in a small bedroom, we found it to be almost too powerful! We also noted that the cord is shorter than the other options we tested, but since the airflow can reach relatively far, it shouldn’t pose too much of a problem. We also appreciate how easy the permanent filter is to access and clean—press the EZclick Filter button on the cover on the back of the fan to open, then use your vacuum’s brush attachment to clean.
How It Performed Long-Term
After using this fan for over six months, our at-home team testers said her whole family loves this fan—including her dog. This fan offered her open floor plan living, dining, and kitchen area a "natural breeze" environment and helped circulate the air from the AC unit. We did note that this fan isn't completely quiet, but it's not loud enough to be disturbing during working or sleeping hours. After almost constant use in the warmer months, we never noticed a change in its performance. Also, even with two dogs knocking into the fan from time to time, impressively, it has never toppled over.
We've also used the heat setting during cooler months and found it to warm up the room nicely. However, only the bottom half of this tall unit functions as a heater, so it feels a bit bulky when only using that setting.
Dimensions: 12.5 x 12.5 x 41.88 inches | Weight: 12.5 pounds | Number of Fan Speeds: 4 for fan, 3 for heater | CFM: Not listed | Decibel Rating: Not listed | Cord Length: 72 inches | Oscillation: Yes
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
Best Small Room
Lasko Tower Fan
$70 At Amazon
$71 At Wayfair
$63 At Home Depot
Our Ratings
What We Like
Blends with decor more than others
Remote control storage
Tall with carrying handle
Oscillates
What We Don't Like
Can’t feel it more than 10 feet away
For small spaces, the Lasko Oscillating Tower Fan is our top choice out of the options we tested. With a relatively small footprint and wood panel design, it blends into a room better than other options. We found that it has plenty of features that make it great to use at night, including a 7.5-hour programmable timer and a nighttime setting that dims the display and gradually decreases the fan speed. We also appreciate the built-in, space-saving storage for the remote.
As far as performance, we found that this three-speed fan was quite powerful and relatively quiet when we tested it from 10 feet away. However, we noted that at 20 feet, we couldn’t feel the fan at all, which would be an issue only in larger spaces.
After testing this fan long-term at home, we found that it was a complete game changer in an apartment, which only has one AC unit in the bedroom. We left this fan running on high and oscillating every day while we worked from home. We sometimes even forgot to turn it off because it operated so quietly. Overall, this fan’s design and features make it a great option for small bedrooms or other compact spaces where you want powerful circulation but quiet operation.
Dimensions: 13 x 13 x 42.5 inches | Weight: 14.5 pounds | Number of Fan Speeds: 3 | CFM: 634 | Decibel Rating: Not listed | Cord Length: 72 inches | Oscillation: Yes
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
Best Budget
Crane Circulating Desk Fan
Amazon
$72 At Amazon
$72 At Wayfair
View On Home Depot
Our Ratings
What We Like
Tilts in three angles
Oscillates
Lightweight
Remote control
What We Don't Like
Need to manually tilt fan
If you are looking for a budget-friendly, compact, and adjustable fan, look no further than the Crane Oscillating Desk Fan. While testing this fan, we loved how the three adjustable angles (straight up, 45 degrees, or 90 degrees) allowed the air to focus on different areas of the room. Although you need to manually adjust the tilting feature, we appreciated being able to select the three speeds and programmable timer options via the digital display or by using the remote control.
As far as cooling performance, we felt the breeze up to 20 feet, although it was strongest up to 6 feet. We also found this fan fairly light and portable, with areas underneath you can use as carrying handles. This fan is marketed as a desk fan, but while using this fan at home, we found it rather bulky to actually sit on a desk all the time. However, we still appreciated how easy it was to maneuver on a bedside table. Plus, the top portion of the fan can fold down, so we were able to easily store it when not in use.
Dimensions: 9.5 x 9.5 x 7.75 | Weight: 6.5 pounds | Number of Fan Speeds: 3 | CFM: 12.5 | Decibel Rating: 40 dBA | Cord Length: 60 inches | Oscillation: Yes
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
Best Tower
Dyson Purifying Fan
$560 At Amazon
$430 At Walmart
$430 At dyson.com
Our Ratings
What We Like
Fan and air purifier combo
Bladeless design
Lightweight
9-hour timer with 15-minute increments
What We Don't Like
Expensive
Could easily tip over
After testing the Dyson Pure Cool Air Purifier and Fan for over six months, we've continued to appreciate its cooling and air-purifying features and sleek, stylish design. This tower fan doubles as an air purifier (with HEPA filter) and claims to remove over 99.97 percent of pollutants and allergens as small as 0.3 microns. It also offers a blade-less design, a remote control, a nine-hour timer, an easily removable filter, and 70-degree oscillation.
While testing in our lab, we could feel the airflow as far as 20 feet on the highest setting. However, we noted that it wasn't until the sixth setting (out of 10) before we started hearing or feeling the airflow; lower, we had to put a hand right up to the fan. We also noted that it is fairly quiet on its highest, strongest setting, so it shouldn’t disturb you at night or while watching TV. In fact, while testing at home, we appreciated the fan's white noise and found that it was louder than our ceiling fan, but not as loud as the AC.
How It Performed Long-Term
We used it almost daily in addition to a ceiling fan (or AC on especially hot days), and have not noticed any changes in its performance. We continue to enjoy the sleek, stylish design and have used the air purifying feature to help circulate the air during the winter months as well. Although this unit is more expensive than other, more powerful fans, we continue to think it's an excellent option for anyone looking for a stylish fan with an array of helpful features.
Dimensions: 7.7 x 7.7 x 40.1 inches | Weight: 7.9 pounds | Number of Fan Speeds: 10 | CFM: 10.3 | Decibel Rating: 56 dBA | Cord Length: 78 inches | Oscillation: Yes
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
Best Window
Genesis A1 Window Fan
Amazon
$49 At Amazon
$49 At Home Depot
$75 At QVC
Our Ratings
What We Like
Each side can expand 6.5 inches
Intakes and/or exhausts air
Can be used freestanding with legs
What We Don't Like
Temperature settings are misleading
Lacks a remote
When space is an issue, a great option is a window fan—this type of fan directly brings in fresh air or exhausts the room air without taking up valuable floor space. We tested the Genesis Twin Fan and found it to be versatile and budget-friendly. You can expand it from 24 to 37 inches to fit your window, and its detachable legs permit it to be freestanding on a table. While testing, we found the fan to be lightweight and easy to move with one hand, thanks to the built-in handle.
We also appreciated the ability to select the airflow direction (in or out) of each fan individually. The unit also features three speed settings and five temperature settings (from 60 to 80 degrees), thanks to its built-in thermostat. And while this window fan is not the most powerful fan we tested, we felt the airflow up to 20 feet in front of it, as well as circulating the air around the room.
How It Performed Long-Term
While using this fan at home for over six months, we felt that it definitely made a difference in keeping a room cool and preventing it from becoming stuffy on hot days. When used in the window, we found it useful to be able to operate each of the two fans separately, so one was bringing air in, and the other was pulling air out. However, we felt that the temperature settings on this fan were confusing, (especially since it is not an AC with a cooling feature), but the low-to-high speed setting is pretty straightforward and useful. When the weather was cooler, we continued to use it as a standalone fan on the floor to keep us cool after workouts. We've noticed no changes in the performance or appearance of the fan during this time.
Dimensions: 24 to 37 x 12 x 4 inches | Weight: 8.4 pounds | Number of Fan Speeds: 3 | CFM: 706.21 | Decibel Rating: Not listed | Cord Length: 72 inches | Oscillation: No
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
“Blade length will depend on the size [of the] room,” Borklund explains. “For a 12 x 12 bedroom, a 42-inch fan will work fine. I’m partial to the 48-inch fans in my own house because I like more airflow while I sleep . If you have a bigger room, I would go with something at a minimum of 50-inches.”
“Motor power is measured in CFM (cubic feet per minute), and anything with 320 CFM or higher is what I aim for,” he says.
There are several factors to consider before purchasing a ceiling fan . Stephen Borklund , owner of Magic City Pro Services, says when he looks for a ceiling fan, he pays attention to motor power, degree and angle of the blades, and blade length.
Ceiling fans do more than just keep your house cool . They add an extra layer of style to a home’s interior design, they’re eco-friendly, and they can keep the electric bill low in the hot summer or the cold winters.
Best Overall
Honeywell Carmel Indoor Ceiling Fan
Amazon
View On Amazon
$121
View On Wayfair
$129
View On Walmart
$122
Our Ratings
Why You Should Get It
This fan comes with a remote control that can be used throughout the house and controls the fan speed and the lights.
Keep in Mind
The remote shows no indication if the fan is properly turned off.
The Honeywell Ceiling Fans 50197 Carmel 48-Inch Contemporary Ceiling Fan surpassed all of our expectations during our testing process, so much so that it earned the spot as our best ceiling fan overall. This classic yet chic fan was not only easy to install, it impressed us with how efficiently it cooled the space.
The fan is operated by remote control, a huge perk since we were able to control the fan from other rooms. The remote controlled the lights and the fan speed, and even came with a wall mount, which added to the convenience.
During testing, we found that the fan was silent even when placed on the highest speed, though the best speed setting was the medium speed as it cooled the room the fastest and kept it at the most comfortable temperature.
The airflow is a whopping 5,202 cubic feet per minute (CFM) which allowed it to cool the room with ease. We also appreciated that the fan had an auto shutoff function if it's accidentally left on.
The wood blades were well-balanced and complemented the sleek, bronze nickel finish of the base. During testing, this fan did an excellent job of cooling the room during an intense home workout, and it helped disperse smells from the kitchen while cooking.
While we loved this fan, keep in mind that it’s only intended for indoor use.
How it Performed After Two Months
The fan remained very quiet even when put to use at home. We used it above the dining room table and felt that it did a nice job of circulating cool, clean air around the apartment—we'd even sit under it after a workout for a refreshing break. The ability to set a timer so the lights turned off on their own was an added bonus.
Our only complaint is that the remote shows no indication when the fan is off; you have to press the button twice and watch to see the fan stop moving to know for sure, and it's easy to accidentally turn it back on this way.
Product Details: Blades: Five | Diameter: 48 inches | Speed: Three speeds | Lights: LED bulbs | Control Type: Remote control | Air Flow: 5,202 CFM
A tester shows off the design of the Honeywell Carmel remote.
Better Homes & Gardens / Michael Navarro
Best Budget
Portage Bay Hugger 52" West Hill Ceiling Fan
Amazon
View On Amazon
$100
View On Walmart
$80
View On Home Depot
$60
Our Ratings
Why You Should Get It
This is a powerful fan that cools any room considerably even on the lowest setting.
Keep in Mind
This is a pull chain operated fan so it’s maybe not ideal for someone who is looking for a remote controlled unit.
The Portage Bay 50251 Hugger 52-Inch Matte Black West Hill Ceiling Fan is the best ceiling fan for someone who wants a quality product without hurting the wallet. We were very impressed with how well this fan operated—especially since it’s so affordable.
We found that installing the fan was easy and straightforward. The fan’s five matte black blades were nice and lightweight, which added to the ease of installation. It took a little over an hour to complete the installation, which was a much shorter time period than other fans we tested, and it required no additional tools.
The fan was more than efficient at cooling the room. The three speeds acted quickly to cool the entire 11 x 11-foot office space. While the highest setting was ideal for curing a stuffy room within seconds, we did note it was strong enough to blow papers across the room.
Even on the lowest setting the airflow was prominent and made a noticeable difference in the feel of the room. We were able to easily change the blade’s rotation by moving a slider switch on the fan’s motor housing.
We liked how the fan was almost silent on the lowest and middle speed. When the ceiling fan was at its highest speed, the sound of the fan was barely detectable—the main noise was from the breeze that was created from the fan.
Compared to other ceiling fans we tested that had a similar price point, this one felt sturdier and more durable. While some other models come with a remote, this one operates with a pull chain.
How it Performed After Two Months
We installed this fan in a bedroom that doubles as a home office and continued to be impressed with the design and functionality. It was quiet enough not to disturb us while working or sleeping. While we liked the light well enough for a bedroom, we did wish it was brighter or perhaps larger when we used it for work.
Though it doesn't have a remote, we liked how the pull chains were designed. We noticed no discernible friction that could easily break the chains when pulling them to turn the fan or light on and off.
Product Details: Blades: Five | Diameter: 52 inches | Speed: Three speeds | Lights: LED lights | Control Type: Pull chain control | Air Flow: 2,600 CFM
Better Homes & Gardens / Michele Hanson
Better Homes & Gardens / Michele Hanson
Better Homes & Gardens / Michele Hanson
Best Splurge
Minka-Aire Light Wave Ceiling Fan
Amazon
View On Amazon
$360
View On Wayfair
$360
View On Walmart
$360
Our Ratings
Why You Should Get It
This three-blade ceiling fan is surprisingly powerful given its blade number.
Keep in Mind
We noticed that there was a significant difference between the middle speed setting and the high setting.
The Minka-Aire F844-DK Light Wave 52 Inch Ceiling Fan is a three-blade ceiling fan that blew us away with its power. Although it has three blades instead of five, we found that this had no effect on its functioning. The fan was powerful enough that it easily cooled the room it was in and surrounding rooms.
The aesthetic is sleek and sophisticated with a black matte finish that adds an elevated look to a modern space. We noticed during testing that the blades were much lighter than other fans we tested, which made them easy to maneuver when installing.
It started working within seconds of being turned on, and we loved how the blades were well-balanced so there were no noticeable vibrations. Along with its stylish three-blade system, the fan comes in multiple colors which allows it to complement various interior design styles.
There are no pull cords since the fan is run by a remote control that controls lighting and fan speed. To change the direction of the blades, however, we had to locate the reverse switch on the fan’s coupling, which required us to use a step stool to reach it.
The biggest complaint we had was even though the remote offers a dimmer setting, the lights were still very bright. But overall, the fan’s design and quality are well worth the splurge, and it can easily cool a large room quickly and thoroughly.
How it Performed After Two Months
This is a beautifully designed fan that looked beautiful at home—we think it would suit any house with a modern or contemporary decor style. Though we did hear a soft "whirring" sound on the highest speed, the fan was otherwise quiet enough to use in a bedroom (in fact, the minor white noise effect was a plus for us).
We loved being able to operate the fan from bed via remote—this came in handy when one of our testers was sick with the flu. The one thing we'd change would be to add a fourth fan speed, as there's a big jump between medium and high.
Product Details: Blades: Three blades | Diameter: 52 inches | Speed: Three speeds | Lights: 16-watt dimmable LED lights | Control Type: Remote control | Air Flow: 4,531 CFM
Better Homes & Gardens / Laura Miller
Better Homes & Gardens / Laura Miller
Better Homes & Gardens / Laura Miller
Best for Outdoors
Hunter Key Biscayne Ceiling Fan
Amazon
View On Amazon
$247
View On Target
$330
View On Wayfair
$330
Our Ratings
Why You Should Get It
When testing this fan on a hot day, we found that it helped dissipate humidity.
Keep in Mind
During the installation process, we noticed this fan was heavier than other fans we tested.
For those looking to add a breeze to their outdoor area, the Hunter Fan Key Biscayne Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan is the best ceiling fan for porches, patios, and balconies.
It took us approximately 47 minutes to install the fan from opening the package to complete installation, which was one of the fastest installation times of all the fans we tested. However, we did notice it was quite a bit heavier than other ceiling fans we tested.
Its five reversible blades cooled the space quickly and completely. We also found that this fan was particularly efficient at dissipating any smells or humidity.
This fan is pull chain controlled only, though it can be wired to a wall switch if desired. There is a toggle switch that changes blade direction, and the three speed settings are perfectly set to create an ideal airflow for the outdoors.
The lower setting provided a pleasant but noticeable breeze that felt like light wind blowing across the porch. There was a slight whirring noise at the higher speeds but overall the fan was fairly quiet.
The aesthetic is ideal for someone who enjoys a more rustic or farmhouse look, and the lights were bright enough to fill the room but weren’t overbearing or garish. Because of its ease of installation and efficiency at cooling spaces, this is the best ceiling fan for an outdoor space.
How it Performed After Two Months
We used the fan almost every night since installing it in our home. The design is gorgeous and high-quality, and it works well to circulate the air. While we did think it would be nice for it to include a remote, we didn't miss it all that much.
Product Details: Blades: Five blades | Diameter: 54 inches | Speed: Three speeds | Lights: LED lights | Control Type: Pull chain control | Air Flow: 6,239 CFM
Better Homes & Gardens / Mary Honeyman-Speichinger
Better Homes & Gardens / Mary Honeyman-Speichinger
Best Modern
Hunter Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan
Amazon
View On Amazon
$119
View On Target
$140
View On Wayfair
$140
Our Ratings
Why You Should Get It
The fan’s three blades are angled for optimum air flow.
Keep in Mind
There is no lighting aspect to this fan so the room would have to be lit with other light fixtures.
Sleek and sophisticated with a contemporary black finish, the Hunter Cassius Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan is the best ceiling fan for any modern home.
With three blades angled to ensure 3,821 CFM air flow, this fan blew us away with its ability to match its level of sophistication with its level of performance. The fan was easy to install, and we found it was the ideal size for either a living room or master bedroom.
Despite being a downrod mount, the fan didn’t hang too low with its provided 5 and 3-inch downrods. The fan is pull chain operated, so there is no remote control, but the fan made no noise and there were no vibrations at all.
The fan was simple but effective, and it worked efficiently and comfortably with all speed settings. Our only complaint was there was no light kit so rooms had to be lit with other light fixtures, such as floor lamps.
How it Performed After Two Months
This fan is so silent that we would sometimes forget that it was even on. While our hold fan would make irritating noises that were distracting when we tried to sleep, the Hunter Cassius is quiet enough that we don't have to think about it. We also appreciated the sleek, modern design that goes with a variety of decor styles.
Product Details: Blades: Three blades | Diameter: 52 inches | Speed: Three speeds | Lights: No lights | Control Type: Pull chain | Air Flow: 3,821 CFM
Better Homes & Gardens / Ashleigh Morley
Better Homes & Gardens / Ashleigh Morley
Best for Kitchens
Hampton Bay Mena Ceiling Fan
Walmart
View On Amazon
$170
View On Home Depot
$159
Our Ratings
Why You Should Get It
This ceiling fan quickly and efficiently ended a smoky cooking incident during testing.
Keep in Mind
Even with the dimmable option and several warmth settings, and the lights are almost too bright.
When you’re using a stove and an oven in the kitchen, it can quickly make the room much warmer. In those instances, it’s nice to have a ceiling fan that can quickly diffuse the heat and make cooking comfortable again.
We chose the Hampton Bay Mena 54-inch Ceiling Fan as the best ceiling fan for the kitchen because it worked quickly and efficiently during our testing.
The ceiling fan is operated by a remote control that is convenient and easy to use. We noticed that the fan’s blades were very lightweight and installed easily. The fan has three speeds and were balanced at each speed level, and it was quiet throughout its use, even at the highest speed setting.
At each speed, air was evenly circulated throughout the entire room, and it was able to cool the room completely in a matter of seconds. The fan proved to be reliable in the instance of a smokey dinner situation—even when it wasn’t installed in a kitchen.
The only downside we noticed is even though the remote comes with a light dimmer, the lights still seemed very bright.
How it Performed After Two Months
We absolutely loved using this fan at home. It was super simple to set up and did a great job keeping the air cool in the living room. The three settings, especially medium, were a vast improvement over the old, slow fan we were previously using.
If we had one complaint it's that the lights often seemed too bright, despite the fact that you can adjust the warmth settings.
Product Details: Blades: Five blades | Diameter: 54 inches | Speed: Three speeds | Lights: LED light | Control Type: Remote control | Air Flow: 5,246 CFM
Better Homes & Gardens / Art Silverio
Better Homes & Gardens / Art Silverio
Best for Small Rooms
Harbor Breeze Mazon Ceiling Fan
Amazon
View On Amazon
$121
View On Walmart
$123
View On Lowe's
$100
Our Ratings
Why You Should Get It
The 44-inch blades still cooled down the room effectively, despite their smaller size.
Keep in Mind
The installation was a little confusing—particularly when trying to sync the remote.
We deemed the Harbor Breeze Mazon 44-inch Brushed Nickel Flush Mount Indoor Ceiling Fan as the best ceiling fan for small rooms. This fan was recommended for rooms up to 100 square feet, and we installed it in a 10 x 10-foot room.
The assembly wasn’t as smooth as it was with other fans mainly due to the remote control. The remote required syncing with the fan before it would work properly. Before the power goes back on in the room, we had to hold the zero button down to sync it with the fan within 30 seconds of the power coming back on.
After that initial confusion, however, the fan worked perfectly. Much like the Minka-Aire F844-DK Light Wave 52 Inch Ceiling Fan, we found having three blades instead of the traditional five had no impact on how powerful the fan was.
Unlike the Minka, the fan was a lot heavier than we originally anticipated. We found speed levels medium and high to be most effective of the three levels provided, and each speed was impressively quiet with no loud vibrations.
The brushed nickel added a polished look to the room that elevated the aesthetic. Our main complaint was we wish there was a mount for the remote, but overall this was a great fan for the price point and it operated well.
How it Performed After Two Months
We found that this fan exceeded our expectations. It was quiet and did a solid job of circulating air and keeping us cool in a room that has both our home office set up and a treadmill for home workouts. We did find ourselves wishing it came with a holder for the remote.
Product Details: Blades: Three | Diameter: 44 inches | Speed: Three speeds | Lights: LED dimmable bulbs | Control Type: Remote control | Air Flow: 2,057 CFM
Better Homes & Gardens / Kimberly Souza
Better Homes & Gardens / Kimberly Souza
Better Homes & Gardens / Kimberly Souza
Best Rustic
Honeywell Carnegie Indoor Ceiling Fan
Amazon
View On Amazon
$123
View On Wayfair
$139
View On Walmart
$127
Our Ratings
Why You Should Get It
The ceiling fan comes with a wall dock for storing the remote control.
Keep in Mind
The fan has a mesh drum, which won't diffuse light. You'll want to stick with Edison or low-wattage bulbs to avoid a blinding glare.
Honeywell's Carnegie Industrial Ceiling Fan features chestnut wood blades and bronze hardware, a stylish look that'll pair well with rustic, industrial, and farmhouse-style bedrooms. The dual-finish reversible blades let you personalize the fan to your style since there is a different finish on each side of the blades.
The ceiling fan is equipped with three dimmable LED Edison bulbs that last up to 25,000 hours, meaning you won't have to worry about changing them often. Just keep in mind that the fan has a mesh drum, so the bulbs will be exposed.
Because of this, you'll want to stick with Edison or low-wattage bulbs to keep the light from feeling overly bright.
This ceiling fan has three speeds and a dimmable light, all of which can be adjusted using the included remote control. Though it's certainly handy to keep the remote on your nightstand (no need to get out of bed to adjust the fan speed), the ceiling fan also includes a wall dock for the remote so you'll always know just where it is.
How it Performed After Two Months
This is a powerful, high quality fan that performed exactly as it should. We truly had no complaints! We installed it in a bedroom that doubles as a guest nursery for a 5-month-old grandchild and found that it cooled the room off quickly and made it easier to fall asleep.
Product Details: Number of Blades: Five | Diameter: 52 inches | Air Flow: Not listed | Speeds: Three speeds | Motor Speed: Not listed | Certifications: Not listed
Better Homes & Gardens / Pat McGowan
Better Homes & Gardens / Pat McGowan
Better Homes & Gardens / Pat McGowan