Whether it's an air circulator fan or a box fan, these units are designed to perform the same task: move air. The critical difference between the two, however, is penetration.
If you take a tall glass of water and blow on the top of that glass, you create a few surface ripples, but not much else. That’s how a box fan works. If you take a long straw, insert it into the glass and blow, you agitate all the water in that glass because the straw allows the air to penetrate deeper into the water. That’s how an air circulator fan works.
An air circulator fan is a special fan that’s designed to create a more focused current of air that helps regulate the overall temperature of a room. There are a number of different designs, ranging from desktop models to floor models that allow you to place an air circulator fan wherever you need it most.
To be effective, an air circulator fan needs to be sized to the room it will be placed in — if it’s too small, it won't function as an air circulator fan, it’s merely a fan. Also, an air circulator fan needs to be positioned correctly. Since this position changes depending on the time of year, buy a model that can be tilted to create the proper airflow.
Vornado 630 Whole Room Air Circulator Fan
The Vornado 630 is designed for the individual who is looking for an air circulator fan for a small to midsize room. This compact model has three speeds, a pivoting head and a removable grill for ease of cleaning.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Lasko 3300 Wind Machine Air Circulator Fan
This ruggedly designed machine is for the user seeking value. The fan is sized to handle larger rooms but is priced less than even smaller models. It features a built-in handle, a pivoting head and three speeds.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Honeywell QuietSet Whole Room Tower Fan
A feature-packed option that offers remote control operation, dimming and oscillation. It operates quietly, has a built-in timer and eight speed options.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon, Best Buy and Kohl's
While many people use a box fan to blow air directly on their skin to help keep them cool, that's not the best use for it. Ideally, a box fan should be placed in — or at least near — a window.
The purpose of a box fan is to encourage airflow through a room or the entire house. If it’s cooler outside than it is inside, use a box fan to draw air in on the ground floor, preferably on the shady side of your home, and push it out through a window on an upper floor. If it’s hotter outside than it is inside, you don’t want to pull that hot air into your home.
Alternatively, you can use two box fans in the same room for more localized cooling — one facing in and one facing out on opposite ends of a room.
Offering superb value, this 20-inch box fan is quiet and features a lightweight design, has adjustable feet and a power cord compartment. The slim design allows it to fit easily in compact spaces such as a window.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
The feet on this model make it best suited for use on a floor or a tabletop. There’s no assembly needed, it has three speeds and a built-in handle.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
For a more durable option, this model features a steel body with impact-resistant plastic grills and polypropylene blades. The permanently lubricated motor is designed for quiet performance and it has an 8-foot power cord.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
If you’re looking for a way to regulate air temperature all year long, eliminating both hot and cold spots, an air circulator fan is the way to go. If staying cool is your primary objective, box fans are better suited for that purpose.
Allen Foster is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
