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Allen is addicted to the rush of that a-ha moment while testing products. He’s obsessed with ensuring no one around him wastes money.
If you're looking for an attractive model with wet-rated performance, you will be impressed with this fan.
In addition to the sturdy build, ample airflow, and quiet operation, it sports the classic petal design that looks great outdoors. Has 3-speed motor with reversible airflow action. Wet-rated for weather-resistance.
Pricey. Have to purchase separate mounted wall control. No light.
We are impressed with the manufacturer's warranty offers, buts fan's overall looks are better than its performance.
Modern build with rustic, rich brown blades that are weatherproof. Lifetime motor warranty; 2-year warranty on other components. This fan is a winner if you want a good-looking fan in your living room.
Mediocre airflow. Tends to wobble after months of use. Difficult to install.
The design of this charming 5-bladed damp-rated fan will remind you of a tropical vacation.
Has 4-speed motor with pull chain control. Reversible action can blow down or up depending on weather and need. ETL-rated for damp locations with notable moisture in the air. Compatible with universal remotes.
Reversible action are confusing to some. Everyone may not like design.
A sleek, contemporary indoor/outdoor fan with powerful and efficient gossamer blades.
The 3 gossamer blades offer efficient air movement. Has quiet 3-speed motor with reversible action for distributing warm air in winter or blowing cool air in hot weather. Sleek, modern brushed nickel styling.
No remote control. Not as many speeds as other models.
This huge 9-blade fan is big and powerful enough for a large sheltered outdoor space.
Its 9 blades provide powerful air movement. Energy-efficient DC motor compared to comparable AC unit. Has 6-speed reversible motor for circulation or direct cooling. Remote control-enabled.
Big. Can be used in sheltered outdoor settings, but best indoors.
We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.
All the pleasures of enjoying a leisurely afternoon beneath your pergola are denied you when the air is so stiflingly hot and still that you sweat more than your refreshing beverage does. Often, what you need to cool things off is a gentle breeze. An outdoor ceiling fan can provide that and help you reclaim your backyard paradise.
An outdoor ceiling fan is manufactured differently than an indoor one, so you'll need to make sure the unit that you’re considering is rated for either damp or wet locations. Also, be sure that you purchase one that’s large enough for the area you want covered. And if you'd like some additional creature comforts, look for a model with a remote.
To learn all about what you should be looking for in an outdoor ceiling fan, continue reading. If you already know which features are best for your needs, consider one of the highly rated models we've spotlighted in this article.
An outdoor ceiling fan is not just a ceiling fan that you install outside. The unit needs to meet certain requirements in order to be rated for use outdoors. The two ratings an outdoor fan may have are damp rated and wet rated.
If you’d like to install a ceiling fan in an area that has moisture in the air but doesn’t expose the unit to the elements directly, you need a damp-rated outdoor ceiling fan. This type of outdoor ceiling fan uses materials that won’t easily rust or corrode; however, it doesn’t provide protection against rain or snow, so you must install this type of ceiling fan in an enclosed environment like a screened porch or garage. Additionally, you need to use a damp-rated ceiling fan in an environment with excessive moisture or humidity, such as a bathroom.
The motor casing on a wet-rated outdoor ceiling fan is sealed, which makes it weather resistant. These models can be exposed to the elements, making them ideal for use in gazebos, open decks, pergolas, or even cabanas. If you’re uncertain about the outdoor conditions, the wet-rated ceiling fan is the safest way to go.
After deciding on the rating, with few exceptions the other features are mostly stylistic options or extras that can increase your comfort level. The following are the most important elements to consider.
More isn't always better, especially when it comes to outdoor ceiling fan blades. It's actually the tilt (pitch) of the blades that’s important. (See the FAQ section below for more information.) If you prefer an outdoor ceiling fan with seven blades as opposed to three, that’s fine. Just understand that you’re making an aesthetic choice, and the seven-blade unit won’t deliver more of a breeze.
The best position for an outdoor ceiling fan in terms of air circulation is between eight and nine feet above the ground. If your ceiling is only eight or nine feet high, you’re going to want a flush-mount fan that attaches directly to the ceiling. If you have a higher ceiling, you may need a downrod. This allows you to mount the fan on a high ceiling, but position the blades in the ideal position using the included hardware.
If you intend on using your outdoor ceiling fan in the evening or in a shaded area, you may want to look for a unit that includes a light.
Speeds: Most decent outdoor ceiling fans have a motor that runs at three speeds. When the air is cooler, such as when the sun goes down, you’ll appreciate a fan that can rotate at a slower speed. To make sure you can adjust yours to the optimum setting for your needs, choose a model that has three speeds.
Reverse: An outdoor ceiling fan functions differently depending on which direction the blades are rotating. In hotter weather, you typically want your blades spinning so the air is moved in a downward direction. In cooler weather, you want the fan pulling cool air up and pushing warm air down along the walls. If you’d like to have this feature, your outdoor ceiling fan needs to have a reverse switch.
Noise level: If noise bothers you, look for a ceiling fan that features a quiet motor.
Once you've grown accustomed to a remote, you’ll never want to get up and walk over to a manual switch again, especially if you’re lounging around enjoying the sun. If an outdoor ceiling fan with a remote fits within your budget, it’s a feature you’ll love.
You’ll find the greatest variety in outdoor ceiling fans in the color and the materials used in their manufacture. Whether you’re looking for something contemporary, rustic, metal, or wicker, don't stop your search until you find the model that has the aesthetics you desire.
Inexpensive: At the lower end of the price scale, from about $40 to $100, you can find smaller, basic outdoor ceiling fans that provide a breeze but have a generic design and may be a little noisy.
Mid-range: From $100 to $200 is where the more affordable, higher-quality models reside. In this range, you can find a wide variety of styles and definitely something that would fit your décor. But these models probably won't have the best selection of lights, and it might be hard to find an outdoor ceiling fan with a remote in this price range.
Expensive: These models have everything: larger size, low noise, elegant design, wide selection of lights, and remote. To have all of these desirable features, you'll need to spend from $200 to $400 or more.
In order for your ceiling fan to be the most effective, it must be properly sized and positioned. The following are a few tips to help you.
Q. Can I use any ceiling fan outdoors?
A. No. Ceiling fans that are rated for outdoor use are manufactured differently than indoor units. They have all-weather blades, they use galvanized steel and powder-coated paint to help prevent rust, and the motor casing has a waterproof seal. Even if the area is mostly protected from the weather, an indoor, dry-rated fan should never be placed in an area that may contain moisture in the air.
Q. Where can I place my outdoor ceiling fan?
A. There are two types of outdoor fans: damp rated and wet rated. A damp-rated fan cannot be directly exposed to the elements, so it should only be placed in a covered porch, garage, or bathroom. Wet-rated fans, on the other hand, are designed to be completely exposed to the elements. These fans can go in a cabana, gazebo, pergola, or even an exposed deck.
Q. What is blade pitch?
A. It isn’t the style or number of blades that determines airflow; it’s the pitch of the blades. The pitch refers to how much tilt there is in the angle of the blades. A 0° pitch would be completely horizontal and wouldn't move very much air. The optimum blade pitch is between 12° and 15°, which offers a decent breeze but not overpowering wind.
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