Top 4 Outdoor Ceiling Fans
Best Reach: Harbor Breeze Outdoor Downrod Ceiling Fan Most Versatile: Prominence Home Outdoor Ceiling Fan Most Rustic: Hunter Fan Company Key Biscayne Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan Most Industrial: Minka-Aire Outdoor Ceiling Fan
Best Reach: Harbor Breeze Outdoor Downrod Ceiling Fan
This product has two mini fans with three blades each on either side of a light with a frosted glass shade. With an airflow of 4,450 cubic feet per minute and a reach of 72 inches, the three-speed motor can cool large porches and patios.
Key Features
Six blades Center light Two pull chains Three speeds
What Customers Are Saying
Customers said that they loved the style and value for money of this fan. Most customers also agreed that the fan was easy to assemble. Those who weren’t satisfied with the product stated that the included light bulb didn’t produce a lot of light.
Most Versatile: Prominence Home Outdoor Ceiling Fan
With a damp rating, this fan is safe for indoor use or outdoor use on a covered porch or patio. It features a motor that offers three speed settings and a reverse function. In addition, the fan can be mounted in three ways—with a down rod, angled mount, or close mount.
Key Features
Four blades Center light Two pull chains Three speeds
What Customers Are Saying
Customers said that the fan was quiet and easy to install. Some customers also said that the motor moved air efficiently. Dissatisfied customers said that shipping took much longer than expected.
Most Rustic: Hunter Fan Company Key Biscayne Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan
This fan is damp-rated for usage on covered patios. The pull chains and included remote control turn on and off the multi-speed, reversible motor. With blades that are designed to look like distressed panels of wood, this fan pairs well with rustic decor and furniture.
Key Features
Five blades Center light Two pull chains Included remote Three speeds
What Customers Are Saying
Satisfied customers enjoyed the remote control, low noise, and style of this fan. However, a handful of customers complained that the fan was difficult to install. Many also said that the included bulb provided dull lighting.
Most Industrial: Minka-Aire Outdoor Ceiling Fan
This sleek fan has a quiet motor with six speed settings that are controlled with a handheld remote. With eight blades that reach 84 inches, it can circulate air in spaces that are larger than 160 square feet.
Key Features
Eight blades Included remote Six speeds
What Customers Are Saying
Customers enjoyed this fan’s quiet operation and remote control. Most customers agreed that the fan had a unique look. Those who were unsatisfied with their purchase said that the fan started making a grinding noise after some use.
Buyer’s Guide
Read our ceiling fan buying guide below to learn about the different features that distinguish models from each other.
Rating
There are two types of ratings for outdoor ceiling fans: damp and wet.
Damp: A damp-rated fan uses materials that won’t easily rust when they’re exposed to moisture. However, they’re not resistant to direct contact with rain, snow, or hail. This makes them best for outdoor spaces that have moisture in the air but are under some sort of covering, such as a screened-in porch. Wet: A wet fan is sealed to withstand any type of weather condition. It can be used in any outdoor space.
Number of Blades
You can find fans that have anywhere from two to more than 10 blades. The blade number is more of a stylistic preference, as having more blades won’t increase the fan’s airflow.
Pitch
A fan’s pitch refers to the angle at which each blade tilts. This angle—not the number of blades—is what determines a fan’s airflow. The optimum pitch is between 12 and 15 degrees, as this provides a decent breeze without making you feel like you’re in a windstorm.
Light
If you plan on using your fan while it’s dark outside, you’ll want one that has a built-in light so that you can see the people and space around you.
Motor
The motor on your fan will control how fast and in what direction it spins.
Speed: Look for a fan that has several speed options, as this will allow you to change the speed based on the weather and your comfort preferences. Direction: Make sure that the fan you purchase spins in both directions so that you can use it all year long. For reference, your fan should push cold air down in the summer and pull cold air up in the winter.
Control
Ceiling fans usually connect to a light switch. When you flip this switch, it’ll turn the fan on to the last setting you used. If you want to adjust these settings, the fan will typically have chains that you can pull. High-end fans may even have a remote that allows you to change the settings without getting up from your seat.
What size ceiling fan should I use for my space?
The fan you choose will depend on the size of your outdoor space. Here are some general guidelines for choosing a size, with square feet representing the size of the space and inches representing the fan:
Up to 75 square feet: 26–29 inches 75–144 square feet: 36–42 inches 144–225 square feet: 44 inches 225+ square feet: 50–54 inches
If you have a larger space, you could also purchase several smaller fans to ensure adequate airflow.
Where should I place my outdoor ceiling fan?
You should mount the fan in the center of your space with at least 18 inches of space between the blades and any walls. There should also be at least seven feet of space between the fan and the floor so that people can walk under it without hitting their heads.
Can I use any ceiling fan outdoors?
No. Indoor ceiling fans aren’t made of weather-resistant materials, so they could get damaged if you use them outdoors. However, outdoor ceiling fans can usually be used indoors.
Why Trust The This Old House Reviews Team
This Old House has empowered homeowners for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement content in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content on its website and social media platforms. The This Old House Reviews Team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content to help inform your purchasing decision for just about any item or resource that you might need for your home. The This Old House Reviews Team has written over 1,000 reviews on products in the home space, from cordless drills to kitchen trash cans, lawn mowers, and dining room decorations. To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
