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Outdoor ceiling fans feature durable weatherproofing that makes them suitable for patios and porches. Like indoor ceiling fans, outdoor models keep the air circulating and help mitigate stuffiness.
To help you create the perfect outdoor space, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the best outdoor ceiling fans currently available.
Here are our top recommendations.
Top 6 Outdoor Ceiling Fans
- Best Three-Blade: Hunter Fan Cassius Outdoor Ceiling Fan
- Most Versatile: Prominence Home Outdoor Ceiling Fan
- Most Rustic: Hunter Fan Key Biscayne Outdoor Ceiling Fan
- Most Industrial: Minka-Aire Outdoor Ceiling Fan
- Best Entry-Level: Hunter Fan Sea Wind Outdoor Ceiling Fan
- Most Decorative: Westinghouse Lighting Oasis Ceiling Fan
Compare Top Outdoor Ceiling Fans
| Product | Number of Blades | Color | Includes Light? | Number of Speeds | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hunter Fan Cassius Outdoor Ceiling Fan | 3 | Matte silver | No | 3 | 13 pounds |
| Prominence Home Outdoor Ceiling Fan | 4 | Matte black | Yes | 3 | 18 pounds |
| Hunter Fan Key Biscayne Outdoor Ceiling Fan | 5 | Weathered zinc | Yes | 3 | 29 pounds |
| Minka-Aire Outdoor Ceiling Fan | 8 | Brushed nickle wet | No | 6 | 24 pounds |
| Hunter Fan Sea Wind Outdoor Ceiling Fan | 5 | White | No | 3 | 17 pounds |
| Westinghouse Lighting Oasis Ceiling Fan | 5 | Light brown | Yes | 3 | 13 pounds |
| Product | Number of Blades | Color | Includes Light? | Number of Speeds | Weight |
Best Three-Blade: Hunter Fan Cassius Outdoor Ceiling Fan
Hunter Fan Cassius Outdoor Ceiling Fan
- $129.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- Three blades
- Damp-rated
- One pull chain
- Three speeds
What Customers Are Saying
This three-blade outdoor ceiling fan powerfully circulated cool air for most satisfied customers, who also stated that the fan was easy to build and install in their outdoor living areas. However, other customers struggled to install the ceiling fan even with the help of an electrician, and others found the shape of the blades unsightly.
Most Versatile: Prominence Home Outdoor Ceiling Fan
Prominence Home Outdoor Ceiling Fan
- $172.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
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. However, disatisfied customers said that shipping took much longer than expected.
Most Rustic: Hunter Fan Key Biscayne Outdoor Ceiling Fan
Hunter Fan Key Biscayne Ceiling Fan
- $329.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- Five blades
- Center light
- Two pull chains
- Remote control
- Three speeds
What Customers Are Saying
Satisfied customers enjthis fan’sd fan’ssmfan’sjoyedl, low noise, and s fan. However, several 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
Minka-Aire Outdoor Ceiling Fan
- $734.85
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- Eight blades
- Remote control
- Six speeds
What Customers Are Saying
Customers enjoyed this fan’s fan’s 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.
Best Entry-Level: Hunter Fan Sea Wind Outdoor Ceiling Fan
Hunter Fan Sea Wind Outdoor Fan
- $169.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- Five blades
- Damp-rated
- One pull chain
- Three speeds
What Customers Are Saying
The majority of customers who reviewed this five-blade outdoor ceiling fan thought that it was excellent value for the money, offering powerful cooling, quiet operation, and decent looks in their outdoor living areas. On the other hand, critical reviewers stated that the fan rusted after less than a year, and others didn’tdidn’tve all of the necessary installation hardware.
Most Decorative: Westinghouse Lighting Oasis Ceiling Fan
Westinghouse Lighting Oasis Ceiling Fan
- $279.01
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- Five blades
- Damp-rated
- One pull chain
- Three speeds
What Customers Are Saying
Positively, satisfied customers who purchased this outdoor ceiling fan praised it for its aesthetic qualities and design, as well as its quiet noise level and minimal energy consumption. Conversely, critical feedback regarding the ceiling fan centered around its lack of adequate air movement and challenging installation.
Buying Guide for Outdoor Ceiling Fans
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 won’ty rust when they’rthey’reed to moisture. However, they’rthey’reesistant 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 covering, such as a screened-in porch.
- Wet: A wet-rated fan is sealed to withstand all weather conditions. These fans are useable in all types of outdoor spaces.
Number of Blades
You can find fans with anywhere from two to more than 10 blades. The blade number is more of a stylistic preference, as haviwon’tre blades won’fan’srease the fan’s aifan’s.
Pitch
A fan’s pitch refers to the angle at which each blade tilts. This angle—not the number of blades—is whafan’sermines a fan’s airflow. The optimum pitch is between 12 and 15 degrees, which provides a decent breeze without generating its own windstorm.
Light
If you plan on usinit’sur fan while ityou’llk outside, you’ll want one that has a built-in light so that you can see the people and space around you. LED lights are available in different outdoor ceiling fans to provide plenty of bright light outdoors without the need for additional lighting.
Motor
The motor on your fan will control how fast and in what direction it spins.
- 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.
- Speed: Look for a fan that offers several speed options, as this will allow you to change the speed based on the weather and your comfort preferences.
Control
Ceiling fans usually connect to a light switch. When you flip the switch on, it returns the fan to the most recent previous setting. 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 lets you change the settings without getting up from your seat.
Color
Look for an outdoor ceiling fan that matches or blends in with your existing decor. Many outdoor ceiling fans are offered in neutral colors such as brown, black, or white, but other color options are available if you prefer a bold finish.
Height
You should look at the dimensions of the oyou’re ceiling fan you’re interested in to ensure there are about 8 inches of space between the blades of the fan and the ceiling itself. With a properly placed ceiling fan, users sitting near or underneath the fan should experience a potent wind-chill effect.
Frequently Asked Questions About Outdoor Ceiling Fans
What is the best brand for outdoor ceiling fans?
One of the best brands for outdoor ceiling fans is Hunter Fan Company, as they are a reputable indoor ceiling fan manufacturer. Other notable outdoor ceiling fan brands include Westinghouse, Minka, and Harbor Breeze.
How many blades are best for an outdoor ceiling fan?
If you want a powerful, quick cooling fan, three blades are best for an outdoor ceiling fan. However, if you prthat’sn outdoor ceiling fan that’s quiet and more energy-efficient, look for a model with four to six blades.
What size ceiling fan should I use for my space?
The blade span of 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:
- 75 square feet or less: 26-29 inches
- 75-144 square feet: 36-42 inches
- 144-225 square feet: 44 inches
- 225 square feet or more: 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 7 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?
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.
How We Selected Outdoor Ceiling Fans
To provide our readers with the best product recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of outdoor ceiling fans with a significant number of verified-buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4-5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: Throuwe’ver years of experience, we’ve learned that listening to what others have to say is key to building accurate, well-rounded articles. To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we pared the list dowmodel’ser by comparing each model’s feature-set and selecting the best-in-class options for a variety of buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Why Trust The This Old House Reviews Team
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIY-ers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content.
The This Old House Reviews Team focuses on creating in-depth product and serviwe’veview content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the home space, from doorbell cameras and dining room decor to circular saws and snow blowers.
Once we conclude the research and testing phases, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.
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