6 Best Outdoor Ceiling Fans (2023 Guide)

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, our team researched the best outdoor ceiling fans on the market this summer.

Here are our top picks.

Top 6 Outdoor Ceiling Fans

• Best Overall: Hunter Fan Cassius Outdoor Ceiling Fan
• Best Wet-Rated: Prominence Home Outdoor Ceiling Fan
• Best With Light: Hunter Fan Key Biscayne Outdoor Ceiling Fan
• Best Without Light: Minka-Aire Outdoor Ceiling Fan
• Best for Patios: Hunter Fan Sea Wind Outdoor Ceiling Fan
• Best for Florida: Westinghouse Lighting Oasis Ceiling Fan

Best Outdoor Ceiling Fan Overall

Pros and Cons

✔ Has a reversible fan motor
✔ Includes a pull chain for quickly adjusting the speed
✔ Can be used for porches, patios, sunrooms, living room, and bedrooms

✘ Does not have light feature
✘ Some customers said it was difficult to assemble

What Customers Are Saying

Customers we found who were happy with this ceiling fan cooled areas well, had a sleek design, and had a quiet operation. However, we saw some customers who felt this fan was difficult to assemble, and others found it to be lacking in circulation.

Best Wet-Rated Outdoor Ceiling Fan

Pros and Cons

✔ Has a sleek, modern design
✔ Has easy installation
✔ Can be used indoors or outdoors

✘ Only comes in two color options
✘ Glass cover could be a safety hazard

What Customers Are Saying

Customers we found said that the fan was quiet and easy to install. Some customers also said that the motor moved air efficiently. However, dissatisfied customers said that shipping took much longer than expected.

Best Outdoor Ceiling Fan With Light

Pros and Cons

✔ Includes energy-efficient dimmable LED lights
✔ Features easy-to-use pull-chain control
✔ Is height adjustable

✘ Is heavier than other fans in this review
✘ May not be the best fit for those that don’t have a rustic-themed home

What Customers Are Saying

Satisfied customers our team found were pleased with this fan’s low noise, rustic design, and excellent value. However, we also noted several customers complained that the fan was difficult to install. Many also said that the included bulb provided dull lighting.

Best Outdoor Ceiling Fan Without Light

Pros and Cons

✔ Comes in a variety of color options
✔ Includes eight silver blades
✔ Has a quiet DC motor

✘ May be too bulky for small spaces
✘ Has a high price point

What Customers Are Saying

Our team found several customers that 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 Patio Ceiling Fan

Pros and Cons

✔ Has a multi-speed reversible motor
✔ Can easily adjust the speed with the pull chains
✔ Features adjustable height

✘ May not fully cool large areas
✘ Doesn’t have a light

What Customers Are Saying

The majority of customers we found 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.

Best Outdoor Ceiling Fan for Florida

Pros and Cons

✔ Can cool areas up to 225 square feet
✔ Includes a LED light kit with yellow alabaster glass and a 10-watt bulb
✔ Has an energy-efficient design

✘ Has a bold design that might not fit in with all decor
✘ Not available in other finishes

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, our team did also find some critical feedback regarding the ceiling fan centered around its lack of adequate air movement and challenging installation.

Outdoor Ceiling Fan Buying Guide

Read our ceiling fan buying guide below to learn about the different features that distinguish models from each other.

Aesthetics

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.

Blades

You can find fans with anywhere from two to more than 10 blades. The blade number is more of a stylistic preference, as the motor, speed setting, and blade angle or “pitch” determine that fan’s airflow, not the number of blades.

Ceiling Rod Height

You should look at the dimensions of the 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.

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.

Fan 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 fan speed options, as this will allow you to change the speed based on the weather and your comfort preferences.

Fan Pitch

A fan’s pitch refers to the angle at which each blade tilts. This angle—not the number of blades—plays a great part in influencing airflow. The optimum pitch is between 12 and 15 degrees, which provides a decent breeze without generating a small windstorm.

Lighting

If you plan on working or entertaining outside, consider investing in a lighted ceiling fan.

Wet Rating

There are two types of ratings for outdoor ceiling fans: damp and wet.

• Damp-rated: A damp-rated fan uses materials that won’t rust when exposed to moisture. However, they are not engineered to withstand direct contact with rain, snow, or hail. This makes them best for areas that are high in humidity but have some permanent protection from the elements, such as a screened-in porch.
• Wet-rated: A wet-rated fan is sealed to withstand all weather conditions. These fans are usable in all types of outdoor spaces.

How to Install a Ceiling Fan

Tips for Cleaning an Outdoor Ceiling Fan

While outdoor ceiling fans can provide a lot of benefits, they also can take a lot of work to maintain. Follow these steps to make sure you’re keeping your ceiling fan in excellent condition.

• Use a Sturdy Ladder: If your outdoor ceiling fan is mounted at a height, use a sturdy stepladder to safely access the fan. Make sure the ladder is placed on a level surface, and have a family member or friend spot you while you’re using the ladder for extra safety. 
• Protect Yourself: When cleaning a ceiling fan, wear protective eyewear and consider using a dust mask to shield yourself from dust and debris that may fall while cleaning the fan.
• Dust the Blades First: Start by dusting the fan blades to remove loose dirt and debris. You can use a long-handled duster or a soft microfiber cloth to eliminate particles. Work from the center of the blades outward, gently wiping the top and bottom surfaces. For stubborn dirt, you may need to use a mild cleaning solution, with a mixture of mild dish soap and water in a spray bottle.
• Make Sure the Fan is Secure: While cleaning the fan, inspect the mounting hardware and screws to ensure they are secure. Loose screws can cause the fan to wobble or become unstable, so tighten them if necessary.
• Fully Clean Blades and Housing: Wipe each blade with a damp cloth or sponge, making sure to cover both sides. Take care not to apply excessive pressure that could bend or damage the blades. Also, be sure to clean the motor housing, canopy, and any other visible parts. For metal surfaces, you may need to use a metal cleaner or an appropriate cleaning agent recommended by the manufacturer.
• Rinse and Dry: If your outdoor ceiling fan is rated for outdoor use and has a wet rating, you can rinse the blades with a gentle stream of water from a hose to remove any remaining dirt or cleaning solution. Avoid spraying water directly onto the motor housing or electrical components. After rinsing, use a clean, dry cloth to wipe down the fan and remove excess moisture.

Outdoor Ceiling Fan FAQ

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 fewer: 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 Chose the Best 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 You Can Trust Us

This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIYers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content.

Our 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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