In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsWhat to KnowBehind the ScenesFAQWhy Trust PEOPLE?What Is PEOPLE Tested?
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Our Top Picks
Reviews
What to Know
Behind the Scenes
FAQ
Why Trust PEOPLE?
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
Photo:People / Amazon
People / Amazon
Whether it’s aportable air conditioneror central AC, running your air conditioning can be costly, so investing in a ceiling fan is a more affordable way to improve airflow and cool off.Installing a ceiling fan is a long-term investment in your home, so picking one that gets you the best bang for your buck is important. With so many types of ceiling fans — remote-operated, three-blade to five-blade, wooden to metal — the right fan can add a level of craftsmanship to your space, so choose one that performs well and fits your space visually.We spent over 1,200 hours testing different ceiling fans on the market to give you a comprehensive guide to choose from. Whether you want to keep your bedroom cool or add a ceiling fan to your outdoor space to make hot summer days more enjoyable, we have a ceiling fan for you.Our Top PicksBest Indoor:Honeywell Carmel Indoor Ceiling Fan at Amazon$159Jump to ReviewBest Indoor (Cheaper):Portage Bay Hugger 52" West Hill Ceiling Fan at Amazon$90Jump to ReviewBest Outdoor:Hunter Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan at Amazon$127Jump to ReviewBest with Remote:Honeywell Carnegie Indoor Ceiling Fan at Amazon$173Jump to ReviewBest Smart:Hunter Aerodyne 52-Inch LED Indoor Smart Ceiling Fan at Amazon$209Jump to ReviewBest Modern:Minka-Aire Light Wave Ceiling Fan at Amazon$360Jump to ReviewBest for Small Spaces:SALEHoneywell Ocean Breeze 30-Inch LED Ceiling Fan at Amazon$70$56Jump to ReviewBest for Large Spaces:Hampton Bay Mena Ceiling Fan at Amazon$155Jump to ReviewBest for Bedrooms:Harbor Breeze Mazon Ceiling Fan at Amazon$127Jump to ReviewBest with Reverse Motor:SALEHoneywell Belmar Outdoor LED Ceiling Fan at Amazon$139$116Jump to Review
Whether it’s aportable air conditioneror central AC, running your air conditioning can be costly, so investing in a ceiling fan is a more affordable way to improve airflow and cool off.
Installing a ceiling fan is a long-term investment in your home, so picking one that gets you the best bang for your buck is important. With so many types of ceiling fans — remote-operated, three-blade to five-blade, wooden to metal — the right fan can add a level of craftsmanship to your space, so choose one that performs well and fits your space visually.
We spent over 1,200 hours testing different ceiling fans on the market to give you a comprehensive guide to choose from. Whether you want to keep your bedroom cool or add a ceiling fan to your outdoor space to make hot summer days more enjoyable, we have a ceiling fan for you.
Our Top PicksBest Indoor:Honeywell Carmel Indoor Ceiling Fan at Amazon$159Jump to ReviewBest Indoor (Cheaper):Portage Bay Hugger 52" West Hill Ceiling Fan at Amazon$90Jump to ReviewBest Outdoor:Hunter Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan at Amazon$127Jump to ReviewBest with Remote:Honeywell Carnegie Indoor Ceiling Fan at Amazon$173Jump to ReviewBest Smart:Hunter Aerodyne 52-Inch LED Indoor Smart Ceiling Fan at Amazon$209Jump to ReviewBest Modern:Minka-Aire Light Wave Ceiling Fan at Amazon$360Jump to ReviewBest for Small Spaces:SALEHoneywell Ocean Breeze 30-Inch LED Ceiling Fan at Amazon$70$56Jump to ReviewBest for Large Spaces:Hampton Bay Mena Ceiling Fan at Amazon$155Jump to ReviewBest for Bedrooms:Harbor Breeze Mazon Ceiling Fan at Amazon$127Jump to ReviewBest with Reverse Motor:SALEHoneywell Belmar Outdoor LED Ceiling Fan at Amazon$139$116Jump to Review
Best Indoor:Honeywell Carmel Indoor Ceiling Fan at Amazon$159Jump to ReviewBest Indoor (Cheaper):Portage Bay Hugger 52" West Hill Ceiling Fan at Amazon$90Jump to ReviewBest Outdoor:Hunter Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan at Amazon$127Jump to ReviewBest with Remote:Honeywell Carnegie Indoor Ceiling Fan at Amazon$173Jump to ReviewBest Smart:Hunter Aerodyne 52-Inch LED Indoor Smart Ceiling Fan at Amazon$209Jump to ReviewBest Modern:Minka-Aire Light Wave Ceiling Fan at Amazon$360Jump to ReviewBest for Small Spaces:SALEHoneywell Ocean Breeze 30-Inch LED Ceiling Fan at Amazon$70$56Jump to ReviewBest for Large Spaces:Hampton Bay Mena Ceiling Fan at Amazon$155Jump to ReviewBest for Bedrooms:Harbor Breeze Mazon Ceiling Fan at Amazon$127Jump to ReviewBest with Reverse Motor:SALEHoneywell Belmar Outdoor LED Ceiling Fan at Amazon$139$116Jump to Review
Best Indoor:Honeywell Carmel Indoor Ceiling Fan at Amazon$159Jump to Review
Best Indoor:Honeywell Carmel Indoor Ceiling Fan at Amazon$159
Best Indoor:
Best Indoor (Cheaper):Portage Bay Hugger 52" West Hill Ceiling Fan at Amazon$90Jump to Review
Best Indoor (Cheaper):Portage Bay Hugger 52" West Hill Ceiling Fan at Amazon$90
Best Indoor (Cheaper):
Best Outdoor:Hunter Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan at Amazon$127Jump to Review
Best Outdoor:Hunter Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan at Amazon$127
Best Outdoor:
Best with Remote:Honeywell Carnegie Indoor Ceiling Fan at Amazon$173Jump to Review
Best with Remote:Honeywell Carnegie Indoor Ceiling Fan at Amazon$173
Best with Remote:
Best Smart:Hunter Aerodyne 52-Inch LED Indoor Smart Ceiling Fan at Amazon$209Jump to Review
Best Smart:Hunter Aerodyne 52-Inch LED Indoor Smart Ceiling Fan at Amazon$209
Best Smart:
Best Modern:Minka-Aire Light Wave Ceiling Fan at Amazon$360Jump to Review
Best Modern:Minka-Aire Light Wave Ceiling Fan at Amazon$360
Best Modern:
Best for Small Spaces:SALEHoneywell Ocean Breeze 30-Inch LED Ceiling Fan at Amazon$70$56Jump to Review
Best for Small Spaces:SALEHoneywell Ocean Breeze 30-Inch LED Ceiling Fan at Amazon$70$56
Best for Small Spaces:
SALE
Best for Large Spaces:Hampton Bay Mena Ceiling Fan at Amazon$155Jump to Review
Best for Large Spaces:Hampton Bay Mena Ceiling Fan at Amazon$155
Best for Large Spaces:
Best for Bedrooms:Harbor Breeze Mazon Ceiling Fan at Amazon$127Jump to Review
Best for Bedrooms:Harbor Breeze Mazon Ceiling Fan at Amazon$127
Best for Bedrooms:
Best with Reverse Motor:SALEHoneywell Belmar Outdoor LED Ceiling Fan at Amazon$139$116Jump to Review
Best with Reverse Motor:SALEHoneywell Belmar Outdoor LED Ceiling Fan at Amazon$139$116
Best with Reverse Motor:
Best IndoorHoneywell Carmel Indoor Ceiling FanPHOTO: Amazon$159$139 at Amazon$208$141 at Walmart$132 at Wayfair
Best IndoorHoneywell Carmel Indoor Ceiling Fan
PHOTO: Amazon
$159$139 at Amazon$208$141 at Walmart$132 at Wayfair
Star QualitiesPowerful for pushing air through large spacesQuiet at all three speedsHas a portable remote switch and adjustable settingsRed FlagsFairly heavy
Star QualitiesPowerful for pushing air through large spacesQuiet at all three speedsHas a portable remote switch and adjustable settings
Powerful for pushing air through large spaces
Quiet at all three speeds
Has a portable remote switch and adjustable settings
Red FlagsFairly heavy
Fairly heavy
It comes with a remote, so you can also control it from any part of your home. Another nice thing about this fan is that you can adjust it to use year-round — while it’s designed to increase cool airflow in the summer, you can change the blade direction and intensity to improve the dispersion of warm air in the winter.
Width:48 inches |Number of Speeds:3 |Light Included:Yes |Number of Blades:5
PHOTO: People / Michael NavarroPHOTO: People / Michael Navarro
Best Indoor (Cheaper)Portage Bay Hugger 52" West Hill Ceiling FanPHOTO: Amazon$90 at AmazonView on Kmart.com$60 at Home Depot
Best Indoor (Cheaper)Portage Bay Hugger 52" West Hill Ceiling Fan
$90 at AmazonView on Kmart.com$60 at Home Depot
Star QualitiesExcellent airflow in rooms of any sizeQuiet and free of any vibrationsReversible blades for year-round useRed FlagsPull-chain operated
Star QualitiesExcellent airflow in rooms of any sizeQuiet and free of any vibrationsReversible blades for year-round use
Excellent airflow in rooms of any size
Quiet and free of any vibrations
Reversible blades for year-round use
Red FlagsPull-chain operated
Pull-chain operated
If you’re looking for a new ceiling fan for your home but working on a tight budget, we love this one from Portage Bay. We installed this fan in a home office for the testing period and found that it kept the space remarkably cool for the entire workday. The highest speed is great for cooling a room off quickly, but if you’re worried about the strong airflow knocking things over or disturbing you, the low setting works just fine for keeping air flowing. Another thing we really liked about this fan is the reversible blades; they’ll keep you warm in the summer or help distribute heat in your house (and keep utility costs down!) in the winter.
Width:52 inches |Number of Speeds:3 |Light Included:Yes |Number of Blades:5
PHOTO: People / Michele HansonPHOTO: People / Michele Hanson
Best OutdoorHunter Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling FanPHOTO: Amazon$127 at Amazon$128 at Target$140 at Wayfair
Best OutdoorHunter Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan
$127 at Amazon$128 at Target$140 at Wayfair
Star QualitiesDoesn’t hang too lowSleek design blends in with many stylesSilent and free of any vibrationsRed FlagsPull-cord operatedNo light kit
Star QualitiesDoesn’t hang too lowSleek design blends in with many stylesSilent and free of any vibrations
Doesn’t hang too low
Sleek design blends in with many styles
Silent and free of any vibrations
Red FlagsPull-cord operatedNo light kit
Pull-cord operated
No light kit
This Hunter Cassius ceiling fan won our vote for outdoor spaces because of how sleek and powerful it is. The simple, three-blade design comes in four neutral colors that will seamlessly blend in with your space. We also really appreciate that it doesn’t hang too low, so you don’t have to worry about ducking when you walk past. The setup was just as breezy; all the parts were clearly labeled, the wires were color-coded, and the instructions were easy to follow.
There also isn’t a light kit included, which could be a con depending on what you’re looking for, but we thought this made it an optimal choice for an outdoor space or porch because you’ll likely have a light source coming from somewhere else. The only other con we saw with this fan is that it’s pull-chain operated, so you’ll have to get up to turn it on or off.
Width:44 to 52 inches |Number of Speeds:3 |Light Included:No |Number of Blades:3
People / Ashleigh Morley
Best with RemoteHoneywell Carnegie Indoor Ceiling FanPHOTO: Amazon$173 at Amazon$149 at Walmart$141 at Wayfair
Best with RemoteHoneywell Carnegie Indoor Ceiling Fan
$173 at Amazon$149 at Walmart$141 at Wayfair
Star QualitiesHighly intuitive features for relaxation and securityRuns quietly on all settingsVariety of styles and thoughtful designRed FlagsAssembly took 3+ hours
Star QualitiesHighly intuitive features for relaxation and securityRuns quietly on all settingsVariety of styles and thoughtful design
Highly intuitive features for relaxation and security
Runs quietly on all settings
Variety of styles and thoughtful design
Red FlagsAssembly took 3+ hours
Assembly took 3+ hours
If you’re looking for a ceiling fan with several luxury bells and whistles, we highly recommend this one from Honeywell. You can control the light independently from the fan, and each setting has some pretty impressive features. Two that came in handy are the Variable Breeze button, which is meant to stimulate a natural breeze, and the Home Shield button, which randomly turns the lights on and off throughout the day, so it will appear that someone is home at all times and deter potential burglars. And no matter what features you use the most, whenever you turn it off, the remote automatically saves your previous setting.
However, you should keep in mind that because it is a little more intricately designed, the assembly process may be more complicated and take a while. If you’ve never installed a ceiling fan, definitely take special care with this one, and prepare to spend an afternoon on it.
PHOTO: People / Pat McGowanPHOTO: People / Pat McGowanPHOTO: People / Pat McGowan
Best SmartHunter Aerodyne 52-Inch LED Indoor Smart Ceiling FanPHOTO: Amazon$209 at Amazon$223 at Wayfair$209 at Home Depot
Best SmartHunter Aerodyne 52-Inch LED Indoor Smart Ceiling Fan
$209 at Amazon$223 at Wayfair$209 at Home Depot
Star QualitiesCan be controlled via remote or appWorks with other smart home devicesStrong airflow on highest speedRed FlagsNoisy at high speeds
Star QualitiesCan be controlled via remote or appWorks with other smart home devicesStrong airflow on highest speed
Can be controlled via remote or app
Works with other smart home devices
Strong airflow on highest speed
Red FlagsNoisy at high speeds
Noisy at high speeds
This fan is designed for indoor use, and on the highest of its four speed settings, it moves an impressive amount of air, effectively cooling off large spaces. It has an integrated LED light that can be dimmed if needed, and its reversible motor lets you use the fan year-round. The only downside is that the fan is fairly noisy on its highest speed setting, which may be disruptive.
Width:52 inches |Number of Speeds:4 |Light Included:Yes |Number of Blades:5
Best ModernMinka-Aire Light Wave Ceiling FanPHOTO: Amazon$360 at Amazon$360 at WayfairView on Lumens.com
Best ModernMinka-Aire Light Wave Ceiling Fan
$360 at Amazon$360 at WayfairView on Lumens.com
Star QualitiesBlades and fan are remarkably lightRemote-operated and customizableExpertly designed with luxurious blades
Blades and fan are remarkably light
Remote-operated and customizable
Expertly designed with luxurious blades
All settings are very bright, even with the dimmer
While most ceiling fans tend to have a traditional look, this one certainly stands out with a modern, sleek style. The curved blades make a statement and do a great job of providing strong airflow. For this test, we installed the fan in a large bedroom, and it kept the room nice and cool throughout the day and night.
With this being said, we loved the dimming feature but found the light kit to be very bright. Also, while most functions are remote-controlled, the switch that allows you to switch the fan’s directions is on the fan itself, so you’ll have to use a ladder whenever you want to do that.
Width:52 inches |Number of Speeds:3 |Light Included:Yes |Number of Blades:3
PHOTO: People / Laura MillerPHOTO: People / Laura MillerPHOTO: People / Laura Miller
Best for Small SpacesHoneywell Ocean Breeze 30-Inch LED Ceiling FanPHOTO: Amazon$70$56 at Amazon$69$56 at Walmart$74 at WayfairStar QualitiesInexpensiveCompact size for small roomsReversible blades offer two color optionsRed FlagsPull-chain controlsNot ideal for low ceilingsThe Ocean Breeze Ceiling Fan is ideal for small rooms thanks to its 30-inch width — the brand says it works best in spaces around 100 square feet. It has just three blades and pull-chain controls, and during installation, you can reverse the blades to choose between two color options. The fan is equipped with a dimmable LED light, and the motor is reversible, as well, helping to circulate air around your home in both the summer and winter months.Despite its smaller form, this fan does hang down more than 13 inches, so it may not be the best option if you have lower ceilings. However, it’s hard to beat its low price and classic design for small spaces.Width:30 inches |Number of Speeds:3 |Light Included:Yes |Number of Blades:3Experts Say“I like compact ceiling fans with a discrete design; those are typically a good choice for smaller spaces. These fans are designed to provide efficient air circulation while minimizing the visual impact and space requirements."—Emily Mackie, founder of Inspired Interiors
Best for Small SpacesHoneywell Ocean Breeze 30-Inch LED Ceiling FanPHOTO: Amazon$70$56 at Amazon$69$56 at Walmart$74 at Wayfair
Best for Small SpacesHoneywell Ocean Breeze 30-Inch LED Ceiling Fan
$70$56 at Amazon$69$56 at Walmart$74 at Wayfair
Star QualitiesInexpensiveCompact size for small roomsReversible blades offer two color optionsRed FlagsPull-chain controlsNot ideal for low ceilings
Star QualitiesInexpensiveCompact size for small roomsReversible blades offer two color options
Inexpensive
Compact size for small rooms
Reversible blades offer two color options
Red FlagsPull-chain controlsNot ideal for low ceilings
Pull-chain controls
Not ideal for low ceilings
The Ocean Breeze Ceiling Fan is ideal for small rooms thanks to its 30-inch width — the brand says it works best in spaces around 100 square feet. It has just three blades and pull-chain controls, and during installation, you can reverse the blades to choose between two color options. The fan is equipped with a dimmable LED light, and the motor is reversible, as well, helping to circulate air around your home in both the summer and winter months.
Despite its smaller form, this fan does hang down more than 13 inches, so it may not be the best option if you have lower ceilings. However, it’s hard to beat its low price and classic design for small spaces.
Width:30 inches |Number of Speeds:3 |Light Included:Yes |Number of Blades:3
Experts Say“I like compact ceiling fans with a discrete design; those are typically a good choice for smaller spaces. These fans are designed to provide efficient air circulation while minimizing the visual impact and space requirements."—Emily Mackie, founder of Inspired Interiors
“I like compact ceiling fans with a discrete design; those are typically a good choice for smaller spaces. These fans are designed to provide efficient air circulation while minimizing the visual impact and space requirements."—Emily Mackie, founder of Inspired Interiors
Best for Large SpacesHampton Bay Mena Ceiling FanPHOTO: Walmart$155 at Amazon$108 at Walmart$159 at Home DepotStar QualitiesStrong airflowLight blades keep the fan balanced and prevent vibrationThree different warmth settings on the light kitRed FlagsNo dimmerThis Hampton Bay ceiling fan is perfect if you have a large living area, kitchen, or outdoor space that you want to keep cool. The assembly was simple because the blades snapped right into the main console. But it truly got our vote for large spaces because it was efficient at maintaining airflow, which even spread into other rooms in our home.While it packs quite the punch, it’s still very lightweight and doesn’t wobble or vibrate at all. This is thanks to how light the blades are, which keeps all the tension on the main power unit. The fan is also remote operated, which is a major plus, and the light kit has three preset warmth settings so you can adjust the mood of the room. While we did appreciate the warmth settings, a potential con is that they aren’t very intuitive. There isn’t a dimming feature, and we found that lack of customization frustrating.Width:54 inches |Number of Speeds:3 |Light Included:Yes |Number of Blades:5PHOTO: People / Art SilverioPHOTO: People / Art SilverioPHOTO: People / Art Silverio
Best for Large SpacesHampton Bay Mena Ceiling FanPHOTO: Walmart$155 at Amazon$108 at Walmart$159 at Home Depot
Best for Large SpacesHampton Bay Mena Ceiling Fan
PHOTO: Walmart
$155 at Amazon$108 at Walmart$159 at Home Depot
Star QualitiesStrong airflowLight blades keep the fan balanced and prevent vibrationThree different warmth settings on the light kitRed FlagsNo dimmer
Star QualitiesStrong airflowLight blades keep the fan balanced and prevent vibrationThree different warmth settings on the light kit
Strong airflow
Light blades keep the fan balanced and prevent vibration
Three different warmth settings on the light kit
Red FlagsNo dimmer
No dimmer
This Hampton Bay ceiling fan is perfect if you have a large living area, kitchen, or outdoor space that you want to keep cool. The assembly was simple because the blades snapped right into the main console. But it truly got our vote for large spaces because it was efficient at maintaining airflow, which even spread into other rooms in our home.
While it packs quite the punch, it’s still very lightweight and doesn’t wobble or vibrate at all. This is thanks to how light the blades are, which keeps all the tension on the main power unit. The fan is also remote operated, which is a major plus, and the light kit has three preset warmth settings so you can adjust the mood of the room. While we did appreciate the warmth settings, a potential con is that they aren’t very intuitive. There isn’t a dimming feature, and we found that lack of customization frustrating.
Width:54 inches |Number of Speeds:3 |Light Included:Yes |Number of Blades:5
PHOTO: People / Art SilverioPHOTO: People / Art SilverioPHOTO: People / Art Silverio
Best for BedroomsHarbor Breeze Mazon Ceiling FanPHOTO: Amazon$127$118 at Amazon$150 at Walmart$125 at Lowe’sStar QualitiesEasy assembly and installationReversible wood or nickel bladesIntegrated LED light source that’s low maintenance and energy efficientRed FlagsNo wall mount for the controllerOnly one brightness settingIf you’re looking for a fan to add to your bedroom, you’ll love this one from Harbor Breeze. First of all, we love the reversible blades. You can choose between a wood or nickel look depending on your decor so that the fan can evolve with you and the ever-changing style of your space. It was also a winner in terms of circulation; even with the windows open, we found that traditional air conditioning wasn’t needed as long as the fan was on. All three oscillating speeds are fairly powerful, but we stayed at levels two and three for the most part. Even at the highest speed, this fan is impressively quiet, besides a gentle hum.The main drawbacks were that the remote control doesn’t include a wall mount, and the lightbulbs, although LED, don’t have an adjustable dimness. However, with all this being said, this is a great fan at a reasonable price, great for keeping your bedroom nice and cool.Width:44 inches |Number of Speeds:3 |Light Included:Yes |Number of Blades:3PHOTO: People / Kimberly SouzaPHOTO: People / Kimberly SouzaPHOTO: People / Kimberly Souza
Best for BedroomsHarbor Breeze Mazon Ceiling FanPHOTO: Amazon$127$118 at Amazon$150 at Walmart$125 at Lowe’s
Best for BedroomsHarbor Breeze Mazon Ceiling Fan
$127$118 at Amazon$150 at Walmart$125 at Lowe’s
Star QualitiesEasy assembly and installationReversible wood or nickel bladesIntegrated LED light source that’s low maintenance and energy efficientRed FlagsNo wall mount for the controllerOnly one brightness setting
Star QualitiesEasy assembly and installationReversible wood or nickel bladesIntegrated LED light source that’s low maintenance and energy efficient
Easy assembly and installation
Reversible wood or nickel blades
Integrated LED light source that’s low maintenance and energy efficient
Red FlagsNo wall mount for the controllerOnly one brightness setting
No wall mount for the controller
Only one brightness setting
If you’re looking for a fan to add to your bedroom, you’ll love this one from Harbor Breeze. First of all, we love the reversible blades. You can choose between a wood or nickel look depending on your decor so that the fan can evolve with you and the ever-changing style of your space. It was also a winner in terms of circulation; even with the windows open, we found that traditional air conditioning wasn’t needed as long as the fan was on. All three oscillating speeds are fairly powerful, but we stayed at levels two and three for the most part. Even at the highest speed, this fan is impressively quiet, besides a gentle hum.
The main drawbacks were that the remote control doesn’t include a wall mount, and the lightbulbs, although LED, don’t have an adjustable dimness. However, with all this being said, this is a great fan at a reasonable price, great for keeping your bedroom nice and cool.
Width:44 inches |Number of Speeds:3 |Light Included:Yes |Number of Blades:3
PHOTO: People / Kimberly SouzaPHOTO: People / Kimberly SouzaPHOTO: People / Kimberly Souza
Best with Reverse MotorHoneywell Belmar Outdoor LED Ceiling FanPHOTO: Amazon$139$116 at Amazon$108 at Walmart$119 at Wayfair
Best with Reverse MotorHoneywell Belmar Outdoor LED Ceiling Fan
$139$116 at Amazon$108 at Walmart$119 at Wayfair
Star QualitiesCools your space off quickly and efficientlyFeels sturdy upon installationCan easily change the motor to reverse blade directionRed FlagsNot remote operatedHighest setting gets pretty loud
Star QualitiesCools your space off quickly and efficientlyFeels sturdy upon installationCan easily change the motor to reverse blade direction
Cools your space off quickly and efficiently
Feels sturdy upon installation
Can easily change the motor to reverse blade direction
Red FlagsNot remote operatedHighest setting gets pretty loud
Not remote operated
Highest setting gets pretty loud
If you’re looking to maximize your investment, you’ll appreciate how easy it is to put this Honeywell ceiling fan in winter mode to enjoy it year-round. While most fans have a complicated and frustrating blade reversal process, this one allows you to knock it into winter or summer mode with ease.
We tested it in a smaller room but found that it kept air circulating and cooled the space off quickly. We found that the low setting wasn’t quite strong enough, and the highest setting was too strong, so we mainly kept it at the middle one, and we recommend this for regular, day-to-day use.
PHOTO: People / Danielle YersinPHOTO: People / Danielle Yersin
Best for Vaulted CeilingsHampton Bay Fanlee 54-Inch Smart Ceiling FanPHOTO: The Home Depot$189 at Home DepotStar QualitiesComes with downrod for angled mountIncludes remote control and smart featuresOffers six light settingsRed FlagsShade is plastic, not glassLonger downrod sold separatelyIf you have a vaulted ceiling, you need a ceiling fan that can be angled mounted, such as the Fanelee from Hampton Bay. This is perfect for high, angled ceilings — it comes with a six-inch downrod, but the brand also has longer ones available if you need it to hang lower. Additionally, the fan comes with a remote control and can be connected to your home’s Wi-Fi for app controls or even voice commands.This fan has a large 54-inch width, and its integrated LED light can be set to six different temperature options, ranging from cool to warm. The blades are reversible, allowing you to choose from two different finishes, and the four-speed motor is quiet, so it won’t disturb your daily activities, even on high settings.Width:54 inches |Number of Speeds:4 |Light Included:Yes |Number of Blades:5
Best for Vaulted CeilingsHampton Bay Fanlee 54-Inch Smart Ceiling FanPHOTO: The Home Depot$189 at Home Depot
Best for Vaulted CeilingsHampton Bay Fanlee 54-Inch Smart Ceiling Fan
PHOTO: The Home Depot
$189 at Home Depot
Star QualitiesComes with downrod for angled mountIncludes remote control and smart featuresOffers six light settingsRed FlagsShade is plastic, not glassLonger downrod sold separately
Star QualitiesComes with downrod for angled mountIncludes remote control and smart featuresOffers six light settings
Comes with downrod for angled mount
Includes remote control and smart features
Offers six light settings
Red FlagsShade is plastic, not glassLonger downrod sold separately
Shade is plastic, not glass
Longer downrod sold separately
If you have a vaulted ceiling, you need a ceiling fan that can be angled mounted, such as the Fanelee from Hampton Bay. This is perfect for high, angled ceilings — it comes with a six-inch downrod, but the brand also has longer ones available if you need it to hang lower. Additionally, the fan comes with a remote control and can be connected to your home’s Wi-Fi for app controls or even voice commands.
This fan has a large 54-inch width, and its integrated LED light can be set to six different temperature options, ranging from cool to warm. The blades are reversible, allowing you to choose from two different finishes, and the four-speed motor is quiet, so it won’t disturb your daily activities, even on high settings.
Width:54 inches |Number of Speeds:4 |Light Included:Yes |Number of Blades:5
Installing a ceiling fan isn’t the same as assembling a piece of furniture or a regular standing fan. You have to mount it to your ceiling and account for things like electrical connections and wiring — not a concern with otherhousehold fansor something likea humidifier— which can get very treacherous if you aren’t experienced. Looking at a fan’s product page for things like how many parts the fan comes with and what tools you’ll need will give you an adequate picture of what to expect when assembling. TheHampton Bay Mena Ceiling Fanis a great option if you’re looking for a fan that has easy setup; the blades snap right into the center console, which will save you loads of time you would have otherwise spent screwing each blade into place.
Looking at a fan’s hardware and how it’s made and assembled will tell you how well it works. For example, if the blades are made of bulky material, they’re more likely to wobble and feel unstable when powered up. Another thing to consider is the ceiling fan’s potential location. If you’re going to install it in a small room, picking a fan with fewer blades and a smaller blade span (like theHoneywell Ocean Breeze Ceiling Fan) might make more sense visually. If you place it in a larger room, a fan with more blades hanging lower from the ceiling would adequately fill the space. If it will be exposed to the elements likeoutdoor furniture, you should opt for an outdoor ceiling fan that is treated to be weather- and moisture-resistant or clearly says on the product page that it is built for outdoor use.
Our PEOPLE Tested team researched the most popular indoor and outdoor ceiling fans on the market and tested 11 options made of different materials at varying price points to provide options for every type of shopper.
We spent over 1,200 accumulated hours testing these fans and evaluating their performance in real-life scenarios, from diffusing smoke in kitchens to keeping a bedroom cool overnight to regulating temperature in a home office during long work days.
You may assume that the more blades a fan comes with, the more power it will have. On the contrary, the number of blades makes little to no difference in a ceiling fan’s airflow strength. Three-blade fans oftentimes actually performbetterthan five-blade fans because the lighter load on the motor allows it to work more efficiently. The amount of blades on a fan really only makes a difference aesthetically. If you’re working with a bigger room, more blades might aesthetically make more sense, while three blades may keep a smaller room from looking too cluttered and busy. In that sense, the number of blades just comes down to visual preference.
You may have found an “indoor ceiling fan” that would fit perfectly on your patio, or you already have one lying around that you need to use. But according to designer Emily Mackie, it’s probably best to avoid any mixing and matching. “For longevity in outdoor settings, it’s important to choose a material that is rust-resistant and capable of withstanding alternative climates,” she says. Basically, you should keep indoor fans inside to get the most use out of your ceiling fan.
WriterCamryn Rabideaulater updated this article with three new product additions after extensive market research and scouring the best-selling ceiling fans available today.
We created thePEOPLE Tested seal of approvalto help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
source: people.com