The Bottom Line
Our top recommendation is the Hunter Cassius Outdoor 52-Inch Ceiling Fan. It’s a 52-inch ceiling fan that efficiently cools any space and comes with extremely clear and concise instructions for installation. But, if you’re looking for a more affordable pick with no extra features, we suggest getting the Hampton Bay Gazebo III Ceiling Fan. At 42 inches, it’s slightly smaller than the Hunter Cassius but comes with three speeds and can keep your area cool.
Our Testing Process
Four of the ceiling fans that made our shortlist were tested in our own homes over a two week period. These include our best overall pick, the Hunter Cassius Outdoor 52-Inch Ceiling Fan, as well as the Hampton Bay Mena 54-Inch Ceiling Fan, the Hunter Key Biscayne Outdoor Ceiling Fan With Light, and the Honeywell Belmar Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan. The rest of the products on our list were chosen based on hours of research.
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We tested a total of 10 fans across a variety of categories, including wet-rated, small fans, large, coastal, and budget options. Before installation, we read the instructions thoroughly and confirmed that the wiring in our ceiling was rated for ceiling fan use. If the ceiling fan had smart features, we downloaded any applicable apps and set up the smart features. We installed all fans ourselves without the help of a professional to evaluate the ease of assembly and installation. And in some cases, it was necessary to bring in a friend to assist us. We made sure to record the total amount of time it took to install each ceiling fan.
To evaluate their performance, we tested the ceiling fans over a two week period, looking at factors such as speed, lights, and remote control features (if applicable). Plus we observed if the fan blades could reverse their direction in order to circulate warm and cold air. We also examined all smart features of the fans when applicable.
Determining overall quality was a big factor. In order to do this, we assessed how easy the fan changed the blade direction, and how easy it was to operate the fan with a remote control. We wanted to answer questions like: Did it circulate the air in the room? Did the fan help to dissipate any smells? In addition, we factored in the noise and vibration level of each fan.
Finally, we looked at the features each fan offered such as the number of settings, lights, and smart features. Ultimately, only four of the 10 fans we tested made our final list, and the rest of the products we recommend were chosen after conducting diligent research.
Southern Living / Mary Honeyman-Speichinger
Tips for Choosing the Right Outdoor Ceilings Fans
Size
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“An outdoor fan will ‘cool’ an area of your porch by moving air around, so the size of the fan you want to choose is based on the area you have to cool down,” says Docia Boylen, owner and operator of Handyman Connection of Golden, Colorado. “You can get fans in sizes from 29 inches to 54 inches,” Boylen continues. “A 29-inch fan will handle an area of 75 square feet. A fan 50 to 54 inches will handle an area between 226 to 400 square feet.” For areas over 400 square feet, you can get a fan like the Minka Aire Xtreme H2O Ceiling Fan which has 65-inch blades, or you can install multiple fans.
Damp/Wet Rating
You’ll frequently see outdoor ceiling fans labeled “damp-rated” or “wet-rated.” Although these terms might sound like they mean the same thing, they are not interchangeable. “A wet fan rating means that the fan can be rained on with no issues—so you can install this anywhere outside,” says Boylen. “A damp fan rating means that you must install this fan in a covered location and it should not get wet or rained on.”
Bridget Tiek, principal interior designer at Tiek By Day in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, adds, “If your outdoor living space is not completely covered or exposed to the elements, like a pergola, then you will need a fan that is wet-rated. Damp-rated fans work for covered porches and patios that are subject to humidity but not to direct elements such as rain or snow.”
Blades
Outdoor fans typically have three to five blades, although you can find models with up to eight blades. “The number of blades you have does NOT affect the speed,” says Boylen. “That is completely controlled by the motor and the pitch of the blades.” According to Boylen, the pitch of the fan blade is related to the size of the fan and will determine how much air is moved when the fan is on. “A steeper blade pitch moves more air than a shallow pitch,” she says.
Tiek points out, “If the blades are designed exactly the same, then yes the more blades will equal more speed. However, there are so many different blade types now that more blades do not always mean more speed. If you are interested in speed, it’s always best to check the CFM!” (CFM stands for cubic feet per minute and refers to the amount of air that a fan can move.)
Southern Living / Mary Honeyman-Speichinger
Style & Color
“There’s a fan for everyone these days,” says Tiek. “From industrial to modern, traditional to even tropical. Yes, even tropical fans are a thing!”
In terms of color, you’ll rarely find ceiling fans with bright colors. Instead, most will come in neutral colors such as white, black, bronze, and gray finishes. Fan blades are almost exclusively made from either plastic, metal, or wood.
Features
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“Remotes seem to be the most common extra feature on outdoor ceiling fans lately, but smart fans that you can control with your phone have also become popular,” says Tiek. These models are usually powered by Bluetooth which allows you to change fan speeds or issue commands via Google Assistant or Alexa.
“Light kits are also an option if you are working with a space that has no other light source. Aesthetically, we (interior designers) typically steer clear of light kits on fans, but understand that sometimes it may be the only place for light in an existing space!” For Boylen, “adding a light is a great way to get a little more light on the porch,” but just “make sure you choose a LED light!”
“Another good choice is opting for weather-resistant blades and finishes so that your fan stays beautiful during its life span,” says Boylen.
Questions and Answers
Can you install an outdoor ceiling fan yourself?
According to Boylen, while a person could install a fan by themselves, certain factors should be present to make installation as easy as possible. “If the area is pre-wired, this is the best option for a DIY installation,” she says. “But, if the area is not wired for a fan or does not have a fan-rated electrical box, you might want to use a handyman or electrician to run the wiring and install the correct box.”
How much do outdoor ceiling fans cost?
According to Tiek, the price of outdoor ceiling fans typically range from $200-$1,500. If you’re looking for an outdoor fan that comes with a light and remote, expect to pay around $250 to $400.
How long do outdoor ceiling fans last?
“A typical outdoor fan can last eight to 15 years, but it will depend on the quality of the fan, how much it is used, and how well you maintain your fan,” says Boylen. “Outdoor fan maintenance is easy though: it involves cleaning the blades, checking screws and bolts, and lubricating the motor and bearings annually.”
Can you use an indoor ceiling fan outdoors?
Most experts agree that indoor fans should remain indoors where they will be safe from humidity, moisture, and weather conditions like rain or snow. These factors (whether individually or combined) can cause a lot of damage, including electrical issues to the fan’s motor.
Why Trust Southern Living?
Nor’Adila Hepburn is a writer based in North Carolina who specializes in writing product reviews. To determine the best fans, we tested 10 fans in our homes over two weeks and spent hours researching products, evaluating them on size, damp/wet rating, blades, style, and color. Nor’Adila also spoke to Docia Boylen, the owner and operator of Handyman Connection of Golden, Colorado, as well as Bridget Tiek, principal interior designer at Tiek By Day in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Outdoor
