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Keep cool this summer with our top picks. perforated ceiling panels
Better Homes & Gardens / Michelle Edelbaum
A beautiful outdoor living space can instantly make your home feel larger and more luxurious. While fire pits, outdoor kitchens, and cozy furniture can certainly make your patio or deck more enjoyable, a high-quality outdoor ceiling fan can help ensure it never becomes too hot or uncomfortable to enjoy, especially during the warmer months.
"The best materials for outdoor ceiling fans are durable and weather-resistant, like galvanized steel, aluminum, or plastic,” says Jason Farr, the CEO and founder of Aviara Pavers, a design and outdoor living company headquartered in Escondido, California.
“They can also help reduce energy costs by circulating the air and eliminating stagnant areas, so you don't have to rely as much on air conditioning," he says.
We tested 19 different outdoor ceiling fans and considered factors like assembly, design, effectiveness, and quality.
For more information on how we tested air purifiers in our lab, check out our testing process below.
This fan operated with a motor that remained quiet even at the highest speed.
This fan does not have a remote control option.
The Hunter Kennicott Outdoor 44-Inch Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan exceeded all of our expectations during testing. This contemporary style ceiling fan comes with six sleek white blades, and we liked that it blended in with our covered porch instead of standing out.
Each blade measures approximately 44 inches, making it perfect for small or large outdoor spaces. We loved how quickly this fan cooled down our porch, and we also appreciated that it created a breeze strong enough to keep most insects away.
There is no remote control option, but the fan is operated by a wall control that provides complete control over the various speeds. It also includes a motor that runs quietly but efficiently.
The fan was quick to cool the surrounding area during testing. It moved the air efficiently and even got rid of some pesky bugs around the room. At its various speeds, it remained quiet with no rattling or distracting sounds while still maintaining enough power to create a sufficient breeze. Even at the highest speed, the outdoor fan remained sturdy, and the base of the fan didn’t move.
We also loved the simple design of the fan. It’s a classic, no frills design that blended in with its surroundings so it didn’t pull attention away from the rest of the porch. The blades are long enough that they effectively move air around the room but don’t distract from the outdoor surroundings, which is great during a get together or just a quiet night on the porch.
This fan is durably made from a combination of alloy steel, aluminum, resin, and plastic. The fan is damp rated for a covered outdoor area, and it operates with a power of 4,467 cubic feet per minute (CFM). Overall, we rated this as a fantastic fan that does exactly what it’s supposed to do.
The fan has been running daily during the testing period with zero performance issues or rattling. It's relatively protected from the elements on a screened-in porch, but it has needed to contend with the Southern heat. Even given the extreme temperatures, we're impressed by the strong breeze.
Product Details: Dimensions: 44 x 44 x 12.76 inches | Number of Blades: Six | Material: Alloy steel, aluminum, resin, plastic | Damp/Wet Rating: Damp rated
Despite its affordable price, the 3,030-CFM fan still created a powerful breeze that cooled us down.
You can’t change the direction of the fan.
If you’re looking for a quality ceiling fan that doesn’t break the bank, the Harbor Breeze Valdosta 20-in Black Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan was one of our favorites during testing.
This outdoor ceiling fan has a different design than the other fans on our list—the blades are covered by a matte metal cage, making it look similar to a standing fan. While we were concerned the cage would interfere with the fan’s ability to thoroughly cool, we were quickly proven wrong and were impressed with how effectively it cooled our porch area.
This fan is also wet rated, meaning it blocks moisture from getting inside the motor so moisture doesn’t interfere with its performance.The three blades have a 24-degree blade pitch that provides 3,030 CFM, and there are three different speeds.
This fan was installed on an open porch in Los Angeles where it endured high heat and some heavy rain. Despite the range in weather, the fan performed very well. During testing, we liked that it was easy to install and effective at all speeds. Like the Hunter Kennicott Outdoor 44-Inch Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan, this fan’s design blends in with its surroundings so it can cool the space without drawing attention to itself.
We found this fan’s lowest setting provided a strong enough breeze to make a considerable difference in the surrounding temperature. The breeze was noticeable, but not overwhelming, and provided a refreshing release from the heat. It also did a great job at keeping bugs at bay.
The maximum setting was powerful and created a prominent wind flow, but even on the maximum setting the motor remained quiet, which was very impressive given its power. While we did note there was some swaying on a windy day, it didn’t interfere with the fan’s ability to cool and didn’t take away from the outdoor experience.
The fan is available in four different colors including black, oil rubbed bronze, white, and brushed nickel. The only negative we found with the fan is that you can’t change the direction of the fan, and it doesn’t come with a remote.
The inexpensive Harbor Breeze fan has held up beautifully over four months despite exposure to heat, rain, spiderwebs and sunshine. We also love it for keeping bugs away when we sit outside. We think it's a great value that performs as it should, though we wish it had a remote or pull chain because we need to climb onto a chair to adjust the settings.
Product Details: Dimensions: 44 x 4 x 15.6 inches | Number of Blades: Three | Material: Matte finished metal | Damp/Wet Rating: Wet rated
This fan is built with six speeds that can all be controlled with a remote control.
In areas with significant rainfall, we found the fan took a while to effectively dry the area.
The Peregrine Industrial Ceiling Fan is an industrial style fan that has four blades that create an impressive air flow—even in larger spaces.
The fan is designed with a 60-inch blade sweep with a 15-degree blade pitch, with a CFM ranging from 2,184 to 6,491. It comes in a variety of different color variations including brushed nickel with walnut brown blades and a matte black finish with matching blades.
During testing, this fan provided significant air movement throughout the porch. The fan features six different speeds that can all be controlled by a remote control. During testing, the second and third speed setting was most efficient at circulating air throughout the porch during a 55°F day.
Even at its highest speed, the fan remained silent and created little vibration. We also loved the remote control that was included with this fan, which made changing the settings easy and convenient.
A major plus of this fan is that it’s designed with a direct current motor (also known as a DC motor) that uses 70% less energy. A DC motor converts the AC power from the home and regulates the electrical power by controlling the surrounding air current. Its premium ABS blades provide efficient airflow that effectively cools whatever area it is installed in.
It’s damp rated, so it’s built to be ideal in areas with a lot of moisture though we found with extreme rainfall it took a while for the damp area to dry.
Even though the fan endured some heavy rain, it never wavered in its ability to cool effectively and never stalled in damp surroundings. While its price point is on the higher side, this fan is well worth the price and will be a great asset for many years in the future.
The Rejuvenation fan withstood several high-wind storms and even a late snow storm during the testing period with no signs of damage or changes in performance. We were incredibly impressed with the durability, especially since the fan was placed in an area with decent exposure to the elements.
Product Details: Dimensions: 44 x 4 x 15.6 inches | Number of Blades: Four | Material: Matte finished metal | Damp/Wet Rating: Damp rated
This fan provides an impressive airflow while providing a modern and sleek aesthetic.
This fan does not have a light fixture which is something we wished it had during testing.
The AllModern 56-Inch Ceiling Fan isn’t just functional—it makes a modern statement in any outdoor area. During testing, this fan impressed us with how quickly it was able to cool down its surrounding area. With its six speeds, we appreciated the range of options to choose from based on our needs.
The lowest setting created a gentle but noticeable breeze while the highest setting was so powerful it moved leaves around on the floor. Each setting was successful at cooling the whole outdoor area. The fan comes with a remote that controls the different speeds and the direction of the blades, which made using the fan convenient.
It also came with a wall control that has the same functions, so even if the remote gets lost you can still control the speeds and blade direction hassle free. We wished that the fan came with a light since that would add to the outdoor experience.
The fan was designed with efficiency and stability on the forefront. It includes a DC motor that is energy efficient and a reversible motor with an RPM of 172. The airflow efficiency varies from the lowest at 1,633 CFM to the highest at 5,439 CFM.
This fan would work with most outdoor areas and would work great in most climates. It’s wet rated, so it can be used in climates that receive significant rainfall.
The AllModern fan quickly cools down our screened-in porch area. We run it daily, often leaving it on from morning to night, and have noticed no changes in performance. While it isn't directly exposed to rain, it's had to face temperature changes, humidity, and dust. Though we love it, we would appreciate an even higher speed setting and a light.
Product Details: Dimensions: 56 x 6 x 10 inches | Number of Blades: Three | Material: Metal | Damp/Wet Rating: Wet rated
Compared to other fans we’ve tested, we noticed that the balance of this fan was impressive.
This fan needed to be on the highest speed in order to feel a significant breeze.
The Home Decorators Collection Kensgrove 72 in. LED Indoor Outdoor Fan provides quality airflow while also offering soft but effective lighting. This fan is the best outdoor ceiling fan with lights as it provides energy efficient speeds with an impressive breeze while also being stylish.
This fan was built with weather-resistant maple blades and an energy efficient DC motor designed to provide maximum power without excess vibrations or sound. Even at the highest speed, the fan was quiet and didn’t disturb us at all.
We noted during testing that the balance of the fan was exceptionally better than others we tested, even with the lights. Its classic design blends in with most home aesthetics, and its quality blades are ideal for any size room or porch.
At 72 inches in length, we loved how well balanced the fan is because it allowed for equal distribution of airflow throughout the room which made a huge difference in drying areas that were wet from rain.
During testing, we found that this fan effectively cooled our porch area. The fan circulated the air so that the outdoor area stayed at a comfortable temperature.
We did notice that the fan had to be at the highest speed in order to feel a breeze, but once it got going it made a prominent difference. We loved the remote control feature on this fan as it made the whole experience much easier and convenient.
The Kensgrove fan was subjected to a wide range of temperatures going from below freezing to 98 degrees. Despite this, it operated perfectly throughout the testing period, remaining effective and responsive. The lights continued to work well. We do wish the fan had slightly larger blades to help the breeze feel stronger on lower settings.
Product Details: Dimensions: 72 x 14 x 4 inches | Number of Blades: Eight | Material: Glass, plastic, metal | Damp/Wet Rating: Wet rated
Overall, we chose the Hunter Kennicott Outdoor 44-Inch Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan as our top choice. It’s a well balanced fan that was designed for maximum cooling and energy efficiency. We loved the classic design as well as the simplicity of the three settings. It was also quiet, even on the highest speed.
To find the top outdoor ceiling fans, we tested 19 different ones. After receiving their ceiling fans, we installed them and noted how long the assembly took and how easy or difficult it was. We also noted any special features and whether or not the ceiling fan came with a remote.
Throughout the testing process, we recorded the performance of each speed setting, the ease of use in changing blade direction, and how the fan interacted with its apps and remotes (if applicable). We also noted whether or not the fans cooled down the outdoor area and if it helped dry any damp or wet flooring or furniture.
After testing all of our outdoor ceiling fans, we compared our results and insights to determine which ones performed the best.
Outdoor ceiling fans come in a variety of sizes and dimensions. Most commonly, standard outdoor ceiling fans come with a 52-inch blade span. Smaller options can range between an 18- to 20-inch blade span, while large commercial-grade models can come with an 84-inch blade span or larger.
Most residential outdoor ceiling fans come with anywhere from two to five blades; however, fewer blades doesn’t necessarily mean less power.
A fan’s CFM (cubic feet per minute) is related to not just the number of blades, but the blade length, speed, and the blade pitch, which is the degree at which the blades are turned down. Larger blades have a higher wingspan and are able to circulate air more efficiently since they take up more space.
In reference to blade pitch, the higher the angle degree, the harder the motor works to push air throughout the room while the fan is in motion. The AllModern 56-Inch Ceiling Fan creates an impressive airflow that cools large spaces up to 18 x 20 feet.
Larger, industrial-style fans often have six to eight blades, like the Home Decorators Collection Kensgrove 72 in. LED Indoor Outdoor Fan. This fan is the ideal combination of function and aesthetic. Its style is only outmatched by its efficiency, creating an airflow of 10,484 CFM with its eight blades.
The best outdoor ceiling fans are constructed from weather-resistant materials like aluminum, stainless steel, natural wood, and ABS plastic. It's important to consider the climate and location in which the fan will be used and choose the appropriate material.
For example, in a coastal environment, stainless steel or aluminum is a good choice for corrosion resistance. If the fan will be exposed directly to rain or snow, it’s important to choose a fan with a sealed motor and finishes that are built to withstand the elements.
Outdoor ceiling fans will either be damp- or wet-rated. Both types of fans are engineered to resist corrosion, but the difference is how much moisture they can tolerate.
Damp-rated outdoor ceiling fans can be used in areas with some contact with moisture but not in areas with constant or direct exposure to water. This makes damp-rated fans a good option for screened-in patios or porches.
The Hunter Kennicott Outdoor 44-Inch Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan is one of the fans on our list that is damp rated, and we found that it was a versatile fan that keeps the outdoor porch or patio area dry and comfortable all year round.
Wet-rated outdoor ceiling fans are designed to handle direct exposure to the elements. This means that they are tested to withstand areas with heavy rain, ice, and snow, as well as strong ocean breezes. Wet-rated fans are ideal for exposed decks, gazebos, and pergolas.
Wet-rated ceiling fans are great for southern households (or similar climates) due to the high humidity throughout the spring and the summer and great for the heavy rain months.
While the Fanimation Kute 52 inch Indoor Outdoor Ceiling Fan did a good job of keeping the air circulated, we felt during a hot day it would need more power behind it in order to effectively keep the area cool. It comes with a handy app that allows the user to have full control over the settings, though we found even at the highest setting the fan wasn’t able to properly cool its surrounding area and we felt a second fan would be needed. We ended up excluding it from our list due to the fact we felt inside fans did a better job keeping the area cool.
The Minka-Aire F896-65-CL Xtreme H2O 65 Inch Outdoor Ceiling Fan was higher on our list of quality fans as it thoroughly cooled the outside area quickly and quietly. The fan comes with multiple settings but only a few are really necessary. We found during testing that the highest setting was too fast and created a breeze that was overwhelming and aggressive. We ultimately left this item off our list because we felt it wasn’t worth the price point.
We found during testing that the most powerful fans had a CFM of between 5,000 and 10,000. The higher the CFM, the more powerful the airflow. When shopping for an outdoor ceiling fan, consider the size of the space.
The bigger the space, the more airflow is needed, so aim for a higher number if you’re looking to cool a larger space. To figure out what specific CFM a room requires, divide the fan’s system CFM by the square footage of the room.
Michelle Love is a commerce writer for Better Homes and Gardens, where she has written about kitchen appliances and interior design. For this article, we consulted Jason Farr, the CEO and founder of Aviara Pavers, a design and outdoor living company headquartered in Escondido, California.
resilient channel Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they're worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn't an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.