With those priorities in mind, we’ve tested 11 of the best ceiling fans, including options for large spaces, small spaces, those with and without a light, and all mounting types. We installed these fans in our own homes and tested them for over 1,200 hours and counting. These are the ceiling fans that impressed us the most with their ease of installation , design , effectiveness , quality , and value .
To help you decide on the best ceiling fan, design ecologist Lindsay Tan says to prioritize airflow performance, noise levels, and helpful features like adjustable speed settings, a remote control, and integrated lighting. When shopping for a ceiling fan, she says to consider questions like: “Will it provide a comfortable breeze? Will it be quiet enough to avoid any disturbances? Does it have the features I need for my comfort and convenience?”
A ceiling fan makes a functional addition to a room by improving air circulation and, in some cases, adding overhead light. To fit the needs of your space, ceiling fans come in a wide range of types , sizes, and styles.
Best Overall
Honeywell Carmel Indoor Ceiling Fan
Amazon
View On Amazon
$121
View On Wayfair
$129
View On Walmart
$122
Our Ratings
What We Like
Includes wall-mount remote control
Reversible blades
Quiet operation
Auto shutoff for LED light
What We Don't Like
Limited color options
Better suited to small spaces
The Honeywell Carmel 48-inch Ceiling Fan is a top option if you want an effective and affordable ceiling fan for your home. During testing, this five-blade model impressed us with its quiet operation, substantial airflow, and user-friendly features, including a wall-mounted remote control and an automatic shutoff for the integrated LED light.
We installed this indoor ceiling fan in an open-concept space that measures 13 x 13 feet (within the recommended room size of 12 x 12 feet to 18 x 18 feet), and the fan’s ability to circulate the air in the space is a testament to its effectiveness. With three speeds to choose from, this fan kept the area feeling well-ventilated and cool, clearing smells from the dining room or giving us a quick chill after a workout. Best of all, the ceiling fan didn’t produce any disruptive noise or vibrations that were a distraction during work-related video calls.
Although there aren’t many color or finish selections for this fan, you have your choice of a satin nickel or espresso hardware finish, and the dual-finish blades are reversible, so you can change the appearance of the blades. Don’t let the relatively few finish options deter you too much from considering this ceiling fan. Tan points out that a fan’s hardware finish is likely to be noticed less than you think. “Remember that fans are almost always above your head, outside of your cone of vision.”
It’s worth noting that there is no pull chain to control the fan’s operation. Instead, you control functions like the fan speed and light with the included remote control. Our favorite feature of the remote was the delayed shutoff for the light. When leaving the house very early in the morning, this feature made it possible to have sufficient light for slipping on our shoes and grabbing the keys, but the light turns off 1-minute later, so there’s no chance of leaving the light on.
All in all, the Honeywell Carmel Ceiling Fan exceeded our expectations in terms of performance and price. It earned perfect ratings for set-up, design, effectiveness, quality, and value. We’d recommend it for any small living space or as a quiet, efficient option for a bedroom or home office.
How It Performed Long-Term
Having this ceiling fan in our home for the past two months has been a lifesaver, particularly on hot days. We love to relax in our dining room while the fan is on, especially after a workout on the treadmill. The ability to turn off the lights with the included remote control is one of our favorite features of this fan, which we utilize every morning before leaving the house. Unfortunately, we've found that occasionally turning off the unit requires two presses of the remote. Beyond that, we are completely content with the fan.
Diameter: 48 inches | Material: MDF | Lighting: LED bulbs included | Control Type: Remote | Airflow: 5,202 CFM | Mounting Type: Downrod
The Spruce / Michael Navarro
The Spruce / Michael Navarro
The Spruce / Michael Navarro
The Spruce / Michael Navarro
If you're planning to buy a ceiling fan, you should know what size you'll need to adequately cool your room. The diameter of the ceiling fan's blades is the primary determinant of the fan's overall size.
Best Budget
Portage Bay Hugger 52" West Hill Ceiling Fan
Amazon
View On Amazon
$100
View On Home Depot
$60
View On Walmart
$80
Our Ratings
What We Like
Low-profile design
Suitable for use in medium to large rooms
Bowl light kit
What We Don't Like
Not compatible with remote control
Questionable quality of materials
Even on a small budget, you can outfit any room in your home with a quality ceiling fan. For proof, consider the performance and value of this model from Portage Bay. During testing, we were wowed by this ceiling fan’s easy installation, quiet operation, and substantial air movement. With an integrated LED light, it’s an even better value for homeowners who want a ceiling fan with a light.
The Portage Bay West Hill Ceiling Fan has a 52-inch diameter and is recommended for rooms up to 18 x 18 feet. After a straightforward installation process (which took about 1 hour and 15 minutes), we’ve been using this fan in a home office for about 8 hours a day. We noticed an immediate difference in airflow and perceived temperature, thanks to the five-blade design and three-speed motor that delivers up to 3,256 cubic feet per minute. For reference, the space is 11 x 11 feet; results may not be as dramatic in rooms nearing the maximum square footage recommended for this fan.
Contributing to the fan’s low-profile design is a hugger style mount that keeps the fan close to the ceiling, rather than using a 4- or 8-inch downrod. In our testing space with 8-foot ceilings, the hugger ceiling fan was a great choice because it doesn’t encroach on the clearance needed to move about the room. Keep in mind that a pull chain dangles from the bowl of the ceiling fan. It’s used to control the fan’s functions and glides smoothly, unlike some ceiling fan chains that offer a lot of resistance.
In exchange for a super affordable price, you’ll have to make a few concessions. For one thing, this fan doesn't come with a remote control. The only way to turn the fan on or off is by using a wall switch or pull chain or purchasing a separate universal remote control. Another tradeoff is the quality of materials. While the components were installed easily and fit together well, the materials felt lightweight and less substantial when compared to other ceiling fans. With a hugger fan type, this is less of an issue since there is very little vibration, causing components to shake loose or wear quickly. But for a budget ceiling fan, these are small compromises for a fan that gets the job done and does so with minimal noise on all three fan speeds.
How It Performed Long-Term
We are quite pleased with the fan's performance; we have been using it for some time now in our bedroom, which doubles as our office. Its ability to function as a light source apart from the fan is one of its most appealing features, as we need lighting to work. However, we do wish that the light could be a little brighter, which we believe is because the cover is opaque rather than transparent. On the other hand, the fan is quiet and does not cause disruptions, which is ideal for our office atmosphere.
Diameter: 52 inches | Material: Metal | Lighting: LED bulb included | Control Type: Pull chain | Airflow: 3,256 CFM | Mounting Type: Hugger
The Spruce / Michele Hanson
The Spruce / Michele Hanson
The Spruce / Michele Hanson
Ceiling fan airflow is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). “The higher the CFM rating, the more airflow, but higher isn't always better,” says Tan. She recommends that you choose a fan with a CFM rating suitable for the room's size for optimum airflow and comfort.
Best Splurge
Minka-Aire Light Wave Ceiling Fan
Amazon
View On Amazon
$360
View On Wayfair
$360
View On Home Depot
$360
Our Ratings
Minka-Aire Light Wave Ceiling Fan Review
What We Like
Aesthetically-pleasing design
Great air movement on medium and high speeds
Lightweight but feels well-made
What We Don't Like
No option to reverse fan blades using remote
LED light is very bright
A favorite option that we've also tested in the past, the Minka-Aire Light Wave Ceiling Fan is well worth its higher-than-average price tag. After installing and testing this three-blade ceiling fan during our most recent testing, we would describe it as art for your ceiling and recommend it for mid-size rooms, like a primary bedroom or bonus room. But there’s more to appreciate than the sleek, modern style of this ceiling fan—it’s also well-built, quiet, and effective. The Light Wave ceiling fan produced noticeable airflow in a bedroom measuring 12.5 x 17 feet on medium and high. We are happy to report there was only audible wind noise on high, with the medium and low-speed settings producing practically no noise.
We credit the quiet, smooth operation of this fan to its high-quality construction and components. Although the fan blades are plastic, their fit and finish are impeccable, making the fan lightweight (a major benefit when self-installing this ceiling fan). An integrated LED light function illuminates the room, but perhaps too much. We found the light to be too bright for our personal preference, but the frosted globe helps to soften the effect.
The only other point of improvement for the Minka-Aire Light Wave Ceiling Wave would be a button to reverse the fan blades on the included remote control. If you want to change the direction of the fan blades, a switch on the motor housing is the only option. Since we installed the fan in a room with 10-foot ceilings, we need a ladder to make the switch (and we suspect this will be the case for many other homeowners). Other fans offer this functionality on the remote control, and we wish Minka-Aire included this option for this otherwise well-designed and highly functional ceiling fan.
How It Performed Long-Term
As hot sleepers, this fan has greatly improved the comfort of our nights. Although the fan produces a whirling sound when operating at high speed, we found that it doubles as white noise and drowns out noises that would normally wake us up. One of the most helpful features is the ability to control the fan from the comfort of your bed. The remote proved helpful when we were unwell and didn't feel like getting out of bed to operate the fan. We did find that when the light is set to its highest setting, it can be a little too bright for our taste, but since it is dimmable, it's not really an issue and could even be beneficial depending on where the fan is utilized.
Diameter: 52 inches | Material: Wood, ABS plastic | Lighting: LED bulb included | Control Type: Remote | Airflow: 4,531 CFM | Mounting Type: Downrod
The Spruce / Laura Miller
The Spruce / Laura Miller
The Spruce / Laura Miller
Best with Integrated Light
Hampton Bay Mena Ceiling Fan
Walmart
View On Amazon
$170
View On Home Depot
$159
Our Ratings
What We Like
Quick-connect LED light
Damp-rated
Very stable fan housing
Remote control included
What We Don't Like
Limited dimmer options
Not every ceiling fan is outfitted with a light, but picking a model that has this feature can greatly improve the functionality of your fan. You have many options for this type of ceiling fan, but we recommend the Hampton Bay Mena 54-inch Ceiling Fan with Light Kit. This ceiling fan with a light is great for rooms that you frequently spend a lot of time in, like a living room or dining room.
You might think that the assembly and installation of a ceiling fan with a light would be complicated or advanced, but we had this fan ready to go in less than an hour. Clever design features, like a magnetic LED light kit and snap-in blades, were a big help in quickly and easily completing the installation.
The integrated LED light gives you three color temperatures to pick from 2700K warm white, 3000K soft white, or 5000K daylight. Keep in mind that you can’t use this ceiling fan with a separate dimmer switch, so those are your only dimming options. We wish that we had a little more control over the light levels, but it’s not a dealbreaker. There is plenty of light at the brightest setting, but it does project more or less straight down because of the design of the globe. That works well if your ceiling fan is over a dining table or in a small living room.
The fan moves air exceptionally well and best of all, there is barely any movement from the fan housing even at top speed—which produces airflow movement of 5,246 CFM. It’s very quiet, with the highest speed setting sounding like a small desk fan. Because of the durable ABS plastic blades and the sturdy housing, you can install this fan inside or in a covered outdoor location. It’s damp-rated, so it’s a good pick if you need a ceiling fan with a light for your porch or other outdoor living area.
How It Performed Long-Term
Overall, the fan has been an excellent addition to our home because it circulates air without blowing us away or generating too much noise. The various settings are fantastic since we can personalize the fan's wind to our liking. While the fan has three different light warmth levels, we do wish we could also control the brightness. Regardless, we still believe it would be a fantastic addition to your home as a fan—so long as it isn't your main source of illumination.
Diameter: 54 inches | Material: ABS plastic | Lighting: Integrated LED light | Control Type: Remote | Airflow: 5,246 CFM | Mounting Type: Downrod or angled
The Spruce / Art Silverio
The Spruce / Art Silverio
The Spruce / Art Silverio
Best Pull Chain
Hunter Fan Company Ceiling Fan
Amazon
View On Amazon
$150
View On Home Depot
$134
View On Walmart
$113
Our Ratings
What We Like
Simple installation
Dual pull chains for fan and light
Can be wired to two wall switches
What We Don't Like
Reversible blades don’t offer much variation in design
Pull chains may need extenders in some cases
If you’re not interested in downloading an app or chasing around a remote to control your ceiling fan, pick a basic version with a pull chain to control the fan’s speed and light function. That’s what you’ll get with the Hunter Builder Deluxe 52-inch Ceiling Fan. It features two pull chains (one for the light and another for the fan) hanging from the center of the frosted light globe. When testing this fan, we found the pull chains to be within reach, even when mounted from a 9-foot-tall ceiling. That being said, if your ceilings are taller or you don’t have height on your side, then you might want to consider adding pull chain extenders. The fan is also equipped for dual wiring if you want to control the light function and fan function from two different wall switches.
When considering other aspects of this Hunter ceiling fan, we would describe it as having high-quality construction with a classy look and a design that minimizes vibration. In fact, we were thrilled that the installation only took 1.5 hours and required no adjustments afterward. Because we installed this fan in a large 17 x 14-foot room, we frequently operate this fan on high to meet our preference for strong airflow. At top speed, the fan does sway slightly, but the design of the mount isolates it from vibrating anything else by suspending the fan in a cradle of sorts. The only perceptible noise is from wind speed, not from the fan vibrating.
For the price, we feel that this pick is a good value for shoppers who want a well-built ceiling fan with pull chains. The only drawbacks to consider relate to the fan blades. Although they’re reversible, the finish is very similar in color on both sides, with a variation in wood grain being the only differentiator. A greater variety in the color of the finishes would make the fan more versatile. We also wish that the blades were slightly longer to move air in a larger room at slower speeds more effectively. But we can’t fault this fan too much for these features, since the overall design and quality of the ceiling make it a good choice for most people.
How It Performed Long-Term
We've been putting our ceiling fan to the test for the past two months, and it was a lifesaver during the recent heat wave. Our mid-size living area is now much more pleasant and cool thanks to it. As we found during our initial test, the air movement is still not as forceful as we had hoped. Despite this, we are still impressed with the fan's overall performance and functionality.
Diameter: 52 inches | Material: MDF | Lighting: LED bulbs included | Control Type: Pull chain | Airflow: 3,007 CFM | Mounting Type: Downrod
The Spruce / Lucas Peters
The Spruce / Lucas Peters
The Spruce / Lucas Peters
Best Basic
Honeywell Belmar Outdoor LED Ceiling Fan
Amazon
View On Amazon
$116
View On Wayfair
View On Wayfair
Our Ratings
What We Like
Suitable for indoor or outdoor use
Reversible motor
Weather-resistant ABS plastic blades
What We Don't Like
Noisy on high
Bulbs are dimmer than expected
If you are searching for a basic ceiling fan, put this Honeywell model at the top of your list. When testing the Belmar Ceiling Fan, we found it to be a capable and affordable choice for medium-to-large rooms. It has a simple appearance and no smart features, but it moved plenty of air in the 18 x 18-foot room we installed it in.
Some of the things that you should know about this indoor-outdoor ceiling fan include the fact that it features ABS plastic fan blades that won’t warp in the face of moisture or high humidity. The fan itself is damp-rated, meaning that it can be installed in covered outdoor locations, like a porch or patio. It can be installed with a 4-inch downrod or as a flush-mount fan, which we preferred for our 8-foot ceilings. Pull chains control the fan and light functions, and we didn’t have any trouble using them, but shoppers searching for a ceiling fan with a remote control will want to consider buying a universal remote kit, which is easily installed and relatively inexpensive.
In general, this basic ceiling fan lived up to our expectations and earned satisfactory ratings across all categories. Our biggest quibbles with the functionality are that the fan is very noisy on high, and the included LED bulbs don’t put off as much illumination as expected—although that could be remedied by purchasing higher-wattage replacement bulbs.
How It Performed Long-Term
For a basic model, we still recommend the Belmar Ceiling Fan. We've been using the ceiling fan in our guest bedroom for the past two months, and it's been working as great as when we first installed it. It does a great job of circulating the air around the room, which we find very beneficial when we use the walking pad.
Diameter: 52 inches | Material: ABS plastic | Lighting: LED bulb included | Control Type: Pull chain | Airflow: 5,954 CFM | Mounting Type: Downrod, close mount or angled
The Spruce / Danielle Yersin
The Spruce / Danielle Yersin
The Spruce / Danielle Yersin
Best for Small Rooms
Harbor Breeze Mazon Ceiling Fan
Amazon
View On Amazon
$121
View On Walmart
$123
View On Lowe's
$100
Our Ratings
What We Like
Modern design with three blades
Available in multiple finishes
Reversible fan blades
J-hook for easier assembly
What We Don't Like
Can’t change the color of the integrated LED light
No wall-mount for the remote control
The Harbor Breeze Mazon is a 44-inch ceiling fan intended for use in small rooms, up to 100 square feet. We installed it in a 10 x 10-foot room to test it at its maximum room rating and were pleased with the fan’s effectiveness and minimal noise output on all three-speed settings. It’s smaller than other ceiling fans we’ve used in the past, but we would describe it as very comparable in utility and function.
One of the most notable features of this ceiling fan is its sleek and contemporary design. When you’re installing a fan in a small room, you don’t want it to become an eyesore. We like the fan’s simple aesthetic and three-blade design. The housing is available in brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, white, and black finishes, with reversible blade colors for each option. There’s an integrated LED light panel that eliminates the need to purchase replacement bulbs. You can dim the light, but you can’t change the color output, which the manufacturer describes as soft, warm light. A remote control is included to control the light or the fan function, but we wish it mounted to the wall to minimize the chances of it becoming misplaced.
As you’d expect of a ceiling fan for small rooms, this is a flush mount model. That being said, we were surprised that it hung down slightly lower than expected due to the design of the housing. If you have a small room with a low ceiling, other hugger ceiling fans might be a better pick. But in our case, the 10-foot-tall ceilings still allowed for plenty of clearance.
Some of the other features that we appreciate about this ceiling fan are the fact that it’s lightweight and easy to install, especially since the fan includes a J-hook on the frame that allows the fan to hang in place while you complete assembly. Overall, the installation only took 1.5 hours.
How It Performed Long-Term
We have the ceiling fan in our office, which has proven useful because there is a treadmill there, and it keeps us cool. As a matter of fact, the office has the most pleasant temperature when compared to the other rooms in the house. Not only does it keep our office cool, but the air flows around the halls as well, which is fantastic. While the ceiling includes a remote, we wish it came with a holder to keep it out of the reach of curious kids. Other than that, we think it's a reliable fan for any home.
Diameter: 44 inches | Material: Not listed | Lighting: LED panel included | Control Type: Remote | Airflow: 2,057 CFM | Mounting Type: Flush
The Spruce / Kimberly Souza
The Spruce / Kimberly Souza
The Spruce / Kimberly Souza
Best for Large Rooms
Honeywell Xerxes Ceiling Fan
Amazon
View On Amazon
$239
View On Wayfair
View On Walmart
$227
Our Ratings
What We Like
Long fan blades
Multi-function remote control
Smart home compatible
LED light fixture
What We Don't Like
Limited light distribution
Angled downrod sold separately
To effectively circulate the air in a large space, you’ll need a ceiling fan that is designed for the job. Skip over smaller 44- and 55-inch versions and pick a large ceiling fan, like the Honeywell Xerxes 62-inch Ceiling Fan. We installed and tested it in a 700-square-foot space and were pleased with the size, design, and effectiveness of this option.
We’d describe this ceiling fan as very aesthetically pleasing, but the most impressive part is the 8-blade design. The number of blades and their length mean that this fan is designed to maximize airflow in spaces larger than 400 square feet, like an open-concept living area or a large primary suite. A 4-inch downrod is included for flat ceiling installation, but if you need to install it on an angled ceiling, the required mounting hardware is sold separately. The fan is available in multiple finishes, with reversible blades to give you more design choices.
The Honeywell Xerxes ceiling fan includes an LED light, but that was our biggest disappointment of the fan’s feature set. The light has a downward focus that results in more of a spotlight-effect rather than a wider distribution of illumination. We wish it did a better job of lighting up the room as a whole, but we do like the fact that the light and fan functions are controlled by an included remote control with self-explanatory buttons for the many functions. You can turn the fan speed up or down, choose to have the light turn off 60 seconds after you push the button, or activate a schedule for the light. In addition, the fan is smart home compatible and integrates with Amazon Alexa and Google Home, although you’ll have to purchase a separate hub to take advantage of that functionality.
How It Performed Long-Term
While we initially tested the ceiling fan in a 700-square-foot space, we ended up moving it to another spot in our home, and we've been enjoying the additional breeze it provides. The only thing we would change is for the light to be somewhat more rounded so that it emanates from all sides of the circle rather than just the one that faces downward. Otherwise, the ceiling fan is still our top recommendation for a large space.
Diameter: 62 inches | Material: Alloy steel | Lighting: Integrated LED light | Control Type: Remote | Airflow: 3,051 CFM | Mounting Type: Downrod
The Spruce / Jennifer May
The Spruce / Jennifer May
The Spruce / Jennifer May
Best with Remote
Honeywell Carnegie Indoor Ceiling Fan
Amazon
View On Amazon
$123
View On Wayfair
$139
View On Walmart
$150
Our Ratings
What We Like
Easy-to-use remote controller
Multiple modes and fan features
Efficient, quiet air movement
What We Don't Like
No listed CFM
Remote control can be hard to detach from wall mount
It’s hard to outshine the function and style of the Honeywell Carnegie Ceiling Fan, but our favorite feature while using this fan was the remote control. We’d describe it as intuitive and easy to operate, and it’s loaded with features that control nearly every aspect of the fan’s operation—except for the ability to reverse the fan’s rotation. With that in mind, we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this as the best ceiling fan with remote control.
The directions to assemble and install the fan were clear and concise; we were able to self-install the ceiling fan in just over two hours. With a 52-inch blade span, the size of this ceiling fan makes it suitable for spaces up to 400 square feet, so we picked a 12 x 12-foot bedroom for testing purposes. We’d describe it as quiet on all three speeds, and it’s powerful—it gets up to the speed you set it at quickly, and you can feel the cooling effect right away. Unfortunately, the manufacturer doesn’t list the CFM rating for this fan. Although we were satisfied during testing with the fan’s air movement, it’s helpful to know the CFM if you’re comparing two different fans to each other.
This ceiling fan with remote has functions far superior to other fan remotes we’ve used in the past. A push of the button turns the light on or off, and you have individual buttons for the low, medium, and high fan speeds. This contributes to the impression that the fan quickly and efficiently reaches your desired fan speed since there’s no need to toggle through multiple options. There’s also a Variable Breeze mode that is meant to simulate the random breeze in nature.
Other features that really wowed us were the Light Delay Off mode (which gives you 60 seconds of illumination before the light shuts off) and the Home Shield mode. When you press and hold this button, it activates a mode that randomly turns the light on and off between five and 20 times per day. We see it as being useful while you’re away from home for days at a time but want to give the impression that someone is home.
There’s not much negative to say about this Honeywell ceiling fan, aside from the fact that the remote control can be a little harder than expected to detach from its wall-mount.
How It Performed Long-Term
After two months of testing, we're still quite pleased with this fan, which we have installed in our guest bedroom. It offers a refreshing and cozy space for our guests to sleep, and we've also discovered an unanticipated perk for our small ones. The whirring motion of the fan blades captivates little babies' attention and provides them with hours of enjoyment. One feature we really liked is that when you turn off the light switch, this fan remembers your light and fan speed settings. This saves us the trouble of constantly adjusting the fan's settings.
Diameter: 52 inches | Material: Alloy steel | Lighting: LED bulbs included | Control Type: Remote | Airflow: Not listed | Mounting Type: Downrod or angled
The Spruce / Pat McGowan
The Spruce / Pat McGowan
The Spruce / Pat McGowan
Best Outdoor
Hunter Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan
Amazon
View On Amazon
$119
View On Wayfair
$140
View On Home Depot
$100
Our Ratings
What We Like
Versatile, modern-looking design
Very quiet on all fan speeds
Durable materials to resist moisture and rust
What We Don't Like
No light kit
Doesn’t include a remote control
Increase your comfort while enjoying some fresh air by installing an outdoor ceiling fan. Most often seen on porches, patios, lanais, and other semi-enclosed outdoor living areas, these ceiling fans are designed with special considerations for safety and longevity. The Hunter Cassius Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan is a damp-rated fan that can be used in covered, outdoor locations but is stylish enough for indoor installation, too.
Some of the features that make this ceiling fan suitable for outdoor use include stainless steel hardware to resist rust and durable ABS plastic fan blades. This particular outdoor ceiling fan doesn’t have a light kit, although it’s worth noting that some other damp-rated fans do—like the Hunter Key Biscayne Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan, which we also tested.
While its most important attribute is its weather resistance, we love the simple, modern design of this ceiling fan. We installed a matte black version, but other classic finishes are available, too. There are three reversible blades, giving you the option to have a matching or contrasting fan blade finish on display.
When operating the fan on low, medium, and high, there is no noise to speak of. We would describe it as quieter than a whisper. Since you can install this fan inside or outside, that’s an important feature to note. Whether you need this fan for your family room or your favorite outdoor sitting spot, it’s nice to know that it operates smoothly and quietly. Keep in mind that you’ll need to use the pull chain or a wall switch to turn the fan on or off; no remote control is included (although you can pick a version that includes this feature).
How It Performed Long-Term
We have been testing a ceiling fan in our bedroom for the last two months, and we are still pleased by its exceptional performance. In the past, we had an outdated fan that, when turned on at higher speeds, made a terrible noise and kept us up at night. However, with this new ceiling fan, we have noticed a substantial increase in our sleep quality. The quiet operation of this fan is its most remarkable characteristic. In fact, we often forget that it's on.
Diameter: 52 inches | Material: ABS plastic | Lighting: None | Control Type: Pull chain | Airflow: 4,031 CFM | Mounting Type: Downrod or angled
The Spruce / Ashleigh Morley
The Spruce / Ashleigh Morley
The Spruce / Ashleigh Morley
Best Quiet
Hunter Key Biscayne Ceiling Fan
Amazon
View On Amazon
$247
View On Wayfair
$330
View On Home Depot
$330
Our Ratings
What We Like
Damp-rated
Includes LED light kit
Stylish design
Standard or low-profile mounting
What We Don't Like
No remote control included
After installing and using the Key Biscayne ceiling fan, we have plenty of praise for the fan’s smooth, quiet operation, LED light function, and stylish design. In short, it does everything that you would need an indoor (or outdoor) fan to do.
Regarding the performance of this ceiling fan, we have no complaints. Hunter promises whisper-quiet operation with their motor technology, and we weren’t disappointed. We would describe its noise level as extremely quiet, and we can hardly hear it on any of the three fan speeds. The fan is very well balanced, so even at higher speeds, it doesn't vibrate or make noises.
This ceiling fan is damp-rated, so it can be installed in a covered, outdoor location. It resists humidity and corrosion, but shouldn’t be installed in a spot that receives rain or snow. Wherever you choose to install it, you can expect a simple, fast process. We installed this fan in less than 1 hour.
The style is rather specific but attractive. It has a farmhouse chic look, with a lantern-look for the frosted light kit. The five blades are reversible, with two different weathered finish options. Our only real gripe about this model is the fact that it doesn’t include a remote control, despite the rather steep price tag. You’ll have to control the fan and light with a pull chain or wire it to a wall switch. However, we don’t find this to be a downside that should keep you from installing this durable, attractive, and quiet option.
How It Performed Long-Term
We've been utilizing a ceiling fan in our master bedroom for the past two months, and it's been a great addition to the space. One distinctive feature of this fan is the low-volume "whoosh" sound it makes, which can be described as white noise. Compared to other noisy ceiling fans, this one has helped us relax and get a good night's sleep. Not only does it run quietly, but the fan's design as a whole is stunning. It enhances the room's overall appearance with its design. The fan continues to work great, however, we would have preferred it to have a remote control. Despite this, its quietness and beautiful design make up for the lack of remote.
Diameter: 54 inches | Material: Polycarbonate | Lighting: LED bulbs | Control Type: Pull chain | Airflow: 5,291 CFM | Mounting Type: Downrod
The Spruce / Mary Honeyman-Speichinger
The Spruce / Mary Honeyman-Speichinger
The Spruce / Mary Honeyman-Speichinger
For more information on how we tested fans in our lab, check out our testing process below.
“Different types of fans serve different functions, but they all can help reduce your heating and cooling bills and keep the air in your home feeling fresh and comfortable,” he says. “Where it’s not possible or practical to put fans in windows, portable fans can be placed on the floor near windows or doorways and can help circulate air within a room or between rooms.”
Lowe’s store manager Brian Shaunfield says investing in a solid portable fan can save money on energy bills and make a huge difference in the comfort of your home.
There are few things more uncomfortable than living in a home that's stuffy, hot, and lacking airflow. Even if you have an air conditioner unit installed, it may not be powerful enough to contend with summer's stickiest weather. Instead of tossing and turning at night or spending your day sweaty and miserable, consider buying a high-powered fan to improve airflow and keep you cool .
Best Overall
Dreo Nomad One Tower Fan
Amazon
View On Amazon
$70
View On Dreo.com
Our Ratings
Why You Should Get It
This oscillating fan provides a powerful breeze that fits four versatile modes and speeds.
Keep in Mind
The height and tilt cannot be adjusted.
The Dreo Tower Fan impressed us the most out of all the fans we tested. With four different speeds and modes, this fan is able to cool an entire room efficiently while being quiet enough to not interrupt television or conversation.
During testing, we found that there was a significant difference in the four speeds. The lowest setting still had significant power to cause a decent breeze, and the highest setting was able to fully cool the room and the breeze was felt from 6 feet away.
The oscillation setting had an excellent range of motion and cooled the room down equally and thoroughly with its 90-degree turn. The eco mode, which is designed to save energy, fluctuated between the low and high setting, and the night mode turned the screen lights off so it doesn’t interfere with sleep.
This fan has a timer setting for up to eight hours which we found convenient for nighttime use. It also has a remote control that was easy to use and worked up to 20 feet away. The design is sleek and modern enough it would fit into any room without standing out. It’s bladeless but that doesn’t interfere with its execution.
The only downside we found with this fan was that we could not adjust the height or the tilt, but the fan still effectively cooled down the room without these features.
Product Details: Fan Speeds: Four | Modes: Four | Timer: Eight hour timer | Dimensions: 11.81 x 11.81 x 36.22 inches
Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
Better Homes & Gardens / Eric Brockob
Better Homes & Gardens / Eric Brockob
Best Budget
Hampton Bay Personal High Velocity Table Fan
Home Depot
View On Home Depot
$17
Our Ratings
Why You Should Get It
This fan is very small and easy to maneuver while also providing a consistently powerful breeze.
Keep in Mind
This fan has no oscillating feature.
The Hampton Bay 9 in 3 Speed Personal High Velocity Table Fan is our pick for those looking for an affordable fan.
We loved how portable this fan was—it was easy to move around and wasn’t heavy or cumbersome. The fan has three speed settings with one mode. During testing, it was relatively quiet on the first two settings; however, the highest setting does have a slight whirring noise.
When the fan was directly on us, the breeze was powerful but comfortable, even at varying distances. This fan does not come with an oscillation option, so in order to effectively direct the breeze we had to position the fan directly toward where we wanted the breeze to go.
It doesn’t come with a remote control or adjustable height, but it is easy to position the fan up and down. While it doesn’t have as many features as some of the other fans we tested, it cooled us down and didn’t break the bank.
Product Details: Fan Speeds: Three | Modes: One | Timer: No timer | Dimensions: 5.83 x 11.43 x 10.75 inches
Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
Best Tower
Lasko Wind Curve Oscillating Tower Fan
Amazon
View On Amazon
$80
View On Wayfair
$71
View On Walmart
$80
Our Ratings
Why You Should Get It
The sleek design and powerful fan speeds make this tower fan great for cooling small rooms.
Keep in Mind
We weren't able to feel a breeze when standing further than 10 feet from the fan.
Tower fans are the best fans for cooling an entire room without sacrificing a ton of space or making lots of noise. The Lasko Wind Curve Oscillating Tower Fan is a great example—it offers three fan speeds, quiet operation, and a space-saving design that makes it easy to tuck into a corner.
During testing, our home experts were shocked by how easily the different fan speeds circulated cool air throughout the room, giving the fan a perfect score in this category. We liked the variance between each fan speed, allowing you to choose between a soft breeze and a powerful, cooling blast, depending on how warm the room is.
When in nighttime mode, the Lasko portable fan slowly decreases the fan speed over time, allowing you to drift off comfortably without racking up your energy bill all night long. There's also a timer setting, which allows you to designate how long you'd like it to run before shutting off.
"This fan is honestly saving my life right now in the New York City heat. I use it on the highest setting every single day while I work...It is a really powerful fan, easy to switch between modes, and it's very quiet. In fact, sometimes I forget to turn it off because it's not loud at all." -Better Homes & Gardens Tester
Each mode provides a comfortable breeze with minimal noise, and the fan has an oscillating setting to help circulate the cool air. We also loved the modern yet unobtrusive design of the Lasko portable fan, which has a matte gray finish, a user-friendly control panel, and a slim frame that won't take up too much space.
We recommend using this fan in small-to medium-size rooms, as we couldn't feel the breeze when standing more than 10 feet away from the fan. Our long-term tester also noted that the fan's base was very bulky, making it difficult to move from room to room.
Product Details: Fan Speeds: Three | Modes: Default and Sleep | Timer: Up to 7.5 hours | Dimensions: 13 x 13 x 42.5 inches
Better Homes & Gardens / Rachel Marek
The 6 Best Window Air Conditioners of 2024 for Cooling Every Room in Your House
Best Box Fan
Pelonis Box Fan
Amazon
View On Amazon
$45
Our Ratings
Why You Should Get It
This fan works to cool the entire room, not just the space directly in front of it.
Keep in Mind
It's a bit louder than other fans on this list.
If you're trying to circulate cool air in a large or particularly stuffy room, the gentle breeze from even the best portable fan isn't going to be enough. Instead, you'll need a high-powered box fan—like the Pelonis Three-Speed Box Fan—to move stagnant air out of the room and keep the space cool.
During testing, we found the Pelonis box fan to be one of the most powerful models in terms of airflow. The fan itself is nothing fancy; there's no LED display, special settings to try, or auto-shutoff features—you simply change fan speeds by turning a knob. But it's incredibly effective at circulating air throughout the entire room, and you'll be able to feel a cool breeze from even 20 feet away.
We also found this fan to be surprisingly portable and lightweight, making it super easy to move from room to room as needed. There are convenient carrying handles in two corners of the fan, and we were able to transport it one-handed without issue.
Because of its powerful airflow, this fan does make a bit of noise, which could be bothersome to light sleepers who want to run the fan overnight. If you're intending to use this fan while sleeping, plan on placing it on the opposite side of the room so the fan doesn't disturb you.
"I like using this fan when I want to cool down a specific area of my apartment, like my kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, etc. rather than turning on the AC, which makes my entire place cold and is expensive," our long-term tester said.
Product Details: Fan Speeds: Three | Modes: None | Timer: None | Dimensions: 20 x 6 x 21 inches
Better Homes & Gardens / Rachel Marek
Better Homes & Gardens / Rachel Marek
Better Homes & Gardens / Rachel Marek
Best Quiet
Dyson Purifying Fan
Amazon
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$560
View On Walmart
$430
View On Dyson.com
$430
Our Ratings
Why You Should Get It
This fan has a built-in HEPA filter, allowing it to filter and circulate cool, clean air throughout the room.
Keep in Mind
The lowest air flow settings on this fan didn't seem very noticeable or useful to us.
Finding the best fan that effectively cools you down without making a racket can be a difficult task, but the Dyson Purifying Fan manages both effortlessly. While it's the most expensive fan we tested, our home experts found it to be well-worth the money, given its wide range of settings, quiet operation, and air purification capabilities.
When testing the Dyson Pure Cool, we were particularly impressed with how quiet it was compared to other models. Even on the highest setting, we noted that its gentle whirring wouldn't be a disturbance as they were sleeping.
It also has 10 different fan speeds, allowing you to adjust the breeze based on how close to it you'll be (testers reported that they could feel the breeze as far as 20 feet away). We found that the lowest two fan settings were too slow to actually be useful, but they appreciated the wide range of speeds that the higher settings offered.
"If you're in a small space, this is a fantastic option, not only because it blends in easily but also because it also works as an air purifier, so you get two products in one. The sound is really only noticeable on the highest settings, but even then, it's nowhere near as loud as my AC unit or a larger box fan. It provides good white noise while I sleep." -Better Homes & Gardens Tester
Unlike other fans we tested, this quiet fan features a bladeless design, meaning you don't have to worry about someone getting injured by the fast-spinning blades. This also means the fan is super easy to wipe down, as there's no grille or hard-to-access blades collecting dust.
To top it all off, the Dyson Pure Cool fan has a built-in HEPA filter, which allows it to draw in and capture pollutants in the air, then re-circulate fresh, clean air back into your room. This cooling fan has been certified asthma and allergy friendly by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
Product Details: Fan Speeds: 10 | Modes: None | Timer: Up to nine hours | Dimensions: 4.3 x 7.7 x 40 inches
Better Homes & Gardens / Rachel Marek
The 9 Best Fans for Bedrooms of 2024 for a Cool and Comfortable Sleep
Best Table
SNOOZ Breez 2-in-1 Smart Bedroom Table Fan
Amazon
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$200
Our Ratings
Why You Should Get It
This smart fan has 10 different fan settings and doubles as a white noise machine.
Keep in Mind
It doesn’t have a timer.
The Snooz Breez 2-in-1 Smart Bedroom Table Fan showed impressive range in power settings and versatility during our testing.
Not only is this a tabletop fan, but it’s also a white noise machine, making it a perfect addition to your bedroom nightstand. With 10 adjustable airflow settings, it offers several different breeze options so you can pick the perfect level of comfort for your needs.
When testing the different settings, we found the lowest setting gave off a very soft breeze—so soft it didn’t blow any papers and could not be felt from far away. The highest setting, however, was very powerful and blew away all the papers on the table.
We found the noise levels for both the fan and white noise machine to be loud, though the noise is soothing, not disruptive. This table fan would work great for someone who tends to get hot at night or needs a relaxing noise to fall asleep.
We loved the chic and contemporary design of this fan, and it was easy to tilt, revolving almost 360 degrees around. However, it doesn’t have a timer like other fans on our list have, like the Dreo Tower Fan.
We should note there is an optional app you can download to set a schedule, use a remote, and more, but we did not download it to test it.
Product Details: Fan Speeds: 10 | Modes: Four | Timer: No timer | Dimensions: 7 x 11.25 x 11.75 inches
Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
Best Industrial
XPOWER FC-200 Industrial High Velocity Whole Room Air Mover
Amazon
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$145
View On Home Depot
$144
View On Webstaurantstore.com
Our Ratings
Why You Should Get It
We appreciated the wide range of breezes this fan produced, and it was easy to move around.
Keep in Mind
It’s one of the loudest fans we tested.
For those looking for an industrial fan, the Xpower FC-200 Heavy Duty Industrial High Velocity Whole Room Air Mover impressed us during our testing.
There are four separate settings offered on the fan, and it also has a timer that goes up to three hours. We noted the lowest setting provided a powerful yet soothing breeze without being too loud. The highest setting, however, was very loud, and the papers used during testing blew away immediately on the highest setting making it all the way to the 20-foot marker.
The wide range of power was definitely a plus for us. While the fan does not have an oscillating option or the ability to alter its height, this fan offered a lot of power. It was also lightweight, which made moving it around easy.
While it was one of the loudest fans we tested, we liked how powerful it was, making it perfect for industrial settings.
Product Details: Fan Speeds: Four | Modes: One | Timer: Three hour timer | Dimensions: 15.4 x 17.3 x 8.9 inches
Better Homes & Gardens / Eric Brockob
Better Homes & Gardens / Eric Brockob
Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
Best Desk Fan
Vornado Large Air Circulator
Amazon
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$90
View On Target
$100
View On Wayfair
$100
Our Ratings
Why You Should Get It
We could feel the breeze from this fan as far as 20 feet away, making it great for keeping you cool at your desk and throughout the room.
Keep in Mind
It's quite large for a desk fan, so it may take up too much space on small desks.
Productive work days don't have to be ruined by hot weather. If your home office tends to get stuffy and warm during the summertime, we recommend the Vornado 660 Whole Room Air Circulator, which sits conveniently on your desk but can keep the whole room cool.
This portable fan offers four different speeds to choose from, so you can keep the breeze low if you have a lot of papers on your desk or blast the cold air when you're moving around the room. It doesn't oscillate, but you can tilt the fan up and down to control where the breeze is concentrated.
According to the manufacturer, this fan circulates air throughout the entire room by creating airflow in multiple directions at once—and we certainly found in our tests that this fan is extremely powerful. We were still able to feel a light breeze from this fan at 20 feet away on its highest setting, so you'll be able to stay cool at your office desk and as you move about the room.
Keep in mind that this fan is a little bulky, measuring 13 inches wide by 15 inches tall. If you have a small desk or limited space, this fan may take up too much room.
"This fan is small but mighty, and the design is minimal enough to not feel like it's changing the style of your room or creating an eyesore," one tester said after using it on her desk for a month. "It circulates air around the room, which is fairly large and lofty, making the room seem cooler."
Product Details: Fan Speeds: Four | Modes: None | Timer: None | Dimensions: 11.8 x 13.5 x 15 inches
Better Homes & Gardens / Rachel Marek
The 13 Best Office Chairs of 2024, According to Lab Testing
Best Standing
Pelonis Pedestal Fan
Amazon
View On Amazon
$80
View On Walmart
$37
Our Ratings
Why You Should Get It
The sturdy, high-quality design and digital features made this standing fan worth the money.
Keep in Mind
The carrying handle is quite close to the fan blades, so it's difficult to move from room to room.
The Pelonis Pedestal Fan is a quiet yet powerful fan is a versatile and modern option to help you cool even large rooms in your home. We were quite impressed by its sleek design, which includes a metal build and thoughtful features like its LED display, adjustable height, and wide range of airspeed settings.
In the testing lab, we found that the Pelonis standing fan created breezes strong enough to be felt from distances up to 20 feet on its highest setting (though it was most effective between 6 and 15 feet). With 12 speeds to choose from, you'll be able to adjust the airflow and tilt the fan head up and down to provide the perfect amount of cooling to a room.
"This is a heavy fan that feels very sturdy and high-end. The fan also comes with a remote control. Since I use it while I sleep, I love that I can control the speed, timer, side-to-side movement, and on/off buttons, without getting out of bed. Even on its higher speed settings the fan is very quiet, which I love." -Better Homes & Gardens Tester
It's super easy to change settings on this standing fan right from the LED display, including changing the fan speed, setting a timer, and turning on the oscillation feature. You can also adjust the height of this fan so the airflow doesn't get blocked by furniture or other large obstructions. There's even a remote control that allows you to change settings from across the room.
We recommend using this fan in a room where you won't have to move it around often, as it's quite bulky and difficult to carry. While it does have a carrying handle, it's right next to the fan blades, making it awkward to lift and move from one place to another.
Product Details: Fan Speeds: 12 | Modes: None | Timer: Up to 12 hours | Dimensions: 15.75 x 15.75 x 51.18 inches
Better Homes & Gardens / Rachel Marek
Best for Sleeping
Rowenta Turbo Silence Extreme+ Stand Fan
Amazon
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$138
View On Wayfair
$180
View On Walmart
$127
Our Ratings
Why You Should Get It
This fan has an adjustable stand, so you can raise and lower its height to match the height of your bed.
Keep in Mind
It's quite heavy, making it less portable than other options on this list.
If your typical sleep routine involves tossing and turning at night in a room that's too warm, the Rowenta Turbo Silence Extreme+ Stand Fan could be just the solution you need. At just 35 decibels (barely louder than a whisper) on its lowest setting and 60 decibels at its highest, even light sleepers should have no trouble dozing off when it's running.
During testing, this standing fan received perfect scores for effectiveness at circulating air. We were still able to feel a faint breeze while standing 20 feet away from it, meaning it's powerful enough to provide cool air to all corners of the room. The Rowenta Turbo Silence fan also oscillates 120 degrees, helping to cool the entire room as you sleep.
We liked the easy-to-use LED display and the detachable remote, which allows you to change fan settings without having to crawl out of bed. You can choose between five different fan speeds and set it to natural mode or decrescendo mode, which is an energy-saving setting that rotates between high and low fan speeds.
The Rowenta Turbo Silence fan is also the best fan for sleeping because of its adjustable stand, which allows you to change its height to match the height of your bed. This lets you get the perfect amount of airflow as you snooze without having to prop your fan up on something to make it taller.
Our only complaint with the Rowenta fan is its weight distribution—even though it's only 10.18 pounds, we found it to be rather cumbersome to move around, and its large base makes it difficult to store when not in use.
"This fan has "Silence Extreme" in its title, and it definitely lives up to that name," our long-term tester said. "You really cannot hear it when it's on. I put this fan in the living room of my apartment where I don't have an air conditioner, and it cools it down enough to actually be in there during the day, even when it's hot out."
Product Details: Fan Speeds: Five | Modes: Three | Timer: Up to eight hours | Dimensions: 18 x 17 x 53 inches
Better Homes & Gardens / Rachel Marek
Better Homes & Gardens / Rachel Marek
Better Homes & Gardens / Rachel Marek
Best Portable
Crane Circulating Desk Fan
Amazon
View On Amazon
$72
View On Wayfair
$72
View On Walmart
$50
Our Ratings
Why You Should Get It
The head of this fan folds back for easy storage.
Keep in Mind
While it's great for direct cooling, it isn't as effective as other models at improving airflow throughout the whole room.
Having a lightweight and portable fan allows you to keep cool anywhere that has a power source without lugging a large, heavy device with you along the way. Whether you're working in an office, packing for an RV trip, or simply adding a portable fan to your nightstand, the Crane Circulating Desk Fan is a simple solution to keep you cool.
With low, medium, and high fan speed settings to choose from and the ability to tilt the fan up to 90 degrees, the fan is adaptable enough to get the right amount of air circulation pointed in the direction you want. It also has an oscillating feature to help circulate cool air throughout the room.
When not in use, you can fold the head of this fan completely flat against the base, creating a more compact cylinder shape that's easy to store in a desk drawer. We found the fan to be powerful enough to faintly feel a breeze as far as 20 feet away, but it works best at close range, around 6 to 10 feet away.
If you're in a tight space, such as a camper or an office cubicle, this fan will be powerful enough to provide airflow across the room, but we found it to be less effective than others at circulating air in an entire room.
Our tester used this fan next to her bed for an entire month, and she reported that, while it was a little too bulky to be used on her desk, it was very effective and easy to control. "This fan performs well and has a unique design that's sleek yet functional," our tester said. "Plus, the top part of the fan folds down when not in use, so it'd be easy to stack in storage."
Product Details: Fan Speeds: Three | Modes: None | Timer: Up to seven hours | Dimensions: 9.75 x 7.75 x 14 inches
Better Homes & Gardens / Rachel Marek
Best Window
Genesis A1 Window Fan
Amazon
View On Amazon
$49
View On Home Depot
$49
View On QVC
$75
Our Ratings
Why You Should Get It
The dual-fan design draws in fresh air from outdoors while simultaneously pushing stale air out.
Keep in Mind
Our long-term tester found that the feet on this device aren't the easiest to put on or take off, making it tricky to switch it from a window fan to a standalone fan.
One of the most effective and cost-effective ways to cool your home without an air conditioner is to install a window fan. The Genesis Window Fan performed exceptionally well in our tests, receiving near-perfect scores for its air speed, design, and effectiveness.
The dual-fan design allows the machine to draw fresh air from outside into your home while venting stuffy, warm air back out. You can change the speed and direction of each fan individually, giving you more flexibility with how much air you want to draw in from outside. Our tester appreciated that she could adjust the direction of each fan, and she felt like it helped increase airflow.
We liked that this window fan has three fan speeds and a built-in thermostat to help you more accurately decide what fan speed you'll need for a comfortable room. We found that its airflow isn't particularly strong compared to the portable fans we tested, but it was still effective at removing stale air and keeping the overall room cool.
The Genesis Twin window fan comes with expandable side panels and removable legs so you can fit it snugly into your window without leaving large gaps open for bugs to get through. During our testing, we found that the removable legs were a bit tricky to take off or put on, making it an ordeal to switch this fan from a window model to a stand-alone fan. However, aside from this drawback, we found it to be just as effective at home as it was in the lab.
"I placed this fan on the window beside where I work out in the mornings, and it's strong enough to keep the entire room from feeling stuffy, even on hot days," our tester said. "Even the lowest setting is still really powerful, especially given the size of the fan, and it's small enough to tuck away when I'm not using it."
Product Details: Fan Speeds: Three | Modes: None | Timer: None | Dimensions: 24 to 37 x 4 x 12 inches
Better Homes & Gardens / Rachel Marek