Buying guide for best ceiling fans
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Ceiling fans are ideal alternatives to expensive air conditioners. Not only are fans more energy efficient, but they’re also usually more attractive than AC units. They also circulate air effectively to cool down your home. The right type of ceiling fan can even keep your home warm — and heating costs down — in the winter, making it more versatile than an air conditioner, too. But shopping for a ceiling fan can be tough. With so many options on the market, how do you choose the right model for you?
At BestReviews, our goal is to make shopping simple. If you’re ready to buy a ceiling fan, take a look at our top picks, including the Honeywell 48-Inch Carmel Ceiling Fan. If you want to know more before buying — what features to look for and how much you should pay — just keep reading.
Editors’ picks
Honeywell 48-Inch Carmel Ceiling Fan
Editors’ Favorite
Width: 48” | Number of Speeds: 3 | Number of Blades: 5 | CFM: 4919 | Controls: Remote
The Honeywell 48-Inch Carmel Ceiling Fan offers a sleek, contemporary look that pairs well with most modern home decor. It has five reversible, dual-finish blades, so you can choose from a textured gray or a matte black finish, depending on your preference. It also offers two mounting options: a standard mount and an angled mount for wall installation.
The fan is 48 inches wide and has an airflow rating of 4,919 cubic feet per minute (CFM), making it ideal for areas up to 240 square feet. Its three-speed motor is reversible, too, so you can adjust the airflow direction for the season to save energy. It also comes with energy-efficient, dimmable LED light bulbs to further keep down energy costs.
We also love how easy it is to operate. It includes a full-function remote that lets you change the fan speed or adjust the lights with the press of a button. It even comes with a wall-mount to keep you from losing track of the remote.
Honeywell Glen Alden Ceiling Fan
Great Value
Width: 52” | Number of Speeds: 3 | Number of Blades: 5 | CFM: 5429 | Controls: Pull Chain
The Honeywell Glen Alden Ceiling Fan features a flush-mount design that hugs the ceiling, making it ideal for rooms with low ceilings. Despite its compact setup, though, it still offers impressive power. It has an airflow rating of 5,429 CFM, which can effectively cool rooms up to 450 square feet.
The fan has a reversible three-speed motor, so you can run it counterclockwise in summer to push air downward for cooling and clockwise in winter to pull cool air upward to warm the room. Its five-blade design also enables smoother airflow, so the fan offers extremely quiet operation. The blades are reversible, too, so you can choose the finish that best matches your decor.
This Honeywell model includes a four-arm light kit with a branched design that uses LED bulbs for greater energy efficiency. It’s also extremely easy to operate, thanks to its traditional pull chain for turning it on and off and adjusting the speeds. The chain length is easy to adjust for convenient access, too.
Amico Ceiling Fan with Lights
Best Budget Fan for Small Rooms
Width: 42” | Number of Speeds: 6 | Number of Blades: 3 | CFM: 3326 | Controls: Remote
The Amico Ceiling Fan with Lights may be smaller than most of the other models on our list, but its 3,326 CFM airflow rating is still powerful enough to cool areas up to 225 square feet. It offers six speeds, allowing you to customize the cooling. It’s also highly energy-efficient, reducing electricity use by up to 80% compared to traditional ceiling fans.
Despite its budget-friendly price, it also offers plenty of convenient features. It has a remote for user-friendly operation, so you turn it on and off, adjust the fan speed and set the sleep timer from across the room. It also lets you choose from three color temperatures and dim the lights from 10% to 100% for ideal lighting in any situation. It has a memory function that locks in the light brightness, color and fan speed when you turn off the power via the wall switch.
This ceiling fan is an ideal option for a bedroom because of its quiet operation. It operates at just 35 decibels, which is lower than the volume of regular conversation, so even light sleepers won’t be disturbed.
ZMISHIBO 72-Inch Large Ceiling Fan
Best Oversized Fan
Width: 72” | Number of Speeds: 6 | Number of Blades: 8 | CFM: 7,200 | Controls: Remote
At 72 inches wide, the ZMISHIBO 72-Inch Large Ceiling Fan is one of the largest models on our list. Its oversized design delivers a 7,200 CFM airflow rating, so it can cover areas up to 400 square feet. It’s suitable for both high and low ceilings, too, because it includes 4-, 8- and 24-inch down rods that allow you to choose the ideal installation for your room.
The fan has six speeds, so you can customize the airflow based on your needs. The motor is also reversible, allowing you change its direction with the season to keep your home comfortable year-round. Operation couldn’t be more convenient, either, thanks to the multifunction remote. It lets you adjust the fan speed and light settings from across the room.
Best of all, you can customize the fan’s look to match your decor. Its blades are double-sided, so you can choose between a black or a faux walnut finish. The fan’s light also offers three color-temperature options, which let you create the perfect mood for any situation.
Hunter 52-Inch Indoor Ceiling Fan
Best Traditional Fan
Width: 52” | Number of Speeds: 3 | Number of Blades: 5 | CFM: 5102 | Controls: Pull Chain
If you are in the market for a truly classic-looking ceiling fan, the Hunter 52-Inch Indoor Ceiling Fan is the model for you. It has a rich bronze finish and traditional details that instantly give any room a cozy feel. It also features a traditional pull chain that makes it easy to adjust the fan’s speed and turn its lights on and off.
It offers three speeds and an airflow rating of 5,102 CFM, making it ideal for rooms between 300 and 350 square feet. Its motor is also reversible, so you can change the direction it spins for year-round comfort. The motor is extremely quiet, though, so you don’t have to worry about it keeping you up at night.
You don’t have to worry about energy costs with this Hunter ceiling fan, either. It only consumes 64 watts of power, which is fairly low for a fan this size. It also includes two energy-efficient LED bulbs that use less energy but last longer than incandescent bulbs.
Dreo Smart Ceiling Fan with Lights
Best Smart Ceiling Fan
Width: 52” | Number of Speeds: 12 | Number of Blades: 5 | CFM: 5,673 | Controls: Remote and smart app
It’s nearly impossible to find a ceiling fan that’s easier or more convenient to use than the Dreo Smart Ceiling Fan. This Wi-Fi-enabled model connects to the Dreo app, so you can adjust the fan’s speed and lights even when you’re not at home. It also has customizable preset modes and routines that let you automate settings for specific situations. The fan is even compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant for voice commands.
In addition to its convenient smart features, it also provides plenty of power. It features a brushless DC motor that delivers an airflow rate up to 5,673 CFM. You can choose from 12 speeds and three wind modes to ensure your room is optimally ventilated. The motor is designed for quiet operation, too, and offers settings ideal for bedrooms. It’s also reversible through the Dreo app, so you can adjust the direction it spins in based on the season.
DIYers will appreciate this Dreo smart fan, too. It comes preassembled, so installation requires just four steps. Dreo also offers an easy-to-follow installation video that walks you through the process step by step.
Sofucor 52-Inch Ceiling Fan
Best Modern Fan
Width: 52” | Number of Speeds: 6 | Number of Blades: 3 | CFM: 5800 | Controls: Remote
The Sofucor 52-Inch Ceiling Fan features a simple, streamlined look that pairs perfectly with modern decor. It has three solid-wood blades in a dark finish and black metal hardware, as well as a flush-mount design that gives it a low profile. It comes with a multifunction remote, so there’s no pull chain to spoil its sleek look, either.
The fan doesn’t just look good, though. Its high-speed DC motor offers six speeds and an airflow rate of 5,800 CFM, making it easy to keep your home comfortable. It also allows you to reverse the airflow, so it blows cool air downward in summer and pushes warm air up in winter for effective year-round air circulation.
It also includes color-changing lights that let you choose from 3000K warm yellow, 4500K bright daylight and 6000K cool white. While they provide plenty of illumination with 2000 lumens, they are dimmable from 0% to 100%, so you can create the perfect lighting for reading, relaxing and more.
Hunter Dempsey Ceiling Fan
For a Clean, Low-Profile Look
Width: 52” | Number of Speeds: 3 | Number of Blades: 4 | CFM: 4,010 | Controls: Remote
The Hunter Dempsey Ceiling Fan features a flush design that gives it a low profile, allowing it to be mounted close to ceilings under 9 feet high. It’s 52 inches wide and has an airflow rating of 4,010 CFM, making it ideal for rooms up to 350 square feet. Its blades are available in six finishes, including white, so you can find an option that complements your decor.
Instead of the classic pull string, it comes with a fully functional remote. You can adjust the fan speed and control the lighting from anywhere in the room. The fan comes with energy-efficient LED bulbs, which are dimmable to create the perfect lighting for any mood.
The fan can do more than keep you cool in the summer, too. It features reverse-rotation blades, which let you adjust the direction of rotation to help cool rooms in summer and warm them in winter. Their 13-degree pitch also ensures optimal air movement.
Honeywell Carnegie Ceiling Fan
Best Industrial or Farmhouse-Style Fan
Width: 52” | Number of Speeds: 3 | Number of Blades: 5 | CFM: 3,376 | Controls: Remote
The Honeywell Carnegie Ceiling Fan features a striking industrial design that fits perfectly with modern decor. It has five dual-finish blades, so you can choose between gray pine or brown chestnut, depending on your preferences. It’s also compatible with two mounting styles. You can use the included 4-inch downrod or purchase a longer downrod for an angled mount on vaulted ceilings.
Measuring 52 inches wide, this fan can effectively ventilate spaces up to 400 square feet, so it’s ideal for master bedrooms, living rooms, family rooms and more. It also has a reversible motor, allowing it to effectively circulate air in your home no matter the season.
The included remote makes operating the fan even convenient, too. It allows you to select the fan speed and light settings from across the room and comes with a wall mount to ensure you don’t misplace it. The fan also comes with energy-efficient LED bulbs that are dimmable, allowing you to customize the lighting for any occasion.
Minka Aire Xtreme H2O 65-Inch Ceiling Fan
Best Outdoor Fan
Width: 65” | Number of Speeds: 6 | Number of Blades: 8 | CFM: 6,565 | Controls: Remote
If you want to improve the air circulation for your covered porch, patio or other outdoor space, the Minka Aire Xtreme H20 65-Inch Ceiling Fan is an excellent option. Designed for indoor/outdoor use, it features all-weather blades that can easily withstand the elements. The fan is 65 inches wide and delivers a 6,565 CFM airflow rating, so it can circulate air in spaces up to 300 square feet.
Its motor offers six speed settings that let you customize the air circulation based on your needs. However, it’s still extremely quiet, so you don’t have to worry about bothering the neighbors. You’ll also appreciate how energy efficient this model is. Consuming just 32 watts of power, it has an estimated yearly operating cost of just $9.
Operating this fan couldn’t be more convenient, either. It comes with a fully functional remote control, so you can change speeds with the press of a button without even getting off your lounger. It can also turn the lights on and off and dim them if you install the optional light kit.
How we analyzed
Finding the right ceiling fan for your home is no easy feat. To identify the top models, we analyzed customer reviews from several online retailers to determine which fans offered the best user experience. In particular, we considered each fan’s airflow performance, speed options, design features, noise level and ease of use. Ultimately, we considered over a dozen ceiling fans and selected our top picks based on how well they moved air, how energy-efficient they were, how convenient and user-friendly they were to operate and how versatile they were for year-round use.
Ceiling fan vs. AC
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While a ceiling fan can’t lower the temperature of a room the way an air conditioner can, by creating a draft it makes the room feel cooler. This allows you to raise your thermostat, which means lowering your energy costs by 30% to 40%.
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Ceiling fans come in a wide variety styles. A model that complements your home’s decor is a more attractive option than an air conditioning unit.
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Many ceiling fans are also equipped with lights. They can illuminate a room in addition to circulating air.
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Unlike an air conditioner, some ceiling fans work equally well in the summer and winter. During colder months, a ceiling fan can push warm air down from the ceiling and circulate it through the space to make it more comfortable.
What to look for when buying a ceiling fan
CFM
Cubic feet per minute (CFM) is a measurement of the airflow that helps cool down a room.
In most cases, you’ll want the highest cubic feet per minute possible, so you can raise your thermostat and save money on energy costs.
Motor
A good ceiling fan has a motor with sealed bearings that don’t require lubrication, so it won’t require much maintenance.
A DC motor is the most efficient and expensive. For a more affordable fan that still performs well, choose one with a motor that’s larger than 200 millimeters.
Choose a reversible motor if you want to use the fan year-round. A reversible motor allows you to adjust the direction of the fan, so you can push warm air down from the ceiling and circulate it through the space in the winter.
Lighting
Many ceiling fans are also fitted with light kits, which allow them to not only circulate air but also illuminate a room.
You can choose from a variety of lighting styles, such as traditional globes or more contemporary fixtures.
Some fans have a single light in the center, while others have multiple glass shades that circle the center of the fan.
Energy efficiency
If you’re concerned about lowering your energy costs, look for a ceiling fan with the Energy Star seal.
An Energy Star-rated ceiling fan must have an airflow of at least 1,250 cubic feet per minute on the lowest speed and 5,000 on the highest speed. It also must include at least a 30-year warranty on the motor, a 1-year warranty on components, and a 2-year warranty on the light kit.
Size
If you want your ceiling fan to be effective, choosing the right size is key. The proper size depends on the size of the room.
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For a room that’s 75 square feet or smaller, choose a fan with a blade span that’s 36 inches or smaller.
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For a room that’s between 75 and 144 square feet, choose a fan with a blade span that’s 36 to 42 inches.
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For a room that’s between 144 and 224 square feet, choose a fan with a blade span that’s between 50 and 56 inches.
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For a room that’s 224 square feet or larger, choose a fan with a blade span that’s between 52 and 62 inches.
Blade pitch and finish
Ceiling fans with wide blades and a higher angle, or pitch, tend to move the most air. Look for blades that are about five inches wide and have a pitch between 12° and 14°.
Blades come in a variety of finishes, including mahogany, oak, brushed nickel, and plastic.
Pull chains are the most common controls for ceiling fans. You simply pull the chain to turn the fan on and adjust the speed. For lighted fans, there is an additional chain to control the lights. Pull chains usually work best in low-traffic areas.
Wall controls allow you to turn the fan on and adjust the speed, direction, and lights with the press of a button.
Ceiling fan tips and tricks
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A ceiling fan with interchangeable blades makes it easy to change the look of the fan when you want to redecorate the room.
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For the most stable installation, mount a fan to a ceiling joist. If there are no joists in the center of the room, use a ceiling fan mounting bracket with spiked ends to make it easier to mount the fan between joists.
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To lower your energy costs, always turn off a ceiling fan when no one’s in the room.
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Use your vacuum’s brush attachment to remove dust from a ceiling fan’s blades. You can also use a damp microfiber cloth. Just be careful not to to twist, lift, or pull on the blades.
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Don’t use a dimmer switch with lighted ceiling fans. They can make the motor noisy and shorten the fan’s lifespan.
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A downrod is a metal pipe that allows you to suspend a fan from the ceiling. You can find the rods in a variety of lengths to accommodate various ceiling heights.
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To stop a fan from wobbling use a balancing kit. Attach the weights in the kit to the fan’s blades with the included clips.
Ceiling fan prices
Ceiling fans vary in price based on size, materials, and features, but in general you’ll pay between $50 and $600.
Inexpensive
You can find small, low-end fans for $50 to $75, but they may not perform well. For an effective, budget-friendly ceiling fan, pay between $100 and $150.
Mid-range
For a large, energy-efficient fan, expect to pay between $175 and $275.
Expensive
For a large, high-tech ceiling fan, you’ll pay between $300 and $600.
FAQ
Q. What is the difference between a flush-mount ceiling fan and a downrod-mount ceiling fan?
A. Flush-mount fans are mounted so they are flush with the ceiling. They work best in rooms with low ceilings or a space where a low profile is preferred. A downrod-mount fan uses a rod to lower the fan slightly from the ceiling. This type of fan works best in a room with a high ceiling, typically eight feet or higher. Wall fans are another option if you have particularly low ceilings.
Q. How do I keep a ceiling fan from wobbling?
A. A ceiling fan usually wobbles due to slight differences in weight between the blades. However, most fans come with a balancing kit, which contains weights that you can attach to the blades to adjust their weight for proper balance.
Q. What should I look for in a ceiling fan that I plan to use in an outdoor area?
A. To ensure that the fan can be exposed to moisture or high humidity, look for a fan that is damp- or wet-rated to protect the motor.
