10 Best Outdoor Ceiling Fans (Review) In 2022
- The Best Outdoor Ceiling Fan
- 1. Honeywell Belmar 52-Inch Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan
- 2. Honeywell Palm Island 52-Inch Tropical Ceiling Fan
- 3. Honeywell Duvall 52-Inch Wicket Blade Outdoor Ceiling Fan
- 4. Prominence Home Auletta Outdoor Ceiling Fan
- 5. Hunter Fan Company Key Biscayne Nautical Outdoor Ceiling Fan
- 6. Monte Carlo Maverick Outdoor Ceiling Fan
- 7. Honeywell Glencrest Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan
- 8. Westinghouse Lighting Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan
- 9. Minka-Aire Xtreme H20 65-Inch Outdoor Ceiling Fan
- 10. Big Air Industrial Indoor/Outdoor 6 Speed Ceiling Fan
The best outdoor ceiling fans will enable you to stay cool on your covered patio, verandah, porch, or decking area, without having to enclose yourself in Air Conditioned insulation. If you're in an outdoor area then the outdoor ceiling fan possesses the ability to greatly reduce the number of insects that tend to bother folk at barbeques and social gatherings.
If you're already a fan of indoor ceiling fans, best-rated ceiling fans can also give your outdoor area an element of style and flair; whether a nautical theme or sleek modern vibe is what you're after. They can come with a light fixture, often enclosed in a delightful lantern glass case; it may feel like you're in a more free, top-quality environment, simply by the ambiance a large blade span of voluptuously carved wood effect blades can conjure up.
Cool air is not all that the outdoor ceiling fan offers; if you choose one that has a 'reversible' mode, then it may function to waft down hot air in the winter, thus enabling you to enjoy lower overall energy bills. A high-end model often features a remote control option, and a range of different speed settings, for added convenience. Whether you're a fan of fans or not, it is undeniable that outdoor ceiling fans can be extremely useful, stylish, easy to install, welcoming to visitors, and cost-effective. Below are some great outdoor ceiling fans; may you be pleasantly surprised by what you read.
The Best Outdoor Ceiling Fan
1. Honeywell Belmar 52-Inch Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan



Key Features
Quality design
User-friendly controls
Suits medium to large sized rooms
This classic, stylish ceiling fan helps create an inviting ambiance in any home. Honeywell Belmar 52-Inch Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan works equally well in a living space in the summer, and even boasts a reversible motor which helps fan warm air down in winter, keeping you warm and reducing utility bills. Its impressive 52-inch span is easy to install and comes in three different options. It has a certain timeless appeal, so suits any design features your house has and is perfect for the patio, too. It comes with a lovely bronze finish and 5 ETL damp-rated fan blades, to give you peace of mind. As well as living rooms and patios, it fits in superbly with pergolas, gazebos, workshops, even breezeways. Its user-friendly pull chains make it straightforward to use and is also compatible with Honeywell ceiling fan remotes.
Pros
Lifetime Manufacturer’s Warranty
Quiet reversible motor
3 position Tri-mount (Closemount, Downrod, Angled)
Cons
No central ‘light’ feature
Doesn’t come with a remote
For home rather than industrial
Blade Finish – not reversible
2. Honeywell Palm Island 52-Inch Tropical Ceiling Fan



Key Features
Classy design
Quiet reversible motor
Suits medium to large-sized rooms
4-speed settings
This Honeywell Tropical Ceiling Fan has a stylish, warm feel about it and will function well in your porch or any living space. It has a 52-inch span, is energy-efficient, simple to install, and has three different options in terms of mounting. It has a high-quality looking bronze finish and 5 ETL, for your assurance. Its palm leaf designed blades will give your room that certain something, while it is compatible with universal remotes. It has straightforward ‘on/off’ pull chains, and a pleasantly quiet motion, with four available speeds. There is even a reversible motor capacity so that it can be used for warming your room and lowering your overall utility bills during those cold winter months. It will work well in any medium to size setting, such as a living room, bedroom, or outside space like decks, porches or covered patios.
Pros
Limited Lifetime Manufacturer’s Warranty
Easy-to-use controls
Blade Finish – reversible
Installation – 45-60 minutes
Cons
No central ‘light’ feature
Doesn’t come with a remote
For home rather than industrial
3. Honeywell Duvall 52-Inch Wicket Blade Outdoor Ceiling Fan



Key Features
Pleasing design
Easy installation (45-60 minutes)
Quiet reversible motor
5 ETL wet rated wicker blades
This hand-carved Honeywells’ Tropical Ceiling Fan creates a warm ambiance which is both ‘cool’ and cooling in terms of virtually any area on your property. It will cool down your living room in the summer, and your outdoor porch, allowing you to enjoy being outside. Its 52-inch span is also energy-efficient and straightforward to install. It has three options for mounting, which makes it adaptable to your particular home. The stylish bronze finish is pleasing to the eye, while its 5 ETL wet rated wicker blades give you peace of mind. It “Quick 2 Hang” technology means that the blades are tricky or complicated to affix, while its 4 speed, reversible motor will allow you to gain warming benefits in the winter, and lower your overall utility costs in terms of home heating. It is equally useful in a bedroom, dining room or any other common area.
Pros
Perfect for mid to large-sized areas
Limited Lifetime Manufacturer’s Warranty
4 different speeds
“Quick 2 Hang” technology
Cons
No central ‘light’ feature
Doesn’t come with a remote
For home rather than industrial
Blade Finish – not reversible
4. Prominence Home Auletta Outdoor Ceiling Fan




Key Features
Contemporary design
ETL damp rated
Frosted LED light
Conveniently quiet
This sleek and stylish model brings with a sharp, contemporary look which can transform any living space. It is damp rated, for peace of mind, and will work wonderfully in any porch, gazebo, patio, pergola, garage, breezeway, covered deck, porch, and other communal space. Prominence Home Auletta Outdoor Ceiling Fan has a lovely matte black body and 4 crisp waterproof blades; it adds character to your room as well as cools you down. It boasts vibrant pine tones and also an earthly rustic vibe. It can light up an outdoor space and is dimmable. It has a fully-integrated LED light fixture with 2 E26/A15 bulbs (included with the purchase). The beam angle is a whopping 200%, so it is more than capable of illuminating your gatherings on a sultry, dark summer’s evening. The reverse airflow feature enables you to use it in those colder winter months, too. It is straightforward to attach to your ceiling, and has a range of multi-positional, hanging capabilities, so can fit in with the unique needs of your home.
Pros
Integrated bulb
Blade finishes: reversible
Installation: 45 – 60 minutes
Light setting – dimmable
Cons
Only 2 position Dual Mount
Only two different color options
Not a retro, traditional look
5. Hunter Fan Company Key Biscayne Nautical Outdoor Ceiling Fan


Key Features
Weathered Zinc finish
INT light kit
Whisper Wind motor
Maritime theme
This beautiful outdoor ceiling fan has a charming nautical feel to it and comes in a weathered zinc finish, so it is long-lasting and durable, whatever the climate or weather conditions. Its sharp lines and maritime theme create a wonderfully aquatic ambiance; the blade finish resembles aged beach wood, with hardy, rustic weathered finishes. Hunter Fan Company Key Biscayne Nautical Outdoor Ceiling Fan comes with a lantern-light kit so it is eminently useful for those evening events which you might like to host during summer months. It is damp-rated so can endure dry or moist conditions alike, and can function most usefully in sun-rooms or covered porches. It has a reversible 3-speed WhisperWind motor; this ensures a very powerful movement of air with extremely quiet performativity; leaving you undisturbed when you want some quiet time, or reading time. It boasts a three-position mounting system so it is perfect for standard, low, or angled mounting.
Pros
ETL Damp-rated
Lifetime Motor Warranty
Three-position mounting system
Stainless steel hardware
Cons
Lifetime Warranty – for motor only
Only two color options
Remote not included
Not for industrial use
6. Monte Carlo Maverick Outdoor Ceiling Fan


Key Features
Distinct profile
DC motor – 70% less energy.
3 Outdoor Approved Dark Walnut Blades
Premium Power: Energy-Efficient
This is a fashionable, artistic ceiling fan that boasts gently rounded Dark Walnut colored blades and a certain elegance that will complement any area in your house, indoor or outdoor. Monte Carlo Maverick Outdoor Ceiling Fan is highly energy-efficient and its quiet DC motor produces strong power and torque. Its beautifully curved blades are made from balsa wood to maximize airflow. It has a 60″ blade sweep, while its three-blade artistry cuts a unique profile. It comes with a hand-held remote, available in matte black or brushed steel. It is damp-rated, has a 6-speed reversible motor, ideal for warming your home due to its fanning down of warm air. It is recommended for 350- 400 sq ft rooms (20′ x 20′ room or above).
Pros
3 blade sweeps for ‘Outdoor’ – 60″, 70″, 88″
6-Speed Hand-Held Remote
Comes in a variety of colors
Cons
Not suitable for industrial needs
Other models have more blades
The dark walnut blades – made of balsa wood
Not ETL Damp-rated
7. Honeywell Glencrest Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan




Key Features
Warm oil rubbed bronze body
5 sleek walnut/aged teak waterproof fan blades
Vintage design
ETL Damp-rated
Honeywells’ Glencrest sleek and stylish outdoor ceiling fan has a kind of craftsmanship that makes it look authentic and hand-made. It has a lovely internal lantern that is enshrouded by the crystal-clear seeded glass. It oil rubbed bronze finish goes exceptionally well with its rough pine blades, creating a rich and earthy allure. It is ideal for outdoor and indoor spaces; it is straightforward to install and has three mounting options – close, the standard down rod, or angled. The reversible motor allows the machine to warm rooms in winter months, and its optimum size means it can meet the needs of any room, whether medium or large. It also has a lifetime warranty, for extra peace of mind, so you won’t be worrying about it breaking down.
Pros
Clear seeded LED glass
Reversible, 3 speed – powerful motor.
Tru-mount compatible
Cons
Blades only come in 2 colors
Blades not genuine wood
No remote control included
8. Westinghouse Lighting Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan


Key Features
52-inch four-blade indoor/outdoor
Steel motor with triple capacitor
Reversible switch for year-round use
This ceiling fan works equally well in dry or wet locations; it comes in an ambient, oil rubbed bronze finish, with dark walnut ABS resin blades. Westinghouse Lighting Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan has a charming lantern with amber glass, which creates a coastal feel. It is ideal for verandahs, patios, or decks. It even comes with a 9-Watt A19 LED light bulb which lasts up to a decade! Its silicon steel motor is sturdy and has a triple capacitor. In warm weather its counterclockwise motion keeps you cool; in winter a reversible switch can be flipped and it can warm you up, due to its clockwise direction which recirculates warm air downwards! It can be used with remote control, but not a dimmer. Its motor comes with a lifetime warranty, while other parts have a two-year warranty. This global brand – Westinghouse – has a guiding mission statement: “Make life easier for everyone who buys its products”.
Pros
Efficient air circulation
One-light Fixture
Lifetime motor warranty
Cons
Cannot be wired to a regular dimmer switch on the wall
Warranty covers motor, not parts
Not for industrial use
9. Minka-Aire Xtreme H20 65-Inch Outdoor Ceiling Fan


Key Features
Oil-rubbed bronze finish DC motor.
Eight oil rubbed bronze finish ABS blades.
65″ 8-Blade Design
9 degree blade pitch.
123 x 30 mm DC motor size.
This futuristic-looking fan is ideal for any outdoor space. Its unique 8-blade design, 65-inch blade span, and powerful DC motor make it efficient and sharp in appearance. Minka-Aire Xtreme H20 65-Inch Outdoor Ceiling Fan comes in a variety of Flat White, Oil Rubbed Bronze, or Brushed Nickel, and has a very useful full function handheld remote control, for added convenience. It is Wet location rated and ETL listed, for peace of mind. The way the fan is designed enables you to alter its look; it can have a low profile or can work in bigger spaces, due to its varying downrods that come in 60, 48, 36, 24, 12 & 3.5″ configurations. (6″ Downrod included). The sleek, sharp design of this fan will transform the space in which it hangs. It is as ‘cool’ as it is cooling!
Pros
Indoor/Outdoor Fan
Remote Control Included
Voice-Activated
Cons
Light has to be purchased separately
Stark style – won’t suit all rooms
Plastic blades
10. Big Air Industrial Indoor/Outdoor 6 Speed Ceiling Fan



Key Features
Industrial Ceiling Fan
Indoor Ceiling Fan
9 blade design
This brand has been a pioneer in the ventilation industry since 1948; based in Texas, it is noted for its high-quality, long-lasting products. Its Big Air 88 Inch ceiling fan suits a whole spectrum of different weather cycles, locations, and purposes. Big Air Industrial Indoor/Outdoor 6 Speed Ceiling Fan is energy efficient, but robust enough to cool any space quickly and effectively. Although an industrial fan has a contemporary, inviting look; it can be used in barns or shops, but is also suitable for home living areas or small offices. Its large diameter blades’ rotation can be reversed to warm you in winter, while its DC motors are up to 65% more efficient than regular AC motors. It has a very quiet operating noise, so it won’t disturb you during quiet times. It is a powerful yet stylish product, that is user-friendly but powerfully efficient.
Pros
Rotates in the reversible direction
DC motor up to 65% more efficient than traditional AC fan motors.
1 year of warranty
Comes with its own remote
Cons
Other models have higher CFM
Other fans look more stylish
Only one color option (Silver)
Features To Consider With Best Outdoor Ceiling Fans
CFM
CFM is an acronym for Cubic Feet per Minute, sometimes known as 'airflow'. It really just refers to the volume of air the fan manages to move. It is measured when the fan is on its highest setting and is calculating both the volume of air and rate at which it moves. The number can be affected by the motor, blade pitch, and even the contours of the blades. The more air a fam moves, the higher the CFM. When it comes to outdoor ceiling fans, they will generally tend to be larger, heavier machines, therefore it is worth scrutinizing the specifications of any given model to check out its airflow, airflow efficiency (CFM), and power usage.
Placement
The placement of your ceiling fan for outdoor space is crucial. It should go as much in the center of the patio or porch as possible. If your space is L-shaped, then it is perhaps best to purchase two smaller outdoor ceiling fans and place them accordingly, into each rectangular area. The plastic blades should be a minimum of 18 inches from the closest walls. Make sure your outdoor ceiling fan is not hung less than 7 feet from the floor. If your room is low, ie. less than 8 feet, then some kind of venting fan might be better. Even tower fans and certain oscillating fans can sometimes be the best option since they don't take much space. Make sure to check out our buying guide for best patio heaters in case you visited this page during wintertime and you still want to enjoy your patio time even on these chilly days.
Room Size
Getting the measurements right is crucial, in order for you not to have either too much or too little CFM for the particular space you want to cool. Here are some suggested measurements:
- 64 square feet space = 29″ fan
- Up to 100 square feet = 42″ fan
- 225 square feet zone = 52″ fan
- Up to 400 square feet = one 56″ fan, another 60″ fan, and two 52″ fans.
Controls
Most ceiling fans are operated by a wall switch. Some can be operated via remote control, which will either be included or offered as an additional extra. A trusty pull chain is also an option; actually, the best outdoor ceiling fans will be operable by all three of these options: wall switch, remote control, pull chain. Outdoor fans tend to offer three speeds; some will have lights as standard, and so the ceiling fan comes with a remote to operate the light and pull chains to operate the speeds. The three-speed option is standard; the installation can be tricky, and an outdoor ceiling fan that is solely operable by a remote might be more cost-effective if you want to avoid having to hire a qualified electrician. You will need to consult one in order to set up and connect the wall control. If you can get a model that includes the remote control, then this could be the best outdoor ceiling fan in terms of ease versus expense.
Mounting Options
There are different mounting options for different outdoor ceiling fans. Make sure you know your Monte Carlo from your Casablanca, and all the model varieties that have different features so that you are able to mount your ceiling fan accordingly. Ceiling height is the main factor you need to consider. You may, for example, require a flush mount fan (which means it has no 'drop rod' and just fits closely to the surface of the ceiling). Certain models are only able to be flush mounted. It is worth perusing the specifications of each model to be sure; reading the reviews and are often linking to amazon.com. Certain models can be converted so that they can sit lower down from your ceiling, via additional parts; sometimes they come inside the box.
Wet Rating
Outdoor ceiling fans are obviously designed to provide cooling power in an outdoor setting, especially if you want to manage temperature in your patio or porch. Therefore, they need to be ready and safe to use in various weather conditions, be it snow, rain, or whatever. Thus, ensuring that your model is damp rated is essential. The specifications will tell you whether or not it is damp rated. ETL damp rating is well regarded; it is a nationally recognized rating that stands for Edison (Electrical) Testing Laboratories. If your model does not come with an official damp rating then it is not guaranteed to be able to withstand outdoor conditions satisfactorily.
Lighting
Your outdoor ceiling fan will be connected to the same wiring that your light circuit uses; this makes it very easy to install. It will often be the case that the light option on your fan is operable via remote control. Not all fans come with a light function or a remote, however, so this is another reason to scrutinize the specifications cautiously - know what you are actually buying! The lighting effect on your fan is more of a decorative, style choice than a powerful light source, and will often be surrounded by a lantern style container, or some such glass cabinet feature.
Size
It is necessary first to measure the square footage of the space in which you intend to have the fan installed. Ceiling fans are usually very large, much larger than desk fans or box fans, for example. A sizing guide can be provided by the brand you are interested in; or you can consult the American Lighting Association Lighting Planning Guide, available online, to see what measurements you need to bear in mind. It must be high enough not to be of any danger to someone living in your residence. Bear in mind, too, that the larger the fan the larger the 'drop', so this will need to be factored in.
Number Of Blades
The fewer the blades, generally the faster the turns, and the stronger the motor. This creates a more potent wind chill effect. If your model as many blades then it can afford to turn more slowly and use less electricity to do so. It can also depend upon the style you want to introduce into your living space. A nautical, crafted wood blade effect might limit the number of blades because it looks ugly with too many!
Reversible Blades
There is a difference between a reversible motor and reversible blades. A reversible motor and be switched to operate the fan in the opposite direction, thus wafting warm air downwards in winter months. Reversible blades, on the other hand, are designed to work in either direction, producing equal airflow in either direction, due to its airfoil technology. This might be useful in outdoor conditions when there is a slight breeze. Reversible blades enable you to judge in which direction you want the fan to be rotating, in order to factor in what is happening in your immediate outdoor environment.
How To Install A Outdoor Ceiling Fan
It is advisable to get a qualified electrician to assist you in this, due to the control panel needing to be correctly wired, and the inherent risks involved with this. It shouldn't cost that much because it's only a one-hour job. However, if you feel confident enough to D.I.Y. then here are some steps as to how to install it.
Assuming you've purchased your ceiling fan of choice, and have measured and sized everything up properly:
- Ensure the electricity has been turned off. The circuit breaker should be flipped and then all wires should then not be 'live'. Drill a hole with a circular saw, if you are installing on your porch. The hole should be no larger than the base of your ceiling fan, otherwise, it will be visible once complete.
- Now that the location is set, run the electrical wiring from the circuit to the desired location of the fan. You can do this by running the wire all the way to the circuit box or to a nearby electrical outlet.
- With the wiring in place, now install the electrical box. If you have beams then mount box to the joists. If not, then insert ceiling brace into the hole. The brace should press into the cross beams on either side of the hole. Your ceiling fan's box is held by this brace.
- Assemble the fan; just follow the instructions in the box it came in; screws and bolts should all be tightened firmly.
- Mount the base to the electrical box. Ensure that the wiring matches up, using wire connectors to enable solid connections are made. Make sure the fan is secured tightly to the box, otherwise it could affect its performance.
- Activate your circuit again, and check that the fan moves without particular dragging, wobbling, or anything less than completely smooth, circular gliding.
Outdoor Ceiling Fan FAQ
Q: Do outdoor ceiling fans keep bugs away?
In a word, 'Yes'. Interestingly, bugs are attracted to the carbon dioxide that comes out of your mouth through your breath; this is one of the main chemicals that mosquitoes are highly attracted to! So, the cooling breeze created by a ceiling fan blows this away, as well as helping to evaporate lactic acid, sweat and body heat, other things that mosquitoes gravitate to.
Q: Can any ceiling fan be used outdoors?
In a word, 'No'. Leaving aside the elements of style and design, in which outdoors fans usually have some sort of natural or nautical, even tropical theme, there are more technical reasons why not. Indoor fans are not designed to operate effectively under high levels of humidity. Outdoors fans, however, can work in damp or wet conditions. Strictly speaking, damp locations can mean being outdoors, eg. on a patio, but with a cover. It can even mean in a bedroom that happens to be next to a bathroom. Wet conditions would include water, snow, etc. so that fan would have to be designed to withstand such conditions. Best to consult the buying guide to check what exactly your model can endure.
Q: Does a ceiling fan use a lot of electricity?
The answer is, 'No'. The average ceiling fan operates at 50-80 watts, which might cost somewhere between $0.006-$0.01 per hour at $0.12 per kWh. In fact, one of the reasons people like them is that they are energy-efficient and cost-effective. It depends how much you're using it, but on average it should cost you more than a dollar or two per month. That's very much cheaper than your washer and dryer, even your refrigerator.
Q: Do ceiling fan motors get hot?
In a word, 'Yes'. A ceiling fan adds to the overall heat in a given room; however, the increased airflow over your skin aids the process of evaporation and convective cooling. In terms of a ceiling fan's 'efficacy' (how much airflow is generated per the amount of electrical energy put in), the larger the fan the better. A fan with a wide diameter, blade length, and a number of blades, will move air around with greater efficacy than one that doesn't have these attributes. The best fans will produce more than 100 CFM per watt; a less effective fan only 30 CFM per watt.
Sources
How to Hang an Outdoor Ceiling Fan - DIY Network
Add a Ceiling Fan to Your Covered Patio - Neighborly Advice