🏆 In a hurry? Here’s our #1 pick:
What is the best outdoor ceiling fan?
If you’re looking for a great, outdoor ceiling fan, our top rated pick is the Minka-Aire Sundance 52” Outdoor Ceiling Fan.
The best outdoor ceiling fan can turn your blazing hot patio or sunroom into a comfortable and airy environment.
So what makes a ceiling fan an “outdoor ceiling fan” versus an indoor ceiling fan?
Outdoor ceiling fans have different requirements than their indoor counterparts.
Cooling you down and keeping the air moving on hot, stagnant days isn’t the only thing that the best outdoor ceiling fans should do.
The best outdoor ceiling fans are affordable and reliable in terms of withstanding outdoor conditions without requiring much maintenance.
Of course the best outdoor ceiling fans should also be relatively easy to install.
Revamping your patio space does not have to mean major renovation or a ton of money out of your pocket.
In fact, it can be as easy as replacing (or adding) one or two outdoor ceiling fans, and our list of Best Outdoor Ceiling Fans will help you in choosing the right one for your backyard or patio area.
Full disclosure, writing this article is also helping me get a few decorating ideas for my own backyard.
About six months ago, my fiancé and I purchased our first home and while we absolutely love it, there are of course things that we need and want to do around the house to make it feel more like our own.
One of the things we will focus on will eventually be the backyard, which we would like to make more comfortable and “hangout-friendly.”
That includes adding a few patio furniture pieces, a bar area, and a couple of outdoor ceiling fans to the covered pergolas to complete the look.
This may sound a bit crazy, but until I bought my first home, I had no idea how much fun decorating can be.
And overwhelming. And expensive.
Seriously, our list of ideas for the house is endless.
But to start a project and be able to follow it through to the very end and actually enjoy the final result, is completely worth it.
I would imagine that there are very few feelings of accomplishment quite like it.
Once we realized that the typical home improvement stores we went to sold the same home improvement gear available online at marked-up price, we just couldn’t justify going back to Home Depot.
It turns out that all of the best outdoor ceiling fans – and any other home improvement item you might need – can be easily purchased online.
So as a result, all of the fans on our list can be had on Amazon, making them available to anyone.
Read on to discover the best outdoor ceiling fans according to our testing and real user reviews! Don’t forget to vote for your favorite 🙂
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The 9 Best Outdoor Ceiling Fans
- 1. Minka-Aire Sundance 52” Outdoor Ceiling Fan
- 2. Westinghouse Brentford 52-inch Aged Walnut Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan
- 3. Hunter Key Biscayne 54” Weathered Outdoor Ceiling Fan
- 4. Hunter Fan Company Matheston 52-inch Onyx Bengal Outdoor Ceiling Fan – Hunter Fan Outdoor
- 5. Bala Brushed Chrome Outdoor Ceiling Fan with Frosted Disc Light Kit
- 6. Emerson Tilo Modern Low Profile Hugger Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan
- 7. Hunter Beachcomber 52-inch White Outdoor Ceiling Fan
- 8. Hunter Bayview 54-inch ETL Damp Listed Provencal Gold Outdoor Ceiling Fan
- 9. Minka Lavery Aire F614-Hbz 54
Minka-Aire Sundance 52” Outdoor Ceiling Fan |
It is a five-blade ceiling fan and is available in Oil-Rubbed Bronze, White, and Driftwood colors, so it is sure to matc…
It is a five-blade ceiling fan and is available in Oil-Rubbed Bronze, White, and Driftwood colors, so it is sure to match the room nicely.
If it will be placed in an area outdoors where it has a chance of getting wet or rained on, there will be no need to worry because this fan is Damp Rated and Wet Rated.
There is also no need to worry if the size of the room will affect the quality of this fan’s performance, as its 12-degree blade pitch will ensure that its airflow is effective in any sized room.
Pros:
• People love how easy this fan is to install, saying that it was a breeze and they experienced no issues.
• People like the look of this fan. Although it is not flashy or super stylish, it is perfect for those who are looking for a simple, functional, yet nice-looking appliance.
• Several users commented on the quality of the fan itself, saying that it is a solid unit, is well-balanced, and just feels like a quality product that will not easily break.
• People love that the motor on this fan is quiet and not noisy, so as not to disturb anyone that may be in the room.
Cons:
• A few people mentioned that this fan may not do too well during high winds, as the blades can get bent and the fan itself can go out of balance.
• Not everyone was happy with the amount of air that this fan pushes, saying that it was just not enough.
• A few people were unhappy with the look of the blades. As they are plastic, they can have a tendency to look cheesy.
Westinghouse Brentford 52-inch Aged Walnut Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan |
Not only can it withstand damp weather, but the blades are also weatherproof, which is even better.
The blades are also reversible, giving you a choice of dark cherry blades with shaded…
Not only can it withstand damp weather, but the blades are also weatherproof, which is even better.
The blades are also reversible, giving you a choice of dark cherry blades with shaded edges or a classic walnut finish.
Not only is the motor quiet, but it is also reversible, to ensure maximum comfort in any kind of weather.
Not only is this fan beautiful, but according to the manufacturer, it is also “designed especially for patios, decks, and verandahs, the Brentford is rugged enough to withstand nature’s elements so you can enjoy comfort outdoors.”
Pros:
• Several people have commented on the beauty of the fan. They love how it looks and love that they constantly get compliments on it.
• People love the sturdiness of this fan, saying that they did not have any issues with wobbling after it was installed.
• Several people commented that the installation of this fan was super quick and easy, which is what everyone hopes for.
• People love that this fan is quiet while running and does not disturb anyone with too much noise.
Cons:
• Users reported that although this fan is advertised to come with a remote, in reality, it does not.
• Some people felt that the lighting was a little too dim to be effective.
Hunter Key Biscayne 54” Weathered Outdoor Ceiling Fan |
The Biscayne 54” ceiling fan by Hunter Key fits both of those important criteria, w…
The Biscayne 54” ceiling fan by Hunter Key fits both of those important criteria, which is why we have included it on our list of Best Outdoor Ceiling Fans.
It features a WhisperWind motor that is powerful, but amazingly quiet at the same time.
The motor also has the capability of reversing to allow you to change the direction that the fan blades spin.
This is extremely helpful if you need to switch between either downdraft or updraft mode, depending on the weather conditions and what type of comfort you are looking for.
Finally, the installer has three different choices as to how they would like it mounted – standard, low, or angled mounting.
Pros:
• Several people have commented on what a great job this fan does at moving the air efficiently, even outside!
• People love how quiet this fan is when it is on. The noise does not get in the way of fun and conversations.
• Consumers love how easy this fan was to install, saying that as long as you can read an instruction manual, it is quick and painless.
• People love that there are two options for the blades (they are reversible), so if one side is not your style, the other side is sure to be!
• Consumers seem to really love the overall look of this fan, saying that it easily dresses up a patio or room.
Cons:
• A few people mentioned that they wished that this fan came with a remote to control the settings a bit easier.
• Users also felt that the lighting on this fan was a bit too dim and needed to be stronger to provide more light.
• A few people reported that the blades scrape the lighting housing, which can be a bit inconvenient.
Hunter Fan Company Matheston 52-inch Onyx Bengal Outdoor Ceiling Fan – Hunter Fan Outdoor |
Similar to the other Hunter fans on this list, it is equipped with a WhisperWind motor that gives off powerful, y…
Similar to the other Hunter fans on this list, it is equipped with a WhisperWind motor that gives off powerful, yet impressively quiet airflow.
The motor also features a reversible capability that will allow you to control the direction of the fan depending on the weather outside and what is most comfortable to you.
Installation is a breeze, giving the installer three different positioning choices when installing – standard, low, or angled mounting.
Pros:
• People seem to be extremely happy with the amount of air flow (6,201 cubic feet per minute) that this fan puts out, saying that it does a great job at cooling down whatever area of room it is placed in.
• Users have commented on how easy installation was. This was especially thanks to the detailed, concise instructions that even included pictures.
• People love the look and beautiful design of this fan.
• Users love how quiet this fan is when it is in use, no matter how what speed it is set on.
Cons:
• None that I could find!
Bala Brushed Chrome Outdoor Ceiling Fan with Frosted Disc Light Kit |
Yes, it looks beautiful, but does it do a great job at moving air around the room at a rate that keeps its occupants comfortab…
Yes, it looks beautiful, but does it do a great job at moving air around the room at a rate that keeps its occupants comfortable?
The answer to that question is a solid and confident yes.
According to the manufacturer, “the high performance motor delivers powerful air movement with quiet performance so you create a cooling breeze, or reverse the direction and use it to circulate warm air throughout the room, (giving you) two great ways to save energy and keep cool or warm.”
The light fixture kit has frosted glass so as to ensure that the lighting is not too harsh, and can easily be installed.
Pros:
• People love the stylish, modern look of this ceiling fan, saying it brings a completely different ‘look’ to whatever room it is placed in.
• People also love that these fans can withstand humidity, as opposed to those made of faux wood and particleboard, which have a tendency to bend in humid weather.
• Users have commented on the quality of the air flow that the fan puts out, which they seem to be extremely impressed with.
• Several people have mentioned how easy this fan was to install, which is always a bonus.
• Several people mentioned that they were quite happy with the price of this fan, saying that they felt that they got a great deal relative to the amount of money they paid.
Cons:
• Because this fan is completely metal, the blades can be dangerous if it is hung within someone’s reach. Be sure to install it where no one will be able to come into contact with it.
• A few people mentioned that the fan can get a tad noisy when it is set to high speed.
Emerson Tilo Modern Low Profile Hugger Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan |
Whichever style you choose, you are likely to be impressed.
Although it appears rather small or “compact,” and has only three blades, it also features…
Whichever style you choose, you are likely to be impressed.
Although it appears rather small or “compact,” and has only three blades, it also features a powerful motor that is able to move 2,278 cubic feet per minute and an airflow efficiency of 54 cubic feet per minute per Watt.
Instead of having to deal with pull-down chains that are cumbersome and difficult to reach, it uses a four-speed wall control to help in easily adjusting the fan speed.
Additionally, not only is the installation easy, but users have two mounting options to choose from: it can be installed on high ceilings with a 4.5 inch down rod, or installed flush with the ceiling for those rooms with less space.
Pros:
• People love that this little fan works well for small spaces or in those rooms that have lower ceilings.
• They also love that while this fan is somewhat small, it is powerful and does a great job at keeping rooms cooler and more comfortable.
• People love the stylish and unique look that this fan has, saying that is adds style to the room and they tend to gets tons of compliments on it.
• Users love the wall mount remote, as it makes it easy to control the speed of the fan without having to reach and pull the chains.
Cons:
• A few people commented that they wished that this fan would have come with a light kit, instead of having to purchase it separately.
• Some people felt that this fan was too small and, consequently, that its air output was just not enough.
Hunter Beachcomber 52-inch White Outdoor Ceiling Fan |
Its all-white exterior and swirled marble glass light kit just scream “relaxing beach day,” does it not?
Not only is this fan beau…
Its all-white exterior and swirled marble glass light kit just scream “relaxing beach day,” does it not?
Not only is this fan beautiful and calming to look at, but it also features the WhisperWind motor, which ensures that it produces powerful air flow, but also remains quiet at the same time.
The motor is also reversible, allowing the direction of the blades to be changed to accommodate whatever the room occupants deem most comfortable.
Finally, the installer has the ability to choose between two different mounting angles: standard or angled.
Pros:
• People love how quiet this fan runs, no matter what speed it is on. It is not disruptive to any occupants in the room or outdoor area.
• Users love the clean, stylish look of this fan, saying that it brightens up any room.
• Several people have mentioned how easy it was to install these fans. When there are no headaches, that it always a plus!
• People love how well this fan works in general – it produces great air flow for whatever room or area that it is in.
Cons:
• A few people felt that the lighting on this fan was a bit too dim to be effective.
• A few people were disappointed that the blades on this fan are not wood, but are plastic.
Hunter Bayview 54-inch ETL Damp Listed Provencal Gold Outdoor Ceiling Fan |
Well let me tell you, these fans seem to be extremely popular for outdoor settings, and if the reviews mean anything, then there is a reason that this one has also ended up on our list of Best Outdoor Ceiling Fans.
Like its other Hunter brand counterparts,…
Well let me tell you, these fans seem to be extremely popular for outdoor settings, and if the reviews mean anything, then there is a reason that this one has also ended up on our list of Best Outdoor Ceiling Fans.
Like its other Hunter brand counterparts, this fan also features the reversible, WhisperWind motor.
What’s more, the motor is also Energy Star-certified to ensure that energy is not wasted, but is maximized to increase efficiency while not skimping on the actual power of the motor.
The blades are also reversible, ensuring that they will fit whatever your style preference happens to be. The installation process also allows for three different mounting positions – standard, low, or angled.
Pros:
• People love how truly quiet this fan motor is. Some have even installed it in bedrooms above their bed and reported having no issues.
• Reviewers love the look of this fan, saying that is nicely dresses up any patio or room.
• Several people commented on how easy this fan is to install, saying that they had no issues during the process.
• People love that this fan is energy efficient and does not take up too much power when running. Users have also stated that they have it constantly running and it has no effect on their power bill.
Cons:
• A few people reported that the installation of this fan was not as easy as it should have been.
• This fan has some trouble withstanding very windy weather. One person reported that a couple of blades broke off in high winds, and another reported that the fan tends to wobble a bit when it gets windy.
Minka Lavery Aire F614-Hbz 54 |
The mahogany-toned blades bring a warm effect, making this a nice complement to an outdoor area. The dark brushed bronze color is an elegant color choice.
Mor…
The mahogany-toned blades bring a warm effect, making this a nice complement to an outdoor area. The dark brushed bronze color is an elegant color choice.
More importantly, the blades on this fan are well balanced and it moves lots of air around according to customer reviews.
If you need to stay cool outside, this may be the best portable ceiling fan in brushed bronze.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When it comes to outdoor ceiling fans, our choice for the best outdoor ceiling fans manufacturer is MINKA-AIRE. MINKA-AIRE not only makes quality ceiling fans but also, their designs are simply exquisite.
They have a seemingly unending collection of outdoor ceiling fans that you can choose from, their fans are made of exceptionally high-quality material and are designed with an artistic view in mind and despite being voguish, their products are quite budget-friendly.
Our pick for the best outdoor ceiling fan is the Minka-Aire Sundance 52” Outdoor Ceiling Fan. Having review tens of different outdoor ceiling fans we’re forced to claim Minka-Aire Sundance Outdoor Ceiling Fan as our top pick.
Hundreds of happy customers and a memorable personal experience; this fan—from the artistic design to the premium built-quality, is simply flawless.
Depending on the type of fan you’re going with, the outdoor fan that you get may or may not be waterproof. Outdoor ceiling fans that are wet rated are waterproof. Likewise, outdoor fans that are light wet rated are waterproof to a certain degree.
Wet rated ceiling fans are not only waterproof but they’re also made of that material that rust-resistant and can survive the harshest weather.
Our pick for the best waterproof outdoor ceiling fan is the Minka-Aire Sundance 52” Outdoor Ceiling Fan, apart from being wet-rated and a quality product in general, this outdoor ceiling fan is also exquisitely designed.