The Best Outdoor Ceiling Fans, According To Our Testing

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Enjoy your outdoor space in comfort with these humidity-proof fans.

Nor’Adila Hepburn is a writer who specializes in reviewing furniture, kitchen appliances, gardening tools, travel accessories, and more. Her work can be found in Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, Trip Advisor, Travel + Leisure, INSIDER, and more.

In This Article

Southern Living / Katie Akin

While you might think that ceiling fans are only to be used indoors, for hot and humid days in the South, having an outdoor ceiling fan on your porch to keep cool is something you may want to think about if you don’t already have one.

“Most people feel that keeping cool is the only benefit of installing an outdoor fan. While this is the best reason, there are other benefits to installing one,” says Docia Boyle, owner and operator of Handyman Connection of Golden, Colorado.

“The wind created by the fan can ward off bugs and insects—they cannot easily fly through the wind, so they stay out of the fan area. Also, most fans now come with lights, so you get the added bonus of lighting in the area," says Boyle. "An installed outdoor fan is safer for a family that has children—since there is nothing at their level for little fingers to get caught in.”

To come up with this list, we tested 28 ceiling fans for up to six months, evaluating them based on size, damp/wet rating, blades, style, and color.

Quiet operation

Mounts flush to the ceiling, making it a good option for low ceilings

Damp-rated

Easy installation

It’s not wet-rated, so it needs to be used under a covered patio

No remote

After testing it out ourselves, we declared the Hunter Cassius Outdoor 52-inch Ceiling Fan the winner mainly because it is compact, quiet, and doesn’t hang low from the ceiling—which was key for us because our ceilings are low. More importantly, it kept our room cool even on blazing hot days.

The fan features three standard speeds (low, medium, and high) and three blades to push the air around. Compared to portable fans which are often noisy when on high settings, this fan was completely silent; it ran without a sound or vibration.

The fan is also damp-rated, so it is safe to use under a covered patio but should not be exposed to the elements. Thanks to clear directions and diagrams inside the instruction manual, it didn’t take us long to install. Even the wires were color-coded (which made it even easier)—we had it up and running in an hour.Even though this fan didn’t come with a remote, you can easily change the settings with the pull chain. Additionally, the blades are reversible, which allows it to push both cool and warm air around. It’s available in white, matte black, matte silver, and bronze.

Number of Blades: 3 | Damp/Wet Rating: Damp-rated | Diameter: 52 inches | Blade Material: Plywood | Max Airflow: 4,031 CFM

Quick and easy to install

Comes with dimmable LED light and remote control

Quiet operation

Dual-mount for both standard and extra-high ceilings

The light cannot be angled

If you’re looking to add a sleek and modern touch to your outdoor space, we found this damp-rated Hampton Bay 54-inch Ceiling Fan to be worth considering. This fan features a matte black finish and comes with a round, shatter-resistant light shade. On all three settings, airflow was excellent and we hardly heard any white noise. Even when we put the fan on high, we were barely able to tell that it was on.

The fan is powerful (much better than our old fan) and was able to move a lot of air, especially when we put it on the highest settings. It comes with a 21.5-watt dimmable LED light that features three color settings, so you can switch between a warm light and a bright daylight setting.

We were able to install it ourselves without the help of another person in under an hour. It installs 50% faster compared to other ceiling fans due to features like a sliding mounting bracket and blades that can be attached to the main body without screws. Plus, it comes with a remote, so you can easily control the settings from the comfort of your porch swing.Keep in mind that this is a dual-mount fan, which means that you can hang it from both standard and extra-high ceilings. For regular ceilings, use the down rod that’s included. But, for anything higher, you have to buy a longer extension rod separately. Regarding the lights, they can only beam straight downwards and cannot be angled.

Number of Blades: 5 | Damp/Wet Rating: Damp-rated | Diameter: 54 inches | Blade Material: Plastic | Max Airflow: 5,246 CFM

Whisper-quiet motor

Rustic, farmhouse-style design

Damp-rated

Dimmable lights

Installation requires multiple people due to the motor’s weight

No remote

The fan is damp-rated and comes with the most solid construction that we’ve seen so far. It’s equipped with three speed settings, and five blades measuring 54 inches in diameter—which is the ideal size for large gazebos, outdoor porches or living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens.

We found the fan to be extremely quiet—so much so that it provided no white noise or any kind of humming while we slept. At the higher speeds, we might have heard a little ‘whoosh’ but it was still really quiet.

What’s more is that the fan blades can be reversed to either push or pull warm air. Unlike the other fans on our list, it took a long time to set this fan up. Due to the heavy motor, you’re going to need at least two people to wire the fan and hook it up to the ceiling.

Regarding the lights, you have full control over the brightness and mood of your outdoor space. Since this fan doesn’t come with a remote, you’ll have to pull cords (it has two) or use a switch to change the settings.

Number of Blades: 5 | Damp/Wet Rating: Damp-rated | Dimensions: 54 inches | Material: Plastic | Max Airflow: 5,291 CFM

Basic and effective fan

You can program the direction of the blades depending on the season

Mounts flush to the ceiling

Integrated light

Loud on the highest setting

No remote control

When you need a fan to help you stay cool and keep the bugs from flying around you (especially in the South) the Honeywell Belmar Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan does the job and more. It features five weather-proof plastic blades that effectively cool down our room (we used it as an indoor fan instead of outdoors).

Besides the summer, this fan can be used year-round. You can program the direction of the blades depending on the season. We only used the summer mode, which we enjoyed and found to be cooling. But, if you switch it to winter mode, the blades change direction to distribute warm air.

Compared to our old fan, we found the Honeywell to be more powerful even though they both were roughly the same size. The noise was not an issue until we switched it to the highest setting and it got too loud. But, despite that, the fan operated smoothly and we hardly felt any sort of vibrations at any speed level.

Setting it up was pretty easy, and we were able to take down the old fan and put the new one in its place in about an hour and a half. However, if you don’t have any DIY expertise, it's better to hire someone to ensure the job is done right. We liked how flush the fan was to our ceiling. It fits way better than our previous fan, so it probably is a good product if you have low ceilings.

Other than an integrated light, there are no extras. There is no Bluetooth or remote control—you have to use the wall control or pull cord to turn it on or off. If you prefer to have a fan without a light, it’s also available without.

Number of Blades: 5 | Damp/Wet Rating: Damp-rated | Diameter: 52 inches | Blade Material: Plastic | Max Airflow: 5,549 CFM

Quiet sound

Effective airflow

Doesn't vibrate

Perfect for humid environments

Stylish, coastal design

No remote control or lights

Whether it was on a low or high setting, our Best Coastal pick provided us with instant relief from the Southern humidity and hot air. And, unlike our indoor fans, this option was so quiet that we barely heard it at all.

We think that because of the larger blades, the fan is able to circulate more air without having to work as hard (resulting in less noise). Besides the quiet operation, the fan’s airflow was also another notable feature.

In short, this airflow was so effective that it reached all the way to both of our seating areas. Since this is a more expensive option, we wish it came with other features, such as lighting. Ultimately though, we liked using this fan and felt that it blended in well with our porch’s decor.

Number of Blades: 5 | Damp/Wet Rating: Wet-rated | Diameter: 52 inches | Blade Material: Not listed | Max Airflow: 6,942 CFM|

Resistant to most outdoor weather conditions

Adjustable speed

Durable

Timer included

Dimmable light

Long set-up time

If you have limited space for an outdoor fan, your best option is this one from Home Decorators. While it may be the smallest fan on our list, we found that it keeps the area around our porch cool.

It comes with three speed settings and a dimmable light that can easily be controlled with the remote. But by far, our favorite feature was the timer. Every so often, we would set it to run for two hours so our porch could dry out while we were asleep. And despite coming into contact with moisture, humidity, and dust, this fan never showed any signs of wear and tear.It took us two hours to complete the setup (without using any tools or equipment). Other than that, we were impressed by this fan’s performance and different features.

Number of Blades: 3 | Damp/Wet Rating: Damp-rated | Diameter: 7.25 inches| Blade Material: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene | Max Airflow: 1941 CFM

Eight 65-inch blades ideal for commercial settings and extra-large porches

Energy-conserving DC motor

Includes remote that can control multiple fans

Wet-rated

Doesn’t include a light kit

Consisting of eight 65-inch blades, there are few fans that can match the size of this Minka Aire Xtreme fan. This fan is designed for industrial use and may be more at home in a shop rather than on your home balcony. Although it is big in size, it’s designed to save rather than expend power. It features an energy-conserving DC motor that uses less energy than fans with other types of motors.

It also has six speeds and comes with a remote control that can control multiple fans if you’re using more than one at the same time. On higher speed settings, we have noticed that the fan will make a clicking sound. But, besides this, it still gives us a strong breeze everytime we use it.

Since it has such a high CFM, it might be too big for a small porch or balcony patio. But for areas up to 400 square feet, like a garage or a commercial shop, this could be a good option. Plus, you don’t have to worry about this fan breaking down on you because we found that it can withstand humidity, rain, and most elements in the Floridian atmosphere.

You can install the Minka on both flat or sloped ceilings. Take note that the down rod is 6 inches long, so you need to check if your ceilings are high enough to accommodate them. You can reverse the blade direction to get a warm or cooling airflow. Just be aware that the fan doesn’t have any lights on it. However, they can be installed separately. The fan comes in five colors including brushed nickel, coal, white, and bronze.

Number of Blades: 8 | Damp/Wet Rating: Wet-rated | Diameter: 65 inches | Blade Material: Plastic | Max Airflow: 9,092 CFM

After six months of testing, our top recommendation is the Hunter Cassius Outdoor 52-Inch Ceiling Fan. It’s a 52-inch ceiling fan that efficiently cools any space and comes with extremely clear and concise instructions for installation. Plus, it has a versatile aesthetic that fits most decor styles.

To date, we’ve tested 28 different ceiling fans for as long as six months, including wet-rated, small fans, large, coastal, and budget options. Before installation, we read the instructions thoroughly and confirmed that the wiring in our ceiling was rated for ceiling fan use.

If the ceiling fan had smart features, we downloaded any applicable apps and set up the smart features. We installed all fans ourselves without the help of a professional to evaluate the ease of assembly and installation. And in some cases, it was necessary to bring in a friend to assist us. We made sure to record the total amount of time it took to install each ceiling fan.

To evaluate their performance, we looked at factors such as speed, lights, and remote control features (if applicable). Plus we observed if the fan blades could reverse their direction in order to circulate warm and cold air. We also examined all smart features of the fans when applicable.

Determining overall quality was a big factor. In order to do this, we assessed how easy the fan changed the blade direction, and how easy it was to operate the fan with a remote control. We wanted to answer questions like: Did it circulate the air in the room? Did the fan help to dissipate any smells? In addition, we factored in the noise and vibration level of each fan.

Finally, we looked at the features each fan offered such as the number of settings, lights, and smart features. We are still in the process of long-term testing several of the fans on our list and will update this piece with fresh insights as we have them.

Southern Living / Katie Akin

“An outdoor fan will ‘cool’ an area of your porch by moving air around, so the size of the fan you want to choose is based on the area you have to cool down," says Boylen. “You can get fans in sizes from 29 inches to 54 inches. A 29-inch fan will handle an area of 75 square feet. A fan 50 to 54 inches will handle an area between 226 to 400 square feet.” For areas over 400 square feet, you can get a fan like the Minka Aire Xtreme H2O Ceiling Fan which has 65-inch blades, or you can install multiple fans.

You’ll frequently see outdoor ceiling fans labeled “damp-rated” or “wet-rated.” Although these terms might sound like they mean the same thing, they are not interchangeable. “A wet fan rating means that the fan can be rained on with no issues—so you can install this anywhere outside,” says Boylen. “A damp fan rating means that you must install this fan in a covered location and it should not get wet or rained on.”

Tiek adds, “If your outdoor living space is not completely covered or exposed to the elements, like a pergola, then you will need a fan that is wet-rated. Damp-rated fans work for covered porches and patios that are subject to humidity but not to direct elements such as rain or snow.”

Outdoor fans typically have three to five blades, although you can find models with up to eight blades. “The number of blades you have does NOT affect the speed,” says Boylen. “That is completely controlled by the motor and the pitch of the blades.” According to Boylen, the pitch of the fan blade is related to the size of the fan and will determine how much air is moved when the fan is on. “A steeper blade pitch moves more air than a shallow pitch,” she says.

Tiek points out, “There are so many different blade types now that more blades do not always mean more speed. If you are interested in speed, it’s always best to check the CFM!” (CFM stands for cubic feet per minute and refers to the amount of air that a fan can move.)

Southern Living / Mary Honeyman-Speichinger

“There’s a fan for everyone these days,” says Tiek. “From industrial to modern, traditional to even tropical. Yes, even tropical fans are a thing!”

In terms of color, you’ll rarely find ceiling fans with bright colors. Instead, most will come in neutral colors such as white, black, bronze, and gray finishes. Fan blades are almost exclusively made from plastic, metal, or wood.

“Remotes seem to be the most common extra feature on outdoor ceiling fans lately, but smart fans that you can control with your phone have also become popular,” says Tiek. These models are usually powered by Bluetooth which allows you to change fan speeds or issue commands via Google Assistant or Alexa.

“Light kits are also an option if you are working with a space that has no other light source. Aesthetically, we (interior designers) typically steer clear of light kits on fans, but understand that sometimes it may be the only place for light in an existing space!” For Boylen, “adding a light is a great way to get a little more light on the porch,” but just “make sure you choose a LED light!”

“Another good choice is opting for weather-resistant blades and finishes so that your fan stays beautiful during its life span,” says Boylen.

According to Boylen, while a person could install a fan by themselves, certain factors should be present to make installation as easy as possible. “If the area is pre-wired, this is the best option for a DIY installation,” she says. “But, if the area is not wired for a fan or does not have a fan-rated electrical box, you might want to use a handyman or electrician to run the wiring and install the correct box.”

According to Tiek, the price of outdoor ceiling fans typically range from $200 to $1,500. If you’re looking for an outdoor fan that comes with a light and remote, expect to pay around $250 to $400.

“A typical outdoor fan can last eight to 15 years, but it will depend on the quality of the fan, how much it is used, and how well you maintain your fan,” says Boylen. “Outdoor fan maintenance is easy though: It involves cleaning the blades, checking screws and bolts, and lubricating the motor and bearings annually.”

Most experts agree that indoor fans should remain indoors where they will be safe from humidity, moisture, and weather conditions like rain or snow. These factors (whether individually or combined) can cause a lot of damage, including electrical issues to the fan’s motor.

Southern Living / Mary Honeyman-Speichinger

Nor’Adila Hepburn is a writer based in North Carolina who specializes in writing product reviews. To determine the best fans, we tested 28 fans for as long as six months and spent hours researching products, evaluating them on size, damp/wet rating, blades, style, and color. Hepburn also spoke to Docia Boylen, the owner and operator of Handyman Connection of Golden, Colorado, as well as Bridget Tiek, principal interior designer at Tiek By Day in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Moriah Mason, a commerce writer for Southern Living, also contributed to this article.