
The selection of the appropriate ceiling fan can enhance comfort and style in your house. This guide examines the top ceiling fan brands to use in the home in the United States, including what makes each one different, in terms of design styles, performance, energy efficiency and smart technology.
Here is a brief comparison of the leading brands and their main characteristics on the U.S. residential market.
Brand | Notable Features & Styles | Smart Tech | Price Range | Availability |
---|---|---|---|---|
Hunter Fan Co. | Wide range of styles; quiet, powerful motors | Yes (Wi-Fi models) | $120 – $1,000+ | Nationwide (home centers, online) |
Casablanca | Luxury designs; premium build quality | Limited (via Hunter tech) | $200 – $600 | Specialty retailers, online |
Minka-Aire | Contemporary & unique designs; LED integrated | Limited (optional adapter) | $100 – $1,000 | Lighting stores, online |
Kichler | Decorative styles; matches lighting fixtures | No built-in (remote control) | $115 – $1,000 | Lighting showrooms, online |
Craftmade | Durable construction; customizable options | Limited (select app models) | $100 – $800 (est.) | Specialty retailers, online |
Westinghouse | Traditional & modern; easy to install | Yes (select Alexa models) | $50 – $300 (affordable) | Home centers, online |
Fanimation | Unique themed designs; high performance | Yes (Wi-Fi via app) | $150 – $1,000+ (varies) | Specialty stores, online |
Big Ass Fans (Haiku) | Sleek modern look; ultra-efficient | Yes (integrated smart) | $800 – $2,000+ (premium) | Direct (online), select dealers |
Monte Carlo | Designer aesthetics; quality finishes | No built-in (remote control) | $150 – $800 (est.) | Lighting showrooms, online |
Hampton Bay | Many styles; budget-friendly | Limited (add-on kits) | $50 – $250 (budget) | Home Depot (exclusive) |
Harbor Breeze | Good variety; value for money | No (remote included) | $50 – $200 (budget) | Lowe’s (exclusive) |
Honeywell | Transitional styles; reliable performance | Yes (select Wi-Fi models) | $100 – $300 (mid-range) | Online (Amazon, etc.), some stores |
Hunter Fan Company
Hunter is among the oldest ceiling fan brands having existed in the industry more than 130 years. Hunter fans are characterized by custom-designed motors which guarantee minimum noise and maximum airflow.
They have an enormous variety of designs, ranging between traditional five-blade fans and modern sleek designs, so it is not hard to find a fan that will fit any home decor.
Most Hunter models have the WhisperWind motor, the proprietary ultra-quiet motor of the brand. Hunter has also been a pioneer in the introduction of smart home technology to ceiling fans with models that can be controlled via Wi-Fi and apps and by voice.
- Distinguishing characteristics: WhisperWind quiet motors, long-lasting construction, reversible airflow to use in any season.
- Styles: Provides traditional to contemporary styles, outdoor-rated fans and low-profile (hugger) fans.
- Performance: High airflow at high efficiency motors; wobble free, steady performance at high speeds.
- Energy Efficiency: A lot of Energy Star 1 certified models and LED light kits; newer models have DC motors to consume less energy.
- Smart Technology: Yes. The SIMPLEconnect ® line of fans by Hunter has Wi-Fi enabled fans that are compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and HomeKit. Other models are remote controlled or compatible with smart wall switches.
- Price Range: Wide range, with cheap models at about $120 and luxury fans costing more than 1000 dollars. This gives Hunter an advantage of being affordable to low-end shoppers and those who want high-end features.
- Availability: Readily accessible throughout the U.S. – available in Home Depot, Lowe, lighting showrooms and online retailers. Hunter is a household name and so replacement parts and customer support are readily available.
Casablanca Fan Company
Casablanca is a high-end brand of ceiling fans with luxurious designs and high quality of construction. Casablanca was established in 1974 and soon became a trendsetter with well-designed fans and advanced technology.
Casablanca is now a sister brand to Hunter, and it is specialized in high-end materials and aesthetics, which attract homeowners who want to add a touch of luxury.
Casablanca fans are usually finished in elegant ways, carved wooden blades and fancy details which make them a focal point of luxury interiors. They are constructed using powerful motors to guarantee silent, wobble-free operations over the years.
- Key Specs: Excellent materials (solid wood blades, polished metals), high-precision engineering, and an all-American design team with an eye on top-level performance.
- Styles: It focuses on classic and sophisticated styles and modern designs. A lot of Casablanca enthusiasts possess a classic appearance that fits in the posh living rooms, bedrooms or even the luxurious outdoor patios.
- Performance: Great air flow and very silent. The motors of Casablanca are heavy duty and durable and provide efficient cooling in large areas without any noise.
- Energy Efficiency: Provides models that have DC motors (labeled as XLP motor technology in certain fans) and Energy Star rated models. The integrated LED light kits offer effective lighting that is long lasting.
- Smart Technology: Restricted. Although Casablanca fans are not usually proprietary smart modules, most can be used with Hunter SIMPLEconnect Wi-Fi controllers or universal smart remote kits. Remote or wall controls are provided in most of the models.
- Price Range: The product is in the high-end market and the prices are usually between approximately 200 dollars to 600 dollars and above depending on the designer models. The high price is associated with high quality of workmanship and design.
- Availability: Sold at specialty lighting and fan stores, upscale home improvement retailers and online. The fans of Casablanca can be met in the designer showrooms and are the best choice of luxury home projects.
Minka-Aire
Minka-Aire is a subsidiary of Minka Group and is famous in its stylish and innovative designs of ceiling fans. This brand provides fans of all kinds, including the most modern sculptural fans and the most classic ones.
The Minka-Aire fans are usually decorative and functional art, combining lighting and fan technology into attractive fixtures that add to the decor of a room.
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Minka-Aire has a reputation of high-quality materials and the newest technology, such as efficient DC motors and LED lighting. They also possess a wide range of popular models (Artemis and Concept series are just two of them) which have gained popularity due to their appearance and performance.
- Distinguishing characteristics: Designer looks and unusual blade shapes (single-blade or artistic blade shapes), built-in light kits and solid engineering. A lot of models are awarded in style and innovation.
- Styles: Very flexible – provides sleek modern fans, transitional designs and even rustic or tropical-inspired designs. Minka-Aire has something in its catalog whether you are looking to have a minimalistic fan or a statement piece.
- Performance: Good air flow with some models having quiet DC motors. Minka-Aire fans are mostly reviewed to be smooth and quiet. The bigger models offer high CFM to cool the great rooms.
- Energy Efficiency: Minka-Aire has adopted efficiency where most of its fans are equipped with DC motor and LED lights. Some of the models are Energy Star certified and they pass through stringent energy saving standards.
- Smart Technology: Restricted. A few Minka-Aire fans are upgradeable to smart control with add-on modules or third-party controllers (such as the Bond Smart Wi-Fi module). Most come with remote controls out of the box, and a small number of newer models have Wi-Fi compatibility through Minka apps or smart home integrations, though it is not yet universal to all models.
- Price Range: Large variety between approximately 100 dollars on the low end of the scale to ~1,000 dollars on the high end of the scale. Mid-range Minka-Aire fans (approximately 300-500 dollars) are famous due to the ability to provide designer looks at affordable prices.
- Availability: Available in lighting and fan specialty stores, and in large online retailers. Certain home improvement stores stock some of the models (usually through their websites). Minka-Aire is a well distributed brand, so their fans and parts are not that hard to find in the U.S.
Kichler
Kichler is a manufacturing company of lighting and ceiling fans that have won awards due to their elegant designs and quality that is reliable. Kichler fans are created to go with the lighting collections of the brand, so that the homeowner can coordinate his/her fans with other fixtures.
They are a compromise between the form and the function, and they provide good air circulation without compromising the style.
This brand has several price points and a range of styles so that everyone can find something to his/her liking. The fans of Kichler are usually very beautiful with fine finishing and inbuilt lights, thus they are not only beautiful but also useful.
- Distinguishing Characteristics: Excellent construction with design detail. A lot of Kichler enthusiasts use the stylistic features of chandeliers or pendant lights and get unique styles. The brand is also known to be durable in its products and long lasting finishes.
- Styles: Wide selection of traditional, modern and outdoor fans. Kichler is particularly known to have fans that can be integrated into the decor without any problem such as ceiling fans that can match or complement the Kichler lighting fixtures to create a coherent design theme.
- Performance: Kichler fans have high-powered motors (AC motors are mostly tuned to be quiet) which move air very well. They are constructed to operate in a silent manner and are thoroughly tested in terms of quality, which makes them reliable.
- Energy Efficiency: A lot of models are supplied with energy-saving LED light sets. In recent years, Kichler has also introduced fans with DC motors to be more efficient and several of their models are Energy Star rated, a sign of their interest in sustainability.
- Smart Technology: No in-built smart technology. Kichler fans do not normally have in-built Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Most of the models however have remote controls or wall control options. To integrate with smart homes, users can connect Kichler fans to the compatible smart switches or third-party remote kits.
- Price Range: Kichler fans are available at prices that start at around $115 on the low end to about 1,000 dollars on the high end feature rich models. This price range positions Kichler in the middle range of buyers and also serves luxury projects.
- Availability: Mainly available in lighting showrooms, electrical supply stores and online stores. A few home improvement stores carry some Kichler fans (usually online). Their good reputation as a brand implies that you can locate their products in the U.S. in many dealers.
Craftmade
Craftmade is a Texas brand that is renowned to be of superior craftsmanship and dependability. The company was originally called Mastercraft and rebranded itself and placed new focus on quality construction.
Craftmade offers a wide range of ceiling fans in all sizes and designs, small fans to fit small rooms, and large fans to fit great rooms and outdoors.
Customization and the possibility to find specific features you require is one of the strengths of Craftmade. Most models have options in finishes, light kits or blade options, which provide homeowners with flexibility to customize the fan to their decor and functional requirements.
- Key Highlights: Good construction, heavy-duty motors that are long lasting. Craftmade fans have a reputation of being smooth and quiet and usually have long warranties that indicate the confidence of the brand in its products. They also provide a range of fan accessories (downrods, light kits, controls) to tailor installations.
- Styles: Has an enormous selection: smooth modern fans, rustic fans with wood decorations, classic fans, and even novelty fans (such as sports-themed fans or kids room fans). Their versatility is demonstrated in Craftmade line of damp and wet-rated fans to be used on porches and patios.
- Performance: It has dependable airflow and silent operation. Most Craftmade enthusiasts employ bigger motors to create more air flow. Their fans are made to cool well even in a bigger room and the components are made to minimize hum or wobble.
- Energy Efficiency: Craftmade has adopted energy saving technology by providing a number of fans with DC motors (usually marketed as Eco or smart DC series) to reduce electricity consumption by a large margin. They also use LED lighting on majority of their light kit fans which enhances efficiency and longevity of the bulbs.
- Smart Technology: Restricted. Craftmade has launched some smart models (e.g. fans with built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth control) but most of them are based on conventional remote or wall control. Nevertheless, numerous Craftmade enthusiasts can be coupled with intelligent fan controllers or switched through home automation systems in case the user installs them independently.
- Price Range: Moderate, in general. Basic Craftmade fans begin at about 100-150 dollars, with most decorative or large fans at 200-600 dollars. DC-motor Craftmade fans with high-end features can cost as much as 700-800 dollars. In general, it is good value of the quality.
- Availability: Sold in specialty fan and lighting stores nationwide in the U.S., and online (e.g. Build.com, Wayfair, Amazon). It is possible to find some models at Lowe or Home Depot on the Internet. The popularity and high reputation of Craftmade, as well as its wide distribution, makes their fans a favorite among contractors and homeowners.
Westinghouse
Westinghouse is a well known American brand that has a long history of innovation in electrical products. Their ceiling fans are reliable and simple to install and therefore they are popular among the DIY homeowners.
Westinghouse has a wide range of fans starting with the simple budget fans to the more ornamental fans all of which are made to be functional.
Westinghouse fans are usually delivered with all the necessary elements to install it (light bulbs, downrods, etc.), and clear instructions, which highlights their user-friendly strategy. The brand emphasizes on good performance and value, as opposed to luxury, which is appealing to most homeowners.
- Distinguishing Characteristics: Practical design focus Westinghouse fans are generally simple in design and are more functional in nature. Their innovations include simple mounting systems and multi-purpose blades (most of the models have reversible blade finishes to suit decor).
- Styles: A combination of old and new casual styles. You will also get traditional four or five-blade fans in different finishes (white, bronze, brushed nickel) that can be used in bedrooms, living rooms, and outdoor porches. Westinghouse also makes a few modern designs in clean lines and even small fans in industrial style that can be used in utilitarian areas.
- Performance: Airflow is pretty good at the price. Westinghouse employs quality motors which give consistent airflow. Although not as overbuilt as some of the high end brands, their fans are good in small to medium sized rooms and are constructed to run without excessive wobble or noise. Most of the models have a reversible motor that can be used to cool the house in summer and warm in winter.
- Energy Efficiency: Westinghouse offers a lot of energy-efficient products. They have LED lighting in most of the fan kits to reduce energy consumption. The company also makes DC motor fans, particularly in their larger or outdoor fans, which save a lot of power (e.g. their Widespan industrial-style fans have DC motors to save a lot of power). Most of the Westinghouse fans have the Energy Star mark, which means that they are more efficient.
- Smart Technology: Yes (select models). Most Westinghouse fans are pull-chain or remote controlled, but the brand has begun to produce smart-ready fans. As an example, there are new models that are Alexa enabled with in-built Wi-Fi or can be connected to a smart remote kit. Many of the existing Westinghouse fans can also be converted to smart control by the use of universal Wi-Fi fan controllers in the market.
- Price Range: Cheap. Westinghouse fans are affordable, and the simplest indoor models cost about 50-75 dollars. Most of their fans (lighted or remote-controlled) are priced between 100 and 250 dollars. Even their bigger or more ornamental fans seldom cost more than ~$300, so this brand is a great value brand.
- Availability: It is widely available. Westinghouse ceiling fans are available in large home improvement stores (usually sold at Lowe s, Home Depot, Menards), light stores, and online stores. The wide distribution of the brand also implies that the replacement parts and customer service are readily available all over the U.S.
Fanimation
Fanimation is a design brand that is characterized by unique and innovative designs of ceiling fans. Fanimation is a company that has something to offer you in case you are seeking a fan that can also serve as a conversation starter.
The company manufactures fans whose blades are made of tropical palm leaves, retractable blades, and even belt-driven dual fan systems, which are not ordinary.
In addition to novelty, Fanimation also provides modern and traditional fans which are of high quality. Established in 1984, the brand has gained a cult following by breaking the boundaries of style and still delivering superior performance.
They tend to focus on niche designs and luxury home installations.
- Distinguishing Characteristics: Really unique models e.g. the Palisade (a two headed fan with two motors on a horizontal rod) or the Punkah (a row of palm leaf paddles powered by a belt). These specialty fans demonstrate how Fanimation is dedicated to design innovation. Their standard fans also have customizable blades and light kits, many of them. They pay much attention to the quality of building and the ease of use, even in their fans that are designed in an unusual way.
- Styles: Varies between tropically-inspired and vintage reproductions to sleek contemporary. The Fanimation line has tropical ceiling fans that are perfect in coastal or island themes, antique-inspired fans that remind of the early 20th century, and clean modern fans to fit in the urban home. They also possess outdoor-rated fans in patios and wet places.
- Performance: Fanimation fans are designed to work, even when the design is not always orthodox. Their fans are good and give good airflow and stability. DC motors are used in many models and provide high torque to spin large or heavy fan blades with noise levels being minimal. Fanimation fans are usually praised by users in terms of their solid performance and quietness, even on large room models.
- Energy Efficiency: Fanimation has also adopted energy efficient technology, having several DC motor fans (usually labeled as the Energy Star Most Efficient when available). They use LED light in their lighted fans. A fanSync 12 control system is an in-house control system that enables efficient remote control and scheduling (avoids energy wastage by running fans in unoccupied rooms).
- Smart Technology: Yes. Fanimation fanSync is their own smart technology: it is a Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled control system, which can be added to most of their fans. The fanSync app (and compatible receiver) allows controlling fan speed and lights using a smartphone and connecting with Alexa or Google Assistant. Other more recent Fanimation models are smart-home ready right out of the box with this capability.
- Price Range: It is usually mid to high-end. A lot of Fanimation fans cost between $200 and 600 in standard models. The very unique or oversized fans (such as the fans with fancy designs or fans with very large blade spans) may cost as much as $700 to as much as 1500 or more dollars depending on the complexity. It has some cheaper models below 200 dollars, but in general Fanimation targets those who are ready to spend money on unique style.
- Availability: It is sold in specialty fan and lighting stores and online. Fanimation is not usually stocked in the large home improvement and big-box stores, but can be found in specialty fan shops and online (such as the Fanimation official online store). Its unique offerings make the brand popular with interior designers and common in showcase homes or commercial installations such as themed restaurants.
Big Ass Fans (Haiku Home)
Big Ass Fans has established itself through innovative, high performance fans, first in the industrial market. Their Haiku line has been synonymous with the latest in smart ceiling fans as a residential product. Big Ass Fans Haiku fans are super-sleek, minimalist and made of high-quality materials (such as aircraft-grade aluminum or eco-friendly Moso bamboo blades).
These fans are designed to move air better and efficiently. Big Ass Fans introduces commercial quality into the household, which implies that these fans are very durable and efficient. They are also loaded with intelligent technology and sensors making them one of the most sophisticated ceiling fans in the market.
- Notable Features: Haiku fans have a winning design, thin airfoil blades and a very thin motor housing, which results in a modern, non-obtrusive appearance. They are equipped with in-built SenseME technology (motion, temperature, and humidity sensors) which automatically adjust the speed of the fan to maintain the environment comfortable. The fans are powered by high-tech direct-current motors which are near-silent and almost vibration-free.
- Styles: The style is modern and minimalistic. Haiku enthusiasts normally possess three gracefully curved blades and come in finishes such as black, white, caramel bamboo, cocoa bamboo and polished aluminum. The aesthetic is modern, but it is flexible enough to go with most home styles without being distracting. Big Ass Fans also provides such models as i6 that has more industrial-chic design and can be used in large open spaces or in modern barns/homes.
- Performance: Outstanding. Aerodynamic blade design means that these fans provide strong airflow at low speeds. They are also very silent even when they go faster, they only make a soft whoosh of air. With the smooth running of the DC motor and the balanced blades, there is next to no wobble. Efficient air circulation also means that many Haiku owners can operate the fan at a lower setting to provide the same comfort as a standard fan operating on high.
- Energy Efficiency: Big Ass Fans are the most efficient in the industry. Haiku models have received Energy Star awards, and even Most Efficient awards in their category. The Haiku fans also have LED light kits that are very efficient providing bright light at low power consumption. It even has an Eco Mode that adjusts the algorithm of the fan to reduce energy consumption as much as possible.
- Smart Technology: Yes (built-in). The big selling point of this brand is smart tech. Haiku enthusiasts are Wi-Fi enabled and compatible with the Big Ass Fans mobile application. They are inbuilt with voice control systems such as Alexa and Google Assistant. The SenseME sensors enable such functions as automatic turn on/off when a person enters or leaves the room and speed regulation depending on the climate. You are able to program, use modes such as Whoosh (which mimics the natural breezes), and even connect the fan to smart thermostats (such as Nest) to operate alongside your HVAC.
- Price Range: High. They are some of the costly residential ceiling fans. The cheaper models of Haiku L series begin at about $800 and can exceed 1,500 dollars in the case of larger diameter or special editions fans. The fully loaded models with additional features or luxe materials may cost up to $2,000 and more. The price is high due to the high technology and construction.
- Availability: The Big Ass Fans (Haiku) are available online at the manufacturer web site and at a few high end retailers or authorized dealers. They do not usually sell in the common home improvement stores because they have a niche market. Nevertheless, they deliver nationwide in the U.S., and customer service is offered by the company itself, so the help of specialists is guaranteed in this area.
Monte Carlo
Monte Carlo is a brand that is associated with designer ceiling fans that focus on both form and functionality. This brand was recently added to the Visual Comfort & Co. Fan Collection (previously Monte Carlo Fans) and has been making quality fans that are frequently trend-setting in design.
The Monte Carlo fans are also common in new house building and renovation when the aim is to achieve a contemporary, co-ordinated style.
Monte Carlo has a large selection of fans, including the modern, cylindrical-motor fans to the rustic wood-bladed fans that would fit in a farmhouse. Monte Carlo is known as a company that pays attention to the aesthetics of the product and its quality, so they are often used by interior designers.
- Key Features: Trendy designs using high quality materials. The Monte Carlo enthusiasts tend to add such details as carved wood blades, ornamental metalwork on the motor housing, or fashionable finishes (matte black, aged pewter, etc.). They also emphasize on smooth operation, most models have balanced motors and blades which have been tested to be quiet and wobble-free. The light kits are also incorporated into the design (usually with the help of slim LED modules that do not spoil the design of the fan).
- Firstly, keep in mind that installation quality is always the most important thing for residential HVAC project. So never sacrifice contractor quality for a lower price.
- Secondly, remember to look up the latest rebates as we talked above.
- Thirdly, ask for at least 3 bids before you make the decision. You can click here to get 3 free estimates from your local contractors, and this estimate already takes rebates and tax credit into consideration and filter unqualified contractors automatically.
How to Get the Best HVAC Prices
Lastly, once you chose the right contractor, remember to use the tactics from this guide: Homeowners Tactics When Negotiating with HVAC Dealer to get the final best price.