Best Indoor and Outdoor Ceiling Fans Reviews 2024

This is your one-stop place to find the best ceiling fans for indoor and outdoor use, reviews of each fan on the list and a complete buying guide.

Top Ceiling Fans: We’ve listed the 10 best models. Since indoor fans are in higher demand, 7 models are indoor ceiling fan, also called dry location ceiling fans. Three of the models are outdoor ceiling fans.

If you’re here to find the best model and check out the price on Amazon, the list is perfect.

Ceiling Fan Reviews: After the list, we’ve completed succinct but informative reviews for each model. In the reviews, there are also other ceiling fan suggestions such as the same fan in a different color or finish, a more affordable fan from the same manufacturer or the fan in a different size. Features, pros, cons and more are covered in the ceiling fan reviews.

Buying Guide: The comprehensive guide includes the research information necessary to choose a fan that will suit your purposes – type, size, features and more.

Reviews of the Best Indoor Ceiling Fans

These fans are designed for indoor, non-damp locations. Even indoors, they probably should not be installed where there is a lot of humidity, such as near a cooktop (boiling water) or in a room with a hot tub. The reason is that their electrical works are not guaranteed waterproof.

#1 Hunter 52086 Hatherton 46-Inch New Bronze Ceiling Fan

This Hunter ceiling fan is beautiful, boasting rich, dark tones paired with soft amber glass globes. The look is classic, traditional and suited to any room in your home.

Hunter ceiling fans are considered among the very best in value – excellent fans at reasonable cost.

Features: 5 blades and 3 lights. 3-speed motor. 46” fan diameter.

• Reversible blades – roasted walnut shown, yellow walnut on the reverse side. Easy to change blade direction, so you can update the look any time you want.
• Reversible motor to change airflow direction based on weather you are cooling or heating your home.
• 13-degree blade pitch produces abundant airflow for a 46” fan.
• Low-profile fan ideal for 8’ and 9’ ceilings.
• Pull-chain operation.

User Reviews:

• Light and easy to install
• Icons on the pull chains makes it clear whether the chain is for lights or the fan
• A bit wobbly on high speed
• Moves enough air on high speed to feel it in the next room
• Quiet operation

Best For: Rooms 150-200 square feet. The classic luxury of this ceiling fan is wonderful for bedrooms, dens, home offices and elegant dining rooms.

Pros

This fan combines handsome good looks with ease of use. Hunter has a proven track record of producing long-lasting value. Just three bulbs, but they provide adequate light.

Cons

Incandescent bulbs use more energy than LED lights. It’s not an Energy Star ceiling fan.

Other Options: White. This fan is available in white too – the Hunter 52087 Hatherton 46-Inch Snow White Ceiling Fan with Five Snow White Blades and a Light Kit

#2 Parrot Uncle Ceiling Fan with Lights 46 Inch LED Ceiling Fans

This gorgeous Parrot Uncle ceiling fan combines chandelier lighting with a sparkling chrome body and blades. The result is dazzling and bright, casting sparkles on the walls as the blades turn.

Five Colors! We’ve reviewed the Chrome version, but it actually comes in 5 beautiful colors. Click on the Amazon link to see all 5.

Features: 4 retractable blades (see below) and LED chandelier with 9 bulbs with 4,000 kelvin lighting. 3-speed, reversible 46” fan diameter.

• Gorgeous crystal design.
• 2 downrods with instructions for installation.
• Remote control of both lighting and fan operation.
• LED light kit reduces energy use.
• Blades retract to about 20”. They open to 46” when you turn on the ceiling fan. This short video shows the retractable blade function. 

User Reviews:

• The crystals are pretty and sophisticated.
• Very bright LEDs – it’s all the light needed in a 300 sq. ft. room.
• Blades are nearly invisible from directly below when retracted.  
• Take caution during (time-consuming) assembly not to break the strings.

Best For: Rooms up to 200 square feet. The chandelier look works well in entryways, formal dining rooms and retail space. Might be too bright for a bedroom.

Pros

LED replaceable bulbs for reduced energy use. Elegant good looks. Lights and fan operate separately.

Cons

Lights are not dimmable. Somewhat heavy for a 46” fan at 46 pounds due to the chandelier design.

Other Options: Parrot Uncle makes a similar ceiling fan in a dimmable version with a slightly more contemporary look.

#3 Rainier Light Classical Crystal Ceiling Fan Lamp

This Ranier Light ceiling fan boasts timeless good looks with its elegantly designed crystal light kit and brushed metal blades.

Features: 5 blades, LED light kit with 3 lights, reversible 3-speed motor. 48” fan diameter.

• Remote control, but with pull-chains too.
• Separate light and fan control.
• Reversible motor.
• Steel and copper construction for excellent durability.
• Crystal light cover.
• 2 downrods with manual and installation video.

User Reviews:

• Adds a touch of vintage elegance.
• 25 pounds – so light and easy to install.
• I had questions about the fan operation, and Ranier Light responded quickly.
• The remote makes using it very easy.

Best For: Rooms from 200 to about 325 square feet. The fan style suits traditional rooms and décor.

Pros

Beautiful ceiling fan with remote. The installation video is useful.

Cons

No bulbs or batteries included. Written instructions aren’t clear; the video will help.

Other Options:

There is a slightly larger – 52” Ranier Light ceiling fan if you want a little more fan power. It’s the Rainier Light Crystal Ceiling Fan Lamp LED Light for Bedroom/Living Room Hotel/Restaurant with 5 Premium Wood Reversible Blades Remote Control 52 Inch

#4 Emerson Ceiling Fans CF901ORB

This is an Energy Star ceiling fan that comes without a light kit. A kit can be added, however. This Emerson ceiling fan has a short, integrated downrod, and a snugger model without a downrod is available for flush mounting.

Features: 5 blades, no light kit, 4-speed wall control. 52” fan diameter.

• An accent light or light kit can be added.
• One downrod included.
• 4-speed fan uses a wall control that can be installed in some existing outlets, though may require some changes to the switches.
• The oil-rubbed bronze finish is understated and handsome. It looks good with any style.
• Emerson LK53, LK65 and LK90 light kits are recommended.

LK53 LK65 LK90

User Reviews: 

• The quality is excellent – and good value for the money.
• Easy to install with clear instructions.
• Wall switch preferred to pull chains.
• The light kit has pull chains.
• A little noisier than expected, but placing a thin rubber (think mousepad) piece between the fan and ceiling quieted it.

Best For: Fan-only installation where there is sufficient light available. Adding a light kit makes it a good fit for the kitchen, dens and offices, living rooms and large bedrooms.

Pros

Energy Star, so low energy use. Blades are reversible, lighter colored on reverse side to contrast with the darker body.

Cons

No light unless you add a kit. No remote control, just the wall switch.

Other Options:

The Prima Snugger is a flush-mount ceiling fan without a downrod. It’s ideal for 8” and 9” ceilings.

#5 Casablanca 59191 Duluth Indoor Ceiling Fan

With a name like Duluth, you’d expect an industrial steel feel, and that is exactly what this 3-blade ceiling fan delivers.

This is a heavy-duty ceiling fan that pushes a lot of air. It does not contain lights, since lighting would be incompatible with the design. No light kit is available.

Features: 3 blades. No lights. Reversible motor. 3 speeds. 60” fan diameter.

• Galvanized steel blades with aged steel accents.
• Direct-drive motor is very quiet.
• 16-degree pitch pushes maximum air capacity.
• 3-speed wall control.
• Lifetime motor warranty.
• Mounting downrod included.

User Reviews: 

• Love the industrial look and power of the fan.
• Great conversation piece.
• Perfect for our loft apartment.
• Occasional clinking sound – but it is metal, and that’s part of the ambience.
• Super quality.

Best For: Rooms 300-550 square feet. It’s ideal for urban settings where the industrial look is right at home. A nice fit for mancaves, workshops and garages too.

Pros

Industrial-grade finish and quality. Plenty of airflow. Lifetime motor warranty.

Cons

No light. Not the right look for every home.

Other Options:

This is the 60” version. A 72” version is available on the Amazon page.

#6 Minka-Aire F853-RW

If you’re looking for a premium-quality, large ceiling fan and don’t need lighting with it, this Minka-Aire ceiling fan is one to consider.

It boasts elegant, streamlined design with attractive blade shape and lovely rosewood hue.

This is an Energy Star fan.

Features: 3 blades, reversible motor, 6 fan speeds, 60” fan diameter.

• Remote control with wall holster.
• 2 downrods, 3.5” and 6”, included.
• 6 fan speeds for precise airflow control.
• Angled ceiling adapter included for installation on ceilings up to 21 degrees. Part a245-RW is sold separately for ceilings up to 45 degrees.

User Reviews: 

• Powerful fan.
• Striking rosewood finish.
• Very, very quiet fan.
• Cool design – looks like a work of art.
• No wobble, even on higher speeds.
• Moves air through my 1,200 square foot open layout home.

Best For: Large, fan-only locations including bedrooms, living rooms, large kitchens and more.

Pros

Top-quality construction. 6-speed airflow. Low energy use – Energy Star.

Cons

It is not compatible with a light kit. The quality of this unit comes at a higher cost.

#7 Minka Aire F624-ORB Roto XL, 62″ 3 Blade Ceiling Fan

This is another large Minka-Aire ceiling fan that moves the air with ease. The design is minimalist without being bland – an elegant simplicity.

Features: 3 blades, no lights. 4-speed fan, 62” fan diameter.

• Attractive oil-rubbed bronze finish.
• Wall control.
• Remote kit available.
• Not compatible with light kits.
• Powerful enough to install in 2-story entryways without a long downrod.

User Reviews: 

• Pretty easy to install – just 14 pounds.
• Large fan, so there is a little bit of a helicopter sound on high speed.
• Modern design looks great in a contemporary home.
• Moves plenty of air through the 800 square foot open space.

Best For: Fan-only locations with a need for a large volume of air moved.

Pros

Excellent power. Lightweight yet solid.

Cons

No lights; not reversible.

Other Options:

There are 52” fans in the Roto Series too, such as the Minka-Aire F524-CL, Roto 52″ Ceiling Fan in Coal Finish.

Reviews of the Best Outdoor Ceiling Fans

These are damp location and wet location fans, which, of course, can be installed indoors too.

These are the best ceiling fans for outdoor installation.

#8 Hunter 53119 Sea Wind White Ceiling Fan

This Hunter ceiling fan is rated for damp locations such as a covered porch or patio, humid sunroom and near a hot tub or indoor pool.

It’s contemporary design and white finish works in any setting.

Features: 5 plastic weatherproof blades, 3-speed reversible motor. 48” fan diameter.

• Excellent air movement for a fan this size.
• Reversible for use in all seasons.
• Limited lifetime motor warranty.
• Flush mount, but can be installed with a downrod too.
• Hunter Dust Armor coating repels dust build-up.

User Reviews: 

• Excellent fan for the money.
• Creates a breeze on our 250 sq. foot covered porch.
• Reduces the humidity in our covered pool area.
• Blades are plastic for damp locations but they’re not cheaply made. Good quality.
• Smelled a bit out of the package, but odor was gone in a few days.

Best For: Any indoor or outdoor location where a quality, hardworking fan is required. Serves enclosed spaces up to about 1,800 square feet.

Pros

Easy installation, good quality, attractive design looks good with all home styles.

Cons

Because this is a damp-rated fan, no light kit is available. It does not come with a remote, but you can purchase one on Amazon.

Other Options:

This unit is available in Black too: Hunter Fan Company 53351 Hunter 48″ Sea Wind Matte Black Ceiling Fan

#9 Star Fan Star Propeller Premium Indoor & Outdoor Ceiling Fan

This certified Energy Star ceiling fan comes in 10 different colors. It is rated for outdoor use including wet locations and is attractively designed to enhance any location.

Features: 3 blades crafted from genuine wood. 3-speed motor. 52” fan diameter.

• 10 colors including three natural shades, white, black, brown, graphite and grey.
• Reversible motor.
• Energy Star efficiency.
• No-rust guarantee due to aluminum body and stainless steel screws.
• 3-speed wall control.
• 6” and 12” downrods included.

User Reviews: 

• 5 stars in looks, performance and noise.
• Came with a piece missing, and Star Fan shipped it immediately. Star Fan customer service was excellent.
• Did a lot of research before buying, and this unit lives up to the advertising.
• Downrods available from manufacturer, but had to spray paint it white.
• Real wood is beautiful – impeccable fan style.

Best For: Anywhere larger than about 400 square feet. Indoors and outdoors.

Pros

Very attractive design for any indoor/outdoor location, but built for to withstand weather outdoors. 10 blade-color options.

Cons

The reverse switch is on the fan, so might be hard to reach.

Other Options:

10 blade color options on the Amazon product page. Choose any option to view the color combination.

#10 Casablanca 59527 Heritage Bronze Ceiling Fan

This is a wet-rated fan. It can be installed outdoors where it might come in direct contact with water. It’s got many features consumers want in an outdoor fan.

This is an Energy Star ceiling fan.

Features: 5 blades, reversible motor. 60” fan diameter. The motor is backed by a lifetime warranty.

• The blades are genuine reclaimed antique veneer blades.
• Wall switch control.
• 3” and 2” downrods included. Longer rods can be ordered.
• Can be mounted on flat, low-angle and steep-angle ceilings.
• Pull chain included but not required.
• Direct-drive motor is very quiet for a large fan.

User Reviews: 

• Installed on the beam of a pergola – subject to rain – and it’s running beautifully after 18 months.
• Quiet and dependable.
• Made it through Hurricane Harvey.
• Installation was not difficult.
• Better looking than what you’d expect from a wet-location ceiling fan.

Best For: Fan-only locations like a porch, covered deck or workshop.

Pros

Lifetime motor warranty. Excellent construction quality.

Cons

Not cheap. No remote or light kit.

Other Options:

Available in bronze and brown. Make your selection on the Amazon product page.

Ceiling Fan Buying Guide

This part of our guide allows you to research each aspect of buying a ceiling fan. It will give you confidence you’ve chosen one that will serve your purposes.

1. Ceiling Fan Pros and Cons

There are many reasons to like ceiling fans but a few realistic cautions to consider too.

Ceiling Fan Pros

Ceiling fans deliver a combination of indoor comfort, efficiency, good looks and, in the case of those with lighting, an additional light source.

• Feel More Comfortable: In summer, a light breeze makes you feel more comfortable in warm indoor air. Moving air feels less humid because it causes evaporation. A ceiling fan can disperse humidity and odors from cooking too.

In winter, heat rises. A ceiling fan with a reversible motor pulls cool air up from the floor, gently pushing the warm air back down without it blowing directly on you – which would defeat the purpose.  

• A Breeze Outdoors Too: A fan rated for Damp or Wet use can increase your comfort on a covered porch, open deck or patio, sunroom or other outdoor or semi-outdoor location. Be sure to choose a fan rated Damp or Wet based on your where it will be installed (explained below).
• Reduce Energy Use and Cost Up to 50%: Did you know that in summer, a ceiling fan allows you to turn up the thermostat and still feel comfortable? For example, most people feel as comfortable in 78-degree air with a light breeze as they do in 72-degree air with no air movement.

Most experts agree you can cut cooling costs by 30% to 50% using a ceiling fan. Estimates of how much energy you can vary based on climate and the efficiency of the air conditioner in your home.

In fact, on days that are warm but not terribly hot, a ceiling fan might be all you need. Keeping the air conditioning off is the best way to reduce summer energy bills.

• Pays for Itself: Energy bill savings cover the cost of the ceiling fan in 2-6 years depending on cost of the fan and how extreme your climate is.
• Upgrade Your Décor: Ceiling fans are very attractive and enhance the beauty of any room or space. There are so many styles and colors, you are sure to find several to choose from that beautifully fit your home’s style, colors and furnishings.
• Lights! When lighting is needed, you can accomplish two tasks – airflow and lights – with one appliance. Many ceiling fans come assembled with integrated lighting. Others can be upgraded with a light kit. The cost is higher when you buy both separately, but that might give you more options of matching your preferred light kit with the fan.

Ceiling Fan Cons

Keep these in mind as you shop for fans.

• Can’t Replace AC in Hot Weather: As noted above, a fan will reduce the need for AC. But in hot, humid weather, you’ll likely still want an air conditioner.
• Doesn’t Draw Outside Air: A whole-house fan such as an attic fan pulls in cool nighttime air as it pushes out hot air. Once this is done, a ceiling fan will help keep the space comfortable. But it can’t accomplish the whole-house air exchange.
• Some are Noisy: Old and cheap ceiling fans might make more noise than you are comfortable hearing. That means it’s probably time to replace the fan. When a new fan is running, most won’t be bothered by it. Many think the “white noise” the fan makes is useful for sleeping.
• Dusting is a Hassle: It takes getting on a ladder with a duster, handheld vacuum or damp cloth to remove dust from the fan body and tops of the blades. Otherwise dust will build up, and a dust bunny might come drifting down at an inopportune time.
• Danger! Very rarely is anyone harmed by a ceiling fan. Make sure the mounting box is steel and rated for ceiling fan installation. This will help ensure it doesn’t fall.

Pros and Cons Summary

When your goal is to boost indoor comfort and save money too, a ceiling fan is an ideal solution. Just keep in mind the dusting requirement. And don’t expect it to do something it isn’t designed to do – like circulate air from outside. Most think those are minor issues compared with the many benefits a ceiling fan delivers.

2. Ceiling Fan Types

You have three basic options for fan types: Dry, Damp and Wet

Dry/Indoor Ceiling Fans

Fans that are called indoor ceiling fan or rated for dry locations are not wired and built with corrosion-free materials. They are ideal for bedrooms, offices, dens and living rooms.

They are not suitable for outdoor use – even if the space is covered. You should also avoid installing them in bathrooms or near a stove top where steam from boiling water might reach them.

Damp Location Ceiling Fans

These units resist corrosion, but they aren’t water tight. Damp ceiling fans are best used in covered outdoor locations or humid areas like a sunroom or room with a hot tub. Of course, a Damp ceiling fan can be installed in a dry location.

Wet Location Ceiling Fans

Wet ceiling fans can be installed where they will come in contact with rain and snow. They are built with materials like aluminum and stainless steel with waterproof motor housings and wiring.

Wet location fans are necessary when used with pergolas and in covered locations where wind-driven rain might reach them.

3. Sizing a Ceiling Fan and Downrod

A fan that is too small won’t create enough breeze for the area it serves.

A fan that is too large for its location will be too breezy and possibly too noisy.

What Diameter Ceiling Fan Do You Need?

Sizing a ceiling fan is easy, since the Department of Energy’s Energy Star program gives guidance for fan diameter:

• Rooms up to 75 square feet = 29-36 inch ceiling fan
• Rooms 144-225 square feet = 44 inch ceiling fan
• Rooms 76-144 square feet = 36-42 inch ceiling fan
• Rooms 225-400 square feet = 50-54 inch ceiling fan

Home Depot simplifies it this way:

Length of Longest Wall in Room	Best Ceiling Fan Width
Less than 12 feet	36 inches or less
12 to 15 feet	40 to 48 inches
More than 15 feet	52 inches or more

This guide is helpful, because it shows room sizes and room types to match with ceiling fan size.

Room Size	Room Type	Recommended Blade Span	Recommended CFM Rating
Under 144 sq. ft.	Bathroom, Breakfast Nooks, Utility Rooms, Small Bedrooms, Porches	Fans 42” or les	1,000-3,000
144-225 sq. ft.	Medium Bedrooms, Kitchens, Dining Rooms, Dens, Patios	Fans 44” to 50”	1,600-4,500
225-400 sq. ft.	Master Bedrooms, Family Rooms, TV Rooms, Small Garages, Gazebos	Fans 52” to 60”	2,300-6,500
Over 400 sq. ft.	Great Rooms, Large Garages, Basements, and Open Floor Plans	Fans 62” and larger	5,500-13,500

You may also like: Top Low Profile Ceiling Fans 

Do I Need a Downrod? What Size Downrod?

• 8 Foot Ceilings: If your ceiling is 8 feet high, you should choose a ceiling fan with no downrod. These are referred to as snugger ceiling fans or flush ceiling fan. Many fans come with an optional 2” to 6” downrod that doesn’t have to be installed, making the fan a snugger.
• 9 Foot Ceilings: A downrod of 2” to 12” is best for 9-foot ceilings. A flush mounted ceiling fan is OK too as long as it’s a fairly powerful unit.
• 10 Foot Ceilings and Higher: The best guidance is that the ceiling fan should be 8 to 10 feet off the floor.

This chart shows suggested downrod lengths based on the height of your ceiling.

Ceiling Height Downrod Length

Downrod Tips:

• Reduce the rod by 12” if your fan has a light kit
• When using a long downrod, you might have to add wiring length

4. What to Know About Ceiling Fan Blades: FAQs

Blade Number: The most common numbers of blades are 3 blades and 5 blades. Most fans have between 3 blades and 6 blades, with 3-blade and 5-blade fans most common.

Some fans with contemporary styling have 7-15 blades.

Does Blade Number Matter? In some cases, a large number of heavy blades can slow a fan down. That’s especially true if the blades are heavy. The fan won’t produce the same amount of airflow as a fan with fewer and/or lighter blades.

What are Reversible Ceiling Fan Blades? Reversible blades are a different color or style on the reverse side. This gives you a chance to more closely match the room color or to create an appealing contrast if desired.

Mix and Match Blades? A few models like the Fan Star ceiling fan in our list give you the chance to select a fan body color and a different fan blade color. This gives your fan a customization to best suit your home or business.

What is Blade Pitch? It is the blade’s slope. Most ceiling fan blades have a 13-degree pitch. Slopes up to about 18 degrees are common. Typically, the higher the slope, the more air the fan will move. Some fan information doesn’t list the pitch. It’s not a major consideration. The fan literature should list the cubic foot per minute rating of the fan, the CFM.

5. Features and Finishes

Features improve the performance and functionality of the ceiling fan. Here’s a list of common features and their benefit.

Fan speeds: The majority of fans have 3 speeds, though others range from 4 to 6 speeds. Airflow increases as the speeds go up. You might want a gentle breeze on a warm day but need more airflow to feel comfortable on a hot, humid day.

Reversible motor: Most fans also have motors that reverse direction. They run in “forward” for cooling, providing a downward breeze. When supporting a heat source in your home, they pull cool air from low in the room, pushing it up to displace warm air. The warm air then travels down to warm room occupants.

Pull chains: A chain for fan and one for light, if lighting is included, remains the most common way to adjust the fans capabilities.

Wall control: A wall control is used on many fans because they are easier to use than pull chains. The fan is hardwired with a switch that supports the fan speeds. This often requires replacing the existing wall switch, such as a light switch, with a multi speed switch.

Remote: The minority of ceiling fans have remote controls. A remote is an easy way to operate the fan and lights, adjusting fan speed to meet the demand for cooling or heat support. Remotes are most common with mid-grade and high-end ceiling fans.

Wall/Remote Combo: Quite a few fans give you the convenience of both a wall control and a handheld control.

WiFi/Smart Home: Certainly the future, still only a few fans are WiFi-capable. Most WiFi ceiling fans don’t get high marks for performance. None have ratings high enough to make our list of best ceiling fans.

In short, this is a growth area for ceiling fans, and we expect to see more fans with better results in the near future. Brands leading the way include:

While fans with integrated WiFi need work, WiFi wall panels are available. They work with a smart device and app, so you can control and monitor your fan from anywhere. There’s less practical benefit to doing this than there is to WiFi for a central AC or window air conditioner. Still, many enjoy the convenience. If you forget to turn off the fan when you leave home, this option is ideal to reduce wasted energy.

Finishes

Bronze, nickel and steel are the most popular finishes, but not the only ones. Your options include:

Antique bronze	Oil-rubbed bronze	Brushed nickel
Black	Matte black	White
Polished pewter	Auburn	Natural
Mink	Java	Natural

6. Ceiling Fan Lighting

The three most common light types are incandescent, fluorescent and LED. The best value are LED lights. They last longer and use far less energy.

Fans with LED lighting tend to have better warranties. The cool-burning LED lights don’t put the stress on the fan’s light fixtures that other lighting types do.

7. Energy Star

Ceiling fans with LED lighting and motors that cut energy use often meet Energy Star requirements of using 40% less energy than average. The Department of Energy states that using an Energy Star ceiling fan could cut energy cost by $180 annually.