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10 Best Outdoor Ceiling Fan of 2022 – Ultimate Buying Guide
Ceiling fans are indispensable accessories, especially in the hot, often humid summer weather. They are welcome additions to porches, decks, outdoor barbecue areas, gazebos, sunrooms, and more.
In recent years, outdoor ceiling fans have advanced significantly in design and technology. The best outdoor ceiling fans are at the very least weatherproof and waterproof to ensure durability and often have LED lights or remote controls built into the design.
If you’re not sure which brand of an outdoor ceiling fan to choose, we have the ultimate lowdown in this informative buying guide to ensure that you choose the right one for your home.
Table of Contents
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PROS
SPECS
Hunter 59135
PROS
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Well-designed and looks elegant
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High functionality without the noise
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Easy to assemble and mount
SPECS
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CFM: 6,238
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Wattage: 14 watts
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Span: 54 inches
Prominence Home 80091-01
PROS
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Farmhouse style perfect for more traditional homes
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Powerful, dimmable LED light kit included
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Affordably priced
SPECS
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CFM: 2,152
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Wattage: 60 watts
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Span: 52 inches
Minka-Aire F786-CL
PROS
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Contemporary and minimalist design
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Affordably priced for the design and functionality
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It comes in five attractive colors
SPECS
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CFM: 3,572
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Wattage: 29 watts
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Span: 44 inches
Honeywell Belmar 52-Inch Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan
PROS
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Affordably priced
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Has a broad reach and powerful airflow capacity
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Reversible motor for both heating and cooling action
SPECS
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CFM: 5,070
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Wattage:56.4 watts
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Span: 52 inches
Hunter Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan with LED Light
PROS
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Easy to assemble and operate
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It comes with an integrated light kit
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Lifetime warranty
SPECS
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CFM: 3,904
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Wattage: 82.5 watts
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Span: 52 inches
10 Best Outdoor Ceiling Fan Reviews
1. Hunter 59135 Nautical 54-Inch Ceiling Fan from Key Biscayne Collection – Best Overall
PROS
- Well-designed and looks elegant
- High functionality without the noise
- Easy to assemble and mount
CONS
- The lighting is slightly dim
Key Features
- CFM: 6,238
- Wattage: 14 watts
- Blades: 5
- Weight: 5 lbs.
- Span: 54 inches
- Motor warranty: 1-year, limited
With a powerful 6,238 CFM, the Hunter 59135 Nautical 54-inch Ceiling Fan is well-designed and unobtrusive. It features stainless steel hardware that is rust-resistant. This fan includes a pull chain for quick on/off operation and variable speed adjustments.
It comes in a Weathered Zinc finish and includes a light kit that uses a fluorescent CFL bulb with cased white glass. The three-speed settings are also reversible, and the motor delivers powerful air movement with quiet performance. The three-position mounting system also allows for standard, low, or angled mounting.
2. Prominence Home 80091-01 Abner Vintage Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan, with LED Bulb – Best Indoor/Outdoor
PROS
- Farmhouse style perfect for more traditional homes
- Powerful, dimmable LED light kit included
- Affordably priced
CONS
- Light bulbs can be hard to replace
Key Features
- CFM: 2,152
- Wattage: 60 watts
- Blades: 5
- Weight: 18 lbs.
- Span: 52 inches
- Motor warranty: Limited lifetime
The rust-proof stainless-steel Prominence Home 80091-01 Ceiling Fan is designed to provide high quality and functionality with quiet performance.
It can cool a large area of up to 400 square feet and includes a lightly frosted integrated globe light with two bulbs for powerful lighting. This fan is dual-mount compatible and can be hung on angled ceilings or with the standard mount.
It also has a quiet, pull-chain operation with its three-speed reversible AC motor and is available in both updraft and downdraft modes for optimal airflow.
3. Minka-Aire F786-CL Simple 44-Inch Outdoor Ceiling Fan – Best Designer
PROS
- Contemporary and minimalist design
- Affordably priced for the design and functionality
- It comes in five attractive colors
CONS
- Remote controls, light kit, and wall controls sold separately
Key Features
- CFM: 3,572
- Wattage: 29 watts
- Blades: 3
- Weight: 9 lbs.
- Span: 44 inches
- Motor warranty: 1-year limited
The Minka-Aire F786-CL is a fan designed for the modern home. It is stylish, blends in well with most home décor styles, and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
The price is also not too bad for a fan that looks more expensive than it is. It has a powerful airflow capacity of 3,572 CFM and works with a durable DC motor. It comes with an optional LED light kit and a handheld remote.
4. Honeywell Belmar 52-Inch Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan – Best Under $100
PROS
- Affordably priced
- Has a broad reach and powerful airflow capacity
- Reversible motor for both heating and cooling action
CONS
- It doesn’t include light kits
Key Features
- CFM: 5,070
- Wattage:56.4 watts
- Blades: 5
- Weight: 17 lbs.
- Span: 52 inches
- Motor warranty: Limited lifetime
The Honeywell Belmar 52-inch Ceiling Fan is damp-rated for both indoor and outdoor use. It consists of corrosive-proof metal and wood that will complement any space.
You can use it in your living area to keep things fresh in summer and reverse the AC motor to keep your chosen area warm in the colder autumn and winter months. This fan is tri-mount compatible and suitably lightweight, yet it delivers a powerful 5,070 airflow capacity for the complete functionality.
With all these features, it still comes in under $100—an affordable price for the design and function.
5. Hunter Indoor / Outdoor Ceiling Fan with LED Light and Pull Chain – Best Under $200
PROS
- Easy to assemble and operate
- It comes with an integrated light kit
- Lifetime warranty
CONS
- Poor air circulation for high-ceiling areas
Key Features
- CFM: 3,904
- Wattage: 82.5 watts
- Blades: 4
- Weight: 18 lbs.
- Span: 52 inches
- Motor warranty: Lifetime
The Hunter Ocala Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan is well-designed and comes with an attractive price point.
It has four reversible blades, with a sturdy balance kit and a powerful, quiet motor with three reversible speeds for impressive air displacement when used for medium to low-hung ceilings. This versatile fan is the perfect fit for any home with textured caged glass lighting and a neutral color pallet.
It features pull chains to allow for easy, light operation and fan speed adjustment, and although the fan doesn’t come with remote controls, it is remote control adaptable. It can fit two standard bulbs of 60 watts each inside the glass housing and is suitably lightweight, coming in at only 18 pounds.
Installation isn’t complicated, and the affordable price coming in at under $200 makes it a worthy purchase with a functional and quality design.
6. Fanimation Ascension FP6717BN High Power Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan – Best 54-inch
PROS
- Slim, attractive design
- Easy to install and operate
- Silent operation—perfect for nighttime bedroom use
CONS
- It doesn’t come with a light kit and has no adaptation for one
Key Features
- CFM: 6,659
- Wattage: 53 watts
- Blades: 4
- Weight: 18 lbs.
- Span: 54 inches
- Motor warranty: Limited lifetime
The 54-inch Fanmation Ascension Fan delivers powerful air movement with an airflow capacity of 6,659 CFM. It is lightweight, weighing in at 18 pounds with quiet functionality for all times of the day. It is suitable for indoor and outdoor use and both dry and damp locations.
The reversible fan also has three available speeds with a downdraft mode perfect for the summer and an updraft mode for autumn and winter. This dual-action will keep our energy bills down throughout the year.
7. Turbina Modern Industrial Outdoor Ceiling Fan with Remote Control – Best 60-inch
PROS
- One of the highest CFM ratings in our review
- Durable metal construction
- Attractive modern design
- Whisper quiet
CONS
- Not suitable for humid locations with saltwater exposure, e.g., on a tropical beachfront property
- Must be mounted at least 10-feet off the floor—powerful metal blades can be dangerous
Key Features
- CFM: 9,755
- Wattage: 85 watts
- Blades: 3
- Weight: 4 lbs.
- Span: 60 inches
- Motor warranty: Limited lifetime
The Turbina Modern Industrial Outdoor Ceiling Fan is the best in its class due to its attractive oil-rubbed bronze finish and powerful 9,755 airflow capacity. It comes with a remote control and manual blade reverse with a convenient switch on the side of the motor.
This sturdy yet lightweight fan is rated for damp locations. , but it is not suitable for humid climates with salt water exposure.
The industrial and contemporary nature of this fan’s design cools your home while fitting in unobtrusively into your décor. It includes a convenient remote and has a three-speed motor.
However, it is only compatible with standard mounting.
8. Casa Vieja Velocity Modern Industrial Outdoor Ceiling Fan – Best 72-inch
PROS
- Beautiful design that fits into any modern home
- Produces a decent amount of airflow
- Excellent price for the design and features
CONS
- It is noticeably noisy
Key Features
- CFM: 6,968
- Wattage: 70 watts
- Blades: 3
- Weight: 24 lbs.
- Span: 72 inches
- Motor warranty: Limited lifetime
The sleek contemporary 72-inch Casa Vieja Velocity Modern Industrial Outdoor Ceiling Fan features a brushed nickel design that’s excellent for minimalist or modern homes.
It has three brushed nickel steel blades for high functionality with an airflow capacity of 6,968 CFM, beautiful style, and wall control for smooth operation. It is rated for damp locations but needs to be mounted at least 10 feet from the floor at a maximum slope of 20 degrees.
Even though it comes with a direct wire wall control, it is not compatible with add-on handheld remote-control kits.
9. Portage Bay 50251 Hugger 52-Inch Matte Black West Hill Ceiling Fan with Bowl Light Kit – Best Budget
PROS
- Affordably priced
- Includes an integrated light kit
- Perfect for low ceilings
CONS
- The capacitor is prone to failure
Key Features
- CFM: 5,024
- Wattage: 65.3 watts
- Blades: 5
- Weight: 13 lbs.
- Span: 52 inches
- Motor warranty: Limited lifetime
The Portage Bay Hugger Outdoor Ceiling Fan is the perfect low-profile ceiling fan for flush-mount installations. It has a contemporary matte black finish complemented by both matte black and Siberian Walnut blade finish.
The Opal frosted dome light provides excellent illumination, and the high-performance motor with reversible blades offers powerful, yet quiet operation.
This fan is compatible with most interior décor for a stylish and attractive installation. It has a decent airflow of 5,024 CFM, too, perfect for rooms measuring up to 400 square feet. The fan also comes with an integrated light kit with LED and CFL bulb compatibility.
For all its features, it has an excellent price, as well, coming in way under the $100 mark.
10. Monte Carlo 3MAVR52RZW Maverick II Energy Star 52-Inch Outdoor Ceiling Fan with Remote Control – Best Premium
PROS
- Stunning and sleek design compatible with most interior décor
- Smooth and quiet operation
CONS
- It is not damp-rated
Key Features
- CFM: 5,889
- Wattage: 27 watts
- Blades: 3
- Weight: 4 lbs.
- Span: 52 inches
- Motor warranty: Limited lifetime
The sleek and modern silhouette of the Monte Carlo Maverick Outdoor Ceiling Fan is perhaps one of its best features! It has a simple housing and a three-blade design that delivers.
This fan operates using a DC motor and offers super energy-efficiency. The wide 52-span with rounded blades and elegant blades belies its powerful functionality of 5,889 CFM. It includes a six-speed handheld remote control with reverse functions and is compatible only with flat ceilings installation and has a quiet, wobble-free operation.
The Monte Carlo is suitable for indoor use and in covered outdoor spaces.
Final Verdict
Choosing the best outdoor ceiling fan can be tricky if you don’t know what to look for—we hope our buying guide has given you useful pointers.
We chose the Hunter 59135 Nautical 54-Inch Ceiling Fan from Key Biscayne as our top pick because we found it to be well-designed, well-priced, and durable. It is also damp-rated and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Although it has powerful functionality, it is still affordable with a simple farmhouse design.
Remember, outdoor ceiling fans must be able to stand up to the elements, and while some may also operate indoors, exclusive indoor ceiling fans may not make durable alternatives. Smart technology, LED lights, and remote control capabilities are some excellent added features to consider.
How to Pick the Outdoor Ceiling Fan for Your Home
Outdoor ceiling fans represent an excellent option to have on your porch or entryway. They add style and value to your home, keep bugs and insects away, and cool the air around your home on a hot or humid day.
These accessories also sometimes come with LED lights attached, so act as convenient lighting at night—but how do you go about choosing one? Here are some factors to consider:
Air Flow Capacity
Airflow measures the amount of air a ceiling fan delivers. It is measured in CFM, which stands for cubic feet per minute.
The fan should be running at high speed when calculating CFM measurements, and the number obtained is then divided by the number of watts used. This factor means that the higher the CFM, the more efficient the fan.
A CFM of 5,000 to 6,000 is ideal, but fans with 4,000 to 5,000 CFM are also decent. All ceiling fan manufacturers are required by Environmental Protection Agency standards to display CFM graphics on all their product boxes, catalogs, or brochures.
Color and Design
Outdoor ceiling fans are first and foremost accessories and should ideally fit in with the style and décor of your property. Modern, minimalist features could benefit from sleek fans made of stainless steel and white and grey.
On the other hand, if you live in a rural property, a hardwood fan in the style of old would better suit the décor. Above all, go with your tastes to get the best fan for you.
Material
Outdoor ceiling fans need to operate in all weather and conditions. As such, their construction should be weatherproof and waterproof, and they usually consist of materials such as corrosion-resistant metals such as powder-coated stainless steel or UV-resistant ABS plastics.
Fans for wet locations are resistant to water and suitable in areas where water damage or saltwater corrosion is likely. They feature water-resistant electrical wiring, motor housings, and blades, which won’t get damaged by rain, sleet, or snow, as well as waterproof LED lights if included in the design.
Number of Blades and Size
The square footage of an area dictates how big an outdoor ceiling fan you’ll need. Installing a fan that is too big or too small for a given space isn’t efficient, as the fan won’t be able to circulate the air properly.
The diameter of its blade sweep determines the size of a ceiling fan. The number of blades also counts to determine how powerful your fan will be when it is in operation. Outdoor fans typically start from 52-inches and above to give good coverage, although you may find smaller if required.
Extra Features
Most fans come with added extras such as remote control capabilities and waterproof LED light kits.
These come in especially handy if you wish to control your fan from a distance or need ambient overhead illumination, especially in low-light conditions. These added features can up the price of the fan, so consider this before choosing to add them.
Fans can also come with a pull chain, wall switch, or remote-control settings, so choose the one best suited to your needs and wants.
Price
As with all purchases, price is an essential consideration. Expensive does not always equate to the best, but cheap can be costly. Most quality outdoor ceiling fans range from $80 up to $700, so there’s a huge price range to consider.
Try to look carefully at your budget, examine what you really need in a fan, and match both of these considerations to find the best outdoor ceiling fan for you. At the very least, ensure that the fan you’re buying is weather and waterproof, no matter the price.