Investing in a quality fan can help you stay cool, save electricity, and stay comfortable, whether you’re at home or on the go.
We put 32 fans to the test in our lab to find the best options on the market. Our evaluation included factors such as air speed, design, portability, effectiveness, and value. After identifying the top performers, we took them home for long-term testing and have updated our findings based on our experience. For expert advice on what to look for when shopping for fans, we consulted with Matt Brown, former merchant of ACs and fans, air quality, and floor care, and current senior merchant of vinyl flooring at Home Depot.
“Whether you need a fan for your workspace or a small room, there’s a room fan available to fit your specific needs,” says Brown. “Factors to consider include the size of the fan and the intended space, noise levels, energy savings, efficiency, and even style.”
The 10 Best Fans of 2023
Here is the list of the 10 Best Fans of 2021 based on the information available to me:
1. Dyson Pure Cool Cryptomic TP06 Air Purifier and Fan
2. Vornado 660 Large Whole Room Air Circulator Fan
3. Lasko T42951 Wind Curve Tower Fan with Remote Control and Fresh Air Ionizer
4. Honeywell HT-900 TurboForce Air Circulator Fan
5. Rowenta VU2531 Turbo Silence Oscillating 12-Inch Table Fan
6. Holmes Lil’ Blizzard 8-Inch Oscillating Table Fan
7. Seville Classics UltraSlimline 40-Inch Tower Fan
8. Hurricane Wall Mount Fan – 18 Inch
9. OPOLAR Portable Travel Mini Fan with 3-13 Hours Battery Life
10. Pelonis Oscillating Pedestal Stand 16-Inch Fan
Please note that this list may not be comprehensive and is subject to personal preferences and opinions.
How to Shop for Fans Like a Pro
If you’re in the market for a new fan, here are some tips to help you shop like a pro:
1. Determine your needs
Do you need a fan for a small room or a large room? Do you need a fan for personal use or to cool down an entire space?
2. Consider the type of fan
There are several types of fans to choose from, including tower fans, pedestal fans, desktop fans, and box fans. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so choose the one that best fits your needs.
3. Look for adjustable settings
Look for fans that have adjustable settings, such as speed and oscillation. This allows you to customize the airflow to your liking.
4. Consider noise level
If you plan to use your fan in a bedroom or other quiet space, look for a fan with a low noise level.
5. Check for additional features
Some fans come with additional features, such as air purifiers, remote controls, and programmable timers. Determine which features are important to you and look for a fan that includes them.
6. Read reviews
Before making a purchase, read reviews from other customers to get an idea of how the fan performs and if there are any common issues.
7. Compare prices
Compare prices from different retailers to make sure you’re getting the best deal on the fan you want.
Where is the best place to set up a fan?
The best place to set up a fan depends on your specific needs and the layout of the room. In general, it’s a good idea to place a fan in a location that will provide the most direct airflow to the area you want to cool or circulate air in. For example, if you’re using a fan to cool a bedroom at night, you may want to position it near your bed or on a nearby table so that you feel the airflow directly.
In addition, it can be helpful to place a fan near an open window to create cross-ventilation and circulate fresh air throughout the room. It’s also important to consider the size of the room and the size of the fan. A larger fan may be more effective in a larger space, while a smaller fan may be sufficient for a smaller area. Ultimately, the best placement for a fan will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Recommendation
Our recommendation for the best fan is the Vornado 660 Large Air Circulator. It is capable of circulating air effectively in large rooms and eliminating hot and cold spots, while providing airflow that can be felt throughout the space without having to stand directly in front of it.
If you are looking for a more affordable option that is suitable for small areas, we suggest the Honeywell TurboForce Air Circulator Fan. Despite its small size, it still functions as an air circulator and delivers a surprisingly strong breeze.
