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Best Outdoor Ceiling Fans In 2021

Jordan Carter
This product guide was written by Jordan Carter
Published March 26, 2020
Support us! GearHungry may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Learn more

An outdoor fan may sound like an oxymoron, but for patios, porches, and sheltered chill stations, they are essential for keeping comfortable during the summer and still enjoying the fresh summer air. If you have any of these, it’s worth thinking about which of the best outdoor ceiling fans are right for your summer nights.

We all know how hot, stuffy, humid, and frankly uncomfortable things can get, but when you live somewhere that summer doesn’t come around too often, you want to make the most of it. With an outdoor ceiling fan, you can sit with your beers and beer pong, BBQs, and friends well into the night without transferring the action indoors.

Available with a range of features perfect for the modern home, these fans are a must-have to take your summer experience to the next level. Furthermore, if you live somewhere that enjoys high temperatures all year-round, it will give you some respite any time of the year, from the Fourth of July right through to Thanksgiving and beyond.

The Best Outdoor Ceiling Fan

1
Westinghouse Lighting Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan

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No matter where you are in the country, or even the world, it’s hard to argue that the Westinghouse Lighting Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan is one of the best outdoor ceiling fans that you will find. It delivers everything you could need from a ceiling fan, being able to keep you cool but also warm should you need it during once the cold crawls out from under the decking.

There are four blades which offer a 52-inch span to deliver excellent performance and near-unrivaled comfort, especially for such a price. As an indoor cooling fan, it is suitable for serving rooms up to 350 square feet, but while this may not be so true for outdoor environments, you’re still sure to get the results you need to stay cool or warm throughout the year.

It operates using a silicon steel motor and a triple capacitor which may not make too much sense to you if you never took the time to research the ins and outs of fan motors, but trust us that this is a good thing. There are three speeds to find the optimal level and is ideal for anyone who lives with someone who is always, no matter what, too hot or too cold.

The lifetime motor warranty gives you peace of mind and will ensure consistent energy-efficient air circulation, even outside. The oil rubberized bronze finish gives it a superb rustic look, perfect for blending in with your existing decor, and it is even approved for wet locations to guarantee durability.

The light is also a superb feature, and it helps keep the party and chatter going long after dark. However, while it will last a while, it won’t do so forever, and it can be a little tricky to change once that day comes. As long as you prepare for it, though, or even practice before installing, you’ll have no troubles at all.

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Key Features:

52-inch blades

One light

153 x 15mm silicon steel motor

3 speeds

Reversible switch

4,070 CFM

Lifetime motor warranty

Specification:
  • BrandWestinghouse Lighting
  • Model7204300
  • Weight17.2 pounds
Pros

Oil rubbed bronze finish

Quiet performance

Approved for wet locations

Cons

Bulb can be difficult to change

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

2
Hunter Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan

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Our second pick is the Hunter Indoor / Outdoor Ceiling Fan which offers plenty of satisfaction for both in-house and back or front porch needs. Unlike our Best Choice, you’ve got a choice of colors, these are Fresh White, Matte Black, and Brown, so it will blend in perfectly with your surroundings whether you place inside or outside.

Really, though, we’re here to find out how good it is as an outdoor fan. Thankfully, there are as many benefits to installing it out the back as there are to keeping it in the living room. The 52-inch span provides excellent air circulation, while the three blades provide consistent movement. However, they are not as secure as we’d like, and while they’re unlikely to fly off, it’s best to be careful when using the highest speed settings.

You can, of course, overcome this by being extra diligent when setting it up. Even if this may take a little longer than you’d like, it will at least give you peace of mind that everything is safe and secure.

Other than this, you likely want to find out more about how it operates. The WhisperWind motor means you won’t hear a thing, even with the excellent hearing that you brag to all of your friends about. The quiet operation means that your conversation won’t be interrupted by a distracting whirr once the rest of the neighborhood has called it a night.

The motor is also reversible, so you can take advantage of its benefits throughout the year. It also delivers fantastic energy efficiency, while the easy on/off pull chain makes up the lack of a remote control. It also boasts a 3-point mounting system, so you can install it and focus the airflow at the right angle and direction, which is ideal for parts of the porch you know gets much more humid than anywhere else. For more amazing options to keep you cool in summer, check out our guide to the best wall mounted fans.

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Key Features:

WhisperWind motor

Reversible motor

Energy Star certified

ETL damp rated

3-position mounting system

52-inch blades

Clean lines, minimalist design

Specification:
  • BrandHunter Fan Company
  • Model59264
  • Weight14.55 pounds
Pros

3-position mounting system

Limited Lifetime motor warranty

Reversible blades

Cons

Blades may not be as secure as we’d like

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

3
Honeywell Belmar 52-Inch Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan

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If you’re looking for a patio fan but are sticking to a budget, the Honeywell Belmar 52-Inch Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan is the perfect option for you. Again, you’ve got a choice of colors, Oil-Rubbed Bronze and White, and if you’re going for a suitable outdoor fan, then the Bronze option is undoubtedly the best one, regardless of existing decor.

To ensure durability and consistent performance, it boasts 5 ETL rated blades, and what this means is that it can survive harsh weather. Therefore, you won’t need to uninstall the fan over the winter to save you some hassle while also being able to enjoy your porch on those rare winter days where the temperature creeps into double digits, even if just for a few minutes.

The easy-pull chain controls are simple enough that anyone can use it, and you’ll get the hang of how many pulls equal specific speeds quickly enough. Speaking of speeds, this fan provides 3 speed options, and each of them works as silently as possible to deliver superb summertime ambience that makes sitting outside thoroughly worth it whether you’re chilling with friends or sitting with a book and a cold drink on a lazy Sunday.

There’s also a reversible motor to deliver versatile cooling and warming options even on days that aren’t as toasty as expected. The lifetime manufacturer’s guarantee will also ensure you can solve any issues you encounter, whether that’s immediately or twenty years from now.

It’s ideal for medium to large spaces, so if you ever need to bring it inside or mysteriously lose your back porch one day, you can at least enjoy comfort inside, and it only takes an hours maximum to install, so you can get everything ready before the sun reaches its peak. However, the lack of light means it’s not one of the most social outdoor ceiling fans around, but with enough fairy lights and candles, you won’t mind.

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Key Features:

5 damp rated 52-inch blades

Traditional pull chain

Quiet reversible motor

Suitable for medium to large rooms

3 speed motor

Compatible with Honeywell ceiling fan remotes

1 hour installation

Specification:
  • BrandHoneywell Ceiling Fans
  • Model50199
  • Weight17 pounds
Pros

Suitable for medium to large spaces

1 hour installation

Energy efficient

Cons

No light

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

4
Minka-Aire Xtreme H20 Outdoor Ceiling Fan

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As we shift towards the more expensive models on offer, we bring you the magic of the Minka-Aire Xtreme H20 Outdoor Ceiling Fan. here, you can enjoy the popular oil-rubbed bronze finish to give you that comforting outdoorsy feel that transports you from your porch to somewhere in the middle of the woods with nothing but the chirping of birds and fern scent all around you. It could certainly become your happy place.

The DC motor is powerful and effective, but it’s not so powerful that it makes too much noise, so it’s great for relaxed Saturday mornings, afternoons, or evenings with family and friends or all on your own. There are 8 blades constructed using sturdy and durable ABS that will ensure longevity, while the 65-inch span delivers enhanced performance compared to the 52-inch alternatives.

For convenience, there’s a remote control included, so you can operate it from the comfort of your patio furniture without putting down your book or your beer. It’s also smart home compatible, so you can get it working even before you head outside and switch it off from the comfort of your bed if you happen to forget.

The sleek modern design makes it ideal for, well, modern homes, but even if your back porch feels a little ancient, it will inject it with new life and give the house exterior a lift with one simple installation. There are also optional down rods so you can be sure to fit it in any size area, and this guarantees versatility regardless of who you are.

Despite the modern design, though, there’s still no light, so get used to chatting or even eating in darkness. Unless, of course, you decide to fill the outside relaxation area with enough fairy lights to make your guests think they’ve stumbled through the garden gate into a magical otherworld. When they experience how effective your fan is, they might just feel confident that’s exactly what has occurred. You may also like some of the best pedestal fans from our list, so be sure to check them out.

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Key Features:

Oil rubbed bronze finish

DC motor

8 blades

Study ABS

65-inch span

Remote control included

Smart home compatible

Specification:
  • BrandMinka-Aire
  • ModelF896-65-ORB
  • Weight19.84 pounds
Pros

Optional down rods

Sleek modern design

6 speed settings

Cons

No light

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

5
Monte Carlo Maverick Energy Star Outdoor Ceiling Fan

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The Monte Carlo Maverick Energy Star Outdoor Ceiling Fan is the indisputable choice for the best outdoor ceiling fans that you will find here, there, or indeed anywhere else. With five sizes to choose from, ranging from 52” to 99”, everyone will find the perfect choice for their back patio. There are also seven colors, giving you a vast range of options that even the finest value alternatives cannot offer.

The 60-inch blade span delivers fantastic cooling qualities, and these can operate at a wonderful 6 speeds to ensure that you are never too warm nor too cool no matter what time of the year. The three outdoor approved blades give you peace of mind that it will survive any wet weather with absolute ease, and you won’t need to take too many precautions to guarantee everything stays safe.

There’s a handheld remote included, perfect for the lazy days, while the reversing function is a decent feature to encourage warm airflow when the temperature drops after dark. With hand-carved blades, it’s certainly one of the most attractive options available, and anyone concerned about maintaining an authentic aesthetic for their outside style will relish how it will enhance the area with ease.

You will also enjoy the energy-efficient motor, which will save money on bills, especially if you leave it running all summer long. This also minimizes the risk of damage from being overworked. However, it’s still better to switch it off when you’re not using it.

Despite all of this, though, the blade designs mean it isn’t entirely suitable for hot climates, so you may not get the optimal cooling you desire. For more mild environments, however, you’ll discover it’s more than worth the money, even if you’re a little reluctant to part with the cash at first. For some portable options, check out our selection of the best cordless fans.

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Key Features:

5 sizes

7 colors

60-inch span

3 outdoor approved blades

6-speed

Hand-held remote operation

Suitable for damp locations

Specification:
  • BrandMonte Carlo
  • Model3MAVR60BK
  • Weight11 pounds
Pros

Reversing function

Hand-carved blades

Energy-efficient motor

Cons

Not suitable for very hot climates

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

6
Honeywell Belmar Outdoor LED Ceiling Fan

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Our final choice takes us back to Honeywell (and better affordability) with the Honeywell Belmar Outdoor LED Ceiling Fan. You can pick from 2 colors that help you match it with your decoration and house style with ease, whether you’re going for traditional or a more minimalist look that’s popular amongst certain demographics.

The 52-inch span means it will fit perfectly into any area with little issue, and the damp rated design allows you to keep them in humid or even wet environments all year without the risk of parts damage of malfunctioning. The tri-mount design gives you an array of installation options, and you can target it in the perfect direction to ensure total comfort for everyone sitting outside.

Where it stands out, however, is the frosted light bowl that gives you a convenient way to keep the party going on throughout the night. The LED design is more energy efficient compared to traditional light bulbs, but it still provides a consistent and reliable light source whether there are two people outside or twenty-two chilling on your back porch enjoying the last of the summer air.

The reversible motor is also present to help keep you warm when it gets a little colder, and regardless of which way it works, you’ll find a quiet operation that guarantees relaxation, comfort and undisturbed conversation, listening to music, or enjoying the sounds of the summer.

However, if you’re looking for convenience, there is no remote control, but considering that it is highly efficient and performs marvelously, we’re sure you won’t mind climbing up to change the settings (or getting someone else to do so), if you feel you need a little more or a little less power to keep comfortable while you enjoy the calmness of the patio and forget about all of your troubles. You may also like some of the best high velocity fans from our list, so be sure to check them out.

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Key Features:

2 colors

52-inch span

Damp-rated

Frosted light bowl

Tri-mount compatible

Reversible motor

Weather-resistant blades

Specification:
  • BrandHoneywell Ceiling Fans
  • Model50512-01
  • Weight21.9 pounds
Pros

Limited lifetime manufacturer’s warranty

Quiet operation

5 blades

Cons

No remote control operation

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

Outdoor Ceiling Fan Buying Guide

Features To Look For In Outdoor Ceiling Fans

Before you decide which of these outdoor ceiling fans will give you the comfort that you need to ensure you enjoy your summer even through unusual rainy days, check out these vital key features to look for to guarantee you’re picking the perfect option for your patio or porch area, and then kick back, relax, and bask in the tranquility.

Blades - You wouldn’t have a fan without blades, so they’re arguably the most essential feature that goes into making a fan worth installing. The typical blade length is 52 inches, and this is enough to generate excellent air circulation for cooling, and also warming if the fan operates with a reversible motor.

When choosing a fan, consider the number of blades. Most fans work fine with a 3 blade minimum, however, other options may come with 5 blades, and this can help create more efficient airflow. More blades are useful if your outdoor area experiences little breeze and instead is isolated, which can make everything too humid and uncomfortable.

It’s also worth considering the material and shape, as these can also impact the blades’ effectiveness and have an influence on your comfort levels.

Control - Traditional fans use a simple pull chain switch, and for most users, this is ideal. It’s straightforward, and everyone knows how to use it, simply pull to cycle through the speed settings and also switch it off. If you’re not used to using fans, you can check the instruction manual to determine how the pull switch settings work. Does it switch it immediately to the fastest speed or the slowest?

While most fans will use pull switches, other fans are compatible with, and even exclusively use, remote controls. These fans are more advanced and also more convenient, as you don’t need to get up from your chair every time you want to adjust the settings.

However, some people may find remote control features unnecessary, so if you’re looking for a straightforward, no-frills outdoor ceiling fan, the pull switch will be enough.

outdoor ceiling fan

Installation - You can install outdoor ceiling fans the same way you install indoor ceiling fans. Usually, this installation will take around an hour to complete, although it may take even less time if you have installed a ceiling fan before.

Some fans come with 3 mount options, and this allows you to fit the fan at a specific angle or in a certain way to help it fit into the available space while also ensuring the air circulation reaches every part of the outside area. This is useful for tight spaces and fitting into corners without risking damage to the blades and motor.

Your fan should come with detailed instructions explaining how to install it correctly. However, if you are unsure about how to do it, or just don’t trust yourself to do it right, then it’s worth hiring a professional to do it instead.

Lighting - Not all outdoor fans come with lighting features, but some do, and if you like to entertain on your porch or backyard during the summer, then it’s definitely something to look for when selecting the ideal ceiling fan.

Having a light on your fan will ensure the party keeps going long into the night without having to move into the stuffy indoor environment. Even if you’re not entertaining, it’s still great to sit up at night with nature for company and chat with your partner or family, play games, or just read. Of course, a fan light will also attract mosquitos and other bugs, so apply plenty of bug spray.

RPM - The RPM, or Rotations Per Minute, of your fan will determine how cool (or warm, for reversible motors) you will feel on each setting. The more RPM your fan boasts, you faster kit will spin, and this will ensure more efficient performance to keep you and your family and friends comfortable when relaxing outside.

The average RPM of ceiling fans is around 2000 RPM, but a fast, and therefore loud fan can reach as much as 8000 RPM, although most modern fans do maintain a decent level of silence even on the highest speed setting.

This RPM can still affect conversation and peace and quiet, so if you want to enjoy each other's company and chat, then a high-RPM fan may not be ideal. Conversely, a high RPM is useful for cooling down an area at first, but it isn’t necessary to keep it on all night. Not only does it prove too loud, it can also overload and damage the motor.

Weatherproof Level - Another thing to keep an eye out for when choosing an outdoor fan is the weatherproof level. Even though the fan will be covered by its ceiling shelter, airborne moisture, strong winds, and other factors could affect the blade and even the motor itself.

Look out for ETL damp rated blades, as these will demonstrate the best resistance to the elements. Damp rating will ensure durability and longevity, and prevent the blade material, whatever type of material it is, from breaking down, which could cause lasting damage to the whole fan and mean it doesn’t work as effectively.

The ETL rating is the guideline of the Electronic Testing Laboratories, and if nothing else, it provides excellent peace of mind that your fan blades and the fan as a whole can survive any damp caused by rain or even summertime humidity.

Source:

  1. Installing An Outdoor Ceiling Fan - Do It Yourself
Jordan Carter
Jordan Carter
Jordan Carter is Gear Hungry's resident Editor-in-Chief with a genuine love and passion for all things tech. Jordan works diligently to ensure only the best products ever make it onto the platform and are showcased in Gear Hungry's carefully curated, tested and expertly researched, informative buying guides.
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