We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Shopping Home Reviews Fixture Reviews The 10 Best Outdoor Ceiling Fans of 2024 Keep things cool with our top picks. By Adria Greenhauff Adria Greenhauff Adria Valdes Greenhauff has written for numerous publications including Better Homes & Gardens, Food & Wine, Southern Living, and Allrecipes. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on January 11, 2024 In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews The Bottom Line What to Know Before Shopping Your Questions, Answered Who We Are Amazon A beautiful outdoor living space can instantly make your home feel larger and more luxurious. While fire pits, outdoor kitchens, and cozy furniture can certainly make your patio or deck more enjoyable, a high-quality outdoor ceiling fan can help ensure it never becomes too hot or uncomfortable to enjoy, especially during the warmer months. "The best materials for outdoor ceiling fans are durable and weather-resistant, like galvanized steel, aluminum, or plastic,” says Jason Farr, the CEO and founder of Aviara Pavers, a design and outdoor living company headquartered in Escondido, California. “They can also help reduce energy costs by circulating the air and eliminating stagnant areas, so you don't have to rely as much on air conditioning.” Whether you’re looking to cool a large outdoor pergola or want to increase air circulation on a small balcony, this list has plenty of options. To come up with our picks for the best outdoor ceiling fans, we researched the category and considered each fan for factors such as size, number of blades, damp/wet rating, material, and other features. What We Researched Number of Blades: Most of the best outdoor ceiling fans have between three and five blades, which is standard for a medium-sized residential fan. The more blades a fan has, the more air it is capable of moving around, though fans with more blades are usually louder.Size: A fan's dimensions help dictate whether the fan will work in your space. Diameter in particular will influence the air circulation and the amount of noise the fan makes.Damp/Wet Rating: This rating indicates how much moisture a fan can be exposed to without damage. We made sure that all fans included were at least damp-rated, meaning they're suitable for locations such as screened-in porches. Wet-rated fans can withstand direct contact with rain or snow.Material: We looked for fans made of durable and weather-resistent materials such as steel, aluminum, wood, and plastic. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Honeywell Ceiling Fans Belmar Indoor Outdoor at Amazon ($103) Jump to Review Best Budget: BECLOG Black Outdoor Ceiling Fans at Amazon ($100) Jump to Review Best Splurge: Big Fans i6 60 Inch Outdoor Ceiling Fan with Direct at Amazon (See Price) Jump to Review Best with Lights: Hunter Fan Company Outdoor Ceiling Fan with Light at Amazon ($400) Jump to Review Best Without Lights: Casa Vieja Casa Delta Wing Indoor Outdoor Ceiling Fan at Amazon ($280) Jump to Review Best for Salty Air: Hunter Fan Hunter Oceana Indoor Outdoor Ceiling Fan at Amazon ($450) Jump to Review Best Rustic: WWM Rustic Outdoor Ceiling Fan at Amazon ($220) Jump to Review Best Modern: Fanimation Kute Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan at Amazon ($396) Jump to Review Best Industrial: MINKA-AIRE F896-84-WHF Xtreme H2O 84 Inch Outdoor Ceiling Fan at Amazon ($590) Jump to Review Home Decorators Collection Natural Iron Ceiling Fan at Walmart ($130) Jump to Review Best Overall Honeywell Ceiling Fans Belmar Indoor Outdoor Amazon View On Amazon $103 View On Walmart $119 View On Lowe's $114 Why You Should Get It This quiet ceiling fan features a reversible motor with three speeds, allowing you to adjust air circulation for year-round comfort. Keep in Mind It has a remote-control option, but it must be purchased separately. The Honeywell Belmar is a functional, no-frills outdoor ceiling fan that can be easily installed on any covered porch, patio, or outdoor balcony. It’s outfitted with five blades—available in either bronze matte or white finish—and features modern lines and a simple design aesthetic to compliment any outdoor decor. The fan is metal with all-weather resistant ABS plastic blades with wooden textures, ensuring they’ll stand up to nature and won’t bend. Plus, this ceiling fan is damp-rated, which makes it an excellent choice for areas with high moisture levels but are still protected from direct rain, including garages, breezeways, and screened-in lanais. With a 52-inch ceiling fan blade span, the Belmar is a great fit for medium to large-sized rooms. We also love the powerful, reversible motor with three different speed options, allowing you to adjust the air circulation as the weather outside changes with the seasons. Another bonus of this outdoor ceiling fan is its light feature. Inside the frosted glass bowl at the fan’s center are two standard A15 light bulbs that offer 600 lumens of yellow-wight light—the light is also dimmable from 10 to 100% to help you create a cozy evening atmosphere. The fan is also easy to use, outfitted with traditional pull chains that allow you to turn it on or off or adjust the speed with a simple pull of the chain. If you prefer the option of using a remote control, the fan offers one, too. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to buy that separately. Product Details: Dimensions: 52 x 52 x 13.07 inches | Number of Blades: 5 | Material: Plastic, metal | Damp/Wet Rating: Damp-rated Best Budget BECLOG Black Outdoor Ceiling Fans Amazon View On Amazon $100 Why You Should Get It The fan’s blades are reversible with a different beautiful finish on each side. Keep in Mind Installation can be somewhat complicated with this fan, so reconsider DIYing if you’re new to these types of projects. If you’re looking for the best outdoor ceiling fan on a budget, look no further. This 52-inch fan from Beclog features a sleek contemporary design with five reversible wood blades—one side has a beautiful walnut finish, while the other side comes in a sleek and modern matte black finish. When it comes to performance, the Beclog offers a high-powered—and extremely quiet—DC motor with six convenient speed settings that will bring a natural wind feeling to your outdoor pergola, patio, or breezeway. The energy-efficient brushless motor can also create downdrafts in summer and updrafts in winter, keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter. Other conveniences of this damp-rated fan include a built-in LED light with three color temperature options: cool white, warm white, and natural light. There’s also a remote control that lets you adjust the brightness of the modern ceiling fan and set the fan’s six speeds, timer (1, 4, and 8 hours), and reversible function. With the abundance of features, keep in mind that installation of the fan is complex. Switching the blades from walnut to black matte (or vice versa) also requires a bit of practice. If you’re new to installing lighting fixtures, it might be worth hiring a professional to ensure the fan is installed properly. Price at time of publish: $100 Product Details: Dimensions: 52 x 52 x 14 inches | Number of Blades: 5 | Material: Wood | Damp/Wet Rating: Damp-rated Best Splurge Big Fans i6 60 Inch Outdoor Ceiling Fan with Direct Amazon View On Amazon View On Lumens.com View On Lightingdirect.com Why You Should Get It This fan features patented SenseMe technology that uses sensors to automate operation, resulting in a cooling breeze when you need it and energy savings when you don't. Keep in Mind Like all Bluetooth-enabled devices, the technology isn’t foolproof, disconnections happen and reboots are sometimes necessary. The Big Ass Fans i6 outdoor ceiling fan is the most expensive pick on our list, but well worth the investment. First off, as the name suggests, this fan is quite large at 60 inches wide. It provides coverage for up to 20 x 20 feet, making it ideal for large outdoor pool decks, spacious lanais, or oversized wraparound balconies. The fan is also a great option for commercial spaces like restaurants and outdoor lounges. It comes equipped with a powerful patented EC motor that is virtually silent while running and requires zero maintenance. Meanwhile, the six aircraft-grade aluminum blades deliver years of comfort without corroding or sagging. With four color options—black, white, bronze, and brushed aluminum—it’s easy to find the right fan to fit your outside aesthetic. We also like that this fan is wet-rated, which makes it suitable for use in open outdoor spaces that get direct rain. If you’re a fan of smart appliances, you’ll love that the i6 outdoor ceiling fan is Bluetooth-enabled for easy operation via your favorite voice assistant. And thanks to the patented SenseMe technology, the fan automatically operates exactly when you need it to, providing a cool breeze at the right time, every time. It’s worth noting that, like all smart devices, the technology on this fan isn’t foolproof. Be prepared for the occasional glitch that will require you to reboot to get things up and running again. If you want to add a light to the fan, keep in mind that it’s sold separately. Price at time of publish: $2,049 Product Details: Dimensions: 60 x 60 x 13.5 inches | Number of Blades: 6 | Material: Aluminum | Damp/Wet Rating: Wet-rated Best with Lights Hunter Fan Company Outdoor Ceiling Fan with Light Amazon View On Amazon $400 View On Wayfair $400 View On Walmart $340 Why You Should Get It This energy-efficient fan provides cozy, dimmable color options, allowing you to create a wonderful atmosphere for any type of evening. Keep in Mind This fan is operated only via remote control (included), so you may want to consider purchasing a backup in case your first one gets lost. If you’re looking for the best outdoor ceiling fan that provides both comfortable airflow and great lighting for cozy summer gatherings, this pick from Hunter Fan Company is the best outdoor ceiling fan with lights. The 52-inch Coral Bay Outdoor Ceiling Fan is the right size for a wide range of outdoor spaces. In addition to providing exceptional airflow thanks to its reversible multi-speed motor, the fan doubles as a chandelier. It features a lantern-style light fixture with three vintage energy-efficient LED Edison-style bulbs encased in seeded glass. The bronze finish will complement any modern farmhouse aesthetic. The five-blade Coral Bay Outdoor Ceiling Fan is made of aluminum and alloy steel and is damp-rated for use in screened-in patios, outdoor kitchen areas, or covered porches. The fan comes with a handheld remote for convenient control of the fan speed and lighting intensity. Keep in mind that, unlike some other options on the list, this fan doesn’t include a traditional pull chain. This means the remote is the only way to operate the fan. Because of this, you may want to consider purchasing a backup in the event your original remote breaks or gets lost. Price at time of publish: $400 Product Details: Dimensions: 52 x 52 x 16.7 inches | Number of Blades: 5 | Material: Aluminum, alloy steel, resin, glass | Damp/Wet Rating: Damp-rated Best Without Lights Casa Vieja Casa Delta Wing Indoor Outdoor Ceiling Fan Amazon View On Amazon $280 View On Walmart $428 Why You Should Get It This fan boasts a gorgeous design that will work with a wide range of home aesthetics. Keep in Mind While it has outstanding airflow, this fan is not ideal for larger spaces. If you prefer the look of an outdoor ceiling fan without a lighting feature, this pick from Casa Vieja is an ideal choice. This 52-inch outdoor ceiling fan features a unique airplane-inspired design with three walnut-finish solid wood fan blades surrounding a motor with a bronze finish. This makes it a beautiful option for stylish midcentury homes, as well as spaces with western or industrial design aesthetics. The fan has a maximum slope of 25 degrees, which makes it mountable on slanted ceilings. When it comes to function, the fan gives you everything you need to create a cool and comfortable outdoor breeze. Choose from three different speeds, or use the reverse function to draw air upward, keeping outdoor temperatures comfortable during the cooler months. We also love that this quiet electric fan is damp-rated for use in moisture-laden locations such as covered porches and patios. It also comes with a convenient handheld remote control. Keep in mind that while the fan provides exceptional airflow, it’s not made for extra-large outdoor spaces. So, if you are looking for fan options for an oversized outdoor space, consider purchasing two fans or investing in a larger option, like the Big Ass Fans i6. Price at time of publish: $280 Product Details: Dimensions: 52 x 52 x 12 inches | Number of Blades: 3 | Material: Wood | Damp/Wet Rating: Damp-rated Best for Salty Air Hunter Fan Hunter Oceana Indoor Outdoor Ceiling Fan Amazon View On Amazon $450 View On Hunterfan.com Why You Should Get It This fan is corrosion-resistant and specifically designed to withstand harsh weather conditions that often come with coastal living. Keep in Mind Both the fan’s wall switch and remote control require batteries. Materials matter when it comes to selecting the best outdoor ceiling fan, especially in a seaside setting. This 52-inch wet-rated fan from Hunter is our pick for the best outdoor ceiling fan for salty air because of its heavy-duty corrosion-resistant aluminum construction made to withstand those fierce ocean breezes. The fan is equipped with a patented motor to deliver ultra-powerful airflow for high-speed cooling and quiet performance. Installing this fan is easy, too. The adjustable mount offers three different mounting options—standard, low, or angled—as well as 4-inch and 2-inch down rods to ensure ideal air movement for your space. Like other options on our list, the four-blade fan is reversible to keep your space cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. It also has a built-in energy-efficient, dimmable LED light that lets you control the illumination of your outdoor living space. Both the fan speeds and lighting can be controlled via a convenient remote and wall switch that allows you to easily turn the fan on/off and individually adjust the light brightness and fan speed quickly. You’ll want to note that the wall switch does require batteries, which means you’ll be removing it each time you change them. Price at time of publish: $450 Product Details: Dimensions: 52 x 52 x 14.85 inches | Number of Blades: 4 | Material: Aluminum, resin, glass, plastic, steel | Damp/Wet Rating: Wet-rated Best Rustic WWM Rustic Outdoor Ceiling Fan Amazon View On Amazon $220 Why You Should Get It This beautifully designed fan offers style and function, featuring a powerful noiseless motor that delivers ultra-quiet performance. Keep in Mind The light makes a short beeping sound each time you turn it on. For fans of that classic farmhouse design aesthetic that combines elements like reclaimed wood, traditional patterns, and vintage touches, look no further than this pick from WWM. The 52-inch Rustic Outdoor Ceiling Fan is the best outdoor ceiling fan to bring all those farmhouse decor elements from inside your home to the outside—making this fan ideal for homes with an indoor-outdoor living space. The fan features a gorgeous three-blade design in dark walnut or red walnut with a matte black finish. It also includes a light fixture adorned with a unique metal mesh cage. We like that you can use the light with or without the fan operating. Keep in mind that, while not loud, the light does make a beeping noise when you turn it on. With this damp-rated outdoor ceiling fan, you get a powerful and quiet motor that maximizes airflow, three-speed options (low, medium, and high), forward and reverse airflow functions, and convenient timer options for 1-, 3- or 6-hour cycles. It also comes equipped with three down-rods (5-, 10-, and 20-inch), which gives you different height options depending on your space. Regardless of the height you choose, this outdoor fan is easy to install and works stably without shaking even on high ceilings. Price at time of publish: $249 Product Details: Dimensions: 52 x 52 x 30 inches | Number of Blades: 3 | Material: Wood | Damp/Wet Rating: Damp-rated Best Modern Fanimation Kute Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan Amazon View On Amazon $396 Why You Should Get It This sleek outdoor fan provides impressive airflow, so you won’t need to compromise on performance to meet your design goals. Keep in Mind The LED light kit and Wi-Fi features are sold separately. If understated elegance best describes your preferred design aesthetic, we recommend this damp-rated pick from Fanimation. The Kute Outdoor Ceiling Fan gives you everything you need to create a comfortable modern outdoor living space. The ultra-quiet metal fan offers exceptional airflow, thanks to its powerful and ultra-quiet DC motor that was also designed to consume up to 70% less energy than other options. The three-blade fan is available in a 44- or 52-inch blade sweep, ideal for a wide range of outdoor spaces, and boasts a sleek matte black finish that looks great with contemporary design elements. The fan also features a reverse airflow option, which will help keep the temperature comfortable in warmer or cooler climates, six variable fan speeds, and a sleep timer. If you require lighting, the fan offers a 17-watt LED lighting kit (sold separately). There is also the option of pairing your fan with most smart home devices, though you’ll need to purchase controls which are also sold separately. This upgrade might be worth the investment as it will allow you to set up the fan’s Home Away feature, which can turn the light on and off at set intervals to simulate someone being home, as well as enable the Fresh-Air option, which offers additional variable speeds to simulate a natural breeze while lounging on your favorite patio furniture. Price at time of publish: $396 Product Details: Dimensions: 52 x 52 x 13.8 inches | Number of Blades: 3 | Material: Metal | Damp/Wet Rating: Damp-rated Best Industrial MINKA-AIRE F896-84-WHF Xtreme H2O 84 Inch Outdoor Ceiling Fan Amazon View On Amazon $590 View On Home Depot $590 Why You Should Get It It has six-speed options, along with blades that can circulate up to 84 inches, making this a great option for large spaces. Keep in Mind Because of its size, the speed options are lower than on smaller fans. If you’re looking for a solution to cool a larger outdoor space, this wet-rated model from Minka-Aire is the best outdoor ceiling fan. With eight coal-finish ABS plastic blades, this heavy-duty ceiling fan spans 84 inches and was specifically designed for outdoor spaces that can get particularly hot and humid. It's a great choice for warehouses, loading docks, greenhouses, and expansive decks that get a lot of direct sunlight. The quiet DC motor provides great airflow, while the convenient handheld remote lets you easily adjust between six different speeds and access the motor’s reverse and forward function depending on the season. You can also control full-range light dimming with the motor and set up voice-activated controls using the Bond BD-1000 hub, though those accessories are sold separately. Keep in mind that industrial fans run at a lower speed than other outdoor fans. However, they still deliver a continuous stream of airflow to larger spaces thanks to a powerful motor that’s meant to effectively cycle warmer air. It can be a more energy-efficient option than installing multiple smaller fans in one large space. Price at time of publish: $540 Product Details: Dimensions: 84 x 84 x 12.5 inches | Number of Blades: 8 | Material: ABS plastic | Damp/Wet Rating: Wet-rated Home Decorators Collection Natural Iron Ceiling Fan Walmart View On Walmart $130 View On Home Depot $191 Why You Should Get It It can be used both indoors and outside Keep In Mind The blades are black no matter what outside finish you choose. Small outdoor spaces like balconies and enclosed gazebos can often benefit from additional airflow. However, installing a large or even standard ceiling fan in these spaces isn’t always possible. That’s when a compact ceiling fan like this option from Home Decorators Collection can come in handy. The caged design has a modern/industrial vibe. It's 25 inches in diameter, meaning it should work best in spaces up to 250 square feet. An LED light with frosted glass cover is integrated into the design. Three fan speeds allow you to tailor air flow to your specific needs. You can choose from several finishes for the cage—gold, matte black, natural iron, and galvanized. Keep in mind, however, that the blades are black on all versions. The fan is damp-rated, meaning it's best used in covered outdoor areas (or indoors) where it won't be exposed directly to much rain or water. Product Details: Dimensions: 25x 25 x 13.86 inches | Number of Blades: 3 | Material: Steel | Damp/Wet Rating: Damp-rated The Bottom Line We chose the Honeywell Belmar as the best outdoor ceiling fan for its convenient, powerful performance, classic design, and easy installation. What to Know About Outdoor Ceiling Fans Before Shopping Dimensions Outdoor ceiling fans come in a variety of sizes and dimensions. Most commonly, standard outdoor ceiling fans come with a 52-inch blade span. Smaller options can range between an 18- to 20-inch blade span, while large commercial-grade models can come with an 84-inch blade span or larger. Number of Blades Most residential outdoor ceiling fans come with anywhere from two to five blades. Larger, industrial-style fans often have six to eight blades. Material The best outdoor ceiling fans are constructed from weather-resistant materials like aluminum, stainless steel, natural wood, and ABS plastic. It's important to consider the climate and location in which the fan will be used and choose the appropriate material. For example, in a coastal environment, stainless steel or aluminum is a good choice for corrosion resistance. If the fan will be exposed directly to rain or snow, it’s important to choose a fan with a sealed motor and finishes that are built to withstand the elements. Damp/Wet Rating Outdoor ceiling fans will either be damp- or wet-rated. Both types of fans are engineered to resist corrosion, but the difference is how much moisture they can tolerate. Damp-rated outdoor ceiling fans can be used in areas with some contact with moisture but not in areas with constant or direct exposure to water. This makes damp-rated fans a good option for screened-in patios or porches. Wet-rated outdoor ceiling fans are designed to handle direct exposure to the elements. This means that they are tested to withstand areas with heavy rain, ice, and snow, as well as strong ocean breezes. Wet-rated fans are ideal for exposed decks, gazebos, and pergolas. Your Questions, Answered What is the best material for outdoor ceiling fans? As previously mentioned by Farr, outdoor ceiling fans should be made of heavy-duty materials like galvanized steel, aluminum, or plastic. “These materials will stand up to sun and rain, so you won't have to worry about your fan rusting or corroding.” Farr also notes that you should also consider the style of fan you choose, as some materials may be better suited to certain fan types. “For instance, a metal fan can provide a more traditional look while plastic may be a better option for modern designs.” How many blades are best for an outdoor ceiling fan? The number of blades on typical residential outdoor ceiling fans can vary from two to five, depending on the size and type of fan, “a fan with more blades will move more air, but it may also be noisier,” says Farr. "If you're looking for a quieter fan, fewer blades might be the way to go.” It's important to note, however, that the diameter of the fan is also a factor in air movement and noise level. So, be sure to consider both factors when making your decision. Can you use an indoor ceiling fan outdoors? “No, you should not use an indoor ceiling fan outdoors,” says Farr. “Outdoor ceiling fans are designed to withstand the elements, while indoor fans are not.” Additionally, outdoor fans typically come with damp or wet ratings, which indicate how well the fan can handle moisture and humidity. Farr notes that Indoor ceiling fans do not hold these ratings and could be damaged if exposed to the elements. For your safety, make sure you use an outdoor ceiling fan specifically designed for that purpose. Who We Are This article was written by Adria Greenhauff, who has been writing about home, food, and lifestyle topics for more than a decade. To come up with this list, she researched the best outdoor ceiling fans on the market and interviewed Jason Farr, the CEO, and founder of Aviara Pavers, a design and outdoor living specialist company headquartered in Escondido, California. 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