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10 Best Outdoor Ceiling Fans To Snag in Time for Serious Summer Heat
Beat the heat in style.
With temperatures steadily on the rise, it's time to invest in an outdoor fan because, sadly, there's no such thing as alfresco air-conditioning. That said, the best outdoor ceiling fans tend to deliver a much-welcomed breeze that feels perfectly refreshing. To help you find the right one for your porch or patio, we chatted with Shani Core, founder and principal at her namesake interior design firm in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, to learn what she looks in an outdoor ceiling fan.
First off, Core is a big fan of installing them. "Besides the obvious cooling effect, outdoor ceiling fans are fantastic for keeping away bugs of all kinds," she says. "Another benefit, when placed near a barbeque or grilling station, is that smoke is cleared away very quickly."
Core's most helpful piece of advice when shopping for a fan you'll be using outside? "I take the exterior architecture into account as well as brand quality and ease of installation," she says. She's onto something here. Just like when you're shopping for a lamp or sofa, you'll want to think about the look of the rest of the space before buying a fan, which is as much about functionality as it is aesthetics.
While Core admits that she's not a huge fan of ceiling fans with included light kits, sometimes you need a two-in-one appliance that works effortlessly in your space—especially if your patio is on the small side. "The only time I have to sacrifice aesthetic for functionality is when there is no option for exterior lighting and I have to specify a light kit in a ceiling fan. Although I do my best to avoid this at all costs, sometimes recessed lighting and sconces are simply not an option," she notes. Regardless of the size or style of your outdoor oasis, a chic ceiling fan is a must, so peep our list below and prepare to cool off in style this summer.
Minka Aire Fans Gauguin Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan
Pros
- Three forward and reverse fan speeds
- Stainless steel supports
- Available in multiple finishes
- Weatherproof blades
Cons
- Expensive
Available in three finishes, including oiled bronze, flat white, and what Minka Aire Fans calls "Bahama Beige," this outdoor ceiling fan is a not-so-subtle nod to island living, and we're obsessed. It features four all-weather blades and stainless steel supports, making it strong enough to hold up against any inclement situations. It also connects to a full-function wall control that offers three forward and reverse speeds and advanced lighting options. In other words, this sophisticated pick sets the mood in all the right ways.
Number of Blades: 4
Wet Rating: Wet
Control Type: Wall switch
Beachcrest Home Gil 5-Blade LED Standard Ceiling Fan
Beachcrest Home Gil 5-Blade LED Standard Ceiling Fan
Pros
- Includes bulb
- Dimmable light source
- 5 speed settings
Cons
- Difficult assembly
With its rugged, nautical look, this Beachcrest Home ceiling fan is one of the best, which is why we put it at the top. Not only does it include a dimmable light, but it's also wet rated so you can install it even in areas that aren't enclosed. It's also remote controlled, making using it quite literally a breeze.
Number of Blades: 5
Wet Rating: Wet
Control Type: Remote control
Red Barrel Studio Steinsel 3-Blade Ceiling Fan
Pros
- Works on sloped ceilings
- Sturdy aluminum blades
- Four speed settings
Cons
- No light
With three 56-inch aluminum blades that can spin at four different speeds, this fan is the one for minimalists. It works in both wet and dry areas and on sloped ceilings, so there's really nothing stopping you from installing this stylish find ahead of summer. Did we mention that you can connect it to WiFi to turn it on and off through an app?
Number of Blades: 3
Wet Rating: Wet
Control Type: App or remote control
Honeywell Palm Valley Tropical 5-Blade Fan
Honeywell Palm Valley Tropical 5-Blade Fan
Pros
- Available in multiple finishes
- Multiple forward and reverse fan speeds
- Affordable
Cons
- Must use a pull chain
This Honeywell find is another tropical-inspired piece that we couldn't resist adding to our list. Looks aside, it's also budget friendly at just a touch over $100. It works best in spaces up to 400 square feet, but if you're outside you'll be able to enjoy a gentle breeze, which is what outdoor ceiling fans are for, right? This one comes in three finishes, including black, white, and the more natural option seen here. Like a few others on our list, its blades can run in two directions at several different speeds, so for extra-hot days, feel free to switch it to the fastest setting.
Number of Blades: 5
Wet Rating: Damp
Control Type: Pull chain
Obabala Ceiling Fan with Lights
Pros
- Available in multiple finishes and styles
- Includes dimmable LED light
- Six speed settings
Cons
- Assembly instructions are difficult to understand
On sale for $100 off, this sleek fan is available in 18 finishes and styles, so there are plenty of options to consider when shopping for your outdoor space. Our personal favorite? The walnut blades combined with a matte black rod. No matter which variation you get, it will come with a dimmable LED light kit so you can enjoy alfresco feasts that last well beyond sundown.
Number of Blades: 3
Wet Rating: Damp
Control Type: Pull chain
Rejuvenation Kestrel Ceiling Fan
Pros
- Includes energy-efficient dimmable LED light
- Six speed settings
- Available in multiple colors
Cons
- Professional installation recommended
These funky little fans, which come in black and white, are some of our favorites. Here's the thing, though: The blades are less than 10 inches long, so unless you opt for several, it won't really cool you down unless you're sitting under it. That said, if you have a little outdoor cove, pool house, or any other small outdoor space, the Kestrel is the perfect get. Plus, it comes with an energy-efficient dimmable LED light.
Number of Blades: 3
Wet Rating: Damp
Control Type: Wall control
Hinkley Marin LED Ceiling Fan
Pros
- Fan blades can run in reverse
- Six speed settings
- Available in multiple finishes
Cons
- Expensive
Since its inception in 1922, Hinkley has been crafting classic lighting with a slightly nautical feel—though the lighting brand has no connection to Hinckley Yachts. The Marin LED ceiling fan is one of our favorite Hinkley products because it's equal parts fashion and function. Though it's available in three finishes, the most stylish element is easily the weathered rope wrapped around the body. As for the fan, it can run at six different speeds and in reverse.
Number of Blades: 3
Wet Rating: Damp
Control Type: Wall control
Wrought Studio Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan
Pros
- Quiet motor
- Fan blades can run in reverse
- Six speed settings
Cons
- No light
Complete with simple, gently curved lines, this transitional ceiling fan is so versatile that it can work in just about any space—as long as it's covered. Though it looks like it can handle some wear and tear, it can't get wet.
Number of Blades: 3
Wet Rating: Damp
Control Type: Remote control
Possini Euro Design Modern 3-Blade Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan
Possini Euro Design Modern 3-Blade Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan
Pros
- Covers 60-inch blade span
- Includes dimmable LED light
Cons
- Requires professional installation
Though this modern ceiling fan looks simple, it's quite difficult to install because it's hard-wired. So if you're opting for this fan favorite, you may want to consult an licensed electrician to get it up and running. Once it's installed, though, it will easily become your favorite design element.
Number of Blades: 3
Wet Rating: Damp
Control Type: Remote control
Pottery Barn Henry Ceiling Fan
Pros
- WiFi and Bluetooth compatible
- Includes dimmable LED light
Cons
- Expensive
Another petite find we couldn't help but include, the Henry ceiling fan finds the halfway point between retro and contemporary. It's old-school in its appearance but brand-new in the way it operates. For instance, it's WiFi and Bluetooth compatible, so there's no need to reach for a remote to switch it on or off. It also comes with a dimmable LED light for late nights outside.
Number of Blades: 3
Wet Rating: Damp
Control Type: Remote control or app
What To Know About the Best Outdoor Ceiling Fans
When it comes to investing in a ceiling fan—especially if you plan on installing it outdoors—there are a number of factors to consider. Ahead, we break down what we’d consider the three most essential elements.
Number of Blades: Contrary to popular belief, the number of blades doesn't necessarily determine the intensity of the breeze. Instead, they contribute to a fan's sound. The fewer blades there are, the louder the fan's hum tends to be. If it's outside, though, the noise will hardly matter.
Wet Rating: A fan's wet rating is perhaps the most important element because it determines whether or not your outdoor fan needs to be in a covered area. A fan with a wet rating can survive and function uncovered no matter how much rain or snow it's exposed to. A fan with a damp rating, on the other hand, can handle the mist from nearby rain but not direct rain. A regular interior fan is a bad idea. Core says, "An interior fan will rust and warp in the humidity."
Control Type: Some fans are hardwired and controlled by way of a wall switch, others are connected to a remote control, and a few are Bluetooth or WiFi compatible. One control method is hardly better than another; it's all about what you find most convenient to use.
Assembly: "If you have a sloped ceiling, make sure the ceiling fan you choose comes with a coordinating down rod," Core adds. "Not all manufacturers offer down rods, and you’ll need to measure the height to determine the appropriate size. It's best to order too long and have your electrician cut down."
How Many Blades Should an Outdoor Fan Have?
Most traditional ceiling fans have five blades, but five isn't necessarily the magic number. Plenty of fans have three or four blades, and they work just as well as the ones that have five. We want to debunk a common myth about the blades: The blades do not correspond to the amount of breeze you'll get from the fan. The strength of the breeze has more to do with the fan speed than it does the number of blades, so if you see a three-bladed fan you love but are hesitant, just make sure it boasts a few speed settings.
Why Trust Us?
Shani Core founded her full-service design firm in 2016. Since then, she has completed more than 40 projects across the U.S. She specializes in luxury residential interiors. Because she's based in Florida, where indoor-outdoor living is a must, you can trust that she knows how to keep an alfresco area cool.
Jessica Cherner is House Beautiful’s associate shopping editor and knows where to find the best high-low pieces for any room.
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