7 Best High-Velocity Fans to Cope with the Most Difficult Tasks

By
Carolina Evans
Carolina Evans
Research Writer
Holds a Master’s degree in Engineering and is keen on her own home’s climate. Sometimes we think that Carolina owns every single product she writes about – that’s ho read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Richard Powell
Richard Powell
Expert Consultant
For 8 years, Richard had been working as an HVAC specialist and AC unit installer since his student years. Now, he’s our main consultant on every technical aspect that may read more
Last updated: August 20, 2023
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If you’re dealing with some intense heat and humidity, a small desk fan just won’t keep up. For these uncomfortably stuffy areas, the best high velocity fan is a great option for cooling down a room and keeping you from overheating. They are great for larger areas, plus are powerful enough to double as a white noise machine if needed. You can use them in your home, office, or workspace. As well as cooling you down, they can also be used for ventilation or drying if needed.

When choosing one of these fans, there are a few features you may want to check out to ensure you’re getting what you want. The blade size is one, as longer, wider blades create more airflow. How many speeds it offers is also something to look into, so you know how well it will perform in all situations. The dimensions of the fan tell you how well it will fit in the space you have available in your home.

If you’re in the market for the best high-velocity fan, it may be hard to choose the right one, especially with so many brands and models to choose from. To make your decision a bit easier, we spent countless hours checking out manufacturer information, looking over product features, and reading all the customer reviews we could find. Then we picked the 7 best ones with the Lasko H20685 as our Editor’s Choice, created a comparison table for them, and added in-depth reviews. We also put in a buying guide at the end to help make your decision even easier.

Quick Summary

  • Editor’s Choice: Lasko H20685
    "A reliable unit with a 3,100 CFM airflow that can be used both as a floor and a wall-mounted model depending on your needs and space available"
  • Best Shop Fan: XPOWER FC-300
    "Unlike others, this fan has a whopping 4 speed settings to choose from and features a 360-degree tilting head to direct it anywhere you need"
  • Budget Pick: Patton PUF1810C-BM
    "An affordable fan that features 18-inch blades, a tilt adjustable head, and powder-coated finish for longevity"
  • Best High Velocity Pedestal Fan: Hurricane Pro High Velocity Metal Stand Fan
    "A pedestal fan that works wonders with its 4,500 CFM airflow; boasts of an adjustable height of 39-54 inches"
  • Best High Velocity Reversible Fan: Air King 9155
    "A window fan that can blow the air both in and out with 3 speed settings to choose from for each direction"
  • Best High Velocity Floor Fan: Master PROFESSIONAL MAC-12F
    "A compact solution for small hot spaces that need a powerful appliance; features 12-inch blades, eye-catching design, and 3 speeds"
  • Best Lasko High Velocity Fan: Lasko Stanley 655704
    "Another outstanding model from Lasko that apart from a powerful motor, features 2 built-in additional outlets to use other appliances at the same time"

Top 7 High-Velocity Fans Review 2024

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5634 people in the past 30 days
9.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.6
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.5
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.4
9.8
1
Editor’s Choice

Lasko H20685

Features
  • Blade size: 20 inches
  • Airflow: 3,100 CFM
  • Settings: 3
  • Dimensions: 22 x 22 x 7 inches
  • Warranty: 1-year limited

More features: wall mount option; built-in carry handle; rubber pads

There are many reasons that the Lasko H20685 is one of the top models on the market. It is durable, with a metal fan cage and tubular steel for the stand. Built-in rubber pads on the bottom of the stand allow you to safely put it on the floor of your home, as well as in your shop or office space as needed.

If you prefer to save your floor space, this model also includes a QuickMount bracket that you can attach to the wall. The fan’s stand clips right into that bracket, holding your fan in place and keeping it out of the way while it cools down the room. This fan can pivot up and down, plus you can adjust it to the sides as needed when it’s mounted on the wall.

There are three powerful fan speeds to choose from, which can be altered using the simple controls on the side of the fan. For added convenience, there is also a wireless remote control that you can use to alter the speed settings or turn it on and off.

Another handy feature included with this high-velocity fan is the added handle, which is comfortable to hold as you move it anywhere you need it in your home, workspace, or garage. It also includes a Blue Plug Safety Fuse, which shuts off the fan if a hazardous electrical fault is detected.

    What are our favorite features?
  • Wireless remote control
  • Wall-mount option
  • Durable construction
  • Safety plug
    What could be better?
  • A bit noisy
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 6757 people in the past 30 days
9.6
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.4
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.2
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.4
9.6
2
Best Shop Fan

XPOWER FC-300

Features
  • Blade size: 14 inches
  • Airflow: 2,100 CFM
  • Settings: 4
  • Dimensions: 18.6 x 19.2 x 9.4 inches
  • Warranty: not specified

More features: 360º multidirectional airflow

If you’re looking for the best high-velocity shop fan, you can’t go wrong with the XPOWER FC-300. It includes a ¼ HP motor which gives you amazing performance without raising your energy bill too much. In fact, it only draws 1.5 amps while giving you 2,100 CFM.

This model is built to handle some rugged use, with durable housing and a sturdy stand for use in a shop, on a job site, or in a basement. The fan rotates a full 360 degrees, so you can point it right at the floor for drying up flooded areas, at the ceiling, or in any other direction that you need the high-velocity airflow.

There is a ten-foot heavy-duty cord on this fan, with a wrap-around design that makes it easy to store the whole piece when not needed. There is also a Grab-N-Go handle for carrying the fan when needed.

The controls are simple to use, with two dials, both located on top of the fan. The first one is for the speed settings, which allows you to choose one of four options, depending on how much airflow you need at any given time. The second dial is the three-hour Set-N-Forget Timer. This allows you to run the fan for up to three hours and when the time is up, the fan turns itself off, so you don’t need to hang around waiting to do it manually.

    What are its best features?
  • 360-degree rotation
  • Energy efficient
  • Four speed settings
  • Timer
    What could be improved?
  • Expensive
  • Quite loud on higher settings
Also Product Ranking:
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9039 people in the past 30 days
9.0
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.8
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.5
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.8
9.0
3
Budget Pick

Patton PUF1810C-BM

Features
  • Blade size: 18 inches
  • Airflow: 2,200 CFM
  • Settings: 3
  • Dimensions: 20.9 x 20.9 x 9.6 inches
  • Warranty: 10-year limited

More features: tilt adjustable head; powder-coated finish

You don’t need to spend a pile of money to get a decent high-velocity fan. The Patton PUF1810C-BM is built well, with a stylish design and some great features that make it a quality unit for anyone who needs a fan, no matter how much room there is in their budget.

This model has three large 18-inch blades that work with a powerful motor to give you amazing airflow. There are three speed settings as well, including low, medium, and high, so you can choose the right one to cool you down, ventilate stuffy areas, or dry out some paint or dampness from flooding.

Another great feature is the metal construction with a powder-coated finish, which makes this fan durable and strong, so you can use it on a job site, in your basement, or anywhere else you need it. It is also easy to take it apart if it gets dirty, so cleaning it is a breeze.

The head of this fan is adjustable, so you can tilt it in any direction you like, even straight up. It uses a bolt for this, though, so you do need to use some tools to loosen it up before you can adjust the direction of the airflow. On the back of the fan head are the controls for speed adjustments, as well as a carry handle for moving it easily. There are also 14- and 20-inch versions available for added convenience.

    What stands out?
  • Great low price
  • Metal construction
  • Large blade diameter
  • Easy to clean
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • Hard to adjust the tilt
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2715 people in the past 30 days
8.9
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.8
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.5
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.6
8.9
4
Best High Velocity Pedestal Fan

Hurricane Pro High Velocity Metal Stand Fan

Features
  • Blade size: 20 inches
  • Airflow: 4,500 CFM
  • Settings: 3
  • Dimensions: 39 x 24 x 13 inches
  • Warranty: 1-year limited

More features: 39-54 inches adjustable height

The best high velocity pedestal fan for your home needs to be well-built and sturdy while it produces a lot of air. The Hurricane Pro High Velocity Metal Stand Fan is sturdy, with metal construction and a powder-coated finish for increased durability, which allows you to use in more rugged settings as well as in your living room or kitchen.

The base is weighted to keep it firmly in place, no matter where you place it. The stand is adjustable, with a range of 39 to 54 inches, so you can make it as short or tall as you need it. The 20-inch blades are aluminum, adding to the strength of this high velocity fan.

You can set the fan to point in one direction or turn on the oscillation to move the air around the entire space. It also has a tilt adjustment, using the knobs on the stand right behind the cage. Some find these knobs tricky to use, making it a bit difficult to set the adjustment where you need it, though this just may take some getting used to. Together, these two features give you multi-directional airflow anywhere you need it.

There are three settings to choose from, all of which produce plenty of airflow. Even the higher settings aren’t very loud, either, so you don’t need to scream over it to make yourself heard, even when talking right next to it.

    What are our favorite features?
  • Heavy-duty construction
  • Adjustable height
  • Weighted base
  • Easy to assemble
    What could be better?
  • A bit pricey
  • Hard to adjust tilt
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9266 people in the past 30 days
8.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.6
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.7
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.4
8.8
5
Best High Velocity Reversible Fan

Air King 9155

Features
  • Blade size: 16 inches
  • Airflow: 2,470 CFM
  • Settings: 3
  • Dimensions: 26.5 x 22 x 8.25 inches
  • Warranty: 1-year limited

More features: high impact styrene housing; ABS plastic blade; reversible

If you’re looking for the best high-velocity window fan for your home or garage, the Air King 9155 is a good model to check out. It is lightweight, easy to install, and has a few key features that make it a top choice for many people.

First, this model is constructed using high-impact styrene for the housing, which is lightweight without making the unit overly flimsy. The blades are ABS plastic, with a metal front grill covering them to keep little hands away from the spinning blades. The motor on the back isn’t fully enclosed, so you may need to clean it quite often.

The side panels are adjustable, fitting in windows that are 26.5 to 34.5 inches wide and 22 inches high. Instead of fitting beneath the window glass, it attaches right to the frame, so you can leave it in place and still close the window behind it. This means you don’t need to take the whole unit out when it starts to rain. The downside is that the screws included to install it are a bit flimsy, so you may need to replace them with some better ones.

As well as blowing air into your home to cool it down, this high-velocity fan can also be reversed for use as an exhaust fan, blowing the air out the window instead. Both directions have three speed settings to choose from for added convenience.

    What makes it stand out?
  • Reversible airflow
  • Permanent window placement
  • Easy installation
  • Lightweight
    Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
  • Low-quality screws for side panels
  • Motor isn’t fully enclosed
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2074 people in the past 30 days
8.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.2
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.3
8.5
6
Best High Velocity Floor Fan

Master PROFESSIONAL MAC-12F

Features
  • Blade size: 12 inches
  • Airflow: 1,500 CFM
  • Settings: 3
  • Dimensions: 16.9 x 19.2 x 9.4 inches
  • Warranty: 1-year limited

More features: 6-foot power cord

If you want the best high-velocity fan for white noise in your home or office, you may want to check out the Master PROFESSIONAL MAC-12F. It is compact and lightweight, so you can fit it almost anywhere, plus take it with you on the road if needed. This model also has three fan speeds, though even on the highest setting they don’t run any louder than a computer cooling fan, so won’t disturb even the most sound-sensitive members of your household.

This high-velocity fan is durable, with steel construction for the cage and the stand. Even the 12-inch blades are metal, which makes them extra-strong, though you should probably keep little ones or pets away from this fan to prevent injury. The direct-drive motor also has all-metal construction, so you don’t need to worry about it falling apart, even if you use it every day.

The control panel is located on the back of the fan, which may disrupt the flow of air a bit. It is easy to use, though, with four buttons, one for each of the speed settings and another to turn the fan off.

Located on the sides of the fan cage are two knobs that allow you to adjust the angle of the fan quickly and easily. A long six-foot cord gives you plenty of room to plug the fan in, no matter where you’re using it.

    Why did it make our list?
  • Steel construction
  • Easy tilt adjustment
  • Compact size
  • Powerful
    What is not ideal about it?
  • Large control panel
  • Metal blades potentially dangerous for kids or pets
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7329 people in the past 30 days
8.4
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.2
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.2
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.2
8.4
7
Best Lasko High Velocity Fan

Lasko Stanley 655704

Features
  • Blade size: 12.2 inches
  • Airflow: not specified
  • Settings: 3
  • Dimensions: 12.2 x 12.3 x 9.6 inches
  • Warranty: 1-year limited

More features: 2 built-in additional outlets; wide pivot angle; 10-foot power cord

The Lasko Stanley 655704 has a lot of great features that make it a great choice for your job site, shop, or even your home. It is powerful enough to cool you down, ventilate the area, or dry out dampness from some unexpected flooding.

This model has three high-velocity speeds to choose from, controlled using a simple dial on the side of the fan. The high speed is a bit noisy, sort of like a white noise machine, which may be soothing or annoying, depending on how quiet you like your fan to run.

There is a pivoting head, which allows you to direct the airflow in any direction you want. The wide angle is easy to adjust, too, so it takes very little effort to point the blower exactly where you need it, including the floor, ceiling, and everything in between.

Next to the control dial are two built-in power outlets, which allows you to plug in power tools, lamps, or even your cell phone charger right into the fan. This means you don’t have to hunt around for an extension cord, which makes this model even more convenient.

The Lasko Stanley 655704 comes fully assembled, with a durable plastic build and an easy-grip carry handle for moving the unit wherever you need it. The power cord is ten feet long and includes a circuit breaker with a reset and a grounded plug for added safety.

    What makes it special?
  • Three fan speeds
  • Dual built-in outlets
  • Pivoting head
  • Lightweight
    What cons did we find?
  • A bit noisy

Things to Consider

If it’s hot outside, chances are, it’s going to be hot inside as well, so you’re going to need a fan that can keep up, cooling you down and keeping the room you’re in comfortable all day long. That’s where a high-velocity fan comes in. They are powerful, moving the air much faster than a smaller desk fan or a ceiling fan would do. If you’re interested in the best high-velocity fan, check out the sections below to ensure you’re getting the right models for you.

Why a high-velocity model?

There are a lot of reasons to choose a high-velocity fan for your home. The main one is they are very powerful, moving the air quickly to cool down even larger rooms. This may even reduce how often you’ll need to run your A/C unit, which can save you some money on your energy bills since the fans use less energy to run than an air conditioner would.

Another great thing about a high-velocity fan is that they are still relatively quiet, even on the higher speeds. At their loudest, they sound like a white noise machine, which can be comforting, blocking out the sounds of the street or your neighbors. Many people find this relaxing, making this fan a great addition to their home.

Due to their large size, these fans are also handy for use in workspaces or on a job site. If there are odors or chemicals used, high-velocity fans can help clear out the air, reducing exhaust fumes or paint odors. They can also dry out areas that have been flooded much quicker than if they were left to dry naturally.

Features to consider while choosing a high-velocity fan

7 Best High-Velocity Fans to Cope with the Most Difficult TasksIf you’re thinking about purchasing a new high-velocity fan, there are a few features you may want to look into to ensure you’re getting exactly what you need in your new fan.

Blade size

The blade size determines the amount of airflow the fan can produce. The wider and longer the blades are, the more air the fan can generate. This lets them cool down the area faster, which is essential when in a large area that is overheating due to hot weather. The Master PROFESSIONAL MAC-12F has 12-inch blades, so will work fine in most rooms, but the 20-inch blades on the Hurricane Pro High Velocity Metal Stand Fan will clear out the hot air and cool you down twice as fast, keeping everybody comfortable.

Airflow

The airflow of any high-velocity fan is displayed using CFM, or cubic feet per minute. The larger the room is, the more airflow you’ll need to keep it cool. You may also want to look at the type of space you’ll be using the fan in. For instance, your home will be well insulated against both cold and hot temperatures, so you won’t need that high of airflow to keep it cool. A model like the XPOWER FC-300 will work fine in your living areas for this reason.

A garage or a shop will likely be much hotter, especially if you’re running any equipment that will raise the temperature of the already-warm room. For these areas, a high CFM fan will produce the airflow needed to keep you cool while you work, plus will clear out any fumes or dry any damp surfaces much quicker than a fan with a lower CFM will do.

Number of settings/speeds

Most of the high-velocity fans on the market have three speed settings, which include low, medium, and high. Some models, like the XPOWER FC-300, add a fourth setting, labeled turbo or something similar. These speed settings give you some options on how fast you can run the fan. If the space you’re using it in is relatively cool and you’re just using the fan to maintain that temperature, the lower fan speed will be fine. For those extra hot spaces or those areas that may need the air cleared out of fumes to make it safe to work in there, the high setting is best. The more settings or speeds you have to choose from, the more versatile the fan is, making it easier to use it anywhere you need it.

If it’s a floor, wall-mounted, or pedestal model

7 Best High-Velocity Fans to Cope with the Most Difficult TasksThe type of fan you’re choosing depends a lot on where exactly you’ll be using it and how much space you have available. If you have a lot of floor space, there are several floor fans available in varying sizes, so you can place it anywhere you need it. You can also position it in numerous ways to produce the airflow you need.

The Hurricane Pro High Velocity Metal Stand Fan and other pedestal fans also sit on the floor, but they have thin stands and sturdy bases, raising the fan off the ground. This alters the airflow as well, keeping it higher, which is a must if you’re standing most of the time. You’d likely rather have the air blowing across your body than over your feet and legs, plus it cools down anything you may have on tables or shelves, which is a must when working with equipment that runs a bit warm.

High-velocity fans that you can mount on the wall, such as the Lasko H20685, are even more convenient, as they can be hung out of the way. This makes them great choices for those areas that have limited floor space available but still need a fan to cool it down.

There is also one more option in the high-velocity fan type. This is a window model, like the Air King 9155. These are perfect for those spaces that have no floor or wall space available, as they fit right into your existing window. Some of them can even stay in place even with the window closed, so you don’t need to constantly be pulling them out on rainy days and putting them back in when the sun comes out. Many of these models are also reversible, allowing them to blow air when you need to cool down or suck the air out of the room if there are unwanted fumes inside, clearing them out to keep you from getting sick.

Tilt angle

A fan that blows straight ahead is fine if you can point it in the direction you need it, but there are times when your airflow direction needs to change. A fan that has an adjustable tilt makes it easier to get the air moving exactly as you need it. For instance, if there is flooding and you need your floor dried quickly to reduce damage and mold, 360-degree tilt options allow you to point the fan directly as the floor below it. Not only does this dry out the area right underneath the fan, but it also disperses the air over the floor nearby, drying a larger area at once. Painted walls and ceilings also dry faster with a bit of air movement, so adjusting the tilt to a newly painted area, no matter where it is, speeds up the process so you can do extra coats much faster.

Dimensions

When choosing the right high-velocity fan for your specific needs, you may want to check out the dimensions of the models you’re considering. This is because these types of fans come in a few shapes and sizes. The larger the fan, the more room it’s going to take up. If you have a large, spacious shop that you’ll be using the fan in, a larger model won’t be an issue. Those with limited space or a cluttered area will likely need to choose a smaller model, like the Lasko H20685. This little model won’t take up too much space and is still powerful enough to give you the airflow you need for most situations.

Larger rooms will need higher airflow, though, so be sure to get the right size of fan for the job needed.

Warranty

High-velocity fans are usually built with powerful motors and durable parts. Of course, even the best manufacturers can make mistakes now and then, resulting in fans that aren’t working as they are supposed to. Parts that look good may also have some flaws that cause them to break down long before they should. For these reasons, you need to check out the warranty on any product you buy, including high-velocity fans. The longer the timeframe on the warranty and the more it covers, the better off you are when your new fan no longer performs as is intended. A one-year limited warranty is quite common, as you’ll notice from the reviews above. Of course, every once in a while, you’ll find a product with a bit more to offer in this area, like the ten-year limited warranty on the Patton PUF1810C-BM, giving you a bit more breathing room to really test out your high-velocity fan.

Extra features

7 Best High-Velocity Fans to Cope with the Most Difficult TasksThe main purpose of high-velocity fans is to give you the highest airflow possible, but there are a few extra features that make these products even better. One is the construction material. Though plastic is fine in many situations, if you’re hauling your new fan around to job sites or using it in a more rugged setting, you may want it to be constructed of some more durable materials. Metals like aluminum or stainless steel will add some extra strength to the stand and cage. Some type of finish will also increase the durability, adding some water and rust resistance to the fan’s body.

For those in need of portable models, handles are a great addition, allowing you to carry them from place to place, plus making it easier to lift the fan in and out of a truck bed. Inbuilt outlets are also handy to have, especially if you don’t have enough outlets for everything. This also saves you some money since you don’t need to buy extra extension cords to plug in your other appliances or equipment.

FAQ

How loud are such fans?

In most cases, the larger the high-velocity fan is, the more powerful the airflow will be. Both of these factors contribute to the noise level these models produce. Of course, the more modern products are actually designed to stay below a certain decibel level, making them much quieter than fans sold years ago. Most of the high-velocity fans on the market are about as loud as a white noise machine, even on their highest speed settings, so you likely won’t be too disturbed by them, unless you are extremely sensitive to noise.

How is a high-velocity fan different from a regular one?

The main difference between a high-velocity fan and a regular one is the power each one is known for. Smaller fans are fine for small areas, like bedrooms or small offices, giving you some airflow at lower capacities. High-velocity fans are much more powerful, with stronger motors and higher CFM rates. They can cool down larger rooms in very little time, giving you more airflow on the lowest setting than a regular fan can do on its highest speed.

Which model can be wall-mounted as well?

If you’re interested in a wall-mounted model, there is only one on our list with this capability, the Lasko H20685. As well as the stand for floor use, this fan includes a bracket that you can attach to the wall, which allows you to hook the stand over it. This makes this model a bit more versatile, adding to its uses and giving you more options on where you can place it. Because it doesn’t lock in place, you can also move it from floor to wall quickly and easily if needed without unscrewing any pieces.

Our verdict

There are many high-velocity fans on the market, all with high CFM levels and great features. If you’re unsure which one is right for you, here are our three favorite models.

Our top choice is the Lasko H20685, which boasts of 20-inch blades, 3,100 CFM, and three speed options. It uses metal for the cage and floor stand, plus it includes a QuickMount bracket for wall mounting and rubber pads for floor use. Our pick for the Best Shop Fan goes to the XPOWER FC-300. This model is extremely versatile with its four speed settings and the 360º multidirectional airflow feature which allows it to provide you with both a light breeze and a powerful solution for flood damage restoration.

This model also comes with a wireless remote for easy setting changes.

The Lasko Stanley 655704 is also a great model, due to its compact size, pivoting head, and the long power cord. It also has three speed settings that can be adjusted using the simple dial control, a carry handle, and two power outlets for added convenience.

9,8
Total Score
Lasko H20685 - Editor’s Choice
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