If you hope to enjoy a refreshing breeze that keeps the scalding summer temperatures at bay, then you need to invest in the best outdoor ceiling fan which is a lot sturdier than conventional ceiling models and is also corrosion-resistant to withstand humidity and natural elements. These airflow appliances will also add style to your deck or patio.
We have outlined the main features you should factor in as you sift through the numerous models on the market. The features you should look for are the outdoor usage rating, fan size, number of blades, and whether your prospective outdoor ceiling fan has a light bulb. The outdoor usage rating will help you to establish if the product can safely endure all types of weather whereas the size of the outdoor ceiling fan will influence the range of its coverage. The number of blades should not be overlooked because it determines the speed and noise of the fan as well as the volume of air circulated. Lastly, an outdoor ceiling fan with a light bulb illuminates your porch, and since most of them come with varied dimming settings, you can adjust the light to your preference.
Now let’s get to the structure of this review, which we compiled after researching numerous ceiling fans and feedback from customers and experts. The review consists of a comparison table, extensive analysis of the features of each product we have recommended, an all-inclusive buying guide which details the key features to prioritize before making your purchase, and a summary of our top three picks.
More features: 4-speed reversible motor, oil-rubbed bronze finish
While the design of this ceiling fan is appealing and of high quality, it stands to be a durable product that will last longer. And installation? It’s super quick. All thanks to the “Quick 2 Hang” technology, the ceiling fan can be assembled without the help of any professional. You have to get the motor housing attached to the fan blades, and it’s all set. The Palm Coast Honeywell Duval Ceiling Fan ushers in beautiful tranquility to your home as it features a quiet reversible motor. It can rotate to supply your room with warm air during the winter due to its reversible motor, and it won’t disturb you with any noise.
The Palm Coast Honeywell Duval Ceiling Fan fetches a whimsical vibe to your outdoor setting with its five rounded, textured blades. If you have a front porch, you need a fan like this to inject tropical vibes into the space. This Palm Coast Honeywell Duval Fan is best suitable for medium and large spaces. It is befitting for common areas, dining room, living room, bedroom, and any other indoor or outdoor areas that may need warmth or coolness. You’ll also find this ceiling fan very convenient to use if you have any Honeywell remote, as it can be used to adjust the settings.
More features: remote control included; 2 speeds
Minka-Aire Xtreme H20 is designed to cool massive outdoor spaces for optimal comfort in all seasons. It boasts of an assortment of formidable features which makes it a suitable contender for the best ceiling fan for outdoor patios and porches. These noteworthy features include eight whopping blades with a diameter of 65 inches and a pitch of 9 degrees and six variable speed levels which offer you more control over the intensity and coverage of air circulation. Coupled with a powerful motor with low consumption of 40 watts, this UL-listed unit has a high airflow rate of 5,748 CFM, making it the best output outdoor ceiling fan for large outdoor spaces.
It comes with a 12V battery for the handheld remote control which can be optionally mounted to a wall and a reversible switch that allows you to switch the direction of the ceiling fan to circulate air upwards or downwards and the included remote control
To live up to its wet rating which allows installation in both covered and non-covered outdoor areas, the 65-inch model features ABS blades and a variety of long-lasting construction material such as flat white, brushed nickel, coal, or oil rubbed bronze.
In addition to the six-inch rod included in the package, this versatile outdoor ceiling fan can also be configured with down rods measuring 60, 48, 36, 24, 12 or 3.5 inches which are sold separately. However, it does not include a light kit.
Another unique quality which makes this model one of the most fantastic outdoor ceiling fans for windy conditions is its compatibility with the BOND add-on from Minka that enables the fan to connect with Wi-Fi, Alexa or Google Assistant so you can operate the fan from wherever you are.
More features: leaf design blades, mahogany finish
This ourdoor ceiling fan from Westinghouse Lighting is wet rated and designed to safely operate in an outdoor environment, particularly patios, verandahs, and gazebos, as well as in small rooms with coverage of up to 144 square feet.
Upon purchase, you will receive Westinghouse Lighting 7861920 Oasis Ceiling Fan with a lantern-fashioned light kit consisting of a 60-watt bulb, a light fixture with yellow alabaster glass and a candelabra base, and a lead wire and down rod for installation. A remote control is available for separate purchase.
The motor consumes only 57 watts to redistribute air at 4,305 cubic feet per minute (CFM). This translates to a high airflow efficiency rate of 76 CFM per watt. To put this into perspective, when outdoor ceiling fans with a diameter of 36 to 48 inches are operating on their highest speed setting, they have airflow efficiency of approximately 71 to 86 CFM per watt.
This outdoor ceiling fan can be mounted in the standard or angled position and its motor has a reversible switch which changes the fan’s spinning direction to match your preference and the cooling needs of the current season.
To resist corrosion and natural elements, this ceiling fan features five leaf-shaped blades made of ABS resin, and mahogany finish and exterior finished with elegant oil rubbed bronze.
Buyers like the modern appearance, wet rating, and the well-labeled pull chain which eases operation although set up can be a bit of a hassle.
More features: remote or wall control adaptable; 4.5-inch down rod included
Wet rated outdoor ceiling fans are versatile because they can be used in areas that are prone to changes in humidity and weather. Emerson CF542ORB Outdoor Ceiling Fan is one such model which comes with an exterior and blades made of oil rubbed bronze to hold up to fluctuating climate.
We were pretty cynical about the relatively small ceiling fan size of 42 inches but it makes up for this with more blades and a 53-watt motor which moves air at a rate of 4,421 cubic feet per minute (CFM). This speed can be adjusted to three different levels by using the pull chain and the reverse switch on the motor offers more customizable choices for different types of seasons.
As well as the five weatherproof blades, this outdoor ceiling fan is packaged with a 4.5-inch downrod, pull chain for manual control, and an instruction manual that makes the set up process a breeze, pun intended.
One of the best qualities of this model which earns it high ratings as the best ceiling fan for an outdoor porch is the large capacity for upgrade with several accessories which are sold separately by the Company. These add-on components include Emerson wall control with four speed options, light fixtures, a remote control for convenient adjustment of light and speed, longer down rods for high ceilings, and an Emerson sloped ceiling kit for owner mounting on cathedral and sloped ceilings.
More features: 5,009 CFM airflow; oil rubbed bronze finish; 3 speeds; remote control
Perfectly combining thermal regulation and lighting function in one element, this beautiful ceiling fan can give your living room or bedroom an aesthetic lift. With simultaneous or separate functions, it combines a modern ceiling fan with two 60 W A15 bulbs.
The ceiling fan can fulfill its role even in large rooms. It has 5 blades that measure 52 inches each in diameter. Added to this, this ceiling fan allows you to choose between three air distribution functions.
It can help you to cool off on hot days thanks to the creation of an air current (airflow towards the ground). Note that the fan cannot blow multi-directionally.
The Casa Breeze fan is a silent ceiling fan with remote control as it has been designed for great ergonomics. Very practical, the light and the fan speed are controlled remotely. Its bronze-colored blades will adapt to the decoration of the room in which you will install it.
Considering its combinations of function and power, this makes it a ceiling fan with heavy weight. Its installation will not be the easiest.
The bronze color of this ceiling fan makes it a luxury tool for your room. It will fit perfectly into any style of decoration.
More features: can be mounted up to 21° with the included adapter
At 25 pounds of weight, our Upgrade Pick is pretty hefty, but this is expected to accommodate the advanced features required to perform the herculean task of controlling heat levels during sweltering summer seasons as well as the sturdy steel construction which makes this outdoor ceiling fan great in windy conditions and other types of weather. The four blades are made of weatherproof natural palm composite. The 52-inch blades have a pitch of 14 degrees.
Minka-Aire Gauguin Ceiling Fan is a wet rated model which has been approved by UL for energy efficiency. The 50-watt halogen bulb generates soft, white light which can be set to five different levels to dim it or to increase illumination. What’s more, lighting is optional so you can turn it off without interfering with the operations of this ceiling fan.
There are three speed settings which can be adjusted with a remote control switch hardwired to the wall.
We like the white tropical design and the mounting accessories included with this ceiling fan; an angled adapter to mount this unit up to 21° and 2 down rods with a length of 3.5 and 6 inches. For ceilings sloping at larger angles, you will need to buy A245-WHF separately.
A disadvantage of this outdoor ceiling fan is the halogen light bulb instead of LED lighting. LED light bulbs are preferable because they last ten times longer than halogen bulbs and consume 85% less energy while producing the same amount of light. You can see this difference when you compare its 50-watt bulb with the wattage of the LED bulbs found in the other ceiling fans in this review.
This model is also quite pricey.
More features: 3-speed reversible motor; 3 position tri-mount
Prominence Home Abner ceiling fan is one of the most amazing outdoor ceiling fans you can buy on a budget. It comes with an integrated and dimmable 4.4-watt Edison-style LED light globe encased in a clear bowl-shaped glass cover. The bulb generates 450 lumens and beams at an angle of 270% to light up your lawn and patio.
This damp-rated dynamic ceiling fan also features a reversible motor which allows you to adjust the direction and speed of the fan to either of the three speed options for ample distribution of air.
You can mount it in covered outdoor spaces such as patios, pergolas, and garages in various positions. Hung it low for walk-through space, or mount it at an angle, or set it in the standard position using the 4-inch down rod which is included with this unit.
This outdoor ceiling fan sports a body with the color of warm espresso and five blades with dual finish of rich pine tones and rustic aesthetic to add a vintage and voguish feel to your verandah.
The 52-inch model has been certified by ETL for low consumption of energy and its lifetime warranty covers you in the event of any defects.
Customers like the low noise output, the dual finish blades, multiple mounting options, and the reasonable pricing. Although assembling the fan itself is easy, and the manufacturer even includes extra screws in the kit for installation, a number of buyers complained about the bulb which they struggled to center and align. The ETL ceiling fan also uses pull chain and does not include a remote control.
More features: Energy Star certified motor; downdraft and updraft modes
The energy-efficiency of this Energy Star-certified motor which comes with a limited lifetime warranty, has also earned our Budget Pick nomination. The reversible motor of Hunter Cassius Ceiling Fan offers you two draft options which let you direct the breeze upwards during winter and downwards during summer for a cool and comfortable environment.
You can also mount the ceiling fan in the standard, angled, or low position depending on your needs. To further adjust the airflow to your preference, this model includes a pull chain to switch the ceiling fan on or off and varied speed settings.
Additionally, the reversible blades allow you to alternate between a soft wood tone for a subtle but stylish look and a metallic tone for a sturdy and sleek design to match your existing décor.
As a damp rated ceiling fan, it is recommended to use this 52-inch model in covered porches, patios, and sunrooms to limit exposure to moisture which could cause rust and corrosion.
This is one of the best rated outdoor ceiling fans by buyers on Amazon. It is a budget-friendly choice which comes with three blades that will circulate sufficient air to make those hot days bearable. Unfortunately, the package does not include a remote control or a light bulb.
More features: comes with a remote control; wood walnut finish blades
Casa Delta-Wing Outdoor Ceiling Fan is one of the most incredible outdoor ceiling fans which come with a handheld remote control so you can operate the fan from a distance.
The 52-inch damp-rated model features three blades made of sturdy solid wood and walnut finish and a 62-watt motor with oil-rubbed bronze finish. Although the nine-degree blade pitch is not as steep as that of other products available in the market, these blades exceed the expectations of owners who regard it as the best output outdoor ceiling fan. It has won praise from buyers for distributing vast volume of air in their outdoor spaces at an outstanding rate of 5,723 cubic feet per minute.
Three speed settings enable you to set the intensity of the breeze to your desired level while a switch lets you manually change the direction of the breeze for various seasons.
The manufacturer recommends using only the remote control to operate this ceiling fan and avoiding mounting the unit in areas with humidity or salty water.
Although the blades cannot be reversed to change the appearance to another color scheme, we like the rustic look and the sturdy build with walnut as well as the inclusion of a remote control which adjusts the speed and direction of wind.
Unfortunately, this outdoor ceiling fan does not come with a light kit and routing the wires through the included 6-inch down rod is tricky.
More features: remote control; Energy Star, ETL, CSA certified
This outdoor ceiling fan with light is approved by industry gatekeepers such as Energy Star, ETL, UL, and CSA for safety and energy efficiency.
Merrimack 52-in Antique Bronze Ceiling Fan comes with a light kit, a remote control and a six-inch down rod for mounting purposes. The LED light globe is encased in a clear seeded glass shade to enhance illumination.
It is equipped with a powerful motor with wattage of 58 watts and five reversible blades which spin quietly but move air at a high volume of 5,188 CFM. This makes this wet-rated fan suitable for both indoor and outdoor spaces of up to 400 square feet.
You can mount this unit in standard, low and sloped ceilings, direct the breeze upwards or downwards, and customize airflow intensity by switching the speed of the ceiling fan to any of the three different levels.
The weatherproof blades sport java finish while the base is finished with antique bronze which gives the unit a vintage appearance that blends in seamlessly with most color schemes.
Although the motor is low-maintenance with an airflow efficiency of 89 CFM per watt, the bulb has a high wattage compared to other ceiling fans we have reviewed with low wattage of 4.4 and 10. The required Lithium-ion battery is also not included in the package.
Our in-depth guide outlines the benefits of investing in the best outdoor ceiling fan in windy conditions and other fluctuating climate and breaks down the most important features to consider to ensure you get the right product that will be most suitable for your cooling needs. In the FAQ section, you will learn about the difference between damp and wet ratings, the advantage of a reversible motor, and the best place to purchase longer down rods.
The following features are the key components that determine the best ceiling fan for outdoor porches, patios, and pool areas.
Outdoor ceiling fans can either be damp-rated or wet-rated. Damp-rated models like Hunter Cassius, Prominence Home Abner and Casa Delta-Wing Outdoor Ceiling Fan require installation in covered porches or outdoor spaces with roofing to avoid direct exposure to moisture since they are prone to corrosion and rust.
On the other hand, wet-rated outdoor ceiling fans like Emerson CF542ORB can withstand rainfall, high humidity, and natural elements because they are made of weatherproof material and rust-resistant finish and their light fixture, if any, is enclosed in a tight casing.
The ceiling fan size, which refers to the blade span or the diameter of the unit, is determined by the coverage of your intended space and the clearance necessary for the height of your ceiling. You will also need to factor in sufficient room between the fan and the walls to avoid obstruction and limited airflow. Ideally, you should mount the fan least 12 inches from the ceiling and 84 inches from the floor, and approximately 24 inches from the walls.
Rooms of up to 400 square feet will require a fan with a diameter of 50 to 54 square inches while extensive spaces with cathedral ceilings are best served by the best output outdoor ceiling fans like Minka-Aire Xtreme H20 which feature a diameter of 65 to 72 inches.
Patios measuring up to 144 square feet need 36 to 42-inch outdoor ceiling fans and verandahs with coverage of up to 225 square feet would suit 48-inch units such as Westinghouse Lighting 7861920 Oasis Ceiling Fan which has an output of 4,305 cubic feet per minute (CFM) and also comes with a light fixture for illumination.
Larger fans feature large motors which can generate sufficient torque to move the massive blades.
Although you should consider a minimum of three blades when choosing the best output outdoor ceiling fan, the ideal number of additional blades will be mainly based on your preference. This is because fewer and numerous blades both have their strengths and drawbacks.
Few blades spin faster to produce chilly gusts of breeze while a large number of blades will be slower but move massive amounts of air around your porch for a gentle cooling effect. More blades also make an aesthetically pleasing pattern which can add style to your space. Basically, consider outdoor fans with few blades like Hunter Cassius and Casa Delta-Wing Outdoor Ceiling Fan if you prefer a high-velocity fan and the eight blades of Minka-Aire Xtreme H20 for a large volume of airflow.
However, manufacturers now make fans with several blades made of light material to balance the speed of the fan with the volume of airflow.
This refers to the angle of blade placement on its holder. An outdoor ceiling fan with flat blade pitch may wobble or produce more noise on high speed if its motor is not powerful enough to circulate a large volume of air for an extended period.
Products such as Minka-Aire Xtreme H20 and Casa Delta-Wing Outdoor Ceiling Fan which feature a blade pitch of nine degrees do not require a large motor to achieve high speed while fans with a steeper pitch like the 14-degree blade pitch of Minka-Aire Gauguin Ceiling Fan need a large motor to reach a high speed. A large blade pitch in an outdoor ceiling fan fan is advantageous because it provides a high capacity to circulate large volumes of air.
The optimal blade pitch for a ceiling fan is between 12 to 15 degrees.
The motor is one of the most essential components to consider when making your decision. This can either be a standard type which rotates downwards to cool your space or a reversible model that can spin the breeze upwards or downwards.
For the most effective outdoor ceiling fan in windy conditions, winter or summer, look for a reversible motor which can circulate cooling air during summer and reverse to disperse the warm air that accumulates near the ceiling and channel it downwards to keep you warm during winter. A reversible fan is a versatile choice which is also efficient in lowering your utility bills because, in its reversed position, it operates on low speed setting.
All the models we have recommended in this review of the best rated outdoor ceiling fans with light are equipped with versatile reversible motors which provide a broader range of cooling options for all seasons and save you money on energy consumption.
Another important feature to consider in the motor is its airflow efficiency rate, which compares the motor’s power consumption with the amounts of air it can redistribute per minute. For instance, Merrimack 52-in Antique Bronze Ceiling Fan comes with a 58-watt powerful motor with an airflow output of 5,188 CFM and coverage of up to 400 square feet, making this wet-rated model the best ceiling fan for outdoor patios and indoor spaces (for example, this is an excellent ceiling fan for kitchen).
Minka-Aire Xtreme H20 is another excellent choice that makes the best output outdoor ceiling fan because it features a low wattage UL-listed motor which uses 40 watts to move air at a rate of 5,748 CFM.
Fluctuating temperatures necessitate different levels of cooling. As your needs change, you will benefit from multiple varied speed settings which allow you to set the intensity of air circulation according to your current preference. Lowering the speed of the ceiling fan also reduces noise levels in loud ceiling fans.
Emerson CF542ORB outdoor ceiling fan comes with four speed settings while Minka-Aire Xtreme H20 has six variable speeds, the highest number of speed options in our list.
The best-rated outdoor ceiling fans with light incorporate a light kit which can double up as your overhead bulb to illuminate your porch and improve visibility at night or when the day is foggy and overcast.
Look for a low-wattage LED light bulb which lasts ten times longer than incandescent bulbs like Halogen and consumes 85% less energy while generating the same amount of light. Examples of suitable energy-efficient models that make outstanding outdoor ceiling fans with light are Prominence Home Abner which comes with a dimmable 4.4-watt Edison-style LED light globe that generates 450 lumens and is encased in a clear bowl-shaped glass cover for more brightness and 52″ Casa Breeze Tropical Coastal Outdoor Ceiling Fan which features a 10-watt bulb with similar brightness to that of a 60-watt incandescent bulb and is safely enclosed in a frosted amber glass cover.
Clear glass-covered bulbs are an ideal replacement for your outdoor light because they produce 40% more brightness than their frosted counterparts. Frosted covers diffuse light to emit a soft glow which complements the ambiance in your bedroom and works well as a living room chandelier light fixture.
As a safety precaution, avoid installing a halogen bulb with bare hands because this can affect the lifespan of your bulb.
Generally, the best ceiling fan for outdoor porches come with a lifetime warranty for the motor, but the warranty for other parts varies from one model to another. For instance, Westinghouse Lighting 7861920 Oasis Ceiling Fan and 52″ Casa Breeze Tropical Coastal Outdoor Ceiling Fan ceiling fan offer two years of warranty for other parts whereas both Emerson CF542ORB Outdoor Ceiling Fan and Minka-Aire Xtreme H20 provide a one-year warranty on other parts, with the latter including a 30-day replacement offer.
Remote control: This is a convenient feature which enables you to operate the outdoor ceiling fan from a distance. Merrimack 52-in Antique Bronze Ceiling Fan is an outstanding outdoor ceiling fan with light and remote control while Minka-Aire Xtreme H20 takes it a step further with compatibility to an add-on from Minka that enables the fan to connect with Wi-Fi, Alexa or Google Assistant so you can operate the unit from wherever you are.
Down rod length: Six inches is the most common length of down rods which are included with the unit. Since different models feature varied length and thickness, manufacturers make longer rods that are specific to their models and available for separate purchase to mount fans in areas with vaulted and high ceilings.
Blades finish: The most reliable outdoor ceiling fan for windy conditions, rainfall and high humidity features wet rating and incorporates blades made of sturdy ABS plastic which is resistant to warping, corrosion and natural elements.
Certifications: These are issued to models that adhere to the required industry standards for safety and energy efficiency. The multiple certifications of Merrimack 52-in Antique Bronze Ceiling Fan is among the reasons we picked it as our Editor’s Choice. It has been approved by Energy Star, ETL, UL, and CSA.
The Palm Coast Honeywell Duval Ceiling Fan is one of the simple but fancy fans you’ll find on the market. Designed with wicker blades, it’s made in a tropical style, and the five wicker blades are wet rated with an adorning bronze finish. The manufacturers of this ceiling fan are so confident in its performance, and with the lifetime warranty, you have nothing to lose.
The Minka-Aire Xtreme H20 has the highest number of blades and speed settings in our list. The 65-inch UL- and ETL-listed unit also features a low-wattage reversible motor with an impressive airflow output of 5,748 CFM to cool large spaces, making it the best output outdoor ceiling fan. You can also connect the ceiling fan to Wi-Fi, Alexa, or Google Assistant with an add-on from the manufacturer.
The Westinghouse Lighting Oasis is the best ceiling fan for outdoor porches, patios, verandahs, and gazebos of up to 144 square feet. You can mount in the standard or angled position, and the elegant oil rubbed bronze design makes it resistant to moisture and natural elements.
