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On those hot, stifling summer days where there’s no breeze in sight, an outdoor ceiling fan is a boon. These fans are specially designed to withstand rain, wind, and dust, and you can install them anywhere, from a covered porch or deck to a pergola or gazebo. They’ll provide a much-needed cooling breeze during the summer, without the eyesore and unpleasant noise of a box fan.
As you select the best ceiling fan for your outdoor space, it’s important to find the right size to suitably cool your space. It’s also crucial to select a model that’s appropriately rated for weather exposure. To help you narrow down your options, we’ve rounded up the best outdoor ceiling fans for any style and budget.
Spruce up your outdoor space with the best patio furniture, patio umbrellas, and outdoor lighting.
Best Outdoor Ceiling Fans
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Best for Extra-Large Spaces
Minka-Aire Brushed Steel Outdoor Ceiling Fan
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Best for Small Spaces
Modern Forms Wynd Outdoor Smart Ceiling Fan
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Best for Large Spaces
Hunter Fan Rainsford Outdoor Ceiling Fan
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What to Consider
Ratings
There are two different ratings that you’ll see on outdoor ceiling fans: damp-rated and wet-rated. Damp-rated models are only suitable for indirect water exposure, such as humidity, and should be installed in a covered space, like a covered porch or a gazebo. Wet-rated fans, on the other hand, can handle direct exposure to rain, so you can install them in an open-top pergola or veranda.
Fan Size
Figuring out how well a fan will cool a room can be confusing, as it’s an equation that’s determined by motor strength, the number of blades, and the blades’ widths, lengths, and pitch (which refers to the angle they’re tilted in relation to the floor). DC motors are known for being powerful and quiet.
To figure out what size you need, calculate the rough cubic footage of the space and compare it with the fan’s maximum cubic feet per minute. This will give you an idea of how much air circulation it’ll create in the space.
For more in-depth info on finding the right fan size, check out our deep dive on ceiling fans.
Mount Type
Next up is to consider how the fan is mounted. With a low ceiling, you’ll likely want a flush-mount fan. If you have a high ceiling, you’ll likely want a fan with a downrod—the stiff mounting rod that keeps your fan stable. Many ceiling fans come with multiple mounting options to accommodate various ceiling heights and angles.
Features
Other things to look for when shopping include whether the fan has lights, a reversible motor to change its direction, and remote-control options versus a pull-chain. There are also smart ceiling fans on the market, though they tend to be pricey and typically are designed for indoors.
How We Selected
We scoured countless user reviews and dug into our own research to find the best outdoor ceiling fans out there. We used our previous reporting on ceiling fans to find the best options for outdoors, making sure to prioritize weather-resistance, durability, and of course, effectiveness. We also selected fans in a range of styles from modern to traditional, plus options across multiple price points.
Pros
- Contemporary design
- Five finishes available
- Wet-rated for outdoor locations
- Includes remote control
Cons
- Doesn’t include a light kit
This three-blade option from Minka-Aire eliminates the pull-chain and operates completely via remote control. Its lineup of features, reasonable price point, versatile design, and multiple finish options make it an all-around winner.
The 54-inch-wide fan is rated for outdoor use, so it’s ideal for wetter climates, and it has a metal motor and durable plastic blades. It features three speeds, a reversible motor, and has a maximum height of nearly 15 inches, making it a smart pick if you have high ceilings.
Key Specs
| Mounting Type | Downrod |
|---|---|
| Blade Span | 54 in. |
| Speeds | 3 |
| Airflow (max.) | 5357 cu. ft./min. |
Pros
- Four finishes available
- Multiple downrod lengths included
Cons
- Pull-chain operation
Hunter is a top name in ceiling fans and lighting, and this model—priced at about $120 at the time of this writing—is an excellent choice for value. The multispeed, 52-inch-wide fan is rated for indoor-outdoor use on covered porches and patios, with a reversible motor and three potential mounting positions.
We love that this kit includes five- and three-inch downrods for adjusting the height. Keep in mind that turns on and off with a pull-chain, which is reflected in the price, but may be a drawback for some.
Key Specs
| Mounting Type | Downrod |
|---|---|
| Blade Span | 52 in. |
| Speeds | 3 |
| Airflow (max.) | 5537 cu. ft./min. |
Pros
- Smart connectivity
- Reversible motor
- Includes light kit
Cons
- Complex to install
This sleek outdoor ceiling fan has three understated, mod blades with subtle curve to them, which adds visual interest to the overall minimalist design. The 44-inch-wide, propeller-style fan operates via remote control and reverses direction, featuring a powerful DC motor inside a metal body.
While the blades look suave, they’re actually made of a durable plastic. It only has one mounting option, though, with a maximum downrod length of 72 inches. The fan is available in several other finishes, including oil-rubbed bronze, brushed nickel, and white.
Key Specs
| Mounting Type | Downrod |
|---|---|
| Blade Span | 52 in. |
| Speeds | 6 |
| Airflow (max.) | 4655 cu. ft./min. |
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Pros
- Fun leaf-shaped fan blades
- Available with or without light
Cons
- Only damp rated
If you’re going for breezy island vibes on your veranda, you won’t do better than a ceiling fan with blades fashioned like palm fronds. This option also gets bonus points for being affordable, priced at around $132 at the time of this writing.
The 52-inch-wide fan features a steel body with a matte bronze finish and the hand-carved blades are reversible, with embossed wood on one side and wicker on the other.
It has three speeds, a reversible motor, and three mounting options: flush-mount, downrod, or angled. Its drawbacks are reflected in the price: It has a pull chain and you’ll have to shell out extra for a universal remote, as there isn’t one included.
Key Specs
| Mounting Type | Ceiling |
|---|---|
| Blade Span | 52 in. |
| Speeds | 4 |
| Airflow (max.) | 3516 cu. ft./min. |
Pros
- Doesn’t need to be hardwired
- Safe to use in wet locations
- Lifetime warranty on motor
Cons
- Can be hard to reach on/off switch if mounted too high
If you want a ceiling fan in a location where there’s no electrical wiring—such as an outdoor pergola—this hanging fan is the perfect solution. It has a corded design that you simply plug into a nearby outlet, and it can easily hang from the ceiling of any space.
Plus, it’s safe to use in wet locations, so it can be exposed to the elements without worry. The cage-style design comes in bronze, white, and silver finishes, and despite its compact form, it will move a lot of air, keeping you cool on hot days.
Key Specs
| Mounting Type | Hanging |
|---|---|
| Blade Span | 20 in. |
| Speeds | 3 |
| Airflow (max.) | 3,000 cu. ft./min. |
Pros
- Extremely high air flow
- Smart connectivity
- Energy Star-certified
Cons
- May be tricky to balance
This outdoor ceiling fan spans more than five feet, with 12 blades and an impressive maximum airflow of 8,848 cubic feet per minute, making it ideal for cooling larger spaces. While it may be on the pricey side, it’s also smart-enabled, with extra functions like programmable timers available via app, plus it has a dimmable light and comes with a remote control.
The fan has three speeds and a downrod mount, with a metal body and high-density plastic blades that have a faux wood finish. It’s available in white and dark coal black in addition to the brushed steel that’s shown.
Key Specs
| Mounting Type | Downrod |
|---|---|
| Blade Span | 65 in. |
| Speeds | 3 |
| Airflow (max.) | 8848 cu. ft./min. |
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Pros
- Smart connectivity
- Wobble-free design
- Energy Star-certified
Cons
- Hanging length can’t be adjusted
If you don't love the look of a large outdoor ceiling fan but still want to crank up the airflow on your porch, this 42-inch option is an excellent choice.
It's made with marine-grade stainless steel for humid climates and features a reversible DC motor with six speeds, as well as a light kit and included Bluetooth remote. The smart-enabled fan is compatible with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Samsung Smart Things, and you can choose from a downrod or angled mount.
Key Specs
| Mounting Type | Downrod; angled |
|---|---|
| Blade Span | 42 in. |
| Speeds | 6 |
| Airflow (max.) | 4981 cu. ft./min. |
Pros
- Can be mounted on angled ceilings
- Reversible motor for air circulation
- Wet-rated for exposed outdoor locations
Cons
- Pull-chain only
Featuring a handsome, traditional style, this outdoor ceiling fan is another model from Hunter that’s well-priced and can withstand the elements, so you can hang it from the top of your pergola in addition to covered patios and porches.
The 52-inch-wide fan has a bronze finish and five blades, and features three speeds and a reversible motor. Best of all, the impressive maximum airflow makes this one ideal for larger spaces.
Key Specs
| Mounting Type | Downrod; angled |
|---|---|
| Blade Span | 52 in. |
| Speeds | 3 |
| Airflow (max.) | 4333 cu. ft./min. |
Pros
- Sleek modern design
- Mix-and-match housing and blade finishes
- Downrod can be cut to size
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Only damp-rated
This splurge-worthy outdoor ceiling fan comes in a slew of motor and blade finishes, giving you tons of options to create the perfect look. The 56-inch-wide fan has a metal body and ABS plastic blades, and it operates via remote control. It features six speeds and a quiet DC motor, plus it has an energy-efficient rating and can be mounted on a vaulted ceiling.
Key Specs
| Mounting Type | Downrod |
|---|---|
| Blade Span | 56 in. |
| Speeds | 6 |
| Airflow (max.) | 5439 cu. ft./min. |
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Pros
- Stylish midcentury design
- Includes remote control
- Integrated LED light
Cons
- Complicated installation and programming
Galvanized iron and faux walnut wood blades give this ceiling fan an industrial look, with a touch of midcentury style. It’s 56 inches wide, so it’ll cool off medium to large spaces, and it’s rated for outdoor use in wet climates.
The fan has three speeds, a reversible motor, and a light kit, all of which operate using the included remote control. Its downrod mount is adjustable, with a minimum clearance of about 14.5 inches. If you like the fan but want a more contemporary look, it’s also available in two-tone brown and matte black.
Key Specs
| Mounting Type | Downrod |
|---|---|
| Blade Span | 56 in. |
| Speeds | 3 |
| Airflow (max.) | 5655 cu. ft./min. |
Rachel Klein
Senior Commerce Editor
Rachel Klein is a Senior Commerce Editor for Popular Mechanics, where she writes about everything from garden hose reels and patio furniture to mesh wifi systems and robot vacuums. She started her career as a daily newspaper reporter and was a travel editor for more than a decade before she started testing and reviewing luggage, noise-cancelling headphones, and other travel-related products. Fast-forward another five years and her area of expertise includes home decor, appliances, tech, and outdoor adventure gear. In her spare time, you'll find her planning her next trip, reading historical fiction, and seeing as much art as she can squeeze into a weekend.
Camryn Rabideau
Camryn Rabideau is a freelance writer and product reviewer specializing in home, kitchen, and pet products. In her four years as a product tester, she's tested hundreds of items firsthand, and her work appears in publications such as Forbes, USA Today, The Spruce, Food52, and more.
