We researched dozens of outdoor ceiling fans, evaluating ease of installation, light and speed settings, durability, and value. Our best overall pick, the Hampton Bay Mena 54 in. Color Changing Integrated LED Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan, has remote-controlled functionality, a dimmable LED light, and screw-free magnetic installation. Here are the best outdoor ceiling fans. What do buyers say? 400+ Home Depot reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above. If easy installation coupled with elegance is your jam, the 54-inch Mena Fan from Hampton Bay should perk up your outdoor setting. The fan comes with features including a dimmable 21.5-watt integrated LED light, and three different light temperature settings: warm white, soft white, or daylight. Perhaps one of the best aspects of the Mena fan is the handy, QuickFit installation technology that comes with slide-on mounting—no screws required. Price at time of publish: $169 Blade Span: 54 inches | Damp/Wet Rating: Damp rated | Number of Blades: 5 | Fan Type: Propeller | Technology: Remote controlled | Return Policy: 90 days, plus motor has lifetime warranty You can choose to operate the Duvall with the pull chain, but it is also compatible with Honeywell remotes, if you prefer to adjust the settings from your wicker chair. Be sure to measure the ceiling, as the fan is best for medium to large spaces. Price at time of publish: $119 Blade Span: 52 inches | Damp/Wet Rating: Wet rated blades; damp rated motor | Number of Blades: 5 | Fan Type: Leaf blades | Technology: Pull chain and remote controlled | Return Policy: Dependent on retailer, plus limited lifetime warranty Price at time of publish: $400 Blade Span: 52 inches | Damp/Wet Rating: Damp rated | Number of Blades: 5 | Fan Type: Propeller | Technology: Remote controlled | Return policy: Dependent on retailer, plus 1-year warranty Price at time of publish: $1,095 Blade Span: 88 inches | Damp/Wet Rating: Damp | Number of Blades: 3 | Fan Type: Propeller | Technology: Remote controlled | Return Policy: Dependent on retailer, plus 1-year warranty Price at time of publish: $460 Blade Span: 52 inches | Damp/Wet Rating: Wet rated | Number of Blades: 3 | Fan Type: Propeller | Technology: Remote controlled, connects to smart devices | Return Policy: Dependent on retailer, plus 5-year warranty If you need to light up your space at night, then you can use the fan’s two lights housed in a dome-style fixture on the bottom of the fan. It comes with three speeds, but take note that you need to buy a remote control separately if you want one. Price at time of publish: $124 Blade Span: 52 inches | Damp/Wet Rating: Wet rated | Number of Blades: 5 | Fan Type: Propeller | Technology: Pull chain | Return Policy: 90 days, plus limited lifetime warranty for the motor Price at time of publish: $310 Blade Span: 72 inches | Damp/Wet Rating: Damp | Number of Blades: 9 | Fan Type: Windmill | Technology: Remote controlled | Return Policy: 90 days, plus limited lifetime warranty
Control Mechanism
Pull-chain-activated outdoor ceiling fans are still being made, but the more popular options are either wall-controlled, remote-controlled, or both. Remote-controlled outdoor ceiling fans sometimes have smart home compatibility, which makes them costlier but easier to control. Consider your lifestyle and also the number of ceiling fans in your space—if you have two outdoor fans, be sure you can control both of them with ease.
Size
The average outdoor ceiling fan has a blade span from 50 to 54 inches, which is suitable for spaces from 250 to 400 square feet. If you have a large patio or veranda, you need something much bigger, such as 70 to 90 inches. Typically, larger ceiling fans cost more and have fewer models to choose from, but you should be much happier with one of those in the long run.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Adrienne Jordan, a lover of outdoor elements and warm summer days. She believes there is nothing better than to catch a cool breeze on an outdoor balcony, and enjoys the diverse design aesthetics of outdoor ceiling fans. To write this article, she chose fans that have dry or wet ratings, easy controls, and plenty of style.
