How to choose a standing fan
With a wide range of options like oscillating heads, remote control and timers, modern standing fans have a wealth of useful features and offer much more than just efficient cooling.
The choice is vast, so it can be quite a challenge to select which is the best model for a particular situation. This quick guide is packed with valuable information covering the details you’ll want to consider as well as a roundup of top picks to help you choose the ideal model for all your indoor spaces.
Which type of standing fan is best?
Standing fans can broadly be divided into two types: pedestal fans, which are usually tall with a large, rotary fan head; and tower fans, which are a comparatively shorter and more slender device. In general, pedestal fans are more powerful. 16- or 18-inch diameter blades can create tremendous air flow that few tower fans can match. However, tower fans are more compact, often quieter and frequently have a wider range of functions which add convenience. It’s impossible to say that one type is better than the other — each model has to be looked at in greater detail.
What to consider before buying a standing fan
Speed settings
Pedestal fans usually offer three speeds. Basic tower fans are similar, though more advanced models might combine speed and flow modes to create greater variety.
Performance
In terms of outright performance comparisons, two figures are used. The first is cubic feet per minute, which tells you the volume of air moved. The second is feet per second, which tells you how fast the air can be moved. A high CFM figure means lots of air is being moved around. It’s an effective way to cool large spaces. Higher feet per second means the air is traveling faster and probably giving more direct cooling, but it may not be as effective over a large area. That said, the absence of CFM figures doesn’t mean it’s a low-volume fan. Some manufacturers simply don’t provide details.
Oscillating feature
The vast majority of standing fans of both types are oscillating — they move back and forth so cool air goes over a wider area. The exact range of the oscillation can be anywhere from 65 to 90 degrees.
Noise level
The best standing fans are usually fairly quiet, but some can be almost inaudible depending on the setting. A cheap pedestal fan might run at 55 to 60 decibels, which is similar to normal conversation. Not a problem in an office perhaps, but not what you want in a bedroom. High-quality models can be as low as 40 decibels — which is often called ‘whisper quiet’ — and some tower fans are even quieter.
Timer
Timers are common, but often misunderstood. Some can be set to turn the fan on at a particular time, but most set a period for the fan to run, after which it will turn itself off. It’s an important difference.
Remote control
Remote controls add convenience. They are more common on tower fans than pedestal models, and the amount of control offered can vary considerably. Some are quite basic, with the main functions set on the fan itself. Others offer the same level of operation.
Design
Aesthetics are a very personal choice, and with everything from retro-style to ultra-modern designs available, it shouldn’t be difficult to find something to suit the decor of your home or office space.
Extra features
Small but useful extras might include things like ambient temperature control — which will automatically turn on and off the fan when the room reaches a certain heat — and auto-dimming control panels that turn off after a set time. It’s a nice feature if the fan is used in a bedroom. Bladeless fans offer additional safety for children, with no spinning blades to trap small fingers. An ETL listing means the device has been independently tested and found to meet relevant national standards of manufacture and safety.
Warranty
You might also want to check the warranty. While 12 months is standard, some brands show confidence in their equipment by offering longer. Two or three years is not uncommon and up to five is possible.
Standing fan cost
In terms of price, there is huge variation. The cheapest standing pedestal fans can be found from as little as $30, whereas you’ll probably pay another $10 for a low-cost tower fan. There is huge choice among both types between $40 and $90, and very few go beyond that range.
Best standing fans
The following offer something for every budget. They run the gamut from cheap standing fans for the garage or workshop to high-end devices for cozy bedrooms or large family rooms.
Pedestal standing fans
Comfort Zone 16-Inch Height-Adjustable Pedestal Fan: available at Amazon and Home Depot Among the cheapest standing fans available, the Comfort Zone nevertheless has decent features. There are 3 speeds, an oscillating and tilting head and a stable base that folds for easy carrying and storage.
Black+Decker 16-Inch Stand Fan: available at Amazon A smart design from a trusted brand. It has a 90-degree oscillating head, three speeds, and a basic timer. There is also an easy-to-use remote control.
Lorell Remote Oscillating Floor Fan: available at Amazon A compact, lightweight, clean and simple fan with durable 16-inch ABS blades. It offers a three-speed oscillating and tilting head, plus four-hour timer. ETL approved.
Pelonis Silent Turbo Standing Fan: available at Amazon This 16-inch fan is notable for high performance and low energy consumption, while also being very quiet. There are 12 speeds, a full 12-hour timer, plus multifunction remote.
Hunter 16-Inch Retro Stand Fan: available at Amazon and Home Depot This durable all-metal fan is finished in brushed nickel for an elegant, retro look. There’s a reliable three-speed motor, oscillating head and rubber feet to protect floors.
Rowenta Turbo Silence Oscillating Fan: available at Amazon Rowenta claims their 16-inch, five-blade fan is the most powerful of its kind — while remaining extremely quiet. It offers three speeds plus turbo boost, though somewhat surprisingly there’s no timer.
Tower standing fans
Holmes Oscillating Tower Fan: available at Amazon Given the low price it’s no surprise this 31-inch fan is very popular. Intended for small to medium-sized rooms, it is slender, lightweight and offers three speeds.
Pelonis Household Tower Fan: available at Amazon Pelonis is known for affordable, high-quality fans. This 40-inch model has multiple speed and fan modes plus timer, all controlled via an easy-to-use panel or remote.
Seville Classics UltraSlimline Tower Fan: available at Amazon and Home Depot Another tremendously popular 40-inch fan with four settings including energy-saving eco mode. Timer from 30 minutes to 7.5 hours. Simple push-button control or remote.
Lasko Wind Curve Tower Fan: available at Amazon, Best Buy and Home Depot Lasko is a market-leading fan brand. This attractive, feature-packed 42″ model is powerful, quiet and has a built-in ionizer to reduce dust and provide fresher air.
Honeywell QuietSet Whole Room Tower Fan: available at Amazon Honeywell packs a lot of features into their slender but sturdy 40-inch fan. Eight speed settings range from Power Cool to Sleep. There’s a timer, remote and even a neat carry handle.
TaoTronics Tower Fan: available at Amazon This multifunction model combines three speeds with three different breeze modes, giving nine cooling options in total. The bladeless design has narrow, child-safe vents. ETL Listed.
Vornado Air Circulator Fan: available at Amazon Despite the diminutive 32-inch height, this high-performance fan produces whole-room cooling, pushing air up to 80 feet. It has four speeds, timer, remote and a five-year warranty.
Sugoal Oscillating Tower Fan: available at Amazon Though 42 inches tall, the bladeless design allows this fan to remain slim. It is particularly quiet and offers six speeds, three modes, plus a 12-hour timer and auto-dimming LED display.
Hybrid standing fan
Lasko 2535 52-Inch Space-Saving Pedestal Tower Fan: available at Amazon and Home Depot An unusual approach combining tower fan with a pedestal. It offers an oscillating head, three speeds, remote control, one-touch sleep mode and a timer for auto shut-off. ETL listed.
Bob Beacham is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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