The 9 Best Outdoor Ceiling Fans of 2023

Best Overall

Hampton Bay Mena 54-Inch Ceiling Fan

4.5

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If easy installation coupled with elegance is your jam, we recommend this fan from Hampton. In addition to sprucing up your space, the Hampton Bay Mena's dimmable light will provide you with the comfort and atmosphere you've been searching for. With the included remote control, you can adjust the fan speed and select from three different color temperatures (daylight, warm, and soft). You can even reverse the fan blades to use the fresh outdoor air.

The QuickFit system makes installing the fan a breeze. The fan and its five matte-black fan blades slide onto the mounting bracket. The LED light uses a strong magnet to snap into place without the need for screws or tools. 

This fan is damp-rated, so you can be sure it won’t rust or warp in moist environments. However, it is not wet-rated, so if you live in an area that experiences heavy rainfall and the fan is exposed to downpours, you should look elsewhere. It strikes a good balance among between performance, convenience, and ease of installation, making it suitable for most settings.

Price at time of publish: $169

_{Blade span: 54 inches | Number of blades: 5 | Damp/Wet rating: Damp | Control type: Remote}

Best Budget

Honeywell Duval 52-Inch Tropical Ceiling Fan

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This budget-friendly fan is proof that you don’t have to spend a lot to create a tropical oasis in your outdoor space. The Honeywell Duval ceiling fan comes in two finishes, white and black, that complement a range of styles. The fan blades mimic the look of tropical leaves but are made with wicker that is wet-rated, which means this ceiling fan can be used even in truly tropical climates with high rainfall.

This fan has rounded blades, giving it a more casual appearance. It has four speeds but no remote control, so you have to use a pull chain to change them. Be sure to measure the ceiling, as the fan works best in medium to large outdoor gathering spaces.

Price at time of publish: $94

_{Blade span: 52 inches | Number of blades: 5 | Damp/Wet rating: Wet-rated | Control type: Pull chain}

Best Splurge

Progress Lighting Smyrna Collection Indoor/Outdoor 52-Inch Ceiling Fan

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The walnut wood fan blades in the Progress Lighting Smyrna collection bring some luxe style and durability to this fan. An additional touch of elegance is provided by the hammered glass shade of the light fixture. Every detail of this fan, which can be used indoors or outdoors, is designed to maximize style while still being easy to control with the included wall switch. 

As might be expected, the price tag reflects the item's luxurious quality. It also requires a more complex installation, because the wall switch can be set to dim the built-in LED light and adjust the fan speed. There's no remote control, which some may prefer over the manual wall switch.

Price at time of publish: $368

_{Blade span: 52 inches | Number of blades: 5 | Damp/Wet rating: Wet-rated | Control type: Wall switch}

Best with Light

Hunter Fan Company 52" Coral Bay Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan with LED Light and Remote

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The Hunter Coral Bay ceiling fan has a stylish light that boasts three energy-saving LED bulbs. Both the lighting and the fan speed can be adjusted with the included remote control, providing a wide range of options for creating the perfect atmosphere. The fan blades are reversible, and you can choose from three speeds. The remote can be stored in a wall cradle for easy access.

When considering placement, keep in mind that the light fixture does hang lower in the room than most fan lights. Since the manufacturer recommends having at least 7 feet of clearance between the bottom of the fixture and the ground, you'll want to make sure you have the right ceiling height. The kit comes with two downrods, one 2 inches and one 3 inches, so you can choose the one that works better for your space.

Price at time of publish: $230

_{Blade span: 52 inches | Number of blades: 5 | Damp/Wet rating: Damp-rated | Control type: Remote}

Best with Remote

Modern Forms Vox Smart Indoor/Outdoor 5-Blade Flush Mount Ceiling Fan

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If you want an outdoor ceiling fan with a handy remote that is also smartphone-compatible, the Vox Smart ceiling fan is your answer. The remote allows you to adjust the fan's speed and light, and even reverse the fan blades. You can also choose to install a wall switch, but doing so will require wiring and a nearby electrical outlet. One of the benefits of the Vox Smart fan is that it can be controlled from an app or other smart home device. 

This smaller profile ceiling fan is perfect for small to medium spaces. The fan blade span is only 38 inches, which takes up considerably less space than most ceiling fans. However, this also means it cannot adequately generate enough air to cool a larger space. The smart integration makes this fan more expensive than the average one, which may be too much for some people to justify for their modest outdoor patio. 

Price at time of publish: $366

_{Blade span: 38 inches | Number of blades: 5 | Damp/Wet rating: Wet-rated | Control type: Remote, wall switch, app}

Best Heavy Duty

Monte Carlo 88'' Maverick Super Max Ceiling Fan

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While expensive, this ceiling fan is made to last and withstand just about anything. It is crafted from hand-carved balsa wood with a walnut finish, a matte black motor, and a 6-inch downrod. The included remote control allows you to select from six different fan speeds. You can also opt for a wall control if you prefer.

This fan is large, with an 88-inch blade span. The company recommends only using it in rooms with at least 9-foot-tall ceilings. There are even longer downrods available, from 12 to 72 inches. If you want to go with the longest option (72 inches), you'll need a room with a minimum ceiling height of 16 feet. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have a light included. In addition to the high cost, there is the need for a dedicated lighting solution in the room.

Price at time of publish: $1,095

_{Blade span: 88 inches | Number of blades: 3 | Damp/Wet rating: Damp-rated | Control type: Remote}

Best for Small Spaces

Home Decorators Collection 25'' Heritage Point Integrated LED Indoor/Outdoor Natural Iron Ceiling Fan

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For outdoor areas with limited space, a ceiling fan enclosed in a protective cage like this one from Home Decorators Collection may be the best option. This design reduces the fan's overall size and eliminates the risk of any accidents with a blade. The Home Decorators Collection Heritage Point fan still includes all the features you may want, such as an LED light, three fan speeds, and a remote control. 

This fan is only damp-rated, so it is not great for very wet environments. It is also quite expensive for its size. If you need to cool a larger room, buying two of these fans may be more expensive than buying a larger one. 

Price at time of publish: $189

_{Blade span: 25 inches | Number of blades: 3 | Damp/Wet rating: Damp-rated | Control type: Remote}

Best for Large Spaces

Minka-Aire F896-65-CL Xtreme H2O 65-Inch Outdoor Ceiling Fan

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For extra-large spaces, you need an extra-large fan like the Minka-Aire 65-inch outdoor ceiling fan. It has eight fan blades and a blade span of 65 inches. Each fan blade is supported by a blade arm that blends into the finish. The blades are weather-resistant, so you don’t need to worry about discoloration or warping, even in damp environments.

This fan is quite expensive and requires a lot of clearance. It isn’t a good option for those in small or medium spaces. The included downrod is 6 inches, which means that your ceilings should also be tall, to avoid hitting your head on the fan or housing. The fan kit comes with a remote that controls the fan speed and reverses the direction. This is a great feature, especially if your fan hangs high in a large room and is hard to reach.

Price at time of publish: $490

_{Blade span: 65 inches | Number of blades: 8 | Damp/Wet rating: Wet-rated | Control type: Remote}