Outdoor ceiling fans come in all kinds of styles to match your decor, and some have reversible blades with a different finish on each side. FeaturesĬonvenient features on a ceiling fan can include a remote control, multiple speed settings, and lights (ideally your ceiling fan comes with a light kit.) A clearing of 8 to 9 feet from above the floor is standard for installing a ceiling fan downrods allow for simple height adjustments of a ceiling fan - and all of the picks below come with an included downrod. All of these fall at least within that range, with one ultra-powerful pick delivering more than 8,000 CFMs. A CFM of around 5,000 to 6,000 is considered efficient airflow. So how much CFM do you need? It’s helpful to know that the CFM required to cool an outdoor setting should be three to four times the total area.
AirflowĪ fan’s airflow is measured by cubic feet per minute (CFM), and ceiling fans with higher CFMs can move more air. A ceiling fan with a damp rating works for covered patios or porches where it won’t be directly exposed to rain or snow. A wet rating is a fan that can withstand the elements outdoors, with features like weather-resistant blades, housing and motors that can hold up against moisture and rust, and durable stainless steel hardware. Outdoor ceiling fans should have an Underwriters Laboratory seal (UL) damp or wet rating. Plus, as an added bonus: The moving air keeps bugs away, too. Staying cool on the warmest of days can be tough, but the best outdoor ceiling fans have the damp or wet rating you need while providing enough airflow to keep your space cool, whether that's a small porch or larger backyard patio.