Even if air conditioners have become ubiquitous, the good old fan still has many positive aspects, from its low cost to its practicality of use, to the possibility of using it outside, and even greater pleasure in use for those who do not appreciate air conditioning.
But which fan to buy? The market today offers many models, and it must be said that in the competition for the lowest price, quality is often in short supply, especially for the models on offer. So be careful! Do not limit yourself to the “Chinese ” fan in the supermarket promotion, because online, there are devices that work better, last longer, and cost less.
Here is the list of the various types of existing fans. For each of them, we provide our selection of the best models, which are recommended for purchase.
Classic Fans
Stand Fans
It is a timeless type of fan, always among the most widespread. It can be easily placed in all corners of the home, office, or shop, but has the disadvantage of being somewhat cumbersome, especially when storing it in winter. Many of these models are of low quality and are affected by their stability, and consequently, their quietness of use. If the base is not stable, the device vibrates and makes noise, falls, and breaks down. We offer you two options: one extremely affordable, and another for those seeking a high-quality stand fan.
The Lasko Adjustable Elegance and Performance Pedestal Fan is an excellent, economical solution: with three quiet speeds, it has a maximum height of 54.5 inches and a blade diameter of 18 inches. It is suitable for oscillating and can also be used for other purposes, such as camping, and is not just for refreshing the house.
Let’s move on to the Rowenta Pedestal Turbo Silence standing fan: the diameter is also 16″ wide in this case. It is very powerful, silent, robust, and also visually appealing. It is equipped with Silence technology, making its operation quieter than that of other models on the market. It is also equipped with night functions, ideal for setting up to cool off during nighttime hours.
Desk Fans
Similar to the previous ones, but without the base from the ground. This is the most common fan model, as well as one of the most economical and versatile. It is essential to choose a model that offers higher speed and a motorized oscillation function.
The Rowenta Turbo Silence Extreme Manual Desk Fan is similar to the previous one in terms of design. It offers an extra level of noiselessness, thanks to its 4-speeds and blade system. It can be used to a minimum even for night use. However, quality is paid.
Ceiling Fans
A decidedly vintage object, it still has its admirers, above all for its absolute silence and the ability to move masses of air without generating a tornado. In our opinion, it has two significant disadvantages. The first is the laborious installation, which is permanent and aesthetically difficult to digest, especially considering that once mounted.
It should be kept all year. The other negative aspect is functional, as it pushes down the masses of hot air that would naturally tend to rise. We do not recommend it, but if you want this type of fan, we suggest buying it from a reputable brand; here is the model we recommend.
The Westinghouse fan features six asymmetrical, pale maple blades, with a maximum width of 30 inches. Up to three speed levels can be set. It is recommended for small rooms of about 12 square meters. Airflow: 369 cfm; Energy Usage: 54 watts without light; Airflow Efficiency: 7 cfm per watt.
Circulator Fans
They are replacing the classic table models. These are fans with a different helix, smaller and more powerful, capable of generating a powerful flow. In addition to being quiet, they have the characteristic of being used indirectly, for example, by being pointed at a wall or placed in a corner at the bottom of the room, to move all the air and cool without the annoyance of the wind being pointed in the face.
Useful even in winter, to move the hot air that tends to stop high on the ceiling! Among the many models, there is one that impressed us in terms of power and silence, truly a “Best Buy,” and it costs too little!
We’re talking about the Honeywell HT-900 Series TurboForce fan: its price is extremely low, and it works exceptionally well! You can choose up to three levels of intensity, and its strong point is that it can also be hung on the wall for more widespread use in the room. Very silent. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Velocity Floor Fans
Also known as “wind machines” because they resemble professional equipment used on film sets and in the cinema. Those found on the market are generally inferior in terms of power. Still, they feature large dimensions and stainless steel finishes, making them comfortable to use even outside, such as in the garden or on the terrace. Additionally, they have a very nice appearance. Here is the model we have selected among the many for you.
Lasko 20-Inch Max Performance high-velocity floor or wall mount fan converts easily from floor to wall use with the quick-mount system. This industrial-grade fan, featuring tubular steel construction, boasts metal blades that deliver maximum air movement at three powerful speeds. This fan can also pivot to direct airflow.
Tower Fans
It’s a different concept from the classic paddle fan. They use a roller that is also present in air conditioners, and these have features such as retrace functions, remote control, and timers. These devices are designed for the most demanding users, but they also offer the advantage of being compact and silent.
Among the disadvantages are the higher cost, of course, and a lower power output than one might expect. However, the flow of air is sweeter and more pleasant. Additionally, in this case, the choice is quite broad, and our advice still leans towards a model from a particular brand. Be cautious because, among the cheaper column fans, you can find low-quality items that are almost useless.
The Rowenta VU6670 is a tower model equipped with numerous functions, including a timer and a “sleep “function. The modes are controlled from the control panel, featuring a three-speed setting that is particularly noteworthy—a notable reference in the category.
Fan without blades
Indeed, even column fans do not have blades. Still, in this category, we include the innovative Dyson models that utilize the “cyclonic” patent for an entirely new fan concept. Expensive and of design, they are a furnishing object even before utility.
We talk about it more extensively in our article: A Guide to Fans Without Blades. If you have a lot of money to spend, I’m a fan of the future, indeed, of the present!
