The Vornado 723DC Energy Smart Air Circulator is our best floor fan which can move air upwards up to 100 feet. It also has a head tilting function which can be highly adjusted up to 110 degrees and it uses a DC motor that is brushless, energy-efficient and even with low speeds, it has a high torque. Being made in the USA, the air flow control has great precision due to the true and convenient variable speed settings.
Our step-up pick is the Air King 9230 Industrial-Grade Floor Fan and it spans at a width of 30 inches. Its metal blades have been powder coated to give it a corrosion free finish and it uses a motor that is ball bearing and totally enclosed for protection. The motor runs at 1/4 horsepower single phase, rated for 120 volts and runs at 3 speeds while the floor fan also complies with the standards of OSHA and ETL and has been tested with AMCA 230.99 standards.
The budget pick is the Air-King 9214 14-Inch Pivoting Floor Fan and spanning at 14 inches in diameter, this floor fan has pivoting action to give you more air flow and circulation in the long run. It is truly intended for industrial use and warehouses and it uses a 9 foot power cord that is a type SJT with 3 conductors. It has been made from heavy duty steel that has been powder coated for durability.
A Little Background
Unlike other types of fans, a floor fan sits on the floor at a low height. Compared to ceiling fans which are attached to the ceiling and stand / pedestal fans which are towering in height, floor fans sit lowly on the ground and are usually large in size. They pack a lot of blowing power and are intended for serious air circulation due to being situated at the ground so they are not very easy to topple or knock down.
Most floor fans can be found on warehouses and garages. Because of their heavy duty blowing power, garages will usually use a floor fan to cool down their machinery and such. Woodworkers, metalworkers, auto mechanics and the like will find a floor fan very convenient in their everyday tasks. In the same way, smaller warehouses and factories may also use a floor fan to cool down their machinery.
In fact, some floor fans can be converted into stand fans or wall mounted fans. This is because floor fans could have a sturdy stand that has an adjustable height similar to the seat of a bicycle or a scooter. This dual functionality helps a floor fan be flexible in any situation, and it would really help any household or garage to get the best air circulation possible.
Floor fans are usually budget-friendly. Because they are only situated on the floor, you will most likely find a lot of budget options for a floor fan due to its easy to find components.
How We Picked
When it comes to the best floor fan, we chose using the following criteria:
We picked a floor fan with great variable speed settings. At the very most, you will want a floor fan with 2 to 4 speed settings depending on how it will be used. However, most likely you will probably not use its highest speed as this can take its toll on the motor of the floor fan. Still, variable speeds let you precisely pick a consistent and just air flow for your space.
The blowing power (CFM) of the floor fan is considered, as well as the rotating speed (RPM). The CFM identifies how much air the floor fan pushes out to give you a cooling and circulating air sensation and the RPM identifies how much the blades spin per minute to give you maximum power and operation even under pressure to meet the demands of industrial needs or just for your household needs.
Power consumption is another factor when choosing the best floor fan. You will definitely want a floor fan that does not consume a lot of energy. Specifically, some people even purchase electric fans because they absolutely want to save dollars on their electric bill and reduce the usage of their A/C. This is because of the fact that they consume a ton of kilowatts per hour, whereas fans don’t consume as much.
Flexibility and adjustability such as having a tilting or oscillating feature is a big plus for a floor fan. Ideally, you would want a floor fan with embedded wheels that can be attached or taken away when not in use for better mobility. Also, you might also want a floor fan that with an ergonomic handle so you can easily lift it from one spot to another, especially if it weighs incredibly light, such as those floor fans that are intended for home use only.
Ease of use and portability are also important in a floor fan. A floor fan with a remote control option is definitely worth buying, if you have the extra budget. Not every floor fan has a remote control and a timer option because this makes them expensive, but they are worth the convenience.
Noise level is highly important if the floor fan is a residential fan. Typically, you would want a floor fan that runs below 65 dB so that it is quiet enough to become just background white noise for a residential fan. However, if you want big blowing power, do not expect it to be quiet!
Our Pick
Vornado 723DC Energy Smart Air Circulator
The Vornado 723DC Energy Smart Air Circulator is our best floor fan and it has a head tilting function which can be highly adjusted up to 110 degrees and it can move air upwards up to 100 feet. As for its variable speed and air quality, the floor fan’s air flow control has great precision due to the true and convenient variable speed settings. As for power, the fan uses a DC motor that is brushless, energy-efficient and even with low speeds, it has a high torque.
Being made in the USA, the Vornado Smart Air Circulator uses Vortex technology to promote better air circulation in any room or living space. As for power, its motor can save you energy up to 80 percent. In fact, its variable speed helps you control your surroundings.
This floor fan has a weight of 10 lbs wherein with its settings on blowing power, you can choose from a soft air flow or serious blowing power when it comes to the variable speeds. The length of the power cord is 7 feet and the fan uses a mechanical switch for its control style.
Standing at a height of 17 inches, the Vornado 723DC Circulator has been rated for use under 120 volts. It runs very quiet compared to most commercial fans out there and it can consume remarkably lower energy at only 6 watts for low speed and 60 watts for high speed. In fact, this floor fan also doubles as an air calculator. Being a great alternative to using air conditioners during the summer, the Vornado Energy Smart Circulator is conveniently backed by a 10 year warranty.
Flaws but Not Dealbrakers
Very few people claim that the high speed setting of the Vornado 723DC Energy Smart Air Circulator can run really loud, but it’s not like everyone would want to use the highest setting, right? After all, using the highest setting all the time might be a potential threat to its motor, in general.
Step-up Pick
Air King 9230 Industrial-Grade Floor Fan
When it comes down to our step-up pick, we chose the Air King 9230 Industrial-Grade Floor Fan in which the motor runs at 1/4 horsepower single phase, rated for 120 volts and runs at 3 speeds. It spans at a width of 30 inches and it uses a motor that is ball bearing and totally enclosed for protection.
On its construction, the metal blades have been powder coated to give it a corrosion free finish. Also worth noting is the fact that the floor fan also complies with the standards of OSHA and ETL and has been tested with AMCA 230.99 standards.
Its portability is improved due to its attached wheels so you can move it from place to place with ease and the power cord used is an SJT type that has 3 conductors and spans at a length of 10 feet coated in black.
As for the mechanism, a rotary switch has been mounted in the rear part and the pivoting floor fan is also available in other smaller, budget sizes. On power, the motor runs on the following in the 3 speeds: speed #3 or high (2.4 amps, 255 watts, 7,400 CFM and 1,040 RPM), speed #2 or medium (1.9 amps, 200 watts, 6,360 CFM and 902 RPM) and speed #1 or low (1.5 amps, 154 watts, 4,980 CFM and 860 RPM).
Standing at a height of 35 inches, the rubber handle has excellent and ergonomic grip adding to its maneuverable wheels for better portability. Its motor runs quietly with a split capacitor and permanent lubrication and the floor fan also meets the standards of ARRA.
Being made only with industrial quality metal, the Industrial-Grade Floor Fan by Air King weighs 48 lbs and is backed by a 1 year limited warranty. It is an ideal floor fan for warehouses and industrial use and its rust resistant parts also make this floor fan ideal for greenhouses.
Budget Pick
Air-King 9214 14-Inch Pivoting Floor Fan
Our budget pick is the Air King 9214 14-Inch Pivoting Floor Fan which is intended for industrial use and warehouses. It has pivoting action to give you more air flow and circulation in the long run and it uses a 9 foot power cord that is a type SJT with 3 conductors.
Spanning at 14 inches in diameter, the Air-King Floor Fan has been made from heavy duty steel that has been powder coated for durability. The motor has been permanently lubricated, fully enclosed and runs on 1/20 horsepower.
This floor fan uses a switch that has been rear mounted and its motor is also ball bearing, with a split capacitor, has 3 speeds and rated for 120 volts.
The floor fan by Air-King runs pretty quiet and it comes with a steel blade guard for absolute safety. The Air-King 14-Inch Floor Fan also complies with the standards of UL and OSHA as well as AMCA 230-99 and ARRA. On the different speed settings – at high speed: 1498 RPM, 1650 CFM, 63 watts and 0.6 amps; at medium speed: 1296 RPM, 1470 CFM, 56 watts and 0.5 amps; at low speed: 934 RPM, 1180 CFM, 48 watts and 0.4 amps.
Moreover, this floor fan stands at a height of 18 inches and it definitely gives you air circulation that is unlike any other floor fan with high velocity. It weighs 13 lbs, made in the USA and the handle on this floor fan makes it easy to lift to any place. The Air King 9214 Floor Fan has been made only with the highest quality metals to make it corrosion resistant and is backed by a 1 year limited warranty.
Floor Fan with 4 Speeds
Lasko Elite Collection 20″ Air Circulator
The Lasko Elite Collection 20″ Air Circulator is a floor fan that has a multi functional remote control wherein you can choose from up to 4 different and powerful speeds and it has the option of being a floor fan or a wall mounted fan. The floor fan stands at a height of 23 inches above the ground.
Moreover, this floor fan uses a swirling design for its grill in which the blades have an aerodynamic design that span 20 inches in diameter. You can freely choose from whisper cool setting to wind chill setting on its 4 different speeds.
Being ideal for bigger rooms due to the fan head having an adjustable pivoting action, the Lasko Elite Air Circulator weighs 10 lbs and it has a 7-hour electronic timer. It is a great budget saver when used with air conditioners and the black color makes it less dirty looking and thus leaves you with less maintenance worry. Moreover, it is also easy to lift due to being lightweight according to reviews.
Best Commercial Floor Fan
Q Standard Commercial 24in Cooler Fan
Intended for commercial use, the Q Standard Commercial 24in Cooler Fan has aluminum material which makes up the blades which gives them anti-rusting capabilities and is lightweight but packs durability. In fact, it can work even under the temperatures up to 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
Moreover, it has a thermal shut off feature to prevent it from overheating. Its air velocity can be controlled with its 2-speed rotary switch and its ball bearings are highly durable to withstand just about any working temperature.
Being a floor fan that can be used for most commercial and industrial establishments, the Q Standard Fan comes with a tilting feature up to 90 degrees to easily angle your floor fan to anywhere you like. It also includes a safety guard that is double locking for protection and it conveniently pushes up air up to 7,700 CFM (64,75 CFM on its lower speed.)
The motor runs at 1/3 HP at 120 volts (can also be plugged to a 110-volt plug for home use) and it runs at 2 amps (1.6 on lower speed) and 150 watts (125 watts on lower speed). The fan blades have an aerodynamic design and the motor has been steel cased for durability.
Furthermore, it is colored in a striking orange finish to make it uniquely attractive as the floor fan spans at a diameter of 24 inches. Additionally, it also runs quietly at only 62 dB and can be easily cleaned with a spray cleaner and a rag. The Q Standard Commercial Cooler Fan also makes an ideal floor fan for a garage due to its high output.
Floor Fan with Wood Body
Stadler Form Otto African Sapele Wood
If you want a uniquely designed floor fan in which the body is made from African Sapele wood then you can try out the Stadler Form Otto African Sapele Wood which is also encased with a protective steel grate.
This unique floor fan is made up of 5 blades with steel material and you can choose up to 3 speed settings for convenient cooling power. As a matter of fact, aside from the African Sapele, you can also go for a Bamboo body option (slightly pricier).
A recommended must-have floor fan for authentic and ancestral homes, the Otto African Sapele Wood floor fan gives you a gentle breeze and a whisper-quiet operation and it only weighs less than 10 lbs. it is a hand crafted floor fan that went through 21 hours of manual processing and it also has an adjustable angle setting.
The floor fan has an output of 65,000 cubic feet while the oil varnish protects the wood texture, in terms of durability and style. It is ideally placed on any patio or summer home and the easy to clean grille that is also removable. Moreover, it also has some aluminum parts to add to less weight and durability.
Being rated 40 watts on its power, the Stadler Form Sapele Wood floor fan makes up for an ideal casual fan if you want a quiet and good looking fan.
Best Portable Floor Fan
MaxxAir BF24TFYELUPS 24-Inch Portable Air Circulator
The MaxxAir BF24TFYELUPS 24-Inch Portable Air Circulator spans at a diameter of 24 inches and is a portable floor fan which has an output of 4,000 CFM on high setting and 2,800 CFM on low setting. Being an ideal floor fan for basements, patios, workshops, garages and the like, it uses a power cord with a length of 8 feet.
Its grille is made from rust resistant material and complies with the standards and certifications of OSHA while the 180 degrees tilting capability makes it circulate air better than most fans out there. In fact, this floor fan has a weight of 44 lbs but the wheels make it easier to move.
Moreover, its housing is made from powder coated steel that is a 22-gauge while its blade assembly has been motor shaft mounted. Adding to that, it includes a wheel assembly that can be easily snapped on to give your floor fan mobility and it conveniently runs on a 1/4 HP motor that is thermally protected, heavy duty and PSC. However, the MaxxAir Portable Air Circulator is intended for indoor use only.
Floor Fan that is Convertible to a Stand Fan
MaxxAir 24-Inch 2-in-1 Portable Air Circulator
A floor fan that can be easily converted into a stand fan that stands at a height of 52 inches, the MaxxAir 24-Inch 2-in-1 Portable Air Circulator has a grille that is an anti-corrosion material and complies to the standards of OSHA. Additionally, it uses a power cord that spans up to 8 feet.
Ideally used for a garage, workshop, basement, patio, warehouse and the like, the MaxxAir 2-in-1 Portable Air Circulator runs on 2,800 CFM for the low setting and 4,000 CFM for the high-setting. You get a floor fan and a stand fan all for the price of one. It has a diameter of 24 inches and it also comes with tilting action up to 180 degrees. Also, uses a heavy duty motor that runs on 3.6 amps at 1/4 HP. As a matter of fact, it comes with attachable and detachable wheels even when you convert it to a sand fan and it can be used for your deck to keep the bugs away.
Ideal Floor Fan for a Garage
Hurricane Pro High-Velocity Metal Drum Fan
The Hurricane Pro High-Velocity Metal Drum Fan is a 24-inch industrial fan that has been made with an all-metal construction in which corrosion is prevented as much as possible due to the given black powder coat finish. It conveniently runs in 3 speed settings and it is so strong and powerful that it can run as high as 7,700 CFM for its output and 1,400 RPM for its speed.
A great floor fan for garages, warehouses, greenhouses, workshops and even on home spaces, the Hurricane Pro Metal Drum Fan is definitely designed to take on heavy duty blowing. Moreover, it also has an adjustable tilting action and has been rated for 120 volts.
Its power cord spans at a length of 6 feet. Its aluminum material is what makes up the blades to give them anti-rusting capabilities and lightweight aerodynamics. However, it may run a little loud so it is only intended for big rooms and industrial use.
Floor Fan with Wall Mount Option
Lasko Stanley 20-Inch Floor/Wall Mount Fan
For those who want a floor flan plus wall mounting fan all in one price, you can go for the Lasko Stanley 20-Inch Floor/Wall Mount Fan which has a diameter of 20 inches and comes with an ergonomic carry handle for easier transport.
In fact, this ETL listed floor fan is guaranteed with high quality parts due to its certification and listing and it also comes with a convenient remote control which poses multiple functions and settings. Its electronic controls have been mounted on the front and like we said, it also includes a wall mounting bracket so you can convert it from a floor fan into a wall mounted fan in minutes.
Its included rubber pads make it a non-skid floor fan that stays firm to the ground and the safety plug has been fused, patented is a 3-prong. You can choose up to 3 speeds: at speed #1 (low): 3160 CFM, 1230 RPM, 0.9 amp and 110 watts; at speed #2 (med): 3320 CFM, 1340 RPM, 1 amp and 118 watts; at speed #3 (high): 3460 CFM, 1440 RPM, 1.07 amps and 130 watts.
Furthermore, the Lasko Stanley 20-Inch Fan is made up of sturdy metal blades with a tubular steel construction for heavy duty blowing power and durability and it weighs surprisingly light at only 14 lbs.
The Competition
A floor fan must have a lot of blowing capability if it is an industrial fan and it must be quiet and bearable if it is a residential fan. The other competitors did not match our criteria and were a bit too overpriced.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are some of the benefits of using a floor fan?
A: According to wiseGEEK , the floor fan is a type of electric fan which sits on the floor and does the opposite of a ceiling fan. Moreover, it is designed to cool things at a lower level. Also, a floor fan is ideal for use in drying carpets. A good advantage is that floor fans do not tip over in comparison to desk fans or stand fans (pedestal fans). In some cases, floor fans can be designed as box fans in which the fan is encased in a box. In fact, some floor fans can be adjusted to become a pedestal fan. Also, box floor fans do not oscillate but their grilles can rotate to give you a full force air flow.
Q: What are the things to consider when choosing a floor fan?
A: According to SFGate , you should make sure the speed and height are adjustable. Do know that floor fans with up to 4 speeds are truly versatile. As a matter of fact, it would help if you have a floor fan that can also be converted to a stand fan with an adjustable base.
When you want to choose a great floor fan, do know that floor fans with tilting and oscillating actions are great deals to consider. Also worth noting is the fact that the floor fan must be fitting for your space needs. For instance, industrial floor fans require bigger blowing power even if they run a little bit noisy whereas floor fans for residential use must be quiet and should not give you too much gust.
Adding to those facts, you should also know that floor fans with movable wheels are also convenient, especially for industrial use floor fans that are pretty heavy to lift from one place to another. Last, but not the least: if you can afford it, you should buy a floor fan with a remote control option or even a timer option for convenience.
Wrapping It Up
To top it off, the Vornado 723DC Energy Smart Air Circulator is our best floor fan designed to keep you cool during the summer and maybe even dry up anything such as a wet rug or carpet. Floor fans are designed to give a lot of power depending on where you use it, and this floor fan happens to meet our expectations. It can be used on any residential home or even at a garage, patio or any place where you need to cool down from the intense heat of the summer season.
Jen Miller is a former electrical engineer and product specialist with more than 20 years of product design and testing experience. She has designed more than 200 products for Fortune 500 companies, in fields ranging from home appliances to sports gear and outdoor equipment. She founded Jen Reviews to share her knowledge and critical eye for what makes consumers tick, and adopts a strict no-BS approach to help the reader filter through the maze of products and marketing hype out there. She writes regularly and has been featured on Forbes, Fast Company, The Muse, The Huffington Post, Tiny Buddha and MindBodyGreen.