The 3X Hurricane Classic Wall-Mount Oscillating Fan is our best oscillating fan and it has up to 3 speeds. The fan measures 16 inches and this oscillating fan is meant to be wall mounted. Very much like most wall mount fans, its switch is a string type that you pull down and it has a classic wall mount fan design.
Our step-up pick is the Air King 9025 24-Inch Oscillating Fan and this oscillating fan has up to 3 speeds of great power. It measures 24 inches in diameter and it has been made from sturdy industrial grade material. It also comes with a steady bracket that is specifically made for wall mounting and runs on a 1/4 HP horsepower motor that has been permanently lubricated.
The budget pick is the Rowenta VU2531 Turbo Silence Oscillating Fan and it has up to 4 speeds. A great desk fan and a budget option due to its size and operating power, it has 5 uniquely engineered blades and up to 4 speed options and it gives you great silence without compromising blowing power. It oscillates conveniently and is made from sturdy bronze material and it measures 12 inches in diameter.
A Little Background
Oscillation is the property of any object to rotate from left to right. It is a rotating mechanism that is mostly found in electric fans in which the fan head moves from left to right to give you a more even ventilation power.
Oscillating fans are the most convenient thing to have in any home or establishment. They exhibit great power and even ventilation because of the fact that the head of the fan can rotate from one side to another, which makes them just as ideal as an air conditioner when it comes to keeping a room cooled down during the summer or during hot weather.
Traditionally, electric fans have oscillating switches at the back of the fan’s head, just above the motor. In most cases, you will find an electric fan in which the switch at the back is pulled up when you want to keep the fan steady and pressed down when you want it to oscillate. At the very most any oscillating fan can turn up to 90 degrees left and right. However, since this has been the classic design of the oscillating fan when it comes to oscillating, the pull up and pull down switch can get broken sometimes when mishandled and when the material is not too sturdy.
Today, various types of electric fans have different oscillating switch types. In terms of wall mounted fans, any oscillating fan will usually have two switch cords that can be pulled. The first string is to control the speed (ranging from 1 to 3 speeds at the very usual case) and the second string is to control the oscillation of the said wall mounted fan. If you have a remote controlled oscillating fan, you will notice that the oscillation switch is also included in the remote itself, aside from controlling the speeds of the fan to give you more comfort and precise blowing and cooling power.
In addition to oscillating features, some fans can also tilt up and down, making them truly flexible. At the very most, you will find oscillating fans that also tilt up and down up to 15 degrees (but not really automatically) so you can affix the fan upwards to cool the ceiling or whatever is upwards or cool it downwards if you want to place the fan on a higher location and cool something downwards or on the floor when needed.
How We Picked
A best oscillating fan can have one or more of the following features:
Speed control is important in any oscillating fan. You will most likely find an oscillating fan that has 1 to 3 speeds or even up to 4 speeds depending on the brand, price and power. These speeds run on various blowing powers and consume different wattages and amperes. Speed control is vital in any kind of electric fan so as you do not break the fan easily with a super high speed that is not really needed.
Convenience of switching the oscillation is important for any oscillating fan. Traditionally, you will find an oscillating fan that has a back switch that can be pulled up and down to trigger the oscillating function. This is true on stand fans (pedestal fans), desk fans and the like, but not on wall mounted fans because they are harder to reach, so you will usually just have to pull down a cord to trigger the oscillating function of the fan.
A tilting option (up and down) is also ideal for any oscillating fan. This allows the oscillating fan to be fixed downwards or upwards to give you more precise cooling power. Combining the flexibility of an oscillating fan with a tilting action is a great investment for any home or office use.
The price must be considerable depending on the type of oscillating fan, whether it is an industrial fan or a residential fan. Generally speaking an oscillating fan that is meant for a warehouse is never cheap because of its all metal parts and bigger dimensions and larger motor that consume more power and more noise levels. You will find residential oscillating fans cheaper because of their size and power. Also, residential fans are quieter than industrial fans.
Noise level should be considered when buying an oscillating fan. Like we said, oscillating fans can be a bit noisy so you should consider a fan that is not too noisy, especially if you look forward to use it for your office, home or anything that requires a low noise environment. But if you are looking forward to a heavy duty oscillating fan that is for use in a factory then noise level is not that important, unless it is a quiet place.
An oscillating fan that has been listed under certifications is a big plus point for its marketability. Most oscillating fans you will find have been listed under certifications such as ETL and UL. This helps to assure the buyer that the oscillating fan is made to pass worldwide standards for safety and durability. If you have a certified oscillating fan with you then it somehow assures you that the fan will be safe to use, durable in the long run and made to last.
Our Pick
3X Hurricane Classic Wall-Mount Oscillating Fan
With our best oscillating fan, the 3X Hurricane Classic Wall-Mount Oscillating Fan, like most wall mount fans, its switch is a string type that you pull down. This particular oscillating fan has up to 3 speeds and also, this oscillating fan is meant to be wall mounted. This fan measures 16 inches and it has a classic wall mount fan design.
As for the oscillating function of the 3X Hurricane Oscillating Fan, it can oscillate up to 90 degrees of motion to give you the best maximum air flow around your house. As a matter of fact, with this oscillating fan, you can control both the speed of the oscillating fan and its oscillating controls.
In addition to that, the 3X Hurricane Classic Fan comes with a power cord with a length of 60 inches. As for its durability, the fan’s neck support is made from durable steel material. The Hurricane Classic Wall-Mount Fan has a total weight of about 8 lbs.
Flaws but Not Dealbrakers
There weren’t much flaws about the 3X Hurricane Classic Wall-Mount Oscillating Fan but because it is a wall mounted fan, it is not movable and portable compared to stand fans or pedestal fans as well as table top fans and may take an experienced electrician to wire and install on your place.
Step-up Pick
Air King 9025 24-Inch Oscillating Fan
The Air King 9025 24-Inch Oscillating Fan is our step-up pick for those with a little bit more budget as this oscillating fan runs on a 1/4 HP horsepower motor that has been permanently lubricated. Moreover, this oscillating fan has up to 3 speeds of great power. When it comes to durability, it has been made from sturdy industrial grade material and it also conveniently comes with a steady bracket that is specifically made for wall mounting.
This oscillating fan measures 24 inches in diameter so it is a little bit pricier than our first pick. when it comes to its accessories, the Air King Oscillating Fan comes with an SPT type power cord that has 3 conductors and measures about 10 feet long.
Durability is not questionable as the powder coat finish given to the highly constructed steel gives your oscillating fan the best durability it can have. Accessibility is a breeze because you can easily turn the fan on or off with its pull cord switch, much like any other standard wall mounted fans where you can also change the speeds up to 3 speed options.
In terms of certifications and quality assurance, the Air King 9025 Fan has been listed under ETL and OSHA for high quality standards. For further information, the operating specs of the various speeds are as follows: at speed #1: 3,670 CFM of blowing speed, 745 RPM of rotation, 1.5 amps of power, 157 watts and a noise level of 64 dB. At speed #2: 4,490 CFM of capacity, 925 RPM of speed, 1.9 amps and 199 watts of power and a noise level of 69 dB. At speed #3: 5,130 CFM at 1,060 RPM, with a power of 2.4 amps, 252 watts and with a noise level of 72 dB.
Being a totally reliable oscillating fan, the Air King 24-Inch Fan has a completely powerful motor that is certified to meet the tough demands of manufacturing plants and warehouses. As a matter of fact, it can also be used for offices, hospitals, schools and other commercial establishments. It weighs 36 lbs due to its size and it can also be tilted up or down.
Overall, if you want an oscillating fan that easily moves out a lot of air and in which the operation is very quiet and with less vibration, you should totally get the oscillating fan by Air King. Its large blades adhere to the demanding standards of any industry and its power cord included is extra long. It is also backed by a 1 year warranty for a hassle-free buying experience.
Budget Pick
Rowenta VU2531 Turbo Silence Oscillating Fan
Our budget pick is the Rowenta VU2531 Turbo Silence Oscillating Fan which neatly oscillates conveniently and is made from sturdy bronze material. Unlike any conventional fan, this oscillating fan has up to 4 speeds for better control of the cooling power. The fan also measures 12 inches in diameter and it has 5 uniquely engineered blades and up to 4 speed options.
A great desk fan and a budget option due to its size and operating power, the Rowenta Silence Oscillating Fan definitely gives you great silence without compromising blowing power. This oscillating fan can move up to 1,695 CFM of air so you can get intense and immediate cooling air within your home or establishment.
In fact, the various speeds of the oscillating fan have various specs. As for its quietness, the noise level ranges from 38 to 57 dB. As for the blowing power, the air flow ranges from 18 to 47 m3 per minute. In terms of the looks, accessibility and the overall convenience and design, it comes with a manual control dial much like classic style electric fans.
The Rowenta VU2531 Fan weighs 10 lbs and it can oscillate up to 90 degrees in all directions (left, up, down and right) for maximum air cooling convenience. Being truly ideal for home use due to its contemporary design, the Rowenta fan can be used for just about any activity at home due to its quiet noise level and it is also equipped with an easily removable grid to clean up blades and the grid itself to keep the air clean and keep the dust to a minimum. As a matter of fact, you can also turn off the oscillating for targeted fanning action. This budget option is backed by a 1 year warranty.
Best Heavy Duty Oscillating Fan
MaxxAir HVWM Heavy Duty Oscillating Fan
If you want a heavy duty oscillating fan then you should look no further than the MaxxAir HVWM Heavy Duty Oscillating Fan which has blowing power in CFM of 4,800 (speed #3), 4,400 (speed #2) and 4,100 (speed #1). Being an oscillating fan for heavy duty use due to its 3-speed motor, this fan can oscillate up to 90 degrees and it also includes a convenient wall mount bracket.
Having been made from an all-sturdy metal material in the construction of the fan, the MaxxAir Oscillating Fan so far measures 30 inches in diameter in total. It is an ideal oscillating fan for large warehouses, factories, plants and anything that requires big fans as it runs on a 1/5 HP motor.
This particular heavy duty oscillating fan easily fans up anything that is hard to reach by smaller fans and you can easily ventilate any large room during the summer. The MaxxAir HVWM Fan is fairly very easy to mount and assemble and it weighs 38 lbs and has a sloped plug profile.
Bearing an all metal construction has been given a chrome finish; the MaxxAir Heavy Duty Fan has been rated for 110 volts and is backed by a 2 year limited warranty.
Best Tower Oscillating Fan
Arctic-Pro Digital Screen Oscillating Tower Fan
An unconventional and unique oscillating fan you should consider is the Arctic-Pro Digital Screen Oscillating Tower Fan which measures 42 inches in height and in which you can choose up to 3 speeds for better air flow control. Unlike most oscillating fans, it uses a digital screen to set things up.
The fan oscillates up to 80 degrees to give an even air flow throughout any room and you can attach the fan on the base or you can use it as a pedestal fan. It also expediently comes with a night mode option so you can turn off the screen and save power at night and it includes a handy remote control for convenience. It is a great oscillating fan with a tower design.
When it comes to the specs, the fan cylinder has a diameter of 6.5 inches while the base measures 12 inches. With the Arctic-Pro Oscillating Tower Fan, the typical assembly time ranges from 6 to 9 minutes only and it is a perfect oscillating fan for offices or residential homes. It is lightweight and weighs less than 10 lbs and it also runs very quiet which makes it applicable for office or home use.
Best Pedestal Oscillating Fan
MaxxAir HVPF30 30-Inch Oscillating Pedestal Fan
For a pedestal type or stand fan type oscillating fan, you should get the MaxxAir HVPF30 30-Inch Oscillating Pedestal Fan which is an oscillating fan that has up to 3 speeds. In terms of power, it has CFM of 4,100 for speed #1, 4,400 for speed #2 and 4,800 on speed #3.
Like most oscillating fans, the MaxxAir 30-Inch Pedestal Fan can tilt and oscillate up to 90 degrees and it also has a telescoping pole feature that measures 84 inches. The heavy duty motor is built for just about any purpose and the power cord measures 9 feet long. The overall diameter of this oscillating pedestal fan is 30 inches.
Moreover, the MaxxAir HVPF30 Pedestal Fan can also be used as an outdoor fan as it stands at a height of 84 inches. It has been given a contemporary retro black finish and the PSC motor has been thermally protected. The fan weighs 26 lbs and is currently backed by a 2 year limited warranty.
Ideal Oscillating Fan for Misting
NewAir AF-520B Oscillating Outdoor Misting Fan
The NewAir AF-520B Oscillating Outdoor Misting Fan is an oscillating fan that is so durable that it can stand up to any outdoor elements such as rain and winds. It gives you great misting coverage up to 500 square feet and you can choose up to 3 speeds for this oscillating fan.
It also comes with user-friendly control. The targeted misting can be highly achieved due to its adjustable height and tilting head action. It is truly an ideal misting fan for outdoor use as well due to its durability and wider cooling ability is backed by its oscillating power.
In terms of size, the NewAir AF-520B Fan has a diameter of 18 inches and it has been given a durable black finish and a flexible design. The fan weighs 16 lbs and is totally ideal for patios and gardens for outdoor cooling power due to its misting nozzles that give you fine mist that do not soak its targets.
Moreover, the NewAir Misting Fan can also keep all the mosquitoes away even at the lowest settings as it uses 3 brass nozzles for its misting capability. Backed by a convenient 1 year limited warranty, the NewAir Outdoor Misting Fan is the perfect patio oscillating fan.
Best Bladeless Oscillating Fan
Aura Bladeless Fan Oscillating Fan LED
If you want to go bladeless in terms of electric fans, you should go for the innovative and sleek designed Aura Bladeless Fan Oscillating Fan LED which is a unique oscillating fan that has a bladeless design which also comes with a convenient remote control.
Available in silver and blue color designs, the Aura Bladeless Fan also comes with beautiful and decorative LED lights as it oscillates widely to give you extreme cooling power and an indoor breeze that is fresh as the outside. What’s more, the LED lights also stand to become night lights.
Being an ideal oscillating fan for office or home use due to its aesthetic design, you can easily extend for a left or right rotation. As a matter of fact, the construction is very easy to clean due to the bladeless design. Unlike other oscillating fans, it does not accumulate dust which is a great thing for allergy sufferers and it is also extra light at only 6 lbs of weight.
With a great design and durability, the Aura Oscillating Fan LED Bladeless Fan stands at a height of 22 inches. Moreover, the bladeless design is also built to avoid finger injuries. It can also be used for patios as long as you have an extension cord and the night lights can also be turned off to save energy.
Best Wall Mount Oscillating Fan
Global Industrial Oscillating Wall Mount Fan
The Global Industrial Oscillating Wall Mount Fan runs on a 1/4 HP motor at a blowing power of 7,525 CFM which makes it an ideal oscillating fan for heavy duty purposes such as in a warehouse or factory and it measures 24 inches in diameter for big applications and better blowing power.
Being an oscillating fan that is mounted to the wall, it easily oscillates in which the fan blades have been enclosed for safety inside guards that are made from steel wire material. Moreover, the Global Industrial Fan comes with a 3-prong power cord that measures 12 feet in length.
The oscillating fan weighs 36 lbs and the motor is a PSC type and is truly an efficient ball bearing motor fit for heavy duty use. Of course, with the Global Industrial Oscillating Fan being an industrial fan, the noise level is unavoidable so it is only fit for big warehouses, factories, etc.
Ideal Oscillating Fan for Outdoor and Indoor Use
Durafan 24″ Indoor/Outdoor Oscillating Wall-Mount Fan
If you want an oscillating fan for both indoor and outdoor use with great flexibility, the Durafan 24″ Indoor/Outdoor Oscillating Wall-Mount Fan is an ideal fan which can tilt up to 80 degrees and downward up to 15 degrees. It has up to 3 speeds and the motor runs at 120 volts of power.
The grill has passed the requirements of OSHA and the high grade steel comprises the structure of this oscillating fan. It runs with speeds of 740, 918 and 1,110 RPM and blows hot air away at 5,860 CFM, 7,326 CFM and 9,157 CFM and it has a diameter of 24 inches.
Being applicable for both indoor and outdoor use, the fan’s body has been coated in durable powder coat black finish. It has been tested and rated for misting and fogging use under UL507. The ball bearings are permanently sealed and lubricated to give protection against thermal overload and the power cord measures 9 feet long. The Durafan Oscillating Wall Mount Fan is easily operated with a standard pull chain, like most wall fans.
The Competition
Other oscillating fans do not have a lot of neat features because of the fact that they cannot oscillate as wide as others. Some of the other oscillating fans are also too pricey and have weak blowing power while the residential fans are too noisy to consider.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the plus points of having an oscillating fan in your home or workplace?
A: According to Do It Yourself , oscillating fans give you better cooling ability because the air flow is spread around and it gives you a more even ventilation. Also, oscillating fans are also easily adjustable because they can be directed or moved towards any spot in your place.
As a matter of fact, oscillating fans are a budget option for air conditioners as well as heaters even during the winter. Also, oscillating fans can be placed just about anywhere depending on the type of fan you buy. In fact, a lot of oscillating fans have remote controls and even timers so you can conveniently save effort and energy in the long run. Some oscillating fans also have air purification features especially for allergy sufferers, which clear out the stereotype that fans can induce allergies due to dust.
Q: What should you know when you want to buy an electric fan?
A: According to Yellow Pages CA , you must know the type of fan you want. First, desk fans are portable and can be placed on table tops or desks and don’t get in the way while tower fans are ideal for homes or offices and are super quiet compared to other types of fans. The pedestal fans are higher and can reach more spaces due to the adjustable height while floor fans are slightly shorter than pedestal fans but are cheaper in general but also pack great power.
On the other hand, a blower fan is usually found in warehouses, factories and anything where heat can be trapped for a long time so you can cool it down while the bladeless fans are a new innovation of electric fans which suck out air and gives you more consistency than regular electric fans. Do know that an oscillating fan with tilting action as well as speed settings is an all around great fan to consider. Also, you should consider an electric fan that produces less noise.
Wrapping It Up
To sum it all up, the 3X Hurricane Classic Wall-Mount Oscillating Fan is our best oscillating fan for all your cooling needs at home or office or any similar establishment with noise-free cooling action.
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.