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Air conditioning is great for cooling a space, but a good pedestal fan can be a more cost-effective way to beat the heat. It makes the temperature in a room feel cooler, so you don’t have to run the AC as much. To determine which models were the most efficient and user-friendly, we researched more than 30 best-selling pedestal fans and tested the eight models that stood out most.
Ahead, learn what to look for when shopping for a pedestal fan and find out how each of the models listed here earned their spot in our lineup of the best pedestal fans.
- BEST OVERALL: Vornado Energy Smart Medium Pedestal Air Circulator
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Lasko 52-Inch Space-Saving Pedestal Tower Fan
- BEST FOR LARGE ROOMS: Hurricane Pro High-Velocity Oscillating Stand Fan
- BEST SMART: Dreo PolyFan 704S Air Circulator Fan
- BEST QUIET TURBO: Rowenta 16-Inch Turbo Silence Extreme Stand Fan
- BEST STYLE: Vornado VFAN Sr. Pedestal Vintage Air Circulator
- BEST INDUSTRIAL: Maxx Air 30-Inch 3-Speed Tilting Yoke Pedestal Fan
- BEST WITH REMOTE: Pelonis 16-Inch Pedestal Fan With DC Motor
How We Tested the Best Pedestal Fans
We were surprised by how many pedestal fans are on the market, each promising to keep users cool while saving on utility costs. But we couldn’t test them all, so we narrowed our list down to the top performers in various categories. In selecting the models for testing, we considered brand to an extent—after all, Vornado, Dreo, and Lasko have a strong reputation for making quality fans. Still, we didn’t eliminate smaller manufacturers as long as their fans were high quality and enthusiastically endorsed by real users.
After carefully choosing what we felt were the best pedestal fans in several categories, we got down to testing. Our tests were straightforward. We noted material quality, ease of assembly, portability, and design. Then, we tested each fan’s airflow capacity and noted whether it was a loud or quiet fan.
During the inspection, assembly, and hands-on testing process, each fan was awarded points based on a rubric. The better it performed, the higher the points. After testing, we averaged the points to determine the best overall performers and categorized the fans by their best use.
Testing Stats
- Products tested: 8
- Hours spent testing: 8 hours
- Tests performed: 4
- Price range: $55 to $250
Our Top Picks
The pedestal fans listed here excelled in our hands-on testing. While size, airflow, and individual features vary, one of these is sure to be a good pick for your space-cooling needs.
Best Overall
Vornado Energy Smart Medium Pedestal Air Circulator
Our Ratings: Assembly 5/5; Circulation 4.5/5; Noise 5/5; Design 4.8/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 34 to 43.5 inches tall by 20.2 inches wide by 20.2 inches deep
- Maximum cubic feet per minute (CFM): 1,051
- Modes: 99 speeds, timer
- Oscillating? No
What We Like
- Sleek design with a telescoping base for easy height adjustment
- Very quiet pedestal fan when operated on the lowest setting
- Digital readout makes it easy to see the current speed level
- Features powerful airflow and a tilt head that can be directed upward for a ceiling bounce
What We Don’t Like
- No storage spot on the fan for stowing the remote control
The Vornado 6803DC fan is a sleek air circulator that comes with an extendable base so that users can raise or lower the fan to suit their comfort needs. This is not an oscillating pedestal fan, but we discovered it can still circulate air throughout an entire room by turning the fan head upward. When we tested the Vornado in this position and cranked up its speed to 99, it created a ceiling bounce—an effect much like that of a ceiling fan—and no matter where we were sitting, we were able to stay cool. The entire room was a comfort zone.
The fan comes with a remote control, but we wish Vornado had provided a spot on the fan to store the remote so it doesn’t get lost. The fan is quiet on its lowest setting. It generates just 30 decibels (dB), which is comparable to a quiet whisper, making it a quiet fan for bedroom use. It produces more noise on high—about 59 dB, which is similar in sound intensity to normal conversation.
The 6803 DC was easy to assemble, and we liked that its digital readout on the front allowed us to see the power level at a glance. This fan also features a timer mode. If you’re looking for a powerful fan that’s lightweight enough (about 9 pounds) to carry from room to room, this is a great option. Its ability to direct strong airflow straight upward to achieve a ceiling bounce makes it a suitable alternative to a ceiling fan.
Read our full review: Vornado Energy Smart Medium Pedestal Air Circulator
Get the Vornado Energy Smart pedestal fan at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.
Best Bang for the Buck
Lasko 52-Inch Space-Saving Pedestal Tower Fan
Our Ratings: Assembly 5/5; Circulation 4.5/5; Noise 5/5; Design 4.8/5; Value 4.8/5
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 52 inches tall by 14 inches wide by 14 inches deep
- Maximum CFM: 191
- Modes: 3 speeds, timer
- Oscillating? Yes
What We Like
- Streamlined shape is attractive and suitable for small spaces
- Adjustable louvers allow users to direct the air up or down
- Additional features include an automatic shut-off timer and sleep mode
- Can be controlled from a remote or via an LED display control panel
What We Don’t Like
- Relative to the fan size, the base is slightly small and could be prone to tipping
There’s no need to spend a lot to enjoy the comfort of a standing fan. This innovative pedestal fan with remote-control functionality is both sleek and affordable. We liked how Lasko incorporated a smaller version of a tower fan head on a pedestal fan base, as this saves room and is well suited to small spaces where a larger fan head might get in the way. It’s a great compact design, but the base is slightly on the small side, so the fan is prone to tipping if bumped.
This fan also features louvers—similar to those on a car’s air vents—which allowed us to direct the airflow up or down. The fan’s height adjusts from 41 inches up to 52 inches for added versatility.
This wasn’t the most powerful pedestal fan we tested, but it’s strong enough to keep a small to medium-size room cool and comfortable. Plus, it’s quiet. At its highest speed, it produces only 49 dB, which is roughly equivalent to background office noise. The sound quality is similar to soothing white noise, and after a few minutes, we no longer noticed it.
While the Lasko fan might not be sufficient for circulating the air in large rooms, it’s a quiet pedestal fan that’s well suited to bedrooms, nurseries, and other small spaces.
Get the Lasko pedestal fan at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or Walmart.
Best for Large Rooms
Hurricane Pro High-Velocity Oscillating Stand Fan
Our Ratings: Assembly 5/5; Circulation 5/5; Noise 4.5/5; Design 5/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 39 to 54 inches tall by 24.4 wide inches by 13.2 inches deep
- Maximum CFM: 4,500
- Modes: 3
- Oscillating? Yes
What We Like
- Durable construction with metal blades, steel stand, and powder-coat finish
- Large 20-inch head and powerful airflow; capable of cooling larger rooms
- Height can be adjusted from 39 inches up to 54 inches
What We Don’t Like
- Not the quietest fan, especially when operated at its highest setting
This fan lives up to the Hurricane name, generating powerful air currents with a 20-inch head that pushes 4,500 cubic feet of air per minute. This makes it ideal for circulating air in large living spaces without air conditioning.
The Hurricane was one of the most powerful indoor pedestal fans we tested, but it wasn’t one of the quietest. At high speed, it registered 68 dB on our tester, comparable to the sound of a vacuum cleaner in an adjacent room. What’s more, the sound isn’t soothing like white noise; it’s a bit tinny sounding. Still, if you need strong air circulation in a large space, the Hurricane won’t disappoint. During testing, we felt its strong breezes from almost 20 feet away. Plus, the fan has an oscillating function and three speed settings. Even on its lowest setting, we felt a noticeable draft.
This fan features an all-metal construction with aluminum blades and a powder-coated finish on the fan pedestal. It weighs 24.1 pounds and has a sizable weighted base, so it’s not as portable as some models.
It doesn’t come with a remote control; instead, the fan speed and oscillation are both manually controlled via knobs on the back of the fan head. A replaceable fuse in the power cord protects the fan from overload. The Hurricane may not be the best option to use for sleeping, but it’s among the most powerful fans for home comfort.
Get the Hurricane pedestal fan at Amazon or Hurricane.
Best Smart
Dreo PolyFan 704S Air Circulator Fan
Our Ratings: Assembly 5/5; Circulation 5/5; Noise 5/5; Design 4.5/5; Value 4.8/5
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 43 inches tall by 8.7 inches wide by 13.7 inches deep
- Maximum CFM: 882
- Modes: 6 wind modes, 9 speeds
- Oscillating? Yes
What We Like
- Syncs with W-Fi and can be operated via smart devices or Alexa
- Brisk airflow and quiet operation, even at higher speeds
- Sleek design; not the typical pedestal fan look
- Also operable from the included remote control or directly on the fan
What We Don’t Like
- Smart functions require a wireless connection
If you’re into smart-home technology and want an oscillating fan that connects to Wi-Fi, this might be your pick. We’d never tested a truly smart fan before, i.e. one that syncs to our wireless network and can be operated via smart devices or Alexa, so this was an exciting test.
We started by assembling the fan, which was a straightforward process. Then we scanned the included QR code, set up an account with Dreo, and followed the instructions for syncing the fan. It was simple and fast. After that, we were able to start, stop, and adjust airflow speed and direction from our smartphone.
In addition to being a sleek and very tech-forward fan, the PolyFan 704S is also a good air circulator. It produces a brisk, focused airflow, and the noise it generates is quiet and soothing, even at higher speeds. The sound it generated seemed to us like rainfall on a roof. We liked the touch controls and the lighted display as well as the ability to adjust the fan’s height for personalized comfort. This is also a remote-control pedestal fan, and the fan head tilts for even more versatility.
While this fan might not be adequate for massive rooms, it’s an excellent solution for cooling a bedroom, study, or home office. If you’re into home automation, this is an interesting option.
Get the Dreo pedestal fan at Amazon or Dreo.
Best Quiet Turbo
Rowenta 16-Inch Turbo Silence Extreme Stand Fan
Our Ratings: Assembly 5/5; Circulation 5/5; Noise 5/5; Design 4.3/5; Value 4.3/5
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 55 inches tall by 24 inches wide by 20 inches deep
- Maximum CFM: 2,436
- Modes: 5
- Oscillating? Yes
What We Like
- Produces 35 dB on the lowest setting, about the same volume as a whisper
- Has 5 fan speeds, including a quiet mode and a turbo speed
- Additional functions include an 8-hour timer and an energy-efficient mode
What We Don’t Like
- The fan remote control doesn’t come with batteries, so pick up a CR2032 disc battery
A fan isn’t useful in a living area if its noise drowns out conversation or interrupts restful sleep. With its whisper-quiet operation, this model from Rowenta operates at just 35 dB on the lowest speed setting, which is roughly equivalent to the volume of rustling leaves. This quiet operation makes it ideal for the bedroom. There are five fan speeds in all, including a silent mode that creates just enough white noise for sleeping and a Turbo Boost setting for extra cooling power.
We found the Rowenta to be a good mix of comfort and quality. Assembly was quick and easy, and the fan has a sturdy base that keeps it from tipping over if bumped. It weighs just under 20 pounds—heavy enough to offer stability, but still light enough to carry if needed.
The Rowenta offers impressive airflow, especially at the higher settings. The 16-inch head pushes up to 2,436 cubic feet of airflow per minute, which is nothing to sneeze at. While it was running, we felt a strong draft while sitting on the other side of the room.
Our favorite feature was the easy-access control panel that includes an 8-hour timer and an energy-saving mode. All of these settings are also controllable via the fan’s convenient remote control, but we had to buy a CR2032 (disc-type) battery because a battery is not included.
Powerful, quiet, and user-friendly, the Rowenta is a versatile fan for a family with varied cooling needs.
Get the Rowenta pedestal fan at Amazon, Wayfair, or Walmart.
Best Style
Vornado VFAN Sr. Pedestal Vintage Air Circulator
Our Ratings: Assembly 4.4/5; Circulation 4.5/5; Noise 5/5; Design 5/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 42 to 55 inches tall by 18.1 inches wide by 15.5 inches deep
- Maximum CFM: 613
- Modes: 3
- Oscillating? No
What We Like
- One of the more attractive pedestal fans with its vintage look
- Offered in 2 color options to suit various room styles
- Easy to direct airflow with tiltable head and adjustable height
What We Don’t Like
- Not as much airflow as other pedestal fans and not as quiet
Everything old is new again. The Vornado Vintage fan is like something straight out of the 1940s, and we were totally impressed with both its look and performance. The first thing we noticed was the high quality of the materials—no plastic on this one. The Vornado is made from enameled steel and chrome and has real brass accents.
Like the vintage fans it emulates, the Vornado doesn’t come with a remote control; rather, it has a single knob on the back of the fan head to turn the fan on and off and adjust the airflow speed.
It’s not the quietest fan, but Vornado nailed the nostalgic hum of vintage-era fans. It’s not exactly white noise, but it’s still calming, and it evokes the ambience of old-time barbershops and the crackling tones of a Victrola.
The fan doesn’t oscillate, but it has a tilt head, and we were able to adjust the height from 42 to 55 inches, the tallest of any adjustable-height fan we tested. The breeze this fan creates is direct and focused, making it best suited for placement in the corner of a room where it can send cooling breezes through a well-frequented area, such as a sitting space in a family room or the reading area in a home library. It’s a great retro focal point that pulls double duty to keep the user comfortable.
Get the Vornado VFAN Sr. pedestal fan at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Target.
Best Industrial
Maxx Air 30-Inch 3-Speed Tilting Yoke Pedestal Fan
Our Ratings: Assembly 4/5; Circulation 5/5; Noise 3.5/5; Design 4.5/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 65 inches tall by 36 inches wide by 27 inches deep
- Maximum CFM: 4,800
- Modes: 3
- Oscillating? No
What We Like
- Durably built with a thermally protected motor and all-metal construction
- Adjustable tilt allows it to be aimed upward or downward
- 3 speed-setting options with a maximum fan speed of 4,800 CFM
What We Don’t Like
- Fan sits at a fixed height and cannot be raised or lowered
This fan’s large size, powerful airflow, and durable build quality make it ideal for more demanding environments like garage workshops or industrial settings.
Assembly was simple, but because this is a heavy fan (40 pounds), it helps to have an assistant who can steady the base while inserting and tightening the bolts. At this weight, it would have been nice if the fan had wheels to help move it from spot to spot. This is the only fan we tested outdoors—it’s not a house fan. At its highest speed, it produces 4,800 CFM. That’s quite the blast of air, and we felt a strong breeze when standing 20 feet away.
There are no bells and whistles with this model. It’s manually controlled via a knob on the back of the fan head. It does feature a tilting head, which allowed us to direct the air at various angles. We tested it on a covered patio and aimed it at the ceiling, and the reflected air bounce it produced was strong and cooling. However, this isn’t a water-resistant fan, so it should be used outdoors only when rain is not in the forecast, and it should be positioned away from any sprinklers.
We love quiet fans, but unfortunately, this one does not fit into that category. On high, it registered 76 dB on our tester, comparable to the sound of a motorcycle passing on the street in front of the house. The Maxx Air is best suited for project settings and industrial use. It moves a lot of air, so it could be a boon for drywallers who want their compound-filled joints to hurry up and dry. Its 30-inch fan head takes up quite a bit of space, but it’s hard to beat the airflow this fan generates. If you regularly spend time in a hot workshop or need to clear the air quickly on a jobsite, this might be the fan for you.
Get the Maxx Air pedestal fan at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.
Best with Remote
Pelonis 16-Inch Pedestal Fan With DC Motor
Our Ratings: Assembly 4.5/5; Circulation 4.5/5; Noise 5/5; Design 4.5/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 51.18 inches tall by 15.75 inches wide by 15.75 inches deep
- Maximum CFM: Not listed
- Modes: 12
- Oscillating? Yes
What We Like
- Features a sturdy stand with adjustable height and a tiltable fan head
- Superb versatility with 12 different speed options and a 12-hour timer
- Includes remote control with an LED display that includes all fan functions
What We Don’t Like
- Some customers report that the fan will sometimes shut itself off
You may not mind adjusting the airflow settings directly on a fan, but it’s always nice to be able to push a button on a remote to control it instead. The Pelonis 16-inch pedestal fan is simple to operate using either method. With the remote control, we were able to start and stop the fan, choose the oscillation option, and set a timer so that the fan would run for a set period before automatically shutting off.
On its highest setting, the fan registered 42 dB on our decibel tester, comparable to the hum of a running refrigerator. On its lowest setting, it barely registered, making it a good bedroom fan for sleeping. The sound quality, on low and high, is soothing and similar to white noise. After just a few minutes, we tuned it out and were able to converse in quiet tones. On the fan’s highest setting, we felt its breeze from about 13 feet away.
While the Pelonis might not be the best pick for a home gym where more powerful airflow is needed to keep cool, it’s a good option for small to midsize rooms where users want to add a bit of cooling power without adding distracting noise.
Get the Pelonis pedestal fan at Amazon or Newegg.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Pedestal Fan
Airflow is the most important element to consider when shopping for a pedestal fan because it determines how well the fan will circulate cool air in a room. But size, material, features, and noise level are also important. Ahead, learn about these and other factors to keep in mind while shopping for a pedestal fan.
Size
Pedestal fans are a type of floor fan typically designed to be tall and slender to circulate air through a room without taking up much space. Most models are about 50 inches tall, with the fan head measuring anywhere from 18 to 30 inches in diameter.
Pedestal fans must accommodate the dimensions of the space they’ll be cooling. An 18-inch fan should function well for the average bedroom or small living area, while a larger 30-inch fan is suitable for ventilating a garage or large living room.
Material and Style
Most fans are made from either steel or high-grade plastic. Steel pedestal fans are heavier, making them more difficult to knock over and harder to move around. The steel construction also means they are prone to rust, which makes them poorly suited for humid regions.
Fan blades are typically either metal or plastic, although designer fans may feature wood or bamboo blades. Plastic is lightweight and easy for the fan’s motor to turn, whereas metal is more durable but requires more power. This makes fans with plastic fan blades slightly more energy efficient than those with heavier metal blades.
The aesthetic qualities of a pedestal fan can help it suit a room’s decor. Some feature sleek designs with cylindrical heads that mesh well with modern or transitional styles. Other designs have rounded housings and classic colors for a vintage look that complements country, eclectic, and casual decor.
Air Delivery and Speed
Pedestal fans deliver air in one direction or by oscillation, where the head pans side to side up to 180 degrees. Multiple spinning blades do the work, with some fans utilizing three broad blades and others using four or five narrow ones.
A fan’s CFM rating determines how much air it can move at its highest speed. Many pedestal fans have a 2,500 CFM rating, which is enough to circulate air in an average-size bedroom or living area. Some large pedestal fans have a 9,000 CFM, making them well suited for industrial use. Powerful models can serve as useful fans for the summer.
Adjustability
Most pedestal fans have at least three speed settings: low, medium, and high. Some models feature additional speeds and perks like ultraquiet operation. You can adjust the speed with controls located on the fan’s head or via a remote control if one is included.
Pedestal fans often have telescopic poles that allow the user to adjust the head to different heights to target specific parts of a room. Adjustability typically ranges from 40 to 55 inches tall. Some models also have tiltable heads that let users aim the fan upward or downward.
Fan Modes
Pedestal fans may come equipped with special modes for easy operation. For example, some feature a thermostat that automatically turns the unit on and off based on room temperature. Some pedestal fans also have timers that turn them off after a preset number of hours, preventing the fan from accidentally being left on in an unoccupied room.
Some fans feature a night mode, which allows the fan to quietly operate for a predetermined number of hours before shutting off. Turbo mode, another feature sometimes offered, allows the fan to run at high speed for maximum airflow and cooling power. You can set these modes on a control console on the fan or, if included, via a remote from across the room.
Noise Level
Pedestal fans operate in living spaces, so they should be quiet enough to avoid disrupting sleep or other activities like socializing, watching TV, or reading. With a noise level of around 45 to 55 dB, most pedestal fans are quieter than their window fan counterparts. However, they can still be loud—especially on their highest speed setting—while whirring over a conversation between house members or overpowering the audio coming from a TV. Fans with quiet technology operate at about 35 dB, which is as loud as the sound of a whisper. Fans with quiet technology are typically more expensive than standard units.
Portability and Storage
Pedestal fans tend to have a tall build, which makes them somewhat awkward to transport from room to room. Even though many pedestal fans can stand as tall as 50 inches tall, they typically weigh around 15 pounds—light enough to be lifted and moved fairly easily.
Most pedestal fans have adjustable heights. This allows users to lower them to the shortest height, usually 40 inches, for easier storage. They tend to have bulky bases, though, which are necessary for keeping the top-heavy fans from tipping over when bumped. Fans with bases larger than 2 feet in diameter can pose a storage challenge if the home doesn’t have an excess of storage space.
FAQs
Shoppers looking to buy a new pedestal fan usually have several questions ahead of making their purchase, including how much energy these fans consume and how long they can safely run. Here are answers to some of the most common questions asked about these appliances.
No. Generally speaking, the best pedestal fans are efficient and consume minimal electricity. They can actually help save on energy costs by making the room feel cooler without using air conditioning.
While any electrical appliance can present a fire risk, a pedestal fan is unlikely to overheat. To be safe, check the power cord often, making sure it isn’t frayed or split.
Begin by unplugging the fan. Remove the protective cage from around the blades. Wipe away any dust or accumulated dirt on the fan blades using a clean cloth. Clean the fan cage with a dry or damp cloth and then allow it to dry before reattaching it to the fan.
A tower fan is characterized by its slim, vertical body, which resembles a tower, while a pedestal fan features a traditional fan head mounted to a pole. In addition to looking different, tower fans blow air throughout the entire length of the unit, while pedestal fans only generate air from the fan head.
It really depends on your preferences. While pedestal fans are often adjustable in height and offer good airflow, they can be bulky, and some models are pretty loud. Look for one with a DC motor if you’d like a quiet model. Pedestal fans are not meant for use as exhaust fans the way bathroom fans are; rather, they’re designed solely to cool and circulate.
Meet the Tester
Glenda Taylor is a product tester and writer specializing in the construction, remodeling, and real estate industries. She and her husband own a general contracting company, and Taylor is experienced in both residential and commercial building applications. She tests a wide range of power tools as well as other home improvement, household, and lawn-and-garden products.
Additional research provided by Tony Carrick.
