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When hot and humid weather strikes, getting a good night’s sleep in a stuffy bedroom can seem impossible. Even bedrooms with air conditioning may lack proper airflow to keep a room cool and comfortable during heat waves. A good box fan is an inexpensive and energy-efficient remedy to this problem. In addition to circulating the air, box fans also provide varying levels of white noise, which can promote relaxation and increase sleep quality.
I recently tested nine highly rated box fans and discovered that not all options are equal in making a space feel more comfortable. The Air King, however, didn’t disappoint. On its highest setting, it kept my 74 degree Fahrenheit bedroom comfortable all night and provided ample white noise that made it easy for me to fall asleep. While it’s nothing fancy, this fan works well and delivers serious cooling power on those sticky, sweaty nights.
Air King 20-Inch 3-Speed Commercial-Grade Box Fan: At a Glance
Rating: 4.4/5
Specs
- Speeds: 3
- Carry handle: Yes
- Dimensions: 22.5 inches high by 21.38 inches wide by 6.38 inches deep
What We Like
- High-powered airflow immediately makes a room more comfortable
- Produces ample white noise
- Quality construction with a steel body
What We Don’t Like
- Noise level is high for conversations or watching TV
Get the Air King box fan at Amazon for $49.99.
What is the Air King commercial-grade box fan?
The Air King commercial-grade box fan has a steel body and impact-resistant plastic grills. While it looks basic, it delivers exceptional airflow, making warm rooms immediately feel more comfortable. The Air King box fan comes preassembled, features 20-inch blades, and measures 22.5 inches high by 21.38 inches wide by 6.38 inches deep.
A dial at the top of this fan allows for switching between its three speeds, and a top-mounted carry handle makes it easy to tote around the house.
I tested this model along with eight other box fans for 3 weeks, and the Air King surpassed all its competition in cooling power. While this box fan can be useful in commercial settings like gyms and restaurants, its powerful air circulation and noise level are a great fit for bedrooms.
Powerful Air Circulation
To evaluate the best box fans, I ran a series of tests on nine popular models, using each fan multiple nights in my 74 degree Fahrenheit bedroom. I then used an anemometer to measure wind speed, an energy meter to gauge energy consumption, and a sound meter app to assess the decibels (a measure of sound level). The Air King was the loudest fan for white noise and also proved to be the most powerful, delivering wind speeds of 12.6 miles per hour on its highest setting.
While all the fans delivered some relief to my warm bedroom, the air circulation from the Air King was unrivaled. Even on its lowest setting, this box fan outperformed a few of the other popular models on their highest settings.
It also proved its versatility by being effective in other areas. During the day, I strategically placed it in bedroom doorways, and it circulated cool air from the main living spaces into the bedrooms.
How noisy is the Air King box fan?
The Air King’s noise level, especially at its highest setting, can be a detriment to watching TV and having conversations. However, when it came time to shut out the lights and go to sleep, I appreciated the high levels of white noise.
According to my tests, the Air King’s sound level measured 74 decibels on its lowest setting and 77 decibels on its highest setting when measured from 2 feet away. I measured all the fans from the same distance to fairly compare them. While this fan is noisy, the actual sound level will depend on the room size and how close or far away you place the fan. With the fan farther than 2 feet away from you, the noise level isn’t as loud.
Should you buy the Air King commercial-grade box fan?
If you’re used to buying box fans for less than $30, the Air King might seem expensive. However, the quality and performance justify the price. It’s a dependable option for those who regularly rely on box fans for white noise or to help cool down a home. On the other hand, if you’ll only be using it once or twice, a less expensive box fan, like the Utilitech 20-inch box fan, will be sufficient.
Even though I appreciated the ample white noise for sleeping, I know that not everyone enjoys a loud fan. The Comfort Zone 20-inch box fan is a solid contender if you’re looking for a quieter model. It wasn’t quite as powerful, but it came close, delivering wind speeds up to 10.7 miles per hour compared to the Air King’s 12.6 miles per hour.
The Air King box fan is a basic fan with three settings. However, as someone who sleeps with a fan and has had the chance to test several, I have no doubt that the quality and air circulation of this model outperforms similar options. If you’re in the market for a basic box fan that’s powerful and long lasting, this one is hard to beat.
Get the Air King box fan at Amazon for $49.99.
Meet the Tester
Katie Barton is a freelance writer specializing in home improvement, cleaning, and organizing. After extensive testing, she delivers honest feedback to empower shoppers to get the most bang for their buck.