How to Get the Best Outdoor Ceiling Fan with Lighting
Spending time outdoors is one of life's great joys. Whether you're relaxing on the patio, hosting a backyard barbecue, or dining al fresco, a well-designed outdoor living space expands your ability to enjoy the fresh air. Adding an outdoor ceiling fan to your porch, pavilion, or deck allows you to comfortably spend more time outside. But not all outdoor ceiling fans are created equal. The best outdoor ceiling fan provides airflow for cooling, lighting to illuminate your gathering space, and resilience to stand up to the elements.
Key Considerations When Choosing the Best Outdoor Ceiling Fans with Light
Several key factors go into choosing the ideal outdoor ceiling fan to meet your needs:
- Size - Measure the square footage of your outdoor area to select the right ceiling fan blade span. Larger fans move more air.
- Blade Pitch - Outdoor fan blades have an optimized angle to circulate air properly on porches and patios.
- Damp/Wet Rating - Verify the fan's UL rating for exposure to moisture is suitable for your climate.
- Lighting - Look for integrated LED lighting designed to beautifully illuminate your outdoor space.
- Controls - Pick fans offering speed and light level controls for convenience and comfort.
- Wind Resistance - Coastal climates demand wind-resistant blade construction.
This buyer's guide outlines what to look for as you shop top brands like Hunter, Minka-Aire, Monte Carlo, and more. We'll highlight the critical specifications to compare, from blade span to motor type to intelligent controls. Let's explore the capabilities that set the best outdoor ceiling fans with lights apart.
Top Features to Look for in Outdoor Ceiling Fans with Lighting
Purpose-built for porch, patio, pergola, and other outdoor spaces, the best-rated outdoor ceiling fans check the following boxes:
Blade Size and Pitch Optimized for Outdoor Use
The blade span influences an outdoor ceiling fan's cooling power and coverage area. Like indoor fans, sizes range from small 36-inch units up to massive 60-inch or larger big fan models. But unlike decorative indoor ceiling fans, outdoor fan blade angles are uniquely optimized to move air efficiently on porches and patios. Blades designed for outdoor ceiling fans also account for greater wind resistance.
Rated for Wet Environments
Verify your outdoor ceiling fan meets safety standards related to moisture exposure. Fans are UL-rated as damp-rated or wet-rated:
- Damp-rated fans can handle incidental moisture from humid climates but are not waterproof.
- Wet-rated fans resist rain, sprinklers, and other wet conditions but cannot be fully submerged.
Wet-rated fans suit covered spaces that experience occasional water exposure from storms or cleaning. Such resilience comes from materials like polymer blades, sealed motors, stainless steel hardware, and powder-coated finishes that resist corrosion and rust.
Bright, Durable LED Lighting
The best outdoor ceiling fan light kits utilize LED lighting technology. LEDs draw little power, last for years without needing replacement, and light instantly at full brightness. Outdoor ceiling fan LED bulbs must endure temperature swings, humidity, dust, and bugs. Top manufacturers integrate sealing, silicon gel, protective lenses, and other ruggedization allowing outdoor ceiling fans with lights to beautifully illuminate your space.
Remote Control Operation
Look for remote control capabilities for effortless control of your outdoor ceiling fan from your seating area. Better yet, choose a WiFi-enabled smart ceiling fan you can control using an app and voice commands. Adjust the fan speed, dimmable light levels, and more to your perfect comfort level without leaving your seat.
Variable Speed Settings
The most advanced outdoor ceiling fans with light allow you to fine-tune the fan speed as desired. At a minimum, look for three speeds: high, medium, and low. Sleep and idle/breeze settings further expand your adjustment range for the right amount of cooling airflow.
Reversible Fan Direction
While ceiling fans typically deliver downward airflow for cooling in summer, look for reversible direction. Letting an outdoor ceiling fan run clockwise recirculates rising warm air to provide ambient heat on cooler days or evenings.
Reviews of the Best Rated Outdoor Ceiling Fans with Lights
Now that you know what to evaluate, let's examine some top-rated outdoor ceiling fans with light options worthy of your outdoor space from leading manufacturers like Hampton Bay, Hunter, and more:
Hampton Bay Southwind 52-in Brushed Nickel LED Outdoor Ceiling Fan
This stylish damp-rated Hampton Bay model comes packed with features ideal for comfortable outdoor gathering areas. The 52-inch blade span makes it well-suited for pergolas and covered porches of up to 225 square feet. It includes a caged light fixture holding three 9.8-watt LED bulbs (3000K color temperature) whose output you control independently of the three-speed fan. The reversible motor changes direction to force warm air back down for seasonal heating efficiency. Pull chain operation and wall controls provide flexible fan/light management.
Minka-Aire F844-DK 52" Ceiling Fan for Patios and Porches
With its dark gray finish and quality craftsmanship, this damp-rated Minka-Aire fan adds elegance to outdoor spaces like screened patios and poolside cabanas up to 225 square feet. The integrated LED lighting totals 46 watts arranged as an LED array shining from behind the frosted glass shade. An included remote lets you adjust three fan speeds, the dimmable light, and reversal from anywhere to create your perfect back porch environment.
Hunter 59244 Dempsey Low Profile Fresh White Ceiling Fan
This Hunter model boast a space-saving low-profile design that still packs powerful airflow you can direct down or horizontally as desired. Its 54-inch blade span cools spaces up to 485 square feet effortlessly. The integrated light kit hosts two LED modules behind a frosted lens to shine a warm, inviting glow over your gathering area. Includes a remote offering fan/lighting control at your fingertips.
Tips for Installing an Outdoor Ceiling Fan with Light
While selecting the outdoor ceiling fan itself requires careful consideration, properly installing any model is also key to success. Follow this guidance for safe, effective mounting and hookup:
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Consult the included instructions for unit-specific guidance. In general, outdoor ceiling fan installation involves these key steps:
- Turn off power at the breaker.
- Securely mount the ceiling fan bracket aligned with a joist.
- Attach the downrod, fan motor assembly, and blades.
- Connect the wiring harness to supply power from the home.
- Install included LED light bulbs.
- Attach optional controls like a wall switch or remote receiver.
- Restore power and test operation.
Safety Precautions
- Keep flammable materials well away from ceiling fan lights.
- Check no objects can collide with spinning blades.
- Verify electrical connections match the fan's rated voltage.
- Ground the unit properly to avoid electric shock risk.
- Follow all included safety guidance.
Properly placing a new ceiling fan ensures comfort and convenience. For porches and pergolas, install the fan centered no closer than 7 feet from the floor with blade spans of 52-inches or less. Larger units require even more clearance. Also observe minimum 2-foot spacing between blades and walls or other obstructions to airflow. Getting location right ensures everyone enjoys the cooling breezes and ambiance.