When I was growing up in the 1980s and 1990s, there were three types of fans available to the average home consumer, which one had to purchase in person at, say, Sears or Kmart: a metal table fan, a wobbly pedestal fan, or a box fan. If it was a particularly new or sophisticated model, there were buttons for different speeds, perhaps surrounded by a fancy faux-wood veneer. Today, there are thousands of types of fans from hundreds of brands in multiple categories, sizes, and shapes. How do you know which fan is right for your particular situation? Fortunately, most fans fall into one of six general categories:
Pedestal fans They offer adjustable height, oscillation (although many tower fans have this as well), and larger blades for increased power, and they’re easier to clean because the blades are usually visible. They’re the best choice for large spaces or even outdoors on a deck or patio. One downside is that they can be very top-heavy and fall over easily, and since the blades are visible, they can be dangerous for little fingers who might find their way inside the cage.
TO table or desk fan They’re perfect for small rooms that have little floor space, can provide more direct airflow, and often come in vintage designs or fun colors. They’re also portable, so it’s easy to take them on trips or move them from room to room. Many can be charged so they run cordlessly, or in the case of our favorite travel fan, they can even double as chargers.
TO tower fan Essentially, it’s a streamlined alternative to a pedestal fan, offering a slimmer profile and less top-heavy frame, which can be helpful in homes with kids or large dogs who move around heavily. The blades are also enclosed, making them a great choice for a child’s room. One downside is that this also makes them difficult to clean, unless you choose a bladeless fan. Dison.
Air circulators They are designed to circulate air throughout the room rather than directly at a person or object, making them useful in all seasons. In winter, they can draw warm air down to the floor from where it has risen. They can also draw air from behind furniture, so appearance is not as important.
Case fans and stern fans These are more utilitarian options that can be used on windows to let in cooler air or exhaust warmer air, but none are particularly stylish or something you’d want to have in your home year-round.
Misting fans They are usually air circulators or pedestal fans that come with an attachment to expel misted water along with the air. Some allow you to connect a hose, while others come with a deposit which allows its use away from a water source.
