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Sure, buying a fan may rank pretty low on your laundry list of exciting home purchases. But when temps start climbing and looking at your electric bill causes heart palpations, you'll more than appreciate flicking off the AC in favor of an energy-saving appliance that does a solid job of cooling off a room. Pedestal fans in particular have proven to be effective options for just about as long as fans have existed.
If you want a model that’s practical, reliable, and affordable, there’s no shortage of options on the market. For the design-obsessed, there are also plenty of aesthetically pleasing fans out there that won't offend your exacting eye. Whether you want a commercial-grade pedestal fan for your garage or workshop or need something ultra-quiet for your home office, read on for our recommendations, plus essentials considerations before shopping.
Best Pedestal Fans
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5
Best for Larger Spaces
Lasko Performance 18-inch Oscillating Pedestal Fan
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10
Best Compact Option
Comfort Zone Oscillating Table Fan with Adjustable Tilt
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What to Consider
Pedestal vs. Tower
Before we dive into top considerations, we’ll answer what may be your most burning question: What’s the main difference between a pedestal fan and a tower fan? Pedestal fans are typically more powerful than their super-slim cousins, plus they circulate air higher up, as they often have adjustable stands. Pedestal fans also have a more centralized, circular blade mechanism as opposed to the thinner longer airways of a tower fan.
Oscillation, Timers, and Remote Controls
Pedestal fans come with a wide range of unique added features, but the three most consistent and prioritized are oscillation, sleep timers, and remote controls. Most pedestal fans oscillate—usually up to 85 or 90 degrees—and pivot vertically to direct air toward the ceiling or at seating level. This gives you a wider range of cooling in a room and is great for air circulation.
If you plan on using the fan while you sleep or to quickly cool off a room while you’re away, sleep timers give you the option to keep the fan moving and automatically shut off after a period of time. Many pedestal fans come with buttons with intervals anywhere between 30 minutes to three hours, while some options come with direct controls down to the minute.
In terms of convenience, a pedestal fan with a remote control makes a major difference. If you want to flip on the fan or adjust power from across the room, or if you are already cozy in bed, using a remote allows you easy access to the fan without being physically in front of it. Some fans allow for power, speed, sleep timers, and more to be changed using a remote control.
Speed Settings and Sound
Most pedestal fans feature a minimum of three speeds (or variable speeds for precise control). This provides multiple power levels to choose between and gives you better temperature regulation. The more speed settings, the more control you have. Additionally, a lower speed setting often means a much quieter sound. Many pedestal fans are design with sleep or eco modes that are far quieter, making it easier to keep a fan on while you sleep. If a quiet fan is a must, there are pedestal fans with low noise ratings of 38dBA or less.
Size
The size of a pedestal fan gives you the clearest sense of where it can fit in your home and the relative breeze it can create. Fans with longer blades and a larger frame tend to give a more powerful gust of wind which is more useful in larger rooms that require more circulation. Smaller frames fit better in individual bedrooms or offices where power isn't the only concern.
Additionally, most pedestal fans, like our top pick Vornado fan, come with adjustable heights. As a result, you can move the head of the fan to the exact level where the breeze generate will be most appreciated.
How We Selected
Every pedestal fan you’ll find below has an average user rating of at least 4.5 stars, and several boast ratings that are 4.7 stars or higher. We’ve included options in a range of styles that check boxes for practicality and aesthetics—often both—plus we’ve included fans across multiple price points, from value-packed to high-end. There’s a fair amount of features to consider when comparing models, and we’ve highlighted the most notable for every fan we cover.
Looking for more great ways to cool off this summer? Check out our picks for the best bladeless fans, the best oscillating fans, and the best outdoor ceiling fans.
Pros
- Reasonable price
- Energy-efficient brushless DC motor
- Variable speed settings
- 10-year limited warranty
Cons
- No remote
- No timer
With considerable power, smart design, and a solid lineup of features, the Vornado medium pedestal fan punches well above its price tag—about $120 at the time of this writing.
It features the brand’s energy-efficient brushless DC motor, with an enclosed air duct and deep-pitch blades that propel air up to 80 feet. It’s said to use up to 80 percent less power than an AC with a comparable motor.
The white and brushed-nickel color combo has a modern look, and it’s also considerably lightweight at about 8 pounds. Other highlights include a 7-foot power cord, variable speed settings, and a 10-year warranty.
Key Specs
| Height | 32–38 in. |
|---|---|
| Blade Span | 9.4 in. |
| Speeds | Variable |
Pros
- Affordable with solid features
- Three speeds; three breeze modes
- Height-adjustable and oscillates
- Comes with remote
- LED display
Cons
- Some customers say remote range falls short
There's a lot to like about this oscillating pedestal fan, which has a solid lineup of features for the price. It's ideal for cooling down medium or large rooms, featuring three speeds and three breeze modes, an LED display and a programmable timer.
It's also height-adjustable up to 53 inches, comes with a remote control, and the head can be tilted up and down.
Some customers say the remote control has limited range, but overall the fan gets high marks, with an average 4.6 stars from more than 23,000 reviewers.
Key Specs
| Height | 53.2 in. |
|---|---|
| Blade Span | 16 in. |
| Speeds | 3 |
Pros
- Powerful and energy-efficient
- Variable speed control
- 10-year limited warranty
Cons
- High cost
This Vornado model is similar to our best overall pick above, except it’s even more powerful, with a motor that blasts air up to an impressive 100 feet. It also has a sleeker base, designed to easily sit almost flush in the corner of a room.
Other features are similar to the aforementioned model, including an energy-efficient brushless DC motor, vertical pivot, and a dial to adjust air speed for more precise control.
The fan is said to draw 80 percent less energy than an AC with a comparable motor. Like all the brand's fans, it also comes with a 10-year limited warranty.
Key Specs
| Height | 25–38 in. |
|---|---|
| Blade Span | 11.3 in. |
| Speeds | Variable |
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Pros
- Excellent value for the price
- Height-adjustable and oscillates
- Remote control included
- 7-hour programmable timer
Cons
- Short power cord
If you have a bit more to spend, this pedestal fan is also an excellent value, priced under $70 at the time of this writing. There are 12 speeds plus a DC motor, along with a 12-hour timer. It also has a low 38dB noise rating on its lowest setting.
Other highlights of the energy-efficient fan include a blue LED display, adjustable height up to 4 feet high, and a remote control. There's a one-year warranty, which isn't as generous as some other options, and the power cord is short.
Key Specs
| Height | 42–48 in. |
|---|---|
| Blade Span | 16 in. |
| Speeds | 12 |
Pros
- Wide blades
- Powerful motor
Cons
- Noisy at all levels
With enough power to cool off my entire living room, the Lasko Performance oscillating pedestal fan provides significant strength at an affordable cost. The fan comes with simple speed options and a remote control, but shines best in size and power.
Within minutes, my entire living room was cooled off and there was a strong enough breeze that I could feel it standing in the opposite corner. The fan's wider frame gives a larger area of wind while still feeling focused.
While the power of the fan is impressive, a minor detractor would be the sound. Even at the lowest level, the noise of the motor can still be distracting if you want to sleep or relax quietly.
Key Specs
| Height | 41–53 in. |
|---|---|
| Blade Span | 18 in. |
| Speeds | 4 |
Pros
- Quiet operation
- Five blades and five speeds
- Remote control included
Cons
- A little pricey
- Heavy
With a 35 to 50dB noise rating, this German-engineered Rowenta pedestal fan is tough to beat for quieter cooling. It also boats five blades and five speeds, including a powerful turbo boost mode.
Other top features of the 16-inch, energy-efficient oscillating fan include an 8-hour timer with auto shutoff, a remote that stores inside the carrying handle, and an adjustable stand.
The only drawback is that it’s heavy, weighing about 23 pounds, and on the pricier side. Still, if you aren’t planning to move it around and are noise-sensitive, it’s an excellent choice.
Key Specs
| Height | 42–54 in. |
|---|---|
| Blade Span | 16 in. |
| Speeds | 5 |
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Pros
- Fantastic design
- Adjustable height and pivoting head
- 5-year limited warranty
Cons
- Heavy
- Pricey
This swoonworthy retro pedestal fan truly falls into the decorative decor category, lacquered in gorgeous jadeite green with brushed gold details. If you’re looking for something more neutral, it’s also available in vintage white with polished chrome accents.
In addition to being attractive, the fan is also powerful, with deep-pitched blades and dual injector cones.
Other highlights include a sturdy base, vertical pivot, and three speeds, plus the stand adjusts to a tall 4.5 feet. It comes with a 6-foot power cord and 5-year limited warranty, but like the model above, it’s on the heavy side at 21 pounds.
Key Specs
| Height | 42–55 in. |
|---|---|
| Blade Span | 17 in. |
| Speeds | 3 |
Pros
- Affordable price
- Quiet motor
Cons
- Not very powerful
The pedestal fan from Black + Decker shines not due to its power but consistency and ease of use. The slightly smaller blades drastically reduce the noise levels, and the affordable price tag makes it an easy purchase for anyone who wants to cool down at home.
I found the fan to be my favorite to use overnight when sleeping, as the consistent breeze and quiet motor left me feeling relaxed and comfortable even as the humidity began to climb.
I was able to set a sleep timer directly from the remote control, so I didn't worry about leaving the fan on all night. At the same time, I was able to easily turn it on in the morning without getting out of bed.
Key Specs
| Height | 23–49 in. |
|---|---|
| Blade Span | 16 in. |
| Speeds | 3 |
Pros
- Heavy-duty construction
- Powerful airflow
- Extra-long cord
Cons
- Loud
- Doesn’t oscillate
This commercial-grade pedestal fan is great for a basem*nt or garage workshop, or even a home gym. The 30-inch fan is OSHA-compliant, with a heavy-duty steel frame and a large three-blade aluminum propeller housed in a steel cage.
It also features a wide study base, an extra-long 9-foot cord, and a pull-chain in back for switching it on and off. While there aren’t a ton of features, it doesn’t oscillate, and it’s fairly loud and heavy, if you’re looking for a pedestal fan with serious wind power, it’ll get the job done.
For more great additions to your home gym setup, check out our picks for the best exercise bikes, dumbbells, and home gym flooring.
Key Specs
| Height | 78 in. |
|---|---|
| Blade Span | 30 in. |
| Speeds | 1 |
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10
Best Compact Option
Comfort Zone Oscillating Table Fan with Adjustable Tilt
Now 20% Off
Pros
- Fits on table or desk
- Oscillating and has adjustable head
Cons
- Lacks adjustable height
While not as tall or powerful as a traditional pedestal fan, the Comfort Zone oscillating table fan packs an impressive punch in a small frame. Compact enough to be a desk fan, the product is perfect for smaller spaces.
The fan doesn't come with tons of added features, but the oscillating design and relatively impressive power (for its size) was quite convenient in use.
I kept the fan on my coffee table while working from my couch, and it helped keep me from overheating, even as the sun poured through my windows.
Key Specs
| Height | 18 in. |
|---|---|
| Blade Span | 12 in. |
| Speeds | 3 |
Pros
- Affordable and value-packed
- Powerful DC motor
- Relatively quiet
- 12 speeds
Cons
Considering its laundry list of impressive features and reasonable price point, it’s no surprise that this pedestal fan gets rave reviews, with an average 4.9 stars from more than 450 customers.
For starters, the 85-degree oscillating fan has 12 speeds and three wind modes, an 18-hour auto-shutoff timer, and it’s ultra-quiet on its lowest setting, with a 38dBA rating.
Other highlights include a DC motor, a bright LED display, an adjustable stand and vertical tilt, and a remote control.
Key Specs
| Height | 44–53 in. |
|---|---|
| Blade Span | 16 in. |
| Speeds | 12 |
Rachel Klein
Senior Commerce Editor
Rachel Klein is a Senior Commerce Editor for Popular Mechanics, where she writes about everything from garden hose reels and patio furniture to mesh wifi systems and robot vacuums. She started her career as a daily newspaper reporter and was a travel editor for more than a decade before she started testing and reviewing luggage, noise-cancelling headphones, and other travel-related products. Fast-forward another five years and her area of expertise includes home decor, appliances, tech, and outdoor adventure gear. In her spare time, you'll find her planning her next trip, reading historical fiction, and seeing as much art as she can squeeze into a weekend.
Tom Price
Associate Reviews Editor
Tom Price is an Associate Editor of Reviews for Popular Mechanics, and also contributes to Runner's World, and Bicycling. He has previously covered product reviews, startup news, and even professional wrestling. In his free time, he enjoys watching pretentious TV, low-brow movies, and exercising for beauty, not health. If you are interested in exploring more of his work, check out his website.
