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We stringently tested, more than any other review site, the top products from Vornado, Lasko, Dreo, and more to find the best options for cooling your space
We purchased 9 top-floor fans and brought them to our lab and homes. We designed tests to evaluate their thrust, wind speed, and the uniformity of their airflow distribution.
The Lasko B-Air Firtana-20X boasts plenty of power and rotates 360 degrees, making it the best overall fan out of the group. For budget-friendly options, the Lasko 3300 20" is quiet and offers plenty of adjustment.
Editor's Note: We revised this review on December 13, 2024, to incorporate further recommendations for our award-winning products and give more detail on our reviewer's observations during testing.
The Lasko B-Air Firtana-20X Multipurpose High Velocity fan stands out as a powerhouse, boasting commendable features tailored to diverse cooling requirements. As our reviewer noted, “I found this impressively powerful. This fan boasts a highly robust airflow, creating a refreshing atmosphere in my home.” With a large cubic feet per minute (CFM) reading, it delivers high-volume air movement, providing efficient cooling even in larger areas like workshops and gyms. Additionally, it can rotate a full 360º, which enhances its versatility and allows users to direct the airflow exactly where it is needed. Our thrust test yielded a force that more than doubled other products in our selection, further confirming its exceptional performance in tackling even the most difficult cooling spaces.
However, potential buyers should be aware of certain drawbacks. The fan's higher energy consumption compared to some competitors may result in slightly increased costs over time. According to our calculations, the fan can consume 156.6 kWh during high usage over a 90-day period. That's not a ton, but it's worth noting it's above the average in our selection. The small control dial may challenge those who prefer larger controls that are easier to see and adjust. Moreover, our reviewer said, “When the fan is set to its highest level, I found it quite loud. It may not be suitable for all environments.” If these drawbacks are a little too much to bear, Lasko also offers a quieter and more affordable fan in the Lasko 3300 20" Pivoting Wind Machine. Despite these considerations, the Lasko B-Air is our top choice for individuals seeking a strong and versatile fan, especially in settings where powerful airflow precedes energy efficiency and noise level concerns.
The Lasko B-Air is a great pick for those who need a powerhouse of air blowing in their home or office space.
The Amazon Basic HVF20-SP Industrial Fan 20" distinguishes itself with a diverse range of practical features, enhancing user convenience without breaking the bank. Notably versatile, the adjustable knobs on the HVF20-SP empower users to secure the fan at specific angles, granting control over the airflow direction. As our review cites, “I found this customization invaluable across various indoor settings, from my workshop and garage to my living spaces, where precise control over cool air circulation greatly enhances comfort.” The HVF20-SP excels in delivering high-volume air circulation, ensuring efficient cooling throughout the designated space. Additionally, this model performed well in our thrust test, with a recorded force of 2.17 Newtons. The inclusion of a cord wrap contributes to the HVF20-SP's convenience, allowing you to transport the fan with ease from room to room.
The fan's limitation in pointing straight down may pose a consideration for those seeking a more vertically focused airflow. Additionally, with high usage over 90 days, the HVF20-SP consumes 131.4 kWh, which is something to keep in mind. It's worth noting that the fan is somewhat noisy, which may deter some who desire a floor fan that is hardly noticeable in the room. In contrast, the Dreo Smart CF714S has a more compact profile. It may be a good alternative for those looking for something small and quiet. Despite these considerations, the HVF20-SP remains an enticing choice for individuals searching for a simplistic design that helps the wallet.
If you're looking for power and affordability, the HVF20-SP is a good option to consider.
The Lasko 3300 20" Pivoting Wind Machine is a great purchase for those seeking a quiet fan with commendable features. Notably, the fan's ability to point face down sets it apart, providing users with versatile airflow options for specific cooling needs. The large, easy-to-turn control dial further contributes to a user-friendly experience, allowing for effortless adjustments. This fan effectively provides high-volume air circulation to most spaces. As our reviewer notes, “Using a sound pressure level meter, I discovered that the fan operates quietly, offering both reliability and minimal distraction despite its rotational speed.”
Perhaps to hold all the power this fan contains, it has a bulkier profile than some of the competition, impacting its ease of placement and portability. As our reviewer notes, “This fan does not just fade into the background; it stands out and demands attention and floor space.” The Lasko 3300 is not wall-mountable, which some users may find limiting. For those looking for a less bulky but still powerful fan and also want something that is wall-mountable, the Amazon Basic HVF20-SP Industrial Fan 20" might be a better choice. Despite these considerations, the Lasko 3300 stands as a solid choice for those seeking a robust and versatile floor fan with a focus on practical features. Having the ability to rotate to direct airflow downward, alongside a simple control dial, makes it a handy fan to use in large living spaces or work areas.
A practical and powerful fan that is able to face down.
Earning our top pick, the Dreo Smart CF714S impresses with an array of user-friendly features that elevate its functionality. It offers a remote control and a convenient app (handy for those who frequently misplace remotes). Our reviewer noted, “My 2-year-old is always hiding remotes. It's nice to know I can always access this fan from my phone.” Thanks to these features, you have versatile options for adjusting settings from a distance. Its quiet operation, measured at 40 dBA at the lowest speed, ensures a peaceful environment without sacrificing cooling power. This remarkably quiet noise level allows this fan to blend into any environment seamlessly. Our energy usage calculations revealed that over a 90-day period, the Dreo Smart CF714S consumed an average of only 31.5 kWh, helping out our wallets while getting the job done. Its various oscillating choices further contribute to a well-rounded cooling experience. Notably, the fan's child lock feature, accessible through the app, enhances safety. Its ability to point straight up due to an impressive turn radius adds a unique touch to its versatility.
Prospective buyers should be mindful of a couple of shortcomings. The digital screen's visibility can be challenging depending on the viewer's angle, and while the CF714S excels in its size category, it may be outclassed in power by larger fan models like the Lasko B-Air Firtana-20X Multipurpose High Velocity. Additionally, despite its advanced features, such as the app's capability to control movement, speed, and direction, the fan's performance in terms of air circulation falls short in larger spaces. The absence of a preset for coordinating the fan's vertical and horizontal position with a specific speed might also be an annoyance for some users. Despite these considerations, the Dreo Smart CF714S remains a compelling choice for those seeking a technologically advanced and compact choice for small spaces.
The Dreo Smart fan comes with a convenient app that allows you to control your fan from a distance.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
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We busted out our meters to record all kinds of data to assess and compare each product analytically.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Why Trust GearLab
We dove head-first into the vast world of floor fans on the internet, handpicking nine top contenders for a side-by-side test. Our mission is to ensure that these fans can effectively alleviate heat for customers in various scenarios such as working out, watching movies, reading, and working from home. Our seasoned testers measured power, checked noise levels with decibels, and determined the volume of air movement each product could pump out. Going hands-on, we attempted to disassemble each fan to evaluate cleaning convenience. We meticulously observed each fan's energy usage, ensuring that our readers do not worry about an added, unnecessary burden on their already high energy bills. Our overarching goal with all this testing is to be your friendly guide in selecting the perfect fan for your space. Let's discover the one that will be your ideal cooling companion.
Our thorough testing procedures are divided into four major categories:
Power and Circulation (50% of overall score weighting)
Noise (20% weighting)
Cleaning (20% weighting)
Energy Use (10% weighting)
Senior Review Analysts Austin Palmer and Jared Eastlick each contribute unique expertise to testing floor fans. Palmer, a seasoned electronics specialist, dedicates his workweek to evaluating tech products and has established himself as a credible authority in the field. Over the past eight years, he has led the testing of various products, from VR headsets to gaming mice, with a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of electronic devices. Palmer's extensive background in temperature regulation, including air conditioning and portable heaters, equips him with valuable knowledge of airflow dynamics and temperature control, ensuring insightful evaluations of floor fans. Meanwhile, Eastlick, with experience in reviewing technology products and working in quality assurance for a software company, brings a discerning eye to testing floor fans, ensuring thorough evaluations that provide valuable insights to consumers.
Rest assured, our experienced testers will help you gather the information you need to make an informed purchasing decision.
A well-structured testing regimen is crucial in revealing the true capabilities of floor fans.
Analysis and Test Results
In our goal for a comprehensive understanding of each floor fan's performance, we subjected every model to rigorous testing across four key metrics: laboratory tests gauging circulation and power, noise levels, ease of cleaning, and energy use. In the following breakdown, we unveil the standout performers in each metric, providing valuable insights into the top-performing fans in various aspects.
What's the Best Value?
We determine value as a balance between performance and price, offering several options in our lineup that cater to different needs and budgets. For those seeking top-tier performance without budget constraints, the Lasko B-Air is an excellent choice. The cousin to Firtana, the Lasko 2264QM High Velocity also scored well with just a minimal difference in pricing. If you can't find the Firtana available online but want a dependable brand, the 2264QM High Velocity is a respectable alternative. If you prioritize a smaller, energy-efficient fan, the Dreo Smart CF714S may better suit your needs. The added convenience features may warrant a bigger investment from you in terms of price. For budget-conscious buyers seeking a balance of power and reliable circulation, we recommend the Amazon Basic HVF20-SP.
View of our circulation testing room.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Power and Circulation
In our tests, we aimed to assess how effectively each floor fan could circulate air within a room. We arranged a designated room and positioned fans at various distances and heights. Using lines of fringe to mark sections, we gauged if we could feel the breeze from each fan across the room, noting its impact on different levels. This approach allows us to evaluate the fans' performance in maintaining comfort across diverse room sizes. Our objective is to provide you with practical insights into each fan's power and air circulation, helping you select the one that best suits your needs.
In terms of overall room circulation, the Lasko 2264QM High Velocity stood out, generating a refreshing breeze with turbulent flow that reached far back into the room. This fan effectively covered a considerable distance, creating a notable cooling effect. Similarly, the Lasko B-Air Firtana-20X Multipurpose High Velocity exhibited impressive circulation capabilities, particularly in a large warehouse setting. Users could feel a substantial amount of air flowing around, indicating its robust and powerful performance in circulating air effectively throughout the space.
We taped colorful foil fringe across our testing room to see circulation patterns.
Credit: Austin Palmer
To provide a more precise measurement of air movement capabilities, we conducted a cubic feet per minute (CFM) test using a designated test box. The procedure involved creating an opening for the fan and sealing the box to maximize airflow through the designated opening. Fans were positioned with the inlet facing the opening and the exhaust directed outside the box. The anemometer was strategically placed about 16 inches from the bottom of the box to record the volume of air it moves in cubic feet per minute when the fans operate at their highest speeds. In this setup, the Lasko B-Air, Lasko 2High Velocity, and XPower FC-200 demonstrated superior performance. These fans excelled in effectively circulating air within the test box, showcasing their robust airflow capabilities during the CFM evaluation.
To conduct our testing, we devised a makeshift thrust rig inspired by Matthias Wandel from Wood Gears. The setup involved ensuring the arms of the rig were square before placing the fan on it in a manner that the airflow would trigger the arm on the scale. Using this rig, we systematically tested each fan on its various settings, recording the corresponding weights. This method allowed us to comprehensively evaluate the sheer propulsion power, providing valuable insights into their performance. In our results, the Lasko B-Air, Lasko High Velocity, and Amazon Basic emerged as top performers in this category. The XPower FC-200 edged in the top performers as well before we saw a tier below in power readings for the remaining products.
Inspired by Matthias Wandel's design from WoodGear, this makeshift Thrust Machine helped us refine our thrust submetric.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Noise
In our evaluation of floor fans, we assessed noise levels by employing a standardized testing procedure. Positioned at a consistent distance of 3 feet away from the airflow, we utilized the sound pressure level (SPL) meter to measure decibel readings for each fan at low, medium, and high settings. Although a fan might be quiet, you can be easily distracted by odd clanking sounds that stifle your ears. We wanted to avoid this, so we conducted a side-by-side comparison, keenly observing every fan, and made detailed notes regarding the noise characteristics of each fan.
The Dreo Smart CF714S stands out for its overall quiet operation, scoring the best in our test by maintaining a fairly quiet profile. Emitting a gentle whoosh noise without any irritating or peculiar sounds, it achieves virtual silence on the low setting.
A loud fan can sometimes make or break a purchasing decision.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Another high-scoring fan, the Vornado 660, presents a discernible mechanical hum and a wind whipping/clicking noise in close proximity. While this may be more noticeable in a quiet room, the noise diminishes significantly at a distance of approximately 3 feet. Interestingly, the second mode introduces a quiet fluttering sound, and though mode 3 is slightly louder than mode 2, the fluttering diminishes further. On the other hand, the Lasko 3300 registers as generally quiet on low, featuring a mild mechanical hum or whine.
We measured the sound level of each fan at different speeds using a SPL meter.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Cleaning
The cleaning metric focuses on evaluating the convenience of the cleaning process. We examined how easily users could remove and replace coverings from the fans, specifically checking if the blade assembly was removable and if access to the inside of the front grille was feasible. A higher score was assigned to fans that made it easier to remove the grille and its components, emphasizing user-friendly design for maintenance. This metric aimed to provide insights into the practicality of cleaning each floor fan, acknowledging the importance of hassle-free maintenance for an optimal user experience.
The XPower FC-200 Multipurpose 13 demonstrated exceptional ease of disassembly with eight accessible screws, facilitating thorough cleaning. Although one grille featured deep fins, it posed minimal challenges. The Lasko High Velocity had user-friendly tabs and a single screw for removal, but reattaching the grille was slightly cumbersome but did not significantly effect the overall score. Intriguingly, the manufacturer's caution against disassembly contrasted with the fan's actual ease of opening.
A product that can be easily disassembled is a definite benefit to upkeep.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
The Lasko B-Air Firtana-20X fan offered effective cleaning, with certain areas presenting challenges due to the attached blade. The Vornado 660 Large Air Circulator, accessible with three screws, provided additional guidance on disassembling the blade for comprehensive maintenance. Despite unique cleaning challenges, each fan's design allowed varying degrees of accessibility, contributing to the overall cleaning score.
We take into account the ease of quick whipe downs and thorough disassembling in our Cleaning metric.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Energy Use
We calculated the expected energy cost for 90 consecutive days while the fan is set to high, providing consumers with a practical perspective on each fan's long-term energy implications. Furthermore, we considered how efficient each fan is so that your money is put to good use.
The Dreo smart is by far the most energy efficient floor fan we have tested.
Credit: Austin Palmer
The standout performers in this category were the Dreo Smart CF714S, Honeywell HT-900 TurboForce Air Circulator, and Pelonis 20-inch Performance Box Fan, all sharing an average cost of $4.50 over 90 days under regular usage conditions. However, the critical factor that distinguished these floor fans in terms of the overall score was the power output to the consumption ratio, or, simply put, the energy efficiency. Notably, the Dreo Smart emerged as the most energy-efficient option, stacked high on the graph above, showing how impressive it is to fully translate the energy consumed into power used to cool the space.
We bring you the most comprehensive review out there to drive into the details of all things floor fans.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Conclusion
There isn't a one-size-fits-all fan that universally suits every space. Recognizing this inherent diversity, we embarked on a meticulous testing journey in this comprehensive review. Our approach involved a thorough evaluation of each fan, dissecting their individual characteristics to unveil distinctive strengths and pinpoint potential weaknesses. This scrutiny extends beyond mere functionality, delving into factors like noise levels, cleaning convenience, and energy efficiency. So, consider this review not just a mere assessment but as your insightful guide, designed to navigate through the nuances of each fan, helping you make an informed decision that seamlessly aligns with the specific needs and nuances of your space.
