When I was growing up in the 1980s and 90s, there were probably only three types of fans available to the average home consumer, and they had to be purchased directly from, say, Sears or Kmart: a metal table fan, a wobbly pedestal fan, or a box fan. Newer or higher-end models, especially, had buttons for various speeds and sometimes were surrounded by a fancy wood-look plywood panel. Today, there are thousands of different fans available from hundreds of brands, in many categories, sizes, and shapes. How do you know which fan is right for your particular situation? Thankfully, most fans fall into one of six categories:
Pedestal fan They offer height adjustment, an oscillating function (many tower fans also have this feature), larger blades for extra power, and easy cleaning because the blades are often visible. They’re great for larger spaces and outdoor decks and patios. The downside is that they’re top-heavy and prone to tipping, and the visible blades can be a hazard if little fingers get stuck inside the cage.
a Table or desk fan They’re great for small rooms with little floor space, can provide a more direct airflow, and often come in vintage designs and fun colors. They’re also portable, making them easy to travel with or move from room to room. Many are rechargeable and offer cordless operation, and in the case of your favorite travel fan, they even double as a charger themselves.
a Tower Fan It’s essentially a sleeker alternative to a desk fan, featuring a slimmer profile and less top-heavy construction, which is useful in homes with kids and large dogs running around. The blades are also sealed, making it a great choice for kids’ rooms. The downside is that it can be harder to clean, unless you opt for a bladeless Dyson.
Air Circulator They’re designed to circulate air throughout the room, rather than directly at people and objects, so they can be used in any season: in winter they can direct rising hot air down to the floor, and they can do the same from behind furniture, so looks aren’t as important.
Box Fan and Transom Fan These are practical options that you can mount to your windows to let cool air in or let hot air out, but neither are particularly stylish and aren’t something you’d want to have in your home all year round.
Mist Fan These are usually air circulators or table fans with an attachment that shoots out a mist of water along with the air. Some can be fitted with a hose, while others come with a reservoir so they can be used far from a water source.
