<ul></ul><h2 class=”body-h2″>What to Consider </h2><h3 class=”body-h3″>Ratings</h3><p>There are two different ratings that you’ll see on outdoor ceiling fans: damp-rated and wet-rated. Damp-rated models are only suitable for indirect water exposure, such as humidity, and should be installed in a covered space, like a covered porch or a gazebo. Wet-rated fans, on the other hand, can handle direct exposure to rain, so you can install them in an <a href=”https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/g36017483/best-pergolas/”>open-top pergola</a> or veranda. </p><h3 class=”body-h3″>Fan Size</h3><p>Figuring out how well a fan will cool a room can be confusing, as it’s an equation that’s determined by motor strength, the number of blades, and the blades’ widths, lengths, and pitch (which refers to the angle they’re tilted in relation to the floor). DC motors are known for being powerful and quiet. </p><p>To figure out what size you need, calculate the rough cubic footage of the space and compare it with the fan’s maximum cubic feet per minute. This will give you an idea of how much air circulation it’ll create in the space.</p><p>For more in-depth info on finding the right fan size, check out <a href=”https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/how-to/a6735/whats-inside-your-ceiling-fan/”>our deep dive on ceiling fans</a>. </p><h3 class=”body-h3″>Mount Type</h3><p>Next up is to consider how the fan is mounted. With a low ceiling, you’ll likely want a flush-mount fan. If you have a high ceiling, you’ll likely want a fan with a downrod—the stiff mounting rod that keeps your fan stable. Many ceiling fans come with multiple mounting options to accommodate various ceiling heights and angles.</p><h3 class=”body-h3″>Features</h3><p>Other things to look for when shopping include whether the fan has lights, a reversible motor to change its direction, and remote-control options versus a pull-chain. There are also smart ceiling fans on the market, though they tend to be pricey and typically are designed for indoors.</p><h2 class=”body-h2″>How We Selected</h2><p>We scoured countless user reviews and dug into our own research to find the best outdoor ceiling fans out there. We used our previous reporting on ceiling fans to find the best options for outdoors, making sure to prioritize weather-resistance, durability, and of course, effectiveness. We also selected fans in a range of styles from modern to traditional, plus options across multiple price points.<br></p>” />