Celling fans are handy home appliances that can keep you cool without moving air around the body. They can also be used all year round—a counter-clockwise spinning fan can help you feel refreshed during warmer months. When spinning clockwise, a fan helps make your room feel warmer by rotating the warm air trapped in the ceiling.
When choosing a ceiling fan, consider your budget and room size. You should also consider the fan's blade, room capacity and other functions. Some models have lights and smart features, while others have reversible blades.
For this list, we evaluated ceiling fans from various brands like Ovlaim, Honeywell and Mercator. We considered customer reviews and products when choosing the best options. We also chose models for each category based on key product features.
The Westinghouse Lighting Flora Royale Ceiling Fan definitely leads the pack when it comes to versatility and performance. That's why it's our pick for the best overall ceiling fan you can buy right now in Australia.
Boasting a solid rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from over 800 Amazon reviews, this indoor six-blade fan is a clear crowd-pleaser. Compact and efficient, it's perfect for rooms up to 12 sqm. The three-speed silicon steel motor guarantees quiet operation and durability, while the reversible white/light maple blades and the opal frosted glass add a touch of elegance. Plus, regulating fan speed and light becomes a breeze with a pull-chain operation.
It isn't perfect, however. One snag is that the fan comes without a bulb, so you'll have to buy it separately. Plus, while the reversible feature is great for year-round use, the switching process isn't as straightforward as it could be.
Airborne Bulimba ABS Blade Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan
Best cheap ceiling fan
Image: Supplied/Finder
Pros
Durable build
Ideal for both indoor and outdoor use
Cons
Not the most stylish design
Only 3 speed settings
Buy now
Check manufacturer website for current RRP and availability
As a budget-friendly option, the Airborne Bulimba ABS Blade Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan really nails it. This fan is not just wallet-friendly but also delivers excellent performance.
Rated 5 out of 5 stars on Ceiling Fans Warehouse, it features a quiet yet powerful 55W AC motor, making it an ideal addition to bedrooms or living rooms and even outdoor settings (remember, it must be undercover).
But it's not all sunshine and rainbows. One downside to this fan is that it comes with a 3-speed wall control unit, which can be a bit limiting. If you're the sort who likes to fine-tune your environment, this might feel a tad restrictive. Also, while ABS plastic blades are built for durability, they lack the aesthetic appeal of traditional wooden blades.
The Westinghouse Princess Radiance II Ceiling Fan is an absolute gem for any bedroom. It has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Standing out with its traditional two-tone dark chrome design and five reversible blades, it is a fitting addition to any room up to 10 sqm. It has a single light fixture with dome glass and compatibility with E27 60-watt light bulbs, and it also allows for both summer/winter operation thanks to its reverse switch. The best part? It's energy-efficient and provides powerful air movement with quiet performance.
However, some customers said the instruction manual is vague, which can be challenging for those unfamiliar with ceiling fan installation. But let's face it, a quick search online can quickly solve this issue. Another potential downside is the absence of a light bulb in the package, meaning you'll have to purchase it separately.
With an impressive rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from more than 800 Amazon reviews, we also picked the Westinghouse Lighting Flora Royale Ceiling Fan as the best option with a light.
The fan sports a 76 cm/30-inch reversible six-blade design with a sophisticated white finish housing. Its silicon steel motor, featuring dual capacitors and three fan speeds, ensures long-lasting and quiet operation.
The reverse switch function is also a great addition, making the fan a handy commodity throughout the year. A pull chain operation enables easy regulation of fan speed and light, making it ideal for summer and winter usage.
Note that the bulb isn't included in the package - you'll have to purchase it separately. Additionally, some users have complained that the fan isn't suitable for rooms larger than 12sqm.
Nevertheless, this Westinghouse number is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a stylish and efficient indoor ceiling fan with a light.
The Ventair Stanza 120cm Glass Fibre Composite 3 Blade Ceiling Fan snags a well-deserved 5 out of 5 stars from Harvey Norman customers. Our team has also picked this model as the best choice for living rooms.
This top-notch fan is an excellent option when refreshing airflow in any indoor, protected outdoor, or commercial space. It's not just a fan but a fantastic piece of technology that uses true-spin technology to enhance air circulation, guaranteeing a cool and comfy living room.
With precision moulded glass fibre composite blades, it delivers a smooth, balanced performance that's hard to beat. Plus, its durable components make it suitable for a variety of setups. It also features a B22 lamp holder to provide ample illumination and a 3-speed RF remote control for easy settings management.
The only drawbacks to consider are the price - it's priced at $298, which may be a bit steep for some budgets - and the fact that it's meant for indoor or protected outdoor setups only.
We recommend the Brilliant Bahama DC Ceiling Fan 52" as the best outdoor ceiling fan. It has a rating of 5 out of 5 stars on Ceiling Fans Warehouse.
This model has a 31W energy-saving DC motor paired with a 3 moulded blade design that melds efficiency and aesthetic appeal in one package. This fan is suitable for indoor use and shines in an outdoor, undercover environment. It's adaptable, too, making it an excellent fit for raked ceilings up to 14 degrees.
In terms of usability, its remote control functionality allows easy operation, and the ability to switch between summer and winter use is effortless. However, no product is without its flaws. The ceiling-to-blade measurement sits at 320mm to the base of the motor, which may be a bit low for some preferences. Additionally, it's important to note that it's only suitable for angled ceilings up to a 14-degree angle.
The Cecotec 05939 EnergySilence Aero 360 Ceiling Fan truly lives up to its name, providing a quiet, comfortable environment that enhances any space. Averaging a solid 4.2 out of 5 stars on Amazon, this fan amasses praise for its thoughtful features and impressive performance.
The innovative Aeroblades system, with its 6 large-diameter blades, ensures maximum airflow, keeping the room fresh and comfortable. The EnergySilence technology makes this fan incredibly quiet, allowing for a peaceful environment, whether working, sleeping, or simply relaxing.
Plus, the CoolundHeat system lets adjustable rotation direction of the slats, making this fan a perfect companion for both summer and winter. The fan also incorporates a handy LightSystem 2-in-1, acting as a lamp and a fan in one, offering cost-effective practicality.
A few users said the chain switch operation may not be as accessible for everyone, especially those with mobility issues. Also, it only has 3 operating speeds, and there might be instances where more nuanced speed options could provide a more customised experience.
The Ventair Skyfan Smart Ceiling Fan is our pick for the best smart ceiling fan. Its 48" blade span, driven by a 35W DC motor, offers impressive air circulation. Six selectable speeds, easily controlled by the LCD remote, make it versatile for any conditions.
The remote also allows easy reversal of fan direction for both summer and winter use, while additional features like a timer, eco-breeze, and sleep function add to its appeal. The cherry on top is its Smart functionality, compatible with Google Home and Amazon Alexa devices through the Tuya app, integrating seamlessly into a smart home setup.
Yet, it's worth noting that this high quality and functionality comes with a heftier price tag. The Ventair Skyfan might be a little too expensive for some budgets. Also, synching the fan with the app is a bit complex. But overall, these cons are easily outweighed by the multitude of pros.
Fanco Studio DC Low Profile Ceiling Fan with Remote
Best low-profile ceiling fan
Image: Supplied/Finder
Pros
Sleek, minimalist design
Smart-enabled for convenience
Cons
May not suit large rooms
Tuya app has a learning curve, especially for non-tech-savvy users
Buy now
Check manufacturer website for current RRP and availability
The Fanco Studio DC Low Profile Ceiling Fan is our pick for the best low-profile option. Its five-star ratings on Fansonline and Ceiling Fans Warehouse speak volumes about its excellent performance and quality.
It's SMART enabled with control via your smartphone using the Tuya app, making it conveniently tech-savvy. The low profile design with only a 210mm drop from ceiling to blade is a perfect fit for rooms with lower-than-average ceilings.
The fan also offers six-speed settings, a reverse function, and timer-off settings (1-9hrs) - all accessible through the remote or SMART application. However, potential buyers should know that the SMART application compatibility might demand a learning curve for non-tech-savvy users. Additionally, the fan's low profile design, while great for smaller rooms, might not be sufficient for larger spaces.
We chose the AireRyder Cyrus Ceiling Fan as the best reversible ceiling fan, effortlessly bagging a whopping 5 out of 5 stars rating on Amazon. This marvel of industrial design is a functional piece and a visual treat with its sleek chrome housing.
In the summer, it whips up a refreshing breeze, and come winter, it evenly circulates warmth, helping save on heating costs. It's designed to ventilate rooms up to 15 sqm comfortably, with its 107 cm diameter wings. The motor can handle three different speeds, giving users the flexibility to control the ventilation.
However, some might find its design too utilitarian, lacking the decorative flair that other models offer. Plus, the mandatory pull switch operation may not appeal to everyone, especially in an age where remote control operation is standard.
Amazon prices last updated on 26 April, 2024 at 03:03 pmeBay prices last updated on 25 April, 2024 at 08:14 pm
Methodology
20+ Brands considered
100+ Products compared
10 Best products chosen
Why you can trust our picks
We evaluated hundreds of ceiling fans available on various retailers like Amazon, Appliances Online, Fansonline Australia, Ceiling Fan Warehouse, and eBay for this list. We looked into models from the following brands:
7Pandas
Aeraton
Arlec
Devanti
Eglo
Fanaway
Genesis
Honeywell
Hunter
Lucci
Mercator
Noosa
Odyssey
Ovlaim
Portage Bay
Prominence Home
Reiga
Revolve
USOR
Westinghouse Lighting
Yescom
We then made a shortlist based on customer ratings and reviews (as of September 2023). We also considered each ceiling fan's key product features, price, room coverage, blades and other useful functions. We came up with what we believe are the 12 best ceiling fans available online.
How do ceiling fans work?
Ceiling fans cool you by moving air around your body and making sweat evaporate. Unlike air conditioners, fans don’t affect the temperature of a room. Instead, they affect how the temperature feels to your body.
You can use your ceiling fan year round to circulate air by reversing the direction of the fan when the seasons change. In warmer months, a counter-clockwise spinning fan will feel like a pleasant breeze. In cooler months, a clockwise spinning fan will rotate the warm air trapped at the ceiling back down to the floor and make the room feel warmer.
AC vs DC
Alternating current (AC) motors are the most common type of motor in ceiling fans but direct current (DC) motors are becoming more and more popular.
Current type
Pros
Cons
AC (alternating current)
More options and styles
Less expensive
Less energy-efficient
Louder
DC (direct current)
New technology
Quieter
More energy-efficient
Motors are smaller and lighter
More expensive
Fewer available styles
How to choose the best ceiling fan
The price of ceiling fans generally ranges from $70 to $2,000 and depends on size, material, finish and brand.
When choosing a ceiling fan, you need to know the size of your room and the height of the ceiling. Then you can consider how many blades you want, what material you prefer, how many speeds you need and other important features.
The first thing you need to do is measure the room where you're going to install the fan.
Room size
The size of your ceiling fan should depend on the size of your room. If you choose a fan too small for a room, it will be ineffective at circulating air. If you choose an oversized fan, your room might feel cluttered. Ceiling fan blades have the following suggested lengths, also referred to as sweep or span, based on room size:
Room size
Fan blade length
Less than 8m²
60cm to 106cm
8m² to 14m²
106cm to 120cm
14m² to 28m²
120cm to 150cm
28m² or more
150cm or more
Ceiling height
When it comes to ceiling fans, the height of the room is just as important as the size of the room. Generally, a room must be at least 2.4 metres high to be able to accommodate a ceiling fan since they need to be at least 2.1 metres off the ground to satisfy safety standards. If your ceiling is higher than 3 metres, you will likely need to use an extension rod, which may or may not be included in the cost of the fan.
Blades
Number of blades. Ceiling fans can have between 2 and 6 blades, but the most common number of blades is 4. The number of blades has little to do with how much air a ceiling fan can circulate. The motor and the angle of the blades are more important when it comes to the efficiency of a fan.
Angle. The angle of a blade is measured in degrees based on how the blade is positioned relative to the fan. Many people consider the most efficient angle to be between 10 and 15 degrees.
Material. Fan blades can be made out of timber, metal or plastic. Metal blades are considered to be more effective than timber blades, but they are also louder. Timber blades can be great for kitchens or bathrooms where moisture can rust metal blades. Plastic blades are often as quiet as timber blades and are easy to keep clean.
Additional features to consider
Reversible rotation. We mentioned earlier that fans can help move warm air around a room in winter, but this is only the case for fans with reversible motors. If you experience cold winters and want this handy feature, look for fans that offer reversible rotation.
Remote control. Older fans are often operated by pull-cords or wall switches. With modern fans, remote controls are often included but can sometimes be an optional extra. Remote controls give you the convenience and ease-of-use of wall switches, without requiring professional installation. There are also some smart fans that automatically turn on and off based on temperature and can be controlled by an app installed on a smart device or connected to a smart speaker.
Light. Many ceiling fans come with options for integrated lights. If you want ceiling lighting for a room with a ceiling fan, look for fans with built-in lights. Installing ceiling lights separately can sometimes make the light look like it’s flashing.
Weatherproofing. If you want to install your ceiling fan in an outdoor area, make sure to get one with waterproofing and protection. However, even a weather-resistant fan cannot be exposed directly to water and needs at least 2 walls to shield the fan from wind and other elements.
Ceiling fans vs air conditioners
We all know air conditioners can be expensive to use, but the fact remains that they can cool down a room very efficiently. Whether you choose a ceiling fan or an air conditioner will depend on what you expect from your cooling device and how much you want to spend on an ongoing basis.
Pros and cons
Device
Pros
Cons
Ceiling fan
Less expensive to run
More environmentally friendly
Requires little maintenance
Doesn’t actually lower temperature
Has limited reach in large rooms
Can be noisy
Air conditioner
Effectively lowers the temperature of a room or home
Good for extreme temperatures and heatwaves
Can make you feel cooler much quicker
Significantly more expensive to run
Requires regular maintenance
Can dry out air
Not as effective in open spaces
Many people find using both a ceiling fan and air conditioner in tandem works well. Once the air conditioner cools the room, a ceiling fan can help circulate the colder air. You can then turn your air conditioner to a lower setting or turn it off entirely. You can also save money by using the air conditioner only on really hot days and use the fan on warm days where you just want a nice breeze.
4 things to consider
Ceiling fans can be loud. If you want a quiet fan, see if you can see the fan in motion before you make a purchase. You can also read user reviews to see if anyone mentions the noise level of the fan. If your fan is noisy due to excess wobbling, a fan balancing kit could help.
It’s important to maintain your ceiling fan. If you want your ceiling fan to last a long time, you need to care for it and clean it regularly. Dust collected on the top of ceiling fan blades can spread around the room and worsen allergies, asthma and other conditions.
You will need to have your fan installed. Australian regulations require ceiling fans to be installed by a qualified electrician. The cost of installation will depend on the structure and architecture of the room and home. You might want to contact an electrician to get a quote for installation before you buy a fan so that you can have a better sense of the total cost before making a purchase.
Remember to turn off your fan. Your ceiling fan will only work while you are in the room since fans don’t actually lower room temperature. When you leave a room, turn off your ceiling fan to help reduce energy consumption.
Frequently asked questions
We picked Westinghouse as the best ceiling fan brand. Westinghouse ceiling fans come in a range of sizes, blades, and lumens that are sure to suit your needs.
This depends on the size of the room and your desired lighting level. Generally, a ceiling fan with 600-800 lumens is recommended for most rooms. Additionally, to ensure your fan has enough light output, you can look for higher lumen ratings, such as 1000 or even 1500 lumens.
The most efficient ceiling fan setup utilises three or four blades. With fewer blades, the fan will spin faster and generate more air movement with less energy. However, if you are looking for more of a decorative look, then five or six-blade fans can add visual interest to any room.
Bigger fans can move more air and are suitable for larger rooms, but also use more energy. Smaller fans work best in smaller spaces and consume less power.
Yes, the number of blades on a ceiling fan will make a difference in air movement. For example, a three-blade fan can be more efficient than a five-blade fan. However, if you want to add visual interest to your room, a five- or six-blade setup may look better.
The best way to clean a ceiling fan is with a vacuum and a soft cloth. Turn the fan off, then use the vacuum to remove dust and debris from the blades. Next, use a damp cloth to remove any remaining dirt or grime. Lastly, use a dry cloth for the final buffing of the fan blades.
In general, a ceiling fan uses about 65W per hour. However, this consumption still depends on your fan's motor, the speed setting you're using and how long the fan is in use.
Floor fans help circulate air in a more concentrated area. They don't require installation and are often cheaper than ceiling fans. However, they aren't the best option for evenly distributing air in large spaces.
Ceiling fans are more expensive and require installation. However, they are far more effective in cooling large rooms than floor fans. Even at the lowest speed, ceiling fans can move a high volume of air to circulate evenly across an entire room.
Ceiling fans can help cool the temperature in a room by evenly circulating the air. But they don't help reduce the temperature or humidity in a room.
Best Rated Ceiling Fan Brand: Mercator
With 94% of Aussies recommending Mercator, it's the ceiling fan brand of choice. It had solid scores across the board, including for performance, design, features and functions.
Ericka Pingol is a writer for Finder specialising in reviews. She has previously written articles about property investment, finances, and health. She’s a huge fan of Tina Fey, bubble teas and dogs. Ericka has a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of the East, Manila and is currently writing her thesis for a Master’s degree in Communication
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