This tower fan has three quiet fan speeds, an automatic shut-off timer and a nighttime setting that automatically decreases the fan’s speed and dims its control lights. Its remote control lets you control your room’s temperature without leaving the couch. It has an average 4.5-star rating from 60,283 reviews on Amazon.
Type: Tower fan | Dimensions: 13”D x 13”W x 42.5”H | Oscillation: 60 degrees
This oscillating standing fan has an adjustable stand that you lift to your preferred height and a tilt to flow cool air upwards or downwards. It also includes an automatic timer to shut the fan off for up to 7.5 hours, an LED control display panel, a remote control and three speed settings, according to the brand. It has an average 4.1-star rating from 24,874 reviews on Amazon.
Type: Pedestal fan | Dimensions: 15.75”D x 17.72”W x 22.83”H | Oscillation: 90 degrees
One of our favorite tower fans, this Dyson model has higher-end features, like air purification — and a higher price tag, too. Eddingfield recommends this fan because of its heavy airflow: “to me, this fan definitely moves the most air to maximize flow and is very quiet,” he says. The combo fan and air purifier uses a HEPA filter to capture pollen, bacteria and pet dander while circulating air and comes with a magnetized remote control that secures on the top of the machine.
Type: Tower fan | Dimensions: 6.26’’ H X 8.43’’ W X 9.21’’ D | Oscillation: 360 degrees
This table fan is 17.9 inches tall, about one foot wide and can oscillate up to 90 degrees, according to the brand. It has high, medium and low speed settings, so you can vary the airflow. It has a 4.5-star average rating from 1,538 reviews on Amazon.
Type: Desk fan | Dimensions: 10.2”D x 12.1”W x 17.95”H | Oscillation: 90 degrees
This pedestal fan has easy assembly and three speed settings to customize your airflow, according to the brand. Austyn Hoelter, a merchant of AC, Fans, Air Quality and Floor Care at The Home Depot, suggests this fan as a high-velocity option, which she says can bring “powerful air circulation to large spaces that require heavy-duty ventilation, including warehouses, workshops and garages.” It has an adjustable height ranging from 41 to 55 inches, and is powder-coated to be rust-resistant.
Type: Pedestal fan | Dimensions: 55.5”H x 19.69”W x 21.85”D | Oscillation: 90 degrees
When shopping for an oscillating fan of your own, experts recommend keeping in mind the fan’s type and special features, including settings like eco or sleep mode. Below, we explain some of the most common types of oscillating fans, including tower fans, pedestal fans, desk fans and wall-mounted fans.
According to Hoelter, fan speed is usually measured in revolutions per minute (RPM) or by airflow generated in cubic feet per minute (CFM). Some common fan speeds include low, medium, and high. However, keep in mind that Eddingfield says the actual RPM and airflow rates will vary by fan model and design.
The main differences between oscillating fans and air conditioners are in their energy efficiency and the ways that they cool down the air, according to the experts. Most oscillating room fans are much more energy-efficient, says Hoelter, and can help you save money compared to an AC unit. Oscillating fans also don’t lower the temperature of a space — “they just improve a person’s comfort by enhancing airflow,” says Eddingfield. “Air conditioners actively cool and dehumidify the air,” he says, which in turn provides a more consistent temperature control (but at a higher energy and financial cost).
While your fan’s blades are rotating to blow air away, they’re also drawing in air, dust, and other particles from the opposite direction, says Hoelter. In order to keep your fan running smoothly, she says that the blades and motors should be cleaned on a regular basis. To do this, she recommends using dusters or disinfecting wipes, and making sure to wipe down both sides of the blade along with the base. For a deeper clean, Eddingfield suggests disassembling the grille and blades for wiping or washing with a mild soap and water. “make sure they’re completely dry before you reassemble the fan,” he says.
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Amber Pardilla is a former reporter at NBC Select.
Ashley Morris is an associate reporter at NBC Select who regularly covers self care, home and lifestyle. For this article, they interviewed home and fan experts to find the best advice and recommendations on shopping for oscillating fans.
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