Best Pedestal Fans

• The most important facts in brief
• Pedestal fans are worthwhile for users who want to ventilate medium to large rooms.
• The powerful fan can set the entire room air in motion.
• When buying a stand fan, the consumer should pay particular attention to the operating volume.
• When buying a floor fan, the design, performance and extras are also important.

Pleasant air flow with stand fans

Summers in Central Europe can produce weeks of heat. A fan promises refreshment by producing a pleasant and constant draught of air that cools the body through evaporative cooling. Stand fans are popular models for the home because of their features. What should interested people consider before buying?

What distinguishes a floor fan?

How does a fan work?

The axial fan of a commercial fan is similar in design to the propeller of an aircraft. A motor sets it in motion, causing the spinning rotor blades to suck in air at the back and blow it out the front.

What special features does a stand fan have?

The stand fan is designed to always stand on the floor. Through various adjustment options, it provides an air flow at the right height. This is important for different activities: for example, occupants usually lie lower on the sofa than when sitting at a desk. Provided there is an operational and live power socket nearby, the unit can be set up in almost any location and can also be operated in different rooms. In the afternoon, for example, the unit is placed in the living room, while at night it circulates the air in the bedroom.

Construction of pedestal fans

The stand fan usually consists of a high stand with a telescopic rod and a grille housing in which the drive and rotors are located. The power cable is attached directly to the drive. The housing is usually larger than that of table fans and the drive is sometimes more powerful. In addition to the tiltability of the housing, many models also have an oscillation feature that ensures that the housing with the rotors rotates in a certain range.

Who particularly benefits from a pedestal fan?

Buying a stand fan is worthwhile if several people want to be refreshed at the same time. But singles will also quickly learn to appreciate the advantages if they value flexibility in use in the home without having to go to great lengths to realign it from time to time. Stand fans are very present due to their size and can be a design element of their own in the home due to their unusual designs with metal ornamentation or as retro versions. Various extras, such as integrated lighting, enhance this effect.

Manufacturers also offer a wide variety of additional functions such as wireless remote control or a timer that interrupts operation after a precisely defined time. Consumers who are only looking for a very simple model that only provides them with a refreshing air flow will also quickly find what they are looking for because the selection is very large.

Different types of floor fans

The price range for floor fans is wide: the cheapest models can be had for less than 20 euros, while luxury devices can cost more than 300 euros. What are the differences between the extreme models?

Characteristics of cheap units

Even 20-euro units offer an astonishing amount. The models are continuously height-adjustable, can be tilted to a generous angle and are equipped with a switchable swivel function. In addition, the output is multistage. There are also hardly any compromises in the size of the fan wheel. So with these features alone, the units seem to deliver everything you need. What’s the catch? It’s not the safety, because that is guaranteed by safety seals on most of the units available in the EU.

The price savings are mainly due to the lack of accessories and the simple designs. Remote control or a retro look require considerably more budget. Cheap fans also tend to be of inferior quality, so that they have only a short service life while consuming a lot of electricity and making a lot of noise. Only with luck are cheap models usable for more than one season. A big problem is stability. Due to their low weight of only two to three kilograms, they tip over more easily despite wide feet, which can damage the housing and electrics. Overall, the environmental balance is poor. The appliances are not recommended.

Features of luxury appliances

Consumers can spend more than 300 euros to equip themselves with a stand fan. Just like the cheapest models, they come with infinitely variable height adjustment, tiltability of the air impeller, a switchable swivel function and several power levels. However, it is noticeable that the most expensive models often have an imposing design. There is no trace of plastic here; instead, the base, rotors and grille basket are made of fine metal or wood. Thanks to the high-quality materials, these appliances are characterised by high stability, robustness and durability.

Tip: The happy medium when buying a fan
In the mid-price segment, there are many recommendable floor fans that include all basic functions, are durable, energy-efficient, look attractive and have many additional functions. A comparison of different models is worthwhile.

When is a stand fan not suitable?

In some cases, buying a stand fan is not recommended. In small rooms and flats, they often take up too much space. In such cases, wall, table or clip fans are the better choice because they take up less space and also make use of unused areas. In addition, floor fans are so powerful that the energy consumption during operation is too high in small rooms. Smaller models offer sufficient power and ventilation radius with lower power consumption when space is limited.

Many floor fans are also characterised by a high operating volume, although there are now also very quiet models. Loud models are poorly suited to cooling sensitive people while they sleep.

Pedestal fan: Differences to other types of fans

Tower and column fans can be just as tall as floor fans, but are much narrower and do not have rotors. They use almost their entire height for ventilation.

Ceiling fans have long and wide rotors that are not secured in a housing and hang permanently from the ceiling, where they are sometimes integrated into ceiling lights. The purchase and installation are therefore many times more expensive.

Table fans are very similar to floor fans, but they are smaller, more compact and usually less powerful.

Hand fans are very small and ventilate only a small area such as the face, requiring the consumer to hold them in their hand. They are battery or accumulator operated and therefore well suited for travelling.

Buying advice

When buying a stand fan, the consumer is confronted with a wide range of functions and features. What should he choose?

Materials

The devices are either made of plastic, metal (stainless steel, chrome, bronze) or wood, whereby the latter is rather rare. The more plastic is used, the cheaper the appliances are. However, this goes hand in hand with a poor environmental balance.

Design and colour

Most floor fans are white or black. Especially in the design models, however, optical highlights can be found, for example retro or future looks.

Dimensions

If you only have limited space available, you should make sure that the base of the selected model is not too wide. In addition, the (maximum) height is also decisive. Continuous height adjustment makes sense.

Stand

Should it be a simple stand with a telescopic rod or a tripod? The stand should be heavier if there are children or pets in the household. Some devices can also be mounted on the wall without a stand.

Power and speed

The power of the stand fan is usually between 40 and 50 watts, and there are often several (usually three) speed settings. Not all powerful devices are also quiet.

Oscillation and tilt

Many, but not all, units have a tiltable rotor that moves in a range of 90 or 180 degrees. This so-called oscillation should be switchable. In many cases, it makes sense to tilt the ventilation basket.

Cables

The models have different cable lengths. If you want more flexibility, use a longer cable.

Weight

Pedestal fans usually weigh between two and eight kilograms. The following applies: the heavier, the more stable. However, consumers should be aware that they will have to carry the unit occasionally.

Volume

Stand fans have models with an operating volume of between 30 and 70 decibels. Sustained noise of more than 40 decibels can cause concentration problems. However, some users find the even noise level of a fan pleasant because it drowns out disturbing ambient noise. Quiet models are well suited for the bedroom.

Dismountability

Pedestal fans should be able to be dismantled for cleaning and storage. However, if you do not have the technical skills, you should use alternatives. Many models have to be assembled after purchase.

Extras and additional functions

In addition, models with special extras are available. These are:

• Carrying handle
• Lighting
• Timer for automatic time control
• Night mode (extra quiet operation)
• Remote control
• Water misting function
• Rechargeable battery

Other

Some models are also suitable for outdoor use or for damp rooms. In this case, the dust and water protection class must be observed.

What should you look out for when using a fan?

A floor fan can become dusty and even very dirty over time due to dusty air passing through it. It therefore makes sense to clean the housing and rotor blades from time to time. For weekly dusting, it is sufficient to wipe the entire unit with a dry dust cloth. In the case of coarse soiling, the fan must be disassembled and properly washed. This is how to clean the stand fan step by step:

• Disconnect the appliance from the mains.
• Remove the front grille basket: To do this, open the hooks or remove any adhesive tape.
• Remove the rotors: Unscrew the nut and pull the rotor blade forward.
• Remove the rear grille basket: Fasten mostly with additional nuts, pins or hooks.
• Clean the grid basket and rotors with warm water and a little washing-up liquid and dry them.
• Wipe the rest of the stand fan with a slightly damp cloth. Do not allow water to penetrate the inside!
• Refit the rear grille basket, rotors and front grille basket.
• Reconnect the unit to the mains.

Is a wet towel over the stand fan a good idea to increase the cooling effect?

A popular tip for using stand fans is to attach a wet towel to them. Damp air actually enhances the cooling effect, yet this tip is not recommended. If wetness can penetrate the electronics, there is not only a risk of damage to the device, but also a risk of life-threatening electric shocks. In addition, the weight of wet terry cloth can damage the fan. A frequent consequence is a damaged tilt function: the fan then only points towards the floor and can no longer be adjusted. Furthermore, with hangings it is hardly possible to let the unit continue to tilt.

If you still want to increase the cooling effect with humidity, you should slightly humidify your body. There are also floor fans that work with spray water, but these models can also mist other electrical appliances and thus damage them or make them a danger to people and animals. They are better suited for outdoor use.

About the risks of pedestal fans

Fans are as dangerous or harmless as any other electrical appliance: short circuits or cable fires are real hazards for humans and animals, and in the worst case they can also lead to deaths. For their safety, consumers should only use high-quality appliances with the GS seal and read and follow the instructions for use.

While no electrical appliance is 100 per cent safe, the risk of incidents is very low with proper use. In addition, open fans can cause injuries from the spinning rotor blades, which is why you should not remove the mesh baskets. Another hazard is posed by the cable and the stand feet, which are a dangerous tripping hazard in awkward places.

Safety tips for the operation of floor fans

• Ensure a safe stand
• Do not allow children to play on or with the unit
• Protect the fan from moisture and humidity
• Keep the recommended distance from curtains, walls, furniture, plants and other objects.
• Do not wrap any cloths around the housing and do not place any clothing on it.
• do not mount ice cube trays or water containers on the appliance if they are not part of the equipment
• unplug the unit when not in use
• Do not leave the fan running continuously for several hours or days.
• follow the manufacturer’s instructions on high ambient temperatures
• Do not operate too many electrical appliances from one socket using multiple plugs.
• do not make any electrical or structural changes to the unit
• Position cables and feet so that they cannot be tripped over.
• Do not place cables under carpets
• Do not use the appliance if it is damaged

Fun fact: The Korean fear of fans
In South Korea, an integrated timer is particularly popular with fans. The reason: many South Koreans are afraid of the so-called “fan death”. They assume that the device would consume the air in the room and thus lead to death by suffocation in closed rooms. However, this idea is not scientifically tenable, as fans can only set the air in motion, but not consume it as in breathing. The alleged victims of fans in South Korea in fact mostly died of heat stroke.

Questions and answers

1. Where should consumers place the stand fan?

The best place to put it depends mainly on where people are in the room. It should not be too close to the person, but also not too far away. The right distance is a question of individual comfort. The front should, of course, face directly towards people because they need to be in the air stream to benefit from it. There is no point in pointing the fan towards an inanimate area. When setting it up, it is also a good idea to make sure that the cable and stand do not pose a tripping hazard.

2. Can the stand fan perhaps be used to cool the room after all?

Hot days are sometimes a guarantee for violent storms. As long as the air outside cools down, the stand fan can also be used to cool the room. It is possible to blow warm air out of the room to the outside with the stand fan. In the same way, cool air can be blown into the room. The user can direct the back of the fan at an open window or an open balcony door inwards (warm air out) or outwards (cool air in), as desired.

Warning: Electrical appliances during thunderstorms
Operating electrical appliances during or shortly after a thunderstorm is not recommended. A lightning strike directly into the house or into the ground in the surrounding area within a radius of several kilometres (!) can cause overvoltages that can damage equipment connected to the electricity, water or telephone network. In addition, the risk of appliance fires increases. For this reason, electrical appliances should not be operated during thunderstorms. It is advisable to pull the mains plug. In many cases, household or liability insurance does not pay for overvoltage damage. 3.

3. Can a stand fan also help with heating?

Apart from the motor operation, the devices do not produce heat, but they are still suitable for distributing warm air better in the room. A running radiator produces heat that first collects directly at the radiator and then, according to the basic laws of physics, rises to the ceiling. This is how heat and cold zones develop in the room. It is then cosily warm at the radiator and under the ceiling, while the rest of the room is several degrees cooler. Unfortunately, the heat is usually not where you need it.

A floor fan distributes the warm air optimally in the room. In contrast to summer heat, the air flow should not be directed at people, but towards the ceiling. It displaces the warm air to the side and lets it sink down the walls. The unit should always run at the lowest setting during the heating season. A floor fan can therefore help to keep heating costs low and save energy.

Further test reports

Attention: This is a pure comparison. For reasons of availability and feasibility, we have not tested the stand fans presented here.

In the summer, stand fans can provide a little cooling for heat-loving people. When the heat in the home or office fills the room, the devices can provide heat exchange. Pedestal fans in front of an open window can draw the heated air out of the room or direct cooler ambient air into the room from outside. The swivel function of stand fans is popular with many users: if several people are in the room, this function is practical because everyone sitting within the device’s movement radius benefits from the fresh breeze.

In 2016, Stiftung Warentest reported on a test by the Swiss test magazine Saldo – das Konsumentenmagazin. The in-house experts chose the Dyson AM08 model as the test winner. In the test, they were convinced by the exceptionally pleasant airflow feeling generated by the unusual mode of operation. All other models use standard technology: a rotor rotates in a housing. In this way, air is sucked in at the back of the unit and released at the front in the form of a cooling airflow. The second place in the test went to the stand fan Stadler Form Charly Stand; it is considerably cheaper to buy.