7 Best Garage Ceiling Fans - 2021 Top Picks Reviewed!
Adding the finishing touches to a newly remodeled garage can be a lot of fun. But before you can truly enjoy the space it's time to look at your options for cooling and heat circulation. Ceiling fans are an easy and energy efficient way of keeping cool in the summer and circulate warm air in the winter. Our top picks for the best garage ceiling fans are just what you need to start enjoying your garage, workshop or carport.
In this buying guide we cover:
Best ceiling fan for garage
Hunter Cassius 52” Ceiling Fan
Read our Hunter Cassius review
The Hunter Cassius is an affordable ceiling fan that doesn’t sacrifice utility, style or performance. One of our favorite features of this fan is it’s WhisperWind motor that offers high performance without the noise or rattling of many lower quality ceiling fans at this price range.
The Hunter Cassius includes both 5-inch and 3-inch downrods, making this garage ceiling fan ideal for spaces with lower ceilings. Longer Hunter downrods are available for those with standard garage ceilings so don’t count this fan out if you have a garage ceiling over 10 feet.
This fan can be installed just about anywhere thanks to its Damp Rating which allows it to perform flawlessly even in damp indoor/outdoor spaces like garages or workshops. Features like these is why the Hunter Cassius is rated as a best ceiling fan for a garage.
Best for: Garages with low ceilings
Damp rated for indoor/outdoor use
Pull chain speed control
Limited Lifetime Motor Warranty
Westinghouse Industrial 56” Ceiling Fan
Read our Westinghouse Industrial review
If you are looking for a reliable yet inexpensive garage ceiling fan then the Westinghouse Industrial ceiling fan may be just your ticket. We love the understated industrial design that will go perfectly with any workshop or garage.
The steel finish is versatile and at 56 inches it’s perfect for spaces up to 360 square feet (18’x20’). If you have a garage with a high ceiling then you’ll be pleased to know that the Westinghouse Industrial will be ready to install right out of the box. The ceiling fan includes 12 inch down rod so no additional downrod purchases will be required for those with high ceilings.
Best for: Garages with high ceilings or those on a budget
Indoor use only (not recommended for open carports)
12 inch down rod included
Includes five-speed wall control unit
Fan available in steel or white
Best garage ceiling fan with light
Prominence Home Auletta Ceiling Fan
Read our Prominence Home Auletta review
Prominence Home offers an inexpensive garage ceiling fan with light for those who need a reliable fan for year round use. Equipped with an LED light kit, this ceiling fan allows for strong and dimmable lighting in dark spaces.
Despite being a budget ceiling fan, the Prominence Home Auletta has a lot to offer in terms of performance features. The fan is ETL Damp Rated, enabling installation in garages, workshops and other indoor/outdoor spaces. The motor is also reversible for year round use and it features 3-speed settings so you can adjust the breeze strength as needed.
52” Blade Span
Includes dimmable LED Light Kit
Pull chain controls
Reversible 3-speed motor
Damp rated for indoor and outdoor use
Hunter Dempsey Ceiling Fan
Read our Hunter Dempsey review
The Hunter Dempsey is perfect for anyone who wants a reliable garage ceiling fan with all of the bells and whistles at a great price.
Damp-rated for covered outdoor spaces, the Dempsey thrives in garages that aren’t climate controlled for year-round use even in damp and humid conditions.
For the price, the Dempsey is a step up from other cheap garage ceiling fans that often lack ease-of-use upgrades. Features include a handheld remote, a quiet 3-speed reversible motor, an integrated LED light kit and 52-inch wing-span that is perfect for cooling single or double car garages.
You also get the ability to install the Hunter Dempsey as a hugger ceiling fan thanks to its low profile mount design. This is great news if you have a garage with a low ceiling.
As a garage ceiling fan with light, the Hunter Dempsey does a great job with its integrated LED light kit. The LED bulbs are fully-dimmable and incredibly energy efficient for cost savings for time.
Best for: Medium size garages
Damp Rated for indoor/outdoor use
Includes remote control
Integrated LED light kit
Available in black, white and nickel finishes
Limited Lifetime Motor Warranty
Modern Fan Company Torsion Ceiling Fan
Read our Modern Fan Company Torsion review
The Torsion by Modern Fan Company is a great garage ceiling fan choice for those who want a functional industrial design that will look great in any garage or workshop.
If you are looking for a garage ceiling fan with lights, you’ll be pleased to know that the Torsion gives you the choice between a regular LED light kit or a Hi Output LED light kit for especially dark garages.
Since the Torsion ceiling fan is damp rated this means you can install this fan in mixed indoor/outdoor spaces such as garages, carports and workshops without worrying about rust or damage to the ceiling fan when exposed to moisture.
Best for: Medium to large size garage
Choose between regular LED light kit or Hi Output LED light kit for even more lighting capability.
Damp rated for indoor or covered outdoor use (perfect for garages!)
Available in 52” or 62” blade spans
Best Ceiling Fans for Big Garage
Big Ass Fans Shop Ceiling Fan
Read our Big Ass Fans Shop Ceiling Fan review
Big Ass Fans produces the motherlode of all ceiling fans with their massive 7ft, 10ft and 12ft models made especially for extra large garages, warehouses and shops. The brand boasts that just one of their ceiling fans does the job of 29 standard size ceiling fans combined. Talk about efficient!
The big power in these massive fans is thanks to their gearless direct drive motor that allows for energy efficient year round use. During warmer months users can expect a 10 degree cooling difference inside their garages while the reversible motor allows generous heat circulation. It’s no secret that Big Ass Fans makes some of the best fans for big garages available today.
Best for: extra large garages
Available in 7ft, 10ft and 12ft blade spans
Includes variable speed controller
Made in USA
Minka-Aire XTREME H20 65” Ceiling Fan
Read our Minka-Aire Xtreme H2O review
If you are looking for a super sleek and modern ceiling fan for your large garage then the Minka Aire Xtreme H20 ceiling fan is just the ticket. With a large 65-inch blade span, the Xtreme H20 is designed for cooling large open spaces like multi-car garages, workshops, barns and patios.
Along with a great design, the Minka Air Xtreme H20 is incredibly energy efficient despite its larger size. The near-silent DC motor gives you the power you need to comfortably cool your garage and since the Minka Air Xtreme H20 is UL Wet Rated it can be installed in damp areas that are not temperature controlled.
You can usually purchase on these fans for under $500 which makes it a steal for the price. The energy efficient DC six-speed motor, quiet performance and sleek design will make this the perfect garage ceiling fan for those who appreciate a good value.
Best for: large garages
65” blade span
Can be purchased with an LED Light Kit
Energy efficiency six-speed DC Motor
UL Wet Rated for both indoor and outdoor spaces
Includes remote control
More Garage ceiling fan ideas
Other garage fan options
If low garage ceilings are a concern then going with a wall mount fan is a great way to keep cool in your garage. These fans generally take up less room and can be tucked away in a corner or installed wherever there is wall space.
Wall mount fans also free up precious garage floor space when compared to a floor standing fan model. In general, these fans are a great compromise between installing a ceiling fan and a basic floor-standing fan. Choose a wall mount fan that also oscillates if square foot coverage is a concern.
Installing two smaller ceiling fans
Another alternative is to pair two smaller ceiling fans instead of one very large one. Since garages are sometimes larger than many of the spaces inside your home, finding one large enough that isn’t terribly expensive may be a challenge. Installing two less expensive smaller fans can be a great solution that also reduces costs while achieving the same airflow.
When installing two ceiling fans it’s important to make sure there is enough space between each fan and enough distance from the wall to ensure that the fans will work at optimal performance. A good way of installing two fans in your garage is to divide the long dimension of the room by 3 and place the fans at that distance from each end wall. The minimum distance between fan blades and a wall should be at least 18 inches.
How to choose a ceiling fan for a garage
With so many ceiling fan options how do you choose the best one for your garage? Consider these important details before making your next purchase: fan size, UL Rating, style, lighting and ceiling height.
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Find the correct ceiling fan size
The key to an efficient ceiling fan is choosing one that’s the correct size for your space. Although there are many standard garage sizes, it helps to first measure your garage before purchasing a fan. Below we go more in-depth with the process so that you can make the best choice.
Your first determination when shopping for a new ceiling fan is to know which size you need and browsing your options with that in mind.
Choose the correct UL Rating
UL (Underwriters Laboratories) fan ratings are used when determining if a ceiling fan is suited for indoor or outdoor use. For a more in-depth look at UL ratings we encourage you to take a look at our Outdoor Ceiling Fan Guide.
For a garage ceiling fan, we recommend going with a damp or wet rated fan. Garages are more prone to being exposed to outside elements when compared to the temperature controlled environments inside of your home. A garage without cooling or heating can range between incredibly humid to dry and cold all in the course of a single year. A damp or wet rated fan are usually better equipped for those fluctuations in weather. In fact, a good garage ceiling fan is no different than a ceiling fan for a gazebo, porch or other covered outdoor spaces.
Find a style that matches your needs
Simple industrial style ceiling fans make great garage additions due to their no-frills designs and blades made out of moisture-resistant materials. But if you would like to spruce up your garage then going with a more stylish option can really bring a finished garage together and make it look and feel more cohesive. As long as the ceiling fan is the correct size and UL Rating, any style you choose will work just fine.
In addition to how a fan looks, it’s important to choose a fan with features that are practical. If you have lower garage ceilings then a simple ceiling fan with pull-chain controls may make the most sense. Garages with high ceilings would benefit from remote controls or wall controls since you won’t have easy access to the fan once installed.
Choose a reversible motor for year-round use
If you plan on using the ceiling fan in your garage year-round then it’s recommended that you purchase a fan that has a reversible motor. A ceiling fan with a reversible motor can be used both to provide a cooling breeze in the summer and help disperse heat in the winter.
Do you need lighting?
Ceiling fans are an incredibly functional appliance because they can be used both for room temperature control and well as primary lighting. Ask yourself if you need a ceiling fan to also double as your garage’s lighting before picking out a model. For especially dark garages, a ceiling fan can also make great supplementary lighting where the primary lights are not enough.
Consider your ceiling height
It happens to the best of us - we are finally ready to install a brand new ceiling fan when we realize that we don’t have the correct downrod size! To avoid this, take note of your garage’s ceiling height before making a ceiling fan purchase.
Most ceiling fans come equipped with downrods for 8 foot ceilings. If your garage has a taller or lower ceiling then you should make sure that your new ceiling fan can accommodate those heights right out of the box. If not, ceiling fan brands usually have downrods in different length that are available for purchase.
How to find the right size garage ceiling fan
When deciding which size ceiling fan to purchase for your garage it is best practice to first know your garage’s square footage. We cover how to measure a space for square footage in our How to Choose the Right Ceiling Fan Size guide if you would like a more in-depth explanation.
The square footage of your garage will determine the correct ceiling fan size you need to purchase. Luckily most garages come in standard sizes. Below are a couple of conservative numbers to work with.
Small one car garage - 12 feet x 22 feet (264 ft²)
Average two car garage - 18 feet x 20 feet (360 ft²)
Once you have determined the square footage of your garage, you can now choose the best ceiling fan size.
114-225 ft² - 44-50” ceiling fan
225-400 ft² - 50” or larger
Over 400 ft² - 62” ceiling fan or larger
Most average sized garages will benefit from ceiling fans with a blade span in the 50-60” range. Luckily, this is a very common ceiling fan size and you’ll have ton of options to choose from!
Benefits of Installing a Ceiling Fan in a Garage
There are a great number of benefits to installing a ceiling fan inside your garage that make it well worth the trouble. Some of these benefits include: a more comfortable environment, cost saving temperature control and improved overhead lighting. Keep reading for an in-depth look.
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More comfortable environment
Let’s face it, your garage is used for more than just storing a car or two. Whether you like to do your own auto-work or get a DIY project done, you may find yourself inside your garage for extended periods of time. A ceiling fan really is the perfect addition for anyone who uses their garage as a workshop!
Unfortunately most garages aren’t temperature controlled and this can mean hot environments in the summer and freezing temperatures in the winter. A ceiling fan is an easy way to give you temperature control when it you need it most.
Unlike standing fans, you won’t have to give up an outlet to use a ceiling fan since it’s already hardwired. You also don’t have to give up precious floor space with a ceiling fan so you get the benefits of a fan without taking up important storage space.
Cost saving temperature control
One of the benefits of installing a ceiling fan in your garage are the cost savings that come from using a ceiling fan to supplement cooling and heating.
In our guide on how to use a ceiling fan in the winter, we explain how a ceiling fan can help circulate heat by rotating counter clockwise. When heat rises, a ceiling fan will help push that warm air back down and circulate warm air.
Using a ceiling fan in the winter is especially helpful when you already have a primary heating source in use. The thermostats on electric heaters, wood burning stoves and other heat sources can be turned down while the ceiling fan helps fill in the gaps. This translates to more cost savings over time as you rely less on power-hungry heating appliances.
During warmer temperatures a ceiling fan is an easy and cheap way to keep you cool. This is thanks to the many ceiling fan models with Energy Star ratings that allow you to keep costs down. Up to date ceiling fans with DC motors also use less energy than cheaper ceiling fans. Not only is a DC motor much quieter, but it also uses much less energy when compared to a budget ceiling fan at your local big box store. And when compared to other cooling appliances, a ceiling fan is the best way to keep any space cool without that dreaded jump in your electricity bill.
Better lighting
Garages aren’t exactly known for their great lighting. Thankfully you can add some much-needed lighting with a ceiling fan.
We recommend going with a ceiling fan with an LED light. These lights can usually get very bright and are dimmable so that you control the output as needed. In addition to being a great light source, LED lights also cost much less to run than traditional bulbs. The energy savings will add up over time and you’ll be glad you made the switch!
Is there a difference between regular home and “garage” ceiling fans?
The ceiling fans you may install in your home will differ from the garage ceiling fans recommended on this list. The main difference is the garage space itself. Having a large garage door that exposes the indoor space to outdoor elements is a big factor to consider when choosing the correct fan.
Much like a covered porch or deck, it’s important to keep in mind any weather exposure and potential temperature difference in your garage. This is why we recommend damp or wet rated fans for the garage ceiling fans on our list. Damp and wet rated fans will last longer in indoor/outdoor conditions of a garage.
