It seems like everyone has a different idea of what a dual mount ceiling fan is and whether or not you really need one.
What is a dual mount ceiling fan?
A dual mount ceiling fan is a fan that can be mounted in two different ways—with a standard drop rod or without a drop rod. The dual mount feature gives you more options for installation. You can install a dual mount ceiling fan on a standard size ceiling or low ceiling.
Here’s everything you need to know about dual mount ceiling fans: what they are, how they work, why people buy them, and where to install them on your ceiling.
What Is a Dual Mount Ceiling Fan For?
A dual mount ceiling fan gives you more flexibility for where you install your fan.
Since you can place a dual mount ceiling fan on almost any ceiling, you don’t need to know the exact placement before purchase.
For example, if you are buying a new apartment, condo, or home.
You may not know the room in which you want to put the fan, or you may not know the specific location in the room.
Getting a dual mount ceiling fan means that you can install the fan in either room, no matter what you decide.
You can even change your mind later and move your fan to the other room.
What Is a Dual Mount Ceiling Fan Not For?
You don’t need a dual mount ceiling fan if you know exactly where you want to place your fan.
For example, if you have a standard ceiling and want your fan mounted flush against the ceiling, then you don’t need a fan with a drop rod.
If you never intend to move your fan, then paying for a dual mount ceiling fan might be pointless.
In these cases, I would suggest that you buy a fan customized for the size of your room and specific priority (comfort, cooling power, quietness, etc).
The Differences Between a Single and Dual Mount Ceiling Fan
When deciding between ceiling fans, it’s helpful to know the basics.
Basics like:
- What is a standard mount ceiling fan?
- What are the main differences between single and dual mount ceiling fans?
What Is a Standard Mount Ceiling Fan?
A standard mount ceiling fan is a fan that is mounted into a flat 8-foot ceiling with a bracket.
The mounting bracket screws into the electrical box in your ceiling and has three metal arms that hold the fan in place.
Standard mount fans normally have a downrod, which can be 3 inches to 6 inches long.
You can purchase longer down rods for taller ceilings.
The Main Differences (Table)
Here is a table showing the main differences between a single and dual mount ceiling fan:
| Single Mount | Dual Mount |
|---|---|
| Less expensive | More expensive |
| One mounting option | Two mounting options |
| Install in standard 8-foot ceilings | Install in standard or low ceilings |
| Down rod is not easily removable | Down rod is easily removable |
Since dual mount ceiling fans offer more flexibility, they are usually a bit more expensive than single mount fans.
What Does Dual Mount Mean On a Ceiling Fan?
If you see the words “dual mount” on a ceiling fan, you might wonder what it means.
It means that you can mount the ceiling fan with or without the down rod.
A dual mount label also indicates that your ceiling fan is easily installed in multiple locations, making it more convenient than other fans.
Here is a simple graphic showing you how a fan looks installed with or without a downrod:
How Does a Dual Mount Fan Work?
A standard mount ceiling fan is installed with the downrod. The downrod connects the fan to the bottom of the motor housing.
To install a dual mount fan, you simply attach the fan to the mounting bracket with or without using the downrod.
If you want to remove the down rod later, you detach the rod from the fan motor housing. This may involve unscrewing or twisting off a base plate and housing cover.
Always make sure that you turn off power and electricity to your fan before installing or uninstalling a ceiling fan.
Here’s a short 3-minute video that shows you how to safely install a ceiling fan:
Popular Types of Dual Mount Ceiling Fans
There are several popular types of dual mount ceiling fans that you may want to consider. The more types that you know, the better choice you can make when buying your fan.
The most common types of dual mount ceiling fans come with:
- Remotes
- Lights and chandeliers
- Caged lights
- LED lights
- Bluetooth
- Pull chain
- Acrylic blades
- Dimmer switches
- Palm blades
- Outdoor weatherproofing
As you might imagine, you can choose from a wide range of dual mount ceiling fan colors, styles, and materials.
Is Dual Mount the Same as a Double Ceiling Fan?
No, a dual mount ceiling fan is not the same as a double ceiling fan. A double ceiling fan is where you can install two ceiling fans on the same mount.
Double ceiling fans are also called double-headed ceiling fans.
These fans usually involve two motors connected by a horizontal bar.
Here is an example of a double ceiling fan:
Is a Dual Mount Ceiling Fan the Same as a Hugger Fan?
No, a dual mount ceiling fan is not the same as a hugger fan—but they are related.
A hugger fan is installed without a down rod and with the fan blades nearly flush to the ceiling.
Read: What Is a Hugger Fan? (Explained for Beginners)
A dual mount ceiling fan can be installed as a hugger fan (without a down rod) but can also be installed with a down rod.
Therefore, all dual mount ceiling fans can serve as hugger fans but not all hugger fans come with dual mount capabilities.
Other Mounting Systems You Should Know
Before you buy a ceiling fan, you might want to know about other mounting options.
Other mounting options include:
- Dual wall mount
- Extended mount
- Tri-mount
What Is a Dual Wall Mount Fan?
A dual wall mount fan is a fan that can be mounted on different types of walls: verticle or sloped.
You can purchase many different types of dual-wall fans:
- Ceiling fans (for sloped ceilings, not verticle)
- Oscillating
- Stationary
- Indoor
- Outdoor
What Is an Extended Mount Ceiling Fan?
An extended mount ceiling fan is designed for high ceilings.
The mount comes with a longer down rod that can reach up to a staggering 177 inches.
With an extended mount fan, you can make the fan hang lower or higher, and even adjust the height as often as you want.
What Does Tri-Mount Ceiling Fan Mean?
A tri-mount ceiling fan is a fan that can be mounted in three different ways: standard mount, flush-mount, or angle mount.
You can also find tri-mount fans that exchange the angle mount for an extended mount (which is great for tall ceilings).
As you might guess, this provides maximum adaptability for where you can place your fan.
Tri-mount fans cost more than dual mount or single mount fans.
Invest in this fan if your house or apartment has high ceilings or other unique placement requirements. Or, as with dual mount fans, if you don’t yet know where you want to install your ceiling fan.
Tri-mount fans also make good gifts. They are almost “one size fits all” ceiling fans.
What Dual Mount Cieling Fans Should You Buy?
I’ve purchased, sold, installed, and repaired ceiling fans for over ten years.
Here are my top recommendations for dual mount ceiling fans based on your needs:
| Purpose | Best Dual Mount Ceiling Fan |
|---|---|
| Best dual mount ceiling fan for kitchens | Progress Lighting Gaze Collection 60 in. |
| Best dual mount ceiling fan for low ceilings | Honeywell 56-Inch Kaliza |
| Best dual mount ceiling fan with lights | Connor 54 in. LED Bronze Fan with Light Kit |
| Best dual mount ceiling fan for bedrooms | Luminance CF712BS Pro Series |
| Best dual mount ceiling fan for summer | Hubbell Lighting 72 in. Outdoor Ceiling Fan |
| Best dual mount ceiling fan with remote | Hampton Bay 52 in. Ceiling Fan |
| Best dual mount ceiling fan for outdoors | Hubbell Lighting 72 in. Outdoor Ceiling Fan |
Final Thoughts: What Is a Dual Mount Ceiling Fan?
I’ve installed many dual-mount ceiling fans for happy clients.
For more information on the types of fans and answers to beginner questions, read these related articles:
- What Is a Hugger Fan? (Explained for Beginners)
- What Is an Attic Fan? (Explained for Beginners)
- What is a Pedestal Fan? (Explained for Beginners)
- What Is a Box Fan? (Explained for Beginners)
Sources
Big Ass Fans
This Old House