There are so many different types of fans that it’s sometimes hard to keep up or remember what they’re called.
What is a pedestal fan?
A pedestal fan is a floor fan with a sturdy base and long pole so that you can adjust the height, angle, and direction. A pedestal fan comes with three blades, five blades, or bladeless. There are pedestal fans for every room and need, including indoor, outdoor, and industrial.
| Fan Purpose | Best Pedestal Fans |
|---|---|
| Best overall pedestal fan | Lasko Pedestal Fan |
| Best pedestal fan for garage | Lasko Pedestal Fan |
| Best pedestal fan with remote | Klarstein Silent Storm Pedestal Fan |
| Best pedestal fan for bedroom | Rowenta Turbo Silent Fan |
What Is a Pedestal Fan? (Complete Answer)
A pedestal fan is a fan that is placed on a pedestal or stand, usually with a long “neck”. They are what people often imagine when they think of a conventional tall fan—as opposed to an oscillating tower fan or box fan.
Most pedestal fans have three speeds and a directional pivot head, allowing them to blow air in several different ways.
With the pivot feature, you can use a pedestal fan to target an area more precisely, directing airflow wherever you want it.
The fact that pedestal fans almost always have an adjustable head allows for a lot of flexibility, and ensures that they can reach everyone in what may be a larger-than-average room.
Pedestal fans can range from about 16 inches up to 84 inches tall, though most models average around 50 inches.
Most pedestal fans are easy to assemble and can be put into use within minutes of taking them out of their box.
Some pedestal fans have remote controls that make it easy for you to adjust their settings without having to move over to the unit itself.
This feature makes sure you stay cool, even if you’re sitting across the room.
What Is the Purpose of a Pedestal Fan?
The purpose of a pedestal fan is to blow adequate air, circulate air, and cool a space.
On the flip side, the purpose of a pedestal fan is not to look good, hide in the corner, or present a low profile.
Other fans are better if those are your goals.
What is a pedestal fan used for?
The most common purposes of a pedestal fan are:
- Circulating air in a room to cool it down
- Moving air from one area into another area, often by placing the fan near an open outside door
- Blowing air at someone standing directly in front of the fan
With its adjustable stand, pedestal fans are used in all sorts of rooms.
Rooms such as gyms, garages, living rooms, stores, and—larger versions—in all sorts of industrial environments.
Tower Fan Vs. Pedestal Fan: What’s the Difference?
You may be wondering about the differences between a tower fan and a pedestal fan.
There are several important distinctions to consider before making a purchase.
Here’s a table that shows the major differences:
| Pedestal Fan | Tower Fan |
|---|---|
| Control airflow | More features |
| Stronger airflow | Better design |
| Adjustable size | Smaller profile |
| Cover larger space | Air purification |
| Bulky | Quiet |
As you can see, tower fans often come with a better design, fit into smaller spaces, offer a lower profile, and include more features.
Features like ionization, UV light, a larger range of speeds, a diffuser, and a timer.
Pedestal fans might include some of these features, but most come with only a few. However, Pedestal fans are stronger and better at cooling spaces.
Here is a very informative 2-minute video that visually shows you the major differences:
What Is the Difference Between a Stand Fan and a Pedestal Fan?
A stand fan is the same thing as a pedestal fan.
It’s just a different name for the same type of fan. A pedestal fan includes a flat pedestal “foot” or base that touches the floor.
Pedestal fans also include a long stand or “neck” that holds up the actual fan blades, engine, and cover.
How Does a Pedestal Fan Work?
Most fans work in a similar way.
A pedestal fan works through the interaction of a voltage regulator, AC synchronous motor, CV joint, and fan head spindle.
Inside the pedestal fan:
- The engine of the fan heats up and spins a coil of wires, which creates electricity.
- This electricity is sent down the metal wires of an armature, which spins continuously.
- A magnet in the center of the armature interacts with the current created by induction, causing rotation.
- The rotation creats airflow
6 Types of Pedestal Fans
There are many different types of pedestal fans.
Here are six common types:
- Smart pedestal fan
- Brushless pedestal fan
- Bladeless pedestal fan
- Oscillating pedestal fan
- Outdoor pedestal fan
- Industrial pedestal fan
Smart Pedestal Fan
A smart pedestal fan is a pedestal fan that can be operated using smartphones or another remote control.
This makes them super convenient.
They are usually also very energy effecient.
You can control them from across the room or even from outside of your house.
Smart fans typically come with more options and features, such as a greater range of fan speeds.
Therefore, they often cost more than other pedestal fans.
Brushless Pedestal Fan
A brushless pedestal fan is one that uses brushless DC motors (also known as a BLDC motor).
They are constructed of four permanent magnets installed in a cross pattern around the rotor’s perimeter.
Brushless pedestal fans are long-lasting, dependable, and extremely energy-efficient.
One of their most appealing characteristics is that they produce absolutely zero sparks in the circuit and run quietly.
Bladeless Pedestal Fan
A bladeless pedestal fan is a pedestal fan without external blades.
Instead, they use what is called an air multiplier system to create a stream of wind.
Yes, a bladeless fan does have blades, they are simply hidden inside of the fan. Bladeless pedestal fans consist of a base, a motor, internal blades, and a ring at the top.
The fan sucks in air through slits in the bottom of the device, propels it upward, and generates high-frequency airflow in the ring. Air is expelled through a slit in the ring.
Bladeless pedestal fans typically cost more than pedestal fans with external blades.
Oscillating Pedestal Fan
An oscillating pedestal fan is a pedestal fan that rotates to provide full air circulation over a wider area.
The oscillating pedestal fans are great in that they can cover larger spaces.
But, unfortunately, they are sometimes less versatile in that their height and speed range are limited.
Outdoor Pedestal Fan
An outdoor pedestal fan is designed for use outside in various weather conditions.
They are well-built, weatherproof to protect against the elements, and feature large grills.
You can buy large outdoor pedestal fans, quiet outdoor pedestal fans, and portable pedestal fans that you can use indoors or outdoors.
Industrial Pedestal Fan
An industrial pedestal fan is one that is designed for the sole purpose of moving air in large spaces.
They are usually known as high-velocity, low-volume fans.
Industrial pedestal fans are built to withstand what can be extremely demanding environments for long hours.
For that reason, they are usually very robust and sturdy.
Industrial pedestal fans come in many shapes and sizes, so you can definitely find one that fits your needs.
By the way, in case you’re looking, the best industrial pedestal fan is the Air King 9130 30-Inch 1/4-Horsepower Fan.
How Many Blades Does a Pedestal Fan Have?
Pedestal fans come with a different number of blades.
Most pedestal fans come with either 3 or 5 blades. Some pedestal fans are bladeless, meaning they have no external blades.
Fans with more blades propel a stronger air stream.
What Is a 3-Blade Pedestal Fan?
A three-blade pedestal fan has three blades.
They are not as strong as fans with five blades or those with internal blades. Three-blade pedestal fans are usually cheaper than fans with more blades.
What Is a 5-Blade Pedestal Fan?
A five-blade pedestal fan has five blades, usually external blades that you can visually see on the outside of the device.
5-blade pedestal fans:
- Blow stronger air
- Circulate more air
- Cost more
Are 3 or 5 Blade Pedestal Fans Better?
Better is a matter of judgment, but I vote for 5-blade pedestal fans.
The reason is that 5-bladed pedestal fans are stronger and move more air. If you also choose metal blades, you will move even more air than plastic alternatives.
In general, the bigger the blades, the stronger the current they create.
However, if you run a 3-bladed fan at higher speeds, it will also push more airflow through your room or space.
The bottom line:
- If your goal is the strongest airflow, go with a 5-blade pedestal fan.
- If your goal is the strongest and most cost-effective fan, choose a 3-blade pedestal fan (and run it at high speeds).
Bladeless pedestal fans can use up to nine internal fans.
Pedestal Fan Brands
You can choose from many pedestal fan brands.
Pedestal fan brands include:
- Vornado
- TaoTronics
- Pelonis
- Lasko
- iLiving
- Honeywell
- NewAir
- Rowenta
- Sunpentown
- TPro
- Hunter
- Costway
- Air King
- Dyson
- Comfort Zone
What Is The Best Pedestal Fan Brand?
The overall best pedestal fan brand is Lasko.
More precisely, the 1827 18” Elegance & Performance model. I’ve bought several of these over the years and they never fail to disappoint.
Compared to other models, the Lasko brand combines the best of adjustability, size, settings, and (most importantly) air circulation. It’s got five blades, and a big enough fan head to perfectly cool my garage.
You can switch between three speed modes, select oscillation, and enjoy a wide base that won’t easily topple over.
If you’re looking for a pedestal fan for a very specific reason, here are some suggested alternatives:
- The cheapest: Amazon Basics Oscillating Dual Blade Standing Pedestal Fan with Remote
- The quietest: Rowenta VU5670 Turbo Silence Oscillating Fan
- The most stylish: Vornado 783DC Energy Smart Fan
Final Thoughts: What Is a Pedestal Fan?
When you start looking at pedestal fans, you quickly realize there are a lot of different options.
To choose the best one for you, think about the purpose, room size, and budget.
If you get overwhelmed, remember to keep it simple.
Start small and cheap, then work your way up to the higher-end models.
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