Buying guide for Best box fans
Written by Jennifer Blair
Updated February 2023
When temperatures start to rise, you'll needhelp keeping cool and comfortable at home. An air conditioner is an effective option, but it can be costly to operate. A fan may be a more economical and efficient choice, and when it comes to affordability and convenience, it’s hard to top the box fan.
Box fans are one of the most common fan types available. If you want the right one for your home, you have to figure out the proper size, CFM, power settings, and other features that would make it most effective.
While most box fans are square, there are some models that are rectangular, oblong, or even round in shape.
Anatomy of a box fan
A box fan is a large, portable fan that’s usually square in shape. It contains a propeller blade that helps circulate air. The back and front of the fan feature a grille or lattice-work design to encourage airflow.
This type of fan is ideal for placing in a window or a doorway to help draw cool air from one area to another.
Box fans are usually large enough to cool bigger rooms. However, they’re still light enough to move from room to room, so you can place your fan wherever you need it most.
Because air circulation is a key perk of owning a box fan, we analyze each fan’s cubic foot per minute rate (CFM). This is a measurement of airflow speed. Ideally, a fan should circulate all of the air in a designated area in three to five minutes or less.
Although box fans are typically on the large side, they are designed to be portable. A bulky fan can be a deal-breaker for some. We take size and bulk into account in our search for the best box fans.
Some box fans can be operated at a distance with a remote control. When this feature is offered, we assess its user-friendliness and functions.
Many box fans are designed to fit in a window. Others can be placed on an elevated flat surface. We take placement into consideration when searching for the best box fans to recommend.
In our research, we find out the decibel (dB) rating of each box fan so consumers understand how much noise to expect.
The motors on the best box fans last a long time. We research the history of various products to learn the rate of motor burnout.
When we assess a fan, we look at the speed settings. The majority of box fans offer two or three speeds.
Some box fans have a top handle that makes it easy to move from place to place. We appreciate a well-designed, durable box fan with a handle for easy carrying.
The blades of a fan push air through an indoor environment. We scrutinize fan blades to see if they are effective at this task.
For safety, it’s important that a box-style fan has a sturdy build. Does it feel stable when placed on a surface? Is it prone to tipping?
Box fan benefits
There are several reasons why a box fan can be such an effective cooling appliance for your home.
Easy setup
Many box fans come fully assembled. Simply plug the fan in, and it’s ready to cool your home.
Portability
While box fans can be fairly large, they’re usually rather light, and they don’t require an exhaust or drainage system like an air conditioner does. As such, you can easily move a box fan from one room to another.
Energy efficiency
A box fan uses less energy than an air conditioner. If you’re trying to minimize your energy costs, a box fan is an economical option.
Easy maintenance
Unlike an air conditioner, which requires you to clean and/or replace filters, drain water, and perform other maintenance chores, a box fan doesn’t require much upkeep at all. As long as you keep the blades and fan interior clean, it should operate well.
Budget friendly
A box fan demands less of your wallet than an air conditioning unit or central AC system. In fact, it’s one of the more affordable fan options in general.
Environmentally friendly
Because it uses less energy and no refrigerant, a box fan is an eco-friendly cooling option for your home. If you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint, it’s helpful to have a box fan in your arsenal of cooling options.
Features to consider
Fan size
Most box fans are roughly the same size, with a blade diameter of 20 to 21 inches. Because they’re fairly large, they require more space than some other types of fans. However, they typically provide more effective cooling power as a result.
CFM
Like all fans, a box fan’s power is measured by how much air movement it provides. Airflow is typically rated in cubic feet per minute (CFM), which helps indicate how quickly a fan can move the air in a given area. For example, a box fan that’s rated at 2,000 CFM will cool a room of 2,000 cubic feet in one minute.
To determine the cubic foot measurement of a room, multiply the height of the ceiling by the room’s square footage. So, for example, a 250-square foot room with an eight-foot ceiling contains 2,000 cubic feet.
Experts suggest that when choosing a box fan, you should look for a model that can move the air through your room in five minutes or less. But for the most effective air movement, look for a model that can get the job done in three minutes or less.
Speed settings
To allow you to customize the amount of airflow in your home, a box fan typically offers multiple power or speed settings. Most models offer three speeds: low, medium, and high. However, some box fans only offer two speeds: high and low. The more speed settings there are, the easier it will be to customize airflow in your room.
Noise
Box fans usually make noise when they’re working, though some models are louder than others. To determine how noisy a box fan will be, check out its decibel (dB) rating. If quiet operation is a priority, look for a model that emits 35 dB or less.
Remote control
Some box fan packages include a remote control that allows you to operate the fan from across the room. With the remote, you can turn the fan on and off and adjust its speed.
Box fan prices
Because most box fans are roughly the same size, their prices typically vary based on how many speeds they offer and their CFM rating. However, you can usually expect to pay between $15 and $60 for a box fan.
Lower-priced fans tend to have only two speeds and a CFM rating under 2,000. If you’re looking to spend the minimum, expect a cost of $15 to $25.
Looking for a mid-range option? A box fan with three speeds and a CFM rating between 2,000 and 2,500 will likely cost you between $25 and $35.
And if cost is not a factor, you may be interested in a fan with a CFM rating over 2,500. For a fan such as this, expect to pay between $35 and $60.
Make sure your box fan is stable and sturdy, so you don’t have to worry about children or pets knocking it over.
FAQ
Q. Where’s the best place to put a box fan?
A. Many homeowners place their fan in an open window, where it can draw fresh air in from outside. You can also place the fan with the front portion facing outward, so it draws out the warm air from inside your home.
Otherwise, it’s a good idea to place the fan on a table, bookcase, or another piece of elevated furniture. Elevating the fan allows it to more effectively circulate air in the room.
Q. Can I use a box fan with an air conditioner?
A. Yes. A box fan actually pairs very well with an air conditioner. It can help circulate the cool air from the AC throughout your space to make it even more comfortable. In fact, running a box fan at the same time as the AC may allow you to raise your thermostat by three to five degrees. Place the fan near the AC vent for best results.
