The Best Garage Fans to Keep You Cool This Season

Staying cool during hot months is essential, especially when you're spending time in your garage or workshop. Add one of these fans to keep you comfortable and safe all summer long.

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May 19, 2023

Warm weather ferries in the sunshine and longer days, giving you plenty of time to start checking off your project to-do list. However, those hot months also bring a fair amount of humidity and sweat. Keep your garage or workshop cool and comfortable with the just-right fan. Plus, if you're working on a particularly odorous project, you have the added benefit of helping with fumes.

What to Consider When Shopping for a Garage Fan

Type: Let's start with the types of fans available, shall we? The market is full of a vast array of fans, so it's important to consider which type of garage fan will work best for your day-to-day use.

  • Floor garage fans are the most portable version. Most are lightweight enough that you can move them with ease. They might require a small amount of assembly, but no installation. The biggest drawback is the square footage they take up and the potential trip hazard.
  • Wall-mounted garage fans require installation, but they free up your floor space. This more permanent solution can provide airflow to the entire space but also might be limited on how far the cooling air reaches. Look for ones with remote controls or have a professional wire it to a light switch for ease of turning it on and off.
  • Convertible garage fans are the best of both worlds, offering the functionality of being a floor and wall-mounted fan.
  • Pedestal garage fans are height adjustable and fairly portable. Like their floor model counterparts, they do take up floor space and could be easily knocked over.

Airflow: Considering we want our fans to keep us cool, airflow is pretty important. Airflow is measured in CFM (cubic feet per minute), which determines the volume of (or how much) air a fan moves in cubic feet. Rotations per minute (RPM), the blade size and the tilt (or pitch) of a blade all play a role in CFM, but in general, you'll want to look for at least 1,000 CFM per 100 square feet. For example, a 450-square-foot garage would need a fan with a CFM rating of 4,000 to 6,000 — or two fans to cover the space efficiently.

Durability: Just like everything else in your garage and workshop, durability is key. One day, you'll knock the fan over or dump a bucket of water over it. Make sure when selecting your fan that it can withstand everyday wear and tear, as well as DIY project accidents. Water-resistant materials are a big plus, as are sturdy frames and blades.

Best Overall Garage Fan

We love the versatility of the Lasko High-Velocity Floor Fan because it quickly converts from a floor fan to a wall-mounted fan. Simply install the included bracket to the wall and easily clip ithe fan's stand in or out, depending on what you need at the moment. With three speeds and a pivoting head that directs high-velocity air right where you need it, this fan is perfect for cooling your garage or creating ventilation.

Best Box Garage Fan

No need for all the bells and whistles. This updated take on the classic box fan ensures you keep your space cool in simple style. Lightweight and compact, the fan has a convenient carrying handle so you can easily tote it from spot to spot. A large rotary dial allows you to navigate between three speeds, and when it's time to stow the fan away, the cord slips into a recessed storage area.

Best Wall-Mounted Garage Fan

This industrial-grade fan will quickly become your favorite new fixture in the garage on a hot summer day. Wall-mounted with 360-degree adjustable tilting, this fan stays out of the way of foot traffic while directing much-needed airflow where you need it most. An attached pull chain allows you to change between three fan speeds, and the fan is even waterproof for outdoor use.

Best Drum Garage Fan

The Tornado 24-Inch High-Velocity Drum Fan is constructed of durable aluminum and powder-coated steel to make it both heavy-duty and industrial-grade. The fan boasts three speed settings that deliver from 5,000-8,540 CFMs for an extra-powerful cooling effect. A non-slip handle, rubber wheels on the bottom and an extra-long power cord allow you to move the fan around the garage or workshop with ease. Tornado even claims its technology makes its fans one of the quietest on the market, giving you all the cooling you need without all the noise.

Best Pedestal Garage Fan

Bring optimal airflow to your workspace with a pedestal fan. With an adjustable height of 38 to 54.5 inches and a pivoting, tilt-back head, this energy-efficient fan boasts widespread oscillation to easily cool a large space as well as three refreshing fan speeds. Weighing in at under 10 pounds, it's easy to move where you need the most airflow.

Best Blower Garage Fan

Not only is the Lasko Pivoting Utility Blower Fan lightweight, but its space-saving design means you can get air into a cramped spot or the tiniest corner, as well as store it away with ease. Two 12-volt grounded outlets give you the flexibility of using other tools and accessories simultaneously, and the 270-degree pivoting blower allows you to direct airflow precisely where you need it.

Best Battery-Operated Garage Fan

Don’t want to hassle with power cords? We get it. The clever design of the Geek Aire Rechargeable Floor Fan runs off a rechargeable battery. It takes almost three hours to charge, but then it runs for up to 18 hours, and you can even charge other accessories with its power bank. An adjustable 120-degree tilt head allows you to focus the airflow in a specific direction, while a brushless DC motor provides 2,000 CFM for a powerful airflow.

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