The Best Table Fan

Buying Guide

Whether you’re in an office space, dorm room or small room within your home, a table fan is a handy tool that will help keep you cool when temperatures are on the rise. Table fans also work well to circulate the air in the room so that it doesn’t become stagnant. There are several different table fan models on the market, so it’s helpful to review what each has to offer before coming to a final decision.

Start off deciding between an electric table fan or a battery-operated one. The battery-operated models are ideal for emergency situations or areas of the country where the power tends to go out more frequently. Electric fans are better for everyday use, as you won’t have to worry about running the battery down.

Next, consider how much space you need and whether you have a place to store the table fan when not in use. Some fans actually fold up, which makes it a cinch to store just about anywhere without taking up the space you need for essentials.

The ability to control fan speed and direction is also important. The Honeywell HT-900 Turbo Force Fan has three different speed settings, as well as the ability to pivot up to 90 degrees. Other fans take control one step further by also having blades that oscillate or turn from left to right to cover a larger area.

Check to see how portable the model you’d like to buy is. Does it have a handle that makes it easy to carry from one room to another, or is it so lightweight that you can simply pick it up and take it with you? This is important if you have several tasks to complete in different areas of the home.

Perhaps you’d like to invest in a table fan that has a host of extras. Look for a model that allows you to set an automatic timer to the specific hour you’d like the fan to power down. There are also models that have sleep and breeze modes, a storage compartment for the power cord and a remote for controlling the table fan from across the room.

• Always check for a table fan that’s durable and made to last.
• To help make your room even cooler, you can fill a bowl with ice and set it directly in front of the fan. This trick works well in smaller spaces.
• Fans can also be used during the winter months. Since hot air rises, place your table fan on top of a dresser or tall bookshelf and position the airflow downward. As the hot air floats to the top of your room, the fan will blow it back down to keep you warm and toasty.
• Fans collect dust, and there isn’t much you can do about that. Fortunately, cleaning the fan grill and blades isn’t hard. Most grills are removable, and you can run them under the faucet to rinse off any dust. The blades can be wiped down with warm water and a little dish soap. Some homeowners find it easier to use a vacuum attachment and go over the fan first, before they wipe it down with a wet soapy cloth. You may wish to finish cleaning the fan blades by drying them with a lint-free towel before replacing the grill.
• Before using your table fan, there are a few safety checks you’ll want to perform. First, make sure the grill is intact so that the blades are not exposed. Second, check the wires for any fraying. Third, look over the plug and make sure the prongs are secure and not rusting. Finally, if you need to use an extension cord, do so only for a short time.
• There are several factors that influence the price you’ll pay for a table fan. Battery-operated fans tend to be cheaper than electric fans, like the Honeywell HT-900 Turbo Force Fan. In the middle, you’ll find fans that have all of the basic features you need in a table fan, plus a few extras. If you want bells and whistles, you’ll need to pay a little more. Some models have a slightly higher cost because they also have a remote control and automatic timer.