Having air conditioning in your home can be quite a costly investment. Many people who deem air conditioning necessary are complaining about how high the costs are. However, in some areas or houses, it is a necessity. Luckily, the best box fan can be a substitute for air conditioning.
Did you know that a box fan could help you save some cash? Unlike actual air conditioning units, this device allows you to get cooler air inside your home while lowering the costs. This way, your bills won’t make your jaw drop every time you receive them.
Therefore, maybe you’re now considering a box fan, but how do you know you’re choosing one that will serve you right and that is also durable? This buying guide will be packed with everything you need to give you a hand with that. We’ve also included some of the quietest box fan reviews to give you a hand in picking your new unit. Let’s go!
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What Is a Box Fan?
A box fan is a type of portable fan that you can use in your house or other small places such as offices or garages. For your garage, you can also prefer the best garage fan. In general, box fans are made of either steel grille or latticework plastic, and they work by moving air – thus, they create a cool air sensation similar to air conditioning. At the same time, the box fan can have different shapes, such as rectangular, oblong, circular, or square.
They can be placed on windows, a desk like a desk fan, or in any place where the air could reach you.
What are Box Fans Used For?
In general, box fans are used as an alternative to air conditioning. Considering how pricey air conditioning can be, it only makes sense that you want a more pocket-friendly option.
Aside from cooling, they are also used for air ventilation in winter. Some rotating models can be used to circulate the hot air in the room during winter, for a long-lasting effect.
What Makes A Box Fan Considerable?
In general, you will find a lot of amazing box fans on the market but determining the best one can be very tricky if you don’t know much about their features. The best box fan usually depends on the requirements you have from such a unit – thus, the product that has the most suitable features will be the best one for you.
For instance, one of the features to look for is; the rotation. Some box fans are able to rotate up to 90 degrees – therefore, they can also ventilate the air and not only cool it. This makes them suitable to use during winter as well, which is why they’re so good in the long run.
Another amazing feature is the multiple speed options one. There are fans that can be adjusted to cool air off at different speeds, depending on your needs. When the heat is unbearable, you’ll be thankful for the cold air breeze that a unit with varying speed options can provide.
Benefits of Box Fans in the Summer
Air Cooling
Obviously, the main benefit of box fans is their ability to cool the air inside the house. When the temperature inside reaches high levels that are too much to handle, a box fan can offer you a cold breeze.
It can also serve as an air freshener since it brings air from outside.
White Noise
Summer is the season when everybody is outside due to the good weather. But if you’re an introvert and like your silence, this could easily irritate you. So, why not turn the box fan on? Although you can also find quiet box fans, there are a few that produce what is known as “white noise”. White noise can mask other sounds and so you won’t hear the noise from cars or people outside.
Save Money
Air conditioning is the most common solution for hot air in the summer. But it’s not exactly cheap. Therefore, box fans are a pocket-friendly solution to this. They are not only cheaper but also use less electricity, so your bills will be easier to deal with.
Get Rid of Smells
If you have some lingering smell in the room, a box fan will help you out. Since the unit moves air around, the odors won’t stay in for too long.
Best Box Fans Comparison Chart
PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
---|---|---|---|
Holmes Blizzard Rotating Fan |
| View On Amazon | |
Fan-Tastic Vent 01100WH Endless Breeze Fan |
| View On Amazon | |
Hurricane Box Fan |
| View On Amazon | |
Lasko 3300 Wind Machine Fan |
| View On Amazon | |
Black & Decker Frameless Tabletop Box Fan |
| View On Amazon | |
Honeywell TurboForce Air Circulator Fan |
| View On Amazon |
Best Box Fans (Top Quiet Models)
1. Holmes Blizzard Rotating Fan
Wouldn’t it be ideal if you could simply control your air conditioning from the distance, without having to come close to it whenever you need to use it? If you consider a box fan for the future, then this product could meet this requirement. The unit comes with good remote control – so, controlling it from any side of the room is very easy.
What makes it amazing and safe to use is the automatic shutoff timer. You can set the box fan to operate for as long as you need to, after which it shuts down by itself, without needing manual commands. It has a cord storage too, and three-speed settings for your own convenience.
Pros
- Amazing for rooms up to 500 sq. ft.
- Has three-speed settings
- Rotating grill can cover a very wide area
- Has a cord storage
- Can be easily carried as it has a big handle
Cons
- May start to oscillate with no fan movement after a while
2. Fan-Tastic Vent 01100WH Endless Breeze Fan
Even though there’s nothing like cool air when the temperature reaches hellish levels, it would be ideal if a box fan could also be quiet. This fantastic product could be exactly what you need if you’re sensitive to noise. It can operate with low sound levels, without messing with your hearing and mood.
What makes it so popular among customers is the fact that it’s multi-purpose. Not only that you can use it in your own home for air cooling, but you can also bring it to you on a trip. This makes it perfect when the weather is too hot, and you need a quick cooling option.
Since it can be adjusted in terms of speed, you can reach one that benefits you the most. The highest one may make it difficult to hand it on a travel trailer, though, due to the vibration.
Pros
- It’s a multi-purpose fan
- It’s quiet
- Has multiple speed levels
Cons
- The build isn’t that good
3. Hurricane Box Fan
In case you are limited by space, then you need a smaller box fan that can fit in your surroundings without being an obstacle. You can try this Hurricane box fan. The 20-inch unit is best for smaller rooms, but it can also be used in workshops, garages, and greenhouses.
The power cord it uses is 5 feet long – this means it can be connected to an electric network even if the distance is bigger. In addition, you have 3-speed settings for your own comfort and convenience. Depending on how hot the air in the room is, you may want to increase or decrease the speed of the fan, which is why this feature is such a useful one.
Pros
- You can adjust its speed
- Has a very long cord
- It’s lightweight and compact
- Is small and great for smaller spaces
Cons
- The fan is pretty loud
4. Lasko 3300 Wind Machine Fan
This box fan from Lasko is a great solution if you want to enjoy some air cooling without dealing with high electricity bills. The product has an energy-efficient operation, and although it has three fan speeds, it won’t add too much to your bills, being a money-saving option.
You can easily carry it around thanks to the handle at its top. This makes the fan very portable and you can take it to various places, be it the bedroom, home office, etc.
On top of that, you don’t need to put in a lot of effort when assembling it, because it comes fully assembled. This means you’ll be able to use it straight out of the box. The three high-performance speeds will provide you with a cooling breeze when the hot air is making you sweat like crazy.
Pros
- Can be easily carried around with a handle
- Operates while saving energy
- Requires no special installation
- It’s quite powerful
Cons
- Can be noisy
- The blades are rubbing against some body parts
5. Black & Decker Frameless Tabletop Box Fan
Everybody wants a unit that is easy to use – which is exactly what this Black & Decker fan has to offer you. The panel control is easy to access, while the unit itself is very simple to use. This is convenient as not everyone is an expert in fans, and even the most inexperienced person has the chance to use it properly.
We liked that the design is a frameless one, and a self-standing one at that, which can be used for either your house, office or garage. Another thing that we liked about it was the fact that it has 3-speed settings. In order to satisfy your needs, you can set the fan to operate at multiple speeds, thus getting the best cool air intensity.
Pros
- The design is durable
- It is easy to use
- Has 3-speed settings
- Has a self-standing design
Cons
- May produce a burning smell after a while
6. Honeywell TurboForce Air Circulator Fan
This product from Honeywell is amazing thanks to its 3 speeds and 90-degree pivoting head. Not only that you can set it to blow air at whichever speed you need, but the pivoting head also makes sure that you can use it either for direct cooling or circulating air.
What impressed us is that despite being quite powerful for its size, this box fan knows how to keep quiet and not disturb your peace. Not to mention that it can be used during both summer and winter. In summer, it will give you a nice, cold breeze to help you cool off, and in winter, it will circulate hot air and save money on bills.
The only thing that bugged us was that the design is not durable enough.
Pros
- It can rotate, switching between air circulation and air cooling
- Has 90-degree speeds
- Works quietly
Cons
- May start malfunctioning after a while
7. OPOLAR Desk Fan with Timer
We picked this model because we loved one of its features a lot – it is USB powered and can also be powered with an AC adaptor. Both the adaptor and USB cable are included with the product. That being said, you can charge it with one of these methods whenever you need it.
You can adjust it to sit vertically at 90 degrees too if you need air circulation. Furthermore, it has 4-speed controls, helping you find the cold breeze that you need. It will feel just like the natural wind. The air will flow smoothly through it too.
To make things even better, it also has a motor that works quietly – being able to work at only 40db.
Pros
- It works quietly
- Can be adjusted to sit up to 90 degrees
- Has 4-speed controls
- The USB cable and AC adaptor are included for easy charging
Cons
- The construction isn’t too durable as it’s made of plastic
Box Fan Buying Guide
Even though a box fan can be such a good option when you need to cool the air in your room, you can’t buy one without knowing what you’re getting into. Simply put, you need to be aware of some of the things it comes with before you purchase such a unit. So, here is a little buying guide to help you make the best choice.
Things to Consider
In case you are ready to go shopping for your new box fan, here are the things you should take into consideration:
Cord Length
Sometimes, you need to take the cord length into account, especially if you plan to use it far away from the socket. A small cord will limit you, while a longer one will give you more freedom. Don’t worry, though, as you will be able to find units with cords as long as 5 feet.
Noise
Nobody likes a noisy fan, especially if you plan on leaving it on for quite a long time. Noise is distracting and deranging for most people, so the less noisy a fan is, the better. Although some fans will literally scratch your brain with how annoying they are, you can find a lot of quiet box fans too. If you can, look for one that has this trait, and check reviews to see if it works indeed.
Dimensions
Depending on where you want to place the unit, the size of your preferred box fan can be smaller or bigger. You can find box fans of various sizes, so don’t hesitate to pick one that suits your needs. For example, if you have a very large room, you will need a bigger unit or even two of them to cover the entire area.
Durability
You have to look at the construction of the unit to make sure that the build is strong enough and long-lasting. Durability is one of the most important aspects to consider because a lack of durability means the product has great chances to break after a few uses. So, look at what the unit is made of. If you need something to move around all the time, maybe a metal exterior will be a good choice.
Maneuverability
Some box fans can be moved around just as you wish, and to make that possible, they need to have a handle to help you carry them. If portability is a must for you, then look for a unit with a handle. The bigger the handle, the easier it will be to take it and move it to a place you want to cool off.
Number of Speeds
A box fan with multiple speeds is very useful because you can pretty much control the airflow and obtain the settings that you need. Most of the time, box fan models come with three-speed settings to make sure your requirements are met. So, you get low, medium and high settings for easy control. Conversely, there are models that only have low and high speeds.
Make sure to pick one that offers you the flexibility you want.
Energy Efficiency
There are also energy-efficient box fans on the market. In general, they are more energy-efficient compared to air conditioning. But even so, some might be better than others. This is why it’s important to check the features and reviews of a particular product and figure out how it performs in this respect. Choose one that can save energy and thus reduce electricity costs.
Design
If you normally care about design, then make sure to choose a box fan with a color that matches the surroundings. You can find a few color combinations depending on the material of the unit, so you have some sort of flexibility in this respect.
What Is the CFM of a Box Fan?
A box fan’s CFM refers to cubic feet per minute. To put it simply, it’s a way of figuring out how much air a fan circulates and moves. Therefore, if the CFM is higher, the air fan will circulate more air. It’s a way to measure the velocity of the unit.
Difference Between a Box Fan & Tower Fans
Since both box fans and tower fans are portable units, you may not know why you should choose one and not the other. Well, the reason is that the two fan types come with some differences. Let’s look at some things that make box fans and tower fans different from each other:
Design
One of the most noticeable differences between box fans and tower fans is the design. While box fans are not too tall and can take different shapes, such as round or square, tower fans are made to resemble a tower, in the way that they’re taller. This makes them save some floor space, and they can also be easily moved to another room without fearing they will take too much space.
Because of their sleek design, tower fans can fit in with most rooms.
Service
The good thing when it comes to box fans is that they’re easy to repair or replace in case they are malfunctioning or stop working altogether. Therefore, you would have less trouble with them in this regard.
Meanwhile, tower fans would have to be either given to a professional electrician or service to solve the issue, or they must be returned to the manufacturer. It’s a pricier and more annoying process.
Costs
Tower fans tend to be pricier than box fans. So, this means that box fans are a good opportunity for people on a budget to experience the much-needed cooling sensation during summer. Moreover, as previously mentioned, it’s less costly to replace or repair a box fan.
Features
Another big difference between tower fans and box fans is the fact that tower fans have more features. For example, there are models that come with ionizers in order to change the atmosphere to a healthier one. Certain models also come with timers. Timers are useful as they let you set an operating time for the fan, after which the fan will shut down by itself.
Noise is also less of an occurrence with tower fans. They are quieter and less dangerous too.
Tips on Using Box Fans in the House
- Be aware of the weather outside. When the temperature outside is higher than the one in your house, beware. In such a heatwave avoid using your box fan. If you really must, then just close the shades so the air inside the house won’t become warmer.
- Don’t run the fan in front of the window when it’s raining outside. Moisture isn’t beneficial to the motor of the fan, as it can ruin it.
- Pick a fan that can fit in the open windows, to use it as a window fan. In case the fan you choose is smaller, you can use cardboard or curtains, so the side gaps are filled. This could keep insects away – so, using it as a window fan could be very helpful.
- Use two fans for a better cooling effect. One can be placed on the upstairs window, and the other on a downstairs window. The one downstairs will be used to take cooler air from outside and bring it into the house. Concurrently, the one upstairs will eliminate warm air from the house by pushing it out the window.
- Don’t place your box fan close to garbage or parking areas. In general, doing so will end up badly on your behalf. This bad placement will bring unpleasant smells in your home, something you are surely not looking forward to.
FAQ’s & Answers
- Can I use my box fan along with air conditioning?
Yes, box fans can be used with air conditioning too. This way, they will do a better job at cooling the whole house, since the air conditioning may not be able to reach every room.
- My box fan comes with a safety plug. What exactly is it?
A safety plug usually comes with most fans, because it provides you with more safety, just as the name says. Basically, this type of plug will cut off electricity in the fan in case there’s any safety concern, such as a fault in the power supply or the fan’s motor. Box fans with safety plugs are easier to trust as they’re less of a threat.
- How can I maintain my fan?
You can take care of your fan by removing the screws and the grill. Remove the blades as well, and wipe them with a soft, damp cloth. You can also use some mild detergent if needed. Just make sure the unit is unplugged. For quick maintenance, you can sometimes use a vacuum cleaner to absorb the dust that accumulates inside.
- Do I need a professional to install my box fan?
No. Box fans come already assembled, so all you have to do is take them out of the box and plug them in. You won’t have to spend money on a professional.
- My box fan stopped working. What should I do?
Check the warranty policy and see what your benefits are. In some cases, you can have the unit replaced, or repaired by the manufacturers. As long as the warranty term didn’t pass, you can contact the customer service and tell them your problem, and they should take care of it.
- Can I sleep with my fan on?
In general, it’s advised not to let your fan on while you sleep, especially if the window is closed.
Wrap Up
A quiet box fan can change your life for the better. While air conditioning would require quite a budget, a box fan is a more pocket-friendly investment. And it’s extremely efficient, too.
Hopefully, you found our post helpful. The buying guide and box fan reviews should have prepared you for your shopping session. This way, you can be sure you’ll get the most suitable box fan for your needs.
In case you have enjoyed our product reviews, you may be interested in our list of top-notch evaporative swamp coolers, too.