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Want to stay cool when the weather’s hot?
Two popular options are tower fans and pedestal fans, but each comes with its own benefits and drawbacks.
Tower fans like this Govee model have a streamlined look
So which is thebest fanfor your purposes?
Atower fanis a tall, slim cooling machine that circulates air efficiently in rooms.
An example is theDreo Pilot Max(pictured above, right).
Tower fans like this Govee model have a streamlined look
Apedestal fan, aka traditional fan, a circular fan head mounted on an adjustable stand.
It features large, visible blades that rotate to move air, powered by a motor in the head.
An example is theShark FlexBreeze(pictured above, left).
Pedestal fans can be noisy, but fancier models like the Dreo PolyFan 704S are designed to keep the noise low
Basic, mid-price and premium models of tower and pedestal fans generally cost around the same.
So which should you buy?
So it’s worth thinking about aesthetics first of all.
As the name suggests, tower fans have a sleek, vertical design that takes up minimal floor space.
Their slim profile allows them to fit easily into corners or narrow spaces between furniture.
Many tower fans have a modern, minimalist look that blends well with contemporary decor.
Pedestal fans, meanwhile, have a circular fan head mounted on an adjustable stand.
They come in a variety of styles, including basic, decorative, retro and vintage.
If saving space is a priority, then the streamlined design of a tower fan will usually be preferable.
Conversely, if you prefer a classic look, a pedestal fan will be the better option.
The adjustable height and tilt of many pedestal fans also allows for more targeted airflow.
In comparison, tower fans provide a more gentle, widespread breeze.
Many tower fans oscillate side-to-side to improve this circulation.
In short, pedestal fans are better at providing powerful, targeted airflow, especially in bigger rooms.
Some even have special ‘sleep’ or ‘quiet’ modes for nighttime use.
That said, higher-end pedestal fans are engineered to operate more quietly.
And at lower speeds, noise levels between quality pedestal and tower fans can be comparable.
For example, when we tested theDreo PolyFan 704S, we were impressed with how quiet it was.
This makes them ideal for rooms where space is at a premium.
Their lightweight design also makes them easy to move from room to room as needed.
Pedestal fans require more floor space due to their wider base, typically 1.5 to 2 square feet.
Many larger pedestal fans also have wheels, making them easy to move around.
Tower fan vs pedestal fan: which should you buy?
Ultimately, both tower fans and pedestal fans can be effective at helping you keep cool.
Tower fans excel in space efficiency, quiet operation, and modern design.
Pedestal fans offer powerful airflow, adjustability, and classic styling.
