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The best pedestal fans for serious cooling power this summer
These are the ones our testers were big fans of...
Tested by Blossom BoothroydHomes Testing Manager
When a heatwave hits or you're having a really sweaty night, nothing moves air quite like a pedestal fan. Tall, powerful and built to cover a wide area, the best pedestal fans can fill a whole room with a lovely fresh breeze. Today’s models have some great additional features too, from sleep timers to natural breeze modes.
To find the best pedestal fans on the market, the Good Housekeeping Institute put a wide range of models to the test in our (hot) lab. These are the ones that delivered an outstanding performance (with our full reviews below).
Many of our Tried & Tested pedestal fans are currently out of stock due to the heatwave, but we'll be updating this page frequently with the latest stock levels.
The best pedestal fans for 2026
If you're not sure you want a pedestal model, head to our best fans buying guide to learn about the pros and cons of the different types available, from tower fans to desk fans.
How we test pedestal fans
In the lab, our experts assess the effectiveness and cooling power of each pedestal fan using a range of tests. Here’s what we judge:
- Air strength: We track the air flow from a distance of 75cm with an anemometer and work out the maximum output as well as the difference between each of the speeds available.
- Energy consumption: We take meter readings and calculate the model's energy consumption at both the lowest and highest fan speeds over a period of an hour.
- Noise level: We record the sound levels in decibels (dB) on both the lowest and highest settings to ensure they won't keep you awake at night.
- Cooling effect: We ask three panel members to sit in a 30ºC room for 30 minutes at a time with the pedestal fan running. They then tell us how well it managed to keep them cool and share their overall user experience.
- Extra features: We then try out any extra features, including companion apps or remote controls, oscillation options, and adjustable heights to see how easy it is to adapt the pedestal fan to your needs.
- Ease of use, design, and instructions: Finally, we look at how easy the pedestal fans are to use, whether they’re stable and well-built, and whether they come with clear instructions and guidance.
We then award a final score out of 100. These are the pedestal fans you can rely on. Cooler times ahead...
AirCraft Lume Air Circulator
AirCraft Lume Air Circulator
Pros
- Sleep setting gradually decreases the speed of the fan over time
- Can be controlled via a remote
- Great air strength
- Adjustable height increases versatility
Cons
- Limited care and maintenance instructions
Score: 91/100
This fan is currently available to pre-order for delivery in the week commencing 31st August.
This pedestal fan has 12 speeds, three modes (including a natural breeze and sleep setting), and has an adjustable pole so you can convert it into a desk fan if needed.
It scored full marks on our air strength tests, creating a notably cooler temperature in the room. We liked the dimmable backlight too, which creates a calming ambience in the room (great for anyone who hates using the big light).
While the fan oscillates by up to 90 degrees vertically and horizontally, a wider angle would provide a better cooling effect across the whole room. That aside, it was otherwise tricky to fault, thanks to the stable, lightweight design and easy assembly.
Key specifications
| Dimensions | H 90cm X W 28cm X D 36.5cm |
|---|---|
| Number of speeds | 12 |
| Timer function range | 1-12 hours |
| Cord length | 1.5m |
| Noise level range | Lowest: 34.6dB - Highest: 61.5dB |
| Energy consumption per hour | Lowest: 0.002kWh (0.06p) - Highest: 0.023kWh (0.7p) |
| Air strength range | 1.4-5.5m/s |
Pros
- Settings are easy to adjust
- Oscillation is smooth
- Powerful airflow
- Good set of instructions
Cons
- Limited height adjustment
- No carry handle
Score: 87/100
This pedestal fan was impressively powerful on its boost mode – so much so, that one panellist had to move further away as it was too strong to use while working. Luckily, all the settings are very responsive and easy to adjust, so we could easily switch between the different speeds and modes.
If you’re looking for a fan to cool a large area, this has 120 degrees of horizontal oscillation, which helps the airflow reach most corners of the room. It can also be tilted vertically by up to 120 degrees but you have to do it manually. While the height is adjustable, it can only be changed by 12.7cm, which doesn’t make a huge difference. Overall, though, it’s powerful, quiet and well-built, and we loved the addition of a storage clip for the remote so that you don’t lose it down the side of the sofa!
Key specifications
| Dimensions | H 94-107cm x W 30cm x D 30cm |
|---|---|
| Number of speeds | 9 + boost mode |
| Timer function range | 1-9 hours |
| Cord length | 1.5m |
| Noise level range | Lowest: 39.1dB - highest: 54.9dB |
| Energy consumption per hour | Lowest: 0.004kWh (0.1p) - highest: 0.028kWh (0.7p) |
| Air strength range | 2.2-4.8m/s |
Shark FlexBreeze Pro Mist Cordless Fan FA300UK
Shark FlexBreeze Pro Mist Cordless Fan FA300UK
Pros
- Good cord length
- Horizontal oscillation of 180 degrees, plus manual 55-degree tilt
- Quiet on low
- Good build quality
Cons
- Remote has to be pointed at the base for the fan to respond
- Charging time of around five hours from flat
Score: 84/100
If a regular fan isn’t cutting it, why not try this misting model? It can spray a fine mist at the same time as blowing out cooling air, which is refreshing without making everything wet. Shark claims it can reduce temperatures by up to six degrees, which is sure to help on the hottest days. Note though that the mist function can only be used outdoors and a single tank of water should last up to 60 minutes.
As the fan can also be used cordlessly, the battery life is important to consider. With the mist and oscillation on and the fan functioning at full power, the battery will only last about an hour before you’ll need to plug it in. Using it on low with no mist or oscillation should give you up to 24 hours of cooling power though.
It was noisier than some in testing, at 63.5db on full power (similar to level of a dishwasher running). Plus, with a starting weight of 7kg, it’s quite tricky to move once the water tank is full. Those niggles aside, it’s a well-designed fan with good oscillation, an intuitive app and responsive controls.
Key specifications
| Dimensions | H 93.4cm x w 35.41cm x d 25.41cm |
|---|---|
| Number of speeds | 5 |
| Timer function range | 1-5 hours |
| Cord length | 1.9m |
| Noise level range | Lowest: 38.1db - highest: 63.5db |
| Energy consumption per hour | Lowest: 0.001kWh (less than 0.1p) - highest: 0.027kWh (0.7p) |
| Air strength range | 1-4m/s |
Shark TurboBlade Bladeless Tower Fan
Shark TurboBlade Bladeless Tower Fan
Pros
- Doesn’t dry out your airways
- Easy to clean with a wipe
Cons
- Some testers found the boost mode slightly noisy
Score: 84/100
Whether it’s hair tools or vacuums, Shark products tend to deliver in our tests and this fan was no different. It looks completely different to your average pedestal fan – it’s sleek and bladeless. Instead, it the airflow comes from vents in the horizontal single blade.
It has 10 airflow speeds, a 180º oscillation and a 12-hour timer, which can be controlled via the included remote. If you’re a hot sleeper, our experts recommend adjusting it to the height of your bed to enjoy a cooling air blanket effect.
This all-rounder went down well with our panel members, with the ‘gentle breeze’ setting a particular highlight – gentle and reminiscent of, well, an open window.
Key specifications
| Dimensions | H 78cm x W 80.2cm x D 78cm |
|---|---|
| Number of speeds | 4 |
| Timer function range | 1-12 hours |
| Cord length | 3m |
| Noise level range | 42-61.5dB |
| Energy consumption per hour | Lowest: 0.005kWh (0.5p) highest 0.0086kWh (0.8p) |
| Air strength range | 0.7- 3.1m/s |
Why trust the Good Housekeeping Institute?
We’ve been testing products against their claims for over 100 years at the Good Housekeeping Institute, so we know what separates a great buy from a disappointing one.
Our pedestal fans testing is overseen by Homes Testing Manager, Blossom Boothroyd. She created detailed testing protocols to review each model against, by combining lab results with panel testing to replicate exactly how you would use it at home.
Megan Geall, our senior homes and lifestyle writer, then analyses all the test results and creates the most accurate and helpful product reviews possible. She overseas all our fan and cooling content so she's an expert in assessing a product's claims.
How to choose a pedestal fan
When choosing the right pedestal fan for your home, bear in mind the following factors to ensure it’s the perfect fit for your needs.
- How much you want to spend: Our GHI Approved models range from about £80 to almost £200. More expensive options often come with extra features, so decide if these are useful to you. If not, a more affordable option may suit better.
- Extra features: These include app connectivity, remote controls, a wide range of speed settings and modes, and different types oscillation.
- Where you plan to use it: If you want a pedestal fan for the bedroom, choose a quiet model with a night or sleep mode. However, if you want one for a larger room, opt for one with a longer cable and stronger air flow to ensure it reaches all corners of the room.
- Noise level: None of the pedestal fans on our list are particularly noisy – most aren’t any louder than a standard conversation at their top speed. However, if this is an important factor for you, look for one with a particularly low decibel reading, ideally below 35dB.
Are three or five-blade pedestal fans better?
The answer to this question depends on what you want to get out of your pedestal fan. Three-blade pedestal fans can typically push air faster and further, making them a better pick for large rooms. However, they can sometimes be noisier – particularly at higher speeds.
Five-blade pedestal fans provide a more even air flow, which helps them run more smoothly and make less noise. This might make them better suited to bedrooms or workspaces.
That said, none of the pedestal fans on our list were particularly noisy. The performance of your fan is more likely to be impacted by additional features, settings and modes, rather than the number of blades.
What makes a pedestal fan "quiet"?
A quiet pedestal fan depends on a range of factors. Most pedestal fans use a DC (direct current) motor instead of traditional AC (alternating current) motor. These run much more smoothly, causing fewer vibrations and less noise.
As mentioned above, five-blade pedestal fans can also reduce the noise level, as well as smooth oscillation mechanisms and aerodynamic blades.
The verdict: What is the best pedestal fan to buy?
Our favourite pedestal fan is the AirCraft Lume, which is the most powerful pedestal fan we've tested.
It's currently on pre-order though, so if you want something delivered quicker, try the Shark Flexbreeze Pro Mist which can function cordlessly and has a misting function for when you use it outdoors.
More Tried and Tested fans to shop
Megan is the Good Housekeeping Institute’s senior homes and lifestyle writer. She loves diving into the latest product releases to find the very best buys on the market and has written hundreds of product reviews on everything from the best vacuum cleaners and coffee machines to the best ice cream makers and robot window cleaners.
When she’s not writing about the newest gadgets and gizmos for your home and garden, you’ll find her running every distance from 5km to 100km or relaxing at home with her cat – there really is no in between.
Megan has an MA in Magazine Journalism and has previously written for Stylist, Glamour, Women's Health, TimeOut, SquareMeal, and YOU magazine. You can find Megan on Instagram @meganlouisegeall.
Jasmine is the Good Housekeeping Institute’s homes writer. With a background in design, she is committed to sorting the good products from the great –and helping Good Housekeeping readers do the same.
Throughout her career, Jasmine has written extensively about product quality, craftsmanship and sustainability, and is passionate about consumer rights. She previously worked as a writer and researcher at the product longevity platform Buy Me Once.
If she isn’t reviewing the latest gadgets for your home, you can probably find Jasmine cooking elaborate meals or crafting something weird and wonderful!
Blossom is passionate about finding the best home products and appliances for GH readers. As head of the homes testing team, she has led reviews across multiple categories, from pizza ovens, and smart plugs to portable fans and hobs. She enjoys delving into the intricacies of products and refining testing protocols to ensure we’re testing them against their claims. Her aim is to find the top-performing products on the market, to help take the hard work out of housework. Blossom’s most notable accomplishment in the lab has been toasting 528 slices of bread in her quest to find the best toasters money can buy. In her free time, she openly admits to being a music geek and indulges her creative side through crocheting, baking, singing and writing.
