Have you ever wondered if you should install one of the best ceiling fans for kitchens in your home?
Today, we’re going to take you through the top options, how to install and clean them, and the benefits of owning one.
We’ll also guide you through our top picks and what makes them fantastic products.
Comparison of the Best Ceiling Fans For Kitchens
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What Makes a Ceiling Fan Great for Kitchen Use?
There are several features you’ll enjoy after installing the best ceiling fans for kitchens. Here are our top four reasons you should add one to your home.
Air Circulation
When you’re cooking up a storm in the kitchen, you may not have the luxury of an overhead extractor. The heat may become unbearable and the smoke might not have the means to escape the room without assistance. A ceiling fan will not only help with clearing the air, but it will also control the temperature in the room.
Efficiency
An air conditioner requires incredible power to deal with the heat and smoke in the kitchen. Ceiling fans have better efficiency in airflow generation and wattage usage thanks to the design, measured as cubic feet per minute per watt (CFM/W). You’ll find that your utility bill will drop with the right unit.
Décor
If you’re a fan of decorating your kitchen with the latest appliances and themes, a ceiling fan is a perfect item for you. It adds some pizzazz to the room’s look, leaving your friends and family in awe. Of course, you need to ensure that it matches the other furnishings and their colors.
Color Rendering Index (CRI)
A little extra color never hurt anyone. The more color you can draw from your surroundings, the better the appeal. Some ceiling fans have lights that render color in crystal-clear detail, measured in CRI.
Theme or Style
If you want to match the ceiling fan with your kitchen’s theme, you should select one that has a similar style. Some products have timber blades to go with your oak counters. You can also try the industrial look for stainless steel counters and appliances. Additionally, there are options with oil-rubbed bronze or alloy steel for that rustic appearance.
Blades
There are a handful of factors to look at in this section. For instance, blade number, pitch, and span are all essential. They play significant roles in how much airflow the ceiling fan can generate in your kitchen space.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Ceiling Fans For Kitchens
- OUR TOP PICK: Harbor Breeze 00724
- RUNNER-UP: Hunter Dempsey 59244
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Honeywell Ceiling Fans 50601-01
Review of the Ceiling Fans For Kitchens
It’s time to work through our selection of the best ceiling fans for kitchens. Feel free to read through our pros and cons of each, as well as why each one stands out.
Best Overall
Harbor Breeze 00724
Specifications
Dimensions: 21.8 x 11.7 x 11 inches
Special Features: With Remote
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What Recent Buyers Report
Most customers who bought this unit indicate that it has an easy installation to perform. The brush-nickel finish is a beautiful addition to any room and the fan produces sufficient airflow for small areas. One buyer was worried about losing the remote because it’s so tiny.
Why it Stands Out to Us
If you have a kitchen with steel finishes and cutlery dangling from overhanging bars, the Harbor Breeze 00724 is perfect for you. Its casing is entirely enclosed with a brushed nickel finish, ensuring that no heat or steam gets inside the motor or wiring. The fan also fits flush with the ceiling so that it doesn’t intrude on too much of your aerial space.
The remote lets you change to any of the three speeds and also dim the lights. Ensure that you don’t lose it, though, as it’s the only way to control the fan. If you have a kitchen of up to 100 sq ft, the 2,069 CFM airflow is sufficient to meet your needs.
Bottom Line
We feel that this product is one of the best ceiling fans for kitchens due to its powerful performance and decadent design. The finish should match the majority of modern homes. The fact that you can change settings with a handy remote is a bonus.
Pros
Brushed-nickel finish
Includes remote control
UL-listed, dimmable lighting fixture
Flush mount for extra ceiling space
Airflow of 2,069 CFM for up to 100 sq ft kitchens
Cons
Small remote
Connecting to wall switch loses dimming function
Runner-up
Hunter Dempsey 59244
Specifications
Dimensions: 44 x 44 x 11.03 inches
Special Features: With Remote, Reversible and Programmable
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What Recent Buyers Report
Some customers reported an easy installation, while a few were dismayed by their struggling with inadequate screws and a challenging blade placement. For the most part, buyers were incredibly pleased with the design, performance, and brightness. There was some annoyance at the reverse switch hidden in the glass cover, but they still enjoyed the airflow.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This product is one of the best ceiling fans for kitchens with white finishes and furnishings. It delivers quiet performance, pushing airflow of 2,591 CFM at an efficiency of 69 CFM/W. Three speeds are available, which you can control via the universal remote control.
The unit contains powerful LED light kits that’ll brighten any small to the medium-sized kitchen. You can dim the light with the remote or install a wall switch with the same functionality. While you can swap the blades for a wood finish, we prefer the overall, pristine white appearance.
Bottom Line
The Hunter brand is well known in the ceiling fan community, and you’ll love the small label fixed to the housing unit. With a beautiful white appearance, superb airflow, and bright lighting, it’s evident why this product is our runner-up for the best ceiling fans for kitchens.
Pros
Universal remote
Airflow of 2,591 CFM
Lifetime motor warranty
Energy-efficient LED light kit delivering 800 lumens
White finish with the option to switch to timber blades
Cons
Provided screws strip easily
Reverse switch is inconveniently under the glass cover
Best for the Money
Honeywell Ceiling Fans 50601-01
Specifications
Dimensions: 16.73 x 8.78 x 9.45 inches
Special Features: Reversible
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What Recent Buyers Report
Many customers mentioned that it was easy to install, although a few buyers opted to pay someone to perform the task. They were pleased with how much airflow it generates in a 100 sq ft space, but several of them replaced the supplied bulbs as they didn’t provide enough lighting.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The brushed-nickel housing and dark-wood blades deliver a spectacular contrast for kitchens that have a similar theme. It works with flat and angled ceilings, while there’s a downrod if you have more height to play within the area. We’re not too fond of a pull chain for a kitchen, but the dimmable lights with warm color rendering make up for it.
The three-blade design gives it beautiful symmetry. You’ll also have three reversible speeds available, although we suspect you’ll use it mostly for cooling when you’re furiously cooking in the kitchen. However, you can change it to warm the area if you’re sitting with your loved one at the bar counter, having a lovely glass of wine on a cold winter night.
Bottom Line
This Honeywell unit is the best ceiling fan for kitchens if you’re looking at value for your money. You’ll receive quality light levels and superb airflow, all while being easy to install. It’s a fantastic option if you’re installing one for the first time.
Pros
Includes 4” downrod
Flat or sloped ceiling mounting
Three blades with three reversible speeds
Brushed-nickel housing with timber blades
Dimmable light delivering 450 lumens, 80 CRI, and 2,700 K
Best Small Kitchen Ceiling Fan
HUNTER 59301
Specifications
Dimensions: 36 x 36 x 15.7 inches
Special Features: Reversible and Programmable
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What Recent Buyers Report
If you have a small kitchen like several of the customers in the reviews, you’ll find that this ceiling fan works well. Some buyers would have preferred a remote control, while others praised how much airflow the unit delivers in tiny spaces. Users loved having two downrod options but noted a slight hum when the fan is running.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This small ceiling fan has excellent diameter dimensions if you have a tiny kitchen. You’ll receive two downrods with differing lengths, giving you the option of how low you want to drop the fan. There’s also a lifetime warranty on the motor in case it fails or anything else goes wrong.
If lighting your kitchen area is a concern, you’ll be happy to know that there’s a dimmable LED kit. You’ll love the white finish that’ll match similar furnishings. Conversely, you can install it in dark surroundings for a contrasting theme. The most significant benefit is the amount of airflow produced for such a small ceiling fan.
Bottom Line
This Hunter product is one of the best ceiling fans for kitchens with small surface areas. It won’t take up too much headspace, and you can still set it to different speeds. You’ll also obtain quality lighting if your room doesn’t receive enough natural light.
Pros
Lifetime motor warranty
Dimmable LED bowl-light kit
Includes 4” and 2” downrods
White housing and blade finish
36” fan size suitable for small kitchens
Cons
Pull-chain control
Slight humming sound when running
Best Kitchen Ceiling Fan With Bright Lights
Prominence Home 40278-01
Specifications
Dimensions: 25 x 16 x 9 inches
Special Features: Reversible
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What Recent Buyers Report
Many customers bought this unit for the “farm-house” look that the wood blades and oil-rubbed bronze housing portrays. While some would have preferred a remote control, others were comfortable with the pull-chain mechanism. There was incredible delight at the Edison-style lights, buyers indicating that they looked superb and were bright.
Why it Stands Out to Us
If you’re looking for a snug ceiling fan for your kitchen, with an excellent lighting fixture, this unit is suited to you. Just like the reviewers, we love how the Edison-themed lights look. It complements the dark blades and housing, setting the scene for spaces with similar styles and tones.
As you can tell, we aren’t fans of pull-chain controls for kitchens. However, they may work for you if you have a low ceiling or use the downrods, and there’s nothing to block you from reaching them. We’re impressed with the three mounting options that cater to different kitchen ceilings.
Bottom Line
If the best ceiling fans for kitchens that need bright light are your target, we feel you can’t go wrong with this Prominence Home item. There are three reversible speeds, cooling you in summer and warming you in winter. Furthermore, you can cover a large area of up to 350 sq ft.
Pros
Three-speed reversible motor
Suitable for kitchens up to 350 sq ft
Flush, downrod, or sloped mounting
Seeded-glass light fitting with Edison-style lights
Dual-sided wood finishes with different shadings
Cons
Pull-chain control
Low-quality instruction manual
Can You Really Find a Quality Ceiling Fan That’s Affordable?
If you’ve seen an item at a low price and wondered if it was of inferior quality, there’s no reason it couldn’t be one of the best ceiling fans for kitchens. Affordability doesn’t always equate with lower functionality or poorly-made materials. You may still find a top-performing product at a cheaper cost.
For instance, the manufacturer may be having a sale on items to attract new customers or push a new product onto the market. It may also be a nascent brand looking for exposure. Ensure that you look at all the features and reviews first before judging a product solely on its price.
How to Choose a Ceiling Fan for the Kitchen
In addition to reading through our reviews of the best ceiling fans for kitchens below, here are a few factors to consider when choosing one.
Size
Your kitchen’s square-foot area will determine what size ceiling fan you need. Even if you have an open-plan, kitchen-living area, you’ll need to measure the immediate space you want the unit to affect. It will help you calculate the amount of airflow the fan needs to generate to be effective.
Lighting
While upgrading your kitchen, you should assess if you have enough lighting in terms of brightness in lumens, the temperature in Kelvin (K), and CRI. Many kitchen ceiling fans have light fixtures to help brighten the room. You’ll need to decide which aspect means the most to you when you’re cooking.
Advantages of Investing in a Quality Ceiling Fan for Kitchens
If you’re still wondering if you should install any of the best ceiling fans for kitchens listed above, perhaps we should look at some of the benefits.
Efficient Airflow Generation
When you’re getting the heat on in the kitchen, it generally creates plenty of smoke that makes it hard to breathe or see what you’re doing. A ceiling fan circulates the air while driving the smoke away. Furthermore, you can find units that perform this task without consuming too much energy as an efficient solution.
Exciting Lighting Options
You don’t have to settle for a standard ceiling fan without lighting or with dull lighting features. A few of them have stunning light accessories that make them pop in the kitchen. They add to the flair, while there are plenty of options for you to choose between on the market. You can also purchase a separate light kit if you don’t like the one included with the product.
Various Mounting Methods
Depending on how your kitchen ceiling is structured, you’ll want a flexible ceiling fan for different situations. Some of the reviewed products have a tri-mounting design, providing you with the choice to install them flush, sloped, or with a downrod.
Central Fan in Kitchen Ceiling vs Hood – Comparison Overview
You may be wondering whether you should aim for an extractor hood or a ceiling fan for your kitchen. Let’s take a look at the similarities and differences between them to aid you in your decision.
Similarities
The most obvious similarity is that they both deal with the smoke that fills your kitchen during cooking, albeit in a different fashion. You can also install both items from the ceiling, although you attach stove hoods directly above the cooking area. In some cases, the hoods will include lighting options in the same way that fans do.
Differences
Ceiling fans rely on circulating air to rid the area of smoke, while the hood extracts it to the outside. Many will argue that the latter is the better option in this regard. However, ceiling fans have the additional ability to warm and cool the kitchen, an aspect that’s completely lacking on vent hoods.
While some hoods have lights, they’re usually directed to the cooking area. Ceiling fan lights cover the entire kitchen and provide better luminescence. You can also control a fan’s lighting and speed with remote control.
How to Install a Kitchen Ceiling Fan
Installing any of the best ceiling fans for kitchens reviewed above can be tricky. We recommend hiring a professional to do it for you instead of taking on this task alone, especially if you’re not knowledgeable about electrical components.
If you’re determined to install it yourself, here are a few common steps you can follow:
- Turn off the power leading to the respective kitchen area.
- Remove the existing light fitting and assess the wiring layout.
- Remove any mounting brackets to reach the electrical box.
- Install the ceiling fan mounting bracket, which may include a brace for heavier units.
- Insert the fan’s wiring and mounting rod through the bracket.
- Connect the motor’s wiring to the wires in the ceiling as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Attach the canopy to the mounting bracket to close the wiring.
- Insert the fan blades to the motor and ensure that they are equally spaced from the ceiling at the right distance.
- Install any light fitting or kit while ensuring that you place any pull-chains that are included.
- Turn the power back on and test if the fan works properly.
Here’s a video with a more detailed process:
How to Clean Ceiling Fan in Kitchen
Since the kitchen air is often polluted with smoke, dust, and dirty air particles, you’ll need to clean your fan from time to time. Here’s a quick look at the steps to follow to ensure that you do so correctly.
- Ensure that the fan’s power is off to avoid any accidents or injuries.
- Use sturdy support to stand on so that you don’t fall.
- The quickest way is to use a soft towel with cleaning fluid to wipe the blades gently. However, this isn’t the recommended method.
- Remove any light fixtures for proper cleaning on a sturdy surface;
- Remove each of the fan blades and brackets to make sure you clean them more effectively;
- Dust off the housing unit, making sure you don’t get any water on the motor;
- Reinstall all the components after letting them dry;
- Turn the power back on and test the fan.
Here’s a detailed video on how to clean your kitchen ceiling fan:
Conclusion
Now that you’ve worked through our detailed guide, we hope you have a better understanding of how to choose the best ceiling fans for kitchens. If you have experience with any of the recommended products, please feel free to share it with us.
People Also Ask
You may have some lingering questions after reading through our article. Here are some FAQs we receive from our readers.
Yes, you absolutely can. Most ceiling fans have reversible speeds that you can change to warm the room rather than cool it down. They will still circulate the air and deliver the same performance.
Ideally, you should install it in the center of the kitchen for the most impact. You’ll want to drive any smoke out of the area while ensuring that you cool or warm the room as needed.
It depends on the room size. For rooms up to 100 sq ft, you can get away with small fans up to 36”, while larger areas require larger units. You should also consider the airflow and blade span, as these play significant roles.
If you have a low ceiling or there are other objects in the way, you might want to look at hugger ceiling fans. Should these not pose any issues, you can install a downrod or sloped unit.
Yes, especially if you don’t have an extractor hood and the kitchen gets overly cold in winter and warm in summer.
It depends on the kitchen’s theme and style. There are several options, such as white, oil-rubbed bronze, brushed nickel, and wood tones.
