Best Budget-Friendly: Westinghouse Lighting Westinghouse 7861400 Industrial 56-Inch Three Indoor Ceiling Fan

When it comes to industrial ceiling fans, you have two basic choices.

A commercial-type ceiling fan used in settings like restaurants or warehouses typically features all metal construction and large blades to move air in large rooms. These fans lack features you often see in residential ceiling fans such as light kits.

Other industrial ceiling fans have a similar metal aesthetic, but are designed for more home use—these fans typically have light kits, remote controls and the like.

For the best budget-friendly industrial fan, we’d recommend Westinghouse’s model 7861400. This one is a reader favorite for its ease of use and affordability—and it moves a large amount of air!

What We Liked

• All metal construction—brushed nickel and steel look sharp.

• Great for rooms up to 400 square feet.

• Affordable.

• 56″ blades move a large amount of air,

• Five speed wall control.

• Should be at least 10 feet off the floor.

• Manual switch reverses the blades.

What Needs Work

• No light kit.

• No remote.

• Louder than most residential ceiling fans.

• Switch is very industrial looking!

Best Quiet Operation: Honeywell Ceiling Fans 50612-01 Carnegie LED Ceiling Fan 52”

Most industrial ceiling fans have major drawback: they can be very loud!

If you plan to use a fan in a bedroom or living, we’d recommend the Honeywell 50612-01. We liked this model’s industrial look (note the barnwood-style blades), but with residential friendly features (light kit, remote control).

Here’s more:

What We Liked

• Works well with low ceilings (flush mount).

• Stylish.

• Quiet.

• Affordable.

• Includes 3 Edison bulbs.

• Remote with three speed settings.

• Light dimmer.

What Needs Work

• Smaller, 52″ blades don’t move as much air as industrial models. If you need to move more air, consider this next pick.

Best For Large Areas: Minka-Aire F896-65-BNW Xtreme H2O 65 Inch Outdoor Ceiling Fan

Sometimes you need to go big.

This one is most impressive—yes, it has 65″ blades. Our readers who recommended this fan loved it for a covered patio or large garage/workspace area.

What We Liked

• Quiet.

• Brand has good quality reputation.

• Sleek, industrial look.

• Reversible motor.

• Six speed with remote control.

• Easy to install.

What Needs Work

• Pricey.

Best Retractable Fan: LEDMO Industrial Retractable Ceiling Fans with Lights

Ceiling fans with retractable blades are all the rage—if you are looking for one of these fans with a more industrial look, we’d recommend this model from LEDMO. We liked how well this fan worked in the real world—quiet and impressive with air flow.

Here’s more:

What We Liked

• Wire cage surrounding light kit gives this fan an industrial aesthetic.

• Very quiet.

• Blades retract when not in use.

• Sleep timer function for up to 8 hours.

• Three speeds.

• Includes 2 down rods.

What Needs Work

• Installation instructions could be easier to follow.

Why Trust Us

We’ve been rating and reviewing products for the home and families since 1994. We do extensive research, evaluating products with an eye toward quality, ease of use and affordability. When we purchase a product for hands-on testing, we do so with our own money. 

Here’s another key point: we don’t take money from the brands we review. No free samples, no sponsors, no “partnerships.” Our work is 100% reader-supported!