8 Best Outdoor Misting Fan in 2022 | Expert Review of the Best Misting Fans | Buyer’s Guide
Not everyone can, or may want to, jump into a swimming pool to cool off on a hot and humid day. A better alternative may be a misting fan. In this guide, you’ll everything there’s to know about misting fans to make a well-informed decision to purchase one: how it works, things to look for when buying. By the end, we’ll review the TOP 8 Best Misting Fans. Stay tuned and read on!
- What Is a Misting Fan?
- How Does a Misting Fan Work?
- Types of Misting Fans
- What to Look For When Buying a Misting Fan
- Types of Misting Systems
- TOP 8 Misting Fans – Product Review
Misting fans combine circulated air, and a standard fan provides added cooling vapor-mist. Some residential misting fans mount on high stands and have oscillating heads that circulate cooled air around your space.
Misting kits that produce tiny water droplets attach to the fan unit for the added cooling mist. Other units are wall mounted or ceiling mounted that do not oscillate but rather shoot misted air forward (or down). Portable misting fans may be used outdoors and draw water for mist from a water hose, tank, or bucket. Many can be used with or without mist. Commercial misting fans are installed or portable and are typically very large.
The best misting fans cool the air without making you feel wet. They come in all sizes residential misting fans may be used outdoors (pools, patios, porches, etc.). Portable misting units may be installed in garages. Commercial/industrial misting fans may be used for dust control and cooling indoors or outdoors (warehouses, greenhouses, stadiums, etc.).
What Is a Misting Fan?
A misting fan is a standard fan unit of varying sizes that has a fan mist kit attached. Misting heads/rings are attached to the fan’s outer frame. Misting nozzles or plates create tiny droplets of water that quickly evaporate to cool the air as it blows out of the fan. The air temperature decreases almost instantly as a result. Any fan can be converted into a mist fan using the mist ring adapter.
The misting kits are pressurized. Low or medium pressure is best-suited for residential fans. Commercial and industrial larger misting fans do best with high-pressure misting units.
How Does a Misting Fan Work?
Misting fans must have a water source to work correctly. The water source may come from a garden hose or other hose connected to a water source, such as a bucket or a water tank.
Misting fan technology is similar to that used in evaporative coolers. A water pump increases the water pressure. Misting nozzles or plates then convert the pressurized water into tiny droplets. When the misting fan blows the pressurized air, the water droplets vaporize (become mist) and evaporate when they come in contact with hot air or sunlight. The air pressure in the vicinity of the fan drops as a result, cooling that immediate area.
The drier the surrounding air is, the cooler the misted air feels as the fan blows it out. You feel cooler (without getting wet) than you would if you sat in front of a standard fan. Misting fans cool an area 20 – 25 degrees lower than a standard fan.
Types of Misting Fans
There are a variety of types and sizes of misting fans.
- Small handheld misting fans are convenient, compact, and portable and go anywhere. You can use them at home, poolside, at the office, or while traveling. The drawback is that they have a small-capacity water reservoir that needs to be refilled often for continued use.
- Portable misting fans, typically mounted on stands, provide more cooling power than small handheld fans. Misting fans that require a hose connection are less portable once connected to their water source, but they are more convenient overall because they do not need to be refilled constantly. Just turn on the faucet and the fan and enjoy your cooled space! The drawback may be a noticeable increase in your utility bills.
- Misting fans with their own water tanks is more convenient and portable but requires more maintenance. These fans can be moved more quickly since they do not require a water hose connection. They offer a convenient solution in areas with no utilities available or where waterline connections are already used for other things.
The size of the water tank depends on the overall size of the fan. These water tanks may hold less than one gallon or as many as 5 gallons. A larger 5-gallon tank offers about 8 hours of cooling before it needs to be refilled.
It is essential to empty these water tanks when you are not using the fan. Failure to do so will result in mold and mildew build-up. These spores and bacteria may be released into the air and cause breathing problems the next time the fan is operated.
Wall- or Ceiling-Mounted Misting Fans
Wall- or ceiling-mounted misting fans are not portable and offer limited wide-area coverage. They are typically connected via a hose to a water source. These misting fans are low- or no- maintenance, high-performance units equipped with safety features such as thermal overload protection.
What to Look For When Buying a Misting Fan
Your misting fan decision should consider:
- Where will you use your misting fan, indoors or outdoors?
- How large an area do you intend to cool, available power and water resources?
Types of Misting Systems
Nozzle Misting Systems (Residential Use)
Fans that emit mist through nozzles typically have 3 to 6 nozzles evenly spaced on flexible (water) tubing attached to and going around the fan’s grill face. The nozzle sprays emit a wet mist that you feel as the fan across the cooled area blows it.
Because this type of misting system is a low-pressure system that doesn’t use a pump, they are well-suited for use indoors. You can easily convert a standard fan into a misting fan and
mount it outdoors on a deck or patio, or attach it to a tall stand for broader coverage.
The caution is to keep the nozzles open and clog-free. Hard water tends to create scale buildup. A house water softener system solves this issue. Or, you can remove the flex tubing and soak the nozzles in vinegar water, as you might similarly clean a coffee maker!
Centrifugal Misting Systems (Commercial Use)
Centrifugal misting systems emit mist from disc plates attached to the fan’s front center. A flexible water hose is attached to the misting plate and runs down into the water tank or to a water source. The benefit of having a centrifugal plate provide the fan mist is that the plates do not get clogged. The mist is drier and a much finer mist that quickly evaporates, however.
Centrifugal systems use a pump for efficiency. The mist is high-pressure water output through the centrally-located fan head plate. Because this type of misting system is a high-pressure system, they are well-suited and often found in commercial environments such as greenhouses, warehouses, commercial garages, etc. where large/wide-scale evaporative cooling is needed. The primary drawback of these types of misting systems is their cost.
Nuts & Bolts: Airflow/Misting Efficiency (CFM), PSI
Regardless of which type of misting fan you choose or where you intend to install it, there are common characteristics everyone should look for before buying.
Construction
Misting fans for outdoor use must be more robust, durable, and weather resistant. are constructed from metal or plastic. Although metal misting fans are sturdy and can withstand weather and other hazards, they are not naturally corrosion-resistant. Treated heavy-gauge metal misting fans are less prone to rust/corrosion, but they are heavy and more expensive.
Plastic misting fans are lighter-weight and naturally corrosion-resistant. They are also less expensive than metal units. The caution is to purchase one that is well-balanced with a wide fan head and a sturdy and tip-proof base.
The Motor
The misting fan motor should be powerful enough to rotate the blades and sufficiently move the air effectively. Motors may be enclosed, non-ventilated, and have 2-3 variable speed settings and energy-saving features.
Noise Level (RPM)
A noisy misting fan can be as annoying as the heat you’re trying to escape from. Misting fans you intend to use outdoors should not be so loud they annoy close neighbors or make livestock nervous. Permanently-mounted misting fans should blend in with the environment they are supposed to cool. For example, if you operate a greenhouse business, you want to be able to communicate with your customers without shouting over your misting fan.
A misting fan’s RPMs (revolutions per minute) indicate how fast the fan blades spin. The higher the RPMs noted on the product tag, the faster the blades spin. This does not mean the air or mist output will be better. RPMs do not indicate the level of efficiency. They do, however, indicate the fan’s noise level since more noise is generated the faster the blades spin.
Do your research and check reviews and product specs before purchasing a misting fan system others know is too loud.
Airflow/Misting Efficiency (CFM)
CFM (cubic feet per minute) indicates how much mist and airflow your misting fan can output and circulate in 60 seconds. The higher the CFM, the more airflow the fan produces and the louder your fan will sound. Check the fan’s specs for its Max. CFM before buying.
Variable fan speeds (low/high or low, med. & high) allow you to regulate your fan’s airflow and misting levels. You don't need to purchase a fan with super-high CFM if you intend to use it outdoors. You may find it too powerful for the space you intend to cool and too noisy for the neighbors next door.
PSI
The misting fan’s pressure (behind the spray) is measured in PSIs (pounds per square inch). The PSI and size and type of your fan’s spray nozzles determine how large or small, dense or thin the fan’s mist will be.
Higher PSI gives you a more delicate, higher-quality mist and wider coverage. Small misting fans depend on water pressure from the hose to determine the quality of spray and coverage. More giant commercial misting fans have pumps that increase water pressure (PSI) and mist quality and coverage.
Variable Speeds & Mist Settings
Misting fans typically have 2-3 fan speeds to control the airflow. Variable speed settings allow you to regulate airflow in between pre-set speeds. Mist settings are like fan speed settings and allow you to regulate the amount of mist emitted from the fan.
Safety
It is essential for your misting fan or misting kit to convert your standard fan into a misting fan, is ETL wet listed if it is to be used outdoors on a patio, deck, or other exposed area? ETL-listed indicates (US & Canada) safety and quality compliance.
A water shut-off feature detects when the water tank is full and automatically shuts off the water to avoid overflowing the tank/bucket.
GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) plugs are a misting fan safety feature that monitors the current and interrupts or switches off, the electrical current when it detects an imbalance.
OSHA (Occupation Safety & Health Organization) approves misting fans as a heat safety item intended to protect workers from hot/humid environments that can cause varying degrees of heat illness.
TOP 8 Misting Fans | Reviews
Further on, we’ll cover the eight options of misting pans, both budget and high-end, along with their differentiating features.
HydroMist Premium Misting Fan | Multi-Functional Oscillating Wall-Mount Fan
The multi-functional HydroMist misting fan is a premium wall-mount unit that is equally effective in residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural environments. It is equipped with a high-pressure misting pump. A programmable digital control panel allows hands-free operation.
This 24-inch HydroMist oscillating misting fan is ETL-Listed and CE certified. It has a safety reel-in power cord with clamp style plug for easy storage. A wireless remote ensures safe operation from any angle/distance.
This misting fan is constructed from heavy-duty, industrial-grade materials. It is made with restaurant food-grade components, including stainless steel misting rings, an anti-drip nozzle system, and corrosion- and water-contamination-resistant electroless nickel-plated metal fittings. It has an adjustable 3-speed fan.
The downside is that it may be too powerful for some residential uses.
Recommendations:
The HydroMist oscillating outdoor wall-mount misting fan is best-suited for residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural environments.
High Power Misting Fan | All-Metal, Clog-Free Commercial / Industrial Fan
The powerful oscillating misting fan is durable and robust 90-deg. oscillating industrial/commercial/agricultural design sprays a cooling mist up to 1,000SF.
This 26-in. misting fan has a built-in 4.4 gal. water tank. It provides up to 5 hours of (high-speed) cooling. This misting fan is constructed from heavy-duty, anti-corrosive metal. Carry handles and casters are attached for better portability. It has a high-velocity, clog-proof, centrifugal misting system, adjustable misting flow, and three fan speeds.
The downside is its noise.
Recommendations: The Luma Comfort oscillating high-power misting fan is designed for commercial, agricultural, and industrial environments.
Advanced Systems Wall or Ceiling Mount Misting Fan – Quiet Operation
The durable Advanced misting fan is a high-quality outdoor wall- or ceiling-mount unit. It is a quiet-operation misting fan that delivers maximum performance even on its lowest setting!
This robust 18-inch misting fan is ETL-Listed and UL 507 certified for indoor and outdoor use. It is pre-wired with a 12ft.15V heavy-duty cord and in-line calcium inhibitor filter.
This completely-sealed outdoor misting fan is all-metal construction. It has a durable epoxy corrosion (black) finish and industrial-grade aluminum blades, and a stainless steel mist ring and nozzles. It comes with stainless steel mounting hardware and has an adjustable 3-speed fan-operated using a 3-speed pull chain.
This misting fan may be a little too powerful or too cool for some routine residential operations.
Recommendations:
The Advanced Systems 67018-RING wall/ceiling-mount misting fan is best-suited for garages, patios, or swimming pools.
Misting Fan with 20-Gal Cooler | Cool-Draft Misting Fan
The compact Ventamatic misting fan provides 6-8 hours of misting fog up to 15 feet away. It is fully portable and runs on its 20-gal. water supply. Its design offers maximum stability and convenient small footprint storage.
This sturdy 14-inch high-velocity Ventamatic misting fan has quick-connect hoses guaranteed not to tangle, and a 6-ft. safety GFCI cord plugs into a standard 120V 3-prong outlet.
This misting fan is constructed from durable scratch-resistant metal, and it has a high gloss finish. It has a stainless steel metal strainer. Its misting rings are made of durable high-impact plastic. It has an adjustable 3-speed fan controlled by an on/off pull chain.
This misting fan is self-contained and requires its water reservoir to be filled before use.
Recommendations:
This misting fan is best-suited for events, patios, gardens, or other areas where a water source isn’t readily available.
Battery-Operated Bucket Top Misting Fan
The small, 2-speed, portable, dual-purpose Arctic model misting fan is a bucket-top unit. It is powered by 18V Lithium-ion batteries that run this 4.0 battery-powered misting fan for up to 7 hours on “Low.” It covers approximately 50-100SF.
This quiet 12-inch Arctic Cove misting fan has a self-contained water supply bucket (5 gal.). It may also be attached to a garden hose for a continuous water supply. This fan may be operated with or without misting.
This misting fan is constructed from durable, lightweight plastic. It has adjustable fan speeds for misting control. The battery and charger are included.
The downside is that the needed 5-gallon bucket is sold separately.
Recommendations:
The Arctic Cove MBF0181 bucket-top misting fan is best-suited for patios and events where a water source isn’t readily available.
Lasko 7050 Misto Outdoor Misting Fan | Low-Profile Oscillating Louver Vent Fan
The simple and complete Lasko model misting fan is an outdoor misting fan with a low profile for added stability. It is ETL-Listed and has a safety GFCI plug that works with a standard 120V 3-prong outlet. It includes a long 9-ft water hose and water shut-off valve. No tools are required to attach the misting kit.
This misting fan is constructed from durable weather-, rust- and UV-resistant materials. It has a sealed ball-bearing motor that operates its 3-speed fan and automatic oscillating louvers to provide a 90-deg. the sweep of cool mist.
The downside might be its price and noise. Some reviews have also commented that it puts out too much mist.
Recommendations:
The high-quality Lasko 7050 misting fan is best-suited for patios, picnics, and other outdoor events. A 1-yr. warranty is also included.
Oscillating Outdoor Misting Fan | Widespread Patio Misting Fan with Stand
This misting fan is a durable, lightweight, oscillating outdoor design that sprays a cooling mist up to 500SF. It is also a dry mist fan for indoor use.
This 18-in. oscillating misting fan has built-in safety that includes a leakage protection/shut-off device and a GFCI plug that works with a standard 120V 3-prong outlet.
It quickly connects up to a standard ¾” garden hose. It has an adjustable stand height and tilts the fan head for maximum targeting. Pushbutton controls allow easy adjustment of the 3-speed fan.
According to reviews, the spray may be too heavy for your liking. A mister replacement may remedy this. It also comes with a CA Prop 65 (environmental health hazard) warning.
Recommendations:
The NewAir adjustable, oscillating misting fan is designed for either indoor (dry misting) or outdoor (wet misting) use. It has a 90-day money-back guarantee.
FAQ & Best Choices for Different Situations
- Is a misting fan with a hose better than a misting fan with a bucket?
— If you are looking for portability, a misting fan with its own water bucket or tank is best. If you are looking for convenience, a misting fan that requires a hose connection (that will not require constant refilling) may be your best choice.
Do I need a fan if I live in a humid climate?
— Since humidity changes throughout the day, you may purchase a misting fan that allows you to run the fan with or without the misting feature as you feel the need.
- Does a misting fan cool the air?
— Vaporized water droplets (mist) evaporate when they come in contact with hot air or sunlight, cooling the room 20 – 25 degrees lower than if only a standard fan is used.
Can I use this fan indoors?
— Wall- or ceiling-mounted misting fans are low- or no- maintenance, high-performance units with safety features such as thermal overload protection. They may be directly connected to an indoor water source.
- How do you make a misting fan at home?
— Connect a garden hose to a mister nozzle. Run the hose up, and secure it to a standard fan stand. Adjust the nozzle, so it points away from the fan, and into the breeze the fan creates. Open the mister nozzle slightly; turn on the fan and the water. Do not spray the water into the fan, but rather into the fan’s breeze.
What is a dry misting fan?
— Dry misting fans have technology that breaks down water molecules, so the mist feels cool and dry without condensation, drips, water drops, etc. Dry misting fans are suitable indoors and outdoors.
- What is the best misting fan for the patio?
— A portable misting fan mounted on a stand that requires a hose connection will not need to be constantly refilled. A wall- or ceiling-mounted misting fan may be considered if the patio is attached to a building or is covered with a solid roof.
What is the best misting fan for a golf cart?
— Small handheld misting fans are convenient, compact, and portable and go anywhere.
- What is the best misting fan for a stroller?
— Small handheld misting fans are convenient, compact, and portable and go anywhere.
Can you rent a misting fan?
— Yes. Rental companies rent all sizes of outdoor misting fans for events, job sites, restaurants/hospitality, and more.
- What is the best misting fan for tailgating?
— Small handheld misting fans are convenient, compact, and portable and go anywhere. If you have the space, you may want to carry a portable misting fan with its water tank.
What is the best misting fan for camping?
— Small handheld misting fans are convenient, compact, and portable and go anywhere. If you have the space, you may want to carry a portable misting fan with its water tank.
- What misting fan can you recommend for a boat?
— Small handheld misting fans are convenient, compact, and portable and go anywhere. If the boat is large, you may want to use a larger portable misting fan with its water tank.
What misting fan can you recommend for a deck?
— A portable misting fan mounted on a stand that requires a hose connection will not need to be constantly refilled. A wall- or ceiling-mounted misting fan may be considered if the patio is attached to a building or is covered with a solid roof.
- What is the best misting fan for a barn?
— Wall- or ceiling-mounted misting fans are not portable and offer limited wide-area coverage. They require a hose connection. A portable misting fan with a tank or bucket water source will suffice if the barn does not have a hose connection.
Comparative Chart of Outdoor Misting Fans
Conclusion
Misting fans help make hot and humid environments tolerable. They come in all sizes and types, from handheld types that go anywhere anytime to the installed wall- and ceiling-mounted types. They are available for residences (decks and patios) and industrial and commercial use. There are wet misting fans for outdoors and dry misting fans for indoors. There is a misting fan for nearly any space. If you choose not to purchase a misting fan, some instructions allow you to make your own.
