Safety is one of the most common reasons why homeowners search for alternatives to standard ceiling fans. Even though they’re a relatively recent invention, the best bladeless ceiling fan options solve many safety concerns associated with standard ceiling fans.
Like enclosed ceiling fans, ceiling fans have blades located within a casing that prevents them from accidentally hitting objects. So, the term bladeless doesn’t mean that the fan doesn’t have blades but rather that its blades are concealed.
In this article, we’re going to examine the properties of the best bladeless ceiling fans and help you find the model that matches the style of the room you want to cool. Go through our guide to the best helicopter ceiling fans to find out how you can use these fans to decorate your home.
At a Glance – The 5 Best Bladeless Ceiling Fans
Model | Mount type | Light type | Price |
Todays Fans Lumio | Flush or downrod mount | Dimmable LED light | $$$$ |
Minney Bladeless Ceiling Fan | Semi-flush mount | LED – 3 colors | $$ |
Oukaning Bladeless Ceiling Fan | Downrod mount | Multiple LED light options | $$$$ |
DLT Bladeless Ceiling Fan | Flush mount | Dimmable LED light | $$$ |
Jinweite Bladeless Ceiling Fan | Semi-flush mount | Dimmable LED light | $$$ |
The LUMIO functions as a ceiling fan while at the same time making for a stunning light fixture. Featuring a fully dimmable LED light that can be set in one of three colors, the LUMIO combines beauty with comfort in any setting.
Selection criteria
Even though there are thousands of bladeless ceiling fans on the market, most models have the same set of features and similar cooling capacities. This makes the process of choosing the right bladeless ceiling fan difficult since you have so many options to choose from.
The search parameters we used to find the ceiling fans we included in this article have helped us narrow down our choices and pinpoint the best models. Let’s take a look at the criteria we used to select the best bladeless ceiling fans.
- Fan’s diameter – The fan’s cooling performance is directly related to the size of its blades. Our selection includes models capable of cooling spaces that have up to 300sq/ft.
- Quality of materials – Units made of flimsy materials breaks down after just one or two cooling seasons. That’s why we only selected models made of durable materials that can withstand high usage.
- Multi-functionality – Besides cooling, bladeless ceiling fans can also be utilized as a light source in the room where they’re installed. All models we included in this article offer multiple lighting options
Our guide to the best windmill ceiling fans can help you find a stylish cooling solution for your home.
Core components of bladeless ceiling fans
All types of ceiling fans share similar features, as their cooling capacities depend on their motor and the size of the blades. The key difference between bladeless ceiling fans and other ceiling fans is the enclosure that conceals the blades.
Let’s take a look at the components of these ceiling fans.
- Mounting bracket – This part enables you to fix the fan to the ceiling, and it may or may not come with the model you purchase. Mounting brackets carry the weight of the fan and ensure its stability.
- Motor – The maximum airflow volume bladeless ceiling fans can generate depends on their motor. Most units are equipped with AC motors that use less power than the motors powering standard ceiling fans.
- Blades – A bladeless ceiling fan can have three and seven blades, but the blade diameter rather than the number of blades determines its cooling capacities.
- Lighting fixture – Although it isn’t a standard feature on all bladeless ceiling fan models, most models you’ll find on the market are equipped with a lighting fixture that lets you adjust the light settings.
Read our guide to the best window fans if you’re considering the alternatives to bladeless ceiling fans.
Blade properties
Bladeless ceiling fans can be shaped like a thin tower (elongated oval) or a hollow circle (spherical), and they’re utilizing the air multiplier technology to maximize the volume of airflow they generate.
They also feature a compressor that draws the air into the casing, but like all other fans, they rely on the blades to push the air out. Consequently, checking the properties of the model’s blades will enable you to find out its cooling output.
The blade diameter is the key factor that affects the unit’s coverage range, so for instance, a 20-inch model should be powerful enough to cool a 200sq/ft room. It is worth noting that some models don’t have conventional blades at all, as they utilize the outer casing to generate airflow.
In addition, bladeless ceiling fans can usually operate at three speeds, but some units allow you to switch between six-speed options. Check out our guide to the best 72-inch ceiling fans if you need a cooling solution for a 400sq/ft room.
Range of applications
Bladeless ceiling fans cannot lower the room temperature in a way a mini-split system can because they don’t have the capacity to absorb the heat from the air.
The air that goes into the casing of these fans isn’t cooled before being released into the room, which is why its temperature is reduced only by a few degrees. Nonetheless, the wind they generate can provide you with instant cooling as most units produce between 2,000 CFM and 4,000CFM.
Some models allow you to reverse the blade rotating direction so that you can utilize it to warm up a room quicker. Light fixtures extend the range of applications of these ceiling fans because they enable you to utilize them as the central light source in a room where you install them.
Consequently, you can use bladeless ceiling fans in a wide range of contexts, as they can be a perfect fit in residential and commercial settings. Browse through our guide to the best retractable ceiling fans to learn more about this type of ceiling fan.
Mount types
Even though you don’t have to worry about the ceiling height while searching for a bladeless ceiling fan, it is still important to check which mount type a specific model is using.
Some models are designed only for standard ceilings, so you must search for a suitable option if you need a fan installed on a sloped or vaulted ceiling. Here are some of the most common mount types you’ll encounter on bladeless ceiling fans.
- Downrod mount – This mounting method lets you create separation between the ceiling and the fan to maximize the airflow output capacity.
- Flush mount – Commonly used in rooms with low ceilings, flush mount enables you to increase the separation between the floor and the fan. Installing a flush mount bladeless ceiling fan on a sloped ceiling is possible, but most models have angle limitations.
- Semi-flush mount – As a crossover between a downrod and flush mount method, the semi-flush mounting options enable you to create some separation between the fan and ceiling while keeping the fan relatively close to the ceiling.
Read our guide to ventilation systems to explore other ways of circulating the air in your home.
The most important factors to consider while choosing a bladeless ceiling fan
Concealed blades make these fans much safer than conventional ceiling fans, and they’re a great option for rooms with low ceilings. In addition, the vast majority of models come with a remote that lets you increase or decrease the fan’s speed or change the warmth of the light.
Even seemingly unimportant details like the model’s weight can be useful during the selection process. We’ve identified some of the most important factors that can help you find the best bladeless ceiling fan for your home, so let’s take a look at them.
Style and durability
You won’t find matching bladeless ceiling fans to the rest of the room’s furniture difficult because they offer a perfect balance between elegance and functionality. These fans are produced in modern, industrial, and numerous other styles, enabling you to pick the option that best fits your home.
The quality of the model’s components is as important as its visual appeal, so you should search for models that have casings made of metal or similar materials that cannot be damaged easily. For example, the blades on most bladeless ceiling fans are made of ABS plastic.
Bladeless ceiling fan’s diameter
Although it isn’t the only factor that affects the fan’s coverage range, the blade fan diameter is still one of the important parameters you need to check. Bladeless ceiling fans usually have blade diameters that span from 20 to 36 inches, making them suitable for relatively small spaces.
Some units might be equipped with a compressor that draws the air inside the casing and maximizes cooling performance. Hence, the unit’s cooling capacity depends on the size of the blades and the method it uses to draw the air into the casing.
Noise level
How loud a bladeless ceiling fan is going to depend on the motor that powers it. Models equipped with AC motors are generally louder as they can generate more than 60dB of noise. On the other hand, DC motor units are usually quiet as their noise level spans from 20dB to 40dB.
Checking this feature might help you decide if the particular model is the right choice for your living room, bedroom, or kid’s room.
Installation requirements
Most manufacturers claim that installing their bladeless ceiling fans is easy, but this isn’t always the case. The installation process involves creating a supporting structure for the fan that is durable enough to carry its weight and wiring the unit to your home’s electrical system.
Hiring an electrician to install a bladeless ceiling fan might be well worth the cost, especially if you don’t feel completely comfortable working with electricity.
Budget limitations
Setting a budget limit can help you find a model that is in your price range. The vast majority of bladeless ceiling fans you’ll find on the market cost between $100 and $200, while high-end models can cost up to $700.
Manufacturers don’t always offer warranties for these fans, and those usually offer limited 1-year warranties. However, bladeless ceiling fans don’t break down easily, as most models can function seamlessly for five or more years.
The advantages of bladeless ceiling fans
Low safety risk
The lightweight design and concealed blades enable you to install these fans in any room regardless of how high or low their ceiling is. Also, you won’t have to worry about the mounting method since both flush and downrod options are suitable for most contexts.
High airflow volume capacity
Bladeless ceiling fans are powerful enough to cool and ventilate relatively large rooms, as most models can generate more than 2,000CFM of airflow. In addition, they can operate at different speeds, enabling you to adjust the airflow output to different parts of the day.
Excellent power-saving features
The average power consumption of bladeless ceiling fans is considerably lower than the power consumption of a standard ceiling fan. In addition, most models have the Timer function that allows the users to choose how long they want the fan to run.
The disadvantages of bladeless ceiling fans
Cleaning a bladeless ceiling fan can be difficult.
Dirt accumulates quickly in the protective casing that encloses the blades. Reaching the casing and cleaning it can be challenging, especially if the unit is installed on a ceiling that is higher than 8 feet.
Top five bladeless ceiling fans
Todays Fans Lumio – The best bladeless ceiling fan
With the maximum airflow output of 4590CFM, the Todays Fans Lumio is one of the most powerful bladeless ceiling fans on the market. Instead of blades, this unit has an outer casing that rotates at the maximum speed of 249RPM.
Its diameter is just 28 inches, but this model is still powerful enough to cool rooms that have up to 300sq/ft. The cooling and lighting functions can be controlled separately so that you can use this bladeless ceiling fan to just illuminate or cool a room.
Pros
- Offers 6 wind speeds
- Adjustable light settings
- Generates only 52dB of noise
- High airflow volume
Cons
- Very expensive
- Some components are made of plastic
The LUMIO functions as a ceiling fan while at the same time making for a stunning light fixture. Featuring a fully dimmable LED light that can be set in one of three colors, the LUMIO combines beauty with comfort in any setting.
Minney Bladeless Ceiling Fan – The best bladeless ceiling fan for small spaces
The 24-inch blade diameter makes the Minney Bladeless Ceiling Fan a great option for 200sq/ft rooms. This model is equipped with a 40W AC motor that can operate at low, mid, and high wind speeds, but you cannot reverse the blade rotation direction.
The timer function enables you to program the unit to run for one, two, or four hours continually, and you can also switch between different light warmth settings.
This Minney model has a metal shell and a plastic wind deflector cover that protect the blades from coming into contact with objects that can damage them.
Pros
- Simple light and wind speed adjustments
- Switches off automatically when used in the Trimer mode
- Great fit for modernly designed spaces
- Excellent safety features
Cons
- The light isn’t dimmable
- Limited coverage range
Combine the functions of the ceiling fan and ceiling lamp, while providing lighting and air circulation, saving space and money.
Oukaning Bladeless Ceiling Fan – The best bladeless ceiling fan for modernly furnished rooms
Besides cooling your home, the Oukaning Bladeless Ceiling fan can help you keep your home warm during winter. You can reverse the unit’s rotation direction and decide whether you can push the air down or lift it.
The unit’s AC motor is made of copper, and it can operate at six different speeds, or you can choose to program it to switch off and on at equal intervals. The LED light is designed to last for 60,000 hours, and you can replace it once it stops working.
Pros
- The fan weighs just 16lbs
- Multiple light warmth options
- Low noise level
- Ships with a remote
Cons
- Complicated installation
- Can’t generate high airflow volume
Perfect for decorating your kitchen, bedroom, living room, dining room, cafe, restaurant, hotel, office, etc.
DLT Bladeless Ceiling Fan – The best bladeless ceiling fan for rooms with low ceilings
An affordable price and impressive cooling performances are among the reason why the DLT Bladeless Ceiling Fan is one of the best cooling options for your kitchen, kid’s room, or bedroom. Its lampshade is made of acrylic, while the blades are made of ABS plastic.
The AC motor runs at three speeds, and it doesn’t make a lot of noise regardless of its current power output. This bladeless ceiling fan has more than 2800 LED chips and 200 lamp beads that can last for more than ten years.
Pros
- Stylish and lightweight design
- Multiple timer options
- Low upkeep requirements
- Flush mount ensures sufficient separation between the fan and the floor
Cons
- The light bulb cannot be replaced
- Available in just one color
The stars lamp shape of our bladeless ceiling fan adopts high transparent acrylic design, which is not only hard, high temperature, soft and uniform, but also makes you feel like living in the sky and gives you high-quality sleep quality when you turn on the lamp.
Jinweite Bladeless Ceiling Fan – The quietest bladeless ceiling fan
The metal shell and an acrylic lampshade protect the Jinweite Bladeless Ceiling Fan’s blades from potential damage. This circular fan can operate at three different speeds, and it can supply you with 2072CFM of airflow at its maximum capacity.
In addition, it produces just 35dB of noise, and it isn’t going to disturb your sleep if you install it in your living room. The semi-flush mount enables you to install this fan in rooms with high and low ceilings, but you cannot use it in rooms with sloped ceilings.
Pros
- It offers three light warmth options
- Quiet operation
- Dimmable and replaceable light
- Good cooling solution for small spaces
Cons
- Not an ideal price-performance ratio
- It doesn’t have a reversible motor
Frequently asked questions about bladeless ceiling fans
Question: Can I install a bladeless ceiling fan on a patio?
Answer: Yes, but only if it is rated for outdoor use.
Question: Are bladeless ceiling fans heavy?
Answer: These fans usually weigh between 10lbs and 20lbs, and they’re not going to put a lot of stress on the structure that supports them.
Question: Do I have to clean bladeless ceiling fans often?
Answer: Cleaning your bladeless ceiling fan monthly should be enough to keep it in good condition.
Question: How long do bladeless ceiling fans last?
Answer: The durability of these fans depends on different factors, but most models can last for more than 5 years.
Our Verdict: Deciding which bladeless ceiling fan to choose
Although they don’t allow their users to control the room temperature, bladeless ceiling fans are still an elegant single-room cooling solution. These fans are available in a broad range of styles and sizes, so finding the suitable model for the room you want to cool shouldn’t be too hard.
Besides the maximum airflow volume, you should also check the unit’s light options to determine if you can use it as a primary light source in the particular room. We recommend the Todays Fans Lumio because of its high airflow volume and the advanced set of features it offers.
The LUMIO functions as a ceiling fan while at the same time making for a stunning light fixture. Featuring a fully dimmable LED light that can be set in one of three colors, the LUMIO combines beauty with comfort in any setting.
A model like the Minney Bladeless Ceiling Fan might be a better option for you if you’re on a limited budget. We hope that this article has helped you discover the best bladeless ceiling fan for your home.
If you need a more powerful cooling solution than a bladeless ceiling fan, read our guide to the best Amana portable AC.
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