The Lasko S16612 with Thermostat offers surprisingly convenient functionality beyond its optional thermostat functionality — which we love. This fan emits a lower pitched hum that more easily fades into the background than many other models’ higher-pitched alen breathesmart whirring noises. We almost couldn’t hear it amongst all the other noises in the house at its lowest speed. The remote is both simple and fully functional, controlling every aspect of this fan — including oscillation — with a beep-less push of a button.
Obviously, you’ll need to avoid getting the motor wet, but even regular dusting will help you make the most of your fan. Be sure to always unplug your fan from the outlet before taking it apart. This review is spearheaded by Senior Review Editor, Maggie Nichols, who lives and recreates in the hot high deserts of northern Nevada. Maggie grew up enduring the oppressive alen breathesmart heat/humidity combination of the Midwest, spending sticky afternoons keeping cool in front of fans. She’s spent a huge chunk of her life battling heat and humidity from teaching in the jungles of South America and plains of Africa to living on a remote Caribbean island. Fans have always been a necessary part of life for both Maggie and her easily overheated dog.
Keep cool this summer with one of these highly-rated oscillating fans. Free shipping and handling on eligible supply orders of $49 or more. Free shipping calculation is based on the subtotals of eligible items, after any additional discounts alen breathesmart are applied. We tested each fan’s performance through a battery of tests that cover four metrics. We put together a complete picture of each model through laboratory tests, precision measurements, everyday usage, and qualitative analyses.
Although it costs a bit more, this fan uses a DC motor instead of a typical AC one, which helps save up to 80 percent more energy than a standard AC fan. But despite using less energy, this model is powerful, with the ability to propel air up to 80 feet. It also has a sleek, modern look, which is rare for pedestal fans, and it weighs in at only 10 pounds. However, the lightweight plastic disc base lacks any feet to hold it in place on a hard floor. While we don’t think this is a huge problem, if your furniture gets frequently bumped into by children or pets (or adults!), the Lasko S16612 will slide. And, if you have a giant living space and are hoping to place a fan across the room that can still reach you with a powerful breeze on the couch, this one may disappoint you with its below-average wind speeds.
It has no remote, no extra modes, no timer, and doesn’t even oscillate. Additionally, this fan may not quite reach the top of your bed — at its tallest, it stands just 38 inches high. It’s also quite loud on higher settings, though the lowest speed is reasonably quiet.
If you have pets or humans in the house who regularly knock things over, you might consider a sturdier option that’s closer to the ground, like a floor fan. The Vornado 683 is both small and short, making it a better fit when space is at a premium. However, it’s also the only one without an oscillating function, and must be spun by hand to point the direction you desire.