The Best Outdoor Misting Fans in 2024 - [Buying Guide] (2024)

John McCloy

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Do you love the idea of cooking and relaxing outside during the summer but find yourself wilting under the combined heat of the sun and the grill, scurrying for air-conditioned safety when you’d rather be outdoors?

A good misting fan will help you keep your cool, no matter how high the mercury climbs, and, as usual, we’re here with a breakdown of some of the best models on the market.

Our top five best misting fans

1. Best Overall – RYOBI 18-Volt Bucket Top Misting Fan

We’ve chosen the RYOBI as our best overall misting fan because of its utility. As well as the standard hose attachment, this fan comes with a special foot that allows it to pull water from a 5-gallon bucket.

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This means you can use it without a water hookup, so you can take it camping, to the beach, the pool, or just anywhere you need a little extra cooling.

The fan itself runs on a Ryobi 18-Volt One+ battery, which is compatible with other Ryobi products.

There’s a Hi/Lo switch for adjustable fan and misting control, which gives you about 2.5 hours of run time on Hi and about 7 hours of run time on Lo.

If you’re going to be spending the day somewhere really hot and want to have it on Hi for longer periods, it’s probably a good idea to invest in a spare 18-Volt battery.

At 7.6 lbs and measuring 15 x 12 x 13 inches, the RYOBI is small and light enough to be properly portable but powerful enough to take the sting out of even the hottest days.

What we like:

  • The lightweight construction, compact size, and 5-gallon bucket attachment make this battery-powered fan very portable.
  • If you have other Ryobi tools, you can switch the battery packs between them as they are interchangeable.
  • The misting function can be turned on and off, so you can use as a standard fan.

What we don’t like:

  • 2.5 hours of use on Hi means you’ll probably need a spare battery to get the most from this fan on the hottest of days

2. Best Oscillating Misting Fan – HydroMist 18-Inch Oscillating Misting Fan

If you’re lucky enough to have a dedicated outdoor cooking and relaxing area and want a way to cool it down without having to stack 5-gallon buckets in the corners, then this fixed position fan by Hydromist might be precisely what you’re looking for.

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This 3-speed fan comes with a wall mounting bracket and connects to your water supply via a ⅜-inch high-pressure hose, making it ideal for residential use.

While the fan can be connected to a water tank or even a bucket, you’ll need a 1000-psi pump to move the water through it.

This lack of an internal pump, combined with the fact that it weighs nearly 28 lbs, means it’s not really portable, and if you’re looking for something to take to the beach, you’d be better off with the Arctic Cove.

However, if you’re looking to cool the area around your built-in grill or that sweet backyard bar you’ve built, this is precisely the fan you need.

What we like:

  • The sturdy stainless steel construction makes the HydroMist ideal for mounting outside.
  • With three speed settings and the ability to oscillate, the HydroMist can cool a large area with ease.

What we don’t like:

  • The high weight, combined with the need for an additional pump means this fan isn’t really portable.

3. Best Wall-Mounted Misting Fan – Ecojet by Joape Hurricane 660 Wall Mount Outdoor Misting Fan

The Ecojet wins our pick for the best wall-mounted misting fan because of the innovative and low-maintenance way its misting function works.

Most misting fans use spray nozzles that spray a fine mist of water in front of the fan. Those nozzles can get clogged, particularly in areas where they use hard water, and can be challenging to clean, especially if the fan is wall-mounted and out of arm’s reach.

The Ecojet creates its mist using a spinning disk mounted in front of the fan, so there are no fiddly nozzles to get clogged.

The ultrafine mist produced by this system can cool the air by as much as 20 degrees, and the fan covers an area of up to 1,500 square feet.

Powered by a 110-volt motor, the Ecojet plugs straight into a standard outlet, and, despite the power of the fan, the noise levels don’t go above 67dB. Water is supplied by a ¾-water hose (purchased separately) that can be connected directly to an outdoor tap.

What we like:

  • The unique misting design saves on water and means there are no nozzles or filters that need unclogging.
  • The ultra-fine mist means you won’t get wet if you are standing directly in front of it.

What we don’t like:

  • Unlike the HydroMist, the Ecojet doesn’t oscillate, so you’ll have to spend a little more time figuring out where to mount it for best effect.

Ecojet by Joape Hurricane 660 Wall Mount Outdoor Misting Fan

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4. WINDCHASER Outdoor Misting Fan

The main benefit of the WindChaser is that it can serve dual duty as both an indoor and outdoor fan.

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The four misting nozzles can be fed through a connection to a standard garden hose and, combined with the 16-inch-diameter four-blade oscillating fan, can cool the air by as much as 25°F.

The sturdy construction of the WindChaser is both rust and UV resistant, so it won’t suffer from being used outdoors.

The motor is shower-proof, so you don’t need to be worried about the mist blowing back over it, but it should be kept out of the rain.

If the day isn’t quite hot enough to warrant the use of the misting function, or you want to use it indoors, the WindChaser works perfectly well as a 3-speed indoor oscillating stand fan, making it useful throughout the year.

What we like:

  • The powerful misting action and 3-speed fan can cool the air by as much as 25°F.
  • Works just as well indoors (with the misting function turned off) as it does outdoors.

What we don’t like:

  • Some user reported that the electrical cord is quite short, limiting the placement of the fan.

5. NewAir AF-520B, Outdoor Misting Oscillating Pedestal Fan

One of the things that put some people off purchasing a misting fan is a concern about mixing water with electricity, especially if you want to leave the fan unattended.

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The NewAir AF-520B is a versatile and lightweight oscillating pedestal fan that solves those issues by including a GFCI plug and built-in water cut-out that work together to cut the fan off from both the electricity and water supply if it develops a fault.

In addition to these extra safety features, the AF-520B’s powerful fan provides around 500-square feet of misting coverage that cools the air by as much as 15°F.

The fan uses a standard plug connection and 0.75-inch garden hose attachment, so the AF-520B is easy to set up and, because you can adjust both the height and tilt, lets you easily get that 500-square feet of cooling air and mist exactly where you want it.

What we like:

  • Great for the safety-conscious with both water and electricity cut-offs in the event of a leak.
  • The fan and mist cover a large area and are easy to angle, making it simple to set up and ideal for outdoor usage.

What we don’t like:

  • The mist produced by the nozzles isn’t particularly fine, meaning you can get a little wet if you sit too close to it.

How do misting fans work?

As anyone who lives in a hot country will tell you, a fan on its own can only do so much to cool the air. Most fans work by moving air around the room, creating a wind-chill effect that allows the sweat on your body to evaporate faster, making you feel cooler.

They do not actually cool the room at all.

There is a common misconception that this is also how misting fans work; by spraying you with water, which evaporates off you like sweat. However, this would just leave you dripping with water all the time.

How misting fans actually work is by taking advantage of an effect called flash evaporation. When the fan sprays the water into the air, it does so in the form of a fine mist. This fine mist evaporates much faster than water droplets, completely disappearing before it reaches your skin and drawing the heat out of the air as it does so.

This is why, depending on the fan’s size and the fineness of the mist produced, misting fans can reduce the air temperature around them by as much as 10-20 °F, without you getting all wet.

Do misting fans do a good job keeping you cool?

Misting fans are an excellent way of keeping cool outdoors as, unlike a standard fan, they can actually cool the air around them.

This also applies to semi-enclosed spaces where traditional air-conditioning, which requires a closed system to function and is normally very expensive to fit, isn’t an option. Misting fans are also easy to install and use, with most connecting to standard electrical outlets and garden hose attachments.

What are the different types of misting fans?

Misting fans come in various models with different operations, and selecting the right one for you should be based on what you’re planning on using it for.

Portable misting fans

Portable misting fans, like the Arctic Cove, don’t need an electrical hookup or a hosepipe connection to work. They usually run on a battery and can be mounted above anything that you can store water in.

This makes them ideal for taking with you on your travels as they can provide cooling at places like the beach or when you are out camping.

Wall-mounted misting fans

If you have an outdoor cooking area or patio you want to cool, then a wall-mounted fan allows you to position your misting fan at the optimal angle and have all the cables fixed in place, so they are in the way.

Stand fans

Stand fans are what most of us think of when we imagine an eclectic fan. They come on an adjustable height stand, hence the name, and the misting function can be often be turned on and off, meaning they can be used both indoors and outdoors.

Oscillating fans

Oscillation is normally a feature that can be applied to all of the fans above. Oscillating just means the fan swings from side to side, increasing the area which it is capable of cooling.

Wrapping it up

Unlike a standard fan, a misting fan will actually cool the air around you, making it an excellent way to enjoy the sunshine without baking in the heat. This is especially true if you’re planning on firing up the grill, as that fine mist can save you from becoming as seared as the stakes you’re cooking.

If you’ve got some advice on getting the best out of a misting fan, or you own one that you think should have made our list, we’d love to hear about it in the comments section below!

The Best Outdoor Misting Fans in 2024 - [Buying Guide] (2024)

FAQs

The Best Outdoor Misting Fans in 2024 - [Buying Guide]? ›

Best portable misting fan: O2Cool Elite Handheld Water Misting Fan. This fan cooled us down faster and better than any of the other fans we tested, thanks to its 5W of power and strong pump-action misting spray.

What is the best portable misting fan in 2024? ›

Best portable misting fan: O2Cool Elite Handheld Water Misting Fan. This fan cooled us down faster and better than any of the other fans we tested, thanks to its 5W of power and strong pump-action misting spray.

Are outdoor misting fans worth it? ›

Yes, misting fans can work really well to cool down areas in the hot weather. Misting fans combine the functions of a traditional fan and a misting system. They operate by dispersing water droplets into a fine mist, which is then blown out by the fan.

How do I choose a mist fan? ›

Here's how to choose the best patio misting system for your outdoor entertainment area.
  1. Check where the water comes from.
  2. Decide what type of mist you want.
  3. Make sure the fan will fit your yard space.
  4. Find out if the patio misting fan has different speeds.
  5. See if the fan can be adjusted.
Feb 15, 2016

Which is better air cooler or mist fan? ›

The answer to “Which is better, an air cooler or mist fan?” truly depends on your needs and budget. If you absolutely cannot have any possible water particles hitting elements in the intended space for your cooling fan, you will be better suited with swamp cooler fans or evaporative cooling fans.

What is the difference between a misting fan and an evaporative cooler? ›

A patio evaporative cooler doesn't spray water on you: it evaporates the water into the air to make it cool. Instead of water, you'll have cool air washing over you. Unlike with a mister, your body, clothes, food, and drink won't get wet. You'll stay dry, especially since you won't need to sweat as much.

What is the disadvantage of a mist fan? ›

However, because they add water vapor to the air, misting fans are most effective in hot, dry climates. If you live somewhere that gets especially humid in the summer, a misting fan won't be able to reduce the temperature as much and may make you feel sticky instead of cool.

Do misting fans make everything wet? ›

It is important to point out that industrial misting fans do not make a surrounding area damp. Once the machine is working, water vapour is unlikely to touch anyone or anything before it evaporates. However, the process always improves humidity.

Do misting fans attract bugs? ›

With a high pressure misting system, excess moisture isn't a problem. The water evaporates instantly, and the water molecules that do make it to the ground are gone in the blink of an eye. There is no opportunity for standing water to build up and give insects a safe haven. So, they don't get attracted to the area.

How do I know what fan to buy? ›

The room's size determines the necessary cubic feet per minute (CFM) rating of the fan. The CFM rating measures the volume of air the fan moves. As a general rule, you'll need at least 1 CFM per square foot of space.

How do I know which fan is more powerful? ›

Air flow rating

It's usually given in cubic feet per minute (CFM), and the higher the number, the more air the fan can move. It's important to consider airflow rating when choosing a fan for a particular space.

Which fan has best airflow? ›

Top 1200mm Ceiling Fans With Optimal Airflow For All Rooms
1200mm Ceiling FansRatingPrice
Atomberg Renesa 1200 mm Ceiling Fan4.3/5Rs. 3,799
HAVELLS Ambrose ES 1200 mm Ceiling Fan4/5Rs. 2,682
Crompton Energion Hyperjet 1200 mm Ceiling Fan4/5Rs. 2,819
Atomberg Ameza 1200 mm Blade Ceiling Fan4.2/5Rs. 2,699
4 more rows
6 days ago

Which type of fan is more efficient? ›

Ceiling fans are considered the most effective of these types of fans, because they effectively circulate the air in a room to create a draft throughout the room. Ceiling fans can help improve comfort year round.

Does mist fan consume more electricity? ›

Furthermore, flash evaporation misting fans are remarkably energy-efficient, consuming minimal electricity while providing maximum relief.

How long does a misting system last? ›

Generally speaking, a misting system can last anywhere from five to fifteen years or more, depending on the factors mentioned above. Regular maintenance can help to extend the lifespan of the system. It's recommended to have the system serviced at least once a year to ensure it's functioning properly.

What kind of fan moves the most air? ›

If you're looking for a fan that moves the most air, consider a large ceiling fan with a high blade pitch, a high-quality motor, and high RPM.

How long does a rechargeable mist fan last? ›

The good thing is that it is rechargeable and it keeps supplying you with cooler air even when there is an interruption of electricity. With its 12V 4800mAh rechargeable battery, you are assured of up to 4-25hours of comfort when fully charged and depending on the speed level.

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