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Low Profile Ceiling Fans Specially Designed For Low Ceilings
Low profile ceiling fans go by many other names, like ceiling hugger fans or flush mount fans. These all refer to a type of ceiling mounted fan that sits flush on the ceiling.
They do not use poles or down rods that extend them downwards. Instead, the motor housing is attached directly to the ceiling, leaving little space between the blades and the ceiling.
There are now a lot of low profile fans on the market right now. Most top manufacturers such as Hunter, Minka Aire, Casablanca, Emerson, and so on already have flush mount models in their collections. And just like typical fans, some of them are designed for traditional rooms while some are more contemporary in design.
Before you buy a low profile fan, make sure you know the technicalities surrounding it.
A low profile fan is a fan specifically designed for low-ceilinged rooms. To be more specific, for a ceiling mounted fan to be considered as a flush mount fan, its overall length or the distance from the ceiling to the blades should only be between 6 and 10 inches. This is significantly less than the length of typical ceiling type fans, which is usually 12 to 14 inches.
Where to Use It?
Low profile ceiling fans are designed to be used for ceilings that are only between 7.5 feet and 8 feet in height. Make sure, however, to check the blade to ceiling distance of flush mount fans since these fans are not sized the same.
To find out if a fan can be used in your room, subtract the overall length of the fan from the height of your ceiling. The answer should not be less than 7 feet or 84 inches. The overall length of the fan can also be determined by checking the fan dimensions in the manual or packaging of the fan.
According to the building code, a ceiling type fan should be at least 7 feet from the floor to allow enough head room. So if a room’s ceiling is lower than 7 feet, and a fan mounted on the ceiling has to have at least 6 inches of space between the blades and the ceiling for air to be able to flow through, this means that no ceiling type fan can be used in that room.
A Word On Their Performance
Low profile ceiling fans have become quite popular because they allow those living in smaller homes such as condominiums and apartments to enjoy the energy efficiency of ceiling type fans. However, despite their special characteristics, flush mount fans don’t really provide the same quality and performance as regular fans.
This is because for fans to be able to produce good airflow, there should be sufficient space between the blades and the ceiling. The shorter this distance is, the less airflow the fan will produce. Thus, to make up for this shorter distance, flush mount ceiling fans should be especially designed and should have special features to improve its performance and make them as effective as regular fans. Most of the time, these factors increase the price of low profile fans.
Choosing A Low Profile Fan
When shopping for a low profile fan, make sure to consider its style, its blade span, its overall length (blade to ceiling distance), and its performance. To check the performance of low profile ceiling fans, check their airflow capacity in CFM. To see if a high airflow fan will not use too much electricity, check its efficiency rating, which is measured by the CFM it can move with every watt of electricity it uses.
You can also decide whether you want one with a light kit or not. Make sure to check whether the length of the fan listed on the manual or packaging already includes the light kit. Sometimes, light fixtures extend down from the fan and add extra length but the manufacturers don’t include it in the length they state.
One of the bestselling flush mount fan is the Hunter Low Profile III, from reputable manufacturer Hunter, a leader in the market. Currently, the Low Profile III, especially the white finished model, is quite popular and has a 4.5 star rating and over 50 consumer reviews. Despite the ceiling hugging design of this model, users find that it moves air quite powerfully, thanks to its large 52-inch blades and the powerful but super quiet WhisperWind motor, a Hunter exclusive.
Due to its 52-inch blade span, the fan is great for large rooms with low ceilings. It can be used for cooling in the summer and for warming in the winter with its reversible airflow feature. Despite this, Hunter guarantees that it uses energy efficiently. And aside from providing you with sufficient head clearance, the fan is also equipped with a wobble-free canopy to prevent the annoying and unnecessary movement of the motor – a common complaint about low profile ceiling fans.
Based on reviews, the Low Profile III moves air quite well despite being close to the ceiling. Many consumers also liked the very simple look of this fan’s white finish, which made the fan look great in contemporary minimalist applications.
Another top-rating ceiling hugging fan is the Minka Aire Concept II. Like with the Low Profile III, the all-white finish of model F518-WH is also the most popular, with 4.5 stars and over 35 reviews. However, unlike the reasonably priced Low Profile III, the Concept II sells for $420. This doesn’t come as a surprise to ceiling-type fan aficionados since Minka Aire really has a reputation for premium pricing their fans. Thankfully, they provide excellent quality, making the ceiling fans worth spending for.
Based on reviews, most consumers find the Concept II worth paying over $400 for. Unlike the classic look of the Hunter Low Profile, the Concept II has a unusual futuristic Art Deco look.
It is built only for contemporary applications and will definitely look out of place in a traditional home. And at 44 inches, it is more suitable for medium-sized low-ceilinged rooms. As a true low profile ceiling fan, the Concept II hangs for only 10.5 inches from the ceiling. Despite its small size, it is quite powerful, thanks to the ceiling fan’s 153mm x 15mm Spinner motor with a total CFM of 4600 and an airflow efficiency of 115 CFM/watt, which is far greater than the average 75 CFM/watt.
Two additional reasons for paying more for the Concept II is that it includes a light kit and a full function remote control.
For small low-ceilinged rooms, the ideal fan is the Westinghouse Petite Hugger, which comes with six 30 inch blades. Again, the white model is most popular, garnering similar popularity as the Minka Aire Concept II. This is, however, the most affordable among the three top flush mount ceiling fans.
This does not indicate lower quality, though. The Petite Hugger has a 153mm x 9mm motor with an airflow capacity of 3925 CFM, which is just right for its size. Since it consumes only 45 watts, its airflow efficiency is higher than average at 87 CFM/watt. And even at just under $80, the fan even comes with a light kit.
This is definitely not a bad offer, although its size limits it to small rooms.
One of the most popular low profile ceiling fans is the Hunter Low Profile III model 23866, which is an all-white, 42-inch version of the popular flush mount fan. This is not as popular as the 52-inch version, but is perfect for those who have smaller rooms. It currently has over 50 reviews from highly satisfied consumers. Take note, however, that this fan does not really score well in terms of design. Its simple and plain look makes it easy to match to any décor, but it does not really stand out. But if you’re looking for a simple and affordable cooling appliance for a low-ceilinged mid-sized room, this is a good option.
This currently sells for $100 and below; this price buys you the fan, five plastic blades, and a wobble free canopy. The fan houses a WhisperWind motor that runs quietly, which has been proven by consumers. And though the fan is designed as a flush mount fan, it can also be installed with a down rod and in angled ceilings, thanks to the Installer’s Choice 3-position mounting system.
The only downside with this fan is that its total airflow capacity is only 2900 CFM.
The Westinghouse Contempra Trio is one of Westinghouse’s bestselling low profile ceiling fans, and it just so happens that it’s a flush mount fan. This is another 42-inch model designed for medium-sized rooms with low ceilings. Unlike the previous Hunter offer, the Westinghouse Contempra Trio comes with a three-piece light kit and sells for only $60, thus making it a much better deal. This fan is more popular among consumers with over 90 reviews to its name.
This is another all-white offer with its white finish and five reversible blades with white and whitewashed pine blades. The light kit consists of three frosted glass shades that add a little detail and character to the otherwise plain-looking fan.
The Westinghouse Contempra Trip is powered by a 153mm x 10mm cold-rolled steel motor and ships with a 12 inch lead wire. Another advantage is that it is remote control adaptable, but it does not come with one at this price. Several remote controls are available from Westinghouse, though. Just make sure to choose a compatible one.
Another low-priced low profile ceiling fan is the Westinghouse Contempra IV. Unlike the other two budget models that are only 42 inches each, the Westinghouse Contemprca IV is a 52-inch fan even with its $100 price tag. This makes the fan an ideal and cheap option for large but low-ceilinged rooms up to 360 square feet in size. Except for the size, however, the package is similar to the Westinghouse Contempra Trio, which comes with a white finish, five white blades, and a set of four frosted ribbed-glass shades.
The Westinghouse Contempra IV, since it is larger, also comes with a larger motor: a 153mm x 15mm cold rolled steel motor with triple capacitor to provide three highly satisfying fan speeds plus a reverse function for use even during winter seasons. But like most Westinghouse offers, this budget fan also comes with a 12 inch lead wire.
The Hunter Low Profile Plus is the original low profile offer from Hunter. Recently, though, it has been upgraded to the Hunter Low Profile III and IV models. Nevertheless, the Hunter Low Profile Plus 23910 maintains its popularity, thanks to its more distinct design compared to the more classic look of the newer models in the series. The fan also comes with a frosted glass bowl light kit, which is not included in the newer models. The downside is that the added features cause its price to rise to $160.
Despite some differences, there are more similarities between the original Hunter Low Profile Plus and the later updates. Model 23910 is another all-white model with a white base and a set of five reversible blades. Thankfully, you can reverse the white blades to show off a bleached oak side.
There is, however, two major advantages in using this low profile ceiling fan. First, it is Energy Star certified so it is far more efficient to use. Second, it comes with the special Dust Armor, which is able to reduce dusting by up to 50 percent. However, you’ll notice that this model does not come with the 3-position mounting yet, which means it can only be installed flush mount.
The latest update in the Hunter Low Profile ceiling fans series is the Hunter Low Profile IV. Like the Low Profile III, this fan has a very classic look. In fact, the two fans look similar, except that the Low Profile IV comes packaged with a glass bowl light kit. This is what makes it a bit more expensive, as well as the fact that the fan has a higher airflow capacity of 4600 CFM.
There are also other differences. For one thing, this model has only four blades instead of five; the blade finishes are the same though. The package also includes two light bulbs for the light kit, as well as a three speed pull chain. The fan is also remote control adaptable, although remote controls as well as wall controls have to be bought separately. Thirdly, the Low Profile IV has 48 inch blades, putting it in between the 52 inch and the 42 inch models of this series.
This is an ideal choice for those looking for a mid-sized or slightly larger fan with low ceilings.
Another mid-priced low profile ceiling fan is the Casablanca Four Seasons III, which is another 42-inch mid-sized option for mid-sized rooms. The low profile fan also has a clean white finish, like the Hunter Low Profile series. The difference is, while the mid-priced Low Profile IV already comes with a light kit, the Casablanca Four Seasons III sells for $150 without a light kit.
Like most Casablanca top sellers, the Four Seasons III is powered by a 172mm x 12mm Spinner motor, which is larger than those used by other brands such as Westinghouse’ 153mm motors. However, size is not proportional to power. Though bigger, the Four Seasons III is only capable of producing 2126 CFM, which is quite low even for a mid-sized fan. And since the fan uses 67 watts of electricity, it is not very efficient and its efficiency rating is only 31.8 CFM/watt.
This fan does not come with any accessories. Thankfully, it can work with various accessories, although you would have to buy them. These include a remote control, a wall control, and a light kit.
One of the more stylish low profile ceiling fans on the market is the Snugger Contemporary. The name alone implies that this fan is in the low profile, ceiling hugging design. But even in this market, Emerson Fans managed to create a fan that stands out among the other popular offers. The fan is very contemporary in style; it comes with a shiny and attractive brushed steel base plus dark cherry and mahogany reversible blades. The fan is also very durable with its pewter and stainless steel material used in construction.
The Snugger Contemporary is another 52-inch large sized fan, which means it is recommended for large rooms with low ceilings. Selling for around $240, the fan comes with a three speed pull chain and lifetime warranty. However, this price is quite high for the overall package, which does not include any other special features. While the fan is remote control and light kit adaptable, these accessories still have to be bought separately.
If you want an antique and rustic look, go with the Casa Vieja Casa Habitat fan, a 44-inch ceiling hugger fan. The fan looks elegant, stylish, and unique with its oil rubbed bronze finish for both the motor and the blades. The fan is then accessorized by a frosted white glass light kit. The light kit uses two 60-watt bulbs that are already included in the package.
Casa Vieja is known for its authentic traditional and rustic designs, so this fan is the most recommended in terms of design. This is also part of the reason behind this fan’s $350 premium price. And although the 153mm x 15mm motor is worth the high price, the fan’s pull chain operation is not. Unfortunately, the fan also does not support remote or wall controls, so this is deemed a major limitation.
Nevertheless, those who are looking for a low profile ceiling fan that’s designed to make a style statement, Casa Vieja’s Casa Habitat is a really nice option.
Hunter’s bet against the Casa Vieja Casa Habitat is the Hunter Palatine. This premium priced model is a 52 inch flush mount fan from Hugger. But unlike the more popular Low Profile ceiling fans series, the Hunter Palatine has a more distinct traditional look, thanks mainly to its uniquely designed knotted cedar and peppered walnut blades. The antique looking blades go well with the old walnut finish; together, they produce an ancient effect that will surely add character to any room.
The Hunter Palatine, however, is similar to the Low Profile series of fans in terms of performance. Despite its 15 degree blade pitch, the fan’s airflow capacity is only 2195 CFM. To produce this much airflow, the fan requires 56 watts, resulting in a low efficiency rating of just 39 CFM/watt.
The Palatine ships with the same accessories: two light bulbs and a three speed pull chain. Other accessories such as remote and wall controls are also sold separately.
Some Drawbacks in Using Low Profile Ceiling Fans
However, low profile ceiling fans are not excused from having certain disadvantages. There is a reason why the standard use of a ceiling-mount fan requires it to extend some distance from the ceiling. A ceiling-mount fan requires a certain amount of space between the blades and the ceiling.
The closer the blades are to the ceiling, the less air the fan is able to circulate. So since these hugger fans are close to the ceiling, their ability to move air is usually reduced. So if you buy a low profile fan, make sure it is equipped with a more powerful motor.
