7 Best Outdoor Misting Fans to Keep Cool in Hottest Weather

From wall-hanging compact models to tank-connected devices - we've chosen all the best outdoor misting fans for your convenience
By
Jeremy Bivens
Jeremy Bivens
Research Writer
Jeremy Bivens is a passionate writer and grilling enthusiast. He's been working as a freelance journalist for over 15 years now and has a particular interest in food writing read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Bruce Williams
Bruce Williams
Expert Consultant
Claims that grilling is the art that he has been learning all his life long and is not planning to stop. Has been grilling for as long as he can remember. Author of numerous read more
Last updated: August 24, 2023
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Summer is great, except for the extremely hot temperatures. While there are many ways to cool yourself inside, cooling yourself outside can be a bit harder. This is why you need the best outdoor misting fan.

Misting fans allow to sit on a patio, enjoy a beverage, and have a cool mist of water gently spray around you. Today, we are going to describe some of our favorite outdoor misting fans and include important features such as how tall they are, how powerful they are, and how many speeds the offer. We want you to be cool and comfortable this summer, so come with us on this journey to find a misting fan that will help you relax while outside.

Quick Summary

  • Editor’s Choice: OEMTOOLS 23978
    "Amazing misting fan that can lower the temperature up to 30 degrees. 600 sq in misting area. 5400 CFM airflow. 3 speeds."
  • "Portable yet powerful misting fan with water tank and transportation wheels. 25 ft misting range. 90-degree oscillation. 10 gal water tank."
  • "This portable outdoor misting fan model comes at attractive price. 3 speeds. 0.7-gal water tank. 3 oscillating positions."
  • "This outdoor misting fan kit can be installed on great variety of models to cool you during hot days. 200 PSI pump. 0.15 mm nozzles diameter. Anti-drip nozzles."
  • Best for Big Areas: NewAir AF-600
    "Great outdoor misting fan with powerful airflow and adjustable stand. 600 sq ft misting area. 2800 SFM airflow. 3 speeds."
  • Most Compact: Lasko 7050 Misto
    "Compact floor standing outdoor misting fan with oscillation option. 350 CFM airflow. 3 speeds. UV- and water-resistant exterior."
  • "Well-designed and easy-to-use outdoor misting fan for smaller areas. 43.5 PSI water pressure. 3 speeds. 70 dB noise level."

Top 7 Outdoor Misting Fans Review 2024

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1
Editor’s Choice

OEMTOOLS 23978

Features
  • Height: 51 in
  • Misting area: 600 sq in
  • Warranty: 90-day limited
  • Airflow: 5400 CFM
  • Speeds: 3

More features: IP44 water resistant motor, aluminum blades, head tilt

Let’s start this list off with a bang. Our Editor’s Choice for a portable misting fan is the OEMTOOLS 23978. Right away, you’ll notice it has a more interesting design than many standard fans. The blades are a lovely turquoise color that just add a bit of pop to an outdoor setting. Furthermore, the stand and fan grill make the appearance much more modern.

The OEMTOOLS 23978 has a misting area of 600 square feet which is pretty amazing. You can cover your entire balcony or patio with just one of these fans, which makes it very economical.

There are three fan settings to choose from and a maximum airflow of 5400 CFM. These numbers mean you can tailor the fan to your climate needs.

    What are our favorite features?
  • What we especially loved about the OEMTOOLS 23978 is how easy it is to set up and operate. Simply attach a standard garden hose, plug in the fan, and you can have complete misting capabilities.
  • The OEMTOOLS 23978 is also incredibly durable. It actually has built-in dust resistance so you don’t have to worry about any debris getting into the mechanics of the fan.
    What could be better?
  • The one disadvantage that comes with a high motor is noise. Unfortunately, on its highest setting, the OEMTOOLS 23978 can be a bit noisy. While we were aware of the fan in the background, once there was enough conversation on the patio, it quickly became merely part of the background. As long as you aren’t trying to watch TV while using this fan, you should be just fine.
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Features
  • Height: 60-76 in
  • Misting range: 25 ft
  • Warranty: 2-year limited
  • Speeds: 3

More features: 90-degree oscillation, 8-10 hrs run time, 3-in swivel wheels, 10-gal water tank

As with anything in life, there is always an upgrade option, and on our list, this is the Cool-Off™ Tropic Breeze Portable Misting Fan. While some fans on our list need to be hooked up to a garden hose, this option is actually a portable misting fan with its own tank. Able to store 10 gallons of water, you can maneuver this fan wherever you want, even if you don’t have a hose nearby.

For those worried about moving the Cool-Off™ Tropic Breeze Portable Misting Fan once it is filled with water, the design is here to help you. There are four durable wheels on the bottom of the fan. We found them to be quite easy to move so you can position the fan wherever you want, even after you have completely filled the water tank.

    What makes it stand out?
  • The Cool-Off™ Tropic Breeze Portable Misting Fan is quite powerful. It has a misting range of 25 feet which is more than enough for your backyard paradise.
  • Furthermore, the misting fan’s water tank will provide you with eight to hours of misting capability. You definitely don’t want to worry about constantly refilling the water tank while you’re trying to relax, and with its capacity you won’t have to.
    Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
  • Honestly, the Cool-Off™ Tropic Breeze Portable Misting Fan is almost near perfect. The one consideration would have to be the price tag. This is a premium pick so be prepared to pay a bit more. But, after having used it, we think it should be a real contender.
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Features
  • Height: 47.25 in
  • Misting area: not specified
  • Warranty: 1-year limited
  • Speeds: 3

More features: 3 blades, 0.7-gal water tank, timer, 3 oscillating options

Even if you are on a budget, you should still be able to keep cool in the summer. The XBrand Oscillating Misting Fan has all the features you’re looking for in a reliable outside misting fan. With three speed settings, you can choose exactly how much power this fan produces. There is also an accompanying remote control so you don’t have to get up and disrupt your relaxation.

The XBrand Oscillating Misting Fan is portable and has a 0.7-gallon water tank you can fill up. While not as large as other tanks, it is still large enough for a few hours of uninterrupted misting time. And, to help you move your fan around, the base has wheels on it so you can move the fan around as needed.

    What makes it stand out?
  • We especially like how affordable the XBrand Oscillating Misting Fan is. No matter your budget, everyone should be able to relax and cool off in the summer and this fan helps you do that. The remote control has a lot of great features, including an automatic timer so you don’t have to worry about forgetting to turn the fan off.
    Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
  • Unfortunately, the manufacturer doesn’t provide specifics about the misting area. And, when we tested it out, we found it was definitely not as powerful as other misting fans. While it still works well, the XBrand Oscillating Misting Fan is better for smaller, compact areas such as a balcony.
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Features
  • Height: 14 in
  • Pump: 200 PSI
  • Warranty: not specified
  • Nozzles diameter: 15 mm

More features: nylon tubing, 12l/hr misting capacity, 6 anti-drip nozzles

Ok, we want to be very clear here. This is a misting fan kit. It DOES NOT include the actual fan. The picture might lead you to think everything is included, but this product is made to attach to a fan you already own. Now that our disclaimer is over, let’s get into the specifics of the Iliving ILG-250 Fan Misting Kit. As a kit, it is compatible with most existing fans. The point of this kit is that most people already have fans, so why pay more when you can simply purchase a kit and turn your ordinary fan into a misting one.

The kit includes a 200 psi pump in a modern stainless steel container. There are also 6 non-drip nozzles, an inline water filter, and flexible nylon tubing. Basically, everything you need to convert your ordinary fan to a misting fan is included.

    Why is it special?
  • We really appreciated the inclusion of a water filter. This is often overlooked and some fans don’t include this feature. But really, if you are outside, having some drinks or eating, do you want dirty water to mist over you? Normally misting fans simply use hose water, and there can be dirt, dust, and bacteria in this water. We also especially liked the economic and environmental aspects of buying a misting fan kit. If you already have a perfectly good fan at home, why pay for another fan that will eventually end up in the landfill?
    What are the flaws?
  • This may be obvious, but the Iliving ILG-250 Fan Misting Kit only works if you already have a good quality fan. This is not a product for you if you need to purchase a new fan.
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5
Best for Big Areas

NewAir AF-600

Features
  • Height: 56 in
  • Misting area: 600 sq ft
  • Warranty: 1-year limited
  • Airflow: 2800 CFM
  • Speeds: 3

More features: metal construction, compatible with 0.75-in garden hose, leakage protection

Sometimes you want a fan for a small balcony and other times you want a backyard misting fan that can cover a lot of territory. The NewAir AF-600 can deliver just that as it has a 600-sqaure foot misting area. While some misting fans become a bit wobbly, especially when it is windy out, the large base of the NewAir AF-600 means you don’t have to worry about it toppling over.

The NewAir AF-600 has a powerful airflow of 2800 CFM, which means you will always be able to stay cool and comfortable. To get started, simply attach a standard garden hose. Then, select one of the three fan settings. You can have air and mist blow directly on you, or switch to the oscillating function to cover the whole area.

    What makes it stand out?
  • Above all else, the NewAir AF-600 is powerful. 600 square feet of coverage is truly impressive and great if you are having a backyard party. It is also very easy to install and attaching the garden hose is incredibly simple. Finally, you might expect more noise from such a powerful fan. However, we were pleasantly surprised to discover it is quite quiet. You don’t have to shout over the fan’s motor and instead it simply becomes a part of the background.
    Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
  • The whole point of a misting fan is to get some much-needed moisture. However, with the NewAir AF-600 it might be too much of a good thing. Try first using the fan on the low setting as those closest to the fan might get too wet. It’s also not recommended for wooden decks that aren’t sealed as there might be too much water.
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6
Most Compact

Lasko 7050 Misto

Features
  • Dimensions: 16.25 x 12.3 x 14.85 in
  • Warranty: 1-year limited
  • Airflow: 350 CFM
  • Speeds: 3

More features: 90-degree oscillation, UV-resistant casing, 9-ft water hose included, 6-ft power cord

So far, the outdoor fans with misters we’ve looked at have been traditional upright models. While these definitely dominate the market, there are alternatives, such as the Lasko 7050 Misto. It is designed to sit on the ground and spray mist upwards out outwards. The result is a less obtrusive fan that still cools you off.

The Lasko 7050 Misto is the perfect option for a truly portable water fan. You can take it with you while camping, on a picnic, or even over to a friend’s house. As long as there is a power source nearby, you can use it anywhere.

    Why is it special?
  • We love the portability of the Lasko 7050 Misto. It even comes with a handle on the top for easy carrying. As for the design, despite its size it’s quite powerful. The fan pivots up to 90 degrees, so there is full coverage. Furthermore, the fan has a wide sweep to it so it can cover quite the area.
  • Attached to the fan itself is a 9-foot water hose that then needs to be connected to a standard garden hose. We like the extra length of the hose, which means more variability in placement.
    What are the flaws?
  • The Lasko 7050 Misto is best used for lounging. If you have a large party, where people are standing and moving around, it might not have a tall enough reach. Furthermore, it does make the ground around it quite wet so it’s best not to use on a wooden deck. You may have to move it farther away from you so your feet don’t get soaked.
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Features
  • Height: 46-54 in
  • Water pressure:5 psi
  • Warranty: 1-year limited
  • Speeds: 3

More features: three brass nozzles, head tilt, 62-in power cord, 70 dB noise level

With an elegant, modern look, the SPT SF-18M45 is a great, standard option for a misting fan. It has three speed settings and is easy to set up and get started using. With a water pressure of 43.5 psi, this isn’t an overly powerful fan but it will still work great and keep everyone around it cool.

    Why did it make our list?
  • We love how easy it is to use the SPT SF-18M45. There are no fancy gimmicks or intricate controls. Simply attach a standard garden hose and immediately feel a lot cooler.
  • The black and silver design is standard but it works for a reason. This fan can adapt to most décor and isn’t too obtrusive. You can also adjust the height which gives you more options depending on who and how many people you want to cool down.
    What is not ideal about it?
  • Unfortunately, the base of the SPT SF-18M45 is a bit small. The result is an unsteady fan that can potentially topple over during windy afternoons. The easy fix for this, however, is to add a few stones or rocks on top of the base. This will give it more weight so you don’t have to worry about sudden gusts of wind.

Things to Consider

Now that we know about specific outdoor misting fans, let’s cover more of the general details about these useful appliances.

What’s a misting fan?

7 Best Outdoor Misting Fans to Keep Cool in Hottest Weather

Essentially, a misting fan is a fan that has the ability to produce mist which is then blown around to cool people. The water in the mist should be just enough to cool people but not too much that you become soaking wet.

Misting fans are often used on restaurant patios but more people are purchasing them for home-use, to better cool off during hot summer months.

Pros

During hot afternoons, many people retreat inside, thus leaving your gorgeous backyard uninhabitable. A misting fan can allow you to keep cool throughout the entire day. This way you can be comfortable and enjoy being outside.

Most misting fans are simple to install. You just hook up a garden hose and have continual access to water. There are also some models that have a water tank attached to them, which you fill ahead of time.

Cons

Misting fans release water and while this dissipates farther away from the fan, up close there can be a lot of pooling water. Try not to use a misting fan on untreated wood decks as it can warp the wood.

You also need to either fill a tank with water or attach a garden hose. If you don’t have a hose hook-up near the fan, you will not be able to make the misting fan work.

Finally, outdoor misting fans can be a bit expensive.  There are some methods to stay cool during hot days, though not as effective.

How to use backyard misting fan

7 Best Outdoor Misting Fans to Keep Cool in Hottest Weather

There are two types of backyard misting fans: those that hook up to a hose and those that have a water tank.

For a hose hook up, simply attach your garden hose to the misting fan. There is usually a smaller hose that runs from the fan that your garden hose hooks up to.

For a water tank option, fill the tank up with water. These types of fans will have wheels on their base so you can still move the heavier fan around. However, you will want to at least place the fan in the general area you want it to be before filling up the tank.

How to pick the best outdoor misting fan

There are plenty of options when it comes to choosing an outdoor misting fan. Let’s break down all the features available.

Type

Type is incredibly important when it comes to choosing an outdoor misting fan. While most are upright versions, like the SPT SF-18M45, you can also find one that are a lot lower to the ground. The Lasko 7050 Misto with 350 CFM airflow sits right on the ground and then can be angled upwards to produce a cooling mist.

These options have the capability to hook up to a standard garden hose but if you don’t have one readily available, there are other types to consider. The Cool-Off™ Tropic Breeze Portable Misting Fan sits atop a 10-gallon water tank while the XBrand Oscillating Misting Fan is attached to a 0.7-gallon water tank.

Dimensions

Standard outdoor misting fans that are upright models are similar in dimensions. They are usually adjustable with their height, maxing out at 56 inches. Again, the notable difference on our list is the ground-level fan, the Lasko 7050 Misto. It has dimensions of 16.25 x 12.3 x 14.85 inches.

Spraying area and oscillation

7 Best Outdoor Misting Fans to Keep Cool in Hottest Weather

After you have decided what type of outdoor misting fan you want, the next consideration is how large the spraying area is. There are two fans on our list that are able to spray mist in an area of 600 square feet. They are the NewAir AF-600 and the OEMTOOLS 23978. If you entertain a lot and have a large outdoor patio, then you want more coverage.

Oscillation is also important as it means your fan can move side to side, increasing its spraying area.

Prices

You can expect to pay anywhere between $150 to $500 for an outdoor misting fan. While we don’t fault anyone for being on a budget, if you can splurge for a more expensive fan, you will get a better quality.

One option to consider is the Iliving ILG-250 Fan Misting Kit. This isn’t actually a fan but it is a kit to convert an existing fan into a misting one. It’s a better alternative to spending a lot of money on a fan you don’t need.

Durability and warranty

When it comes to a warranty for an outdoor misting fan, the best you can expect is a one-year warranty. The SPT SF-18M45, the Lasko 7050 Misto, the NewAir AF-600, and the XBrand Oscillating Misting Fan all off this standard warranty.

The best warranty belongs to the Cool-Off™ Tropic Breeze Portable Misting Fan which offers an impressive two-year period. As for the most disappointing warranty, unfortunately the OEMTOOLS 23978 only offers a 90-day limited one.

If you find yourself with an issue but your warranty has expired, it may be possible to fix your misting fan on your own.

FAQ

How to clean and maintain outdoor misting fans?

Stagnate water can lead to mold so you want to periodically clean your outdoor misting fan. Start by unplugging the fan and disconnecting the hose. Give the parts a wipe down and then let them dry.

If you have a misting fan with a water tank, remove any excess water. Then, position the tank in a way that it can dry out so that no water is left to pool.

How to store misting fans?

First, disconnect the hose or empty out the water tank. Then, let all the parts completely dry. Fans that still have moisture in them can quickly grow mold. Once dry you can store your fan in any place, such as the garage or a closet. If you’re worried about dust getting into the fan over winter, you can always drape a cloth over the fan.

Can misting fans electrocute me?

Any electrical device has the potential for electrocution but misting fans are no worse than ordinary fans. Always check the electrical cord for fraying. If wires are starting to be exposed, either tape the cord or try to replace it.

For high traffic areas, consider taping the electrical cord to the ground so that people don’t accidentally trip over the cord.

Our verdict

Your summer is about to get a lot cooler! Our Editor’s Choice for best outdoor misting fan is the OEMTOOLS 23978. With an impressive 600-square foot misting area and cool-looking turquoise fan blades, this will keep you and all your friends quite comfortable. Those looking for a bit of an upgrade will love the Cool-Off™ Tropic Breeze Portable Misting Fan. It features a portable, 10-gallon water tank and sturdy wheels to move it around. If you don’t have a water hook up nearby, this is an excellent consideration. Finally, those on a budget will love the XBrand Oscillating Misting Fan. It also has a water tank and enough power to cool a small group of people. We hope your search for the best outdoor misting fan is coming to an end. Stay safe and cool this summer!

9,8
Total Score
OEMTOOLS 23978 - Editor’s Choice
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