Bob Beecham | posted on April 21, 2021 at 8:55 AM

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When the temperature starts to rise, using an electric fan is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to keep cool. Floor fans and box fans can provide a portable cooling solution inside the home, while window sashes provide another potential solution.

But on the deck or other garden area? Outdoor ceiling fans are a solution, but in essence, their scope is limited. In addition, as the summer heat increases, outdoor ceiling fans may reach the point where they only move hot air. However, outdoor spray fans add water vapor to the equation. By producing tiny water droplets, these fans really take the heat away as they evaporate. result? The cool breeze is pleasant.

If you are looking for a new way to stay cool, here is a preferred list. The list includes a wide range of equipment to help you choose the outdoor spray fan that best suits your needs.

The variety of outdoor spray fans available may make it difficult to choose the right model. There are many options, including portable versions for RVs and camping, as well as convenient personal models. To help you choose the best outdoor spray fan, you need to consider the following key characteristics before making a final decision.

The smallest outdoor spray fans are handheld models, many of which can be placed comfortably on a table top. Other small and popular designs include free-standing base models, wall-mounted models, and portable outdoor spray fans.

At first glance, each fan looks similar to a fan without atomization. But the difference is: in addition to the electrical connection, the atomizing fan also needs water supply. Although most spray fans have a separate water tank, some require hose connections. of course there are exceptions. For example, some battery-powered models are designed to fit on a plastic bucket filled with water, which is very convenient for RVs or camping.

The hand-held spray fan is small enough to fit in a backpack (but remember that there is a small reservoir that needs to be emptied first to avoid overflow). The bucket-top model is compact and easy to carry, which is very suitable for RV or camping use. The pedestal and wall-mounted models are very similar in size to a standard fan (no atomizing element), so they take up similar space. As you might expect, fans with separate water tanks are larger and difficult to operate. The wheel model makes positioning relatively easy.

Coverage can be difficult to assess. Base spray fans usually give a number in square feet, while others may give the effective range (that is, how far cold air is felt). Some models are described as capable of lowering the outdoor temperature, although statements such as "decrease the temperature by as much as 25 degrees" usually refer to performance under ideal conditions and may be impractical. The CFM number (cubic feet per minute) represents the amount of air moved by the fan. Although this does not provide an accurate guide to the cooling effect, it is valuable for comparison purposes.

All outdoor spray fans require some type of water supply. For bucket-top models, the size of the bucket will determine how long the fan can produce mist. Most outdoor spray fans can be run through a standard garden hose. However, in a few cases-usually wall-mounted spray fans-additional pumps may be required to provide sufficient water pressure. Adding additional pumps to the mixture may increase the price, so potential buyers need to be aware of this possibility.

Other outdoor spray fans are fans with independent water tanks. Like the barrel-top model, the size of the fuel tank affects the running time. That is, some can provide continuous operation for 10 hours or more before refilling is required. There is no need for hoses and mobility is improved, but electrical connections are usually still required.

The outdoor spray fan cools the air by "flashing". The water droplets are sprayed into the airflow of the fan and quickly evaporate, absorbing heat from the air. In most cases, the water particles are very small, even if the user stands in front of the fan, they will only feel slightly wet.

Water is delivered to the fan's airflow in one of two ways, either through thin nozzles arranged around the fan head, or through a centrifugal system installed in the center. The nozzle version is simpler; however, tiny dirt particles in the water supply can cause clogging. The filter in the hose is usually used to prevent this.

The centrifugal method produces a finer mist, providing more effective cooling. These models use high-pressure pumps. Therefore, centrifugal fans are much more expensive than nozzle-based fans.

The faster the mist evaporates, the faster the air cools. Fan speed can make a significant difference. Many outdoor spray fans have only one speed, while others may have as many as three. This can provide additional flexibility in terms of coverage area and noise level.

Another way to increase the cooling area is to choose an outdoor atomizing fan with a swing head, because the continuous back and forth action can deliver cold air over a large area. Portable standalone models usually use a vertical pivot system. They move up and down instead of swinging left and right, which would be ineffective given their low position.

Although many manufacturers describe their fans as quiet, few provide actual decibel (dB) output data. Independent testing shows that most of them are in the 60 to 70 decibel range. This can be compared with background office noise or normal conversation. Although the results are somewhat subjective, most people think the sound is acceptable.

The appearance of outdoor spray fans varies greatly. If the equipment is to be clearly visible on the deck or terrace, its appearance may affect the choice.

Perhaps the wall-mounted device can be installed in a relatively hidden location. The oscillating version should still provide adequate coverage. The base spray fan may have decorative supports to suit the beauty of your outdoor area.

Although they are convenient, it can be said that portable models are not the most visually appealing. Even so, some provide design features to help hide them.

After reading about the types of outdoor spray fans and their main characteristics, it is time to take a look at some of the top models currently available. The following product list meets many of the above criteria while also providing unique advantages. Here, they are divided into different categories, so you can quickly determine the outdoor spray fan that best suits your needs.

The Geek Aire cordless outdoor spray fan is designed to cool small terraces, decks, barbecue areas or poolside areas. It weighs only 7 pounds and can be moved easily, and the garden hose connector provides plenty of potential for travel.

The fan speed is variable. Performance is rated for a maximum of 1,500 CFM and a range of approximately 11 feet. The head can be tilted to the desired angle for best coverage. The Geek Aire spray fan will run for about 3 hours at full power, but can run for up to 10 hours at a lower setting. Charging takes 2 to 3 hours. Useful is that the powerful 1.5Ah removable battery can double as a power pack to charge smartphones and tablets. The fan can also be used without fogging.

For those who already own a standard table fan or floor fan, the Homenote conversion kit can quickly and easily turn it into an effective spray fan, and the investment is very moderate. It also applies to fixed or oscillating models.

The kit is pre-assembled and includes five high-quality, rust-resistant brass nozzles connected in a 12.5-inch diameter ring using durable UV-resistant polyurethane tubing. A 5 m (16.4 ft) long hose is provided to connect to a standard threaded garden faucet. When in use, the nozzle ring is only tied to the protective cover on the fan with a cable.

If the provided 12.5 inch diameter is too large, the connector can be easily removed, one or two nozzles can be omitted, and then reassembled to make it smaller. This makes it not only a low-cost spray kit, but also a highly adaptable spray kit.

The need to connect garden hoses limits the mobility of many outdoor spray fans. Thanks to its 12-gallon fuel tank, Cool-Off Island Breeze has no such problems. Simply plug it into any available household power outlet and it will run for up to 12 hours.

The 26-inch large swing head provides excellent performance. The cooling air provided by the three-speed and high-efficiency centrifugal atomization system can be felt at a distance of up to 40 feet. It is also very quiet. The fan is not only suitable for backyard use, but also for cooling large greenhouses or livestock areas.

Cool-Off Island Breeze is expensive, but it has almost no competitors in terms of the power and convenience it provides.

Sometimes it is necessary to cool down a small area, such as when working outdoors or sitting in a chair. Other times, it may be convenient to have a cooling device that can move like you but frees your hands.

This battery-powered fan from Koonies is a versatile solution. It can be clipped to almost any object up to 2 inches thick, such as a table, chair armrest, or bicycle or stroller. The 8-inch nozzle has three speeds and two atomization modes, and can rotate 360 ​​degrees. The water is contained in a tank hidden in the perimeter, so it is completely independent. It will run at high speed for up to 6 hours or at the lowest setting for a full day.

The aptly named HandFan is an excellent personalized cooling device. It has standard and fog modes, which can freshen air and moisture in any situation. It is made of sturdy ABS plastic, provides three speed settings for you to choose, and thanks to a high-efficiency DC motor, it can run anywhere from 3 to 13 hours.

This fan is only 9 inches by 4 inches, compact enough for travel, hiking, camping, etc. HandFan has a useful metal clip that provides a variety of attachment options, with a hinge in the middle, and can stand on a table or other horizontal surface. Activate the night light mode and it will rotate in seven different color displays, making this low-cost personal spray fan look cool.

Compact outdoor spray fans such as the Lasko 7050 Misto are ideal for rapid cooling of private areas. This model can quickly reduce the temperature by up to 25 degrees. There are three speeds, the head can be tilted vertically to get the best airflow. A fan of this size is unusual, and the internal shutters also provide a swing function, allowing the fan to cover a large area.

Portable outdoor spray fans provide great convenience, but occasionally get knocked. With its sturdy ABS plastic housing, the Lasko 7050 Misto can withstand these accidents. A 9-foot hose is provided, which can be connected to a standard garden hose to reach longer distances. There is a molded handle on the top of the fan for easy carrying.

If you have a permanent frame around a deck or outdoor dining area, a wall-mounted outdoor spray fan may be an excellent way to provide cool air without causing any obstruction. HydroMist has an 18-inch diameter blade and three speeds. The maximum output is an impressive 5,100 CFM. It won't swing, but the head has an easy-to-use tilt mechanism that can direct the air to where it is needed. A sturdy mounting bracket is provided.

HydroMist is equipped with an ordinary fan or an attached spray system. However, the latter adds a lot of cost and requires an additional pump capable of providing 1,000 psi (pounds per square inch) water pressure.

With so many great models to choose from, choosing the best outdoor spray fan can be a challenge. However, NewAir AF-600 has a comprehensive feature set and a high level of safety.

A three-speed motor drives an oscillating fan head, generating airflow up to 2,800 CFM. Its effective cooling area is 600 square feet. The height is easy to adjust to fit the standing or sitting area. The water supply is through a standard garden hose. If a short circuit or other electrical failure occurs, the built-in GFCI will prevent dangerous electric shocks by cutting off the power within a fraction of a second.

This sturdy fan is made of steel for increased durability and has an attractive bronze finish. The atomization can be turned off, so the fan can also be used indoors.

This analysis of the best outdoor spray fans provides a lot of valuable information. Nevertheless, there are still some problems that may exist. The following are the most common.

Yes, although not as good as dry areas. It is important to carefully consider the characteristics of the model. Some manufacturers claim that even at 60% humidity will significantly reduce the temperature. Other manufacturers usually advise whether their models are not suitable for use in high humidity.

The filter in the water supply hose can help prevent small particles from clogging the atomizing nozzle, so they are usually recommended. The types of filters vary greatly, so it is important to check the manufacturer's recommendations.

Atomizing fans are generally very safe. It is important to ensure that they are stable (or on a stable surface) and that the cables do not prevent tripping hazards. Those with GFCI provide additional safety against electrical failures. Before cleaning, be sure to unplug the power plug and follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid damage. Generally, cleaning means using a damp cloth with a solution of water and detergent, rather than bleach or alcohol-based products.

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