The Best Blower Fans
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WHAT IS A BLOWER FAN?
A blower fan is a fan that produces the air through the use of an impeller, rather than a blade. Without delving too deeply into the physics of impellers, a blower fan uses pressure differentials and centrifugal force to blow air out.
This means that they can produce a higher airflow than a traditional fan. There are a few different reasons why you might need a blower fan. For professional contractors, you may use a blower fan to keep air circulating in a room to help with:
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Water remediation -
To dry paint
For the average consumer, a blower fan might simply act as a more powerful version of a traditional fan, keeping you cool in a home gym while you workout, for example. This range of uses equates to a range of options on the market.
METHODOLOGY
This guide compared a host of different blower fans available, judging them on their size, maneuverability, their price point, their convenience, and their power. A key metric to look out for on all blower fans is the CFM number. This refers to the cubic feet per minute – in other words, how much air the fan pushes out every sixty seconds.
We compared the variety on the market to come up with an ultimate winner – the one that has the most solid performance across all metrics – the one that would be best-placed cooling a home as being used by a contractor to dry water damage.
our overall winner
Our ultimate winner was the Lasko Pro Performance Blower Fan 4900. Put simply, this fan does everything it needs to, and it does it well. Lasko is a well-established brand within the industry, and the Lasko 4900 is a high-quality piece of equipment. The price point for the 4900 is less than $60, making it one of the less expensive models on the market, without losing any of the key features. Indeed, with its pivoting head, it has additional features not present on more expensive models.
We’ve also picked our best-in-class for portability, professional usage, and power. However, each of these models serves only to show how the Lasko 4900 is a top-quality option across all the classes. If you only want to buy one blower fan and to trust it whatever the circumstances, the Lasko 4900 can’t be beaten.
QUICK COMPARISON CHART
COST
Voltage (volts)
Flow Rate (CFM)
Cord Length (ft)
-
Lasko Pro
$57.98
120
350
10
-
BlueDri
$49.99
115
380
25
-
B-Air PB-25
$280.91
115
3,330
25
-
OEMTOOLS
$170.99
120
1,200
8.5
Best OVERALL Blower Fan
Lasko Pro Performance Blower Fan 4900
The Lasko 4900 is a really goldilocks option – it’s not too expensive, it’s not too weak, it’s just right. Sitting firmly in the middle of the market, it benefits from doing the basics extremely well. Indeed, that’s it’s main strength, and why it was our winner.
The 4900 is the solid option you buy if you want a fan that will last you a long time and that you can use in a multitude of situations. For some high-level professionals, it may lack a little bit of power, but for 99% of the population, this model combines quality and price point in a way that its competitors do not.
COST
The Lasko Pro Performance Blower Fan 4900 model costs $57.98.
Lasko Pro Performance Blower Fan 4900 Specs:
- Dimensions: 14.5 x 11.2 x 14.6 inches
- Weight: 10.1 pounds
- Manufacturer: Lasko Metal Products
- ASIN: B001DNGSCM
- Model Number: 4900
PROS
- Flexibility. The pivoting head makes it versatile and flexible.
- Durability. It’s a durable machine, with robust features and fittings.
- Power. The fan action is smooth and still powerful enough to use in a working environment.
CONS
- Noise. The fan noise can be louder than other models on the market.
- Lack of power. There are other models that produce more than 350 CFM at a lower price point.
- Lack of specialization. May be a ‘jack of all trades, master of none.’
What People are Saying:
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“It’s got everything you need, and all for a fantastic price tag.” – Appliance Analysts
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“It’s incredibly sturdy with a footprint small enough to be used in even the smallest of spaces.” – AirReflect.com
Best Easy-to-Maneuver Blower
BlueDri Mini Storm
1/12 HP Mini Air Mover
Coming in at just nine pounds, this lightweight polyethylene blower is ideal if you’re planning on moving the unit around to several different areas on a regular basis. For example, if you’re responding to water damage in a large space but aren’t willing to spring for more than one blower, this model from BlueDri will be easy to carry from one area to the next.
The blower is also equipped with a 10-foot power cord, giving you ample allowance for angling the unit in different directions and drying those hard-to-reach places. With its large handle, situated directly on top of the unit, the blower is a highly portable option for both home and light industry use.
COST
The BlueDri Mini Storm Air More costs costs $49.99.
BlueDri Mini Storm 1/12 HP Mini Air Mover Specs:
- Dimensions: 11 x 11 x 13 inches
- Weight: 9 pounds
- Manufacturer: BlueDri
- ASIN: B007TC55N4
- Model Number: SA-MI-BL
PROS
- Portability. Lightweight and highly maneuverable.
- Price. Inexpensive at under $50.
- Silent. One of the quieter blower fans on the market.
CONS
- Lack of power. Less powerful than other models and less suited for large, industrial projects.
- Limited functions. Only has a single speed setting.
What People are Saying:
- “The unit is designed to offer you incredible functionality while remaining easy to handle. We love the lightweight design so moving it from one place to the other will not be a problem.” - Paramatan.com
- “Design-wise, it’s an appealing option for home use as it measures 12 inches in length by 10.6 inches in width by 13 inches in height and weighs only 9 pounds, which makes transportation, relocation and storage easy tasks.” - Bestdehumidifier.reviews
Best Professional Model Blower Fan
B-Air PB-25 Axial Fan
High-Velocity Air Mover
The main reason why the B-Air PB-25 will appeal to professionals is the sheer volume of air that it can put out from its ¼ hp motor. 3320 CFM will dry even the most waterlogged room in no time at all. The fact that it’s specifically designed for professionals means that it comes with invaluable features. A particularly nice touch is the built-in timer, which not only helps you keep track of drying time, but is also a great way to cross-reference billable hours.
The price may be prohibitive to some, but for those in the industry, who plan on using this professionally, this is a serious piece of equipment that will absolutely do the job you need it to. What else can you ask?
COST
The B-Air PB-25 Axial Fan costs more than $280.91.
B-Air PB-25 Axial Fan High-Velocity Air Mover Specs:
- Dimensions: 22.5 x 13 x 20 inches
- Weight: 30 pounds
- Manufacturer: B-Air
- ASIN: B005LXIDBY
- Model Number: BA-PB-25-BL
PROS
- Features. Timer is designed for professionals to monitor time spent on a job.
- Power. 3320 CFM is impressive, no matter how you slice it.
- Flexibility. A 25-foot cord gives you space to work and options on where to place it.
CONS
- Limited. Only 2 speeds compares unfavorably with other models.
- Expensive. One of the highest-priced options available.
- Inflexible.The maneuverability comes through the use of the feet, which only gives to potential angles.
What People are Saying:
- “Whether it's used for janitorial applications or restoration tasks, this air mover is sure to be a valuable addition to your business!” - Webstaurant Store
- “This is an air mover that works hard day after day, just like you do, without diminishing performance” - Aer Industries
Most Powerful Blower Fan
OEMTOOLS 24878
Portable Mechanic’s Blower Fan
What’s remarkable about the OEMTOOLS 24878 is the power-size ratio. Although the B-Air model has a higher CFM, it weighs nearly three times as much. Indeed, the 24878 weighs the same as some of the entry-level options you can buy for home use, yet puts out 1200 CFM. For pure power, this is a truly remarkable piece of engineering.
The build of the machine feels like quality, and the ability to use it outdoors is a classy touch. Although it may lack features like a pivoting head, this machine is a pocket rocket – designed to provide instant power when you need it.
COST
The OEMTOOLS 24878 Portable Mechanic’s Blower Fan costs $170.99.
OEMTOOLS 24878 Portable Mechanic’s Blower Fan Specs:
- Dimensions: 10.4 x 14.4 x 13.4 inches
- Weight: 13.04 pounds
- Manufacturer: OEM Tools
- ASIN: B01H0L7VJ4
- Model Number: 24878
PROS
- Efficient. Serious power without compromising on energy efficiency or size.
- Versatile. Outdoor usage is a nice bonus feature.
- Strong. The robust, sturdy design means it is a durable piece of equipment.
CONS
- Expensive. Expensive given the specs.
- Short warranty. Only a 90-day warranty (less than the industry standard of 1 year)
- Inflexible. No pivoting means the angle of air is fixed.
What People are Saying:
- “Packing over triple the CFM than the other fans...it’s really the ultimate in terms of providing huge amounts of airflow.” - Appliance Analysts
- “The OEM Tools Portable Mechanic's Blower Fan - 1200 CFM is a compact, portable blower great for use in shops, offices, homes, dormitories and other locations in need of high volume air circulation.” - Walmart reviewer