The below ceiling fan rating system should help you review the most important qualities of a ceiling fan. We have identified four main elements of a ceiling fan: Motor, Airlfow, Design, and Efficiency. The grade or performance of each element determines the overall rating in stars. Five stars is the best rated ceiling fan available.

Example Ceiling Fan Rating:
F517-WH Concept I by Minka-Aire

Item

Description

Rating

Motor

172 x 20 mm Motor
(Large Standard Direct Drive Motor = 4.0)

Airflow

6300CFM
(between 5750 - 6499 CFM = 4.5)

Design

Base Score = 3.5
Original Design (+1.0),
3/4" Downrod and Canopy (+0.5)
Standard Finish (-0.5)

Efficiency

107 CFM/watt
(Over 99 CFM/Watt = 5.0)

Overall

Average of other elements

Motor Rating

There are many fan motors that are used in the ceiling fan industry. Higher quality / performance motors earn more stars.

(5 stars)		Flywheel - The flywheel is a high performance motor that has been in production since 1979. Built around thick steel laminations, surrounded by copper wiring Some of the largest sealed precision ball bearings in the industry Quiet operation, due to the rubber flywheel disc absorbing shock Example fans: Stealth Fan by Casablanca Fans, Premium Fan by Emerson Fans
(5 stars)		Oil Bath - The oil bath motor is the first ceiling fan motor technology used. Created by Hunter Fan Company Iron is heavy, but sway and vibration is reduced Oil check is required every 1-5 years Example fan: Hunter Original series by Hunter Fan Company.
(5 stars)		DC - DC motors are the most energy efficient motors available in the industry. Magnetic field is stationary, unlike AC motors Up to 300% more efficient than standard fans Most fans with this motor have six speeds instead of the standard three speeds Example fans: DC60 by Monte Carlo Fans, Midway Eco by Emerson Fans
(4.5 stars)		Ball-Bearing - The ball bearing motor is a shaded four-pole motor that contains permanently sealed bearings. Usually moves in one direction 1/15th - 1/10th horsepower Made in the USA Example fan: Acqua by Matthews Fans
(4.5 stars)		Ultra-Performance Direct Drive - The ultra-performance motor is a type of direct drive motor. High quality bearings and copper wiring The largest stacks of laminated steel in any direct drive motor Provides excellent airflow Example fans: Maxima by Monte Carlo Fans, Edgewood Deluxe by Fanimation Fans
(4 stars)		Stack Motor - The stack motor is a type of direct drive motor High quality bearings and copper wiring Taller stack of laminated steel than standard direct drive motors Quiet operation Example fan: Altus by Modern Fan Company
(4 stars)		Large Standard Direct Drive Motor - The large standard direct drive motor contains a wide stack. High quality bearings and copper wiring Produces more torque than standard motors 172mm or bigger size motor Example fans: Los Lunas by Minka-Aire Fans, Meadow by Hunter Fan Company
(3.5 stars)		Standard Direct Drive Motor - The standard direct drive motor is a common ceiling fan motor. High quality materials Mainly used in contractor / builder grade ceiling fans Produces great airflow Example fans: Micro by Monte Carlo Fans, Builder Specialty by Savoy House Fans

Airflow Rating

Ceiling fans produce airflow, measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM) of air moved. Ceiling fans that circulate more air earn higher ratings.

Airflow	Rating
6500+ CFM:
5750 - 6499 CFM:
5000 - 5749 CFM:
3000 - 4999 CFM:
2999- CFM:

Airflow	Rating
5000+ CFM:
4000 - 4999 CFM:
3000 - 3999 CFM:
2000 - 2999 CFM:
1999- CFM:

Airflow	Rating
4000+ CFM:
2500 - 3999 CFM:
1500 - 2499 CFM:
1499- CFM:

Check out our Fan Size Guide to help determine the proper ceiling fan size and airflow rating needed for your room size.

Artisan / Design Rating

All of our products start with a base of 3.5 stars. Many design variables can raise or lower this rating.

Things that increase a fan rating:

Good Design Award Recipient (+ ) - This award is given out by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, starting in 1957.
Original Design (+ ) - Some fan designs have become so successful that they are copied by other ceiling fan manufacturers.
Accredited Designer Fans (+ ) - Premier designers such as Jessica McClintock, George Kovacs, & Cristina Saralegui design these fans.
Decorative Motor Housing (+ ) - Precision measurements will complement attention to detail, making these fans unique.
3/4" Downrod and Canopy (+ ) - A larger downrod and canopy system ensures optimal support and ease of installation.
Matching Canopy (+ ) - Engineering is involved in creating the fan while maintaining standards and complementing the fan with decor.
Premium Finishes (+ ) - These are usually dipped, plated, painted, and are finished with a clear coat for their exceptional quality and durability.
Furniture-Grade Veneer Blades (+ ) - The finest grade veneer is laminated to cross laminated hardwood layers, which prevents blade warping.
Hand-Carved, Woven and Rattan Blades (+ ) - Hand crafted from only the finest grade materials, giving these blades unique characteristics.

Things that decrease a fan rating:

Builder Grade Fans (- ) - These fans are comprised of the basic, universal design characteristics of a standard ceiling fan.
Standard Finishes (- ) - Standard whites, blacks, antique and polished brasses lack the overall luster of a premium finish.

Efficiency Rating

The airflow efficiency is the "bang for the buck", in watts, that you are getting with your ceiling fan. More efficient fans earn higher ratings.

Efficiency	Rating
99.0+ CFM/Watt:
85.0 - 98.9 CFM/Watt:
75.0 - 84.9 CFM/Watt:
50.0 - 74.9 CFM/Watt:
49.9- CFM/Watt:

Efficiency	Rating
80.0+ CFM/Watt:
60.0 - 79.9 CFM/Watt:
40.0 - 59.9 CFM/Watt:
39.9- CFM/Watt:

Efficiency	Rating
70.0+ CFM/Watt:
50.0 - 69.9 CFM/Watt:
25.0 - 49.9 CFM/Watt:
24.9- CFM/Watt:

Check out our How to Buy a Ceiling Fan Guide for other important qualities to consider when buying a ceiling fan for your home.

Ceiling Fan Reviews

Visit our Blog CeilingFan.org for Ceiling Fan Reviews.

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