An enclosed or caged ceiling fan can be a beautiful and distinctive addition to any space, and the best enclosed ceiling fans can provide some real advantages in other ways as well.
They can be very good for spaces where conventional ceiling fans won’t work – like, as one example, a room with a low ceiling – and they can be safer for children and pets as well.
So today we are going to talk a bit about enclosed fans for ceiling mount, including what advantages they can offer, where it’s best to install them, and who makes the best caged ceiling fan on the market today.
If you don’t have time for all of that, and want to get right to the picks, here are our top two choices:
- Best Enclosed Ceiling Fan Overall: Hunter Tunley Enclosed 12 Inch Ceiling Fan with LED Light and Wall Control
- Best Caged Ceiling Fan Overall: Savoy House Alsace 26 Inch Caged Fan with Reclaimed Chestnut Blades
What Is an Enclosed Ceiling Fan?
Basically, just what it sounds like.
What we are talking about here is a fan which mounts onto a ceiling, but instead of having a normal configuration – with the typical open and visible blades and downrod (the rod which goes from the ceiling to the fan itself) – an enclosed fan will have either a cage or a more closed enclosure encasing the blades.
There are two basic varieties we’ll be considering – caged or enclosed – and while they look different they offer pretty much the same benefits. The caged fan will have a more open construction, though still keep its blades safely within its framework, while the enclosed fan keeps its blades within a more closed up space, and they are often not even visible.
Either way, the enclosure or cage can be made of a variety of materials, but is most often a durable metal or high quality plastic.
The enclosed nature of the ceiling fan allows for air to travel out and down, cooling the space below, but prevents objects from making contact with the blades, making the units significantly safer – but that is just one of the advantages of enclosed ceiling fans.
What Are the Advantages of Enclosed Ceiling Fans?
Perhaps the primary advantage – especially for some people and in some applications – is safety, but again this is just one of several reasons to consider getting a good enclosed or caged ceiling fan.
Safety
For families with children or pets – and especially in bedrooms with bunk beds, or with lower ceilings where the fan might even potentially be reached, or objects like toys might be thrown up to the fan blades – a caged or enclosed ceiling fan can be safer, and offer real peace of mind.
Flexibility
Because of their design, enclosed ceiling fans require less space between the fan and the ceiling – they either have a short downrod or are designed for surface mounting – and so they can be used in rooms with lower ceilings.
And again the enclosed fan blades make them safe even in those lower installations.
Low Noise
Enclosed ceiling fans are often quite a bit smaller in diameter, or blade length, than more traditional designs, and their motors can be smaller and quieter – and, in fact, since these fans are frequently used in shorter rooms, and are thus closer to you, manufacturers will make them with particularly quiet motors and overall operation.
Low Cost
Again, because of their smaller size, and their typically highly efficient motors, caged ceiling fans can use less electricity, and so can save you money while protecting the environment at the same time.
Beauty
Whether you are looking at an enclosed ceiling fan or one with a cage, these fans are often really quite beautifully designed, with a great look and very high levels of fit and finish. And good enclosed ceiling fans will offer such good material quality that they will maintain their appearance for a long, long time.
Disadvantages of an Enclosed Ceiling Fan?
Really, the only serious downside to an enclosed ceiling fan might be power – at least for some people or some spaces.
While there are real advantages to the fact that an enclosed or caged ceiling fan can be mounted right against, or at least much closer to, the ceiling, this also means that they will typically have less power and effectiveness than more typical open designs.
That said, it should also be made clear that the best closed ceiling fans will be very efficient considering their design and configuration/installation, and can sometimes handily out-perform an average or low quality traditional ceiling fan.
Another consideration is that an enclosed or caged fan can be more difficult to clean.
Keeping any ceiling fan clean and free from dust on a regular basis is essential both for the fan’s effectiveness and for health. And an enclosed fan will make this regular cleaning a bit more tricky, since you have to open the fan or enclosure or reach into the cage.
On the other hand, the best caged fans and the best enclosed fans will be designed to make cleaning them as easy as possible, and in fact since they are quite often mounted lower than normal ceiling fans they can be easier to reach.
Where Can You Install an Enclosed Ceiling Fan?
One of the main questions we should ask is what space are enclosed ceiling fans best for?
We think they can be great for any of these spaces:
- Bedrooms – including kids’ rooms with bunk beds
- Offices
- Kitchens
- Low-Ceiling family rooms and living rooms
- Patios, porches, workspaces and garages (two of our recommendations are appropriate for outdoor use as well)
- And any space that’s smaller, fairly closed and/or has a low ceiling
As we’ve discussed, even the best caged fans or enclosed designs can be smaller and have less power, so they are not ideal for larger spaces. They also will usually not work with sloped ceilings.
Without getting into the math, you can reliably say that an enclosed ceiling fan, given the blades’ closeness to the ceiling (or to the top of their own enclosure), and their typical blade and motor size, are best for rooms up to 300 square feet, but often smaller, and rooms with smaller cubic volume – including rooms with lower ceilings.
In fact, given the average size of enclosed ceiling fans, the real sweet spot is a room of 150-250 square feet, and in that space even closed design or flush mount ceiling fans can make a huge difference in the temperature and freshness of the space’s air.
And again – and this is the main reason so many people consider getting an enclosed ceiling fan – low ceilings are no problem.
With rooms with ceilings down to 7 feet high, or even moderately low ceilings, often an open ceiling fan with its long downrod and exposed blades is just not possible.
But an enclosed ceiling fan is perfect for these installations – its closed design makes it safe, and it is engineered to move a maximum amount of air with little or no space between it and the ceiling.
Who Makes the Best Enclosed Ceiling Fans and the Best Caged Ceiling Fans?
Below you will find our top 8 picks for the best closed-design ceiling fans. We will put our choices in order of price, from the least to the most expensive, to make it easier for you to find the best ceiling fan for you and your budget.
Many of our choices may be recommendable for a specific reason, and so you will find:
- Best Value Caged Ceiling Fan
- Best Value Enclosed Ceiling Fan
- Best Enclosed Ceiling Fan Overall
- Best Caged Ceiling Fan Overall
- A Beautiful Budget Choice
- Best Retro / Farmhouse Design
- Best Caged Ceiling Fan for a Larger Room
- Best Caged Ceiling Fan for Outdoor / Workshop
- Best Indoor / Outdoor Caged Ceiling Fan
But whichever one you choose, you can be sure that you will end up with a ceiling fan that is highly effective, quiet and efficient, beautiful to look at, well made and ready for many years of service – and one that offers the best value possible for the money!
The Best Caged Ceiling Fans and Enclosed Ceiling Fans for 2023
The Best Caged Ceiling Fans and Enclosed Ceiling Fans for 2023
Best Outdoor / Workshop Caged Ceiling Fan
Allen & Roth Valdosta 20-in Oil-Rubbed Bronze Outdoor Ceiling Fan
- Outdoor Wet style 20-in fan with oil rubbed...
- 3 non-reversible cinnamon blades, 4-in...
- Fan height from ceiling to blade 14.17-in,...
- 3 speed AC motor 153 x 15 24 degree blade...
At a Glance:
- Type: Caged
- Size: 20 Inches
- Room Size: 200+ SF
- Reversible: No
- Remote Included: No
- Lights: No
Although the Allen and Roth Valdosta 20 inch caged ceiling fan is not designed for indoor use, you could never tell by looking at it, with an oiled bronze finish and an overall fit and finish that put most ceiling fans at this price range to shame.
But you can actually tell when you turn it on – it does make a bit more noise than most decent indoor fans, and though it might look beautiful in your den or office the sound might be an issue.
Besides, it moves a lot of air – more than almost any caged fan we have come across save for fully industrial style units – and your office paperwork would go everywhere. For a patio, though, or a workshop or garage, the Valdosta brings a bit of style, and a visible level of quality, and works beautifully.
This is a very inexpensive fan, especially considering the quality of the materials and the motor, and the overall performance, build quality and reliability – yes, there are even cheaper outdoor fans available, but they won’t hold up like the Valdosta, or look as good over the years – and they definitely won’t move as much air.
Best Value Enclosed Ceiling Fan
HuixuTe 18 Inch Enclosed Ceiling Fan with LED Light and Remote Control
- 【Super Silent Ceiling Fan with...
- 【3 Wind Speeds & Remote Control 】—The...
- 【3-Color & Dimmable Light】—This is a...
- 【Super Bright 36W Led Light...
- 【100% Satisfaction Guarantee】—What you...
At a Glance:
- Type: Enclosed
- Size: 18 Inches
- Room Size: 220 SF
- Reversible: No
- Remote Included: Yes
- Lights: Yes
There are a lot of reasons to love this very inexpensive HuixuTe enclosed ceiling fan.
For one thing, it is one of the most versatile fans we have found, with three speeds, three light settings (warm, natural and cool – perfect for different times of the day), a nice basic remote control, an adjustable wind director and a timer that can be set from 1 to 8 hours.
But more than the functions and functionality, we really love the HuixuTe for its performance and quality – there are a lot of cheap fans out there with all kinds of bells and whistles, but they tend to be unstable and noisy units that don’t hold up and don’t really move that much air.
But the HuixuTe is strong and quiet, and has very high quality materials, good construction and a copper core motor that should provide years and years of service. A large fan, it is great for rooms even larger than 200 square meters, and appropriate for more open spaces as well.
If we had a quibble, we might say that it is not the most beautiful fan in the world, but some people may like its simple, basic appearance – it is, for sure, very clean and minimal.
But for price/performance, and price/quality, HuixuTe is a winner on every count, a super-cheap enclosed ceiling fan that we can wholeheartedly recommend.
A Beautiful Budget Choice
Stambord 17 Inch Low Profile Caged Ceiling Fan with Remote
- 【Industrial & Retro Design】Matte black...
- 【3 Wind Speeds & Remote Control】The...
- 【Installation in Minutes】Most functional...
- 【E12 Bulb Base】You can install 4 x bulbs...
- 【Customer Service】Please check this small...
At a Glance:
- Type: Caged
- Size: 17 Inches
- Room Size: 150 SF
- Reversible: Yes
- Remote Included: Yes
- Lights: Yes
A marvel of clean, understated industrial design, the Stambord 17 inch caged fan has such fine finish and such graceful lines that it looks wonderful in any setting, and can complement any room’s style and decor. And the material quality and craftsmanship make it even more attractive!
But after you notice how great it looks, this fan kind of disappears – the motor and blades are whisper-quiet even at the top speeds, and the effective and trouble-free operation means you can really just turn it on and forget about it.
With a reversible motor, the Stambord is as good in the winter as it is in the summer, and the four lights, the simple full function remote control and the ultra-easy installation make this one of the most attractive fans of any type at this price level, and a wonderful bargain.
Best Value Caged Ceiling Fan
DLLT 20 Inch 3 Speed Caged Ceiling Fan with Lights
- 【Super Silent】: Ceiling fans with lights...
- 【Industrial & Retro Design】: Matted Black...
- 【3 Wind Speeds, 4 Timing & Battery...
- 【4*Standard US E26 Bulb Base】: You can...
- 【Guarantee】: Any problems of this dew...
At a Glance:
- Type: Caged
- Size: 20 Inches
- Room Size: 200 SF
- Reversible: No
- Remote Included: Yes
- Lights: Yes
We’ve chosen the DLLT 20 inch caged ceiling fan as the best value for a number of reasons – superior material and build quality for a very low price, long term reliability, beautiful and functional design, effective lighting and a very nice remote control.
But the main reason we like it, and think it is such a good buy, is that the DLLT moves a lot of air, especially considering its low profile and caged design. For a larger space, even over 200 square feet, this is one of the best enclosed ceiling fans you can get, and can really cool a space quickly and completely.
The DLLT caged ceiling fan is also very, very easy to install, and the easy and reliable operation makes this about as trouble-free as a fan can possibly be.
A basic industrial design fan with three speeds, a remote control, four light sockets and an attractive and well finished appearance, this is a real winner at a great price!
Best Retro / Farmhouse Design
DIDER 1052 21” Low Profile Caged Ceiling Fan with Lights and Remote Control
- 👂Reversible Motor: Conveniently switch...
- 💡Bulbs Included: 5 E26 light bulbs are...
- 🧱Flush Mount Ceiling Fan: This black...
- 🗽Modern Caged Ceiling fan: Matte black...
- 🔧Easy to Install: Most functional...
289
At a Glance:
- Type: Caged
- Size: 21 Inches
- Room Size: 180 SF
- Reversible: Yes
- Remote Included: Yes
- Lights: Yes
With as many ultra-sleek modern, minimal and industrial ceiling fans as you find on the market these days, we thought it would be nice to show a little love to the more traditional look – an found a real beauty in the process!
A medium-sized caged ceiling fan available in four different finishes, the Dider 1052 21 inch caged fan has a rich, rustic charm and yet a low profile that does not call too much attention to itself – perfect for farmhouse, Americana or any traditional decor, and its warm, retro lighting adds just the right touch.
Although a flush-mount design, this fan’s seven blade configuration and relatively open cage allow for maximum air movement, and the Dider 21 inch is actually quite effective in cooling and circulating air in even larger spaces, and perfect for rooms up to 180 square feet.
There’s an included remote control and a timer function, and the 1052 has reversible blades, making it great for both cooling and warming your space.
An affordable caged ceiling fan featuring truly premium quality on all levels, built to last for many years, and a really great value!
Best Indoor/Outdoor Caged Ceiling Fan
Casa Vieja 17 Inch Vestige Antique Bronze Caged Damp Rated Ceiling Fan
- 14" blade span. 15.5 degree blade pitch. 82 x...
- Integrated 11 watt LED downlight is...
- Antique bronze finish on the motor, mesh...
- Casa Vestige cage ceiling fan. UL listed for...
- Includes 4 1/2" downrod. Fan height is 16"...
At a Glance:
- Type: Caged
- Size: 17 Inches
- Room Size: 180 SF
- Reversible: No
- Remote Included: No – but includes wall-mount controller
- Lights: Yes
Considering that Casa Vieja is known for their premium quality fans, and that the most expensive fan on our list of best caged and enclosed ceiling fans is from the same company (see below), it is quite surprising that this 17 inch Vestige caged fan is so affordable.
Or more to the point, it is delightfully surprising that the Vestige is so affordable and still manages to offer all of the quality, reliability, effectiveness and beauty that Casa Vieja fans are known for.
With a short downrod (as opposed to a flush-mount fan) this 17 inch three blade design can move a surprising amount of air for its type, but will work best in a smaller room or space – up to 180 square feet. It is also damp-rated, and while not fully waterproof the Vestige is great for patios, covered porches and the like.
The design and styling are definitely understated, with an industrial look that is so simple and so high quality that it will actually work well in pretty much any decor, from rustic and traditional rooms to industrial minimalism and clean modern spaces.
Including a nice wall-mount controller (also damp-rated), three fan speeds and a soft and effective diffused LED lamp, the Casa Vieja Vestige is a great small fan of the very highest quality.
Best Enclosed Ceiling Fan Overall
Hunter Tunley Enclosed 12 Inch Ceiling Fan with LED Light and Wall Control
- MODERN CEILING FAN: The contemporary Tunley...
- MULTI-SPEED REVERSIBLE FAN MOTOR: Whisper...
- LED LIGHT KIT: Energy-efficient dimmable LED...
- WALL CONTROL: Turn the modern brushed nickel...
- ROOM PLACEMENT: Indoor fan is height...
At a Glance:
- Type: Enclosed
- Size: 12 Inches
- Room Size: 200 SF
- Reversible: Yes
- Remote Included: Yes
- Lights: Yes, dimmable
The Hunter Tunley 12 inch ceiling fan is a truly next-level product, with standards of fit and finish, material and construction quality that even the other great fans in our 2023 buyer’s guide for best enclosed fans can’t quite match.
It is also an extraordinarily effective fan – considering this is only a 12 inch fan, and an enclosed and low clearance design at that, the amount of air this baby will move is almost unbelievable. The optimally shaped and angled fan blades and the perfectly designed grill and enclosure, in combination with a powerful but silent motor, make this small and discrete fan appropriate even for larger spaces.
From one of the oldest, best and most respected companies in the business, the Tunley is one of Hunter’s most successful designs yet, with three speeds and reversible motor, dimmable LED lights, a basic but high quality wall control unit and a simple and beautiful look.
Huge air flow, silent operation, stunningly beautiful and top quality glass, steel and aluminum construction, and overall quality that will ensure a lifetime of reliable cooling, the Hunter Tunley is the best enclosed ceiling fan we have found, and gets our top recommendation.
Best Caged Ceiling Fan for a Larger Room
Casa Vieja 38 Inch Esquire 3 Head Solid Bronze Caged Ceiling Fan
- 38" wide from fan head to fan head. Each 16"...
- Frosted glass bowl light kit. Includes three...
- Solid bronze finish with an industrial look.
- Minimum 9-foot ceiling height is required....
- Fan height is 27" from ceiling to bottom of...
At a Glance:
- Type: Caged
- Size: 3 Heads, Each 16 Inches
- Room Size: 300-400+ SF
- Reversible: No
- Remote Included: Yes
- Lights: Yes
One of the most beautiful and highest quality fans on the market today, this big Esquire 3 head caged fan is very different from anything else on the list.
First of all, it is designed for higher ceilings – its longer downrod means you need at ceilings at least 9 feet tall.
Also, the three heads are each 16 inches, and each individually adjustable, allowing the Esquire to effectively move air in a much larger space than other caged ceiling fans. In fact, this big, heavy beauty is ideal for spaces up to 400 square feet or larger.
The individually adjustable heads are also great for irregularly shaped rooms, rooms opening into larger areas and any difficult to cool space.
A stunning product, the Esquire is solid bronze, with beautiful details and obviously premium fit and finish – superb quality on every single level. It is quite heavy, and should be installed on a structural beam or an appropriate brace, but once installed properly will move large amounts of air quietly and efficiently, and may well last a lifetime.
Best Caged Ceiling Fan Overall
Savoy House Alsace 26 Inch Caged Fan with Reclaimed Chestnut Blades
- Reclaimed Wood Finish - Transitional Style
- White Etch Glass - Suiteable for indoor use...
- 1-Light with Mini-Can H-type bulbs (BULBS...
- 16.25 Height / 30 Width - Inches
- Savoy House 1 Year Manufacturer Warranty
At a Glance:
- Type: Caged
- Size: 26 Inches
- Room Size: 300 SF
- Reversible: Yes
- Remote Included: Yes
- Lights: Yes
The Savoy House Alsace is one of the finest ceiling fans of any type we’ve ever come across, with superb materials and finish and the kind of ultra-solid construction and ultra-silent operation that comes from only truly top-tier products.
A stunningly beautiful piece, with gracefully flowing lines and gorgeous chestnut wood blades, and with a quality of finish that not only looks perfect now, but will for many years to come.
And there’s no doubt that the Alsace, a premier product from one of the great fan companies, will last for years, and continue to offer its same quiet, stable and highly effective operation the whole time.
And while it is so beautiful, and so high quality, we have chosen the Savoy House Alsace just as much because of that effectiveness – really strong, even and wide air movement that can be reversed for cold weather use, and has three highly efficient speeds, and completely changes the temperature and feeling of even larger, more open spaces.
A simple but superb caged ceiling fan that is as powerful and effective as it is beautiful, with stable, solid construction and operation, super-quiet running and unmatched long-term reliability, the Savoy House Alsace is not just the best caged ceiling fan we’ve ever found, but one of the finest fans of any type made, and even at its not insignificant price an amazing value.
Thanks for reading our article – 9 Best Enclosed Ceiling Fans On The Market In 2023 – and please check out our website – Know the Flo – for other informative articles, tutorials and buyer’s guides and a whole lot more!
