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Best Drum Fans

Updated: August 21st, 2022

The benefit of investing in a proper ventilation system for improved air circulation becomes obvious on heatwave days when the weather gets too hot. Air conditioning is excellent but more expensive and not effective in all circumstances. Fans become another option, though they are not all the same. Yes, they are economical, most of them have blades and rotate, but they all have specific tasks that they handle.
Consider the drum fan. Other names for it, such as barrel fan, floor fan, man cooler, and cooler fan, indicate the quality of their performance and their usefulness. A simple 14-inch drum fan can circulate air within a large room, thereby providing adequate air movement to refresh and keep everyone cool even during hot days. It often comes in variable speed setting and is usually constructed in polypropylene for easy maneuverability and dent resistance.

Drum fans are used in machine cooling, for insect check/control, and preventing overheating and surface drying. And drummers regulate air movement to keep them from sweating profusely during live shows or rehearsals using these fans. The air movement available with barrel fans ranges from 3000CFM (cubic feet per minute) to about 20000CFM depending on their velocity and size.

Good knowledge of what to look out for guarantees that you get the best drum fan to help maintain adequate airflow as you perform.

A Quick Look at Our Top Picks

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  • Air circulation up to 100ft distance
  • White noise application
  • Safe and compact
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  • Top-quality aluminum blades
  • Portable and easy to use
  • Thermal motor protection
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  • Portable and lightweight
  • ETL/CETL safety certified
  • One-year limited warranty
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  • Durable metal construction
  • OSHA and ETL-certified
  • Pivot head
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  • Wall-mounted or floor positioned
  • Three high-performance speed settings
  • High energy efficiency
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The Best 5 Drum Fans Reviewed

1. Vornado 293 Heavy-Duty Air Circulator Fan

Best Option

The Vornado 293 fan has a solid construction built to stand the test of prolonged use at any place and time. It features the Vortex Action technology, which allows it to deliver adequate airflow to all corners of a room. As a heavy-duty floor fan, it has a high velocity that circulates fresh air within up to 100ft. 

The fan is equipped with an IP54 motor that is dust-resistant, which means it does not require constant oiling, and only minimal maintenance is needed. It is also resistant to water and is usable in any season. Three variable speed settings let you determine the airflow intensity, depending on your current activity or the weather condition. 

The removable fan grill encloses and protects the vanes even as they rotate and circulate air. A handle on the top helps you carry the fan for quick repositioning or movement when going on a trip. On the bottom, four non-slip rubber grips keep the fan in position even when the speed setting is on the maximum. Vornado is OSHA-certified and comes with a long power cord that allows you to keep the fan at any corner of your choice.

PROS
  • Provides air circulation up to 100ft distance
  • White noise application
  • Safe and compact
  • Portable, with a grab-and-go handle
  • Maximum speed setting is at 685CFM
CONS
  • The five-year warranty is limited to only the United States
  • Noisy

 

2. Tornado High Velocity 3 Heavy Duty Drum Fan

Best Luxury

Tornado is a very powerful air circulator ideally designed for use in workshops, garages, factory stations, and large warehouses. Its blades feature quality aluminum that will neither rust or corrode. They also move amazingly fast despite the weather conditions of the area, making them extremely useful as drum fans. 

The fan motor provides sufficient airflow with a 3-speed setting that is adjustable with button control. This motor is also thermally protected, meaning that the kill switch activates at a specific temperature, and the fan powers down on its own. However, due to the motor’s strength, the fan vibrates a little; therefore, bolts on it can get loosened a bit if not checked. It is necessary to check the working conditions of the fan occasionally, especially if you hear any rattling.

Tornado is designed to rotate at 360-degree, has an anti-rust grill that is OSHA-certified, and a 5-year ETL listed motor. An eight-foot grounded power cord enables a long connection. Tornado measures 24 inches in diameter, weighs 32.2 lbs, and has two handles at the fan top that allows quick and convenient repositioning. It is also easy to install, and its reduced noise level makes it great for residential use.

PROS
  • Top-quality aluminum blades
  • Portable with anti-skid positioning legs
  • Thermal motor protection
  • Maximum airflow of 7680CFM
  • Orbits 360-degree
CONS
  • Vibrations cause torque bolts to loosen a bit
  • Not wall-mountable

 

3. XPOWER FC-300 Professional Grade Air Circulato

Best Luxury

The FC-300 is a powerful heavy-duty fan. As a utility fan, its use is mostly in massive places, such as retail stores, warehouses, and residential buildings that require significant air velocities. It can be used for moisture removal, heat circulation during the winter, carpet drying, and indoor space ventilation, making it an ideal drum fan. 

The deep pitched 5-blade design is capable of delivering airflow within up to 120ft. This distance ensures the whole room is well circulated, and corners are not left out. A high torque motor effectively utilizes an energy capacity of 1.5Amperes to produce controlled air at a maximum of 2100 CFM. Coupled with its ETL/CETL certification, the FC-300 is protected in a sturdy housing and supported on a stand that allows it to work at a 360-degree angle. 

Advanced technology allows you to automatically circulate air in any direction of your choice for a given period using a 3-hour timer. The air circulator is lightweight and only 9.4inch high. With a handle and a 10-foot power cord, you can conveniently move the fan from one place to another. A switch button controls the 4-speed settings. Its lowest mode delivers a quiet breeze; the second speed level produces white noise, while the maximum is more suitable for large spaces.

PROS
  • Easy to assemble
  • Durable
  • Portable and lightweight
  • ETL/CETL safety certified
  • One-year limited warranty
CONS
  • The motor is not sealed for water protection
  • Expensive

 

4. Air King 9230 Industrial Grade Floor Fan

High-Velocity Model

This model is well-rated for its high quality and optimum performance. It provides you with 7400CFM airflow and is suitable for any environment that requires constant air circulation, making it the ideal drum fan. Its three-blade design with premium powder-coated steel guarantees durability and longevity. The fan construction is heavy-duty and meets quality standards like OSHA, ETL, and AMCA.

Air King features a permanently lubricated, rust-resistant ball bearing motor that is enclosed and runs on 120v. It comes with a 10-foot 3-conductor SJT type power cord perfect for extended reach. The noise generation is low, and you will have no vibration issues even when the speed setting is at the maximum. There is also a rubber handle for easy carrying, and its base is balanced.

This fan will be of immense benefit as you work towards becoming a better drummer.

PROS
  • Durable metal construction
  • OSHA and ETL-certified
  • Pivot head
  • Sturdy, balanced and enclosed motor
  • 7400 CFM airflow
CONS
  • Expensive
  • Heavy and bulky

 

5. Lasko 20-Inch High-Velocity Quickmount

Budget Option

The Lasko 20-inch high-velocity fan is well suited for industrial and commercial use with its pivoting head that allows you to direct the circulation and airflow to a specific spot. This model has a manual button control for smooth operation and is loved by most drummers. The three-speed settings let you use it in a small room as well as in bigger spaces. 

Lasko has a CFM that ranges from 3160 to 3460, producing significant airflow. It comes with a metal bracket that allows you to mount it on the wall at any time. This feature enables proper air circulation, encompassing areas that it could not reach when placed on the floor. It also increases the places where the fan can be effectively utilized.

The fan has three metallic blades housed in a sturdy and durable metal cage. It is easy to install and meets ETL safety standards. The 6-foot power cord with a grounded plug designed to switch off electric current when a fault is detected in the fan’s motor makes it a safe option. There are rubber grips on the stand for support and a handle for easy transportation.

PROS
  • Can be wall-mounted or floor positioned
  • Three high-performance speed settings
  • High energy efficiency
  • Sturdy frame with a carry handle
  • Budget-friendly
CONS
  • Loud and noisy
  • Quite heavy

Key Features to Consider When Selecting the Ideal Drum Fan

When looking for the best industrial high-velocity drum fan for use, it is crucial to check out the most important features you cannot live without. For example, you may decide that you do not want to be moving your fan around; thus, the presence of handles and wheels becomes less of a concern, allowing you to focus on other priorities. As a guide to making the right decision, we have outlined some features you may want to consider.

Mobility: It entails the ease with which you can move your drum fan from one location to another. Heavy-duty fans often come with either a handle, wheels, or both. Without these features, it will be difficult for you to carry it around if it is too heavy. And with a lightweight model, consider the fact that when the motor is functioning, vibrations may cause the fan to move across the room.

The angle of the orbit: When using a drum fan to circulate heat in cold weather, you may not want the fan directed towards you. And when drying an area, like the upper part of a wall, you will need it directed upwards. In such cases, a drum fan that can be tilted 360-degree will be preferable. Those models are called orbital drum fans. When they have wheels too, they are easier to operate since you can reposition them without lifting.

Size: The dimensions of your drum fan, primarily the diameter, will determine how much ventilation it can deliver. Large fans cover a bigger room but might be less energy-efficient due to the power required to turn the blades. The size also affects its weight in most cases.

Noise: Initially, drum fans were well known for the sound they emit when operating at high velocities. This noise is capable of affecting or disrupting the activity going on. As a result, most companies now incorporate noise reduction technology that minimizes the fan’s sound regardless of the speed setting. According to an article by David A. Nelson, a principal consultant of Nelson Acoustics, you cannot identify a quiet fan by its looks. Reading online reviews can help you make an informed decision.

Price Point: A fan is a significant investment that can last for several years despite the regularity of usage. So, a quality, durable fan is recommended. The features that make a high-quality fan, such as the power output, may mean higher prices. You may go for budget-friendly models with good-to-average features that satisfy your needs.

Speed Options: Variable speed settings mean you can increase the airflow velocity to a maximum or reduce it. If it has up to three levels of speed, then you are good to go. A fixed speed setting is not ideal, as you cannot control the airflow velocity.

Energy Efficiency: Drum fans are economical because they consume less energy compared to other cooling facilities. Most of them are equipped to operate on either a 110v or a 240 v power source. A model with dual voltage works on both but could be bulky, so it should have wheels for smooth movement

Ease of use: Most drum fans are easy to use and operate. They are often assembled before being sold and may only require you to connect the cord to a power source before use. Some come with a remote controller that allows you to change the air circulation speed without being close to the fan.

Final Thought

Drum fans are rugged-looking, powerful, and highly effective in their ability to ventilate large spaces. Because of their strength, they are best reserved for some tasks, although you may still find them in homes where people use them as ordinary fans. Due to their high CFM, the blades are quite dangerous and should be kept beyond the reach of pets and children. Also, proper maintenance, keeping the fans away from water, and safe storage will prolong their lifespan and enable you to enjoy them better.

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