Top 5 Ceiling Fans to Buy in Singapore for 2020

Ceiling fans are a great way to battle the Singapore heat. As newer HDBs and condominiums get smaller, it makes for lesser space for a standing fan. A ceiling fan is a great solution. It is also more effective in cooling down the entire area of the room as it covers a wider area compared to a standing fan. Not only is it space-saving, but it is also energy-saving. Compared to switching on the air-conditioner, it takes up less energy and you get to save on your utility bill. It is also a great way to cool down an outdoor balcony or patio area. In our ceiling fan buying guide, we will share the best ceiling fans to buy and how to buy a ceiling fan. 

This article was updated on 18 January 2020. 

Types of Ceiling Fans

Generally, there are two main types of ceiling fans – an AC (alternating current) or DC (direct current). AC refers to electrical current with reverses direction, and DC refers to the current that flows in one direction. 

Some households choose an AC ceiling fan as it is cheaper, but I would recommend getting a DC ceiling fan because it is more efficient. It is faster, more compact and lighter, and most importantly uses less energy (up to 70% lesser). It also has more speed options and is generally quieter. The market standard as of now is DC fans. You can get a DC fan for around $200 – $300. 

Best Ceiling Fans to Buy

1. Designer Pick: Spin Quincy Ceiling Fan (comes in 43”, 52” and 60”) 

I’d like to open the rankings with our most stylish pick. If you are a modern minimalist at heart, the Spin Quincy ceiling fan is a seamless fit for your home.  The Spin Quincy does not come cheap, but neither does the Dyson. The selling point is it works efficiently, effectively, and looks pleasing to the eyes. It is energy-saving for both fan and lighting. Aiming to resemble the flow of the natural wind, the Spin Quincy aims to give you that outdoor breeze feeling in the comfort of your own home. 

Why buy this ceiling fan: 

• Has an Ultra Dynamic Direct Current (UDDC) motor that is made of toroid magnets making it 70% more energy efficient than traditional AC fans. 
• Stylish in design, it is a timeless addition to any luxury space. It is bound to catch the eye of your guests. 
• Double Ply aerodynamic airfoils reduces air resistance, creating wind efficiency that surpasses the conventional fan 
• It comes with an energy-saving tri light kit that consumes a mere 19W but produces a magnificent 1500 lumen light that can change tones (day, warm and cool). 
• Comes in three sizes to choose from 43″, 52″ and 60″.

2. For big spaces: Crestar Airis 56” 5 Blade Ceiling Fan with LED Light

Crestar is also another popular brand for ceiling fans. It boasts maximum comfort and air ventilation, especially with its 5-blade fans like the Airis Series. What I like most about the Crestar Airis 56” ceiling fan features the Crestar energy inverter DC motor to save energy (it uses only 6 to 35W of energy). If you have a resale HDB with a large living room space, this ceiling fan is ideal for breezy days. 

Why buy this ceiling fan:

• Its 6-speed remote setting allows for better customisation
• Full ABS acrylic build: Its body and blades are made of ABS acrylic, making it light and durable. 
• Comes with a 25W Tri-colour LED light with dimmer control 
• Comes in 4 different colours – black, white, dark wood and light wood to suit any home decor  
• For a smaller model, you can opt for the 50-inch ceiling fan. 

If you prefer a cheaper option from Crestar, check out the Crestar ValueAir 5-Blade Ceiling Fan in 55″. It also comes in black and a beautiful wood colour.   

3. Value for money: Fanco F-Star DC Motor Series (36,46,52 inch)

Established since 1998, Fanco is one of the trusted brands for ceiling fans. You will find their products being sold in many ceiling fan shops. Franco was the first to introduce an LED light kit attached to the fan. For its quality, this Fanco F-Star DC Motor Series is one of the most affordable DC ceiling fans that come with an LED light. 

Why buy this ceiling fan: 

• Brushless DC motor allows for maximum torque, full control, high durability, and optimal efficiency
• Ultra silent motor allows you to enjoy the cooling effect in a serene atmosphere
• The fan blades are made of 100% acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) – a hard plastic that is very durable yet slient. 
• Max air delivery 
• Remote control with 5-speed reversible. You can even control it via a mobile phone app by adding a smart WiFi switch. 
• Choose from 3 different colours and sizes
• Buy from Lazada and get free installation

4. Wide range of designs: Acorn Futuriste AC-308 50” ceiling fan

Acorn is another trusted ceiling fan brand. What I love about this brand is that they carry many series and designs for you to pick from, all at pretty affordable prices. The ceiling fan models that caught our eye was the Acorn Futuriste AC-308 50” ceiling fan (also comes in white) and the Acorn Intaglio DC-159 that looks very much like the Spin Quincy but at a fraction of the price. 

The Acorn Fantastique AC-326 and Acorn Veloce DC-160 is also another great choice for contemporary homes with its matt black finish. I think by now you would have guessed I’m a sucker for stylish ceiling fans. Read what Our Little Smarties have to say about their Acorn fan. 

5. For Scandinavian homes: Amasco Wale Ceiling Fan 41″

For some of us, a ceiling fan is more than just a fan, it is another way to express your style. The Amasco Wale Ceiling Fan in oak colour is a perfect complement to the trending Scandinavian interior design. Amasco is from Taiwan and has been around for 24 years. Their fans are powered by an energy-efficient DC motor. The Amasco Wale is also available in dark oak.  

8 Steps to Buy a Ceiling Fan for your Home

1. What is your Budget?

Whether it’s buying a ceiling fan or a digital lock, I always start with budgeting. It will help narrow down your options. The average cost of a ceiling fan is about $200 to $300, though you will find there are budget models like the Panasonic Ceiling Fan 60” and luxury models like the Spin Quincy. 

How many rooms are you planning to install ceiling fans in?

If you are planning on getting a ceiling fan for only your living room, you can budget more for a better model, but if you are planning to install a ceiling fan in every room, that might add up to quite a bit. If so, opt for a model with an LED light so it is a 2-in-1 appliance. Lights on average cost about $100, so you will be saving that amount if you get a ceiling fan with LED light. 

I only installed a ceiling fan in my balcony and placed standing fans in the rooms. On hindsight. I would have installed a ceiling fan in my living room as well. A ceiling fan can help to air your space very well, something that a standing fan would not do as well at. 

2. Are you installing it Indoor or Outdoor? 

Most ceiling fans are suited for indoor use, but you can go for dry-rated ceiling fans. If you are installing it on a false ceiling, make sure to get a model that is lightweight. A ceiling fan made of ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) would be suitable as it is a hard plastic that is lightweight and durable. 

If you are installing your ceiling fan outdoors, get a damp-rated or wet-rated model that can withstand humidity and rain. A wood ceiling fan might not be recommended for balcony use unless it is pre-treated to be water-resistant. 

3. What size of a ceiling fan to get? 

Similar to air-conditioners, bigger is not always better. In this case, you will want to get a fan that is suitable for the size of your room.

You will usually install the fan in the centre of your room, close to where people gather. If the room is huge, either get a bigger fan, or two fans to cover the area. 

Do consider your ceiling height. If you have a low ceiling, do not get a low hanging model as it might hit someone.  Place your ceiling fan at least 2.1 meters above the floor. Typical HDBs/condos have a ceiling height of 2.6 to 2.8 meters, depending on whether a false ceiling is installed. 

If you have a very low ceiling, you have a few options:

• Get a hugger design like the Eco-Airx DC Motor Ceiling Fan 46” or 56”. A hugger fan is ideal for low ceilings that are 8 feet or shorter. As there is no space between the ceiling fan’s motor housing and the ceiling, it is an ideal choice for small apartments. 
• Consider a bladeless fan like the Exhale Fan or the Osman Portable Bladeless Fan

• Get a ceiling fan that you can install in the corner, like the Elmark Aircraft A8 18-inch Ceiling Wall Fan.  

• Get a wall fan. Most designs might not look very stylish, but if you are going for a retro vintage home interior design, this Toyomi 16 Classic Wall Fan might just work for you. 

Some units on the top floor have higher ceilings, so you may want to find models with a drop rod that allows you to lower the fan to effectively cool your guests. 

4. Number of blades

Ceiling fans of today are now more varied. From 3-blade to 5-blade fans, you will also find fans with titled or angled blades, claiming to increase airflow efficiency. You can even find ceiling fans with retractable blades like the Xiaomi Opple! 

Fan blade size and the number of fan blades do matter, but only slightly. In theory, the bigger (wider or longer) the blade is, the more airflow it can generate. More blades would also do the same. However, with bigger/more blades, there is more “drag” of air. This increases air resistance and requires more energy to power it (and hence a more powerful motor). But nowadays the modern ceiling fans with 3-blades are able to perform as well as 5-blades, so you do not have to worry too much about this. 

That said if you are a fan of more blades check out this Fanco Heli 56” Ceiling Fan with 6 blades. 

5. Check Warranty & Installation 

Do buy your ceiling fan from a reputable brand and from authorised sellers. Before you purchase, check the installation costs (some include free installation) and the warranty period. 

A ceiling fan on average lasts a decade. If your fan requires repair, do try to source for original parts, or use only high-quality replacements to keep your fan running for a longer period. 

6. Light

Decide if you want your fan to have a light fixture. While you might not need this for your living room if you have downlights installed, it is great for your balcony as you only need one electrical point for both. Also, if you are planning to install a ceiling fan in your rooms, it might help you save the cost and space. 

7. Energy-saving

Opt for ceiling fans with energy-saving features such as a timer, sleep mode, energy-efficient motors (DC motor)

8. Colour & Design

Lastly, you want a ceiling fan that complements your home interior design. Most models come in black and white, though you can find different designs and colours to complement your home interior design. 

• Scandinavian: Eco-Airx Ceiling Fan
• Modern: Acorn Intaglio DC-159
• Industrial: PO ECO Gale 56” Ceiling Fan
• Contemporary: Spin Quincy Ceiling Fan 
• Rustic: Qukau Solid Wood Ceiling Fan 
• European style: Fanco 52” Ceiling Fan E-Series (comes in Black, Silver & White) 
• Eclectic: Qukau 42” Ceiling Fan (comes in 4 colours) 
• Retro: Qukau Ceiling Fan  
• Invisible look: Qukau Invisible Fan Light 42″ Ceiling Fan 

Ceiling Fan FAQ

How does a ceiling fan work? 

The ceiling fan cools you by increasing air movement or airflow in the room. Contrasting to air conditioners, they do not lower air temperature or air humidity. With the increased air movement, our body sweat will evaporate faster taking away our body heat, and in turn, cooling us. 

How do I install a ceiling fan?

Always get a professional electrician to help you with the installation. Some shops include installation with your purchase, but otherwise, you should source for a reliable electrician to help you install it. Before installation, make sure to turn off any live power. 

What are the popular ceiling fan brands? 

When buying a ceiling fan, Franco, Crestar, Acorn, and Amasco are frequent mentions. 

• KDK is a brand from Japan that is known for its simple-looking and affordable fans.
• Qukau is from China and their brand has a lot of designs and colours to choose from

Where to buy a ceiling fan in Singapore

You used to only be able to buy a mattress from stores, but now you can purchase them online for the ultimate convenience and even enjoy discounted prices! Lazada is my go-to for shopping. It is also a great place to compare prices. If you prefer to test out the mattress in-person, here are 8 Lighting and ceiling fan shops that you can visit. 

Financing your home purchases

If you would like to take up a loan for your home purchases, consider a personal loan, as renovation loans do not give you the cash upfront. You can find the best personal loan suitable for you on Singsaver. 

That’s our Top 5 Best Ceiling Fans for you to buy and guide on how to buy a ceiling fan! I hope that it has helped you to find the best ceiling fan for your home. Please share this with your family and friends if you have found it useful.

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