Use the remote control to change speed settings and turn oscillation on and off, or use the electronic controls to set the 7-hour timer. It has a small footprint with legs that can go around objects and a small head that’s powerful and can be pointed in nearly any direction, pivoting a full 90 degrees, from horizontal to almost vertical. The Lasko S11612 is a fairly average overall size but is much lighter than most lasko pedestal fans and with a thin, wide base that can slide easily under most furniture. The lightweight Comfort Zone has a folding base comprised of four legs, and though they’re much wider, their small profile makes them conducive to squeezing into spaces and under furniture. The Lasko Cyclone and Rowenta Turbo Silence are both noticeably larger than the competition, in base and head size, as well as the overall presence in a room.
However, the lightweight plastic disc base lacks any feet to hold it in place on a hard floor. While we don’t think this is a huge problem, if pets or people are frequently bumping into the furniture, the Lasko S16612 will slide. And, if you have a giant living space and are hoping to place a fan across the room that can still reach you with a powerful breeze on the couch, this one may disappoint you with its below-average wind speeds. If you plan to carry it around your home, we also found that it sometimes comes apart mid-transit — though it simply slides back together again easily.
Cleaning and maintenance are simple so that you can use your pedestal fan for years to come. Just looking at some pedestal fans can feel like they’re on the verge of being knocked over. If your home includes excitable pets, clumsy children, or ungraceful adults, it’s important to have a sturdy fan that’s less likely to take a fall when bumped. We evaluated fans on their center of balance, weightiness, sturdiness, and other features that help to hold them in place, like rubber feet. Since many of these come with a tiny remote, we also considered extra features (like remote storage spots) as a bonus in this metric. This Lasko oscillating pedestal fan has a multi-position tilt back feature that lets you adjust the angle of airflow, and the adjustable height lets you raise the fan up to 57 inches high.
Despite having 12 different speed settings, the highest rate of airflow measured at just 10.5 mph, which is below average for this group of contenders. With all that in mind, we highly enjoy the convenience and less intrusive noise you get with this model. Though those that love simplicity will appreciate this straightforward 3-speed design controlled by a simple knob, the Vornado 683 is likely to disappoint if you’re after settings and features. Additionally, this fan may not quite reach the top of your bed — at its tallest, it stands just 38 inches high. It’s also quite loud on higher settings, though the lowest speed is reasonably quiet. However, if you’re looking for a pedestal fan with far-reaching power that you can stick in the corner and forget about, the Vornado may be exactly what you want.
When it comes to keeping these units clean, all of them have removable grills that can be rinsed or wiped, allowing easy access to the blades to keep them dust-free. The Honeywell Double Blade, Pelonis 18″ 3-Speed Oscillating, and Black+Decker Lasko Box Fan 16″ make it even easier, with simple clasps that can be twisted to the side with your thumb for removal. The Comfort Zone, Lasko S16612, and Lasko Cyclone grills can be popped on and off, as they utilize plastic tabs to stay in place.