Consider the humble fan. Most people don't give it much thought until they're hauling it out mid-summer from the depths of a closet to circulate air in a stuffy bedroom or sweltering garage. But a proper fan is actually a handy companion year-round—it can dry out carpets and flooring after a leak; dispatch kitchen odors or smoke; or in winter, even redirect hot air that has risen from the ceiling back to the floor. I test fans year round to bring you the best in every category, like the Shark FlexBreeze ($200) as Best for Outdoors and the Lasko Super Fan Max ($80) as Best for Home Disasters, as well as the Best for Most Uses, which I've deemed to be the Vornado 660 ($95).

Things to Consider Before Buying a Fan

So, you're in the market for a fan. But what kind? Does it need to blend in with the existing furniture and decor, or can it be on the floor, hidden behind something so that looks don't matter? Is a direct stream of air required in a specific location, like for someone sitting at a desk, or is general air circulation the goal? Are there kids and pets in the house that could knock it over or have fingers or tails injured by spinning blades?