Work inside a closed environment, such as a warehouse or big shop can be unbearable when the summer sun is beating down on the roof.
Not only that, toxins can build up in stagnant air. In certain applications and indoor environments, OSHA requires a full turnover of air on a regular basis. To make conditions better and safer for workers, you need to bring the temperature down and put the air in motion as much as possible.
That can be accomplished with heavy-duty HVAC systems, but they represent a prohibitive expense in many cases.
Industrial barrel fans do that for both big and small spaces such as warehouses, loading and staging areas, large garages, etc. They cost a fraction of what HVAC systems cost and the right one can satisfy all safety requirements.
In this article, we’ll discuss the seven best industrial barrel fans to help you pick the right one for your needs and budget.
So, without further ado, here are our top picks for industrial barrel fans. Although you might need one that’s bigger or smaller, depending on your needs, you’ll agree they’re all good choices.
Table of Contents
Best Industrial Barrel Fans: Comparison Table
| Product Name | Weight | CFM | Dim. |
| MaxxAir BF60 High Velocity Industrial Belt Drive Barrel Fan | 130 pounds | 19,000 CFM | 60″ |
| Strongway Open Motor Belt-Drive Drum Fan | 113 pounds | 19,500 CFM | 42″ |
| Q Standard Industrial Belt Drive Drum Fan | 102 pounds | 17,600 CFM | 42″ |
| DEWALT DXF-2490 High-Velocity Industrial Drum Fan | 33.1 pounds | 6,500 CFM | 24″ |
| Maxx Air Industrial Grade 24-Inch High Velocity Two-Speed Barrel Fan | 16 pounds | 4,000 CFM | 24″ |
| Tornado High Velocity Barrel Fan | 32 pounds | 7,800 CFM | 24″ |
| OEMTOOLS 41.99-Inch Belt Driven Barrel Fan | 96 pounds | 13,300 CFM | 42″ |
| Hurricane 20 Inch High Velocity Fan | 14.5 pounds | 4,500 CFM | 20″ |
| Lasko 20 Inch High Velocity Barrel Fan | 16 pounds | 3,218 CFM | 20″ |
Top 9 Best Barrel Fans
1. MaxxAir BF60 High Velocity Industrial Belt Drive Barrel Fan
Beat Features: Powerful airflow / High quality construction
The MaxxAir BF60 is in a word, massive. The “BF” in the name must stand for “big fan” (yes, it stands for “barrel fan,” please lighten up). This 130-pound monster pushes 19,000 CFM of air powered by a 3/4 HP motor. It’s rugged, it’s tough, and it’s ready to get to work for you.
One of the most striking things about this fan is its quality construction. It’s rust-resistant, powder-coated finish is extremely attractive and practical. It holds up well in nearly any environment. This is perhaps why it meets OSHA’s strict specification standards. It’s also mounted on a sturdy 22-gauge steel body and the steel caster wheels have a quality feel and easily move the fan from place to place (unlike some other heavy-duty fans with wheels).
It has three blades and two speed options. The speeds are accessed via a rocker switch, so it’s easy to switch between modes. Although it goes up to 19,000 CFM, there is no rating on the lower speed option. It’s belt-driven, so it’s ultra-quiet for the amount of air it moves. Compared to other fans in its class, it’s one of the quietest.
The fan also has a lengthy 11-foot power cord which is nice if you need to move it around a bit, you do have some flexibility. The pre-installed handles also come in handy for moving it around easily. It also features foot pedal locking to keep it in place once you get it to your desired location.
Overall, one of the highest output industrial fans on the market and certainly one of the best industrial fans on the market, especially given its build quality. There’s a hefty price tag on the Maxx Air BF60 but if you can afford it, it’s well worth laying out a few more bills.
2. Strongway Open Motor Belt Drive Drum Fan
Best Feature: Massive air flow for its small size
With this bad boy, you can really send in the wind. Just make sure everything is tied down that you don’t want sailing to the other side of the warehouse.
The Strongway barrel fan delivers a whopping 19,500 CFM at top speed, which is plenty for even the largest applications. It’s two-speed, so that when you don’t need to move massive amounts of air, you can back off and save wear and tear on the motor. The belt drive keeps the motor load low as well.
Four blades, turned to just the right angle for airflow, deliver the breeze quietly and smoothly. Solid steel construction with only a few connecting points ensures that rattles and rumbles remain at a minimum.
This may be a beast, but it still weighs just 113 pounds and it has two-wheeler type rubber wheels, so moving it from the loading dock to the back storeroom will be a cinch. (Unless you’d rather buy two. They’re worth the price of admission.)
3. Q Standard Industrial Belt Drive Drum Fan
Best Feature: Excellent motor
With a two-speed option, you can easily set the Q Standard barrel fan to the cooling speed of your choice.
This fan features four aerodynamics blades that work together to provide the ultimate in ventilation for your work space or warehouse. These blades are not only fancy-looking, but they also provide an even, predictable flow of air. No more, “Well, let’s try it over there.” No matter where you set it, all areas of the room will be affected, regardless of the direction.
For a fan with a one-horsepower motor, it puts on quite a show of airflow. It has an airflow capacity of about 17,600 cubic feet/minute (CFU). This is comparable to the big wall exhaust fans you see in many industrial buildings.
With this barrel fan, you will not have to worry about the motor heating up. It uses a belt system that protects the motor and keeps it running 24-7, if that’s what you need. Belt driven fans tend to be a bit noisy, but this one breaks that perception. Tight tolerances during manufacturing reduce rattles and loose connections, ensuring a quiter operation.
You might have to keep an eye on this barrel fan. The workers in Building B, might want to borrow it for awhile, and they can easily move it around, thanks to the two rubber wheels fitted into the fan. While they roll well, the wheels are admittedly not the strong suit of this model. Their durability is a question mark.
Lastly, the fan comes ready to use the moment you receive it. You will not have to hardwire it or go through complicated steps to set it up. All it takes is a simple plug-in and it will be ready to go.
Get your hands one of the best industrial barrel fans if you are looking for a reliable option.
4. DeWalt DXF-2490 High-Velocity Industrial Drum Fan
When it comes to industrial barrel fans, the first name that pops into your head probably isn’t DeWalt. But before you close the browser window, just wait. The DXF-2490 by DeWalt is actually a solid contender in the industrial barrel fan category. This fan not only produces a lot of power, it’s also extremely functional and built extremely well.
For started, this little guy stands at only a little over 30 inches off the ground and puts out 6,500 CFMs with its 24-inch aluminum blades. Not only that but it easily adjust with just the turn of a dial down to 1,050 RPM. This is nice for those slightly cooler days where you just want to get the air circulating but not be blown away by your fan.
The air flow can be circulated in any direction you want with the 360-degree tilt function on this bad boy. Also, not being overly large you can easily slide it into smaller spaces if needed. It also looks attractive if you have people coming in and out of your building all day.
The power cord is generously long at 12 feet. This gives you a ton of flexibility on where to put the fan. And, with its handy-dandy handle and large wheels it can easily be moved to where you need it. The design itself is also intuitive with the handle on the front and the wheels in the back, it just makes sense and it shows by its ease of movement.
But wait… there’s more… The icing on the cake when it comes to this industrial barrel fan is the generous 5-year warranty by DeWalt. It’s perhaps the best selling point on this fan. Most barrel fans will have problems because of continued use, let’s face it, but with this generous warranty, you get a lot of peace of mind. That said, it is a bit pricier for its size so you’re probably paying a bit for the warranty when you buy the fan.
All in all, a great surprise by DeWalt with its DXF-2490 barrel fan, a really strong competitor in the industrial barrel fan space.
5. Maxx Air Industrial Grade 24-Inch High Velocity Two-Speed Barrel Fan
Best Feature: Dual mounting brackets
The Maxx Air barrel fan features a strong durable frame made of rugged steel. It can easily endure even the toughest of environments. It doesn’t mind getting bumped into and it will definitely keep the room cool.
An impressive feature of this beauty is its ability to mount on the wall or ceiling with its dual brackets. Where you mount it depends on a number of variables, such as whether air blowing directly on workers would be annoying, or whether the work itself is heat-producing.
Unlike some other options out there, this one comes with a 180-degree rotation feature. Plus, it has two speed options.
You can set the blade speeds as high as 4,000 RPMs or as low as 2,800 RPMs. Both options provide an optimum flow of air thanks to the aerodynamic four-blade design of the fan.
These blades are not only good for airflow, but also allows noiseless functioning, keeping productivity at optimum levels.
The fan has an extremely durable and heavy-duty motor that is enclosed in a rugged steel frame for protection against external factors. With this machine, you will be able to keep a handle on energy costs.
Thanks to its extremely sturdy rugged steel frame, the Maxx Air Industrial Grade High Velocity Barrel Fan can be the right purchase for environments where conditions can be particularly brutal. At 24 inches, it’s not a mammoth device that would be hard to transport, or one that would get in the way. A pair of heavy duty rubber wheels ensure easy rolling.
Despite its somewhat smaller size, this barrel fan still belts out a hurricane rated at 17,600 CFM.
6. Tornado High Velocity Barrel Fan
Best Feature: Three-speed motor
The Tornado Barrel Fan comes with a 360 degree tilt mechanism, which is its most unique feature. Most barrel fans only tilt up to a certain extent, but this one goes all the way around.
Another advantage of purchasing this fan is that it comes with three speed options, from a high speed of 7,800 CFM to a low speed of 5,000 CFM (medium speed is 6,000 CFM). These varying speeds are great for different rooms and environments.
We also found the fan to be highly versatile, hence it is one of the best industrial barrel fans. It has little to no flaws; however, it may not be suitable for very hot regions or work areas where heat is generated.
It’s best to run it for a few hours and give it some rest to protect the motor. On the plus side, it comes with two handles, and that makes it easy to move. It weighs in at a svelte 32 pounds.
Using barrel fans with wheels can be difficult. Essentially, you have a propeller airplane without wings. But its non-skid legs keep it grounded and keep it from skipping across the concrete floor of the warehouse.
Grilles on some barrel fans almost seem like an afterthought, but this barrel fan has a sturdy, rust-resistant grille that is a cut above those of its competitors.
This barrel fan is one of the quietest barrel fans in our group. In fact, it creates about 40% less noise than your average industrial barrel fan.
All these features make it one of the best industrial barrel fans for the investment. Keep it in the gym, warehouse, garden, or any corner of your building and you will have nothing to worry about.
7. OEMTOOLS 41.99-Inch Belt Driven Barrel Fan
Best Feature: High velocity for its size
With this gem from OEM Tools, you can bring the breeze with ease!
It comes with four 41.99-inch aluminum blades with just the right pitch to them to deliver an airflow of 13,300 cubic feet/minute (CFM). It works for large spaces, as 1 CFM per square foot of floor has been established as the average air quantity needed for adequate ventilation.
This commercial grade barrel fan has a two-speed motor that is made to last and can work for hours without overheating or dragging.
In addition to keeping the room cooler, the OEM Tools barrel fan can push out fumes and dust to make the air cleaner, safer and overall easier to work in.
Choose from belt drive or direct drive. For total flexibility, belt drive is the way to go. Not only can you adjust the fan speed by using one of the two speed settings on the motor, you can often control the speed by belt tension.
On direct drive fans, the blades attach directly to the armature on the motor. This simplifies the process, runs quieter and puts less friction on fewer moving parts.
The cord length on this barrel fan is six feet, which is pretty decent. Long runs of extension cords are not recommended, as they can lead to tripped breakers and headaches for you.
The fan can be a little loud for some people and may not be suitable for closed spaces. On the positive side, it comes with a 90-day warranty.
8. Hurricane 20 Inch High Velocity Fan
Best Feature: Portability
Set this barrel fan at one end of your warehouse and your order-pickers will applaud you! This 20-inch medium-duty barrel fan generates a maximum 4,500 CFMs at high speed (1,400 CFMs on low speed).
Its beauty is in its minimalist design, with its easy-to-assemble frame that allows the cage to tilt at any degree. It doesn’t have any wheels, but none are really needed, as this little dynamo weighs less than four pounds.
The black powder-coated finish will hold up throughout a lifetime of abuse, thumps, drops, fall-overs, and whatnot. Powder coating is a superior method of applying paint that involves electrically charging both the medium and the paint in powder form with opposite polarity. This enhances paint adhesion.
All in all, a solid fan that’s well built and will do the job. If you’re not looking to mortgage the house to buy a fan, it’s a good option to move a lot of air for a low price. Bonus, it doesn’t take up that much space. And do the math, you buy four of these and move almost as much air as the top dog on the list.
9. Lasko 20 Inch High Velocity Barrel Fan
Best Feature: Low cost
Looking for an affordable industrial barrel fan? Consider this machine from Lasko. Essentially a residential fan, it is popular among commercial or industrial users as well.
This convenient fan is both flexible and energy-saving. It comes with three speed options and is suitable for almost all the corners of its assigned space.
Even the lowest setting works at a high-velocity and can cool down a room quickly.
Thanks to the pivoting head of the Lasko Barrel Fan, you can easily adjust the direction of the airflow to fit your needs.
What really makes this fan a user-favorite is its wall-mounting feature. It comes with extra brackets that allow quick wall mounting. No special tools are needed, and only a minimum of mechanical skills. Instructions are included (but you have to read them, OK?).
Thanks to the front-placed control option, adjusting the speed of the fan is simple and easy. For added convenience, the fan comes with a remote control that allows users to not only control the speeds of the fan, but also turn it on and off with a simple press of a button.
At low speed, you can expect airflow to run around 3160 CFM and at high speed 3460 CFM
This barrel fan is extremely safe to use with its patented ‘Blue Plug’ technology. This technology immediately cuts off power in case of a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker. You will find this only on Lasko Barrel Fans. It reduces the risk of accidents and also protects the motor.
This fan does not spoil the flooring thanks to the rubber padding under the fan. The padding plays an important role in keeping the fan stable and working.
If you are looking for a fan for an area that requires a wall-mounted fan capable of supplying a constant flow of air, consider buying the Lasko 20 Inch High Velocity Barrel Fan.
Qualities of a Good Industrial Barrel Fan
Look for the following qualities when buying an industrial barrel fan. Even though any of the seven fans on our list represent an excellent value, you need to consider the environment your barrel fan will be used in.
Here are a few key factors:
Velocity, Airflow, and Airthrow
The first thing to keep an eye out for is velocity. Some rooms get hotter than others and need an industrial fan with a higher velocity to get the air moving and keep the environment cool.
Bigger is not necessarily better. A 24″ industrial fan may offer more airflow than a 36″ fan, though it may require more careful “aiming” to get the airflow oriented the way you need it.
Noiseless Functioning
Workplaces are noisy enough as it is. A fan that adds to the racket is not going to be all that much help.
For example ceiling fans generate about 60dB. Powerful industrial barrel fans can crank out 70dBs and more of annoying grunge sound.
While it’s quite loud, it isn’t bad for the ear. Try not to exceed 70 dB on any fan you purchase.
Adjustability and Ease
Another quality of a good barrel fan is its adjustability. Look for a fan that is easy to set up and mount. Plus, it should come with the option to change directions.
easy set-up. Some industrial barrel fans are mobile. They offer more value but they may not be suitable for all situations.
Warranty Period
If you look around, you will find a lot of industrial barrel fans with long warranties that offer peace of mind.
It can be between one and five years, but remember that a long warranty alone may not be enough. You must pay attention to how reliable a business is.
Warranties are not so much a money-back guarantee, but an estimation of how long the manufacturer expects the unit to last. They’re not in the business of giving away free fans, so if they warranty a fan for a year, they fully expect it to last beyond that year…
Best Industrial Barrel Fans – FAQ
What works better, a direct drive or a belt drive? Which one should I choose?
Both options have pros and cons that you need to take note of.
If you are focused on the RPM speed and prefer a noiseless functioning, then a belt drive style fan should be your go-to option. However, belt drive fans usually require more maintenance and can cost you a lot in the future.
On the other hand, if you prefer efficiency, then go for a direct drive fan. They might be a little noisy but are more affordable in the long-run.
How can I reduce the noise?
You have to find why your fan is being noisy. Some fans are naturally noisy and some begin to vibrate more as time passes. Make sure to keep the fan in good condition and ensure all screws and bolts are tightly fitted. Also, pay attention to where and how it’s kept.
A poorly mounted fan or a fan on an uneven surface is typically noisier than a properly kept barrel fan,
Shall I keep the fan on the floor or mount it?
Mounting the fan is a better option if you have a small space. On the other hand, keep it on the floor if the area is large.
Do industrial barrel fans need any maintenance?
Most barrel fans come with a well-protected motor and a sturdy metal frame. They’re made for heavy-duty, industrial use can run for up to 10 hours a day without fail or needing any replacement or maintenance. But, like any other machine, they need proper care.
Do not put a lot of pressure on the machine and make sure to get repairs done if the fan begins to show signs of problems such as more noise or less speed.
How long do industrial barrel fans last?
Best industrial barrier fans will last four about eight years but some may give out sooner, based on how well you keep them.
Can I install an industrial barrel fan at home?
While you can install one, such fans may not be suitable for home use as they are very large and noisy. You can, however, keep them in the garage or other such corners.
Should I purchase a three-blade barrel fan or a four-blade barrel fan?
A four-blade fan is more effective than a three-blade fan, but the overall benefit depends on what the blade is made up of and how big of a fan it is.
Most experts agree that both options have their benefits but remember that fewer blades mean less airflow. Three-blade fans are usually more affordable and offer higher speeds but can be noisier than four-blade fans.
Looking for a nice radio for the job site to drown out the sound of your new industrial barrel fan? Check out these Best Jobsite Radios.