Last Updated on September 1, 2020
Are you searching for the best barn fan?
I have reviewed the top models available and after reading this article you will know my recommendations.
Check out the quick list below for links to customer reviews and prices for my picks, or read on for the full review:
- Maxxair 24″ High Velocity Portable Air Circulator
- Comfort Zone Industrial Floor Fan
- Air King Wall Mount Barn Fan
- Hurricane Wall Mount Fan
- Southwestern Equine Horse Stall Fan Bag
- Classic Equine Fan Bag
Table of Contents
What Makes a Barn Fan Different From Other Fans?
It is not safe to put a regular fan into your barn and think that you will be able to circulate the air without putting your horses in danger.
Barn fans are designed to withstand the dusty conditions of a barn and to operate safely for long periods of time.
They have fully enclosed motors and sealed ball bearings so that dust and dirt don’t build up.
Barn fans also have an overload switch to automatically shut off if it overheats, as well as a motor that is certified for outdoor use and can get wet without shorting out.
What Are the Best Types of Barn Fans?
There are three main different types of barn fans: wall mounted, stall fan bags, and floor fans.
Wall mounted fans fit up on the wall, which is ideal if you are worried about not having a lot of floor space for the fan and want to cool down large areas easily. They are a more permanent option and not as easily moved around the barn.
Stall fan bags fit on the individual stalls and hold box fans to direct cooler air right at the horse, which is great for cooling them down. They, like floor fans, can be easily moved in the barn and directed at a specific area, if needed.
Why Your Horse Needs Cooling and Ventilation in the Barn
Barns can get really hot during the summer, and it’s up to you to make sure that when your horse is inside they don’t overheat.
Cooling fans help to lower the temperature in the barn and ensure that the horses are healthy and are breathing cooler air.
Ventilation is just as important as cooling in the barn, as it helps to decrease the chance of a fire occurring and also ensures that the air in the barn isn’t stagnant.
Stagnant air increases the chance of horses developing certain diseases such as strangles and influenza.
5 Best Barn Fans
Keeping quality fans in your barns is important. A good model will pull double duty by keeping your horses cool and your barn well ventilated. I have reviewed the top models with performance, construction quality, and durability in mind.
MAXXAir 24-Inch High Velocity Air Movement Two Speed Portable Air Circulator
These powerful fans have long cords, offer two-speeds, and can tilt 180m degrees, which allows you to direct the airflow to the exact location where it is needed. They are very versatile and easy to move, which means that you can move them in the barn until you have the right configuration for optimal airflow.
Thanks to the prepositioned hanging hardware, if you do decide to mount these fans in your barn, you will find that it is very easy to do so. Additionally, the non-skid legs will prevent the fan from being moved on accident.
Pros
- Rust-resistant grills
- Snap-on wheels make it easy to move the fan
Cons
- Can’t be used with extension cords
- Tends to become unbalanced quickly
SComfort Zone Industrial Drum Style
Thanks to the all-metal construction and the durable aluminum blades, you don’t have to worry about this fan failing you when it need it most. The large knobs on the fan make it easy to lock it to the correct angle once you have the fan in position.
Not only is this fan easy to assemble, but thanks to the two speeds, you can easily get the air circulation in your barn that you need.
Pros
- Tend to be quieter than other types of floor fans
- Can work 24/7 without wearing out
Cons
- Rivets on the fan blades tend to fail, which means that the blades fall off
BAir King 9020 1/6 HP Industrial Grade Wall Mount 20-Inch
Due to the enclosed ball bearing motor, there isn’t any concern about dust or dirt getting into the motor of this fan and causing it to fail. It’s incredibly easy to mount and offers three powerful speeds.
The pivoting head ensures that there is even airflow throughout the barn and will prevent there from being stagnant or hot spots. Additionally, the motor is high quality and doesn’t require much maintenance.
Pros
- Can be mounted to the ceiling or the wall
- Enclosed motor casing doesn’t overheat
Cons
- Tends to vibrate when used on the medium or high setting
Hurricane Wall Mount Fan – 20 Inch Pro Series High Velocity Heavy Duty Metal
The aluminum blades on this fan have been specifically designed to withstand a lot of use without showing signs of wear or damage. Enjoy the tilt and oscillation to prevent any stagnant air in the barn.
Because this fan has been designed to be powerful and small, you don’t have to worry about it taking up a lot of room in your barn. It’s perfect for installing on the wall, out of the way.
Pros
- Fan is very light
- Able to move a lot of air, even on the lowest setting
Cons
- Tends to be noisier than lower quality fans
- Screws for the bracket are incredibly short and make it difficult to mount the fan
Southwestern Equine Horse Stall Fan Bag
This fan bag holds a standard size box fan and is made with flexible nylon that is tough and durable, but doesn’t prevent constant airflow. You can easily secure a fan to your horse’s stall and stall doors with this fan bag.
Not only is this bag lightweight and portable, but it also comes with adjustable straps that can be used to hang the fan at the right height. The nickel plated rings and bolt snaps offer security.
Pros
- With several hanging options, it’s easy to find the right way to hang the bag
- Allows for ventilation in the stall without the horse being able to damage the bag
Cons
- Does fit a standard box fan, but is a very tight fit and it is difficult to insert the fan
Classic Equine Fan Bag
This classic fan bag is designed to securely attach a box fan to your horse stall and doors so that they can stay cool, and it is lightweight enough for any horse owner to handle on their own. Additionally, it’s made of a durable nylon that can withstand curious horses.
Thanks to the strong straps, you don’t have to worry about the bag falling. This fan bag also features a Velcro strap to keep the fan securely in the bag so that even if the bag is nosed by your hose, the fan will not accidentally fall out.
Pros
- The straps make it easy to attach to any stall or pen
- Well-made straps are very durable
Cons
- It is difficult to fit a standard box fan into the fan bag
For more guides and tips check out these articles:
- Safe and Reliable Horse Trailer Jack Reviews
- Keep Them In Sight: Top Horse Trailer Camera
- Which Horse Trailer Covers Are The Best
- Great Portable Horse Corrals
Conclusion
Maintaining proper air circulation is important for your horse’s health. Selecting the best barn fan for you setup is an important step toward creating proper air flow.
Have a combination of floor and hanging fans is a great way to ensure your horse is both cool and breathing easy when stalled.
Here is the quick list with my picks for the best barn fan one more time. To view prices and customer reviews see the links below.
- Maxxair 24″ High Velocity Portable Air Circulator
- Comfort Zone Industrial Floor Fan
- Air King Wall Mount Barn Fan
- Hurricane Wall Mount Fan
- Southwestern Equine Horse Stall Fan Bag
- Classic Equine Fan Bag
Fred is the editor of Equine Ridge. He grew up raising horses and has been riding, training, and competing for almost four decades. Fred started out performing on the AQHA and PHBA circuits. Fred trained other competitors in English and Western riding disciplines and today offers free riding lessons to youth who would otherwise not be able to afford lessons. When not working with horses he can be found backpacking or trying to brew the perfect cup of coffee. Email Fred at fred@equineridge.com