Retractable car door handles are a sleek, modern car design feature that many vehicle lovers have come to enjoy. Because they usually sit flush with the bodywork and only pop out when needed, they give cars a clean and futuristic look. While many people think of Tesla first, retractable car door handles also appear on vehicles like the Lucid Air, Mercedes-Benz EQS, and Range Rover Velar.
However, these handles have recently come under scrutiny. China’s recent decision to ban certain retractable door handles has raised questions about whether these designs prioritize styling over safety, and if the United States or other countries could do the same.
Learn what China is banning, what safety concerns experts have raised, and what it means for U.S. drivers.
Why Is China Banning Retractable Car Door Handles?
China recently became the first country to prohibit electronic-only hidden door handles on new passenger vehicles. Starting in 2027, new models sold must include mechanical door releases that work from both the inside and outside, even if the vehicle loses electrical power.
Not every retractable handle is banned, and automakers can continue using flush-mounted designs as long as they include a reliable mechanical backup that works during an emergency.
The rule is designed to address safety concerns about emergency access if electronically controlled door handles stop working after a crash. Some experts have also raised concerns that ice or freezing temperatures can interfere with certain flush-mounted handle designs.
Long before retractable handles became common, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said stronger door retention systems had “significantly improved door performance,” while noting that occupants “continue to be ejected through doors.”
Should U.S. Drivers Be Concerned About Retractable Car Door Handles?
Despite China’s decision and recent safety discussions about retractable car door handles, there is no evidence that they pose an immediate danger in normal driving. Concerns remain about emergency situations involving a loss of electrical power after a crash. Many vehicles include hidden mechanical releases, but their location and operation vary by manufacturer.
Read your owner’s manual to identify your vehicle’s manual door release before an emergency occurs. Also, check whether the exterior handles still work after a complete loss of electrical power, and how emergency responders or bystanders can access the vehicle if they don’t.
Automakers will continue refining these designs with additional safeguards, whether through manufacturer improvements or future regulations. It’s still too early to know whether China’s decision will encourage automakers and regulators in other countries to adopt similar requirements. Knowing how your vehicle’s emergency door release works can help prepare you for an unexpected situation.
If you haven’t checked it out yet, Build and Grill with Tyler Smith is the DIY and cooking show of the summer. Each week, Smith takes on a DIY project in the backyard and then cooks a delicious dinner for his family that utilizes the new build. Episode five spotlights the perfect backyard movie night build.
The Project
By this point in the series, Smith has built out the outdoor kitchen of a home cook’s dream. With the pizza oven and fire pit from episodes one and three and the prep station, raised garden bed and table from episodes two and four, all that’s left is to add some elite entertainment. To that end, Smith tackles an outdoor projector screen project. This first event after the project may be dinner and a movie, but the setup is perfect for hosting watch parties of all kinds, and Smith now has the means to cook whatever meal best complements the screening.
The Meal
While a pool party or a grilling holiday might call for hot dogs, Smith’s outdoor movie night features smash burgers, wings, and enchilada dip — exactly the kind of spread that’s perfect for a watch party. It’s also a fitting cap to the series thus far; Smith has cooked pizza, chicken and ribs with all the barbecue fixings, surf ‘n turf and gyros so far, but this is the first time since the series started that Smith has grilled burgers for an episode. It just goes to show that if you plan out your space right, you can cook all kinds of fancy items while also showing some love to the time-tested classics.
How Can I Join in the Fun?
“Build and Grill with Tyler Smith” airs on At Home with Family Handyman Saturday evenings at 8 PM EST. Carve out the time and make it a family event. Between the DIY projects and the delicious dinners, this show is sure to appeal to the foodies and builders in your family alike. Plus, watching it as a family is a surefire way to get everyone on board with a fun project.
Stepping into a Costco Wholesale for the first time can be a little overwhelming. For starters, they’re massive with aisles that seemingly span miles. It makes sense considering that you’ll need a lot of space for a store famous for selling all of its items in bulk quantities and volume.
But did you know Costcos are actually quite quick to be built? Costcos typically take about 110 days to be completed due to the company’s relatively straightforward warehouse design and construction methods that contractors have spent decades refining.
Learn how Costco warehouses take shape so quickly and why the work shoppers see represents only part of the process.
Why Costco’s Design Makes Construction Faster
One major feature in Costco design is something called tilt-up construction, which involves casting large concrete wall panels horizontally on-site before lifting them into place with cranes. Costcos are essentially just large concrete slabs with tall concrete walls and an open interior, making them more straightforward and quicker to build than similarly sized structures like hotels, apartment buildings, or office buildings.
Crews can use the slab as a work surface while forming the concrete wall panels that will eventually surround it. Tilt-up construction also allows contractors to overlap different phases of a project instead of completing each stage before starting the next.
Once the exterior shell and structural system are in place, construction crews can quickly move to interior systems and finishes, including electrical and mechanical systems, refrigeration, and interior finishes.
All Costcos have nearly identical floor plans, meaning architects and contractors spend less time redesigning the building for each new location.
Why a New Costco Can Still Take Longer Than It Looks
While 110 days does seem relatively quick for a project with the scope of a major retail location, there are things that can delay that time frame, and it doesn’t necessarily represent the entire process of developing a new Costco.
A new location will require local zoning or land-use approvals, engineering, utility planning, grading, drainage work, road improvements, including potentially new roadways, and building permits before crews reach the most visible stages of construction. The 110-day figure only accounts for the time once construction of the warehouse itself begins.
Other variables like extreme weather, supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and other unforeseen circumstances can also slow the construction schedule.
But once the site is ready and crews begin building the warehouse, progress becomes much easier to see.
Years of refining, standardized warehouse designs, and efficient construction methods have made it possible for Costcos to be built so quickly and efficiently. Which means less time locals have to wait before they can fill up on cheap gas, grab a $5 rotisserie chicken, order a $1.50 hot dog combo, stock up on bulk groceries, and leave with far more than they planned to buy.
Cut your plywood (A and B) and trim (C and D) to rough size, paint everything, and allow it to dry completely before moving on. It is much easier to paint before assembly than after. I recommend using 1/2-in. plywood for all shelves on wire shelving units because it’s lightweight, plenty solid, and gives you plenty of edge thickness to nail into.
Cut the plywood shelves
Cut the plywood for the top shelf (A) to the outside dimensions of the wire shelf, both length and width. Then, cut the plywood for any lower shelves (B) underneath to the inside dimensions of the thicker gauge wire that protrudes slightly above the rest of the wire around the edges of the shelves.
Notch the corners
On the lower shelves (B), use a Forstner bit to notch the corners where the upright pipes will be. Lay the lower shelves (B) on top of the top wire shelf and use a pencil to mark exactly where the shelf meets the upright pipes. Use a Forstner bit with a slightly larger diameter than the pipe to drill these. We used a 7/8-in. Forstner bit for the 3/4-in. upright pipes of our shelf.
For accurate placement, find the center of your pipe pencil marks and lightly tap the Forstner bit with a rubber mallet to create a dimple in the wood, then use a nail set to further punch the center point. This prevents the bit from skipping across the wood when you start drilling. Then square up the notches’ corners with a jigsaw or pull saw, and sand to clean up.
Add trim to the top shelf
Use a miter saw to cut 1×2 mitered trim (C and D) to wrap all the way around the top shelf. Attach the trim with wood glue, flushing the top edge of the trim to the top of the plywood, and nail through it with 1-1/2-in. 18-gauge brad nails. Don’t be afraid to hide a couple of brad nails in the corners to help keep the miters tight if needed.
Test fit and touch up
Test-fit each shelf to ensure they fit properly and make any necessary adjustments. When satisfied, pull them off, fill the nail holes, sand back the wood filler, and touch up the paint on the edges and notched corners. Give everything ample time to dry before moving on.
Secure the shelves
When the touch-up paint is dry, secure the wood shelves to the wire shelves using small wire shelf clips and 1/2-in. screws screwed from the underside of each shelf (A and B). Place them at the first cross wire near each side and approximately every 12-in. down the length of the shelf for longer shelves. This prevents the shelves from moving or rattling when placing heavier items on them.
Adapting for wall-mounted wire shelves
The process for wall-mounted wire shelves is nearly the same, with a few differences:
Cut the 1/2-in. plywood to the actual depth of the shelf from the wall. Ours was 11-1/2-in. deep. There are no corner notches needed since wall-\mounted shelves don’t have upright poles.
Instead of mitered trim all the way around, cut only a single piece of 1×2 face trim to the same length as the shelf and attach it to the front edge with wood glue and 1-1/2-in. 18-gauge brad nails, making the top edge flush with the top of the plywood.
When securing with wire shelf clips, attach them to both the underside of the plywood shelf and the back of the 1×2 face trim to keep it from sliding forward over time.
FAQ
What kind of paint or sealer should I use for wood wire rack shelf covers?
You want a durable and easy-to-clean finish for your wood shelf covers. Your best options are a cabinet-grade enamel – easy to wipe down and live up to high traffic areas. If you want a clear finish over a stain or natural wood, use an oil-based polyurethane finish. Both options will look good and last long.
Where can I purchase wooden shelf covers for wire shelving?
Wood shelf covers for wire shelving can be purchased already made online (Amazon) or big box retailers.
What materials make good shelf covers?
To cover wire shelves, you want a rigid and water-resistant material. Wood that has been properly painted or sealed will work well. Acrylic glass is another good option when covering wire shelves.
Robot vacuums are a cleaning appliance staple in many U.S. households. Modern models, thanks to AI and other technological advancements, can map your home and leave your place spotless, all with little or no assistance from their owners.
While these features can be a real time saver, they’re also why they could soon face new restrictions. A new update from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) means foreign-produced machines could be at risk of being banned due to cybersecurity concerns.
Learn what the FCC’s decision means for robot vacuum owners and anyone still looking to purchase one.
What Exactly Is the FCC Banning?
The FCC’s move prevents new covered models from receiving the authorization needed to enter the U.S. market. However, it doesn’t just include vacuums. Any autonomous devices that navigate or avoid obstacles, sense their surroundings, connect wirelessly, and run onboard software may also be subject to the new restrictions.
This definition includes many robot vacuums, robotic lawn mowers, and other connected household robots.
The policy applies to qualifying foreign-produced devices, however, Chinese manufacturers are likely to be most impacted. Popular Chinese brands include Roborock, Ecovacs, and Dreame.
“New models of devices on the Covered List are prohibited from receiving FCC authorization and are therefore prohibited from being imported or sold in the United States,” according to the FCC.
Why Is the FCC Restricting Robots, and What Does It Mean for Buyers?
The government says its concerns center on cybersecurity and U.S. dependence on foreign robotics. Federal officials claim these devices could be used to surveil Americans or remotely control the devices.
“Relying on foreign-produced advanced robotic devices presents unacceptable supply chain and cybersecurity vulnerabilities,” the FCC states.
Can Owners Keep Using Their Current Robot Vacuums?
The FCC’s new rules will primarily affect new products, meaning robot vacuum owners don’t need to replace their existing machines. Previously authorized models can still be sold, however future product availability is still to be determined. Foreign-produced robots may need approval before receiving FCC authorization.
“The Covered List does not restrict the continued use by consumers of previously-purchased devices,” according to the FCC. “Consumers can continue to use the devices they lawfully purchased.”
Existing authorized devices can also continue receiving certain software and firmware updates under current FCC rules. These updates can help maintain functionality and address security concerns, although the FCC could change those policies in the future.
Independence and self-reliance are hallmark traits of any DIY enthusiast. There’s a real pride in the ability to figure it out yourself and tackle any home project, but complete self-reliance can come at a cost. Failing to listen to time-honored advice can lead to wasted materials, time and money, as well as serious injuries.
Ahead, we’ve rounded up the best DIY advice that no one follows, with help from Daniel Cabrera of Roof Direct San Antonio and engineer and DIY enthusiast Peter Bell of Built By Pete.
Measure Twice—and Then Measure Again
We’ve all heard the adage, “Measure twice, cut once,” and for good reason. This simple tip takes only a few seconds but can save tons of time and money by preventing incorrect cuts. “The 1/4 inch that’s too short for a cut means a waste of a board and an extra run to the store, which turns a Saturday project into a three-weekend project,” Cabrera says.
Resist the urge to rush to the saw; take the extra time to verify your first measurement. For highly detailed work like finish trim or molding, take a third or fourth measurement for the most accurate results.
Buy the Right Tool Instead of Improvising
Using the right tool for the job always makes a project go more smoothly. If you need a chisel, use a chisel, not a screwdriver just because it’s nearby. Improvising usually just leads to wasted time and energy.
However, buying costly tools every time you tackle a new project may defeat the purpose of doing it yourself to begin with. “Tools are expensive, and I would recommend building your tool collection slowly,” Bell says. “Taking your time not only hones your manual skills, but helps you buy the right tools once you have more DIY experience behind you.” Consider renting expensive tools or those you may only use occasionally.
Practice on Scrap Materials First
When it comes to making complex cuts on expensive materials, practicing first is sage advice that’s seldom followed. You may think that this extra step is a waste of time, but it will likely save both time and money in the end.
“Practicing on scraps is the step no one takes, but pros do before any job starts,” Cabrera says. “In order to cut the complex detail for roof flashing, one of my guys does it on scrap first, because the second attempt is always better than the first.” It’s well worth it to practice first for a better final result that you’ll likely look at for years to come.
Keep Extra Materials
“Saving offcuts or buying a little extra for a DIY project is the best way to make sure future projects are a success,” Bell says. “It doesn’t just save money and time, it also means you can try out an idea with a prototype before you commit to the final build.” Material availability can also change, and products can be phased out, making future repairs difficult. Flooring, siding and tile are all worth buying extra in case it’s not available when you need it in years to come. Add one percent to your materials total to allow for extra pieces to store just in case.
Wear Safety Gear Every Time
It’s easy to skip safety gear, especially if you’ve never had a DIY related injury. This creates the belief that because you’ve never gotten hurt, you never will. But mistakes can happen in the blink of an eye, so it’s best to always be prepared with the proper safety gear. To increase compliance, try reducing any friction or hurdles to donning necessary gear.
“As a younger DIYer I made plenty of mistakes not using safety equipment,” Bell says. “I now keep my safety equipment right next the tools that warrant them most.” Consider buying lots of inexpensive safety glasses, gloves and earplugs to always have some handy when you need them. Additionally, always operate tools with safety guards in place.
FAQ
What is the biggest mistake beginners make in DIY projects?
“Underestimating preparation time and rushing are the biggest mistakes,” Bell says. “In my experience, proper preparation accounts for at least 80 percent of a successful DIY project; rushing it almost always guarantees failure.”
How do I avoid wasting materials during a DIY project?
Take your time to measure and plan your project, then double-check the math before purchasing materials. Another tip is to plan projects with stock lumber sizes in mind to save time and avoid wasteful cuts.
About the Experts
Daniel Cabrera has 16 years of residential remodeling experience in the San Antonio metro area. He is the owner of Roof Direct San Antonio.
Peter Bell is a trained engineer and head of Built By Pete, a YouTube channel where he shares DIY builds, smart home tech guides and network tutorials.
Multiple operating modes, including sleep, natural and auto
Display turns off completely in sleep mode for a dark, distraction-free bedroom
Quiet operation with a mute setting that silences button sounds
Built-in timer for automatic shut-off
Quick and easy assembly
Sleek, modern design with an intuitive touchscreen display
Cons:
Natural mode's fluctuating airflow may not appeal to everyone
The Dreo Nomad One earns our top spot thanks to its powerful yet smooth airflow, whisper-quiet operation, and budget-friendly price. It checks all the boxes for a bedroom fan, with thoughtful features like a responsive touchscreen and a sleep mode that turns off the display completely.
“I love this feature,” says deputy shopping editor Katie Bandurski. “I’m super sensitive to light, so a little display in a dark bedroom will 100% keep me from falling asleep. In fact, that’s my number one pet peeve with my current fan. The fact that it goes completely dark is amazing.”
The fan’s slim profile blends easily into a corner, while its glow-in-the-dark remote makes nighttime adjustments easy without turning on a light. It also oscillates smoothly to circulate air throughout the room, and even at its highest speed, it stays stable without wobbling.
Choose from normal, sleep and natural modes—the latter mimics changing outdoor breezes—or let auto mode adjust the fan speed based on the room’s temperature. Despite its straightforward design, the Nomad One delivers where it matters most. “For the price, this is a great no-frills fan,” Katie says. “It gets the job done without being overly loud or bulky.”
Dimensions: 11.81 x 11.81 x 36.22 inches | Weight: 9.92 pounds | Number of Fan Speeds: 4 | Oscillation Range: 90 degrees | Remote: Yes | Noise: 20 decibels
MARY HENN FOR FAMILY HANDYMAN
Best Budget
Levoit Classic 36-Inch Tower Fan
Pros:
Budget-friendly price
Quick and easy setup
Slim design fits neatly into corners and tight spaces
Wide oscillation provides whole-room airflow
Whisper-quiet operation, especially on lower speeds
Built-in temperature sensor automatically adjusts fan speed
Convenient 12-hour timer for overnight use
Cons:
Remote uses a button-cell battery, which may be a concern in homes with young children
If you’re looking for a quiet, capable tower fan that won’t break the bank, this Levoit Tower Fan is an excellent choice. It delivers impressive airflow, wide oscillation and whisper-quiet performance on its lower settings, making it especially well-suited for bedrooms. I also appreciated the 12-hour timer, which keeps the room cool overnight and automatically shuts the fan off later.
Assembly was quick and straightforward. Despite its affordable price, this fan includes a built-in temperature sensor that automatically adjusts the fan speed based on the room’s temperature—like our Best Overall pick above. It offers five fan speeds and four modes: normal, turbo, sleep and auto.
The included remote conveniently slides into a storage slot on the back of the fan when it’s not in use. I chose to remove it entirely because it uses a button battery, and I have a toddler at home.
I often move this fan into my daughter’s playroom, which tends to be the warmest room in the house. With the remote stored safely away, I feel comfortable using the fan around her, and it runs quietly enough that it doesn’t become a distraction during playtime.
Dimensions: 6.5 x 6.5 x 36.2 inches | Weight: 8.5 pounds | Number of Fan Speeds: 5 | Oscillation Range: 90 degrees | Remote: Yes | Noise: 28 decibels
Some of the advanced controls take a little time to learn
If you’re looking for a bladeless, feature-packed smart fan, the Dreame MF10 model fits the bill. It pairs with the Dreamehome app, letting you adjust fan speed, oscillation, modes, timers and other settings right from your phone. It also supports hands-free control through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Beyond its standard and sleep modes, the fan includes an eco-mode that automatically adjusts airflow based on the room’s temperature using built-in sensors. A removable, washable intake filter helps capture dust, hair and other larger particles, making maintenance simple, too.
What really sets this fan apart, though, is its flexible airflow. The head oscillates horizontally up to 180 degrees while tilting vertically up to 90 degrees, providing up to 270 degrees of coverage. During testing, our Arizona-based tester appreciated the ability to control the upper and lower sections independently or to have them oscillate continuously for more even air circulation.
“My office is consistently the hottest room in my home, and the Dreame made it comfortable on a 107°F day without having to lower the thermostat for the entire house,” says shopping editor Nancy Snyder. “I appreciated that this fan kept me cool without turning my workspace into a paper tornado.”
On its lowest settings, the fan emits a soft, barely noticeable hum that fades into the background. At higher speeds, it produces a pleasant white noise-like sound that’s well suited for sleeping.
Dimensions: 10.63 x 14.76 x 39.84 inches | Weight: 13.9 pounds | Number of Fan Speeds: 10 | Oscillation Range: 180 degrees horizontal, 90 degrees vertical | Remote: Yes | Noise: 20 decibels
On Sale
MARY HENN FOR FAMILY HANDYMAN
Lowest Price in 30 daysBest Design
Shark TurboBlade
Pros:
Bladeless design is safe for homes with kids and pets
Quick, hassle-free setup
Sleek appearance
Slim profile fits easily into corners and small spaces
Highly adjustable for targeted airflow in multiple directions
Telescoping neck for customizable height
Magnetic remote attaches to fan for easy access
Cons:
Noticeably loud on higher speed settings
Remote can be finicky; needs to be used within roughly 6 feet of fan
Expensive
Shark has a strong track record when it comes to home cooling, and the TurboBlade continues that trend. Like the Shark FlexBreeze, it features a sleek design with polished chrome accents.
In testing for this review, the TurboBlade had no trouble cooling the entryway next to my home office. I placed it in a corner beneath the stairs (about 15 feet from my desk) and used natural breeze mode to create a steady, comfortable airflow. One of my favorite aspects is the added peace of mind it offers. Its bladeless design means I don’t have to worry about my toddler sticking her fingers into spinning blades or getting her hair caught.
The fan also feels exceptionally stable. Unlike some top-heavy tower fans, the TurboBlade has a sturdy base that keeps it firmly planted, even while oscillating.
Maintenance is another highlight. Instead of a bulky front grille that collects dust, the TurboBlade uses slim air vents, while the rear intake panel is removable for quick, easy cleaning.
As for noise, I wouldn’t describe the TurboBlade as silent at its highest settings. Speeds five through 10 produce a noticeable but pleasant swishing sound—like a central air vent or gentle white noise—rather than an irritating hum. I keep it on the main level near the entryway or kitchen, which tends to get especially warm during the summer, and it provides effective cooling without becoming an eyesore when guests are over.
Dimensions: 11.77 x 31.57 x 44.84 inches | Weight: 14.33 pounds | Number of Fan Speeds: 10 | Oscillation Range: 180 degrees | Remote: Yes | Noise: Not listed
MARY HENN FOR FAMILY HANDYMAN
Best Tabletop
Lasko StealthBreeze
Pros:
Compact, portable design is perfect for nightstands, tabletops and desks
Quick, hassle-free setup
Impressive airflow with 12 speed settings
Ideal for small spaces and homes with limited storage
Adjustable tilt and oscillation for targeted cooling
Very quiet operation, even in smaller rooms
Cons:
Remote does not include batteries
Don’t let its compact size fool you. The Lasko StealthBreeze packs in an impressive number of features. It offers 12 fan speeds, oscillation, adjustable tilt, a built-in night light and a 12-hour timer, giving it many of the conveniences you’d expect from a larger fan.
This is the fan I reach for when my toddler’s room needs a little extra cooling. It’s lightweight, ultra-compact and quiet enough to sit on her bedside table without disrupting sleep, while still moving plenty of air across her small bedroom.
I don’t personally use the built-in night light because she sleeps best in a dark room, but it offers four brightness levels for anyone who prefers a soft glow overnight.
Like several other fans on this list, the StealthBreeze includes standard, auto and nature modes, with the latter varying airflow to mimic a natural breeze. It also oscillates, features an adjustable tilt to direct airflow exactly where you want it, and has a built-in carrying handle for effortless room-to-room movement. The included remote runs on standard batteries, avoiding the button-cell batteries used by some competitors.
Whether you need a fan for a nightstand, desk or tabletop, the StealthBreeze delivers surprisingly powerful cooling in a highly portable package. When it’s not in use, its compact footprint also makes it easy to tuck away for storage.
Dimensions: 6.06 x 6.06 x 15.32 inches | Weight: 3.9 pounds | Number of Fan Speeds: 12 | Oscillation Range: 90 degrees | Remote: Yes | Noise: 24 decibels
What to Look for When Buying a Tower Fan
According to Environmental Health and Engineering Consultant Dr. Ted Myatt, an air quality expert, tower fans are a great option because of their compact footprint compared to traditional fan designs. “They work great in smaller spaces or even larger rooms, where you might not want to have a large fan obstructing the flow of the room,” he says.
Dr. Myatt recommends choosing a tower fan with oscillation, quiet or sleep modes, and a low decibel rating. “Oscillating is great as it provides better whole-room air circulation,” he says. For bedrooms, he suggests looking for a fan with a sound rating of around 40 decibels or lower. Sleep modes and timer functions are also useful, allowing you to preset the fan to turn off after you fall asleep, which can help reduce energy consumption.
Many tower fans list their decibel rating, making it easier to compare noise levels across models. If you’re sensitive to sound, look for a fan with quiet operation and features such as sleep mode or a low-speed setting designed for nighttime use.
“For safety, ensure tower fans have a wide base to minimize the risk of tipping. Tower fans are generally safer than traditional fans because the blades [if there are blades] are hard to access, reducing the risk of accidental injury,” says Dr. Myatt.
In addition to the features and safety considerations Dr. Myatt recommends, it’s also worth considering the fan’s size, design and extra features, depending on your needs.
Size: The right fan size depends on the space you’re trying to cool. A tall, slim tower fan is a great fit for a bedroom corner or larger living area, while a compact tabletop fan is often better for smaller bedrooms, offices or desks. Consider both the fan’s height and footprint to make sure it fits comfortably in your space.
Style: Tower fans come in a wide range of designs, from traditional models to modern bladeless options with unique airflow systems. Some feature sleek finishes, rotating heads or touchscreen controls for a more seamless look. Choose a style that fits both your cooling needs and your space.
Modes and Features: Most tower fans include useful settings such as sleep, auto and natural modes, as well as programmable timers. Some models also offer advanced features such as air purification, smart-home compatibility and app or voice control, which may appeal to buyers seeking added convenience and functionality.
How We Found the Best Tower Fans
As shopping experts, we’re here to help you find products that are worth your money, and that means doing the hands-on work. We started by researching some of the highest-rated tower fans available, comparing key factors like noise levels, features, size, design and price.
Then, we put these fans through real-life testing with our expert product testers during some of the hottest weeks of the year, from humid Midwestern summers to Arizona heat waves. They evaluated everything from cooling power and ease of use to noise levels and everyday practicality.
After gathering all the results, we analyzed the feedback to determine which models truly stood out. The five tower fans above earned our top recommendations for their performance, features and overall value.
FAQ
Which brand of tower fan is the best?
Brands like Dreo and Lasko frequently rank at the top for tower fans to cool your home. Dreo models are known for their sleek designs, powerful airflow and features, though they often come at a slightly higher price. Lasko, meanwhile, is a reliable choice for shoppers looking for solid performance and great value.
Which tower fan has the best reviews?
Dreo tower fans frequently earn high marks due to their combination of quiet operation, strong airflow and compact designs. They’re especially popular among those looking for a bedroom-friendly fan with modern features like touchscreen controls, timers and multiple modes.
Are tower fans worth the money?
For many homes, tower fans are a worthwhile investment. They offer a slim profile, quiet operation and targeted cooling without taking up much space. Reliable models from brands like Dreo and Lasko typically range from about $30 to $100, while premium smart fans and models with air-purifying features can cost more. They’re especially useful for cooling bedrooms, home offices and other smaller spaces where you want extra airflow.
Why You Should Trust Us
Our team of expert product testers brings years of experience evaluating products across a wide range of categories. Many of our testers are based in the Midwest and Southwest, where summer temperatures can soar, making them the perfect candidates to put tower fans to the test in real-world conditions.
Rather than relying solely on specs, our testers spend weeks using these fans in their own homes during the hottest part of the year. They evaluate everything from cooling performance and noise levels to ease of use, design and everyday practicality.
We also spoke with Environmental Health and Engineering Consultant Dr. Ted Myatt, who has more than 20 years of experience in environmental health and biosafety. He shared his recommendations for what to look for when shopping for a tower fan, along with key safety considerations.
