Best Retractable Ceiling Fan

Last Updated: Jun 12, 2023 @ 10:08 am.

Best Budget-Friendly: 36” Retractable Ceiling Fan with Lights and Remote Control

Ceiling fans with retractable blades have one main advantage over regular ceiling fans—when not in use, the blades retract . . . that makes the fixture look like a sleek light. With the push of a button, the blades unfold and voila! You have a ceiling fan.

For the best budget-friendly option, we liked FebFurniture’s 36″ retractable ceiling fan with lights and remote control. This was a reader favorite that is easy to install and very quiet. 

Here’s more:

What We Liked

• Clear acrylic blades are a conversation starter!

• 3 speeds.

• Remote control.

• Sleep timer up to 8 hours.

• 3 light color variations.

What Needs Work

• Light doesn’t dim—you can only change the color.

• Battery not included for remote. And it is an unusual type battery (A23) that you might not have around the house.

Best Craftsman-Style: 42 Inch Ceiling Fan by OUKANING

This ceiling fan looks expensive in real life—and the craftsman-style is the icing on the cake.

Fortunately, the price doesn’t bust the budget. We liked this fans overall performance, although the light kit is not dimmable.

What We Liked

• Quiet.

• Remote control.

• 42″ with blades extended.

• 3 light color temperatures.

What Needs Work

• Installation instructions could be improved.

• Light isn’t dimmable. Yes, you can change the color of the temperature, but not the intensity.

Best Modern-Style: Modern Ceiling Light with Fan Remote control

For a ceiling fan with retractable blades that would fit best into modern-style decor, we liked this model from Gdrasuya10—it works well, with a sleek form factor.

What We Liked

• 3 speeds.

• Quiet operation.

• 42″ blades when extended.

• Clear acrylic blades.

• 3 light color variations.

• Affordable.

What Needs Work

• Lights are not dimmable.

Why Trust Us

We’ve been rating and reviewing products for the home and families since 1994. We do extensive research, evaluating products with an eye toward quality, ease of use and affordability. When we purchase a product for hands-on testing, we do so with our own money. 

Here’s another key point: we don’t take money from the brands we review. No free samples, no sponsors, no “partnerships.” Our work is 100% reader-supported!