A 20 inch box fan is the most familiar way to move air. People set them on the floor, in a window or on a shelf. A box fan is simple and easy to store, but it is not made for every window and it is not weatherproof. If you plan to use one in a window, check that it sits securely and is protected from rain.
The six fans below are 20 inch box fans. Details come from the product listings, and we have not used these fans ourselves. Check the safety notes and window use guidance on the product page.
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Box Fan or Window Fan?
| Type | Good at | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Box fan | Moving a lot of air; use on a floor, shelf or window | Not made to seal a window; no rain protection |
| Window fan | Fits into the window opening | Needs a window that matches its width |
Our Six Picks
| Fan | Notes from the listing |
|---|---|
| Amazon Basics Box Fan | 3 speeds, 5 blades, 67 W, carry handle |
| Genesis 20 in | 3 settings, Max Cooling Technology, carry handle |
| COMFORT ZONE 20 in | Portable, 3-speed control |
| Hurricane Classic | Floor box fan, 3 speeds |
| PELONIS 20 in | 3 speeds, 5 blades, 2295 CFM |
| Vornado Model 80 | High velocity, 5 speeds |
The 6 Best Box Fans
1. Amazon Basics 3-Speed Box Fan
A 20 inch, five-blade box fan with three speeds, a carry handle and a 67 W rating.
Suits: a bedroom or a shelf. Strengths: light and portable. Weaknesses: basic controls. Skip it if you want more speeds.
View Amazon Basics 3-Speed Box Fan 20 Inch on Amazon
2. Genesis 20 Inch Box Fan
A 20 inch box fan with three settings, a carry handle and what the listing calls Max Cooling Technology.
Suits: general room use. Strengths: a handle and three settings. Weaknesses: the cooling technology claim is the maker’s. Skip it if you want a known air-circulator brand.
View Genesis 20 Inch Box Fan on Amazon
3. COMFORT ZONE 20 Inch Box Fan
A portable 20 inch box fan with three-speed control.
Suits: a basic fan for any room. Strengths: a simple build. Weaknesses: the listing gives few other details. Skip it if you need airflow numbers.
View COMFORT ZONE 20 Inch Portable Box Fan on Amazon
4. Hurricane Classic Floor Box Fan
A 20 inch floor box fan with three speeds.
Suits: garage or shop use. Strengths: a classic design. Weaknesses: not made for a window. Skip it if you want a window-fitting fan.
View Hurricane Classic Floor Box Fan 20 Inch on Amazon
5. PELONIS 20 Inch Box Fan, 2295 CFM
A 20 inch, five-blade box fan with three speeds and an airflow of 2295 CFM per the listing.
Suits: buyers who want a stated airflow figure. Strengths: a published CFM. Weaknesses: the figure is the maker’s. Skip it if you want a different brand.
View PELONIS 20 Inch Box Fan 2295 CFM on Amazon
6. Vornado Model 80 High Velocity
A 20 inch high-velocity box fan with five speeds from a brand known for air circulators.
Suits: people who want more speed settings. Strengths: five speeds. Weaknesses: check size and weight on the product page. Skip it if you want a basic fan.
View Vornado Model 80 High Velocity Box Fan on Amazon
Using a Box Fan in a Window
- Place the fan on a stable surface at the window, not leaning on glass.
- Seal gaps with cardboard so hot air does not flow back in.
- Keep the cord and plug dry and away from rain.
- Do not leave it running in a window when you are away.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Leaving a box fan in a rainy window.
- Covering the fan, which can cause overheating.
- Using a damaged cord.
- Putting the fan where it can tip over.
Box Fan FAQ
Can I put a box fan in a window?
Many people do, but the fan is not designed for weather exposure. Use it carefully and read the safety notes.
Which is better, box fan or window fan?
A window fan fits the opening. A box fan is more flexible and moves a lot of air.
What does CFM mean?
It means cubic feet of air per minute, the amount of air the fan moves.
The Short Version
For a basic fan, the Amazon Basics or COMFORT ZONE. For a stated airflow, the PELONIS. For more speeds, the Vornado Model 80. For shops and garages, the Hurricane Classic.
