Ceiling fan motors are the most important component in determining how well a ceiling fan will work. Larger more powerful motors provide maximum air movement with quiet operation. Personally I don’t understand motors in general. I can read about motors and 10 minutes after reading an article I forget what I just read because I don’t find it interesting. When I was doing research for the post How to buy a Ceiling Fan Part Two, where I discuss ceiling fan motors I got bored and disinterested. Since the motor grade of a ceiling fan is very important I thought I would compare ceiling fan motor grades to shoes to make it more memorable and fun. (I know this would make me remember what kind of ceiling fan motor I want )
High Performance Grade Motors are like High Fashion Designer Shoes
These are the best ceiling fans on the market just like high fashion designer shoes. The ceiling fan motors are large, stay quiet, extremely durable and circulates more air even at low speeds. They can run for an unlimited amount of time without burning out.
Flywheel Motor compares to Manolo Blahnik and Jimmy Choo Shoes
Flywheel motors are energy efficient very powerful motors. Flywheel motors have an extremely quiet operation- due to the rubber flywheel disc that absorbs shock.
Just like Manolos and Jimmy Choos the ceiling fans that come with Flywheel motors range from classic designs like Emerson Premium Ceiling Fan to unique designs like Casablanca Verrazano Ceiling Fan.
Example of Flywheel Motors:
Emerson’s K55XL Motor
Oil Bath Motor compares to Christian Louboutin Shoes
Oil Bath Motors have an indestructible cast iron motor housing with an oil-bath lubrication system. Oil Bath Motor ceiling fans were created by The Hunter Fan Company.
Just like the shiny red lacquered soles on Christian Louboutin’s shoes, the Oil Bath Motor can only be found in Hunter Original Ceiling Fans.
DC Motor compares to Stella McCartney and Salvatore Ferragamo Shoes
DC motor ceiling fans are energy efficient which makes them earth friendly like Stella McCartney shoes which are made with Eco friendly materials. No Leather or Fur! DC, direct current, motors requires less electricity to operate because the motor uses a magnetic field to produce the torque. The stationary magnetic field in DC motors makes them 300% more efficient than standard fans.
Ceiling Fans with DC Motors were created with using a scientific approach that yielded a new energy efficient motor. Ferragamo also designs shoes with a scientific and creative approach that resulted in the invention of wedge heels.
Example of DC Motors:
EcoMotor – Emerson Midway Eco Ceiling Fan
165 X 18 mm Extreme Green motor – Monte Carlo DC Ceiling Fan
*Note- Ceiling Fans with DC motors also have six speeds instead of the normal three speeds.
Very Good Performance Grade Motors are like Designer Shoes
These ceiling fan motors are a step down from high performance grade motors but are still extremely durable and they come close to matching the high performance motors air circulation.
Ultra-Performance Direct Drive Motor compares to Cole Haan Shoes
The Ultra Performance Direct Drive motor has high quality bearing and copper wiring with the largest stacks of laminated steel in any direct drive motor. This allows for outstanding air flow.
Ceiling fans with Ultra-Performance Direct Drive Motors remind me of Cole Haan shoes. Cole Haan shoes usually are more comfortable than most designer shoes so it seems like they would be the Ultra-Performance Designer shoes.
Example of Ultra-Performance Direct Drive Motors:
212mm x 25mm Motor – Fanimation Edgewood Deluxe Ceiling Fan
Stack Motors compare to Michael Kors shoes
The Stack Motor is also a type of direct drive motor. Ceiling fans with Stack Motors are powerful and made with high quality bearings and copper wiring.
Stack Motors have a taller stack of laminate steel than standard direct drive motors which reminds me of Michael Kors shoes because they usually have taller heels.
Example of Stack Motors:
153mm x 18mm Motor – Modern Fan Company Altus Ceiling Fan
Large Standard Direct Drive Motor compares to Stuart Weitzman Shoes
Ceiling fans with large standard direct drive motors have a wide stack that produces more torque than standard motors.
Stuart Weitzman’s shoes are reminiscent of Large Standard Direct Motors because they are the standard of Designer shoes. ( In a very good way!)
Example of Large Standard Direct Drive motor
172mm x 20mm Motor – Minka-Aire Delano Ceiling Fan
Moderate or Economy Grade Motors are like Trendy Affordable Shoes
Ceiling fans with moderate or economy grade motors are designed with lower prices in mind. These motors are still durable however move noticeably less air than high performance grade and very good performance grade motors.
Standard Direct Drive Motor compares to Guess and Nine West Shoes
The Standard Direct Drive Motor is a very common ceiling fan motor in the fan industry. These motors are mostly used in contractor and builder ceiling fans.
Even though these motors have a lower grade than high performance and very good performance motors they are still produce great air flow and are made with high quality materials just like Guess and Nine West shoes.
Example of Standard Direct Drive Motors:
153mm x 13mm Motor – Savoy House Builder Specialty Ceiling Fan
I don’t recommended buying a ceiling fan that has less than a moderate or economy grade motor. Ceiling fans with smaller and cheaper motors move less air, wobble and tend to make noise. Just like with shoes the higher quality motor will last a lot longer than a low performing motor and is worth every dollar.
Ok, so after reading your Blog, I think I understand, however I don’t have a preference between Jimmy Choo’s and Christian Louboutin, it depends on the outfit and my mood. Since the “recession” I have to go with the every comfortable and affordable Nine West.
I wish I had read the article before I purchased my Ceiling Fan. But I did a pretty good job, and I’m very happy with not only the quality and look (fashion) but Now I know I’m right up there with the Jimmy Choo’s of motors.
Thank you for a really entertaining and very informative article.
Hi Karen,
Thank you. For me Louboutins always win. I need the extra height
I’m glad your happy with the fan you bought and it’s a high quality fan. Sometimes people skimp on the quality for the looks. But now there are so many high quality ceiling fans with attractive designs. We no longer have to settle and choose one or the other.