20-Second Summary
Ceiling fans are a really important addition for a small kitchen, especially if you are on a budget and want to save on the extra costs of air conditioning bills.
Do you want to know the exact size, CFM, and the type of ceiling fan that you must use in your small kitchen?
This blog is going to deliver exactly that, with additional information on the clearance, size, and drawbacks of the ceiling fans, with solutions to incorporate ceiling fans in your small kitchen and use them not only for heat management but also for their dual functionality of lighting.
Let’s explore the blog!
Why is a Small Kitchen Ceiling Fan beneficial?
Working in a kitchen, especially in countries where temperatures in summer are really hot, isn’t easy without proper air conditioning.
A Ceiling fan for a small kitchen can be really beneficial for heat management.
But is heat management the only benefit of ceiling fans?
No, definitely not! There are so many other benefits of having a small kitchen ceiling fan, given below:
- Aside from providing heat management, ceiling fans in a small kitchen also provide better air circulation, especially when cooking. By providing better ventilation, they also help to keep the kitchen environment healthy by removing the stagnant air or pollutant particles.
- Ceiling fans also help to get rid of odors during cooking, keeping the environment fresh.
- Due to the ventilation and better air flow, they stop the condensation buildup, which helps to avoid the chances of mildew or mold growth in your kitchen.
- Using ceiling fans instead of air conditioning can be really cost-effective by reducing energy consumption and electricity bills.
- They now also come as smart ceiling fans with a remote control, adding to your convenience of using them. You can control the speed or switch them off and on without having to walk to the switchboard.
Looking at these benefits really changes the perspective on the importance of ceiling fans for a small kitchen, rather than just looking at them for heat management.
Are Small Kitchen Ceiling Fans Functional?
The short answer is yes. Ceiling fans can be very functional when it comes to their uses.
They not only provide you with the above-mentioned benefits, but they also have a dual functionality.
Fans with Dual-Purpose Lighting
These fans have the incorporation of lighting in them. Most ceiling fans now come with lighting, providing them with dual functionality.
This not only provides you with ample lighting fixtures for your kitchen, but these can be really cost-effective as well because most of the ceiling fans now come with low-energy consumption LED lights, which make them a budget-friendly investment for lighting and heat management in your small kitchen.
Clearance Specifics for Small Kitchen Ceiling Fans
Clearance specifics are really important when installing a ceiling fan for small kitchens.
You will need to consider them seriously for the safety and proper functionality.
Below, we are recommending the clearance specifics for two general sizes of a small kitchen.
Clearance Specifics: For a 75-square-foot Small Kitchen
- For a very small kitchen whose area is under or equal to 75 square feet, you must make sure that the distance between the ceiling fan and your work surface is 7 feet.
- The distance of the fan blades must be 18 inches minimum from the walls of your kitchen and also from the upper cabinets of your kitchen.
- For such a kitchen, we advise you to only use a flush-mounted fan and avoid using low-hanging fans.
- Also, ensure that you fix your fan in a place away from the stove. It can be dangerous as it could blow out a gas flame and cause a fire, or it could disperse the cooking fumes.
Clearance Specifics: For a 76-100 square-foot Small Kitchen
- For a small kitchen that is sized 76 to 100 square feet, you must consider installing the fan at a height of 7 feet from the floor.
- Here, you may consider the option of adding a low-profile downrod fan in case your ceiling is greater than 8 feet; otherwise, a flush-mounted fan would work great.
- The blade distance from the wall of the cabinets should be 18 inches, as mentioned above, for a very small kitchen.
Note: Always make sure to measure your kitchen, and also consider the distance of your cabinets, walls, or any other kinds of obstructions like wall-mounted shelves, before you head out to buy a ceiling fan for your small kitchen.
Flush-Mounted vs Low-Profile Downrod Fans
When it comes to choosing small kitchen ceiling fans, ideally, we will suggest the two types of fans, including a flush-mounted fan or a low-profile downrod. These are low-profile fixtures that are ideal for small kitchens.
- Flush-Mounted Fans:
The flush-mounted fan is ideal and must be the only choice to be used for a kitchen with a low height of 7 feet from the floor. As these are mounted directly to the ceiling, they are suitable for low ceilings. They are advisable for tight, small kitchens.
- Low-Hanging Downrod Fans
These low-profile fixtures can be an additional option for a small kitchen ceiling fan if the kitchen is more than 8 feet from the floor. They are ideal for small kitchens that have enough vertical clearance for their installation, but consider using a 3-6 inch downrod only.
Ceiling Fan Size and CFM Based on Room Size Dimensions
As we have already discussed the clearance for the safety and functionality of ceiling fans for two different kitchen sizes, similarly, here we will be taking a closer look at the exact size and CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) of small kitchen ceiling fans.
What is the CFM of a ceiling fan?
CFM is the measurement of how much air a ceiling fan moves per minute. This factor is really important as it provides ideal heat management and ventilation based on the size of your kitchen.
Fan Size and CFM for a 75 Square Foot Kitchen
- For a 75 square foot kitchen, A fan with a blade span of 29 inches to 36 inches should be used.
- Choose only the flush-mounted fan.
- The CFM for the fan should be between 2000 and 4500.
Fan Size and CFM for a 76-100 Square Foot Kitchen
- For a 76-100 Square foot kitchen, the ideal blade span for your ceiling fan should be between 36 inches and 42 inches.
- You can choose a flush-mounted fan if the ceiling distance from the floor is 7 feet.
- You can choose a low-profile downrod fan if the ceiling distance from the floor is greater than 8 feet.
- The CFM should be the same as above, that is, between 2000 and 4500.
Are There Any Drawbacks of Small Kitchen Ceiling Fans?
Yes, there are a few drawbacks of ceiling fans that we have included in this blog post to make sure everything is covered for you to make a decision about choosing the ceiling fan for your small kitchen.
- You might need to get electrical work done to install a ceiling fan if your kitchen’s current electrical system is not built to handle a ceiling fan.
- Although they provide heat management, they cannot be ideal for very hot areas while cooking, and require air conditioning along with a fan to get a cool environment for cooking with ease.
- Since kitchen cooking involves heat, steam, and oils, a ceiling fan in the kitchen can accumulate grease due to the airborne particles and can also accumulate dust particles from the air, making the fan blades dirty, requiring cleaning maintenance, including dusting weekly and deep cleaning at least once a month.
Solutions For the Drawbacks of Ceiling Fans
- The drawback of electrical work is a one-time thing only.
- You can add grease-resistant finishes to your fan blades to make them easy to clean if your ceilings are not too high to reach the fan.
- The only major drawback could be the installation of an AC for proper cooling if you are in hot areas, but if you could manage with a fan, it could rule out this drawback for you, like the other two, and install the ceiling fan in your kitchen without any hesitation.
Final Remarks
Even a small kitchen requires proper ventilation and a heat management system. Ceiling fans can be a smart addition to your small kitchen to help you manage the heat, reduce your air conditioning bills, and provide you with enough ventilation to avoid odors, mildew, and mold.
This blog post will for sure help you in investing in the right ceiling fan based on your kitchen size. If you are interested in knowing more about kitchen decor and design, feel free to visit our Design and Decor Category.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What size ceiling fan is suitable for a small kitchen?
For a kitchen sized 75 square feet, a fan with a blade span of 29 inches to 36 inches should be used. Whereas for a kitchen sized 76-100 square feet, the size of the fan blades should be between 36 inches and 42 inches.
- What type of ceiling fan is best for a small kitchen?
If your small kitchen ceiling is 7 feet from the floor, then a flush-mounted fan should be used. For small kitchens with a ceiling distance greater than 8 feet, a low-hanging downrod fan (3-6 inches rod) or a flush-mounted fan can be used.
- Can ceiling fans reduce kitchen heat while cooking?
Yes, if you buy a right-sized fan with the right CFM, it can reduce the heat with proper ventilation. For small kitchens, the advisable CFM of a fan is 2000-4500, and the size can be 29”-36” for a 75 square foot kitchen and 36”-42” for a 76-100 square foot kitchen.
- Do kitchen ceiling fans need grease-resistant finishes?
Yes, adding grease-resistant finishes to the ceiling fans can reduce the buildup, make cleaning easier, and increase the lifespan of a fan.
- Are smart ceiling fans worth it for small kitchens?
Yes, smart ceiling fans that are remote-controlled are an ideal choice for a small kitchen. You can easily turn them on and off or reduce their speed if required during cooking without walking to the switchboard.
