3/26/2010

Review of Hunter 90021 12-Inch Oscillating Table Fan, Brushed Nickel


Hunter's 90021 Century 12-Inch Fan sports great looks and retro styling, though at a high price.While the quality control on these models isn't perfect, if you have any problems you can return or exchange it.You also have a very nice 5 year limited warrantee that comes with it.Bottom line, put it through the paces when you buy it!There are alternatives though, depending on what you are looking for.

Yep, it's made in China.That doesn't bother me at all.If it bothers you, look elsewhere.

What bothers me is that the silver version was listed at $70 and the black version at $80.Either price is too high, but they both sell for $60 which is also too high as far as I'm concerned.Why list the different colors of the same item at different prices?These fans sell at other retailers for $50 to $60, so the list prices here are hard to accept.

It's just a fan.I realize that some people pay top dollar for top of the line.This is just "above average" though.You'll want to step up to a Vornado Silver Swan Fan or one of those highly hyped Allaire fans from Restoration Hardware if you have even more money to burn on a desk fan.

After researching a number of fans, I saw this one at my friend's house and thought it was a decent compromise.My friend's fan ran smoothly with a lot of power and minimal noise (from the fan head, not the motor).Of course, I did read about others getting clunkers.If yours is noisy, or doesn't oscillate all the way or just stops working, that's the time to use your warrantee coverage!Hunter at least does honor their warrantee, which other companies don't always seem to do.

The main negative for me, other than price, is that I don't like the power adjustment lever being on the base.I would prefer it on the motor housing.Still, that's a minor thing and you might have a different preference.

For alternatives with similar metal bodies, look at the:

Vornado FA1-0003-13 Silver Swan Fan - For about $100 to $130 you get a fan that is made with more weight and *hopefully* durability and quality control.Seems a bit much for a fan though.

Soleus Air FT1-30-44 12-Inch Metal Table Fan - very comparable for about $30 to $40, but just not as attractive.There are other ones out there too.Might be worth the savings if you can't get the Hunter on sale.


Pros
+ Attractive retro styling and sleek metal body in silver and black
+ 12 inch size is just right for most uses
+ 5-year limited warranty from a company that actually honors warrantees (at least based on past experience)
+ Easy set up and operation
+ Heavy and sturdy base makes fan very sturdy
+ Standard 3-speed controls for variable air flow
+ Pretty quiet motor and aerodynamic blade design for maximum air flow

Cons
- Still expensive for a desk fan
- Silver version is such a matte finish it almost looks plastic; After a return I prefer the black one slightly, but they are both still attractive
- May require oiling over time since it's all metal
- Not crazy about the adjustment slider being placed on the base
- Higher end versions are out there for those looking for the "very best" at any price

Conclusion

Review your options.If like me you just don't want to spend $130 on a fan, this might be the one for you.If you like Soleus, you might want to check out their cheaper more affordable fan.Get this on sale and you can come close in price with the Hunter.Just make sure to test it extensively and exchange it till you get agood one.

Enjoy!


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Product Description:
Hunter circulating fans bring the Hunter style, quality, craftsmanship, and performance to every room in - and around - your home.

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