How to buy the best fan for you
Whether you’re trying to stay cool during a summer heatwave, sleep more comfortably at night, work outdoors, or simply find a portable fan that actually works, this guide is designed to help you buy smarter. So you can find the best option for you
I’m also sharing some of the fans I’m personally using, so if you’re thinking about buying a fan this summer, hopefully this will help you avoid wasting money on the wrong one. To see my pick of the fans in action pop over to my Amazon Live or read on.
Confused by fan jargon?
Let’s start with a simple guide of terms you need to know before you buy
- Oscillation-fan rotates side-to-side to spread airflow
- Vertical oscillation-fan moves up and down automatically
- dB (Decibels)-noise level measurement
- CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute)-amount of air the fan moves
- Airflow-volume of air produced by the fan
- Air speed-how fast the air comes out
- Air throw-how far the airflow reaches
- mAh (Milliamp Hours)-battery capacity; higher usually means longer runtime
- Runtime-how long a battery-powered fan lasts before recharging
- DC motor-quieter, more energy-efficient motor type
- AC motor-traditional motor type, usually cheaper
- Room coverage-recommended room size the fan can cool effectively
- Brushless– a fan that uses a brushless motor, which operates without physical contact parts usually quieter
1. Handheld Fans
I love a handheld fan, they fit perfectly into smaller handbags, which makes them ideal for days out, travelling, or hot school runs.
Best for
- Commuting
- Festivals & concerts
- Travel
- Hot flushes
- Makeup drying/skincare.
What to look for
- Shorter on maximum power
- USB-C on better models
- Charge ability
- Size and weight
Fan speeds
- At least 3 speed settings
- Turbo/high-power mode
- Higher speeds are great for outdoors but louder
Versatility
- Fold into desk fans
- Include a stand
- Clip onto surfaces
- Fits in handbags
- Lots of colours
Noise Level
- Quieter brushless motors
- Bladeless designs are often quieter
- Cheaper fans can sound like mini hairdryers
Extra Features
- Power bank charging
- LED displays
- Cooling plates
- Misting attachments
- Lanyards/wrist straps
Jisulife hand held fan
Perfect for a small handbag, small enough for a restaurant table, 3- 4 hours battery, + one phone charge.
Shark chillpill
3 in 1 cooling system, includes, misting pod and ice cold cooling plate
Jisulife Pro Mini hand held fan
3-30 hrs battery, especially quiet, leather look, magnetic aroma pod, add you own perfume
2. Neck Fans
Neck fans are wearable fans that sit comfortably around your neck and direct airflow upwards towards your face and neck for hands-free cooling. Check out the features below to help you choose the best fan for you. These are the fans that all our kids love.
Best for:
- Hands Free Cooling
- Walking
- Commuting
- Gardening
- Out door work/leisure
- Hot flushes
- Sports spectating
Look for:
- Bladeless design
- Flexible neck bands
- Soft touch materials
- Size and weight
- 360 degree air flow
- Multiple vents
- Charge ability
Fan speeds:
- Low, gentle air flow & quieter
- Medium, balanced cooling good for commuting
- High, for outdoors
- Turbo, maximum cooling, for workouts, but louder and battery draining
Versatility:
- Allows hand free activity while cooling
- Safer around hair
- Better airflow distribution
Noise level:
- Quiet or low noise modes
- Brushless or DC motors
- Low decibel rating
Extra features:
- USB-C faster charging
- LED displays
- Cooling plates
- Longer battery life
- Temp Control
- Foldable
jsdoin Neck Fan
5 Speeds, 6-10 running hours, 3000 mAh battery, 360 air flow
Ranvoo neck Air Conditoner
AI Neck Air Conditioner, 6000 mAh, 30 running hours, ice triangle circulation system
Jisulife neck fan Featured on This moning
5 Speeds, 4-16 running hours, 4000 mAh Battery, 360 air flow
3. Pedestal Fans
Pedestal fans are a popular choice for cooling larger rooms thanks to their powerful airflow and adjustable height. They’re great for bedrooms and living spaces, especially if you want a fan that can circulate air across a wider area while still being easy to move around the house. I own all these and would highly recommend.
Best for:
- Bedrooms
- Living Rooms
- Offices
- Larger Spaces
- Overnight cooling
What to look for:
- Oscillation
- Height adjustment
- Air flow power
- Fan blade size
- Motor power
- Charge ability
Fan speeds:
- Multiple speed settings
- High speed modes
- Quiet settings
- Natural breeze modes
Versatility:
- Use in any room
- Direct air flow to specific areas
- Wide oscillation
Noise level:
- Quiet Modes available
- Dc motors are quieter
- Low decibel rating
Extra features:
- Timers
- Wifi Control
- App integration
- Air quality features
- Led display
Russell Hobbs Stand Fan
Lightweight, adjustable height, speeds, 90 degree oscillation
Shark FlexBreeze High Velocity Fan
12 in 1, cordless, portable, adjustable tilt, 5 speeds, 180 degree oscillation
Dreo Smart Fan
20db silent, 9 speeds, 6 modes 12hr timer, 120 degree oscillation
4. Tower Fans
Tower fans are tall slim fans designed to circulate air around a room while taking up less floor space than traditional pedestal fans. They offer good airflow, quieter operation, and a more modern, stylish look. If you want heat as well as cooling then I recommend the Dyson.
Best for:
- Bedrooms
- Living rooms
- Offices
- Overnight Cooling
What to look for:
- Oscillation
- Wide angle oscillation
- Night setting if for use in bedroom
- Matching aesthetic
- Weight
- Charge life
Fan speeds:
- Multiple speed settings
- Natural breeze modes
- High power modes
Versatility:
- Light weight and easily moveable
- Use in smaller spaces due to compact size
- Larger towers better for open plan spaces
Noise level:
- Quieter than pedestal fans
- Quiet DC motor
Extra features:
- Heaters
- Remote control
- Air purification
- Wifi or smart app controls
- Led display
PureMate 31 inch tower fan
Easy to use, 70 degree oscillation
Dyson Cool
Cooling for larger room, 70 degree oscillation 10 speeds
Dreo 42 inch tower fan
Ultra quiet, 90 degree oscillation, easy to clean
5. Miscellaneous Fans
These fans are definitely worth a second look, having purchased the Venty and Buggy fan I would I’d happily recommend both. The Dyson and the Torras fan also got a great review on This Morning recently, I’m very tempted to buy to try!
venty Portable travel fan
Wireless, lightweight, 4 speeds, extends and folds, it’s also a lamp with 3 settings comes with hard case, an incredible fan for its size.
BENPEN PUSHCHAIR FAN
This is such a versatile fan, great for the pushchair, desk, sun chair or even your spinning bike!
Dyson Hush Jet fan Featured on this Mornng
3 in 1, twist nozzle, long lasting battery.
Torras neck fan Featured on this Mornng
Cyber fold, body sensors, 8 duct architecture.
Final thoughts
I hope this guide has helped make choosing the right fan a little easier
