And whilst our reviewer found the Duux Whisper Flex Ultimate Fan just pipped the EcoAir to the post in the 'virtually silent' stakes, this fan is still super quiet compared to most. Plus, it's powerful, with the ability to circulate up to 3264 m³/of air per hour. Key specs – Dimensions: 54 x 15 x 14cm; Weight: 2.4kg; Oscillation angle: 90˚; Cord length: 1.6m; Warranty: 2 years; Power: 18W However, it's a solid performer, its low energy consumption is very impressive, and it's one of the simplest fans to operate at its level of performance, and – when temperatures rise and patience gets frayed as a result – that simplicity could well be worth its weight in gold. You either want easy access to the controls, so that you can turn the fan on or off in the middle of the night, or a remote control you can keep by the bedside. Being able to tilt the fan up or down can also give you more options as to where to place it – and the same goes for a longer power cable. We’re also seeing increasing numbers of fans that can run from a USB connection (either a USB power bank or charger) or from an internal lithium-ion battery. Are there any other features worth having? Thanks to its DC motor – part of the reason this fan requires a little more investment – it also delivers that cooling airflow almost silently. Whilst it can't quite beat the Duux Whisper Flex Ultimate Fan on the 'virtually silent' front, it comes very close, especially when you consider what powerful airflow this fan can dish out. There's no hint of the dreaded droning noise that's associated with most fans, instead the only noise is of gushing air.

The EcoAir Kinetic Fan is a robust and well-built fan that offers powerful performance, relatively simple assembly, straightforward and easy-to-use controls, quiet operation, and best-in-class energy efficiency. There are downsides beyond its price point; namely the fact that this fan requires self-assembly – you'll only have to do it once, but if you're already a little hot and bothered from the heat then it's a bit of an annoyance. And, unlike the MeacoFan 1056 Air Circulator which excels at simplicity of use, this Duux fan really has little toomuch functionality – does anyone really need 30 speed settings? – and its awkward controls make it a faff to operate at times. Although it does offer Smart functionality when connected to WiFi if you're keen to connect a fan to your Google Home hub or Alexa.It's impressive stuff, but if you purely want a fan that performs well, then in our opinion, the Dyson Pure Hot+Cool HP09 Formaldehyde is an investment you don't need to make. Meaco and Duux offer fans with comparable cooling effects for considerably less cash, but if you're also considering investing in an air purifier, and you have the budget for a Dyson fan's super-cool good looks, this is a stylish investment you may be happy to make. As the weather heats up, we think this super cute and super affordable handheld fan from John Lewis & Partners is going to become your new best friend. Key specs – Dimensions: 115 x 37 x 35cm; Weight: 6.8kg; Oscillation angle: 120˚; Cord length: 1.75m; Warranty: 2 years; Power: 20W It’s easy to use, has a timer and a great natural breeze setting, and is reasonably powerful by compact tower fan standards; we measured the maximum airflow at 2.2m/sec. It’s also light enough to lug around everywhere, which is handy in a heatwave. Throw in low energy consumption, even at higher speeds, and this is a convenient and compact bedroom fan that’s particularly easy to store away.

Unless a fan shouts about it having a DC motor, it's likely to be an AC motor in operation. That's because DC motors are significantly more expensive and so tend to only be used by manufacturers trying to make best-in-class products. As Chris Michael, managing director of air quality specialist Meaco, says 'A DCfanis more expensive to manufacture than an ACfanbut for the consumer, they are much better. A fan with a DC motor will be quieter, use less energy to produce the same results, tend to be more powerful, can offer more variation in fan speeds, and should last longer'. Air displacementWhilst a fan won't dramatically reduce the temperature of a room in the same way that one of the best portable air conditioners can, by moving the air within a room and keeping that airflow circulating, the breeze a fan creates will cool your skin and make hot and humid conditions far more bearable. The Honeywell Comfort Control 16 in. Double Blade Pedestal Stand Fan delivers powerful cooling that's suitable for whole room use. This is achieved via a double blade design that allows for optimal efficiency and maximum air flow (15% more air volume when compared to traditional fans). This whole room fan comes equipped with an LED control panel that will allow owners to seamlessly select between three speed settings and three types of air flow. Customize your cooling experience manually (or with the included remote control) with three types of air flow that include: For most bedrooms the best options are going to be a compact fan you can place on a chest of drawers or bedside table, or a taller pedestal fan you can use to create airflow above the bed. However, some of the taller, quieter tower fans can also work well in a bedroom setting, while some floor fans might fit the bill if you can raise them up on an item of furniture. After your pedestal fan has lived a good life and is no longer in working conditions, you can remove the fan’s blades and use them to make unique crafts. You can use them to make a model airplane, a chalkboard for a child, a butterfly for your garden or even a Christmas wreath. However, there's rarely a bargain without a catch, and the downside to the Honeywell Turbo Force Power Fan's affordable price point is its intrusive noise and limited functionality.