Finally, there's a heatwave coming! With temperatures due to reach a heady 30C and counting across the UK in the next few days, if you haven't thought about how you're going to keep your house cool, you better think about it. The obvious choice? An electric fan, which can be super spendy or affordable, tower electric fans, fanless fans and so many more.
Since not many of us in the UK have an air conditioning unit installed in our homes, an electric fan is the next best thing. They're easy to buy, plenty of choice and really do work at cooling your home quickly and efficiently.
Some of the HELLO! Shopping team swear by certain makes and models, so we've polled them to find the best electric fans to help you make your choice. Read the best electric fan reviews from the team, and find out what the experts say you should be looking out for when making your electric fan purchase.
How we chose the best electric fans
- Price: We considered a range of different price points, from affordable to expensive. You can pick up a desk fan for as little as £15, but cheaper doesn’t always mean better, so keep this in mind. There’s no point buying the cheapest model if you’ll just have to replace it next summer.
- Quality: We scoured online listings looking for the best-rated fans with the most positive reviews. There will always be pros and cons to every model, but we tried to find fans that were received positively overall.
- Noise level: Ideally, fans should be no louder than 50dB-60dB - which is roughly a little louder than a refrigerator. The fans we chose are quiet enough to be able to watch TV or listen to music while they were running, and sleeping with them on was no problem either.
- Speed settings: We made sure that the fans we chose had multiple speed settings - sometimes you need a really strong blast of air, other times you want a more gentle breeze. One size doesn’t fit all.
- Extra features: These were a nice added extra - an adjustable tilt or oscillating mode, a remote control or timer function.
The best electric fans to buy in 2024 - reviewed
1/10
Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Formaldehyde HP09 Purifying Fan Heater
The details
If you have children or pets at home, a bladeless fan is a great option since you don’t have to worry about little fingers or tails getting caught in the blades and causing an accident. Dyson’s model comes with a top-of-the-range HEPA filter which captures dust, allergens and viruses and even destroys formaldehyde. It comes with a two-year guarantee, which should give you peace of mind. A common gripe with reviewers is that they wish the air blast was a little stronger, but the general consensus is that it’s worth the money for the air purifying quality and the heater, which is a godsend in winter. You can control via Alexa too.
- Pros: Bladeless, remote and app-controlled, purifies air via HEPA filter, heating function, extremely stylish, shows air quality, two-year guarantee
- Cons: Higher price point, fan isn’t as strong as a ‘traditional’ electric fan with blades
- Size: 76cm x 20cm x 24cm
- Noise Level: 62 dB
- Weight: 5.5kg
- Power: 40WW
- Number of Speed Settings: 10
- Remote Control: Yes
HELLO! Tried & Tested
"The ease of use of this fan is really impressive. A single on/off button at the base of the unit makes it sleek and elegant to look at, and all other options are controlled either via your phone (the entire unit is WiFi-enabled) or using the small remote control which is magnetic and fits perfectly on the top of the fan so you don’t have to worry about losing it.
"The current temperature is displayed on a small screen on the fan (not always a good thing! Knowing your room is currently 30 degrees does instantly make you feel hotter!). But it’s just one flick to engage the cooling function – or if you’re using it as a heater, you scroll up and down to select your perfect room temperature. I use this fan a lot in the winter too for the heating function.
"For us the main benefit was my son’s hay fever which greatly reduced when he spent the night with it running on low. It's important to remember that this is not an aircon unit, although it looks as if it should be, so you can’t expect to shut the door and cool the room down to a comfortable temperature in minutes. But on a very hot day, with a bit of a through-breeze from outside you do feel undoubtedly cooler when the air is blowing in your direction."
Sophie Vokes-Dudgeon, Head of Digital
2/10
Shark FlexBreeze Portable Fan
The details
Shark's portable fan is a must for those who enjoy summer in the garden but struggle with the heat. The portable design means it can be taken anywhere - literally - and provides a cooling breeze for up to 24 hours runtime, after being fully charged.
It's a versatile design, with 12 ways of being used including desktop, pedestal, and with the misting attachment.
- Pros: Portable, misting attachment, UV and water resistant, cordless power for outdoors
- Cons: On the pricier side
- Size: 940 x 350 x 350mm
- Weight: 5.67kg
- Number of Speed Settings: 5
- Remote control: Yes
3/10
Duux Whisper Flex Smart Pedestal Fan
The details
This smart app operated fan dubs itself as one of the quietest on the market, and is completely wireless. It is adjustable in height, with a horizontal and vertical swing so it can be used in any situation, be it table or on the floor. Energy efficient, it can be used in night mode and automatically switches itself off.
- Pros: Ultra quiet, 26 different settings, app-operated, lightweight, wireless
- Cons: Some reviewers commented on the design as bulky
- Size: 340 x 340 x 950mm
- Noise Level: 13dB – 50dB
- Power: 290W
- Weight: 4.24kg
- Number of Speed Settings: 26
- Remote control: Yes
4/10
Dimplex DXMBCF Black Tower Electric Fan
The details
Tower fans are the best at cooling large spaces, but they definitely won’t score top marks for being stylish. This all-black model is discrete at least and has a sleek blue light which does elevate it slightly. It requires minimal assembly and it has a timer function, with a maximum of eight hours, which is perfect if you’re leaving it on overnight.
- Pros: Oscilates, 3 speed settings, affordable, remote control included, one year warranty, timer function
- Cons: Loud on the highest speed setting, not the most stylish
- Size: 47.6cm x 12.3cm x 12.3cm
- Noise level: 50 dB
- Weight: 8kg
- Speed settings: 3
- Power: 40WW
- Remote? Yes
HELLO! Tried & Tested
"Our house gets hot – and I mean hot – in the summer, and the Dimplex Tower Fan has seen us through two hot British summers. We use it in our living room as it oscillates, so no matter where you sit you’ll get a cool icy blast. It has a remote control (we don’t use it, though) and three speed settings, but we tend to find the slowest setting is enough to keep us cool without being frozen.
"It isn’t the prettiest fan, and won’t score for many on the style credentials, but the tower design fits discreetly into the corner of the room. The noise levels won’t be for everyone; the lowest speed setting is relatively quiet but crank up to speed 3 and it’s louder than the TV. Overall, an affordable fan that does the job but won't win as the most stylish!"
Carla Challis, Shopping Partnerships Editor
5/10
MeacoFan 1056 Air Circulator
The details
It’s easy to see why this small but mighty fan is a bestseller - it’s multi-award winning (Both QuietMark and Which? Have given it their seal of approval).
At 20dB, you’d be hard-pressed to find a quieter fan than this. It’s extremely compact and lightweight and has a very low power consumption of just 10 watts, so running it is extremely affordable. The airflow is strong and reaches over several metres. The faux leather handle, so you can easily move it around the home, is a nice touch too.
- Pros: remote control, timer function,
- Cons: On the expensive side for a desk fan, extremely quiet, very cheap to run, remote control, carry strap, timer setting, impressive number of speed settings.
- Size: 27.9cm diameter, 40.3cm x 28.5cm x 30.5cm
- Noise Level: 20dB
- Weight: 3.2kg
- Power: 10WW
- Number of Speed Settings: 12
- Remote Control: Yes
HELLO! Tried & Tested
"I was a bit hesitant to shell out over 100 quid for a desk fan, but I’m glad I did - it’s well worth the price. It’s by far the most quiet fan I’ve ever used and despite its small size does a great job of keeping me cool while I work. The light display can be turned off and on, which is a bonus if you want to use it at night and don’t want the light disrupting your sleep. It has 12 speeds, which is impressive, and you can set a timer."
Katherine Robinson, HELLO! Online Senior Lifestyle Editor
6/10
MeacoFan Sefte Pedestal Fan
© MeacoFanThe details:
This versatile and quiet pedestal fan transforms from a 110cm tall fan to a medium height right down to a tabletop fan. It oscillates vertically or horizontally at the angle of your choice and has a glow in the dark remote control and lights-off night mode.
- Pros: 12 speed settings, oscillates horizontally and vertically, slim chic design, extrmemly quiet
- Cons: Round remote control takes a bi of getting used to
- Size: 109.8 x 34 x 34 cm
- Noise Level: From 25dB
- Power: 8 - 26 watts
- Weight: 5.4kg
- Number of Speed Settings: 12
- Remote control: Yes
- Warranty: 3 years
HELLO! Tried & Tested
"Honestly, I struggled to find any cons for this great fan, I'm so impressed - it’s well worth the price. It’s so quiet (even on the higher of the 12-speed modes) that I've frequently walked out of the room and forgotten that it's still on. The light display and the beep noise it makes can be turned off and on for night sleeping and it's easy to get the exact angle of air flow you want because it can oscillate horizontally and vertically - you just press pause on the remote when it hits the spot you want. I really love the design too, very slim and chic."
Katherine Robinson, HELLO! Online Senior Lifestyle Editor
7/10
Russell Hobbs 16" Pedestal Fan
The details
Giving Scandi vibes, this budget-friendly pedestal fan stands at 16inches tall with four blades, three fan settings and a tilt and oscillating feature.
- Pros: Three settings, tilt, oscillates, slim design
- Cons: Fewer settings than other models
- Size: 100 to 125 x 45 x 41cm
- Noise Level: 13dB – 50dB
- Power: 60W
- Weight: 6.52kg
- Number of Speed Settings: 3
- Remote control: No
8/10
Igenix DF0029 Oscillating 29inch Tower Fan
The details
If you’re not looking to spend a lot, this Ingenix tower fan is a great budget buy which holds up well against products which a much higher price tag. It has an oscillation function to evenly distribute cool air, has three speeds, a remote control and a handy sleep mode. Being a tower fan, the blades are protected and it fits discretely into the corner of a room.
- Pros: Extremely affordable, portable, oscillating, remote control, overheat protection, rubber grip feet
- Cons: Not the most stylish,
- Size: 81.1cm x 17.8cm x 16cm
- Noise Level: Not specified
- Weight: 3.34kg
- Power: 40WW
- Number of Speed Settings: 3
- Remote Control: Yes
HELLO! Tried & Tested
"The Ignenix Oscillating Tower fan keeps my family cooler than cucumbers in cool boxes. Boasting a timer function and sleep mode for those sweltering summer nights, the Igenix lowers temperatures with such ease it could easily nab a cameo in Frozen III. Furthermore, the fan can be remote operated, so when we are feeling severely heat sapped, we need not worry about wasting precious energy rising from our sofa. An added bonus? The swish tower shape and oscillating functionality are a source of infinite fascination to the little people in the house."
Tim Kiek, HELLO! Online Engagement Editor
9/10
Dreo Smart Pedestal Air Circulator Fan
The details
Dreo’s pedestal fan is a great option for anyone wanting to take advantage of smart fans. At 25dB you’d be hard-pressed to find a quieter fan that packs this much power. The unique five-blade design makes a wind that goes further (it has a 100ft maximum airflow) but still feels gentle on the skin. Omni-directional oscillation (105 degrees vertical and 120 degrees horizontal) means you’re covered, whatever your position and there are eight different speeds and six different modes to choose from, controllable with Alexa voice control, remote control or from your phone via the Dreo app.
- Pros: Ultra quiet, Smart Wifi, Easy to clean, 100ft maximum airflow, adjustable base, chic design, child lock for extra safety
- Cons: Keeps selling out - be quick if you want to grab one!
- Size: 324 x 359 x 955mm
- Noise Level: 25dB
- Power: 36WW
- Weight: 7.27kg
- Number of Speed Settings: 8 - (plus turbo boost)
- Remote control: Yes
HELLO! Tried & Tested
"As soon as I tried out the Dreo Smart fan, all other models were quickly relegated to the back of the cupboard. Not only is it way quieter than any fan I’ve ever tried, but it does the job twice as well and it looks super stylish. I love that you can have it oscillate up and down as well as left and right and the remote control feels well-made and sturdy. It’s just a really high-quality fan across the board, and I love that you can control it from your phone using the Dreo app or with Alexa."
Katherine Robinson, Senior Lifestyle Editor
10/10
VORTEX AIR Pro Bladeless Heater and Cooler
The details
This sleek number from VORTEX is not only heating, cooling and bladeless, but comes in 12 colours, including pink and blue along with silver, gold and rose gold. Along with a 180-degree rotation head and 10 speed settings, this remote control fan has a 1-9 hour timer and wide angle oscillation.
- Pros: Sleek, bladeless, colour options, remote control, 180-degree rotation head, hot and cold fan
- Cons: Some shoppers have found it to be noisy
- Size: 270 x 640mm
- Noise Level: 32-58dB
- Power: 36WW
- Weight: 3.9kg
- Number of Speed Settings: 10
- Remote control: Yes
Do I need a desk fan or a tower fan?
Before you buy a fan, you should think about which room you’re wanting to cool, and what will be the main purpose of the fan. Is it to keep you cool while you sleep? Or while you work, or while you’re watching TV? Desk fans are generally smaller, and designed to sit on your desk, while tower fans are for cooling a whole room, but they occupy more space and are designed to rest on the floor. Which one you go for will depend on what you need it for.
Should I get an electric fan or an air conditioner?
The most important thing to note when choosing between an air conditioning unit and an electric fan is that fans don’t actually cool the air in the room - they work by moving the air around the room, making you feel cooler.
Meanwhile, air conditioners do actually lower the temperature of the air, making them a more powerful alternative to fans. However, they are generally more expensive to buy (you’re looking to pay between £250 and £500 on average) and they’re more expensive to run. A split unit (that cools one room on its own) costs 16p an hour to run, while ducted air conditioning costs £1.70 an hour - significantly more.
How much does it cost to run an electric fan?
It’s a common worry that electric fans are expensive to run, but MoneySavingExpert Martin Lewis busted the common myth that leaving a fan on will hike up your energy bill. “Many have asked us if using an electric fan to keep cool in summer will burn a hole in their pocket,” Writes Martin’s team on his website MoneySavingExpert.com “With the energy market in crisis, people have been worrying more often about energy prices.
“But the good news is you CAN use an electric fan to manage the heat without breaking into a cold sweat at the cost.
“A typical 12-inch 35-watt desk fan would cost just over 1p an hour to run based on the Government's Energy Price Guarantee rates until the end of June, so about 10p if you leave it on all night (from July, it'll be about 8p). A big 50-watt tower fan wouldn't cost much more – about 1.7p an hour (1.5p from July). If you have a large floor fan, they typically range between 10 watts and 120 watts, costing up to 4p an hour.”
What are the most common types of fan?
- Tower fan: A tall, thin fan that oscillates to distribute air evenly throughout the room. They are good for cooling a whole room while taking up minimal space
- Desk fan: A small compact fan designed to cool a small area, that sits on a workspace or desk. Energy and cost-efficient, they will save on space.
- Handheld fan: Fits in your pocket or bag, great for travelling and to use as and when needed.
- Ceiling fan: A rotating blade that is fitted to the ceiling, which circulates air via a rotating blade. A non-portable permanent option with multiple speed settings, controlled by switch or remote.
- Misting or fog fan: A fan which distributes cooling mist as well as air. Water is added to a tank, ice boxes can also be used to make the mist extra cooling
- Bladeless fan: The newest addition to the electric fan variety, these fans pull air through vents in the base using an electric motor. They are preferable for their stylish looks and for being efficient and safe.
Do fans blow cold air?
There is no fan which actually blows cold air - electric fans work by moving air at a greater speed, making you feel colder. Misting fans can be used with an ice box, which will help by lowering the temperature of the mist - you can also try putting an ice box in front of the fan to lower the temperature of the air it blows. Only air conditioning units truly lower the temperature of the air in a room.
Where’s the best place to put a fan in a room?
Where you place a fan depends on its type - tower fans and free-standing fans will work best placed in the corner of a room, while desk fans have a limited range, so you’ll want them as close to you as possible without them being a nuisance with the noise.
What features to look out for when choosing a fan?
- Speed settings: You should look for three speed settings minimum, but some fans we reviewed had as much as 12, which is an added bonus
- Timer: Being able to set a start and end time on a fan is a great advantage, so you can plan ahead to have a cool house when you get home from work, or time it for when you go to sleep and wake up.
- Adjustable height and angle: great to get a precise direction for the air to blow exactly where you need it
- Oscillating: Some fans oscillate so they sweep the air across the whole room, distributing it evenly
- Noise level: Some people are soothed by the white noise a fan makes, while others find it irritating. You might want a quieter model if it bothers you for sleeping or if you’ll be wanting to watch the TV or listen to music with the fan on.
- Size and weight: Will be moving the fan around or carrying it upstairs? Pay attention to the weight before you buy.
- Heater: many fans have a heating mode, which is great for the cooler winter months.
- Built-in air purifier: The Dyson and other models come with a HEPA filter, which is a great option for anyone who suffers from allergies
- Safety: If you have pets or young children at home you may want to look for a model which is bladeless and/or has an auto shut off if the fan is tipped over.
- Sleep mode: Many fans have a sleep mode which switches to a lower speed and turns off after a set number of hours, which is great if you intend to leave the fan on overnight.
