Shoppers struggling to sleep in rising summer temperatures are turning to a compact air cooler priced at £42.99, in stock at Amazon. Designed as a portable alternative to traditional air-conditioning systems, the device uses an evaporation method with water to cool the air it blows into the room.
The unit is aimed at anyone wanting personal cooling without investing in a large, vented air-conditioning system. It can be moved around depending on where it is needed during the day or night, rather than being permanently installed in one room. It also avoids the need for hoses and window arrangements typically associated with portable AC units.
Five-star reviews and buyer tips
Amazon lists the product as a 'bestseller' on its website. Although it is new to Amazon and has only 18 reviews, every review so far has given the air-conditioning unit and fan five stars.
One buyer stressed the importance of reading the manufacturer's instructions for the unit to work effectively: "Soak the water absorption curtain first and then fill up the water tank with ice-cold water. It must be ice cold. This will last a few hours but really helps me sleep in this heat. It probably wouldn't cool my whole bedroom so I just sit it on my bedside table and let it blow onto me."
Other buyers called it "small but mighty" and "a must buy for hot stuffy nights." Another review reads: "Compact, quiet and effective. I have been using this portable fan for a few days now, and it works really well for personal cooling. I like how compact and lightweight it is, a good value for the price and a practical little cooling fan for hot days."
Alternatives at similar price points
At a similar price point at Yimbly, a retailer owned by this site's parent company Reach PLC, is the 3-speed 10" Air Pro Desk Fan and Turbo Air Circulator available for £35.99 with the discount code SUMMER10. Buyers have described it as "quite powerful even on the lowest setting" and "great for bedrooms".
Alternatively, there's the Alivio 4L Portable Air Cooler Humidifier 65W with 3 Fan Speeds. This is on sale at Debenhams, reduced from £139.99 to £59.99. Shoppers say it is "excellent value" and a "great room cooler."
Personal cooling that works
One buyer wrote: "Best-quality air conditioner for one person. Using it on my office desk. No noise." Another had some sensible advice for using the device: "Given the recent hot weather, this AC unit has come in very handy. I can now actually sleep at night. I am actually quite surprised how effective this unit is, given its small size. It is definitely cooler than a normal fan - the air is actually cold!"
