The UK is getting hotter, with the top five warmest summers on record occurring since 2003 and last year being the warmest and sunniest yet. Spring 2024 brought the hottest May day in UK history, including the first officially recorded 'tropical night', making it hard to find respite from the heat. While air conditioners are effective, their cost, size and energy use put them out of reach for many, making fans a more affordable and convenient alternative.
After testing a range of fans for airflow, quiet operation and energy efficiency, the MeacoFan sefte 10in table air circulator (£99.99, Amazon.co.uk) came out on top. It moves a strong, refined airflow across the room without a harsh buffeting feel, and is whisper-quiet at around 25dB on its lowest setting, ideal for bedrooms. With a maximum power of 22.5W, it costs less than 1p per hour to run, and its eco mode automatically adjusts speed based on room temperature.
The VonHaus air circulator fan (was £44.99, now £37.99, Amazon.co.uk) offers excellent value. It pushes air around the room rather than just blasting it ahead, making it effective in smaller spaces. Its compact, retro design adds personality, though it is noticeably louder at higher settings (around 47dB). It uses just over 13W at full power, making it cheap to run.
For on-the-go cooling, the Commem turbo handheld fan (was £9.99, now £7.70, Amazon.co.uk) is a great portable option. The MeacoFan sefte strikes the best balance between performance, efficiency and ease of use, with thoughtful features like vertical and horizontal oscillation and a magnetic remote. While it is not the cheapest upfront, it is one of the best fans tested for whole-room cooling, quiet sleep and low running costs.
