Wickes, the DIY retailer, is selling the Tristar White Air Cooler for £68, a portable cooling device that shoppers claim offers more relief than a traditional fan. The product arrives as the Met Office warns that hot weather will continue after the UK experienced its third heatwave of the year.
Met Office Forecasts Prolonged Heat
Meteorologist Honor Criswick stated: "For the time being it looks like the heatwave is set to continue, but depending on where you are, there may be a brief respite in the heat to come." The forecast has prompted many to seek affordable cooling solutions, as installing air conditioning can be costly.
Wickes Air Cooler Features and Price
The Tristar Mobile Air Cooler 4L uses cold water to cool the airflow, providing a breeze several degrees below ambient temperature. According to Wickes, the unit has no warm-air exhaust, eliminating the need for a hose or wall hole. It is portable with sturdy castors, and users can fill the 4-litre reservoir with water and add two supplied ice packs for enhanced cooling. The device costs £68 excluding delivery.
Similar products are available elsewhere for under £100, including the Swan Oatmeal 5L Nordic Air Cooler (£89) at Asda and the INNOPOWER Four-in-One Portable Air Conditioner Cooling Fan (£99.99) on Amazon.
Shopper Reviews: Positive Feedback
Most shoppers praised the Wickes air cooler. One reviewer said: "It's not air con, but having cold water and ice packs in there does cool the room down better than a conventional fan. Not too noisy, either in my opinion." Another wrote: "So happy to have found this unit. Life saver during the heat wave. Does what it says it blows cooled air. Not exactly like proper air con cold, but excellent value for the money. Very quiet. Can be used as a fan without the cooling feature too."
A third customer added: "Fantastic bit of kit - so much so that I bought two! They're powerful and cool down the room nicely when set to both swing and cool mode. The ice packs really help too, lovely cold air. The tank is big and tends to last a full 10 hours or so if on high and cool settings."
Mixed Experiences and Returns
However, some customers were dissatisfied. One claimed: "Didn't do anything like it was described to do! Even with ice blocks in the water tank and we barely felt anything." Another said: "Tried with cold water and no noticeable difference! Threw some ice cubes in the well with the water, but still didn't make a difference. Returning for money back."
Despite these complaints, 99 shoppers shared reviews overall, with the majority keeping the device. A five-star reviewer concluded: "It does a far better job than a fan and does blow out cool air. Would happily buy again and have already recommended it to many of my family and friends. Definitely happy with this purchase."
