With heatwaves becoming more common in the UK, I’ve been investing in ways to heatproof my home – but on a budget. While the best air conditioning units can cool your home on an industrial scale, these hefty appliances don’t come cheap. Nor are they ideal for small flats. Enter Meaco’s new portable air circulator. Small in size but big in claims, the fan promises whisper-quiet noise levels, airflow up to 16m, and 26 hours of battery life.
The device features three modes (normal, night and eco), as well as 12 different fan speeds with both horizontal and vertical oscillation. There’s a hidden handle for easy transportation around your home, and it’s far less ugly than most fans I’ve come across – the kind you wouldn’t be embarrassed to have on display.
With temperatures expected to reach as high as 34C next week, an amber heat health warning has been issued for London. What’s more, an “El Nino” global weather event is now 80 per cent likely to happen this summer, according to the World Meteorological Organisation. UN scientists have suggested it could take place during the height of British summertime, between July and August.
Whether you’re feeling the heat when working from home, hosting friends for dinner or are dreaming about a cool breeze while lounging outside, here’s why Meaco’s new portable air circulator could be your breezy solution this summer.
Key specifications
- Type: Portable air circulator
- Dimensions: H43.2cm x W30.5cm x D22.7cm
- Weight: 3kg
- Speed settings: 12, plus eco and night mode
- Timer: Yes, one to 12 hours
- Oscillation: 120 degrees horizontal, 65 degrees vertical
- Noise: 22–40dB
- Controls: Touch control panel and magnetic remote
- Battery life: Up to 26 hours on a single charge
MeacoFan sefte 6” portable battery air circulator
Why we love it: This compact super-quiet fan is packed with smart, user-friendly features – think powerful fan speeds, rotation, and a night mode.
Take note: It won’t keep an entire household cool, owing to its directional air flow – you’re better off with a tower or standing fan for large families and houseshares.
The Meaco fan is a thoughtfully designed upgrade to your typical desk fan. Throughout the most recent heatwave, I’ve been testing it during the day on my laptop, and in the evening in front of the TV or reading my book. But the biggest test has been in the night during balmy temperatures – I’m a light and easily disturbed sleeper.
On first impressions, I was impressed by how flexible the controls are. You can use either the touch screen on the unit or the remote control, making it easy to adjust settings without having to get up. At night, it becomes even more practical thanks to the ability to switch off the display light completely, so there’s no unwanted glow in a dark room.
It offers 12 speed settings, giving a range of airflow control, and it also features a quiet mode and a dedicated night mode. In night mode, the fan runs more gently and quietly, making it well-suited for light sleepers like myself. Overall, the device is exceptionally quiet. While not as whisper-silent as Dyson fans, the Meaco appliance comes close – you barely notice it while working or in bed.
The ability to rotate helps distribute air evenly around the room rather than just in one direction. The lower settings create a light breeze, while the more powerful fan speeds are impressively cooling. The air flow on the maximum fan setting of 12 has some serious throw, too – you can genuinely feel a targeted breeze from the other side of a room. The built-in temperature display helps you dial the fan to your comfort level. There’s even a button to turn off the beep sounds, which adds to the overall quiet, distraction-free experience.
Physically, the fan has a compact design with a built-in handle that makes it easy to move from room to room. Despite its size, it feels sturdy, and the rechargeable lithium battery adds real convenience. The long battery life means it can run cordless for extended periods, which is especially useful during hot nights or when moving around the house.
Combining portability and smart features in a way that makes it more versatile than a standard plug-in fan, Meaco’s air cooler is just the ticket for small homes and solo households.
Buy now: £69, Amazon.co.uk
