Shark ChillPill Review: Three-in-One Cooling Innovation
The Shark ChillPill is a handheld fan that combines a traditional fan, a water mister, and a cooling plate for direct skin contact. Priced at £129.99, it is more expensive than Dyson's HushJet Mini Cool (£99.99) but offers greater versatility. The cooling plate can lower skin temperature by up to 9°C, providing instant relief on hot days.
During testing, the fan exceeded its claimed battery life significantly. On the highest fan setting, it lasted 2 hours 46 minutes, nearly double the promised 90 minutes. On the lowest setting, it ran for over 19 hours, far surpassing the manual's estimate of 11 hours. The misting head operated for 2 hours 23 minutes on full power, beating the advertised one hour. The cooling plate continued for 9 hours on its lowest setting, compared to the guaranteed two hours.
Design and Features
The ChillPill features an unorthodox twin-cylinder design that twists to direct airflow. It comes with three interchangeable heads: a standard fan, a misting head, and a cooling plate. The fan has 10 speed settings, with measured air speeds ranging from 1.6 to 4.6 metres per second. Noise levels vary from 46.2 dB on low to 74.1 dB on high, similar to a vacuum cleaner.
The misting head has a 14ml water tank that empties in about 20 minutes. Shark recommends replacing the wick monthly; three replacements are included, with additional packs costing £6.99. The cooling plate disables the fan entirely and requires reactivation every eight minutes. It is effective for spot cooling on temples, neck, and wrists.
Performance and Battery Life
Measured weight is 237g with the fan head, 253g with the misting head, and 282g with the cooling plate. The device includes a power lock to prevent accidental activation during travel. Shark sells additional accessories like a crossbody strap (£96.94 total for all extras), which are not included.
According to the reviewer, "If money were no object, this is the fan I'd pack for a big trip." However, they note that the price is hard to justify compared to cheaper alternatives like the John Lewis handheld fan (£12), which offers quieter operation and decent battery life.
Comparison with Competitors
The Dyson HushJet Mini Cool costs £30 less and delivers higher fan speeds (up to 7.5 m/s in boost mode) but is louder (80.3 dB in boost) and has weaker battery life (just over 6 hours on low). The John Lewis fan is whisper-quiet at 62.4 dB and lasts 4 hours on high, 10 hours on low. The DiveBlues JetForce offers speeds up to 6.6 m/s for £22.99, with noise levels around 74.3 dB and battery life of 11 hours on low.
Sustainability and Verdict
Shark's 2025 sustainability report does not mention recycled materials for the ChillPill. However, the battery is replaceable, reducing e-waste. The reviewer concludes that while the ChillPill is innovative with excellent battery life, its high price and minor drawbacks—such as noise, cumbersome head swapping, and small water tank—make it a niche product for those willing to invest in premium portable cooling.
