When the sweltering heat of summer is on the horizon, or a stuffy room’s got you feeling a bit gross, there’s a simple solution that’ll sweep (or blow) your worries right away.
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Cooling fans not only offer budget-friendly relief compared to air conditioners, but they also have a much gentler impact on the environment.
However, in a market brimming with options, finding your ideal fan can be anything but a breeze. That’s why we’ve done the research and put together eight suggestions that’ll help you stay cool, calm and collected over the next few months.
Which fans are best for cooling?
The best cooling fan depends on your specific needs and preferences. It’s important to remember each fan type has its unique advantages and is suitable for different room sizes and cooling needs. The choice ultimately depends on your specific requirements and the space you want to cool.
Ceiling fans
Ceiling fans provide consistent air circulation and are best suited for larger rooms and outdoor spaces. They come in various designs and help distribute conditioned air more efficiently.
Tower fans
Great for saving space, tower fans are ideal for smaller to medium-sized rooms. They offer concentrated airflow, often with oscillation, making them suitable for apartments and are quieter than pedestal fans. Additionally, their enclosed design with no exposed blades makes them safer, especially if you have kids or pets.
Pedestal fans
Pedestal fans are versatile and portable, with adjustable height and tilt for precise airflow. Their flexibility makes them perfect for various room sizes, both at home and in offices.
Desk fans
Desk fans are compact and designed for personal cooling in small spaces like offices, bedrooms, or study areas. They offer adjustable settings and quiet operation for focused comfort.
8 best cooling fans to shop in Australia 2023
52″ DC motor ceiling fan with light and remote, $159 (usually $249.99) at Kogan
Maintain a cool and comfortable indoor space with this powerful yet quiet ceiling fan that creates the perfect indoor temperature and mood. It’s easy to control with a one-touch remote and adjustable light settings.
Martec Elite ceiling fan, $209 at Temple & Webster
With a reversible AC motor and smooth, quiet performance, you’ll always enjoy fresh, well-ventilated air with this fan. Named the ‘Elite’ for good reason, it boasts almost 100 five-star reviews on Temple & Webster, with one customer writing: “This fan is a stylish addition to any room, it’s not only beautiful to look at but works like a dream. It’s incredibly silent and so effective even on the lowest setting.”
The best tower fans to shop
Dyson Pure Cool tower fan, $799 at Myer
Those scorching days won’t stand a chance against the Dyson Pure Cool tower fan. This cult-favourite not only cools your room, but it senses pollutants in real time. Air Multiplier technology delivers over 77 gallons per second of smooth, yet powerful airflow, circulating purified air throughout the entire room.
Nordic 77cm Turbo tower fan with remote, $179 at The Good Guys
The Nordic portable tower fan offers two speed settings for a steady flow of cool air, with precise control through its LED display and convenient remote. Its timer feature lets you save energy (and money) by automatically turning it off when not in use – an absolute must in our books.
The best pedestal fans to shop
Delonghi 40cm pedestal fan, $209 at Appliances Online
Jam-packed with tonnes of great features like adjustable oscillation, timer settings, three fan speeds, an LED display and an infrared remote control, this pedestal fan is a best-seller thanks to its efficient and customisable airflow.
Breville The Air Dynamic 3D connect air circulator, $269 at The Good Guys
The Breville air circulator really is a fan favourite, with reviewers praising its quiet yet powerful features. They appreciate the eight levels of fan speed and 360-degree control over the airflow direction, saying it’s perfect for different cooling needs. They also highlight its ease of use, making it an excellent choice for bedrooms and living areas.
The best desk fans to shop
SmartDevil small personal USB desk fan, $29.99 at Amazon
SmartDevil’s mini desk fan may be small, but it packs a serious punch. It has over 15,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, with one customer saying: “What a pocket rocket little fan for the office. Good size, effective and portable. Exactly what I needed for my desk.”
SmarterHome bladeless motor turbo smart fan, $119 (usually $199.99) at Kogan
If your office thermostat’s got you sweating bullets, this bladeless fan will be your new BFF. It has adjustable airflow angles and can be controlled through the SmarterHome app or remote control. Plus, it boasts whisper-quiet operation, energy efficiency and compatibility with smart home systems like Google Home and Amazon Echo.
