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Fan Buyer's Guide

Don't wait for the heatwave to hit, get ahead of it. Cooling tech has come a long way from those noisy, wobbly pedestal fans of the past.
Now you've got sleek, smart options that are quiet, energy-efficient and even multitask with air purification or heating.

Fan types: which fan should I buy?

If you haven't shopped for a fan in a while, you might be surprised by how far the humble fan has come. We're talking very futuristic-looking, bladeless tech, air-purifying, intuitive features, remote controls, and more.

Some quick considerations to think about before you grab the first one you see:

  • For which room, and room size - shoebox flat or open-plan?
  • Noise - Are you a light sleeper or don't mind some white noise?
  • Portability - Need to move it between rooms?
  • Looks - Does it need to match your Scandi vibes?
  • Budget - Are you here for cheap and cheerful, or can you splurge a bit?
A young family of 4 enjoying a board game in a modern dining room with the Shark bladeless tower fan keeping them cool, positioned near the table.

Tower Fans

Tower fans are a smart middle ground between compact and pedestal fans. Whether bladed or bladeless, they deliver broad, room-filling airflow while taking up minimal floor space.

Quietly keeping the air moving so they'll keep you cool while seamlessly blending with your décor.

What's cool about them

  • High-speed air flow
  • No exposed spinning blades (safer design)
  • Slim profiles and space-saving
  • Wide-angle oscillation spreads the breeze evenly
  • Quiet operation for relaxing, watching TV or winding down.

Look for

  • Integrated dust or HEPA filters
  • Sleep mode or ultra quiet settings
  • Built-in timers for set-and-forget scheduling
  • Remote controls, smart app or voice control.

Featured: Shark TurboBlade Ultra Powerful Bladeless Tower Fan

Shop tower fans
A Goldair whisper-quiet pedestal fan in black, placed in a modern living room with a grey sofa, wooden coffee table, indoor plant, and light-colored rug on a wooden floor, with natural light coming through sheer curtains

Pedestal fans

The classic. Pedestal fans deliver strong, refreshing airflow and let you direct the breeze exactly where you want it.

They are built for flexibility, allowing you to adjust the height, tilt the head, and cool the room quickly.

What's cool about them

  • Simple designs and affordable
  • Effectively covers large areas
  • Easy to move around the house
  • Adjustable height and tilt for targeted cooling.

Look for

  • Wide oscillation
  • Remote control
  • Stable, weighted base for safety
  • Multiple speed settings and modes.

Featured: Goldair 119cm Whisper Quiet Pedestal Fan

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A Dyson HP12 Purifier Hot+Cool fan heater with sleek oval design and gold-toned base placed on a wooden floor, shown next to a person holding a smartphone displaying the Dyson app in a modern living room

Multiplier fans

Multiplier fans are versatile, intuitive devices that can also heat and purify the air and are often chosen as much for their design as for their performance.

If you're looking for a single device that helps keep the temperature comfortable year-round with seriously powerful airflow (inspired by jet engines but not as loud), this is the one!

What's cool about them

  • All-in-one climate control
  • Sleek and stylish designs
  • Easier to clean (no blades, no grilles)
  • Smart controls, automation and app control
  • Purifies the air by capturing dust, pet dander, pollen and bacteria*.

Look for

  • Maintenance reminders
  • HEPA, multi-stage filtration
  • Sleep mode, quiet operation
  • Auto temperature or air quality sensors
  • 350° oscillations and strong airflow coverage.

Featured: *Dyson HP12 Purifier Hot+Cool HP2 De-NOx Fan Heater

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A Shark FlexBreeze portable misting fan keeps a Jack Russell Terrier cool on the deck.

Portable fans and desk fans

Desk and portable fans provide personal, close-range cooling. They are small, lightweight, and excellent for cooling while working, studying, or relaxing without taking up much space.

The cordless options are versatile, with some featuring misting for extra cooling.

What's cool about them

  • Simple, with minimal set-up. Usually, plug-and-play
  • Lightweight and travel-friendly, you can "bring the breeze where you need it"
  • Uses very little power, making them great for all-day cooling.

Look for

  • Quiet mode
  • USB or rechargeable battery power
  • Adjustable head or directional airflow
  • Simple one-touch controls or dial for quick adjustment.

Featured: The Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo Misting Portable Fan

Shop desk fans or portable fans

Quick comparison of the fan types

Fan types Best for Cooling style Space and setup Noise level Price range
Desk / Portable fans Personal, close-range cooling Direct, targeted breeze Very compact, easy to move Varies $ - $$ (Lowest price range)
Pedestal fans Strong airflow across large spaces Powerful breeze Needs more floor space Can be louder at high speeds $$ - $$$
Tower fans Cooling medium-sized rooms Balanced, whole-room airflow Slim, space-saving, vertical footprint Generally quiet $$$ (Mid-range)
Multiplier fans All-in-one, year-round use Even continuous airflow Slim, modern design Very quiet (especially premium models) $$$ - $$$$ (Highest price range)
A Shark FlexBreeze Pro Mist indoor-outdoor pedestal fan cooling  two people relaxing on wicker lounge chairs near a swimming pool, with green lawn and garden in the background.

Air flow and performance

Airflow is the main event. You want a fan that makes a noticeable difference when the heat's giving you grief. There are a few things worth knowing.

Look out for the CFM rating (Cubic Feet per Minute), basically, how much air the fan can shift. Higher number = more breeze. But don't just chase numbers, pay attention to how the fan delivers that airflow (oscillation). Also, check the speed settings. More range means more control.

Noise levels (decibels dB)

The best fans keep you cool, quietly. If you're trying to sleep, work or catch up on your favourite series, quiet performance is key, so it helps to check decibel ratings; the lower the decibels (dB), the quieter it is. Also, quiet or sleep modes on fans are generally a good sign.

Featured: Shark FlexBreeze Pro Mist Indoor Outdoor Pedestal & Table Fan

A Shark bladeless tower fan cooling a couple of kids in the bedroom, in a children's bedroom on a soft pink rug with plush toys on the floor, cooling a couple of kids in a bedroom.

Placement and setup tips

So you've picked your fan, but did you know where you place it can determine how effectively it cools the room? For maximum efficiency, aim for a clear path. Give it room to sweep side-to-side.

In summer, place it near a window to pull in air, or opposite an open door to create a nice cross-breeze. Got a tall pedestal fan? Angle it slightly upwards; it helps push the cooler air through the space.

Quick safety tips

  • Keep it dry (unless it's a misting fan) - no fans in the bathroom or anywhere damp unless it's rated for it.
  • Watch the cords - tuck them out of walking paths, especially around kids or pets.
  • Keep clear of curtains and soft furnishings - airflow's good, getting fabric caught in fan blades? Not so much.
  • Clean it regularly - dust buildup can be a fire risk and make your fan work harder than it needs to.
  • Check for wobbles - unstable fans can tip easily. Make sure it's on a flat surface and assembled tight.

Featured: Shark TurboBlade Ultra Powerful Bladeless Tower Fan

Dyson HP11 Purifier Hot+Cool fan heater in silver and white placed on a wooden floor, with a person's hands installing or removing the air filter from the base of the unit.

Fan maintenance

Dust buildup doesn't just make your fan noisy; it can spread allergens around and cut its efficiency. A quick clean between seasons keeps things running smoothly. For all models, a good dusting or wipe-down does the trick.

Multiplier fans with HEPA filters need regular replacement to stay effective. A little upkeep goes a long way to keeping your air fresh and your fan like new.

How to clean fan blades and grilles

  1. Turn it off and unplug it before cleaning.
  2. Remove the grille carefully (usually clips and screws).
  3. Wipe the blades and grilles with a dry cloth; vacuuming the grilles with a brush cleaner head attachment is also effective.
  4. Plug back in and enjoy the fresh, clean breeze.

Off-season tip: If you have the space, store your fan away. Or slip a large plastic bag over the head to prevent dust from building up.

Featured: Dyson HP11 Purifier Hot+Cool HP1 Purifying Fan Heater

Go forth and cool down

No more sweaty, sleepless nights, tossing and turning from the heat.

Brands we carry include Breville, Dyson, Goldair and Shark. Happy fanning!

Fan FAQS

With our portable fans, we have the Shark FlexBreeze (at 36dB); With tower multi-fans: The Dyson HP11 Purifier Hot+Cool (Minimum: 40dB, Maximum: 63dB).

Explore other cooling and heating buyer's guides

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