Best fans from Argos, Shark, and Amazon: Portable fans, misting fans, and desk fans to beat the heatwave

What should you consider when buying a fan?

Not all fans work the same way, so choosing the right one depends on how and where you plan to use it.

Dr. Matt Hershcovitch, founder of SoCal Breathe Free, told GB News: "When buying a fan, you should consider the purpose (i.e., cooling, circulation, augmentation of air conditioning, removal of air) as well as the size of the room and size of the fan. Generally, a ceiling fan is better for larger rooms and helps with circulating conditioned air. Oscillating floor and tower fans are good for circulating air evenly."

Start by considering the following:

• Room size: Smaller desk or table fans suit bedrooms, home offices, and personal cooling, while larger pedestal or tower fans are better for living spaces and open-plan rooms.
• Airflow power: Look for airflow distance or air volume measurements if you want stronger circulation.
• Noise levels: If you're using a fan overnight, quieter models (typically lower dB ratings) can make a big difference.
• Oscillation and tilt: Adjustable airflow helps distribute air more evenly around the room.
• Special features: Some models include misting functions, smart controls, air purification, timers, or sleep modes.
• Corded vs cordless: Portable battery-powered fans offer flexibility outdoors or around the home.
• Energy efficiency: Fans generally use less electricity than air conditioning, but wattage still varies between models.

Can cooling fans help with allergies?

Cooling fans can sometimes help with allergies, but they’re not a direct solution.

Standard fans improve air circulation, which may make rooms feel fresher and less stuffy. However, if dust, pollen, or pet dander are already present, stronger airflow can occasionally circulate those particles around the room.

Scott Levene, Vice President of LEVCO, told GB News: "They can actually make allergies worse because they are just blowing around dust/ pollen instead of filtering it. You can look for fans that double as air purifiers with built-in HEPA filters, as these will trap dust and pollen and filter it out as it’s blowing."

To make fans more allergy-friendly, it may be best to consider the following:

• Clean fan blades and grilles regularly to reduce dust build-up
• Vacuum and dust the room frequently
• Keep windows closed during high pollen periods if needed
• Consider a fan with built-in air purification or HEPA filtration
• Replace filters according to manufacturer guidance

If you're sensitive to airborne allergens, a purifier fan can provide airflow while helping reduce airborne particles.

Is it safe to leave a fan on overnight?

In most cases, modern household fans are generally designed to run safely overnight when used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Mr Levene said, "Yes, it’s perfectly safe to sleep with a fan overnight. Just note, it might dry out your sinus/ kick your allergies into high gear. I would add some moisture to your room by adding a humidifier in addition to running your fan."

To use a fan more safely while sleeping:

• Place it on a stable, flat surface
• Keep vents and airflow unobstructed
• Avoid running damaged cords or extension leads under bedding
• Use timer or sleep settings if available
• Clean dust from blades and filters regularly
• Avoid directing strong airflow straight at your face for extended periods if it causes dry eyes or congestion

Where is the best place to put a fan in a room?

Placement can have a surprisingly large impact on how effective a fan feels. Dr says it "depends on the size of the room and what you want the fan to do. Ceiling fans for larger rooms and for circulating air conditioning.

"If you are a hot sleeper, an oscillating tower fan next to the bed would be best. A window fan would be good for a small space to move air out of the room/bathroom/attic."

Depending on the type of room you're planning to cool, you can optimise a fan's abilities with these best practices:

• Near a window: Position the fan to pull cooler air in during the evening or push warmer air out during hotter parts of the day.
• Across the room: Avoid placing it directly beside you if you want broader circulation.
• Facing open spaces: Oscillating fans work best when they have room to move air.
• Slightly elevated: Raising the fan can improve airflow distribution.
• For sleeping: Position airflow across the room rather than directly onto the bed for more balanced cooling.

Best fan for hot weather

Dimensions

H:29 x W:21 x D:22 cm

Speed/Battery 

• Speed 1 - up to 12hrs run time
• Speed 3 - up to 3.5hrs run time
• Speed 5 - up to 1hr run time

Controls

Button control

The Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo is built to be a powerful, portable fan designed for indoor and outdoor comfort. It features ultra-fine misting technology, and it creates a refreshing cooling effect without leaving surfaces wet — making it ideal for home, picnics, camping, and outdoor events.

You can use it corded or cordless for flexible cooling wherever you need it. The integrated 150ml water tank is easy to refill, while the lightweight construction of under 2.1kg makes it simple to carry and move.

It's also designed to last up to 12 hours of cordless runtime on lower settings, with powerful airflow available when needed.

Best cheap fan

Dimensions 

28.2D x 16.2W x 29.1H cm

Speed Settings 

3 speed settings and a 90 degree oscillating head

Controls

Button control

Honeywell's TurboForce fan is compact in size but designed to be powerful in performance — delivering cooling airflow you can feel from up to 7 metres away.

Its aerodynamic design helps maximise air circulation, making it ideal for desks, bedside tables, living spaces, and small to medium-sized rooms.

You can choose from three speed settings to customise your comfort, while the 90° variable tilt lets you direct airflow exactly where you need it. Designed with quiet operation in mind, it works without unnecessary disruption, whether you're working, relaxing, or sleeping.

Plus, its flexible placement options allow it to be used freestanding on a table or mounted to the wall.

Best desktop fan

Dimensions

25.9D x 25.9W x 37.5H cm

Speed Settings 

3 speed settings

Controls

Button control

You can enjoy powerful, quiet cooling with the Philips table fan. Designed to deliver airflow up to 738m³/h, it provides refreshing air that can be felt from up to 25 metres away to help cool your space quickly and comfortably.

Its SilentWings technology reduces noise levels to as low as 23 dB(A), making it ideal for bedrooms and home offices. With three speed settings and a dedicated Sleep Mode, you can personalise airflow throughout the day and night.

Its compact, modern design can blend effortlessly into any room, while the 180° tiltable head gives you flexible control for direct cooling or wider air circulation.

Best tower fan

Dimensions

D22 x W22 x H105.5 cm

Speed Settings

10 speed settings

Controls 

Remote control and MyDyson app

The Dyson Purifier Cool PC1 combines advanced purification with powerful cooling. It automatically senses, captures, and traps airborne pollutants to help create a healthier home environment.

Featuring HEPA H13 filtration, it captures microscopic allergens as small as 0.1 microns¹ while distributing purified air evenly throughout the room. The Air Multiplier technology projects over 290 litres of smooth, powerful airflow per second for fast, refreshing cooling.

Plus, its auto mode continuously monitors air quality and adjusts performance only when needed to help save energy. Control, schedule, and monitor your air quality remotely with the MyDyson app. Plus, the easy-to-change filters and maintenance alerts help keep performance simple.

Best portable fan

Dimensions

H28 x W28 x D30 cm

Speed Settings

3 speed settings

Controls

Button and remote control

The Dreo TurboPoly table fan is engineered to deliver focused air circulation up to 21 metres. This countertop-friendly fan is ideal for desks, bedside tables, kitchens, and everyday spaces.

You can choose from three speed settings to tailor airflow from a gentle breeze to more powerful cooling. The built-in aromatherapy container allows you to add your favourite scents for a fresher, more relaxing atmosphere.

It's also designed for flexible placement, features adjustable tilt and oscillation, and can be used freestanding or wall-mounted.

Best misting fan

Dimensions

20.1D x 21.9W x 40H cm

Speed settings 

6 speeds

Controls

Button, remote, and app control

The Dreo TurboCool misting fan is a smart 3-in-1 cooling solution that combines powerful airflow, ultrasonic misting, and whisper-quiet performance. Designed to deliver an instant cooling effect of up to 3°C, it produces airflow up to 8m/s and 870m³/h for refreshing comfort throughout the day.

It uses ultrasonic technology to create an ultra-fine mist that cools the air without leaving skin or surroundings feeling damp. With noise levels as low as 20dB, it’s ideal for bedrooms, desks, and focused workspaces.

The 1.3L water tank provides up to 12 hours of continuous cooling, while adjustable oscillation and vertical tilt help direct airflow exactly where you need it.

Best handheld fan

Dimensions

H11.2 × W8.4 × D 4.5 cm

Speed Settings

10 different settings

Controls 

Button control

This is Shark's first 3-in-1 personal cooling system designed to keep you comfortable wherever you go. Combining a high-speed fan, ultra-fine misting, and InstaChill cooling technology, it's meant to deliver refreshing relief at home, outdoors, and on the move. The InstaChill cooling plate cools instantly on contact and can lower skin temperature by up to 9°C.

It's lightweight, sleek, and available in several stylish colours. It’s also made for travel and is ICAO-compliant for safe carry-on storage.

You can customise your cooling experience by swapping attachments and adding optional accessories. However, these are sold separately.

The device lasts up to 11 hours on a single charge.