Guide to finding the best fans to keep you cool
Different types of electric fans
One of the easiest ways to keep cool during the warmer months is to use fans throughout your home. From desktop and tower units to fans that work like air conditioners, there are many ways to make a room cooler.
Choosing the best type of fan for your room
From ceiling fans for bedroom cooling to portable desk fans for home office use - explore different electric fan types to choose the best home fan for you.
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Tower fans
Best for: Living rooms and other medium to large spaces.
Tower fan features:
- They have tall and narrow bodies, and take up very little space. So, they can be conveniently kept in a corner or placed against a wall.
- Typically, they move more air around and can cool a whole room.
- They have more features than pedestal fans and are also quieter than many other fan types.
Ceiling fans
Best for: Bedrooms, lounges, and conservatories.
Ceiling fan features:
- They circulate still air to create a cooling, indoor breeze and work particularly well in rooms with high ceilings.
- Circulating air throughout the room, they keep you cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
- They're available in a wide range of sizes, styles, and finishes.
- You can also choose ceiling fans with lights for extra functionality.
Desk fans
Best for: Home offices or desks and other small spaces.
Desk fan features:
- Designed for personal cooling, these are compact enough to be placed on top of a table, making them ideal for smaller spaces.
- Their portable design makes them easy to position.
- They take up less space than tower or pedestal fans.
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Pedestal fans
Best for: Small and medium-sized rooms.
Pedestal fan features:
- These floor fans have an adjustable stand. Many have tilt and swivel functionality, allowing you to direct the airflow where you need it most.
- They circulate cool air evenly throughout a room.
- They're easy to operate and can be moved wherever they're needed.
Bladeless fans
Best for: Day and night use.
Bladeless fan features:
- Bladeless fans work like a vacuum but in reverse - the air is pushed out instead of sucked in. With no spinning blades, they're considered safer than other fans.
- They generate an uninterrupted flow of air with no buffeting.
- The open design makes them easy to clean and maintain.
Air purifiers
Best for: Bedroom, living room, and home offices.
Air purifier features:
- Breathe cleaner air with air purifying fans. They filter different contaminants to circulate cool and clean air.
- These can effectively remove indoor pollutants like dust and bacteria.
- They also help in reducing unpleasant odour.
A few of our favourite fans
Fancy an efficient oscillating fan? Or the best cooling fan for a cost-effective option? We've got something for everyone in our collection.
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Fans that work for you
Comfort meets convenience with these best electric fan features that make life easier.
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Quiet fans for bedrooms
The whirling noise that some fans make can be a distraction, especially if they’re operating in a quiet space like a bedroom. Luckily, there are a number of models designed with quietness in mind. These fans circulate air as silently as possible, so you can run them all night without disturbing your sleep.
Fans that heat and cool
Some electric fans combine heating as well as cooling capabilities into a single unit. These fans draw in air from around a room, and release it back, either as heated air or as a cool high-powered breeze. The main benefit of this type of fan is that it can be used all year round.
Features to look for in an electric fan
Any fan will provide a cooling breeze, but some offer more advanced features. Certain units can be controlled through your smartphone, while others have sleep timers and auto shut-off functions. Here’s some of the key features to look out for.
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Speed settings
Most fans offer at least three speed settings, ranging from a light breeze to a more powerful blast of air.
Timer
An adjustable timer lets you programme a fan to run for a preset period of time before switching off.
Oscillating fans
Instead of blowing air in one direction, swing back and forth to evenly distribute air around a room.
Remote controlled fans
Adjust fan speed and settings with a handy remote control. Some of the smart fans also offer mobile app controls with added convenience and flexibility.
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Personalised cooling tips
Tips to beat the heat
- Use a desk or handheld fan: Perfect for personalised cooling, a portable desk or handheld fan can be very effective to keep things cool when you’re working away at your home office or in the kitchen.
- Cooling pillows for the win: Wake up feeling fresh. Ensure a good night’s sleep during summers with a cooling pillow that keeps overheating and sweaty siestas at bay.
- Maintain the room temperature: Use blackout curtains to keep the heat out during the day. This also helps in efficient use of fans by trapping the cool air in.
- Consider cross-ventilation: During the cooler hours of the day, consider keeping two or more windows open to allow the cool breeze to play.
- Stay hydrated: Lastly, drink plenty of water and juices.
Air conditioners for your home
Air conditioner units
Keep extra cool with conveniently compact air conditioners. These offer more consistent cooling across the room with precise temperature control - ideal for those extra hot days.
Frequently asked questions about home fans
What fan is best for cooling a room?
The best fan for cooling your home depends on the size of your space and how much airflow you need. Tower fans are great for whole‑room cooling thanks to their tall design and wide oscillation, while ceiling fans offer consistent circulation throughout the day. For intense heat, pairing a fan with an air conditioner can make a noticeable difference. Choose a model that suits your room layout and the level of cooling you want.
Can I leave a fan on overnight?
Yes, leaving a fan on overnight is generally fine as long as it’s used safely and placed in a clear, well‑ventilated space. Many people prefer a quiet fan or low‑noise bedroom fan because it keeps the room cool without too much noise. Features like timers, speed controls and overheating protection can offer extra peace of mind. Always follow the manufacturer's guidance to ensure safe, comfortable night‑time use.
What to consider when buying a fan?
When buying a fan, you should keep in mind the following considerations:
Which is the quietest fan?
Explore our low-noise and quiet fans that are made to reduce sound while they are in use.
Which is better, a 5 blade or 3 blade pedestal fan?
Both have their advantages. Take your pick depending on the area you are looking to cool. A 5 blade pedestal fan can offer smooth airflow in multiple directions, making it a great fit for large rooms. Meanwhile, a 3 blade pedestal fan moves air faster and provides strong airflow, so it is good for hot days.
Is a bladeless fan better?
Bladeless fans could be considered a good option as they are safer and easy to clean since they have no blades.
How to pull hot air out of a room?
To flush out hot air from a room, you could create cross-ventilation by opening two windows in opposite directions. A fan placed by the window on the hot side, facing outwards, could help get the air out quicker. Read more about preparing your home for hot weather and explore more advice to learn ways to keep cool.
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