Best fans and air conditioner units 2021: From Dyson to Daikin
15 June 2021, 17:43 | Updated: 16 June 2021, 09:50
Summer has finally arrived in the UK, meaning now's the perfect time to purchase a fan or an air conditioner.
While at the start of the year the weather forecast was dominated by rainclouds and bitterly cold temperatures, the summer sun has officially arrived - with the mercury hitting the high 20s most days.
Yes, it's true that us Brits love to complain about the weather more than anything else, but there's no denying that working from home has become even more of a slog now that we're stewing in our own heat and no longer have the luxury of hovering under the AC unit in the office.
But don't panic! We've selected some of the best deals and offers on desk fans, tower fans, floor fans and air conditioners, to help keep you cool this summer.
What types of fans are there?
There are several types of fans to help keep you cool - all of which come in varying sizes and shapes.
They include:
- Ceiling fans
- Tower fans
- Floor fans
- Window fan
- Bladeless fans
- Desk fans
- Wall-mounted fans
Should I invest in air conditioning?
In many countries and regions, including the US, parts of Asia and Europe, it would be unimaginable to not have an AC unit.
That said, it can feel like a huge investment for someone living in the UK, bearing in mind we don't get that much sun throughout the year.
However, many air conditioners have a heat function as well and it can feel like a real life-saver during heatwaves.
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The price of an air conditioning unit depends on the type of machine you get; wall-mounted air conditioners will be more expensive, as there's a tech, maintenance and fixture fee associated with them. They can also take up a lot of room and look quite overbearing, especially in small spaces.
The good news is - there are lots of compact, standalone AC units available.
Here are the best fans and air conditioners to buy for summer 2021:
1. Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Formaldehyde
Not only does it capture dust, allergens and bacteria, you can use the remote control or Dyson app to adjust the setting to keep you cool (or warm you up in the winter).
Price: £849.46
2. MeacoCool MC Series 8000
This MeacoCool air conditioning unit is portable and comes on wheels to enable you to easily manoeuvre it around the house. It's energy efficient and comes with a remote control and easy-to-read digital display.
Price: £419.99
3. Muji Low Noise USB Desk Fan
It may be small, but this USB desk fan sure is mighty! While it won't cool down a whole room, it's great for personal use while you work, and comes in a range of pretty colours.
Price: £19.95
4. Dyson Pure Cool Me
This compact fan is perfect for your home office. It captures gases, pollutants and allergens, and keeps you cool.
Price: £299.99
5. Honeywell HT 900E Powerful and Quiet Turbo Fan
With over 4,000 Amazon customer reviews, this desk fan is one of the top-rated in its category. Choose from three settings - all of which are effective, yet quiet.
Price: £28.99
6. Daikin Stylish
As the name suggests, this wall-mounted air conditioning unit is anything but ugly! Ideal for smaller homes, this compact model not only won the Reddot Product Design Award, it can also be controlled via the Daikin app.
Price: £1,400 (inc. installation)
7. Samsung WindFree Pure
Wall-mounted air conditioner units can be bulky, but this model from Samsung is discrete and will look good in any room. Its filter sterilises micro-organisms, purifying the air, while keeping you cool.
Price: £2,500 (inc. installation)
8. John Lewis 12" Desk Fan
There's no denying that most fans are pretty clunky and unattractive, but this sleek desk fan from John Lewis is not only great at keeping you cool - it looks incredibly chic.
Price: £45
9. John Lewis 30" Tower Fan
Not only is the tower stand a bestseller, it comes with a two-year guarantee and is budget-friendly. You can vary the speed and settings to suit your preferences, and it's ideal for personal use around the home.
Price: £50
10. Challenge 16 Inch Pedestal Fan
Argos is selling this nifty pedestal fan from Challenge, that offers three speed settings and has an adjustable head to move according to your position.
Price: £49.99
11. Swan Retro SFA12630BLN Fan
Available in five different colours (cream, cornflower blue, grey, red or black), this retro-style fan will make a cute addition to any living room. It is on the nosier side, but it is effective and aesthetically-pleasing.
Price: £32.99