If you live in a Victorian house, autumn can be the point at which all its charming period features start to show their less appealing side. As temperatures start to drop and we begin closing our windows, turning the heat on and drying laundry indoors, condensation and damp can quickly become a bit of an issue.

I live in a Victorian house myself and know all too well the pitfalls of single glazing in autumn/winter, and while I love my house's high ceilings and features, keeping moisture under control is something I have to be far more conscious about starting from now. Older properties can be particularly susceptible to damp problems, especially where there are cold external walls and areas with limited airflow.

The good news is that there are plenty of things you can do to prevent damp before the wettest, coldest weather arrives. These are the habits worth getting into right now.

1. Check gutters, downpipes and pointing

Before concentrating on moisture inside your home, take a walk around the outside. Autumn is a particularly important time to check gutters and downpipes as falling leaves and other debris can quickly cause blockages.

'I'd look at the colder areas first. Around windows, in corners, against external walls and behind wardrobes or sofas are all places where you can get a bit of a damp or condensation problem because the air doesn't circulate as well,' explains Tony Reynolds, Managing Director of Supreme Merchants.

And he also recommends looking outside. 'Gutters and downpipes can easily get blocked, and things like damaged roof tiles or cracks in the pointing can let water into an older house. Autumn is a good time to give everything a quick check before the weather gets really wet.'

If damp repeatedly appears in one particular spot, rather than as general condensation around the home, it's especially important to investigate whether water is getting in.

Mary Widdall, Product Category Manager for Laundry at Minky, also recommends checking lofts and roof spaces for signs of leaks and condensation, as well as making sure they have adequate ventilation.

2. Keep the house consistently warm

You don't need to crank up the thermostat, but allowing a period property to become very cold can make condensation harder to manage.

Catrin Parry, Buying Lead for Cleaning and Laundry at Lakeland, recommends keeping your home at a relatively consistent, warm temperature. Cold surfaces are more likely to become places where moisture in the air condenses, which is why external walls and windows can be particular problem areas in Victorian properties.

Once your heating is back on for autumn, aim for consistency rather than allowing rooms to become extremely cold before heating them intensely for short periods.

Mary points out that colder homes often have colder walls and surfaces, making it easier for moisture created by everyday activities (even breathing overnight) to turn into condensation.

This is why bedrooms are another area worth monitoring. Check windows and cold external walls first thing in the morning for persistent condensation rather than focussing on traditionally damp rooms such as kitchens and bathrooms.

3. Keep ventilating even when it's cold

As much as you don't want to open a window when it's cold and wet outside, and you've just paid to heat a room, ventilation becomes really important once we're spending more time indoors.

'Ventilation remains important throughout autumn and winter, even when it feels counterproductive to let cold air inside,' says Laura Bradbury, Head of Ecommerce at Vonhaus. 'Opening windows for a short period each day can help replace warm, moisture-laden air without leaving the property cold for hours.'

There's no need to leave windows wide open all day. Briefly airing rooms, using extractor fans and ensuring existing air bricks, vents and chimney ventilation haven't been blocked can help.

Tony agrees that 'if you keep the house completely shut up, all that moisture has nowhere to go.'

Pay particular attention to rooms you rarely use, too. Mary recommends regularly checking cold, poorly ventilated spaces for early warning signs such as musty smells, persistent condensation, staining and visible mould.

4. Change how you dry laundry indoors

This is a big one as we head into autumn. Once washing can no longer reliably go outside, all of that moisture has to go somewhere.

Avoid placing wet clothes directly over radiators. Instead, Catrin recommends choosing one well-ventilated room for drying laundry and, if you use a heated clothes airer or standard drying rack, pairing it with a dehumidifier.

I use a heated clothes airer alongside a dehumidifier myself, and I find it a really useful combination during this time of year. Rather than allowing all the moisture released by wet washing to linger in the room, the dehumidifier actively removes some of it from the air.

Keep the door to your chosen laundry-drying room closed too, so you're not simply allowing that moisture to travel around the rest of the house.

Mary stresses that using a heated airer doesn't remove the need for ventilation either. The heat might help your clothes dry faster but the water from those clothes is still being released into the surrounding air.

Shop our favourite heated clothes airers

5. Pull furniture away from external walls

Now is also a good time to look behind wardrobes, sofas and other large pieces of furniture, particularly those sitting against external walls.

Laura recommends leaving 'a small gap between furniture and external walls, so air can circulate instead of moisture becoming trapped behind wardrobes and sofas.'

These hidden, poorly ventilated areas can be easy to overlook until you move a piece of furniture and discover a musty smell or patches of mould.

Pay particular attention to external walls, corners, window frames and the inside of cupboards. Laura also suggests keeping a closer eye on cellars, chimney breasts and ground-floor rooms in older properties.

For smaller condensation hotspots, a passive moisture absorber can be useful too. Mary recommends products such as Minky's 200g Damp Guard, £9.99 on Amazon, for targeted areas including bathrooms, bedrooms, utility rooms and around windows. It doesn't require electricity and works silently, with each tablet lasting up to three months depending on conditions.

6. Get on top of moisture from cooking and showering

It isn't just the weather outside that causes problems. A lot of our everyday activities continually add moisture to the air.

Cooking, showering and drying laundry indoors are three of the biggest culprits, so use extractor fans whenever possible and close the door while producing steam.

Catrin points out that these activities don't stop just because the season has changed, which is precisely why ventilation remains so important through autumn and winter.

It's also worth checking your extractor fans now. Tony recommends making sure they're clean and actually working effectively rather than simply assuming they're doing their job.

And if you wake up to condensation covering your windows like me, wipe it away rather than allowing water to sit against the frames and sills throughout the day. Critically, Mary recommends positioning moisture absorbers (I love Minky's moisture absorber, £25 at Argos and use it in my bedroom) in specific problem areas rather than treating them as an alternative to ventilation or a powered dehumidifier where there is a significant moisture problem.

Shop our top-rated dehumidifiers

7. Monitor humidity and use a dehumidifier

Finally, stop guessing how damp your house is. A simple hygrometer can tell you what's actually happening to humidity levels throughout the day and help identify rooms that consistently struggle with excess moisture.

'A cheap hygrometer is actually quite useful because it gives you an idea of how humid your home is, rather than having to guess,' says Tony.

A dehumidifier can also be extremely useful in a Victorian property, particularly in rooms where you regularly experience condensation or when drying washing indoors.

Laura stresses, however, that it should be used 'alongside suitable heating and ventilation rather than as a replacement for them.'

And that's a really important point as a dehumidifier can tackle moisture in the air, but it can't repair a leaking gutter or a plumbing problem. If one patch of damp keeps returning despite all your efforts, look into the cause rather than simply running a dehumidifier.

For smaller problem spots, Catrin also recommends moisture traps or compact dehumidifiers that can be placed in cupboards and wardrobes, while a larger compressor model is better suited to managing moisture across bigger rooms.

Ultimately, preventing damp in a Victorian house is less about one miracle product (frustratingly) and more about controlling where moisture comes from and giving it somewhere to escape to. And crucially, spotting any potential problems, like rising damp, early.

After months of continuously hot weather, it's all too easy to associate certain appliances with keeping cool.

But as someone who's literal job it is to test the best fans around, I'm finding that I still have plenty of use for the fans I have dotted around my home, despite the cooler temperatures we're now experiencing in the UK. I have one in my office, my living room and my bedroom, and I don't think I'll be packing them away any time soon.

This is why I don't think you should either.

1. It helps reduce stuffiness

Temperatures may be a lot more tolerable now than they were a month ago, but that doesn't mean that the air is feeling lovely and crisp.

Still air combined with the rainfall we've been having lately can easily make rooms feel stuffy, so I've been using my fan to circulate the air, removing any staleness and encouraging fresher air in from outside.

When it comes to how fans can help with humidity, they might not be able to actually reduce moisture levels like the best dehumidifiers can, but the movement of air can help reduce how muggy a room feels.

2. It can help you fall asleep all year round

While experts advise not to leave a fan running all night long, I'm a big fan (pardon the pun) of having a fan on while I fall asleep. It's a combination of the feeling of a gentle breeze across the skin, and the almost imperceptible hum it creates, that sends me off into a deep sleep.

And so even though the nights are getting cooler (although I've not yet swapped to my autumn/winter duvet), I'm still using my fan on the lowest setting (and with a timer so it's not running all night), to help me drift off.

3. It can help prevent damp-causing condensation

While you might not think about using a fan during wetter months, it can actually help keep damp and mould at bay.

Having good air circulation can help speed up the evaporation of moisture, and prevent condensation from forming on windows and walls, which if left unchecked could lead to problems with mould and damp. And I definitely don't want those, so I've got used to sticking the fan on for a bit especially after cooking or showering and it seems like a good idea to me!

For more serious issues with excess moisture, a fan won't be enough though and you'd be better off with a dehumidifier. You can always use your fan to help your dehumidifier, boosting its effectiveness in a shorter amount of time. It might also be worth assessing whether a multi-functional appliance is a more worthwhile investment to give you year-round use.

4. It could help boost my heating (when I turn it on)

OK, admittedly I'm a little way off turning my central heating on for the first time this season, but with the energy price cap due to rise again in October, I'm definitely keen on any low-energy options that will boost the benefits of my heating, without costing me a fortune.

While it can seem counter-intuitive to use a fan in the colder months, it can be a great tactic for helping to circulate warm air around your home, using the same logic as radiator fans.

When the time comes to put my heating on, I plan on putting my fan near my radiator, and on the lowest speed setting, to help help evenly and quickly distribute the heat around the room. If the room feels warmer more quickly, I'm less likely to resort to having it on for longer than necessary, keeping my energy bills as low as possible.

FAQs

Do you need to use a fan all year round?

Whether you'll get the benefits of using a fan all year round will depend on your home and how it handles moisture and heat distribution.

If you have no issues with excess moisture and your heating emitters work like a dream, and burping your home gets rid of any stuffiness, then you might not need your fan over the colder months and you can probably quite happily pack it away.

However, even though you won't need it for cooling, if your fan can keep your home feeling fresh and help your dehumidifier work more effectively then it's worth keeping it at the ready. Fortunately, many of the models you can buy today are relatively unobtrusive, quiet, and inexpensive to run.

Whatever kind of air environment you want to create in your home, you can probably buy an appliance to help you achieve it. Whether it's one of the best fans to help circulate fresh air, a purifier to remove allergens or a dehumidifier to help banish damp, there's a product solution.

However, if you need a fan or air conditioner in the summer, a heater and dehumidifier in the autumn and winter, as well as a purifier all year round, then that's a lot of appliances to find space for and it can easily feel like clutter.

More and more, you can find these functions grouped together in single appliances, which is great from a space-saving point of view, but is a combined appliance really as good as a single function one? As well as having tried individual and multi-purpose appliances myself, I've also reached out to the experts to weigh up the pros and cons.

What are the benefits of having a fan, heater, air conditioner and dehumidifier in one appliance?

There are lots of benefits at choosing an appliance that offers multiple different functions.

Firstly, despite the fact that they are more expensive than single function alternatives, multi-function appliances that offer cooling, purification, heating and dehumidification are usually more cost-effective than buying each of the appliances individually.

Cost-per-use is also usually lower too as you could use the multi-function appliance year round, rather than just for a few weeks depending on the season. For example, Dyson's HP1 combines fan, heater and air purifier functionality in a single appliance. While it costs more than £500, you could easily spend that buying a fan, heater and purifier of similar quality.

In addition to making sense if you intend to use the extra functions over the course of the year, they 'can reduce upfront outlay versus buying separate appliances, cut clutter, and save storage space,' says Meaco's Chief Product Officer, Chris Michael. 'They can also reduce running costs in practice because you can run the mode you actually need at the time.'

What are the disadvantages of having a fan, heater, air conditioner and dehumidifier in one appliance?

But while there are undoubtedly benefits to buying a single appliance that offers a range of functions, there are some downsides to consider before you buy.

Multi-purpose units can be sizable, bulky and heavy, especially if they have air conditioning functionality. While they may still be portable, this can make them challenging to move up and downstairs. This is especially the case when it comes to portable air conditioners.

It may also be that you don't have use for all of the functions your unit provides. For example, if your home doesn't struggle with excess moisture then you might not need a dehumidification function. You might also be able to use a single function appliance throughout the year (I'm not packing away my fan just yet and plan on using it frequently over autumn).

Or if your home is well insulated and holds onto heat well, a heating function may not get used that often, in which case, it may be more cost effective to buy an appliance that is dedicated to the function that you need. You might also already have a couple of air quality appliances, in which case you may be doubling up unnecessarily.

But for me, based on my own experience, the biggest downside is that not all of the functions on a combined appliance are as good as their standalone counterparts. I find this particularly apparent on portable air conditioners with fan and dehumidifier functionality. The air conditioner is usually the star of the show, while the fan especially is louder and not as powerful as a standalone fan. I always tend to see the dehumidifier as a bonus feature rather than of equal standard as the air conditioner.

Ideal Home's Senior Digital Editor Jenny McFarlane (who's been reviewing and writing about air quality products for years), agrees, saying: 'I'm always a little wary of appliances that try to do too many things at once, and that's true of dehumidifiers with built in air purification.

'I've tested enough dehumidifiers to know that more features don't necessarily make for a better appliance, because most importantly, a dehumidifier needs to be really good at getting excess moisture out of the air.

'Having an air purifier function is a really nice bonus though, but it wouldn't sway me to buy a combo appliance if the extraction performance isn't as powerful as it should be.'

Finally, it's important to think about your air quality needs around your home before deciding on a combined or single function appliance. Maybe you need a dehumidifier in a poorly insulated part of your home, and an air purifier in the bedroom to help with allergies. If that's the case then a single appliance may not be suitable.

Instead a dedicated dehumidifier for the room that has issues with excess moisture, and a separate air purifier for the bedroom would be a better and more sustainable set up. Just make sure you weigh up whether a dehumidifier or purifier will be best for your home before you commit.

What is worth buying in a single unit?

If you aren't after something whisper quiet, then opting for a dual purpose fan and heater can be an effective way to get more use our of your appliance over the course of the year. These are available in slimline designs that won't take up too much room and are usually light enough to move around with relative ease.

If you can find an air conditioner that also offers a heat mode, and you are short on storage space then it's worth investing. Air conditioners can be bulky and hard to store, but if you can find use for it over the winter months, then you don't have to worry about packing it away.

For a dehumidifier, where it's effectiveness will be paramount if you want value for money, you may find that you need a standalone appliance. However, we were very impressed with the Meaco Arete Two dehumidifier that has a purification function when we put it through it's paces.

While the most intense heat of the summer may have passed, it's being reported that we could see warmer weather return in September, so don't pack away your cooling solutions just yet.

While the many of the best fans around remain out of stock, handheld varieties are still available and are ideal for those who commute (that tube journey can still feel hot well into the ber months), spend a lot of time outdoors, or simply want a portable way to stay cool whenever they need to.

But when you can spend less than £15 or in excess of £100 on a handheld fan, how do you know what's worth your money? Luckily, I've tested loads of portable fans over this hot summer and this is what you'll get for your money.

What you get with an under £20 handheld fan

You can definitely get a handheld fan for less than £20, and while it'll get the job done, it won't offer the best in terms of wind speed, functionality, cooling potential or design.

I've had a budget handheld fan from Amazon for a good three years, and it's seen me through some roasty toasty times. But would I say it's the best handheld fan I've ever tried? Sadly, no. It has just four ok wind speeds, is quite noisy, and it's quite bulky to fit in my bag. I also unsuccessfully tried to use it as a desk fan, but when I do, the vibrations cause it to slowly spin around, so I was constantly turning it back towards me.

What you get with a £21-60 handheld fan

If you are prepared to pay a little bit more, then you definitely see the aesthetics of the handhelds fans kick up a notch. I've been using Blueair's AlwaysCool Portable Handheld Fan over the summer and love it's clever design, which incorporates a tiltable head so it can easily be adapted from a handheld to tabletop design.

It's also considerably quieter than my budget fan, especially in the lower fan settings. It also has 100 speeds which tops out at 3.8 metres per second (although I couldn't tell a difference between many of them). However, that broader scope of speed settings allows for better personalisation to specific comfort levels. And it is very comfortable to use.

What you get with a £61-100 handheld fan

Being prepared to pay a bit more still, this is where you start seeing some really impressive windspeeds that will offer better relief from sweltering heat whenever you need it. And for me, this is the sweet spot between price and effectiveness.

I've been using the new Dyson HushJet Mini Cool Fan over this roasting hot summer and it's been one of my favourites thanks to its very impressive wind speeds (officially the strongest of any handheld fan I've ever used). I also liked how slimline it was, which meant it was the easiest to fit into my bag, plus I love the dark and bright blue colour combo.

It's really thoughtfully designed too, something that warrants the higher price point. It comes with a neck dock that has little cut-outs for the control buttons, as well as a charging stand with a notch cut out for the cable. I also love that you can twist the fan head from pointing forwards (which is ideal when holding it in your hand), to pointing upwards which is perfect when you use the neck dock.

What you get with a £101+ handheld fan

At the top end of the price spectrum, coming in at £129.99, you have the Shark ChillPill. But if you think that's an outrageous price for a handheld fan, the fan is actually only one of three functions of this nifty portable device.

As well as a handheld fan, you get two other uses that do much more than move the air around you. Firstly, there is a misting head that allows you to aim an ultra fine mist at your face, which when it evaporates, makes the air feel much cooler than a fan alone can achieve.

Secondly, it comes with an InstaChill cooling plate that is designed for direct skin contact. The cooling plate feels like it's just come out of the fridge and offers incredibly effective cooling when swiped across your face and pulse points.

So how much should you spend on a handheld fan?

Obviously your available budget will dictate how much you spend on a handheld fan, but this is definitely the kind of appliance where you get what you pay for.

If you are just looking for a handheld fan for the odd day out, or for a child to take to school with them, then a budget friendly sub-£20 option will get the job done.

However, if the unprecedentedly hot summer we've had is a sign of things to come, then I think it's worthwhile investing in something that performs better and ideally has dual purpose (as, say, a handheld and personal desk fan). That way you can maximise the use you get from it, especially if you have paid more for it.

It's also worth understanding how the functionality differs as the price changes. If you want something with impressive wind speeds or active cooling capacity, then you are very unlikely to find that in a budget device. However, if you don't want that, then you can save your money and opt for a more affordable design instead.

While many air purifiers require regular, expensive filter replacements, Shark has been on a mission to make this must-have appliance more accessible to everyday users. And the filter of the Shark BreatheClear Compact Air Purifier with NeverChange6 doesn't need to be replaced for - you guessed it - a whopping six years.

But does it have what it takes to compete with the best air purifiers out there? I tested it out in my home for two weeks to see for myself.

In a nutshell

The features that sold me on the Shark BreatheClear Compact Air Purifier with NeverChange6 are found in the name: it’s a compact air purifier that clears the air and boasts a filter that doesn’t need to be replaced for a whopping six years. But during testing, I also found it incredibly responsive and easy to use.

This fancy, modern air purifier also uses its sensors to scan the air 3,600 times per hour, automatically adjusting its purification power when it detects pollutants or even someone walking by the appliance. Couple that with easy-to-read air quality data, and you’ve got an air purifier that ticks the boxes for many everyday users.

However, it’s not without its niggles. As it can only be used in rooms up to 27m² to fully benefit, it’s really only suitable for smaller homes rather than larger open-plan spaces. During testing, I also found that it wasn’t quick to react to all pollutant types.

The lack of app and smart home connectivity can also be seen as both a positive and a negative, depending on your personal preference and experience. But if you’re looking for a big-brand air purifier that gets the basics (and a bit more) right, I do think you’ll be happy with its abilities. If you’re already au fait with air purifiers and want something more high-tech, this one won’t be for you.

Specifications

• Recommended room size: 27m² (1 air change per hour), 6m² (4.8 air changes per hour)
• Noise levels (tested by us): 27- 57 dB
• Filter type: HEPA Filter, Activated Carbon, Pet Particle Barrier, Debris Defence Washable Filter
• Dimensions: 23.32 cm L x 23.72 cm W x 29.31 cm H
• Weight: 2.58 kg
• Wattage: 20W
• Smart App connectivity: No
• Timer: No (but does have Sleep mode)
• Auto mode: Yes

Unboxing and setting up

True to its name, the Shark BreatheClear Compact Air Purifier with NeverChange6 arrived in a very compact box. It was lightweight, easy to carry, and, as I’ve come to expect with SharkNinja products, free of unnecessary packaging.

Instead, the air purifier was encased in cardboard scaffolding and the recyclable, fabric-like material that Shark likes to use to protect its products. There was also very little assembly required. All I had to do was open up the base of the air purifier, remove the filter from its plastic wrapper, and re-insert it.

This took all of 2 seconds, so I could plug it in and start setting it up soon after. However, this next step took a bit longer. A lot longer, in fact.

After going through a brief ‘get to know your air purifier’ segment and using the onboard controls to set the day and time, I then got to the sensor calibration stage.

The BreatheClear Compact requires calibration on first use or after long periods without use, but the kicker is that this process takes a whole 48 hours. And for best results, Shark suggests setting the air purifier up in a well-ventilated space while this sensor calibration takes place.

This is the first time I’ve come across an air purifier that requires such lengthy, intensive calibration, so it was a little annoying on my part, as I wanted to start using it as soon as possible. However, I figured this process was designed to make the air purifier as effective as possible, so I decided to suck it up and wait the required 48 hours.

Design

Personally, I’ve always struggled a little with Shark’s air purifier designs. When I tested the brand’s NeverChange 5 Air Purifier last year, I said that it ‘looks more like an alien spaceship than a typical home appliance’ - and the same can be said for this upgraded model. Shark has kept the modern look, and I still think it’ll be divisive in houses that prefer more traditional home decor.

However, I do appreciate the air purifier's size, as its compact design is small enough to remain fairly inconspicuous without drawing too much attention.

It’s also extremely lightweight at just 2.58kg, which means you can carry it from room to room with very little effort.

Shark also sells the BreatheClear Compact Air Purifier with NeverChange6 in multiple colourways if you’d rather it make a statement in your home. I tested the standard ‘Dove’ colourway, but it also comes in a darker Charcoal, Blush, Butter Yellow, or Sage Green (my personal favourite).

Performance

We take our air purifier testing at Ideal Home very seriously, and we conduct four dedicated assessments to evaluate their performance. The first is the smoke test, which shows how well an air purifier reacts to the introduction of smoke (PM2.5) particles. So, with the air purifier in Auto mode and my air quality at 94%, I lit a match and blew the smoke toward it.

Within seconds of my introducing the smoke, my air quality decreased rapidly. And within 28 seconds, it had gone all the way down to 0% - as far into the red level as you can go. You can see just how quickly it detected these changes in the video below.

However, as quickly as it reacted to the negative change in air quality, it worked just as quickly to capture the polluting particles and improve the air quality again. In fact, just 3 minutes and 50 seconds later, my air quality was back up to 95% - which the air purifier rates as ‘excellent.’

This isn’t as impressive as the 2 minutes and 30 seconds it took the Blueair Blue Max 3250i Air Purifier - which is currently the number-one-rated model we’ve tested - to do the same, but it’s still not far off.

I then moved on to the next test, the spray deodorant test. This tests an air purifier’s ability to detect and respond to VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). So, I sprayed the deodorant at the same distance away from the air purifier and noted the starting Air Index level - which was 96%.

The Shark BreatheClear Compact Air Purifier with NeverChange6’s VOC reaction time was slightly slower than in the smoke test, but it was still a fast response, and the air purifier once again took it down to 0% in less than 30 seconds. Two minutes later, it was back in the blue ‘excellent’ category.

Next, I moved on to the dust test, which typically consists of PM10 particles. I emptied my vacuum’s dust bin next to the air purifier and waited to see if it would pick up the dust introduced into the air. However, it didn’t - and that’s more of a testament to my vacuum than anything, as it is already equipped with its own filters to capture these particles.

So, I tried something else and shook my feather duster over the air purifier, as I figured it was full of unfiltered, raw dust. Once again, the air purifier didn’t pick up any change in air quality - although it did briefly decrease by 1%.

From this, I determined that the Shark BreatheClear Compact Air Purifier with NeverChange6 isn’t as effective at detecting and removing larger PM10 pollutants, such as dust, mould and pollen. At least during my independent testing, anyway.

I saved the best test for last: the cooking test. This test sees how an air purifier reacts to gas and cooking smells, as many people now buy air purifiers primarily for kitchen use. So, I cooked up a few rashers of vegan bacon and assessed how well it fared.

Once again, it reacted very quickly to the change in air quality in my kitchen, and I could hear the fan instantly ramp up to combat the additional pollutants. About five minutes into the cooking process, the percentage was firmly in the red at 0%.

Then, it took about 15 minutes after I had finished cooking to go back to normal. The bacon scent also lingered during that time, but when I walked into the kitchen again about 30 minutes later, it was almost completely gone.

However, one thing I did miss during this particular test - and my entire testing process - was the odour cartridge, which Shark included with the older NeverChange5 and within its Shark vacuum cleaners.

This odour cartridge was a highlight during my test of the previous model and made my house smell amazing. It’s a shame that Shark decided not to add it to this model, but it’s not a dealbreaker for me as it was more of a nice perk rather than an essential addition.

After the initial testing period, I continued to use the air purifier for a few hours a day to monitor and adjust my home’s air quality - and it really came in handy when my husband started painting. The Shark BreatheClear Compact Air Purifier with NeverChange6 reacted extremely quickly to VOCs and paint fumes in the air and worked hard to restore air quality to a healthy level when he’d finished.

As it’s so compact, I mostly used it downstairs in my living room and kitchen, but I could see people using it in their bedrooms to help them sleep at night - as long as you keep it on the lowest fan speed or Sleep Mode to minimise noise.

Just be warned that this model isn’t suitable for rooms bigger than 27m². If you need it for a more open-plan space, you can buy it in a larger size from Shark for £299.99. This larger model is suitable for spaces up to 70m², but is also bigger in size.

Ease of use

One thing I will always give Shark credit for - both in terms of their air purifiers, vacuums and even their robot vacuums - is that the products are designed for easy, everyday use. There’s nothing complicated about them, and novices can jump in and use all the features without an extensive learning curve.

But the Shark BreatheClear Compact Air Purifier with NeverChange6 is a slight anomaly in today’s saturated air purifier market - and whether that’s a good or bad thing depends on your own thoughts on the matter. That’s because this air purifier doesn’t have an integrated app, which means all of your controls are on the top of the air purifier itself.

On the control panel, you can turn it on, adjust your device and screen settings, view your air quality data, enable Sleep mode, or manually adjust the fan speed. You can even see the filter life here. And for those who want to understand the basics of their air quality, this should be enough.

However, those who have used air purifiers with apps in the past may find they’re missing a phone-controlled interface that lets them compare historical data, understand what their air quality means, adjust settings without getting up from the sofa, and even buy spare parts straight from their phones.

This new Shark air purifier does come with a few little perks, though - and this can be found in the motion and light detection. And I found that every time I walked past the air purifier, the screen showed a little swirly display, which told me it was boosting air purification and dimming the low light. This does make it more of a hands-off appliance.

Noise levels

Any appliance can be noisy, but air purifiers are similar to the best fans in that they circulate the air. So, I always test the noise levels of any air purifier I test - especially if the brand has made its own claims about the noise levels. In this case, Shark hasn’t.

Using a decibel meter app on my phone, I recorded 27dB at the lowest fan speed and 57dB at the highest. For reference, 27dB is equivalent to a soft whisper or the rustling of leaves. 57dB is the sound of a normal conversation.

This is slightly above average for what you’d expect for such a small air purifier, but it’s also not the loudest I’ve ever tested. Personally, I couldn’t hear it at all over the TV or my music while I was working. I wouldn’t have it on its highest fan speed while I was trying to sleep, though.

Energy use

Running at 20W, the energy usage of the Shark BreatheClear Compact Air Purifier with NeverChange6 is pretty average. It’s not the most efficient air purifier we’ve tested - that honour goes to the Blueair Blue Max 3250i Air Purifier - but it’s also not the most expensive.

When you consider how much it costs to run an air purifier, this model will set you back just a few pennies to run per hour in Auto mode.

However, one thing that is slightly disappointing is that Shark has decided to do away with an Eco mode - something the NeverChange5 entered when it achieved 100% air purification status. The NeverChange6 does lower the fan speed when air quality improves, but it’s not known how this affects the energy usage.

Filter replacement

The main USP of the Shark BreatheClear Compact Air Purifier with NeverChange6 is that you shouldn’t need to replace the air purifier filter for six years. This is a huge advantage for long-term use, as many other air purifiers require replacement filters around every 6-12 months.

So, not having to buy replacements makes it incredibly cheap to maintain, and is a major selling point for those who want an air purifier with minimal hands-on maintenance required. However, you still need to clean the pre-filters.

These are located on the side of the unit, and you can use a vacuum cleaner on low speed or a clean cloth to wipe these mesh filters and remove the dust and debris. You should never use chemicals and ideally not use a damp cloth - but if you do, you need to make sure you leave them to dry for at least 24 hours before reinstalling them.

You don’t have to worry about forgetting this task, either. Not only does the unit alert you when the pre-filters need cleaning, but you can also check the filter life on the onboard display.

Verdict: Should you buy the Shark BreatheClear Compact Air Purifier with NeverChange6?

If you’re a Shark fan and want to add another appliance to your collection to manage everyday pollutants, the Shark BreatheClear Compact Air Purifier with NeverChange6 will tick most of your boxes. It’s extremely quick to react to smaller particles and VOCs, and it’s easy to use and maintain thanks to the 6-year lifespan of the filters.

The motion sensor is also a nice touch, allowing you to witness real-time air purification as it happens. Just be warned that this model, in particular, is for smaller rooms under 27m², so would suit smaller living rooms, kitchens and bedrooms rather than large open-plan spaces.

However, my independent tests found that it struggled to react to high levels of dust, so it may not be your top choice if you are looking for an air purifier that tackles PM10 particles with ease.

Because of this, I see this air purifier as being an entry-level air purifier for those who know they want to improve their overall air quality but don’t have any specific air quality requirements - and don’t mind not having an app to control it.

While we might be experiencing cooler temperatures after an extremely hot summer, seeing as cooling appliances had all but sold out by the start of the summer, I was pleased to see that Meaco had launched a new tower fan.

Most of the best fans I've tested over the last 12 months are out of stock, so if you've struggled to find a suitable option this summer, then it's worth seeing whether this new Meaco release might be suitable for your home, and picking it up so you're ready for the next bout of hot weather.

I've been testing the Meaco Sefte Tower Fan (small) in my own home for the last couple of weeks, and this is what it was like to use, and ultimately, whether I think it's worth your money.

In a nutshell

Fan aficionados Meaco have extended their Sefte range of fans to include two new tower designs.

I tested the small version, which is designed for desktop use, and was impressed by it's powerful wind speeds, and easy controls. It also offers a wide wind channel and multiple oscillation settings to customise the airflow to your preferences. It's also an affordable option, with an RRP of £69.99.

For those who want a floor-standing option, the large Sefte Tower Fan is almost twice the height of the small version and offers app connectivity so you can control it from your smart phone.

I've got to admit, I've avoided tower fans in my own home ever since I had a very cheap one back in my uni days that rattled whenever it moved and proved very ineffective unless you were sat right next to it. But this Meaco offering has definitely changed my mind!

Specification

• Type of fan: Tower
• RRP: £69.99
• Weight: 2.5kgs
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 16.5cm x 49cm x 18cm
• Wattage: 2-20W
• Wind speed (metres/second): 2.2-6.9m/s
• Running costs per hour (based on energy price cap at the time of writing): 0.52p
• Number of fan speed settings: 12
• Noise in dB: 38-69dB
• Smart features: None
• Dual functionality: None
• Oscillation: Horizontal only (45°, 90°, 135° and 180°)

Unboxing, setting up and first impressions

As with all of the Meaco fans I've tried over the last 12 months, there's very little if any plastic included in the packaging and the Meaco Sefte Tower Fan is no different. It's all cardboard, paper and even a dust bag for the fan (which I'm definitely holding on to for storing it over the winter). The only bits of plastic I spotted was in the remote control battery compartment, and on the included battery packaging, and they were minimal.

The small tower fan is light enough that it's really easy to get out of the packaging single-handedly, and there was no assembly required on the fan itself. All I needed to do was add the battery to the remote control, position the fan where I wanted, plug it in and I was good to go.

My first impression of the fan was that I liked the neutral two-tone colourway (it's a off white and greige combo) that would be a subtle addition to most homes.

I like that there's no black screen (that I think would take away from the subtle appearance), instead useful information lights up on the front of the fan in a really pleasing way.

It's lightweight too, which meant it was easy for me to move from room to room. I also appreciated the compact dimensions of the base. This tower fan doesn't take up much room when it's popped on a table top, which makes it ideal for smaller bedside tables. This smaller version of the Sefte tower fan (it also comes in a taller version that is 92.5cm tall and app compatible), is just 49cm tall, meaning it's best suited to table top use. I used it primarily in my living room and bedroom, and it didn't feel cumbersome or overbearing in either space.

What's it like to use?

As with all of the Meaco products I've tried, the small Sefte tower fan is really easy to use by either the control panel that sits on top, or the magnetic and glow-in-the-dark remote control (the taller version can also be controlled by the Meaco app).

Both the on-board controls and the remote control are intuitive to use, with an obvious power button, up and down arrows to alter the wind speed, sideways arrows for sideways oscillation and a timer button for, you guessed it, setting the timer. The only button that may not feel intuitive for people who have never used a Meaco fan before, is the three dots, that switches the fan from normal mode, to night mode (where lights and beeps are turned off), to eco mode, which automatically adjusts the fan speed depending on the ambient temperature in the room.

I like that when the fan is connected to the power supply, it shows the ambient temperature in the room in really subtle way on the front of the fan, despite there being no visible LCD screen. Once you turn the fan on, there are small bars that appear around that ambient temperature that indicate which of the 12 wind speed setting you are on, as well as a numerical confirmation that flashes up for a second or two when you adjust the setting. If you are in night or eco mode, you'll also see a little moon or thermometer symbol display too.

The wind speeds are powerful, ranging from 2.2m/s in speed one (which would be ideal for sleep) up to a very blustery 6.9m/s in speed 12, which will seriously get the air moving across your skin and was the one I turned to when it was 36°C outside and I was melting.

While the name Sefte is an Old English word that means quiet, gentle and undisturbed, and this tower fan definitely is quiet in it's lowest speed settings, it does get noisier as you go up to top speed. I clocked it at 38dB (which is equivalent to rustling leaves) up to 69dB, which is like a chat with friends, at top speed.

While the top speed isn't quiet, it's more likely you would only use this speed on rare occasions, and most likely during the day when it's hotter when the sound levels are less of a concern.

When it comes to the actual airflow, it's very impressive, even in such a compact package. Firstly, the tall and narrow design allows for a wide wind channel, which means you can feel it's effects on a larger portion of your body than you may with, say a pedestal fan that has a more concentrated channel. I found that when I had it on a sideboard in my living room, about three metres from where I was sitting, I could feel it's effects from the top of my head to my waist, which felt like it was offering maximum impact, especially on a hot day. However, in my bedroom, where I have a chest of drawers as a bedside table, it was too high to feel the direct benefit (but it's got me seriously rethinking my bedside table situation as a result!).

Secondly, I really liked the varying options this fan has when it comes to oscillation. It offers four different oscillation angles, from a narrow 45° to a broader 180°. When it roasting hot during the testing period, I definitely favoured the 45° angle as this felt like it was mostly aimed in my direction, and not blowing towards the window and making the blinds rattle. However, once it cooled down a little and I was trying to get some of the hot stuffy air out of my house, I preferred the 180° angle, which felt like it was having more of an effect on the room as a whole.

In terms of manoeuvrability, the small Tower fan was light enough to move around single handedly, by either holding the body of the fan in the crook of my elbow and holding on to the base, or by using the integrated handle.

Running costs

Using between 2 and 20W, this Sefte tower fan is very inexpensive to run, costing around 0.5p per hour to run, based on the July 2026 energy price cap.

Using the eco mode, where the speed will automatically adjust based on the ambient temperature (running in speed one and 19°C or under, up to speed 12 when the ambient temperature hits 30°C), will ensure it's used in it's most energy efficient manner.

Cleaning and maintenance

Keeping the Sefte tower fan dust free is key to it working most efficiently. You can easily wipe over the exterior with a dry cloth, but occasionally, it's worth dusting the fan blades themselves.

Making sure the fan is disconnected from the mains, you can remove the grill by unscrewing the screw beneath the handle on the back of the fan, and then unscrewing the screw at the base of the fan blades. Then you can remove the blades, dust them thoroughly and then following the same steps in reverse.

I found the screws to be on the small side so I needed to use a smaller screwdriver to remove them, and it was a little bit fiddly to screw the blades back in place. But with only a couple of choice words and deep breaths, I got it fitted back together.

Who should buy this fan?

If you are after a slimline and powerful fan that doesn't cost a fortune, then the small Sefte tower fan will be right up your street. With it's compact dimensions, it'll fit neatly on any table top, whether it's by the bed or on your desk, and it's quiet lower wind speeds will give you the comfort you need without distracting you from work or sleep. If you don't want to use it on a desktop, then I'd suggest opting for the larger floor standing model instead.

If a pedestal fan is more your speed, then the Sefte pedestal air circulator is one of the best fans I've ever used. It has multidirectional oscillation capability, which means it can direct air flow to ever corner of your room, bouncing air off walls and the ceiling and everything in between. There's also a battery-operated desktop version that is ideal if you don't want to be held back by the location or accessibility of your plug sockets.

If you are prepared to pay more for a fan, then the Shark TurboBlade performed really well in our tests. But it's around £100 more expensive.

Having experienced one of the hottest summers on record, it's no wonder that we're all looking for ways to ensure our comfort levels wherever we are.

While many of the best fans have sold out due to unprecedented demand, two huge names in the world of appliances like this — Shark and Dyson — have both released handheld fans this summer. The Shark ChillPill came out first, offering a 3-in-1 cooling solution, while the Dyson HushJet Mini Cool Fan came slightly later, offering the most powerful airflow I've ever experienced in a handheld device.

But with both names hugely popular, which should you buy? To help you decide, I've tried both and compared them on the factors that matter.

How do the Shark ChillPill and Dyson Mini Hushjet Cool Fan compare on design?

As the Shark ChillPill and Dyson Mini HushJet Cool Fan are both handheld designs, they do have their similarities, but also some stark differences.

Firstly, both are available in multiple colourways that allow you (if stock levels allow) to pick one that suits your personality and tastes the best. After all, these fans are designed to be with you on the go, to be seen.

The Dyson HushJet Mini Cool Fan comes in three different two-tone colour varieties — Ink/Cobalt (dark blue and bright blue), Stone/Blush (a beige and soft pink combo) and Carnelian/Sky (a poppy red and light blue combination).

The Shark ChillPill, on the other hand, comes in seven different colourways, including Iced Latte (light brown), Rose Gold (golden pink), Carbon (dark grey), Haze (blue), Glacier (turquoise), Dragon Fruit (hot pink) and Matcha (green).

The Dyson has a longer, more slimline design than the ChillPill, measuring 18cm in length and just under 4cm in diameter, with an on-off switch, + and - buttons plus indicator lights on the front, with no display screen to speak of.

Conversely, the Shark ChillPill is shorter at 11.2cm tall and wider at 8.4cm, effectively made up of two tubes that can twist to 90°. There is a lock switch on the body of one of the tubes, but most operation is conducted via the screen. Push the screen to turn it on, then twist it to cycle through speed settings.

How do the Shark ChillPill and Dyson Hushjet Mini Cool Fan compare on accessories?

The Dyson HushJet Mini Cool Fan comes with a travel bag, neck dock and a charging stand included, which is all you need to be able to use it at home or on the go.

The Shark ChillPill comes with three different fan heads (one for fan, one for misting, and a cooling plate), a little storage pouch and a set of replacement wicks for the misting pod. There are a range of accessories, including wristlets, neck sleeves and straps, as well as clip attachments for bikes or prams, but you'll need to buy them separately as they aren't included when you buy the main fan.

Which is the easiest to use?

Neither the Dyson nor the Shark handheld fan is complicated to use, but one definitely requires a little more involvement than the other.

The Dyson HushJet Mini Cool Fan has the simpler functionality, in that it only operates in fan mode. Besides turning it on and off and selecting the wind speed, there's not much else needed.

On the other hand, the Shark ChillPill takes a little more effort, in terms of swapping the fan heads, and in the case of using the misting pod, filling it with water and replacing the wick when necessary.

The control screen on the Shark takes a little more getting used to than the controls on the Dyson, and feel slightly less intuitive on first use.

When in use, the Dyson HushJet Mini Cool Fan is by far the most powerful, reaching a top speed of 7 metres/second in the highest wind setting. The ChillPill achieves a top speed of 4.8m/s.

But while the Dyson is a high powered fan, it is just that, a fan. The ChillPill offer additional functionality that sets is apart from all other handheld fans on the market. The misting pod means it can double up as a misting fan, which can be especially cooling on a hot day compared to a fan alone, while the cooling plate offers a skin-contact cooling solution that feels gloriously ice cold.

How do the Shark ChillPill and Dyson Mini Hushjet Cool Fan compare on price?

While neither could be described as a budget fan, there is a fair price difference between the two.

The Dyson has an RRP of £99.99, making it the brands first and only sub-£100 fan. With the added functionality of a mister and cooling plate, the Shark ChillPill has an RRP of £129.99.

In both cases, I think the price tag is warranted. The fans feel premium, with thoughtful design features, and both offer gamechanging tech, whether that's powerful airflow or the InstaChill cooling plate, that sets them apart from other handheld fans you can buy.

How do the Shark ChillPill and Dyson Mini Hushjet Cool Fan compare on noise?

As you would expect, where there is a difference in windspeed, you can expect a difference in noise level, especially in a handheld device.

While the Dyson HushJet Mini Cool Fan is the most powerful handheld fan I've ever used, it's also pretty noisy at top speed, reaching a noise level of 87dB (according to my decibel meter).

On the other hand, the Shark ChillPill hits 78dB at top speed.

How do the Shark ChillPill and Dyson Mini Hushjet Cool Fan compare on battery life?

Battery life will ultimately depend on the setting you use. With the Dyson HushJet Mini Cool Fan, you can get around six hours use on the lowest power setting, dropping to just 53 minutes if you use it on the highest speed.

With the ChillPill, if you use the fan mode on it's lowest setting, you can get about 11 hours run time on a single charge. But switch to the InstaChill cooling plate and this drastically reduces, giving you less than two hours use off a single charge.

When it comes to charging, the Dyson will recharge in three hours, while the ChillPill takes about 30 minutes longer.

Which should you buy?

When it comes to which you should buy, it depends on what you want from your fan. I've tried both and each impressed me in different ways, but at a push, I'd say the Shark ChillPill edges slightly in front, largely due to the cooling plate, which is heavenly on a hot day.

When it comes to the one I think you should buy, it depends on what you are looking to achieve.

If a powerful fan is what you are after, then the Dyson HushJet Mini Cool is the one for you. Its top wind speed is guaranteed to knock your socks off. While it's not silent by any stretch, if you are out and about when it's hot, I doubt you will care much about the noise level. The Dyson was also my favourite in terms of ease of use, and overall design.

However, no matter how powerful a fan is, it can't actually cool the air. So if you want something that can actually cool, this is where the Shark ChillPill steps up. In addition to the fan, you get two additional cooling solutions. The misting pod releases an ultra fine spray that feels cool but doesn't leave you drenched, while the InstaChill cooling plate is something of a revelation. On a hot day, running the cooling plate over warm cheeks and your pulse points is deliciously effective.

As we head into yet another heatwave, I'm all about keeping cool wherever I go. And with many of the best fans on the market sold out after unprecedented demand earlier in the summer, it's a relief when new products are released just as we need them.

Blueair, known for it's air purification products, has just launched its first portable handheld fan, and I've been lucky enough to test it out in and around my own home over the last few (very warm) days.

This is how I found using it and whether I think it's worth your money.

In a nutshell

Blueair is the name behind some of the best air purifiers we've tested here at Ideal Home, so I definitely had high expectations when it came to their brand-new portable handheld fan offering.

The AlwaysCool Portable Handheld Fan is lightweight, super quiet (thanks to AeroSilent™ Technology) and boasts 100 speed settings, while also offering a substantial battery life of up to 32 hours. It's available in two Scandi-inspired shades, Cloud Linen (and off-white) and Night Charcoal (a deep grey).

Price-wise, it sits in the mid-range for portable handheld fans at £59.99.

Specification

• Type of fan: Hand-held (but adaptable to desktop)
• RRP: £59.99
• Weight: 0.26kgs
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 6.5cm x 18cm x 6cm
• Wattage: not provided
• Wind speed (metres/second): 1.6-3.8m/s
• Running costs per hour (based on energy price cap at the time of writing): n/a
• Number of fan speed settings: 100
• Noise in dB: 40-63dB
• Smart features: None
• Dual functionality: None
• Oscillation: None

Unboxing, setting up and first impressions

The Blueair AlwaysCool Portable Handheld Fan comes in compact and fully recyclable packaging. In the box you get the fan itself (which has a wrist strap already attached), the charging cable as well as an instruction and safety manual.

Although it's ready to go straight out of the box, it does say to charge it fully before the first use. So I plugged it in, and it took about three hours to go from 27% battery to 100%. While it was charging I got a good look at the design, and I can definitely see the Scandinavian influence. It's minimal, with a matte off-white finish and subtle branding embossed on the handle and wrist strap.

There's a display screen in the middle of the fan head, which shows both a battery indicator ring, as well as numerical battery percentage and wind speed (you have to toggle between the two rather than having the battery percentage and wind speed displayed at the same time).

Instead of standing the fan vertically (which isn't possible due to a slightly curved base), the AlwaysCool is designed to lie horizontally. In this position, you can tilt the fan head forwards, which allows you to use it as a desk fan when you're not on the move.

In terms of operation, there is an on/off button on the back, and a dial on the front that allows you to cycle both up and down through the 100 wind speeds.

What's it like to use?

When you press and hold the button on the back, the fan turns on with a default wind speed setting of 50, which gives off a nice breeze. The thing that struck me first was how quiet it was. I clocked it at 52dB at this speed, which is the equivalent of gentle background noise.

While the proximity of the fan to my face meant it was audible, it was quiet enough that I could have a conversation or watch TV without being too distracted. Out and about, I could barely hear it.

Despite being named the AlwaysCool, it doesn't actually offer any cooling, as say a portable air conditioner would. But the airflow does feel nice and refreshing on the skin, although on a really hot day where, like all fans, it's just blowing warm air at you, it might not have the same impact.

Dropping down to the lowest wind speed, my decibel meter app measured a reading of just 40dB, which is similar to the sound my fridge makes, which is very quiet indeed. It still gives decent airflow, even on setting 1. Using my anemometer (which measures wind speed), I measured 1.6 metres per second, which is gentle but still noticeable. It felt very pleasant on the skin, and could still be felt, even from a full arm's length away.

At the top end, in speed 100, I measured a wind speed of 3.8m/s (which is noticeably more powerful) and a noise level of 63dB, which is the equivalent of a chat with friends. At this noise level, you'd have to turn the TV up, but I found I could still hold a conversation without feeling overstimulated by the sound.

Noise-wise, it's very quiet up to about speed 30, when it gets louder, then the noise level kicks up again when you get to about speed 75. While there are 100 speed settings, which is very impressive in terms of being able to customise the fan speed to your exact comfort levels, I didn't notice much difference between many of the speeds.

For example, on speed 10, my anemometer measured a wind speed of 2m/s, with no change until I got to speed 20, which was 2.1m/s. All in all, realistically, you have about 20 noticeably different speed settings which is nothing to sniff at.

I really liked being able to use the dial on the front of the fan to be able to cycle both up and down through the wind speeds, as having to cycle up through all of them just to get to a lower level speed setting would be incredibly frustrating.

When I first turn the fan on, it shows me the battery percentage, before showing me the selected wind speed (with a little fan symbol next to it). I like that there is an ever present battery indicator ring around the wind speed, it's handy to be able to press the power button to get the battery percentage to flash up on the screen. With a handheld model, I don't feel like I need anything more than this, so it's ideal.

The only problem is when I'm using it outside, I really struggle to see the screen, so I tend to go with what feels best rather than aiming for a particular speed setting. From a battery point of view, it would be useful if there was a another small indicator light elsewhere on the body of the fan, so that if used in bright sunlight, you can still have a bit of a heads up if the battery is getting low.

When I'm indoors, though, it's light enough to move around the house with me, and especially into spaces where I don't tend to put a fan, like the bathroom or kitchen. While it's been so hot, I've been using the AlwaysCool while prepping food in the kitchen, tilting the head forwards and laying it on it's back so that I can feel the benefit while having my hands-free to chop and assemble.

I've used it on my desk too, and love that it doesn't take up too much space, or feel like it's drying my skin or eyes out while I work.

When I am using it as a handheld fan, it feels nice to hold, isn't too heavy and I appreciate the wrist strap for added security. It would be possible to replace the wrist strap with a lanyard if you wanted. I'd find this very useful when I was out with my dog and needed to be hands-free to do my dog mum duties with my hands free. But right now, I have to pop it back in my bag, which isn't the end of the world.

When I'm out and about, I usually have a decent sized cross body bag which fits the AlwaysCool easily, and so far, I haven't found that anything in my bag inadvertently turns the fan on while I'm carrying it about. However, if I had a much smaller bag, the dimensions of the fan head might make it slightly harder to transport. Those dimensions also mean this isn't necessarily pocket-friendly, either.

In addition to it's quietness, the AlwaysCool is very impressive in terms of battery life. When used on the lowest setting, you'll get a whopping 32 hours of use out of a single charge, although this will understandably decrease if you choose a higher power setting.

Running costs

As the AlwaysCool Portable Handheld Fan runs off a battery, it doesn't cost anything to run. However, the battery will need to be recharged, which takes about three hours, the cost of which will depend on how much you pay for your electricity.

Cleaning and maintenance

As with most handheld fans, there's thankfully not much needed in terms of cleaning and maintenance. It's a good idea to prevent them from getting wet or dusty so they stay in good working order, and that's about it.

It's a good idea to hold on to the box so that you can store it safely over the colder months when you're not likely to need it.

Who should buy this fan?

If you want a handheld fan that looks good, is both simple and quiet to use, and doesn't cost a fortune, then the Blueair AlwaysCool Portable Handheld Fan will be for you.

However, if you have a bit more to spend and want powerful wind speeds, then the Dyson HushJet Mini Cool fan will be more suitable. It's the most powerful handheld fan I've ever used, with a top speed that will knock your socks off. However, that speed means it's not as quiet as the AlwaysCool.

The Shark ChillPill is another alternative worth considering. It offers stronger wind speeds than the AlwaysCool, and is a bit louder as a result, but it doesn't reach the speeds of the Dyson HushJet Mini Cool. Where the ChillPill stands apart is the added functionality, which warrants the higher price. It has three different heads which means you can use it as a fan, a misting fan or a direct contact cooling plate, all in a single handheld device.

At the other end of the price spectrum, John Lewis has a similar-looking fan for £20, although I've not had a chance to test this one yet, so I can't say for sure how they compare on noise level and wind speed.

Here at Ideal Home, we're big fans of Dyson's cooling products. And so I was really excited when I heard that a handheld fan was being added to the brand's collection.

The Dyson HushJet Mini Cool fan launched in May, but sold out almost instantly as we experienced the first heatwave of the year. But now I've managed to get my hands on it and try it out first-hand to see how it performs and if it's worth the £99.99 price tag.

In a nutshell

Available in three duo-colour options, the Dyson HushJet Mini Cool fan is a handheld design for on-the-go cooling.

It's slim design means it can fit easily in a bag, and it's got five standard power settings, plus a Boost function, which gives you customisable and powerful airflow from a gently breeze to a forceful gust.

While the HushJet's nozzle is configured to eliminate high-pitched whirring and silence the noise of the motor, it doesn't offer silent operation by any means. In fact, when it's at top speed, it's quite noisy. However, this is a compromise that comes with handheld fans. If you want a compact design and a powerful fan, it's going to make some noise. If you want something quieter, then as a result you will usually sacrifice some power.

But as portable fans like this are less likely to be used as you are dropping off to sleep, having it be a bit noisier seems a small price to pay for such a powerful device.

With an RRP of just under £100, it's not cheap, but as with all Dyson products we've tried, you definitely get what you pay for.

Specification

• Type of fan: Hand-held
• RRP: £99.99
• Weight: 0.21kgs
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 3.8 x 18 x 3.8cm
• Wattage: 40W
• Wind speed (metres/second): 1.9-7m/s
• Running costs per hour (based on energy price cap at the time of writing):
• Number of fan speed settings: 6 (5, plus Boost mode)
• Noise in dB: 58-87dB
• Smart features: None
• Dual functionality: n/a
• Oscillation: None

Unboxing, setting up and first impressions

As you would expect with a handheld fan, there's not a lot needed in terms of packaging or set up.

The fan arrived well packaged in a box slightly larger than that used for an iPhone, with the fan itself wrapped in thin paper on the top, and the accessories nestled underneath.

I was impressed that for the £99.99 price tag, you get a couple of useful accessories in the box, including a charging stand and neck dock (in the same colourway as your fan) as well as a travel pouch and the charging cable.

It's ready to go straight out of the box, but I always like to give it a charge before I use it for the first time, but I did hit a slight stumbling block. I've amassed a collection of USB compatible plugs over the years, but the Dyson HushJet Mini has a USB-C cable, which meant I had to buy a compatible plug before I could charge it.

In terms of looks, the HushJet Mini is pleasingly sleek and minimal. It has minimal controls, just a sliding on/off switch and an up and down button that allows you to cycle up and down the wind speeds. I have the ink and cobalt colour, and I like that the neck dock (which allows you to wear the fan around your neck) and the stand are in a matching colour.

What's it like to use?

The Dyson HushJet Mini Cool fan is incredibly intuitive to use, with very simple controls to turn it on and off, and then a button to cycle through the wind speeds. I really like that you can cycle both up and down, as it's always been a big of a bug bear with the cheap handheld fan I've used previously that I had to go up through the speeds to get back to the lowest one.

When it comes to wind speeds, it's super powerful. My anemometer (a tool that measures wind speed) clocked it at 1.9 metres per second in the lowest speed, up to 6.5m/s in speed five, then up to a whopping 7m/s in Boost mode (which is achieve by long-pressing the + button. Those figures may not mean much, but when you consider that the most powerful pedestal fans on the market reach around 5.5m/s in top speed, you get a sense of just how powerful this handheld fan is.

On the lowest speed setting, it's a gentle breeze that feels nice on the skin without making me feel like my eyes are instantly drying out, while the top speed easily blew my shoulder length hair off and away from my neck (which was glorious when I was outside in 28 degree weather). The design of the fan means I get a really concentrated blast of air when I need it, which is exactly what I want from a handheld and portable device.

When it comes to noise level, I clocked it at 58dB on the lowest setting (which is the equivalent of gentle background noise), up to 87dB in Boost mode, which my decibel meter app tells me is the equivalent of a lively street. When I was testing the battery life, I left in on the charging stand in another room and could still hear it clearly, even with the TV on. But while the sound is noticeable at any wind speed, I know happy to compromise on that if I can have a super powerful and compact handheld fan in return.

This isn't a fan to use while you're trying to sleep or watching TV, but while you are out and about, the sound will likely be drowned out by the sound of the world around you. And to be honest, if I'm roasting hot and in need of relief, I wouldn't give two hoots about the noise.

When I was trying this fan out and about when walking my dog, I did use the neck dock so I could free up my hands for dog-walker duties when I needed to. The neck doc is thoughtfully design, and was comfortable to wear around my neck. The dock itself is thoughtfully designed, as it has little notches on the inside which means you can secure the fan without getting caught on the control buttons. While it's easy to fit the fan into the neck dock, you don't have to worry about it falling out. I jumped around my kitchen wearing it, and it didn't budge.

Initially, I thought the neck dock was more for hands-free transport than hands-free use, as the fan was either blowing out in front of me or against my torso, depending on how I had it in the dock. But then I realised that I could twist the fan head so that it could blow straight up towards my face which was bliss.

If you're sitting, you can stand the fan near you for hands-free operation. It's base is wide enough to keep it pretty sturdy, or you can use the charging stand for added stability. Even though it's a personal fan, I could still feel the breeze from a good three feet away when I had it on my desk.

When it comes to other accessories, there's a handy travel bag, which is ideal to keep it clean and dust-free when it's not in use, plus a charging stand. I'd initially thought that you needed the stand in order to charge the fan, but that's not the case. The charging cable plugs into the back of the fan base, rather than the charging stand. But the stand provides additional stability when you're recharging the battery. Another thoughtful design is the little notch in the stand which leaves room for the charging cable.

Battery life-wise, if you only used it on the lowest power setting, you can get up to six hours run time, but that drastically decreases if you use it in the higher power settings. At top speed, the full charge lasted me just 53 minutes.

To charge it up again, it took three hours.

Running costs

The Dyson HushJet Mini Cool fan is battery powered, so it's direct running costs aren't that straightforward. However, Dyson does say that is uses 40W of power, which equates to just over 1p per hour of run time based on the July 2026 energy price cap.

Cleaning and maintenance

There's very little maintenance needed with a handheld fan, and the Dyson HushJet Mini Cool fan is no exception.

You'll need to keep it dry and dust-free, so it's a good idea to store it in the travel bag when it's not in use so it can keep working optimally.

Who should buy this fan?

If you want a powerful handheld fan that is straightforward and easy to use, then the Dyson HushJet Mini Cool fan will be right up your street. Super portable, easy to handle and incredibly powerful, it's ideal for giving you a bit of cooling relief on a hot day.

However, while it's the most affordable Dyson fan you can buy, it's still £100. So if you want something more affordable, then the £20 John Lewis High Power Handheld Fan may be more suitable. Like the Dyson, it comes in a range of colours too. I haven't personally tested the John Lewis model yet, but I'd be surprised if it comes close to the Dyson in terms of power for the price.

If you want a handheld fan with more functionality, then the 3-in-1 Shark ChillPill is worth the investment. Although it doesn't offer the fan wind speed capabilities as the Dyson, it does have three interchangeable heads which means you can use it as a fan, a mister and a direct contact cooling plate (which, trust me, is delicious on a hot day). Although if you want any additional accessories beyond a travel pouch, you will need to buy them separately.

As a hot sleeper trying to get some well needed shut eye in what looks to be the hottest summer on record, I have never been more grateful that my job includes testing the best cooling appliances on the market.

From the best fans, through to portable air conditioners, and even fitted air conditioning, I've tried it all.

But while trying out all these options, I've learned two important lessons. One is that what works for me during the day, may not be my top pick for use while I'm trying to drop off in the hottest room in the house. And the second, is that one appliance can't do it all.

Here I've rated each of the three appliance types and ranked them by which I found the most effective and comfortable to have in the bedroom.

3. Fan

I like to have a fan in my room all year round, and for most of the year the fan is exactly what I need. I'm a big fan of the Duux Whisper Flex 2 (sadly it's currently sold out) as it's super quiet, doesn't take up too much space and gets the job done. But when the temperature really ramps up, even on the highest speed setting, it's not enough to make my bedroom cool enough to sleep in.

I've even tried sleeping with two fans in the room, one blowing towards the bed and one facing out the window to help push the warm air out and draw cooler night air in, which, again, is effective, until it remains excessively warm overnight.

2. Portable air conditioner

I had thought my cooling appliance of choice for in my bedroom would be a portable air conditioner. After all, it's essential in my home office to keep me cool while I'm working. And it is undoubtedly the most effective at cooling to a comfortable temperature.

But, despite the fact that I've tested some of the quietest portable air conditioners you can buy, including the Dreo portable air conditioner and Meaco Cirro, the bulky size of appliances like this, combined with the layout of my bedroom (including the position of the window), means they feel like clutter. And for me, that's not conducive to a good night's sleep.

However, on night's when the humidity is high, the my portable air con is definitely my appliance of choice, clutter be damned.

1. Misting fan

Over the course of this very warm summer, I've been surprised that my favourite cooling appliance to use overnight has been my misting fan (the Dreo 765S misting fan, in stock at Amazon, to be precise). I'll even use it downstairs and carry it upstairs each night. And when it's roasting hot, that's testament to how much I enjoy it!

Not only does it fit neatly in the corner of the room, and offer very impressive wind speeds in fan mode, but the mist itself is so ultra fine that it creates a cooling breeze (that sits half way between a fan and a portable air conditioner), that does manage to make my room a lot more comfortable on hot nights, without leaving my room feeling damp.

The only time I found my misting fan less effective was on a couple of humid nights. This is a downside of misting fans in general, as they work better in dryer climates than humid ones due to existing moisture levels in the air and how that affects the misting process. Fortunately, those humid nights have been few and far between, and so I have been enjoying the misting fan most nights.

Could one appliance have done it all?

If you'd asked me a couple of years ago, I would have said that having a decent fan was all you needed to have a comfortable night's sleep. But given an increasing frequency in heatwaves, and this summer reaching record breaking temperatures, I now think you need an arsenal of goodies if you want to stay cool while sleeping.

I think a good, ultra-quiet fan is a must, or a misting fan that offers decent and quiet wind speeds in fan mode with the addition of a cooling mist. If your budget will stretch (and you can find one in stock), then a portable air conditioner is well worth investing in, especially when we are likely to see these uncomfortably hot temperatures more often.

If you don't have a portable air conditioner, make sure you boost the cooling potential of your fan for maximum impact.

It's also worth stocking up on a summer stash of bedding, like a lighter tog duvet, a cooling mattress topper and pillow to see you through the hot nights.

If you've managed to get your hands on a portable air conditioner this summer, you'll know that, in order for it to work most effectively, you'll need to install a window kit.

After all you need to vent a portable air conditioner outside so that it can expel hot air, and the seal works to keep this hot air out, which means your appliance can work in the most energy efficient way possible. But let's be honest, these window kits don't always look the best.

So how can you make them look more attractive? I asked the experts for their best tips.

1. Make sure you use the correct seal for your window type

First up, it's important to use the right seal for your window type. Many portable air conditioners come with two types of seal: one that is a rigid and slides to fit gaps in sliding windows, and another universal kit that includes a fabric seal, with a zip through the middle and a roll of hook and loop tape to help attach it to the window frame.

The rigid vent is arguably the better looking out of the pair, but is only suitable for sash windows where you can easily eliminate any gaps that could let hot air back in the room.

I've seen people on social media using these rigid vents vertically in a casement window (and that may be an option if you rent and can't apply the hook and loop tape to the window frame for a fabric seal), but this won't create the most effective seal.

2. Take your time applying the window seal

If a fabric seal is the most suitable for your window type, then taking the time to apply it carefully will help keep it looking neat.

'Most of the complaints about fabric seals looking messy come from loose fitting, excess material hanging down or gaps around the edges, so take time to measure the window properly, pull the fabric seal tight before attaching it and make sure the zip opening around the hose is snug,' says Rhys Powell, Director of Operations at WarmZilla. 'A well-fitted seal looks much more intentional and also works better because it stops warm air leaking back into the room.'

Over the summer, when my window seal isn't in use, I leave it attached to the window but fold it on on itself so that it's not visible from outside. Then once the summer is over, I remove the seal and fold it away for next year. I leave the hook and loop tape in place as it matches the colour of the window frame so is barely visible.

3. Try a DIY alternative

If you love a bit of DIY, then you could always make your own fabric seal, using material that better suits your home and tastes. But remember your choice of fabric will impact the effectiveness of keeping the heat out when the window is open and the appliance is in use. Fabric seals included with most portable air conditioners tend to be made from a tightly woven polyester that has been coated to weatherproof it.

But fabric isn't your only option.

'A made-to-measure clear acrylic panel is a much neater alternative because it creates a clean, almost glass-like finish rather than covering the window with fabric,' explains James Bryant, Founder of Cut My, that offers cut-to-size acrylic air conditioner window seals, with an opening sized specifically for the exhaust hose.

'Acrylic or polycarbonate can be effective for a DIY seal, but accurate measuring is essential,' he says. 'A badly fitting panel can leave gaps, put pressure on the window frame or become unstable.'

It's also important that any DIY option like this is still fitted properly and safely. 'People should avoid permanently altering rented windows and make sure the panel does not interfere with hinges, locks or safety restrictors,' adds James. 'The hose should follow the air-conditioning manufacturer’s guidance, remain unobstructed and be kept as short and straight as reasonably possible. Never use ordinary glass or brittle offcuts, as these are harder to cut safely and may break.'

While social media might provide inspiration for other DIY seals, it's important you focus on effectiveness as a priority, as Rhys explains: 'A homemade seal needs to create a proper barrier around the exhaust hose without putting strain on the window or creating gaps where hot air can escape. What you're seeing on Instagram might look good in photos but fail in practice because it has small openings that allow warm air back into the room. If you're making your own solution, prioritise a tight seal and safe installation over appearance. A portable air conditioner will only perform properly if the hot air it removes is directed fully outside.'

4. Vent through a wall

Another option is to avoid venting your portable air conditioner out of a window and vent it through the wall instead. I recently reviewed the Dreo portable air conditioner which came with a wall vent included. This is a permanent option, so likely won't be suitable for those who rent, but it will feel a lot more discreet that a window seal.

Unless you are competent with DIY like this, it's a job left for a professional, as it's vital it's done correctly so that it's effective.

With the UK on track for it's hottest summer on record, it's no wonder that cooling products are selling out all over the place.

But while the best portable air conditioners are sold out and unlikely to be restocked over the rest of the summer, people are having to turn to alternative solutions like air coolers to keep comfortable when it gets hot.

So I followed the advice of my Ideal Home teammate Jenny and have been trying out an air cooler for the first time. I opted for the Morphy Richards Flexi Freeze 1l Rechargeable Travel & Desk Top Mini Personal Air Cooler, which is more of a personal cooler than a unit that can impact the whole room. Perfect for my first foray into the world of air coolers.

And after trying it for a couple of weeks, during a significantly warmer-than-average July, I wanted to share my experience so that, if you are thinking of investing in one, you have a clear understanding of how it works and the results it will achieve.

1. It doesn't release a mist, despite having a water tank

Before I dug a bit deeper into their differences, I thought air coolers and misting fans worked in the same way. After all, both have water tanks.

However, while a misting fan releases a fine mist to help cool the air, my air cooler doesn't. Instead it has a honeycomb shaped cooling pad filter that absorbs water from the tank. The cooler then draws warm air in through the filter, which causes the water to evaporate and cool the air, which is then pushed out the front of the fan.

For the sake of my frizz-prone hair, and the fact that you need to be in relatively close proximity to the personal air cooler to feel it's benefits, I wasn't too disappointed not to be misted at close range.

2. It doesn't have the cooling power of a portable air conditioner

I've been a bit spoiled when it comes to cooling power, after testing both portable and fitted air conditioning units in my home. So my expectations are high when an appliance claims to offer a cooling function.

I'll admit I was expecting the cooling power of the air cooler to be more intense and instantaneous, akin to a portable air conditioner. But once I understood more about how air coolers work, I realise that my expectation was a little misguided.

Portable air conditioners contain refrigerants that rapidly and drastically cool the air they draw in, which means their can achieve really chilly temperatures and effectively lower the ambient temperature of an entire room.

Air coolers, on the other hand, don't contain any refrigerants, and so aren't capable of achieving the same level of cool.

However, air coolers do have the edge over portable air conditioners when it comes to noise level and where they can be positioned. The Morphy Richards air cooler I've been testing is much quieter than even the ultra quiet portable air conditioners I've used, which may mean they are a more suitable option for those with any noise sensitivities.

Another bonus is that air coolers don't need to be vented out a window like portable air conditioners, which means you have much more flexibility over where you use them in your home. My little portable air cooler was also super each to move around, and especially up and down stairs due to it's compact proportions.

3. Water alone won't create the best cooling effect

Playing with my air cooler, I tried lots of different options to see how I could achieve the best cooling effect.

Just using cold tap water meant that I could tell little difference between the fan mode and cooling mode. Chilling the water in the fridge before topping up the air cooler had a better result, but the best result for me was adding ice cubes to chilled water.

It doesn't generate an Arctic blast by any stretch, but when combined with a decent fan speed, it does create a comfortable cool breeze that does take the edge off in a hot room. And in a heatwave, that can be worth it's weight in gold.

Shop in-stock air coolers

Shark has just dropped a brand new appliance into its lineup: the Shark BreatheClear with NeverChange6 Air Purifier (£269.99 at Shark). And as someone who tests air purifiers for a living, it’s got me pretty excited.

Of course, Shark has already proved it has what it takes to produce some of the best air purifiers on the market, understanding that UK homes crave an appliance to tackle dust, odours, and other airborne nasties that can affect our air quality.

But this new model solves the biggest (and most expensive) problem I have with this summer essential: how often you have to change your air purifier filter. And as the name suggests, the BreatheClear with NeverChange6 filter doesn’t have to be replaced for a whopping six years…

Shark impressed me last year when I tested the predecessor to this new model, the Shark NeverChange5 Air Purifier. With this older appliance, Shark had designed a reactive, powerful, and incredibly easy-to-use model.

The new Shark BreatheClear with NeverChange6 Air Purifier, however, takes what I loved about the NeverChange5 and supercharges it, offering a larger recommended room size and air changes per hour (70m2 with 1 air change per hour and 14m2 with 4.8 air changes per hour).

This makes it suitable for medium-sized rooms if you’re wondering how to choose an air purifier for your home. It also comes with an anti-odour cartridge to enhance the benefits of air purifiers, and it is available in two colourways to suit your home and style.

Personally, I still can't decide if I like the overall modern design or if it’s a bit too robotic for me. But that's all personal preference.

But the real selling point is that the advanced HEPA filter, which captures 99.98% of particles, doesn’t need to be replaced for 6 years. And this will save you a lot of money, as most air purifier filters need to be replaced regularly - costing you an extra chunk of money at least once or twice a year.

To calculate just how affordable that is over six years compared to other air purifiers, you can use the following formula: the price of the air purifier + (the price of the filter × 12). This is based on the assumption that you should generally change your air purifier filter every six months. However, it’s important to note that the exact lifespan depends on your usage.

But if you don’t want to do the maths, I’ve worked out a few examples below that compare the cost of the new Shark BreatheClear Air Purifier with the Blueair 3250i, which is Ideal Home's best overall air purifier, and our top budget model, the COWAY Airmega 50.

So, while it’s fair to say that you’ll have a higher upfront cost with the new Shark air purifier, it works out even cheaper than a budget-friendly model in the long run.

However, it’s important to note that this comparison only compares the air purifier's price and doesn’t account for its features and specifications. It may be that a different model will better suit your specific air quality requirements, so I’d still suggest doing your own research, depending on whether you want an air purifier to stop dust, tackle cooking smells, combat hay fever symptoms, or reduce pet dander.

But if you’re basing your air purifier purchase on price alone, I do think Shark’s new model is a worthy contender and my new unexpected hero of the summer.

Will you be snapping one up?

If you'd told me I'd be considering buying a neck fan two summers ago, I would have laughed you out of the room. However, the humble neck fan is undergoing a renaissance as I've spotted numerous editors I work with sporting them around their necks when working from home.

Alongside the best fans, they have become this summer's new ultimate must-have (just behind the cult John Lewis fan). They offer hands-free cooling when you're out and about, or as my team has discovered, when you're at home, so you don't have to keep moving a desk fan around. The best part is that many of them are also still in stock, unlike many of the best portable ACs and fans we've tested.

For those who haven't seen one in action, a neck fan looks a little like a set of 90s-style headphones draped around your neck. However, instead of the foam ear pads, you have two little fans propelling air at your pulse points to cool you down. Many of them now also have full surround airflow to cool you down quickly.

These little pieces of kit have undergone a stylish reinvention; many of the versions you find on Amazon or other retailers look so sleek I had to do a double-take to work out what my editor was wearing around her neck during a recent meeting. I have tracked down some other versions I'd happily wear in public.

'While the intense heat we've experienced so far seems to have let up (for now) it's still warm enough to need a fan to keep you comfortable. Not only will it help air circulation in your home, but the air movement across your skin will help to cool you down,' says Sarah Handley, Ideal Home's portable AC and fan expert reviewer.

'While pedestal and tower fans are great for bigger rooms, and desktop fans are ideal for small spaces, it's a good idea to invest in something portable that you can take into places you don't have a fan, like your bathroom or garden, to ensure your personal comfort wherever you are.'

As the heatwave shows no signs of letting up, I'm stocking up on any portable cooling option I can get my hands on to follow me around my home, and right now, a neck fan is top of my list.

Cooling appliances have never been more sought after, especially when we've faced multiple heatwaves in relatively quick succession.

If you weren't lucky enough to bag one of the best portable air conditioners before they sold out across the board, then you'll be pleased to know that the Devola DVACO9C portable air conditioner is back in stock.

But with an RRP of £440 for the 9,000 BTU model, you'll want to know if it's the right fit for your home before you commit.

To help, I've been testing it in my own home for the last couple of weeks to see how it performs in a real home environment. This is how I got on with it.

In a nutshell

After selling out once already this year, Devola's DVAC09CW 9000 BTU portable air conditioner is back in stock, but be warned, it's likely to sell out fast. While it might not look and feel as sophisticated as some other models I've tested, if you need an effective cooling solution for a smaller room, then the Devola model is worth investing in.

As with most portable air conditioners offering cooling, fan and dehumidifier functionality, in the case of the Devola, the cooling function is by far the star of the show.

While it's perfectly capable of effectively cooling a room up to 28m2, it does lack some finesse in the design department that would make it even better, including automatic louvres, a top air outlet, and improved buttons on the remote control.

Specification

• Cooling capacity (BTU): 9000BTU
• Recommended room size: 10-28m2
• Noise levels in cooling mode: up to 68dB
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 35 x 70 x 34.8cm
• Weight: 24kg
• Wattage: 1003W in cooling mode
• Functions: Air conditioner, fan, dehumidifier
• Other features: App control, sleep mode
• Window kit included: Yes

Unboxing, setting up and first impressions

At 24kg, the Devola portable air conditioner was not light to manoeuvre into my living room from the doorway, but fortunately the industrial strength plastic bands around the packaging helped be to gentle walk it from the front door. It's best to leave these on until you have the AC in position where you want to unpack it, as once they are removed you won't be able to lift the box as they are what holds the box sides to the base.

Fortunately, I was able to unpack most of it by myself as the accessories, like the window kit and exhaust hose were positioned on the top, and then the sides of the box lift off with ease. I'd definitely recommend having a second pair of hands available to help remove the appliance from the base packaging.

Once the packaging was removed, the castors made it really easy to move into position over my hard floors, although it required a little bit more effort to move it over rugs and carpets. The most difficult part, and this goes for all portable air con units, was getting it up the stairs. It's heavy and bulky, so it's definitely not something you should attempt solo.

My first impression of the appearance of the Devola portable air conditioner was that it has nice narrow proportions, which means that it would fit quite neatly in both my home office and my bedroom. The control panel is easily accessible on the top of the appliance, and it has quite a simple design. I tested it in the white colourway, but it also comes in black if that would better suit your home's aesthetic.

The design of the main appliance and the remote control feel a little basic, especially compared to other portable air conditioners I've tried, but as long as it cools my space down effectively, that's definitely not a major concern.

In terms of set-up, I needed to use the flexible window kit (which is included, alongside a kit for sash windows). This involves adding Velcro strips around the window frame and casement that you want to vent it out of. This only takes about 10 minutes, but it can be a bit fiddly.

I also tried to connect it to the app for an additional mode of control (the appliance needs to be within 5m of the router, so definitely attempt this before you lug it upstairs). Unfortunately, for me, this proved quite a frustrating experience, and after multiple unsuccessful attempts, I gave up. Fortunately, I was happy enough to use the two other control methods, and can always attempt the app connection at a later date.

As a final step, I just needed to attach the exhaust hose to the back, which was easy, and vent it out of the window. It was at this point that I really appreciated the 1.8m length hose, which was plenty long enough to reach the window.

What’s it like to use?

In terms of controls, the fact that I struggle to connect the appliance to the app wasn't too much of a hardship as it was still easily controlled by the on-board panel or the remote. It's worth checking the instructions for each mode's symbol to ensure you have it set up in the correct way.

While both the on-board control panel and remote were clear and straightforward, I preferred using the control panel on the appliance itself. This was down to the design of the buttons on the remote control that required a couple of presses to get the command to stick.

Then I moved on to testing the different modes.

Cooling mode

First up I tested the portable air conditioner's primary mode — cooling. This isn't the default mode, so I pressed the mode button on the on-board control panel until I saw the snowflake symbol on the display screen. I then turned the target temperature down to 18°C (although I had the option of choosing anything from 16–32°C).

Before I turned on cooling mode, the room was at a rather toasty 26.2°C. At first, the air doesn't come out ice cold, but after a couple of minutes, it was blissfully fresh. I then left the room and returned 20 minutes later to see it was down to a much more comfortable 22.8°C.

The air outlet is located on the front of the appliance, rather than the top, and so when I was sat at my desk with it on in cooling mode, I could feel the cold air being directed more at my waist than up into the hottest part of the room. It is possible to manually adjust the louvres both horizontally and vertically, but it does feel a shame that these are not automatic to help circulate the cooler air.

But over time, the cool air does reach around the whole room, lowering the overall temperature, just not as quickly as those with louvres on the top.

In terms of noise level, I clocked the Devola DVAC09CW at 68dB in cooling mode (top wind speed), which isn't quite as quiet as others I've tested. In the lower fan speed it comes down to 63dB, which is the equivalent of a chat with friends. Fortunately, if that sounds like it's going to be problematic, you can use the timer function to turn it on and cool the space before you need to use it.

There is also a Sleep function, that dims the control panel and switches to the lower wind speed setting. After an hour, the preset temperature will increase by 1°C, and again after the next hour.

Fan mode

In fan only mode, there are two speed settings, both of which felt powerful and effective, albeit a bit noisy (I didn't find it much quieter in fan mode than I did in cooling mode). While this mode is decently powerful, it's not quite as beneficial as a pedestal or tower fan that offers more wind speed options combined with automatic oscillation.

Dehumidifier mode

The Devola DVAC09CW also has a dehumidifier mode, but as my home doesn't tend to suffer with excess moisture, this isn't a mode I can see myself using often. In the Dry mode, any water extracted from the air isn't stored in the appliance for emptying later, so you'll need to attach the drainage hose and have a container ready to capture the liquid.

As with most portable air conditioners I've tried, the cooling function is by far the best, with any additional functions nice to have bonuses rather than of equal standard.

Running costs

Using 1003W, the Devola DVAC09CW costs roughly 26p per hour to run based on the July energy price cap figure of 26.11p per kWh.

This is somewhere in the middle of the range of energy consumption based on the portable air conditioners we've tested.

Cleaning and maintenance

When it comes to cleaning, keeping the Devola DVAC09CW portable air conditioner as dust-free as possible will help it work most effectively. Every couple of weeks, you will also need to clean the air filter, which can easily be removed from the back of the appliance. The instructions recommend ensuring it's unplugged from the socket before you remove the filter. Then you can use a vacuum cleaner to remove any dust build up, then run it under the tap and leave it to dry fully before reattaching it.

However, if you use the dehumidifier mode, then you will need to attach the included drainage hose so it can continuously empty the water it extracts from the air.

Who should buy this product?

If you are looking for a simple-to-use portable air conditioner that'll work in rooms up to 28m2, then the Devola DVAC09CW is worth investing in. Its cooling mode is effective, its dimensions compact enough to work in a smaller room without getting too in the way, and it offers three functions in one.

However, it's basic design does have it's limitations, and if you want something with automated louvres to boost it's impact, then the Dreo 365S portable air conditioner also faired well in our tests.

For something more affordable, but with a similar look and functionality, then the Vonhaus portable air conditioner is a budget-friendly alternative.

If you want a portable AC for the bedroom, then quietness is going to be a deciding factor, and the Meaco Cirro portable air conditioner is the quietest I've tested.

This heat doesn’t seem to be going anywhere, and with cooling appliances flying off the shelves, a big part of my job is tracking down quality fans still in stock. John Lewis’ High Power Handheld Fan with Aluminium Casing (£25) is one of them.

I’m not exaggerating when I say the best fans, desk fans and portable air conditioners are pretty much sold out everywhere. And while we can expect a few air cons to come back into stock this month, they will sell like hot cakes once again.

During hot, sticky heatwaves, it’s important to keep yourself cool, and a handheld fan is an easy way to do this if you still have a busy life to lead, regardless of temperature.

It’s not much of a secret that Ideal Home editors love a John Lewis handheld fan. The £12 viral buy has had all our editors in a chokehold during previous heatwaves, and while that model is currently out of stock (surprise), the John Lewis High Power Handheld Fan reads like it’s a more powerful older sibling - so, perhaps it’s time for an upgrade?

Despite its compact size, John Lewis promises this fan packs a serious cooling punch. It has four speed settings that you can choose from its digital screen, has 15 hours' worth of charge, can be charged via a USB cable and has a handy wrist strap for when you’re on the go.

It also has an aluminium outer shell, which means you can expect it to be durable, handling inevitable knocks and drops. Coinciding with a two-year guarantee, I expect it to be fairly tough.

However, due to the power of this fan, reviews do comment that it can be very noisy.

‘Purchased before travelling on a 14 hour flight - it's certainly powerful enough, to a point it could be as good as my hairdryer!’ one reads.

‘However, it's a little noisy, so I'm not sure if I would get away with using it on its highest setting in public without turning a few heads. The lowest setting however still gives a decent breeze.’

While a noisy fan can be a little irritating, unfortunately, this is a compromise you’ll have to put up with if you want a high-powered hand-held fan. As this fan is something you will hold near your face, it will be noisier.

While noise doesn’t bother some in the quest to stay cool, if you are noise-sensitive, that’s completely valid too, and models such as Amazon's Rechargeable USB Desk Fan (£25.99) and the FAPPEN Mini Handheld Fan (£13.99, Amazon) offer a quieter cooling experience.

Like most fans, I expect the John Lewis High Powered Fan will sell fast. So I’ve rounded up a few more hand-held fans that are still in stock.

I'd spotted this affordable ceiling fan all over my Instagram feed, and was intrigued by the fact that it could be connected to an existing light fitting without needing to call an electrician. So I knew I had to give it a go in my own home, but I'll be honest, I wasn't convinced it was going to be any good considering it cost just £15.

I'm always looking for ways to keep my south-east facing home cool, especially when a heatwave hits. I've relied on the best fans and portable air conditioners, but sometimes, floor-standing appliances aren't always appropriate, and you might not want to clutter surfaces with a desk fan. That's where ceiling fans can come into their own. But while some ceiling fans will require professional installation, that's not always the case.

With minimal assembly needed, this £15 Kouamor ceiling fan from Amazon is essentially installed like a lightbulb, and once in place offers three different wind speeds, as well as different light tones and brightness levels.

So how did I get on with it in my home? Set up was quite easy. I simply needed to push the fan blades into the base (I had to use a bit of force to ensure they were seated properly, and fortunately Up and Down was written on the blades so I knew I was fitting them the right way up), and slot the lamp holder to the lamp body.

Once that was done, I just removed the existing light bulb and lampshade in my kitchen diner (making sure the power was off), and attached the ceiling fan. If you are thinking of buying one, make sure you check the type of light fitting you have. B22 is your standard bayonet fitting, while E27 is your standard screw fitting. If you do find you have the wrong one and can't or don't want to send it back, you can buy either a B22 to E27 adapter or E27 to B22 adapter from Amazon for around £5 for a pack of two.

Once I'd attached the ceiling fan, I flipped on the light switch and then used the remote control to select my desired setting.

The light it gives off is a decent brightness, and I liked that I could choose between cool, neutral or warm light, and select the brightness level I wanted. I often work from my dining room table, so the natural light function was ideal.

Turning the fan mode on, I was initially a bit concerned as it seemed a little wobbly (my fitting is at the end of a cable, not fitted into the actual ceiling) but after a couple of seconds it stabilised and created a lovely downwards breeze. I felt most of the effects sitting directly beneath it, or at least close by, and while I could hear a gentle whirring sound, it wasn't distractingly noisy.

The remote is easy to get to grips with too, although there is a button with a moon and star, that despite pressing it, I have no idea what it actually does.

Alternatives

As we experience the third heatwave of the year, seeing temperatures exceed 30°C across much of the UK for days on end, it's no wonder that portable air conditioners have sold out left, right and centre. And summer isn't over yet, which means we could see more heatwaves hit before autumn rolls around.

If you've not managed to get your hands on one of the best portable air conditioners, but do have one of the best fans going, then now is the time to supercharge your fan's cooling capacity to get the most comfort you can from it.

But where do you start? I spoke to the fan experts to find out.

1. Be tactical about fan placement

To give your fan's cooling power a boost, strategic fan placement is crucial, especially if you want to create a wind chill effect.

'Effective indoor cooling is often less about turning fans up to maximum power and more about improving airflow circulation and creating a fresher, more balanced ventilation environment,' explains Olivia Xu, Chief of Marketing at DREO.

While at the hottest parts of the day, you'll want to have the fan positioned near to you so it can help cool you down, but when it's cooler, tactical placement will help you turbo-charge your home's ventilation.

'To get more out of a standard fan, position it near an open window to draw in cooler air from outside and push the warmer air out,' says Olivia. 'Better still, if you have windows on opposite sides of a room or home, open them both to create cross-ventilation. This encourages a natural airflow path that pulls cooler air through while pushing the heat out.'

Just make sure you avoid the places you shouldn't put a fan, so you're not inadvertently making your home warmer.

2. Turn your fan on before you get hot

After cooling down a bit overnight, your home might feel perfectly pleasant to be in during the morning without the help of a fan. But this could mean you're missing a trick to keep your home cooler later on.

'Fans work best as a preventative cooling method rather than a reactive one,' continues Olivia. 'If you wait until you already feel overheated, your body temperature has already risen, making it harder to cool down quickly.

'Instead, turn your fan on early to maintain a steady airflow and prevent heat from building up in the first place.

'During hot evenings, balanced cooling and consistent airflow also tend to create a more comfortable environment for rest compared with constantly switching between overheating and aggressive cooling.'

3. Combine fan use with other body-cooling methods

Sometimes a fan can only do so much. But if you combine a fan with other methods of cooling your body down, you can trick your body into thinking your fan is much more effective. Olivia explains: 'On particularly hot days, don't forget about your body temperature too - simple steps like cooling your wrists, neck and ankles can help regulate heat more quickly.'

4. Keep track of the temperature inside and out

One of the biggest fan mistakes people make is not paying attention to air flow. And in a heatwave, to get this right, you need to understand the temperature both in and outside of your home. If you don't have one, it's worth investing in a digital thermometer, like this one from Amazon, for accurate measurements.

When it's cooler outside than it is inside, that's the time to open your windows, get some cross ventilation going, and use your fan to draw in some of that cooler air. But when it's cooler inside when it is outside, you should do your best to keep the heat out. 'Keep blinds closed during the hottest part of the day, then open your windows as the evening cools and use a fan to help draw fresh air through your home,' explains Guy Fridja, founder of AirCraft Home.

DREO's Olivia continues: 'Once sunlight enters a room, it quickly heats surfaces like walls, floors and furniture, which then continue to radiate heat long after the sun has moved. Over the course of the day, this gradual build-up can make indoor spaces feel increasingly warm, even before peak afternoon hours.

'To help manage this, it is important to limit direct sunlight entering living spaces during the brightest hours of the day.

'In addition, by blocking out direct sunlight before it has a chance to settle, you're essentially preventing your space from storing heat in the first place. This helps keep indoor temperatures more stable throughout the day and reduces the workload on cooling devices, making them far more effective when you do need them.'

5. Turbocharge your fan with ice

If you're fan feels like it's just blowing hot air at you, then it's time to pull out the big guns. Ice.

And there's a reason this fan ice hack is so popular on social media. As the ice melts and evaporates in front of the fan, the cool vapour gets blown around the room, making the air feel much fresher, and you much cooler. In fact it's very similar to how air coolers and misting fans work.

Whether you put a bowl of ice in front of your fan, freeze water in bottles, or use one of these fan attachments, you'll definitely be grateful for it in a heatwave!

If you've been debating whether air coolers are actually any good in these heatwaves, I may have found the best real-life test. My gym has never had air conditioning, but even during the sweatiest workouts, it's surprisingly comfortable, thanks to one large air cooler.

With many of the best air conditioners (and the not-so-good) and even the best fans selling out during the latest heatwaves, it's becoming increasingly hard to get hold of any unit, let alone a good one. If that's left you wondering what an air cooler actually is, my gym has convinced me they're far more effective than many people realise.

Here's why it actually worked to keep us all cool while working out.

My gym is based in an old warehouse where windows can't be opened, so a traditional portable air conditioner unit isn't an option, as there's nowhere for the hot air to vent out. Instead, a big old air cooler blasts a refreshing stream of air across the studio.

As someone who's tested plenty of cooling appliances for Ideal Home over the years, when I first locked eyes on the air cooler in my gym, I was curious to see it in action in such a sweatbox. Because let's be honest, a studio full of people exercising is hardly an easy place to keep cool because there's constant movement, body heat and very little chance for the room to cool down naturally.

However, this bad boy is managing to take the edge off. And my thinking is if it can make a noticeable difference in a room packed with people working up a sweat, I'd say that's pretty solid evidence that a smaller air cooler is more than capable of keeping a typical UK room feeling comfortable.

Ok, so it doesn't create the icy blast you'd expect from air conditioning, but that's not really the point. Instead, it gives off a cooling breeze and standing in front of it between sets gave instant relief.

Unlike a fan that simply circulates warm air around, it draws air through water-soaked cooling pads before blowing it back out for a cooler, fresher feel, with the option to slot ice packs into the unit for an extra chill factor. And while a portable air conditioner is designed to lower the temperature of an entire room, an air cooler provides more targeted cooling, which I feel is a good halfway house if air conditioning just isn't an option.

Shop in-stock air coolers

Saying that, it won't make a huge space like my gym feel ice-cold the way a fitted AC unit or a portable air conditioner does, but it's definitely been helping me feel cooler by creating a slightly less stuffy environment, which is not to be sniffed at. And after a few sweaty sessions lately, I think it's doing pretty well.

The unit, of course, is far larger than anything you'd buy for your own home. But that's also why I think a smaller air cooler makes a lot of sense. If one industrial-style model can provide cooling relief in a packed studio, a smaller unit should provide some cooling relief for you in your living room, bedroom or home office.

From seeing this one in action, I'd happily recommend an air cooler as an affordable way to stay cool this summer, especially since there are still quite a few in stock! Stay cool out there.

As we're experiencing the third heatwave of the year (so far), it's no wonder that appliances to help keep us cool and comfortable are selling like hot cakes.

While the best portable air conditioners are selling out left, right and centre, I have heard from industry insiders that more stock of Meaco's Cirro range of portable air conditioners will be available at the likes of Currys, AO and John Lewis over the next couple of days.

And with the range starting from £500+ it's helpful to know whether it's going to suit your home before you buy. Fortunately, I've managed to get my hands on one and have been testing it in my home over the last few days. This is how it fared.

In a nutshell

Launched back in June 2026, the Cirro range of portable air conditioners from Meaco includes six smart models across 12,000, 14,000 and 16,000 BTU sizes, in either cooling only or cooling and heating models. A huge draw of this particular range is that it operates at just 45dB, which is twice as quiet as Meaco's previous range of portable air conditioners.

The recent heatwaves have meant that suppliers have seen unprecedented demand for these products, so if you see them in stock, it's best to act quickly because they are definitely worth the money.

Portable air conditioners have, historically, built up a bit of a reputation for being obnoxiously loud, but in the case of the Cirro range, it's noticeably quieter than its predecessors. It even has a super-quiet mode that is ideal if you want to use it to cool your bedroom at night. It's not whisper quiet though, so if you are a light sleeper, you might want to get some ear plugs.

But from a cooling perspective, it's hard to fault the Cirro's capability. It cools quickly and effectively, taking rooms from stifling to comfortable in minutes. But the cooling mode is definitely the star of the show. While it also offers a dehumidifier and fan only mode, you might find that it's a bit of a compromise compared to dedicated fans or dehumidifiers.

Specification

• Cooling capacity (BTU): 12,000BTU
• Recommended room size: 20-30m2
• Noise levels in cooling mode: 58-62dB
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 43 x 72.2 x 35.8cm
• Weight: 28.45kg
• Wattage: 1350W in cooling mode
• Functions: Air conditioner, fan, dehumidifier
• Other features: App control, sleep mode
• Window kit included: Yes

Unboxing, setting up and first impressions

When it comes to any portable air conditioner, it's best to have two people on hand to get it set up thanks to their heavy weight and bulky dimensions and the Meaco Cirro is no exception.

Initially, I was concerned that the wrong model had been sent through as the packaging states that it's the MeacoCool Pro, but fortunately there are notes on the website that confirm that regardless of what the packaging says, it's the Cirro model inside.

It arrived well packaged with industrial strength plastic straps wrapped around it that made it easier for me to manoeuvre it into my living room to unpack it. While I could do most the unpacking single handedly (the accessories sit at the top of the box, and then once the plastic straps are cut, you can slide the sides of the box over the top of the appliance, so it's just left sitting in the polystyrene and cardboard base).

I found I definitely needed some help to remove it from the final bit of packaging around the base. Once it was out though, I could move it around on its castors (this is really easy on hard floors, but a little more difficult on carpet or rugs). There was also no way I'd get it up the stairs by myself, so if you want to use it in your bedroom, definitely make sure you have some able-bodied reinforcements ready to help with the heavy lifting.

In terms of looks, as far as portable air conditioners go, the Cirro is attractive. It's got a contemporary matte exterior, which feels like it would be unobtrusive in any room scheme. It's also packed with thoughtful design details, from the easy-to-read front display for when you're not close enough to see the control panel, to the pop out cable tidy and the arrows on the duct machine adapter than ensure you fix the exhaust hose to the back of the appliance in the right way. It's also a sizeable bit of kit, so if you are using it in a smaller room, you may need to clear a bit of space. It fit well in my home office, but given the layout in my bedroom, it does feel a little more in the way. But if it cools the space down to a comfortable temperature in the height of summer, then I can deal with that.

When it comes to set up, it's relatively straightforward, although the window kit was a little fiddly to install. I don't have sash windows, so I needed to use the universal fabric one (and the Velcro) that's included.

Once the window kit is set up, the rest of the portable air con is simple. All I needed to do was attach the exhaust hose (which at 1.8m in length was plenty long enough) to the back of the unit, vent it out the window, and it was cooling ready.

What’s it like to use?

There are three ways to control the Meaco Cirro — by using the on-board control panel, the remote, or via the Meaco app. While I've had no previous trouble connecting to the app with my Sefte Pro desktop fan, I couldn't seem to get the Cirro to connect to the app. But really, it was no bother, as I was happy to use the remote control or the control panel on the unit itself instead. If I were hugely concerned about the App, I am certain that Meaco's customer service would have been able to resolve the issue.

The Cirro is pretty straightforward to use, and the display screen clearly shows which mode you are in (be it cooling, fan or dehumidifier). As the screen sits on the top of the appliance, it can be difficult to see if you're not up close, but it does show the ambient temperature (and the target temperature when in cooling mode) on the front of the unit, which I found helpful.

I found it intuitive to use the controls (and the instructions are very clear and jargon-free, which I always appreciate), but if you've never used a portable air conditioner before, make sure you read the instructions as the correct set-up will depend on the mode you are using.

But as the temperature in my home office had reached almost 28°C, despite having the window and curtains closed all morning, I knew I was all about the cooling mode.

The Cirro portable air conditioner is definitely significantly quieter in cooling mode than the very first portable air conditioner I tried that sounded like a dustbin lorry. I clocked the Cirro at a maximum of 62dB when it was in active cooling mode, dropping to 59dB in super quiet mode. It gets even quieter (around 53dB) when the room reaches the target temperature, and the compressor turns off.

Those decibels might not mean much to you on the face of it, but it's the equivalent of gentle background noise. For me, it's comparable with a fan on one of it's higher speed settings. I could hear that it was on, but it wasn't so loud that I couldn't work, watch TV or sleep with it on. For those who need silence when trying to get to sleep or when they are concentrating, some ear buds may be needed.

In terms of it's cooling power (I tested the 12,000 BTU model, which is suitable for rooms between 20-30m2), it made quick work of cooling my home office from 27.8°C to 25.6°C in just ten minutes, getting to the target temperature of around 22°C in about 25-30 minutes. Within the first minute of turning it on in cooling mode, I could leave a lovely cool breeze coming out, and I put the louvres on swing to maximise the reach. When I left the room, with the door closed, and came back 10 minutes later, it felt like walking into a supermarket during a heatwave — it was blissful, instant cooling relief. Once it reached the target temperature, the compressor turned off, which made it even quieter, and when the temperature rose again, the compressor kicked back in to keep things cool.

The Meaco Cirro also has a fan only mode, but I'd definitely say this should be considered a bonus mode rather than the primary function. The fan is fine, but after testing other fans from Meaco, including the Meaco Sefte pedestal air circulator, the fan mode on the Cirro isn't a patch on it's range of dedicated fans.

The same can be said for the dehumidifier mode. While it's a nice to have, it doesn't feel as effective as a dedicated dehumidifier. But as I'd want a portable air conditioner for it's cooling properties above all else, and live in a house that fortunately doesn't suffer with excess moisture, this wasn't too problematic for me.

Running costs

Using 1350W of power in cooling mode, the Meaco Cirro will cost roughly 35p per hour to run based on the July 2026 energy price cap.

While it's not as cheap to run as a fan, there are ways that you can ensure you are using it in the most energy efficient way. Firstly, make sure you buy a suitably powered model for the size of room you are looking to cool, and keep doors and windows shut when it's in use. Trying to keep the sun out of the room will also mean your appliance doesn't need to work as hard to cool the space down, which can mean it uses less energy.

Cleaning and maintenance

There is a little bit of maintenance required when using the Cirro portable air conditioner, which may depend on the mode you use.

In cooling mode, there's not much needed. It's a good idea to keep it as dust-free as possible, check and clean the filters regularly, and look out for a full tank symbol on the display screen after long periods of use, which means the tank needs to be emptied.

If you use it in dehumidifier mode, it will need to drain continuously, so you will need to attach the drainage tube to the corresponding port on the back and have a container ready to capture the water.

Who should buy this product?

The Meaco Cirro portable air conditioner will be ideal for those looking for a quiet and effective cooling solution. With models ranging from 12,000 to 16,000 BTU, there's something in the range to suit any size room. I tested a cooling only model, but there are models in the range that offer both heating and cooling, which is well worth trying if you want maximum value for money.

If the Cirro is out of your budget, and you are prepared to wait for stock to be replenished, then the Dreo 318S portable air conditioner is a good alternative, with similar noise levels.

Given that portable air conditioners are pretty much sold out everywhere, I think it’s fair to say that many of those reading this article will have a new shiny appliance at home, keeping them cool during the UK’s ‘third heatwave’.

The best portable air conditioners have proved their worth this summer, if sales are anything to go by (and Meaco’s bestseller has just come back into stock, FYI). These powerful cooling appliances are brilliant at making sweltering temperatures bearable, but if you don't use them the right way, they can not only be unsafe but also pose a fire risk.

As with any electrical appliance, there are a few safety concerns to be aware of when using your appliance. Here are four portable air conditioner mistakes safety experts have spotted this summer.

1. Plugging your appliance into an extension lead or overhead socket

First of all, if your air conditioner is currently plugged in via an extension cord, then you’ll need to unplug it. Portable air conditioners are powerful appliances, and extension cords are not designed for them.

‘This is one of the most dangerous mistakes you can make. Portable air conditioners draw significant power, and extension cords and multi-outlet adapters are not designed to handle that load,’ adds Anton Neike, Energy Expert and CEO at Taupia.

‘Using one can cause the cord to overheat, melt, or spark, and in the worst cases, even start a fire.’

2. Using it in a wet room or bathroom

Just as you shouldn’t use a dehumidifier in a bathroom, you definitely shouldn’t use your AC in one either. It’s quite simple. Water and electricity don’t tend to mix well.

‘One of the biggest mistakes is assuming that because an air conditioning unit is portable, it can be used anywhere in the home. Portable does not mean suitable for every room,’ says James Roberts, Director of Sanctuary Bathrooms and qualified plumber.

‘A standard portable air conditioner should not be used in any bathroom or other wet, steamy room as a quick cooling fix. Bathrooms combine water, steam, and electricity, which is why they have stricter electrical safety considerations than bedrooms or living rooms, and most portable AC units are designed for dry living spaces, not splash zones, wet floors, or heavy condensation.’

3. Leaving your air conditioner unattended

If you have errands to run this week, you’d be forgiven for wanting to return to a cool home, especially seeing as temperatures are soaring outside. But leaving your appliance unattended is another big no-no.

‘Portable air conditioners should never be left running in an empty home. Electrical cooling equipment, if poorly maintained, can overheat and cause a fire when used continuously for long periods,’ says Anton.

‘Always turn the unit off and unplug it before leaving the house. It’s also wise to check your model against any active product recalls, as shorter compressor power cords can lead to arcing and fire.’

4. Placing it too close to curtains, towels, bedding or furniture

Where you position your portable air conditioner is really important. You don’t want to block airflow, so it’s important to avoid areas of clutter or even your curtains.

‘Portable AC units need clear airflow around the vents. If the air inlet or outlet is blocked by curtains, towels, bedding, walls or furniture, the unit will be less effective and may have to work harder than it should,’ says James.

‘It should be placed on a stable, level surface with enough space around it for air to circulate properly.’

Beat the heat

While most portable air conditioners are sold out, here are a few in-stock and well-reviewed cooling appliances that can help beat the heat.

Portable air conditioners are brilliant but do need to be used safely. So, do take these four mistakes into consideration when you use yours.

Meaco's brand new Cirro portable air conditioner is coming back in stock this week after unprecedented demand saw the range sell out in record time.

Despite only launching last month, the new Meaco Cirro range which includes six smart models across 12,000, 14,000 and 16,000 BTU sizes, has already sold out once, but some retailers are due to get more stock over the next few days. But with temperatures set to exceed 30°C again this week, and demand for the best portable air conditioners still high, it's going to sell out fast.

Another huge draw of this particular range is that it operates at just 45dB, which is twice as quiet as Meaco's previous range of portable air conditioners.

While Meaco's stock has sold out again, I've also spotted the Meaco Cirro range will be available at John Lewis from Tuesday 14 July.

Meaco has also announced that it's expecting fresh stock of certain models to arrive with Currys and AO (where you can currently sign up for a stock alert) from around 10 July, but that it can't be sure exactly when that new stock will be available on the retailer websites.

Once this stock is sold out, however, Meaco says it won't be replenished again until late September (for the MeacoCool and Cirro Cooling and Heating models), and 2027 for the Cirro Cooling Only models. According to a video shared on Instagram by Meaco's founder Chris Michael, despite ordering 40% more stock than in 2025, the heatwaves we've experienced in the UK so far in 2026 have seen stock fly off the shelves.

If you don't manage to get your hands on one of the last remaining portable air conditioners, a misting fan like the Dreo TurboCool Misting Fan 765S (£199.99 and in stock at Amazon) is a good halfway house between a fan and a portable air conditioner.

Since the last heatwave proved that my home really struggled to keep heat out, I’m currently putting cooling measures in place already for the next one. One of the biggest investments I'm planning to make is a new cooling appliance, and Ideal Home’s resident air conditioning expert recommended the DREO TurboCool Misting Fan (£199.99, Amazon) as one of her preferred ways to keep cool when the mercury spikes.

Right now, the best portable air conditioners and some of the best fans are sold out everywhere. And with manufacturers stating that stock may not be replenished until later this month, I’m looking for high-quality cooling appliances that are still in stock for next week’s high temperatures.

The DREO TurboCool Misting Fan is not only recommended by Ideal Home’s cooling expert Sarah Handley, but it also has over 100 positive reviews online. Here’s everything you need to know.

If you’ve struggled to find a portable AC in stock, a misting fan is a pretty good alternative. These release a fine mist of water, which makes you feel instantly cool and refreshed. You can snap up handheld models (like this rechargeable Amazon bestseller), which are a lifesaver on sweaty commutes, while larger models use evaporative cooling to cool a room.

Misting fans work by spreading a steady stream of air alongside the ultra-fine spray, which evaporates in the warm air, cooling it in the process. As the droplets are so fine, you don’t have to worry about you or your home feeling wet.

This DREO model uses ultrasonic atomization to produce 17μm ultra-fine mist. This means it delivers practically moisture-free cooling, but unlike a typical fan, which blows around warm air, it will feel cool. DREO claims this fan can reduce perceived temperature by six degrees in just one minute.

It has a 6L tank to enable up to seven hours of turbo cooling, or 30 hours on a low speed. The DREO TurboCool Misting Fan actually offers three-in-one functions, integrating cooling, a fan and humidifying.

‘This Dreo TurboCool 765S misting fan easily bridges the gap between a fan and a portable air conditioner, creates a lovely cooling breeze and won't leave your furniture soggy,’ says Sarah.

Sarah’s currently in the process of testing it, so you can expect a full review soon. However, the DREO misting fan’s online reviews have been equally positive.

‘This is one amazing product! Really quiet, dry water vapour, it gets the job done. I've got a 4m x 8m bedroom, and it keeps the room nice and cool. The water tank is a good size and doesn't need constant topping up. I keep it on a low setting,’ says one.

‘I'm giving this 5 stars because, although it was a little expensive (the price fluctuates regularly) it does what it's designed to do. However, be aware that if your air is already quite humid, like it can get sometimes in the UK, then if you use misting, which adds more moisture into the air, then it can start to feel quite tropical. The instructions describe when not to use the misting, and the display shows how humid the air is currently. Basically, it's not an air con, but it is a good fan, and the product quality is good,’ says another.

Amazon is currently saying that the DREO TurboCool Misting Fan is usually dispatched within two to three days, so in the meantime, you can turn your current fan into a makeshift air conditioner using a bowl of ice or Amazon’s clever misting attachment. Alternatively, here are a few more cooling appliances I’ve found in stock and online.

If you’re still scrambling to find a good fan in stock, we have tried and vouch for the DREO TurboCool Misting fan

Having just escaped the sweaty embrace of one heatwave, already another is on the horizon, which is why I’m using this week to ensure I have all the cooling solutions I need in place. And Aldi's new portable cooling range is making this so easy.

I’m sure you’re probably already well aware that the best portable air conditioners and some of the best fans have pretty much sold out everywhere, with many brands not restocking until later this month.

While there are still air coolers available on Amazon, what attracted me to Aldi’s range is the incredibly affordable prices and small but mighty nature. Perfect for home working, spaces and taking on the go, here’s everything you need to know about Aldi’s new cooling range.

As someone who is both short on space (I have a small, one-bed flat) and works from home a lot, let me tell you the past heatwave was genuinely horrific. It reached 36 degrees inside, making both working and sleeping a near-impossible task.

My singular tower fan sadly wasn’t up to the job of keeping me cool, which is why I’ve vowed to buy an air conditioner as soon as they come back into stock. In the meantime, I’m torn between buying Aldi’s £14.99 Air Cooler and the XTTANK Portable Air Conditioner (£56.55, Amazon) to keep me cool.

As I’m not blessed with space, bulky appliances and tall pedestal fans are a bit of an inconvenience. Yet, Aldi’s air cooler is compact enough to sit on my desk. Available in three different blue colourways, it is compact and stylish, and most importantly, won’t take up loads of space.

The air cooler has three speed levels and built-in LED motion and colour-changing modes. It has a removable water tank and can be used both indoors and outdoors. For the same reason, we love the Shark HydroGo Misting Fan (it’s portable); this air cooler is great for taking on the go, whether that’s relaxing on your patio, taking to a BBQ or even on a camping trip.

Also up for grabs is the Globe Fan with Multi-direction (£39.99), which is very similar to the Meaco 1056 Desk Fan (£100, Argos). This Aldi fan has three modes: natural wind, sleep and drying mode, 10 speed settings, and claims to circulate a cold breeze throughout your entire room. You can also set it to a timer for up to eight hours. While the Meaco fan has almost 500 glowing reviews, it is currently out of stock - so it might be a good idea to test out Aldi’s desk fan.

Alternatively, here are a few more well-rated, in-stock cooling products to buy before the heat hits again.

If heatwaves past are continuing to haunt your memory, Aldi’s affordable cooling range could be exactly what you need to prepare you for the next one.

Let’s be honest: Dyson is kind of a big deal. This appliance brand has created products to tackle everything from our dirty floors to our wet, unstyled hair, but it’s also known for its impressive, high-quality fans and air purifiers. And the Dyson Find+Follow Purifier Cool (£549.99 at Dyson) is the latest model to be added to that lineup.

Merging one of the best air purifiers with the best fans, Dyson quietly dropped the Dyson Find+Follow last month. But with minimal marketing and the excitement of the handheld Dyson Hushjet Mini Cool Fan launch overshadowing it, it seems as though the Find+Follow hasn’t been given the attention it deserves. So, allow me to explain - especially as fans are in short supply right now.

On the surface, this air-purifying fan looks very similar to other Dyson models. But this new release is smarter than ever, and solves the biggest problem I have with fans. Namely, the fact that fans don’t account for the ‘pockets’ of hot air you have to deal with when you move around your house.

Dyson has designed this new purifying fan to automatically track your movements in a room, so it can ‘follow’ you and ensure the cooling, purified air is always pointing towards you.

And if you share your space with others, the air projection system will detect this and automatically adjust the oscillation up to 350° so that the same purified air is shared between you, as long as you’re not in a space larger than 27m².

When it notices that you’ve left the room, it will stop moving and wait for you to return. And if you don’t return within the hour, it’ll switch to Auto mode to maintain the room’s comfort and air quality. Of course, throughout it all, you also get the benefits of using an air purifier during a heatwave, which is a little-known hack to cope with rising temperatures.

And as someone who tests air purifying fans and believes they are wholeheartedly worth it, I’m lucky to have a few in my house right now - especially with temperatures soaring and my husband’s hay fever wreaking havoc on his entire being.

However, one problem I’ve always had with fans is that they’re quite restrictive to where you’re sitting or standing in that moment, considering they don’t actually cool a room in the same way portable air conditioners do. And while an oscillating fan is always better than a static fan, oscillation isn’t exactly accurate.

Instead, you just have to hope that the oscillating breeze catches you exactly where you are at the time, distributing the ‘wind chill’ they produce in a way that makes you feel cooler. If it doesn’t, you’re thrust back into a pocket of hot air that UK homes are known for during the hotter months. But that’s where the Find+Follow can help.

Naturally, you may have concerns associated with smart AI technology that uses a camera and 17-point user detection to ‘track’ you around your own house. But to quell one of the biggest concerns I had when I heard about this new appliance, Dyson has confirmed that it is cyber-safe.

The brand explains, ‘Dyson’s Find+Follow AI vision system never identifies anyone and only detects presence. Images are processed instantly within the machine, deleted and never leave the device.’ So, you don’t have to worry about any images or personal data being shared elsewhere.

Despite all of the perks and tech features, though, it’s hard to ignore that an appliance like this comes in at a premium price. At £549.99, it’s not cheap, and it is definitely possible to find an air purifying fan for a lot less.

But if you already think Dyson fans are worth it, and you love new technology, unlike anything you’ve ever seen, it could be an investment worth making. If not, here are some other air purifying fans I’d recommend.

What do you think of Dyson's new air purifying fan? Could it be your new heatwave hero?

This year, I’ve made the fateful mistake of waiting too long to purchase an air conditioner, and now that the best models have sold out, I’ve been scrambling for ways to achieve a similar cooling effect in my own - and this £5.44 Amazon Fan Mister Attachment is what I’ve settled on.

It’s my own fault, I know. As summers are becoming increasingly hot and muggy, the best portable air conditioners are ever increasing in popularity - so much so, this week we’ve been tracking the stock levels of portable air conditioners.

If you don’t have one of these appliances, or a refreshing misting fan to hand (such as the Shark FlexBreeze, £149.99, Currys), here’s how this affordable fan attachment from Amazon can help.

Now, this mister attachment won’t exactly turn your fan into an air conditioner, but it will mimic the feeling it provides. It’s essentially any easy way to complete the viral DIY air conditioner hack, which consists of putting a bowl of ice in front of a fan.

This popular cooling hack works because, as the fan blows air over the ice, it evaporates and cools the air, creating an air conditioning effect. While it certainly doesn’t have the power of an air conditioning unit, it will provide the same relief.

The Amazon misting fan attachment works in a similar way. Included, you get a case to hold your ice, and four containers, where you can add water and freeze. The case attaches to your fan via a hook, and cold air blows directly over the ice.

Amazon states it offers four to six hours of consistent cooling. It also says it has a ‘frostbite-proof’ handle, and it is double-sealed to prevent leaks. The attachment is suitable for use on round, square and mesh fans.

Now, this isn’t going to cool your bedroom or living room - it’s simply too small. But if you work from home, or are looking for some personal relief, it is great for attaching to a desk fan and cooling yourself down.

I’m also keen to mention that, obviously, electricity and water do not mix. If you plan to use a mister attachment on your fan, you need to ensure that you are attaching and detaching it when the fan is switched off and unplugged to prevent any potential shocks. If you do get water in your fan, it is advised that you don’t try to use it.

Alternatively, you can use a misting fan. These spray fine droplets of water to help cool you down, without making you or your home feel wet. Then the moisture droplets will create a wind chill effect on your skin as the fan blows against it. Here are a few misting fans that are in stock, and you can shop online.

If you haven’t got a portable air conditioner, will you be testing this mister attachment instead?

In case you've been living under a rock (which would be cooler than where I am sitting right now), temperatures are soaring into uncomfortable territory, and lots of portable air conditioners are either sold out or carrying eye-watering price tags.

I've found myself recommending a different cooling appliance to friends and family this week: an air cooler. In fact, the Midea 5L Air cooler became an Amazon bestseller as we were all looking for a way to beat the heat, but on a budget, and I can see history repeat itself. With features like three speeds, 75° automatic oscillation, a 7h timer and minimal noise output, it's clear that it offers sweet relief from hot and humid weather.

If you've never come across one before, I'll give you a little explainer on them and how they differ from the best air conditioners and fans. Sitting somewhere between a fan and an air conditioner, air coolers are an underrated appliance that seem to fly under the radar until a heatwave arrives.

But after testing quite a few cooling appliances over the years at Ideal Home, I think they're one of the most affordable ways to stay comfortable when the mercury rises. Here's more on what they are and why you should get your hands on one, quicksnap.

What is an air cooler?

Unlike a standard fan, which moves warm air around a room, an air cooler uses water to help create a cooling-feeling breeze.

Emma Coleman, seasonal buyer at Robert Dyas, explains that unlike a fan, an air cooler releases cool air instead of circulating warm air, which will have a more noticeable effect on the temperature.

You fill an internal tank with cold water (and sometimes reusable ice packs), and as hot air passes through the appliance, it is cooled before a fan inside the unit circulates it around your room. In fact, it works a lot like this effective fan ice cube hack.

'This temperature will also be felt across the whole room, instead of the focus point that a fan cools. Some also have a heating function, making them useful in the winter as well,' explains Emma.

It's important to be clear, though, that an air cooler isn't a portable air conditioner by any stretch of the imagination. It won't dramatically reduce the temperature of an entire room in the same way a fitted AC unit can.

However, it will make the air blowing towards you feel cooler and fresher than a standard fan, which can make a huge difference on hot, sticky days.

Shop these in-stock air coolers

We haven't tested any of the models below; however, we have based our selection on brand reputation and shopper reviews.

If you see an air cooler that will suit your home, I wouldn't wait around for a deal, as I expect these coolers are going to sell out fast.

The biggest advantage is their affordability. While many portable air conditioners cost £300 to £600 or more, a good air cooler can often be snapped up for under £100. They're also much easier to live with, with no bulky exhaust hose to hang out of a window, no complicated installation, and they tend to be quieter and more energy-efficient than portable AC units.

Saying that, if you're expecting a more dramatic cooling effect, you'll probably be a bit disappointed, but if you're just looking for a way to cool yourself down during a heatwave, it's an option well worth considering, since there are a lot still in stock right now.

With more spells of hot weather forecast and air conditioners increasingly hard to get hold of, it's the cooling appliance I'll be recommending to friends and family for some quick relief.

If you're struggling to find an in-stock air conditioner, you can sign up for stock notifications for our best air conditioners on sites like Argos and AO.com. Or if you want a budget cooling alternative for right this second, a compact air cooler could just be the sweet spot.

It won't necessarily cool down your room like an AC, but it can make you feel a lot more chill, and I think that's what really counts in the middle of a muggy UK summer.

It’s a bit hot, isn’t it? And while sales of fans and portable AC units are going through the roof this week, I thought it only fair that one of my favourite appliances received some love, too. After all, I swear by this little-known air booster during a heatwave.

Of course, spring and summer are already the most popular months for the best air purifiers. But while many people shove them in the cupboard in favour of a fan or portable air conditioner when temperatures start to soar, I’m here to make the case that they undoubtedly do belong in your hot-weather toolkit.

However, I should preface this by saying that standalone air purifiers can’t cool down your house, and you’ll still need an air conditioner if you want to actively reduce the temperature. But it can make your house feel more comfortable, and choosing the right air purifier can almost certainly make you feel better - especially at night. So, this is how an air purifier can help during a heatwave.

1. It continually circulates the air

One thing you might not know is that fans don’t cool a room, either - only air conditioners do, as they have internal refrigeration components to actively push back against hotter temperatures. But a fan helps you feel cooler by continually circulating the air and creating a breeze (or ‘wind chill’ effect) that replaces the stuffy air with fresh air. And an air purifier works in the exact same way.

This is especially helpful during a heatwave when people often shut blinds and curtains to keep the warmer air out and the cooler air in, as an air purifier can continue to circulate the air even when there’s no fresh air coming in. This alone can make a room feel less stuffy and more comfortable during the hotter weather.

Of course, an air purifier doesn't have the same power as a fan, so I’d suggest using them together for the best results. Johnny Liang, Air Purifier Specialist at Levoit, also says that air purifier placement is key. He advises, ‘Leaving 30–50 cm of clearance around the air inlet and outlet helps ensure good circulation and prevents “short-circuiting,” where cleaned air is immediately drawn back into the unit without mixing into the room.’

2. It tackles indoor pollutants

The summer months also bring many airborne pollutants into the home, from tree and grass pollen to excess dust and even BBQ smoke. In fact, Lars Dunberger, Technology Development Manager at Blueair, says, ‘We spend around 90% of our time indoors, yet indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outside.’

And while there are so many unexpected uses of air purifiers, their main purpose is to capture these indoor pollutants and improve your home’s air quality. And this can make you feel more comfortable during a heatwave, too, as they remove irritating particles and release cleaner air that reduces a room’s stuffiness and makes it feel less stagnant. You should be able to notice this, too.

This is particularly helpful at night if you struggle to sleep during a heatwave. After all, a lack of pollen or dust can help you breathe easier, which will help you fall asleep quicker - and stay asleep for longer too. This is one of the reasons air-purifying fans are worth it: they can help you feel both cool and comfortable during the day and at night.

3. Multi-use air purifiers can do it all

Air purifiers aren’t a one-size-fits-all appliance. In today’s day and age, air purifiers come in so many different forms - from standalone air purifiers to sunrise alarm clock air purifiers, air purifying fans and even air purifier and dehumidifier combos. And if you opt for one of these multi-use air purifiers, they can really help you out during a heatwave.

I’ve already spoken about the benefits of air-purifying fans, but you can also buy appliances that solve your year-round temperature problems. This includes 3-in-1 purifying, heating, and cooling appliances such as the Blueair ComfortPure T10i Air Purifier and the Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool HP1 Purifying Fan Heater.

If you struggle with the humid, sticky air, an air purifier and dehumidifier combo like the MeacoDry Arete Two can combat stagnant, thick air by lowering the humidity and removing nasty pollutants - all while circulating the air at the same time. So, they’re well worth the investment.

To summarise, an air purifier won’t make your house cooler during the hot spells, but it’s still a worthy addition to your appliance roster as it can combat many of the other negative effects associated with the hot weather.

The UK is experiencing a massive heat wave this week, with record-breaking temperatures expected in some parts of the country. Already, the best portable air conditioners are selling out, so if you're getting by with just a couple of fans, you'll want to try this expert-approved trick for creating a DIY wind chill effect at home to cool your home down fast.

With many of us struggling with the heat, it’s absolutely no surprise that the best fans and portable air conditioners are selling out. But this fan positioning hack, when used correctly, can help cool a room quickly and effectively.

This DIY wind chill hack uses two fans to create a cross breeze in a room, which has a greater cooling effect than how you’d typically use a fan. Disclaimer: You will need to have one fan facing out of the window. Here’s how it works.

How to create a wind chill at home

Unless you have an effective misting fan (such as the DREO TurboCool Misting Fan, £99, Amazon), it can feel like your fan is blowing hot air around your room, which doesn’t exactly have the cooling effect you’re seeking.

To create the wind chill effect you’re looking for, you’ll need two fans to create a cross breeze. This hack works by creating a funnel of cold air, rather than just circulating warm air around your room.

'Airflow is the key to creating a wind chill effect. Essentially, you need to use a fan to recycle the air. To do this, you need to place one fan facing out a window on the hottest side of the house to act as an exhaust. At the same time, open windows or doors on the opposite, shadier side of the house. The air being pushed out will be replaced by the cooler air being pulled in. You can use a second fan pushing the fresher air in to increase the effect,’ explains Meaco's co-founder Chris Michael.

‘This activity is best done late at night or early in the morning to take advantage of the cooler air outside.’

This hack is ideal if you already have a couple of fans to hand. Its main drawback is that it relies on the air outside being cooler than the air inside, so it is best done early in the morning or evening. For an even greater cooling effect, you can also add a bowl of ice to the mix.

‘For a further cooling effect, place a bowl full of ice cubes or frozen water bottles in front of the fan blowing toward you. As air passes through the ice cubes, it carries away some coolness before hitting you, providing a cooling effect, especially before sleeping,’ adds Max Wilson, co-founder at Pocket Storage.

‘A very common mistake when faced with a heatwave is to try cooling down the whole house. Of course, without an air conditioner, this will be extremely difficult. You need to concentrate your efforts on forming a special 'cool zone' in the coldest room in the house.'

Cooling essentials

Will you try creating a wind chill at home to help you see out the heatwave?

I don’t know about you, but I’m really struggling to keep my home cool. The best portable air conditioners are practically all sold out, and with temperatures set to reach record highs, I’ve been desperately seeking good news - and I’ve found it. Lidl’s affordable portable air conditioner is coming back to the middle aisle!

This week, the Ideal Home team has been diligently tracking the stock levels of portable air conditioners and believe me, they’re selling like hot cakes. If you haven’t managed to find a good deal online, the Lidl Tronic 3-in-1 Air Conditioner (£149) is landing in the middle aisle tomorrow (25 June).

While only available to shop in-store, based on its popularity last year, we predict it will sell out fast. Here’s everything you need to know before you rush out and buy.

Many homes are ill-equipped to handle the extreme heat we’ve experienced over the last few years. While you may be considering whether installing air conditioning is worth it, a portable AC offers many of the same benefits at a more affordable price point.

At £149, the Lidl Tronic 3-in-1 air conditioner is unbelievably affordable. It has three operating modes: air conditioning, fan cooling and dehumidifying. It also has two fan speeds and transport wheels, making it easy to move around your home so you can cool a bedroom in the evening and keep your living space cool in the day.

The model looks very similar to the portable air conditioner Lidl dropped last summer. So, I expect it will also work best for rooms between 30 and 45m³, like the previous air conditioner. Last year’s air conditioner’s dehumidifying function was able to collect up to 1.5L in a room that’s 30 degrees with an 80% relative humidity, so again, I would expect this year’s model to do the same.

I will say that Lidl’s portable air conditioner is likely to be a more basic model, compared to the higher-end products such as DREO 12000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner (£599, Amazon), or the Bush 9K Portable Air Conditioner (£375, Argos), which is also happens to be the last air con unit in stock at Argos.

However, I do think it is worth testing. I often find Lidl’s middle aisle is a bit of a treasure trove, and I’ve picked up plenty of miscellaneous items from cookware to gym equipment and been impressed each time. I’ve also made the mistake of waiting too long to invest in a portable air conditioner, so you can expect to see me in my local Lidl tomorrow looking for the unit!

As well as the portable air conditioner, Lidl is also selling a £14.99 air cooler, a selection of fans and cooling bedding. Alternatively, here are a few more cooling options that you can shop online.

I believe that the Lidl portable air conditioner will sell out fast. So, if you’re keen to get your hands on one, run, don’t walk.

With summer heatwaves more commonplace, it's no wonder that more and more people are looking for the most effective ways to stay cool at home.

And one of the most effective has to be a portable air conditioner. But when these appliances can set you back hundreds of pounds, it helps to have a deeper insight into how well it works, what it's actually like to use, and ultimately whether it's right for your home.

I've tested the Dreo 318S Portable Air Conditioner in my own home over a few weeks, including during a heatwave. This is how I got on and whether I think it's worth your money.

In a nutshell

It's hard to beat a portable air conditioner when it comes to cooling your home, but not all portable ACs are created equal, with size, noise, looks and cooling capacity all varying between brands.

Fortunately, the Dreo 318S portable air conditioner ticks multiple boxes, which makes it a very good buy indeed. With a cooling capacity of 7500BTU, it's best for smaller spaces (up to 20m2) and as such it's quite a compact for a portable air conditioner. It's really effective too, quickly dropping the temperature in my home office from 24°C to 20.5°C in about 20 minutes. It also does it relatively quietly too. Portable ACs are not whisper quiet like some fans are in their lower speeds, but the Dreo 318S is definitely quieter than portable ACs I've used in the past, that sounded like a bin lorry in the house.

My only niggle really, is the length of the exhaust tube that you use to vent it out of the window, it felt a touch too short and so it was a bit tricky to get it effectively vented out of the window.

Specification

• Cooling capacity (BTU): 7500BTU
• Recommended room size: Up to 20m²
• Noise levels in cooling mode: 62dB
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 38.5cm x 63cm x 35.5cm
• Weight: 22.5kg
• Wattage: 800W
• Functions: Air conditioner, fan, dehumidifier
• Other features: Timer, 'night' mode, remote control
• Window kit included: Yes

Unboxing, setting up and first impressions

With a weight of 2.5kgs, it was tricky to manoeuvre the package from the front door further into my house, especially as I was by myself when it arrived, so I'd definitely recommend waiting until you have an extra pair of hands. Fortunately, I have laminate flooring and managed to push the box upright into my living room.

I loved that the cardboard packaging had instructions on the outside of exactly how to unpack it safely. Once I'd removed the heavy duty plastic bands, I opened the top of the box to remove the accessories, and then I just needed to lift the cardboard sides away from the base. That's all very easy and requires no heavy lifting. But you will need to lift the appliance out of the base packaging (which is polystyrene and cardboard), and that is not easy to do single handedly, especially when you need to keep the portable AC upright.

There is plastic packaging included, which can't be recycled at home, which is a shame.

Once the portable AC is out of the packaging, that's half the battle won. Then it was time to set up the window kit. You get two window kits in the box, one for sliding windows and a universal fabric one that should work on most other types of window. To set this up takes a bit of time as you have to stick Velcro all around the window frame and again around the casement. I'm very glad I set this up before the heatwave hit as it takes about 10 minutes. Then I needed to attach the fabric to create the window seal, which probably took me another 10 minutes or so.

I then moved the portable AC into position (it's on wheels so this is really easy if you have hard floors, although it's a little bit more difficult on carpet). If you want it upstairs, definitely do not attempt to do it alone. I set it up in my home office, which measures roughly 12m2. When the exhaust hose is attached, it doesn't sit flush against a wall (you need space around it for adequate air flow, so you'll need to clear a suitable space for it to do it's thing). As you need a window kit in order to vent it out of the window, if you want to be able to move it from room to room, you will need to move the window kit along with it. It's relatively easy to move from room to room on the same floor, but it's heavy to take up and down stairs, so I found it easier to leave it in a specific room.

Once in position, I used needed to attach the exhaust hose to the back of the unit, and vent it out through the window seal (although there is also some accessories to vent it through the wall if you would prefer, although remember this is a permanent change. This should have been easy, but the length of the exhaust hose, combined with the height and depth of my window cill, meant that it only just reached to the window.

What’s it like to use?

Once the window kit and exhaust hose were set up, I decided to hold off on setting up the app control and instead went straight in with the remote control to get it up and running. The remote control is pretty easy to use, although I did find it helpful to have the instructions nearby to start with.

I tried it in fan mode first, which is fine, but not a patch on the best fans out there. There are four speeds (low, medium, high, auto) and I found that if you have the louvres on swing mode, it'll feel like a natural breeze. It's not quite though, even in the lower speed. But realistically, I view this as a bonus function that I'm not likely to use that often. I have other fans that are quieter and more compact, and they would be by go-to for air circulation.

The pièce de résistance is definitely the cooling mode. When I first switched to this mode, I was a bit confused as it defaulted to Fahrenheit which, to be honest, does not compute in my brain. Is 75°F hot or cold? Who knows? While it wasn't initially obvious how to switch it to °C, it fortunately does explain how to do it in the instructions (long press the + and - buttons). I found it best to do this on the remote as when I did it on the unit itself, it went back to °F when I changed a setting. But doing it on the remote changed it to default to °C.

I'd put the portable AC in my home office, and measured a temperature of 24°C, and turned on the cooling mode with a target temperature of 18°C. I then shut the door and left the room for about 20 minutes. When I went back, my thermometer was showing 20.5°C and it felt much cooler and fresher in there. I'd left the louvres on swing too which I think helped distribute the cool air more effectively. It was blissfully cool.

Once I'd got the settings to my specific liking, I appreciated that the unit remembered them when I came back the next day and turned it on again.

I was initially surprised by how quiet the Dreo 318S was (bin lorry being my yardstick), it's not silent, but it's definitely not obnoxiously loud. Using my decibel reader, I clocked it at 59dB in the lowest fan speed, and at 62dB at top speed, which is the equivalent of between gentle background noise and a chat with friends. I could definitely cope with that in a bedroom setting! It also offers a sleep function in cooling mode, which not only mutes all beep sounds, turns off the display and decreases louvre swing to reduce noise, but also gradually increases the temperature to compensate for body temperature lost during sleep (which you can customise in the app).

In addition to fan mode, this portable air con also has a dehumidifier mode. But given I'm fortunate to not suffer with moisture issues in my home and it wasn't particularly humid when I was testing, this isn't a mode that I would use often. However, if your home does struggle with excess moisture, then the dehumidifier mode that can extract 2.5L per hour, will be right up your street. In that mode, it does require continuous drainage, so bear that in mind.

After using it for a couple of weeks via the remote control or on-board control panel, I decided to set it up for app control. It was easy enough to download and register on the Dreo app, taking only a minute or so. You can do exactly what you can do on the remote through the app, with the added extra of being able to set up schedules.

Running costs

Using between 800W and 2.2kW of power, this Dreo portable air conditioner will cost you between 21 and 57p per hour to run, based on the July 2026 energy price cap.

To help reduce running costs, the appliance does have a customisable Eco mode, where you can adjust the compressors start/stop frequency from 10-30% to reduce energy consumption. Bear in mind though that this will affect it's cooling capacity.

Cleaning and maintenance

To keep the Dreo318S in good working order, it's important to keep it as free from dust as possible. Wiping over the exterior with a dry cloth regularly is a good start, and the instructions state how to clean the air filters and remove any build up there.

Maintenance will largely come down to the removal of excess water which will vary depending on the mode you use. If you only use it in cooling mode, then DREO's patented algorithm, sensors and pump evaporate excess water automatically eliminating the need for drainage in environments of up to 90% humidity. This was great for me as I only really need to use it for cooling purposes.

However, if you use it in dehumidifier mode, you will need to drain it continuously whenever that mode is selected.

Who should buy this product?

If you're looking to keep a smaller room cool in the heat, then the Dreo 318S will be ideal. It cools quickly and effectively and is easy to use. While it's not exactly whisper quiet, it's quiet enough to be used in a home office or bedroom with ease, and the Sleep Mode will help reduce any overnight distractions.

It's a good option too if you want an air conditioner and dehumidifier in a single unit.

However, at 7500BTU, this portable AC won't suit you if you are looking to cool a larger space. Fortunately, the DREO 516S portable air conditioner (£599.99 at Amazon) offers all the same functionality in a 12,000BTU powered unit, which can serve rooms up to 37m2.

While the Dreo 318S portable air conditioner is near the low-mid point in terms of price range, if you want something more affordable you could consider the Vonhaus portable air conditioner. Although for a lower price, you will have to make a bit of a sacrifice on quietness.

Local councils across England are offering ‘welcoming spaces’ or ‘cool spaces’ to help you stay cool in this heatwave.

Even when you’ve invested in the best portable air conditioners and best fans, with temperatures expected to rise close to 40 degrees in some parts of the UK, it is expected that our homes are going to feel too hot.

And if you’re struggling to cool your home, many councils across the country are offering cool spaces, where you have access to air conditioning and fresh water. If you’re struggling to keep cool, here’s how a welcoming space may help.

What are 'cool spaces'?

Even though I’ve tested out plenty of cooling hacks, and my fan is pretty much constantly running, my third-floor flat is not equipped to deal with extreme heat. It retains heat incredibly well, which I’m always grateful for in winter, but during a heatwave it feels like a furnace.

I’m lucky that my local pub seems to have super-charged air conditioning, so when it gets too much, I can escape there for an ice-cold Diet Coke. However, it was looking at my local council website (Bristol City) that I saw they offered third spaces to help keep cool - and it meant I would be saving a small fortune in soft drinks!

Cool spaces that are free to use are often set up in parks, libraries and community hubs during a heatwave. They frequently offer quiet, air-conditioned spaces where you can relax and cool off, if cool spaces are not available to you. They are also places where you can access a toilet or drinking water.

Cool spaces operate at your council’s discretion. The Mayor of London has issued a Stay Cool map for Londoners to access their cool spaces. Bath and North East Somerset Council (BANES) have an online directory of cool spaces, as does Rochdale Council and Leeds Council.

If you’re interested in accessing a cool or welcoming space for yourself or someone you know, it is best to check your local council's website for more information. Alternatively, you can also speak to your local library or community hub directly to see what services they offer during a heatwave.

Alternatively, here are a few more affordable home buys that can help cool you down.

It is important to note that these cool spaces are not medical care alternatives if you or someone you know is overheating. They’re also not spaces designed to support vulnerable people during heat. What they do offer is a place of respite during extreme heat.

Portable air conditioners are pretty much sold out everywhere. But, I have found an exception - the Bush 9K Air Conditioner (£375) is still in stock at Argos - and it’s already reaping five-star reviews.

This week, the Ideal Home team is tracking stock levels for the best portable air conditioners, revealing where you can still buy them in real time in our Portable AC live stock watch. Given the week’s forecast, it is unsurprising that these brilliant appliances are practically flying off the shelves.

Hence, it is unusual to see a relatively affordable and well-rated model such as the Bush 9K Portable Air Conditioner still in stock. Likewise, Argos also has a number of the best fans still in stock, including the five-star Duux Whisper 3 Grey Pedestal Fan (£140), and the bestselling Bush White Desk Fan (£22).

Alternatives:

The Bush 9K Portable Air Conditioner has sold out (as of 24 June 2026). So, here are a few alternatives to shop instead.

First things first, portable air conditioners are worth it. Period. Offering the same benefits as a fitted AC, without the installation or start-up fee, these handy appliances are brilliant at keeping a room cool during a heatwave. And with the UK expected to reach record temperatures this week, I don’t know about you, but I need all the cooling help I can get.

The Bush 9K Air Conditioner offers to take the edge off the heat with auto, cooling, fan and dry modes to keep you comfortable. It has an easy-to-read LED display, and you can control it via the panel or a remote control - so you don’t have to move from your bed or sofa!

It has a sleep mode and a 24-hour timer, while its auto-restart feature will remember your preferences. The machine operates at a sound level of 64dB, which may be a little loud, so bear that in mind if you were hoping for a whisper-quiet appliance (like the new Meaco Circo).

It also has an energy efficiency rating of Class A and uses 1,000W of power. If you’re worried about the cost of running a portable air conditioner, most models are between 1,000 and 1,300 watts (W), with 1,000W costing 26.11p per hour to run, according to the recent July Price Cap.

We haven't tested this portable AC, but so far, this portable air conditioner has received six five-star reviews on the Argos website, vouching for the appliance’s credibility.

‘I bought this the day before this heat wave in June started, and it’s brilliant! Now that I have found a way to install it in the window without leaving a gap, it works perfectly at cooling the room down in a matter of minutes. It’s the difference between a comfortable night's sleep and no sleep at all. It’s light and easily mobile, so I can move it from room to room,’ said one.

‘I live in a mobile home that gets very warm when it's 30 °C plus, so eventually bought this air con unit, it does make a noise, but I suspect most would, but it's not a deafening noise and i did get used to it but the best thing is that it works it's made my home cool so would definitely recommend,’ said another.

If you’re yet to snap up a portable air conditioner, now is the time to do so - they are selling really fast.