I tested Dyson's Hot+Cool heater fan and it's the only heater and fan combo you'll need all year-round

When the temperature starts to drop, like right now, I need warmth fast, and when summer rolls around, I need a fan that actually makes a difference. SO when Dyson launched its new Hot+Cool HF1 model, promising rapid, even heating in winter and smooth, quiet cooling in summer, I got pretty excited and wanted to test it right away.

I've been testing it for the past few weeks to see if it really lives up to its £300 price tag compared to some of the cheaper best electric heaters and fans, and whether it's worth the upgrade from Dyson's older Hot+Cool model. Spoiler alert: it is. It's compact, whisper-quiet and really efficient, but that doesn't go without a few niggles.

In a nutshell

As part of a number of new product launches this autumn, the Dyson Hot+Cool HF1 joins the line-up as the brand's latest connected heater and cooling fan. It offers temperature control from 12°C to 32°C, a 70° oscillation range and can raise the room temperature by 1°C in as little as 100 seconds.

The ceramic heating element delivers fast, even warmth, while Dyson's signature Air Multiplier technology ensures a smooth, bladeless breeze when you need cooling. It's also up to 25% quieter than previous Hot+Cool models and can be operated via MyDyson app, remote control or voice command. At £399, it's a premium pick, but I think its sleek design, safety features and impressive performance make it a clever year-round upgrade for my house.

Specifications

• Weight: 2.59kg
• Cord length: 1.8m
• Room coverage: 35m³
• Noise levels: 26dB-39.9dB (tested by us)
• Oscillation: Up to 70°
• RRP: £399.99

How I tested

Lauren Bradbury

I’m Jenny, Senior Digital Editor at Ideal Home. I've tested a lot of home appliances, and I tested the Dyson Hot+Cool HF1 Fan Heater in my home for several weeks.

Unboxing, setting up and first impressions

Unboxing the Dyson Hot+Cool HF1 couldn't have been easier. The unit arrived well-protected but without the excessive layers of packaging that often come with new appliances – something I appreciate as someone who opens a lot of boxes. Everything inside was neat, minimal and secure which is good news for my recycling bin, with just the right amount of padding to keep the fan steady in transit and nothing took an age to dismantle. There were only a few plastic bags to contend with, but I'm not overly sure they were necessary.

At 2.59kg, the HF1 is surprisingly lightweight, making it easy to lift out of the box and move into position. Setting it up was equally straightforward, as the main unit was already assembled. The only tricky thing was connecting the base to the unit, but I figured that out pretty quickly.

What struck me straight away was how compact and neat it looks. It's much smaller than my Dyson PC1 air purifier fan, yet still powerful. The white and silver colourway gives it a sleek, understated Dyson finish that will blend well in any home decor scheme. It's also perfectly sized for smaller homes or rooms where you don't want a bulky heater dominating the space. It's not quite small enough to pop on a desk, but it's certainly discreet enough to sit quietly in the corner without drawing too much attention.

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Adding it to the MyDyson app took next to no time, as all you do is scan the serial number on the bottom of the appliance and follow the instructions to pair it. Bar a few initial connection issues, which entailed me updating my app, the process was smooth and intuitive. I had it up and running in minutes.

The magnetic remote control is a clever design touch too, snapping neatly onto the top of the unit so it's always within reach, which is a signature Dyson detail I've come to rely on. The first time I switched it on, I felt instant warmth, with the controls easy to figure out.

Ease of use

I found the Dyson Hot+Cool HF1 super simple to use, and there's very little you can get wrong, to be honest. On the unit itself, there's a temperature dial, a button for oscillation, and a heater button, so the basics are covered without feeling overwhelming. For finer control, the remote mirrors main of the same functions with clearly labelled buttons for power, temperature, switching it from fan to heater, fan speed, oscillation, lock and timer. All very intuitive and easy to get your head around.

The MyDyson app takes things up a notch, giving me far more flexibility. From the app, you can set precise temperatures, schedule start and stop times and monitor conditions remotely, which I found especially useful when I wanted to warm up my workspace before heading in. It's all laid out clearly, and I found it much easier to set timers here than on the unit itself, as the fan heater's small display can be a little fiddly when you're navigating the settings.

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A nice design touch is that the HF1 also tilts manually without needing to press any buttons. You simply angle the fan head up or down to direct the heat or airflow exactly where you want it. I found this especially handy when using it while working from home, as I could direct the warmth towards my desk without heating the whole room.

The timer function is another thoughtful feature. I used it while working, but I can see it being ideal for setting a cosy temperature in a guest room before bedtime or for automatically warming up a space before you wake up.

The app also includes a data and insights tab, which tracks indoor and outdoor air quality (based on your location) and current indoor temperature, which is a small but useful feature that helps you understand how your home environment is changing day to day.

Performance

When I switched on the HF1 for the first time, I felt warmth almost instantly. Dyson claims it can raise a room's temperature by one degree in as little as 100 seconds, and from my experience, that's pretty spot on. Within minutes, the chill in my single-glazed, spare room had gone, replaced by a steady, even warmth that didn't feel drying or stuffy. My husband even remarked on it.

I'm also impressed by the built-in thermostat, which automatically maintains the temperature you've set, so it never overheats the room or wastes energy. It's quick to react too, switching off once the target temperature is reached and kicking back in when it drops again.

I also gave the fan a whirl, and it does a brilliant job of keeping air moving smoothly and quietly. The airflow feels constant and refreshing, not choppy or noisy like traditional fans. It's ideal for creating a comfortable background breeze rather than blasting you with cold air, which makes it useful in summer and in winter.

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Noise levels

Noise-wise, the bladeless design is obviously the reason it's quieter than most electric heaters and fans. Instead of a harsh blast of air, you get a soft, even stream that's more like a gentle white noise, so it's easy to tune out. On lower settings, it's barely noticeable, especially in Sleep mode, which dims the display and drops the sound level to a soothing hum.

When the unit oscillates, it does create a very gentle mechanical sound, which can get a little distracting when you're sitting close by. I suspect that's partly because I've been using it right next to my desk, which is also a quiet environment, and from further away it's barely noticeable.

On the higher speeds, there's the usual rush of air you'd expect, but it's still far quieter and smoother than other fan heaters.

Energy use

In terms of energy use, the HF1 has a maximum output of 2000W, so if you're paying the current UK average of 29p per kWh, that works out to roughly 58p per hour when it's running on full power. In reality, though, thanks to its intelligent thermostat, it cycles on and off to maintain your chosen temperature. In my testing, it typically ran at full heat for a few minutes before dropping to a lower draw, meaning the real cost per hour is closer to 30 - 35p, depending on your room size and insulation.

I've also been impressed by how efficiently it distributes warmth, which should only help to cut down the cost of running it. Rather than blasting one hot spot, it seems to circulate air evenly across the room, so you can heat a smaller space quickly without cranking it up. I've been using it for a couple of hours in the morning and again in the evening, so I don't expect to see any big spikes on my meter, reassuring when energy prices are still high.

Cleaning and maintenance

One of the things I've always appreciated about Dyson products is how easy they are to keep clean, and this model is no exception. Because of its bladeless design, there are no fiddly grills or fan blades to take apart, which makes maintenance refreshingly low-effort. I simply wipe the outer shell and loop with a soft, dry cloth every now and then to keep dust from building up; no tools or deep cleaning are required.

Unlike Dyson air purifiers, there are no filters to replace, so you don't have to worry about extra upkeep or hidden costs over time. The only thing I'd keep an eye on is the air inlet at the back, which can occasionally pick up lint or pet hair if it's running for long periods. A quick wipe down or a gentle vacuum with a brush attachment keeps it clear and working efficiently.

How does it rate online?

The Dyson Hot+Cool HF1 has been receiving glowing feedback online since its launchwith early reviews showing plenty of enthusiasm for this compact, all-season fan heater. On Dyson's own website, it currently holds an impressive five out of five stars from early buyers who praise its sleek design, quiet operation and how quickly it heats up a room. Several reviewers also mention how compact it feels compared to older Dyson Hot+Cool models, making it ideal for smaller homes and flats.

A few users have pointed out small niggles, such as minor connectivity hiccups when pairing with the app (as I had). But overall, these are seen as minor drawbacks in what's otherwise a well-rounded, premium product.

Verdict: Should you buy the Dyson Purifier HP1 Hot+Cool Purifying Fan Heater?

After testing the Dyson Hot+Cool HF1, I can see why it's quickly becoming one of the brand's standout new launches. It's compact, perfectly designed and genuinely delivers on its promise of fast, even heating and smooth, quiet cooling. The MyDyson app makes it easy to control wherever you are, and the magnetic remote, intuitive interface and manual title make everyday use effortless.

At £399, it's definitely a premium buy, but you can see where the money goes. It's not just a heater or a fan, as it's more like an all-year-round machine that provides cooling and heating comfort and fits neatly into living spaces. I especially rate it for smaller homes or rooms where you want quick warmth without firing up the central heating.

The lack of air purification might be a downside if you're after a full three-in-one device, but as a dedicated heater and cooling fan, it's great. It's quiet, efficient and stylishand it's already earned a permanent space by my desk. If you're looking for a low-maintenance, smart and energy-conscious way to stay warm this winter (and cool next summer), this is a top buy.