UPDATE: Jul. 19, 2023, 5:00 a.m. EDT After conducting additional product testing, this review has been updated with new products.
It might never have occurred to you to go bladeless when looking for a new fan, but there are plenty of reasons to do so. Not only are they more aesthetically pleasing than traditional fans, but they’re also much safer for kids and pets, easier to clean, and more energy efficient.
Most of the country (most of the world, in fact) has been coping with relentless summer heat this year, with record-breaking temperatures and one heat wave after another. A bladeless fan promises to give you some relief, whether you’re using it inside your home, at your office desk, or around your neck.
And to help Mashable readers find the best bladeless fans and escape the summer heat, we tried the top bladeless fans from Dyson and other brands for ourselves.
How do bladeless fans work?
First, it’s important to note that bladeless fans do in fact have blades. However, these blades are contained within the cylinder-shaped portion of the fan rather than exposed to the air itself, hence the name. The concealed fan draws air into the base unit and pushes it through the ring or oval that gives these fans their distinctive shape. This air blows on you or the room as a whole, letting you enjoy cooling air without the whir of fan blades.
What to consider before buying a bladeless fan
Most bladeless fans are more energy efficient and aesthetically pleasing than their traditional counterparts, but you’ll still want to take the time to read the specs and decide what features you’re willing to splurge on. Do you want a bladeless fan that will also purify your air and act as a cooling system? If so, then it might be worth investing in the famous Dyson bladeless fan, the Pure Cool. If you’re looking for something to simply circulate the air in your living room, then a cheaper option like the CONBOLA Desk Fan will do just fine.
Do bladeless fans work well?
We have good news for anyone suffering from the latest heat wave: Bladeless fans live up to the hype. Today’s bladeless fans are just as effective as traditional fans at circulating air and cooling down a room, and often more so. As an added bonus, they’re also more energy efficient and tend to be quieter than the tower fans of old.
What features should I consider in a bladeless fan?
When choosing the best fans to beat the summer heat, you should consider both the size of the space you’re trying to cool (in square feet) and whether your new fan will live on the floor or a table. You’ll also want to consider oscillation, which is how far the fan swings to the left and right. Greater oscillation will provide you with more coverage. Fan speeds, timers, and energy efficiency are other important factors to consider. If you have allergies you’ll want to opt for Dyson bladeless fans that also include a HEPA filter, as these products can do double duty as air purifiers. Lastly, most bladeless fans include a remote control and automatic shutoff for safety.
Are bladeless fans expensive?
You might assume that the best bladeless fan for you will have a premium price compared to traditional fans (and the Dyson models definitely do), but you might be surprised to know that many bladeless fans on Amazon are actually quite affordable. You can find personal bladeless fans starting at just $8.99 and larger bladeless tower fans for under $100.
Below, you’ll find a top-rated bladeless fan for every budget and lifestyle need as well as insight from our own hands-on cooling tests.
