The best fans will make the soaring summer temperatures much more bearable. Fans simply move the air instead of actively cooling it like a portable air conditioner, but they have an immediate cooling effect in a heat wave, are easy to set up and store, and are significantly cheaper than air conditioning. (If you need more advice on how to sleep well in the heat, read our guides to the best mattresses† pillows† duvet covers and duvets†
Not all fans are created equal: there are desk fans to put, you guessed it, on your desk; tall, slender “tower fans”; pedestal fans, which consist of a blade unit on top of a stand; and floor fans, which are usually larger (and thus able to cool a larger room).
Premium models (like our top pick, the Dyson Air Purifier Cool Autoreact) also purify the air as they cool it and have additional features such as a sleep timer.
What is the quietest fan for sleeping?
If you buy a fan for the bedroom, choose a model with a quieter sleep mode or a noise level of around 50-55db. In comparison, background noise in an office is about 50 dB and a refrigerator or laptop about 35 dB.
The type of motor in the fan affects the noise level it emits. “Fans have an AC (alternating current) or DC (direct current) motor – DC motors are better because they are brushless, so quieter and more energy-efficient,” explains Nick Kandola of Airco Centera specialist shop for fans, air conditioning units and dehumidifiers.
You should also think about who lives in your house. Tower fans or bladeless designs are safer in a home with young children or pets, as they pose no risk to little hands (or paws).
Fans and Amazon Prime Day
Amazon Prime Day, the 48-hour sale that falls on July 12 and 13 this year, offers big discounts only to Amazon Prime members. The best fans are often included. Read our daily guide to the best Amazon Prime Day deals to see what else is on offer.
How we tested the best fans
As a journalist at the Telegraaf Recommended section, I’ve tested countless fans and other home appliances over the past 18 months. Each model on this list has been hand-tested by me on a blistering summer day in London, backed by expert insights. So, here are the best fans to keep you cool this summer, starting with my favorite.
At a glance – the best fans for 2022
The best fans for 2022
1. Dyson Air Purifier Cool Autoreact
Best Overall
We liked: powerful, sleek and quiet – but expensive