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When summer hits, things can get a little sticky. We’re not talking about your hands after eating a juicy piece of watermelon, either: We’re talking about your back, neckand legs while putting in long hours at the office. To stay cool at work, you need a desk fan.
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These small fans for office desks move air around, creating nice white noise for maximum productivity, all while keeping you cool and alert.We’re not alone in our love, either: Thousands of people have rated and reviewed their favorite desk fans on sites like Amazon, all in service of helping buyers discern which fan companies’ claims aren’t just a bunch of hot air.
Here are 15 desk fans you need for your home or work office space.
1. Gaiatop USB Desk Fan
Gaiatop’s desk fan is small, quiet, and adjustable. You can choose from three different wind speeds and the fan is USB-powered. You can also take it in the car if you’re working on the go, or even plop it down on the table if you’re using your laptop at a coffee shop. Don’t worry about your woodwork, either: The fan’s base has two rubber pads to reduce noise and vibration, as well as to prevent scratches on your table or desk.
Get the Gaiatop USB Desk Fan from Amazon starting at $9
2. Vornado Flippi V6 Personal Air Circulator Fan
Vornado fans have are a "fan favorite" among reviewers for the fresh design, adjustable headsand colorful presence. Thefans feature multi-directional airflow, manual swivel base and a high-gloss finish that's ultra-slick. If you don’t want your fan out in the world all the time, you can always flip it out of sight, leaving just a cool looking mystery machine perched on your desk.Flippi is backed by a three-year hassle-free warranty.
Get the Vornado Flippi V6 Personal Air Circulator Fan on Amazon for $18
3. Sharper Image SBS1-SI Small Personal USB Fan
This mid-century modern option offers all the perks and convenience of a USB desk fan, while also looking nice. The safe, soft touch blades are made of foamand the fan’s blend of white and wood surfaces gives it a touch of class. It’s got two-speed touch control, comes with an A/C converter and has non-marring slip-resistant feet that keep your desk looking stock. It comes in two sizes: small (5.5-inches tall)and medium (8-inches tall).
Get the Sharper Image SBS1-SI Small Personal USB Fan on Amazon for $17
4. Ottlite Super Bright LED Desk Lamp with Coolbreez Fan
The Ottlite’s Super Bright LED Desk Lamp with Coolbreez Fan is a compact choice for small office desks.The two-in-one lamp-fan offers three color modes for the light (warm, cool, and natural daylight), four brightness settings and three different fan speeds that are easy to manage using the touch activated control panel.
At its widest, the base is just under five inches and the lamp head pivots up, down and side to side, meaning you can move it to where you need light most.
Get Ottlite Super Bright LED Desk Lamp with Coolbreez Fan from BedBath& Beyond for $84
5. Sharper Image Axis 12 Desktop Airbar Tower Fan
The Axis 12 Desktop Airbar Tower fan from Sharper Image has a thin,space-saving design that blasts a steady stream of cool air in your direction. Select fromthree wind speeds using the fan’s touch-sensitive controls. The fan uses aquiet, energy-efficient motor, so you can use this fan while you're on video call. There’s no assembly required and the fan has a 360-degree pivoting head for max comfort.
Get the Sharper Image Axis 12 Desktop Airbar Tower Fan from Bed Bath & Beyond for $15
6. Viniper Battery-operated USB Portable Office Fan
For a rechargeable desk fan, check out theViniper Battery-operated USB Portable Office Fan. Plug it into a USB port for nonstop airor unplug it and take it on the go, where it can spin for up to 24 hoursdepending on which of the fan’s three speeds you choose.
Amazon reviewers appreciate the versatility this fan offers, noting uses for everything from menopause-related hot flashes to an overnight shift as a parking lot-based security guard. The fan’s 180-degree rotation means you can swivel it wherever you want, and it’s portable enough that you can tuck it into any reasonably sized bag.
Get the Viniper Battery-operated USB Portable Office Fan on Amazon for $18
7. Trekoo Desk Fan Lamp Combo
A multi-functional fan that’s also a desk lamp, pen holder and phone stand, Trekoo’s desk fan does it all. The design is idea for dorm rooms or bedroom workspacesand the flexible gooseneck means you can pivot the light or fan to whatever angle works best for you. At low speed, the fan can run for about 14 hours but even at high speed, you’ll get five hours of continuous air movement before the fan peters out using the included rechargeable battery.
Get the Trekoo Desk Fan Lamp Combo on Amazon for $20
8. Fancii Small Personal Desk USB Fan
With its twin turbo blades, Fancii’s portable cyclone fan offers great air circulation while still offering a fairly stylish look. It’s so small it fits in the palm of your hand, and it’s shorter than the average iPhone. The fan’s makers claim that it’s 25 percent quieter and 40 percent more powerful than similar models. Since it’s USB powered, it’s relatively portable, as long as you have somewhere to plug it in, making it a great desk fan to travel with.
Get the Fancii Small Personal Desk USB Fan on Amazon for $16
9. EasyAcc 6-inch USB Desk Fan
EasyAcc’s open metal mesh fan offers a lovely retro design. Available in both bronze and black electroplated metal, the USB-powered fan has two wind speeds, 360-degree rotation and soft silicone feet to help reduce noise. Even on its highest setting, the fan uses 2.5 watts of energy every hour, meaning you’ll get maximum bang for your energy buck. The fan shouldn't rust and the throwback design will remain stylish for years to come. EasyAcc offers a two-year guarantee, including free returns and full refunds.
Get the EasyAcc 6-inch USB Desk Fan on Amazon for $17
10. Sharper Image SBM1-SI USB Fan with Soft Blades
This minimalist desk fan is a great example of high-end industrial design at a reasonable price point. The fan’s open chrome frame contains black soft touch blades that offer multi-directional airflow while still looking beautiful. There are two speed settings activated by a one-touch button and the USB-powered fan comes with a 6-foot cable and 5V wall adapter.
Get the Sharper Image SBM1-SI USB Fan with Soft Blades on Amazon for $13
11. EasyAcc Mini Handheld Fan
Up and down all day, even on the job? EasyAcc’s folding hand-held fan could be your perfect pick. With its rechargeable battery and USB compatibility, the folding fan can be used both at a desk and on the move. Tuck away the handles and put it down, or fold them out and feel the cool breeze hit your face. The fan can work for up to 10 hours on one charge andcomes in six colors.
Get the EasyAcc Mini Handheld Fan on Amazon for $19
12. Vornado Pivot Personal Air Circulator Fan
Vornado’s Pivot 3U whole-room air circulator has a customizable disc base that allows you to add your own personal touch to your fan. Throw it under the protective cover, and your fan will match your room perfectly. You can swap out pics of family and friends, wallpaper samplesor just cool designs you find online. The Pivot 3U can push air up to 45 feet and comes with a five-year satisfaction guarantee.
Get the Vornado Pivot Personal Air Circulator Fan on Amazon for $20
13. WiHoo Mini Handheld Fan
Workspace lacking desk space—or maybe even a desk, altogether? WiHoo’s flexible tripod fan could be for you. This small fan is set atop three flexible metal and silicon legs that can be bent to any angle you want. Just twist and turn them, wrap them around a bar, or lean the fan up against a cornerand you’re good to go.
This USB-powered fan would be great for warehouses, standing spaces, non-traditional offices, or anywhere that needs a little air circulation. Many parents like to hook it onstrollers, too!
Get the WiHoo Mini Handheld Fan from Amazon for $24
14. Arctic Breeze Mini USB Desktop Fan
Love the idea of a USB fan but hate the idea of yet another cord cluttering up your desk? Consider Arctic’s Breeze Mobile, which is a gooseneck fan attached right to a USB plug. It only has one fan speed andclaims to operates in “total silence" making it a good choice when it comes to affordable desk fansfor small spaces.
Get the Arctic Breeze Mini USB Desktop Fan with Flexible Neck on Amazon for $10
15. EasyAcc Store Portable Desktop Battery Operated Fan
EasyAcc’s folding flat fan has a sharp and futuristic design that folds up flat, making it easy tucked away on any desk. There’s no low-medium-high with this fan, just a continuous dial that change the fan’s blade speeds.You can choose the speed that’s exactly right for you at any given moment. Back from a walk around the block at lunch? Crank it up. Co-worker opened a window? Dial it back. Buyers love this fan’s versatility and convenience.
EasyAcc Store Portable Desktop Battery Operated Fan on Amazon for $21
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This article originally appeared on Reviewed: Shop these 15 desk fans to keep your cool on the job
FAQs
15 cool desk fans you need for an easy-breezy work day? ›
The higher the CFM rating, the more powerful the airflow. Most fans, whether household fans or commercial/industrial fans, have more than one fan speed so you have a range of airflow. You want to look for the maximum CFM in the specification section to find the highest rate of airflow.
How to choose a desk fan? ›The higher the CFM rating, the more powerful the airflow. Most fans, whether household fans or commercial/industrial fans, have more than one fan speed so you have a range of airflow. You want to look for the maximum CFM in the specification section to find the highest rate of airflow.
Do desk fans help? ›Your desktop computer generates heat as it runs, which can reach dangerous, component-killing levels inside the enclosed tower. Internal fans help dissipate this heat, but sometimes it may not be enough. External cooling fans can help keep air moving through the system and keep the temperature at a safer level.
What are desk fans for? ›Desk fans allow people to control fan settings to suit their individual needs. They provide up-close cooling while taking up minimal space on a desktop or tabletop.
What is a good fan that blows cold air? ›- TORRAS COOLIFY 2S is a portable and personal climate device with both air... ...
- Cool down with this Vornado pedestal fan. ...
- 45” Stack-N-Connect Digital Tower Fan #12095 is a convenient way to cool... ...
- With the Vornado 683DC Energy Smart pedestal circulator you experience...
Evaporative air coolers remain more efficient than fans because they cool, while in high temperatures, even oscillating fans tend to blow hot air around. Air coolers remain the customers' favorite thanks to their portability, user-friendliness, energy-saving and efficiency.
Which is better stand fan or desk fan? ›Key Considerations For Your Fan
The higher the power output of your fan, the higher the airflow will be. Desk Fans have the lowest airflow, Tower Fans and Floor Fans are in the middle, and Pedestal Fans have the highest airflow.
Fans with three blades increase airflow efficiency and move more air because they allow the motor to run faster. Fans with five blades deliver a less choppy airflow and are quieter because of the symmetrical spacing and slower speed.
Are tower fans better than regular fans? ›Tower fans cannot match the raw power of pedestal fans. For applications that require a larger volume of air to be moved by the fan, pedestal fans are clearly superior. The power and larger blades move substantially larger volumes of air, making them better for cooling, venting and drying applications.
Do desk fans actually cool the air? ›Fans do not cool the air, so air currents flowing over the body must be cooler than your body temperature to cool you down. When indoor air temperatures are hotter than about 95 °F: Fan use may cause your body to gain heat instead of lose it.
How can I keep my desk cool? ›
- Keep the blinds or curtains drawn. ...
- Use the cool evening air. ...
- Reflect and reduce the heat. ...
- Try home-made air con. ...
- Create a personal air-con system. ...
- Turn off heat-generating objects. ...
- Cool your pulse points. ...
- Change the hours you work.
Oscillation moves fans from side to side, and the best oscillating fans also move up and down. The rotation helps better move air around. It's the most inexpensive yet effective way of cooling your home.
Can you leave a desk fan on overnight? ›Don't leave your fan running overnight or while you are out of the house. Once you've had your electric fan for a few years, think about replacing it as older motors can overheat. Don't balance the fan on the edge of the counter, or anywhere that it could fall off.
How do you cool a room with a desk fan? ›Place one fan facing out of a window in the room you want the coolest. Then, use a second fan to create a strong airflow toward the first fan. Do this by placing the second fan facing inward, either in front of a second window or pushing air into the room you're trying to cool.
Do desk fans use a lot of electricity? ›Research has shown that the average 110w floor fan uses 2p of energy an hour, or 40p a day if it is on for 20 hours.
Are Bladeless fans better? ›Bladeless fans are generally safer than regular fans, as airflow is generated in the fan's enclosed base and a cool, breezy vortex gets shot up into the main chamber like a rocket. Bladeless fans are also typically quieter than bladed pedestal fans, plus they can be more energy-efficient.
Does putting ice behind a fan work? ›Use a bucket of ice
'As the air passes over the ice it will be chilled and will circulate refreshingly cold air around the room,' they explain.
Fans with a traditional, oar-shaped blade will move the most air. A wider, larger blade may look like it would be more powerful, but the added size drags through the air, slowing the motor down. Blade pitch also affects air movement.
What is the difference between air cooler and tower fan? ›Compared to a tower fan, which only circulates the air without bringing down the temperature, an air cooler cools the air and then circulates it. Compared to an air conditioner, which continuously circulates the room's internal air, an air cooler pulls fresh air from outside and cools it down.
What are the disadvantages of standing fan? ›Stand fan are large in size, so they occupy part of the floor area, so they are not suitable for small rooms. Users can manually adjust the height of the fan at will, but if used too many times can cause the body to quickly be damaged.
Do metal fans work better than plastic fans? ›
Plastic (ABS) ceiling fans are more malleable during manufacturing, are lighter weight and requires a less powerful motor. However, neither metal nor plastic fans cool better than the other.
How many blades should a good fan have? ›5 Blade Ceiling Fans
However, more blades can increase drag on the motor. Most ceiling fans deigned for the home come with 4 to 5 blades for the ideal balance between the amount of air circulated and the amount of ambient noise.
- Length of longest wall is less than 12 feet, your fan width or blade span should be 46 inches or less.
- Length of longest wall is 12 to 18 feet, your fan width or blade span should be 48 to 56 inches.
- Length of longest wall is more than 18 feet, your fan width or blade span should be 56 inches or more.
Bladeless fans tend to be sleeker in design than other types of fans, meaning that they may better complement contemporary home decor. Without accessible blades, bladeless fans are often faster and easier to clean. Compared to tower and pedestal fans, bladeless fans do tend to be more expensive.
Are cooling tower fans worth it? ›Large tower fans are effective at cooling down a room, especially on higher settings. Most tower fans offer oscillation, as well, helping them to direct airflow to all corners of the space.
Do tower fans work like AC? ›However, you can get powerful tower fans or extra-large fans that deliver a much stronger breeze than a regular household fan and are much cheaper than air conditioners. Although they won't cool the air like an air conditioner, the strength of the air current should still provide some relief from the heat.
At what temperature do fans become ineffective? ›The EPA's Excessive Heat Events Guidebook warns against relying on fans when the heat index is above 99 degrees Fahrenheit. The World Health Organization's Regional Office for Europe similarly cautions that “at temperatures above 35 [degrees Celsius (95 degrees F)] fans may not prevent heat related illness.”
Why do people put strings on fans? ›People put streamers on fans to add a decorative element to the fan. The streamers can add color or texture to the fan, and can also help to diffuse the air that the fan produces. TO SUPPORT FOLLOW ME!
Should fans be left on all the time? ›Although it could run for over a 24 hour period, it is still best to turn off your ceiling fan when you are at work or out of the house for an extended time to give the ceiling fans' motor a rest and reduce electricity use and cost.
How do you stay cool in a hot workplace? ›- Drink Lots of Water. Staying hydrated is key. ...
- Pick Drinks You Enjoy. ...
- Dress Appropriately. ...
- Find the Shade When Possible. ...
- Keep a Spray Bottle of Water Nearby. ...
- Use a Frozen Towel. ...
- Stay Fueled. ...
- Plug in a Fan.
Where is the best place to put an oscillating fan? ›
Place your fan so that it faces the opposite wall from where most of the activity takes place in your space. This approach will drive the air to the surface, where it will bounce off, mingling with the rest of the air and cooling the space.
Does more fans mean better airflow? ›As a rule of thumb, larger fans will generate more airflow, while smaller fans will generate higher static pressure.
How do you push hot air out of a room? ›- Switch to CFL or LED Bulbs. ...
- Hang Dry Clothes and Handwash Dishes. ...
- Limit Hot Meals. ...
- Invest in a Misting Fan. ...
- Shut Off Computers and Screens More Frequently. ...
- Switch to Insulated Curtains or Honeycomb Blinds. ...
- Create Natural Convection.
Less frequent starts and stops of the fan can reduce the stress from startup, and potentially help extend its lifespan. Leaving the fan on 24/7 ensures cleaner air, as the air is pulled through the filtration or UV light system. This can be better for people with allergies.
How long do oscillating fans last? ›Long-lasting fans are designed to last 50 years or more with regular maintenance. Inexpensive, disposable fans are unlikely to last more than three years with normal usage. Most mid-range fans are designed to last 6-10 years.
How many hours can a fan run continuously? ›You can run a ceiling fan practically for ever without worrying about heat issues. It creates enough air flow to carry away any heat it may be producing. The wear and tear on the mechanical parts is another matter though. Running it slower will usually heat the regulator than the fan's motor.
Does putting water in front of a fan work? ›Make a DIY ice water fan.
Simply stick a bowl of ice water in front of your fan to help circulate the cooler air. If you don't have ice cubes on hand, you can add other frozen items, like frozen bags of vegetables, to your bowl in a pinch.
Cool a whole room by hanging a wet sheet in front of an open window. The breeze blowing in will quickly bring down the room's temperature.
How can I cool my air without a fan? ›Open windows at night
Take advantage of those breezy summer evenings and open your windows at night to promote a cross-breeze that will help you and your family sleep better. The cooler air will circulate all night, allowing you to start fresh with a cool home in the morning.
Cost = (power (in watts) x time (in hours)) / 1000 x cost of one kilowatt-hour. For example, working out the cost of running a 50 Watt fan for 24 hours a day for a week if you pay 10 cents per kilowatt hour would look like this – (50W x 24) / 1000 x 10cents = 12 cents per day or 84 cents for a straight week.
What uses the most electricity in a home? ›
- Wet appliances. Washing machines, dishwashers and tumble dryers account for 14% of a typical energy bill, taking the top spot in our list. ...
- Cold appliances. ...
- Consumer electronics. ...
- Lighting. ...
- Cooking.
Ceiling Fan: | 1. Honeywell 51473-01 Xerxes | 2. Parrot Uncle 1719-L |
---|---|---|
CFM (Airflow): | 3051 CFM | 9772 CFM |
Size (Diameter): | 62 Inches | 72 Inches |
Efficiency: | 82 CFM/W | 271 CFM/W |
Number Of Blades: | 8-Blade | 6-Blade |
An air circulator is more effective at moving air than an AC system or a simple fan. From the shape of the blades to the CFM rating, they are designed to move and mix hot and cold layers of air throughout the whole room.
Are blower fans better than regular fans? ›The unique advantage of selecting a fan is its energy efficiency. They use less electricity than blowers that move the equivalent amount of air. Blowers, on the other hand, are advantageous because of the direct airflow and power they provide. Blowers also have a lower initial purchase price.
How many fans do you need for good airflow? ›Low Airflow Demands – 1 to 2 Fans (1 outtake and/or 1-2 intake) Typical Airflow Demands – 3 to 5 Fans (1-2 outtake and 2-3 intake) High Airflow Demands – 6 to 8 Fans (2-3 outtake and 4-5 intake)
Do multiple fans increase airflow? ›As stated above, two fans stacked (especially when they are specifically designed to be stacked together) will nearly double the static pressure, and this will help push the air through the high airflow impedance system.
Do fans with less blades move more air? ›When a fan has fewer blades, there is generally less dragon on the motor. This means it can go faster and more air more efficiently. As a result, there is more airflow and a better wind chill effect.
What is the difference between a fan and a circulating fan? ›traditional fans - How are they different? In contrast to a traditional fan which brings only cooling benefits when directly facing you; an air circulator works for any season, keeping the air in motion and making the entire room more comfortable to be in… with many other benefits!
Are Vornado fans worth it? ›I've got the freshest room in my apartment, after all. If you're still in need of some assurance, it's worth noting that Vornado fans are consistently some of the highest-rated fans on Amazon. Just under 70% of the 630's Amazon ratings are 5-star ratings, and the reviews tend to be positively glowing.
Which type of fan is more efficient? ›Ceiling fans are considered the most effective of these types of fans, because they effectively circulate the air in a room to create a draft throughout the room. Ceiling fans can help improve comfort year round.