The best small fans in the UK 2023

There's nothing like a small fan to enjoy a light, cool breeze without sacrificing your space when the temperatures outside rise. With a diameter of 30 cm or less, it's more compact than a free-standing model and doesn't require special installation like wall or ceiling models. But which one to choose? Read this guide.

EasyAcc mini ventilateur USB de Bureau 1
10/10

Editor's Choice

EasyAcc mini ventilateur USB de Bureau

The best small fan in 2021

Rotating 360°, this fan will provide you with a stable and well-distributed airflow during hot weather. Ultra quiet and small in size, it can be placed on your desk and will keep you cool without getting in the way.

11,99 £ on Amazon
  • Lightweight, sturdy and compact
  • Low energy and ergonomic design
  • Can be hung and adjusted at will from front to back and vice versa
  • Slightly noisy at optimal speed
Comlife - Mini ventilateur USB de Bureau 2
7/10

Inexpensive

Comlife - Mini ventilateur USB de Bureau

The best small entry-level fan in 2021

Here is a fan that is both inexpensive and uncompromising on quality. Small but strong, it offers a pretty neat design in a plastic that gives a solid rendering and performances that will surprise you.

13,59 £ on Amazon
Supalak Ventilateur de bureau Turbo 3
8/10

Top of the line

Supalak Ventilateur de bureau Turbo

The best small high-end fan in 2021

This Supalak silent table fan (35 dB) is small but strong! And for good reason, it provides ambient air over 20 meters in all seasons thanks to its 4 ventilation speeds.

68,79 £ on Amazon
  • Quiet (35 dB) even at full power
  • Compact, design and powerful
  • Low energy consumption (energy class A++)
  • Nothing to report
Tesoky portable neck fan white 4
8/10

A great choice

Tesoky portable neck fan white

The best ally for sportsmen

Whether you're going camping, hiking, trekking or anywhere else, this neck fan will keep you cool in the hot summer weather. Lightweight and quiet, it will provide you with remarkable wearing comfort and efficiency.

16,78 £ on Cdiscount

With the Tesoky mini portable fan, you can be sure that you will enjoy a good dose of 360° coolness wherever you go, especially during your outdoor escapades. With it, it's really great to keep both hands free since the device is worn around the neck. Tesoky is also flexible to meet all your cooling needs, and the part in direct contact with the skin is made of silicone. You will be totally comfortable wearing it even for a long time.

Finally, this neck fan has a rechargeable lithium battery of 3,600 mAh that you can charge via a USB cable, ensuring an autonomy of 3 to 9 hours depending on the ventilation speed chosen among the 3 existing. In short, this product is very good except that it is not suitable for running according to some users.

  • Lightweight
  • Without blades: hair won't get caught in it
  • Good battery life
  • Not ideal for running
Grencareu Double head car fan 5
9/10

A great car model

Grencareu Double head car fan

A great value

Enjoy a pleasant car trip with this little technological jewel. Rotating 360°, compact, silent and low energy consumption, it is close to perfection and will keep you cool especially when you are stuck in traffic jams in hot weather.

19,99 £ on Amazon

This 12V dual head car fan is designed to be easily plugged into the cigarette lighter of your vehicle. It features 12 fan speeds, two 360° rotating heads and a 180° rotating base. In addition, the two heads of the device can operate separately.

Low on energy but efficient and quiet with a sound level of less than 50 dB, this fan will rid the interior of your car of cigarette smoke, dust and all sorts of unpleasant odors that can bother you during your road trip. All-purpose, it is suitable for small, medium and large cars and even trucks.

  • Customizable airflow
  • Performant and efficient
  • Silent
  • Plug adapter not included
Buying guide • November 2023

Best small fan

Any specific needs?

The best small fan in 2021

The best small entry-level fan in 2021

The best small high-end fan in 2021

The best ally for sportsmen

A great value

Your guide : Samuel

Rate this buying guide :
0/50 votes

By rating this buying guide, you are helping us to reward our best writers. Thank you!

Comparison table of the best small fans

The best Inexpensive High end Excellent A great car model
EasyAcc mini ventilateur USB de Bureau 6
10/10
Comlife - Mini ventilateur USB de Bureau 7
7/10
Supalak Ventilateur de bureau Turbo 8
8/10
Tesoky portable neck fan white 9
8/10
Grencareu Double head car fan 10
9/10
OUR SELECTION
EasyAcc mini ventilateur USB de Bureau
Comlife - Mini ventilateur USB de Bureau
Supalak Ventilateur de bureau Turbo
Tesoky portable neck fan white
Grencareu Double head car fan
Rotating 360°, this fan will provide you with a stable and well-distributed airflow during hot weather. Ultra quiet and small in size, it can be placed on your desk and will keep you cool without getting in the way.
Here is a fan that is both inexpensive and uncompromising on quality. Small but strong, it offers a pretty neat design in a plastic that gives a solid rendering and performances that will surprise you.
This Supalak silent table fan (35 dB) is small but strong! And for good reason, it provides ambient air over 20 meters in all seasons thanks to its 4 ventilation speeds.
Whether you're going camping, hiking, trekking or anywhere else, this neck fan will keep you cool in the hot summer weather. Lightweight and quiet, it will provide you with remarkable wearing comfort and efficiency.
Enjoy a pleasant car trip with this little technological jewel. Rotating 360°, compact, silent and low energy consumption, it is close to perfection and will keep you cool especially when you are stuck in traffic jams in hot weather.
Weight
300 g
290 g
2.88 kg
200 g
500 g
Noise level
Less than 20 dB
less than 40 dB
35 dB
On battery
Lower than 50 dB
Number of gears
2
4
4
3
2
Power supply
USB
USB
Overhead
12 V / 24 V
Power
2.5 W
5 W
39 W
-
6.5 W

Help us improve this table:
Report an error, request the addition of a feature to the table, or suggest another product. Thank you for your kindness!

Buying guide - small fan

Primary Item (H2)Sub Item 1 (H3)

Why can you trust us?

Why you can trust us
Our mission
How to support us
We do NOT accept any sponsored posts or advertising.

We spend thousands of hours each year studying the major specialized websites, analyzing products of hundreds of brands and reading user feedback to advise you on the best products.

Our mission is to simplify your purchasing decisions.

We are a product review company with a single mission: to simplify your buying decisions. Our research and testing helps millions of people every year find the best products for their personal needs and budget.

We are a small team of geeks and enthusiasts.

To support us you can: use our links to make your purchases (which often earns us a small commission), share our articles on social networks, or recommend our site on your blog. Thanks in advance for your support!

How to choose your small fan

Find the small fan that best suits your needs based on the following criteria.

#1 - Blade diameter

The spatial coverage capacity of a fan depends on the diameter of its blades. Larger propellers ensure a more powerful airflow.

#2 - Noise level

The noise level of a fan is measured in decibels (dB). Before you buy your fan, test each speed and make sure the noise the unit makes is right for you. Also, if you plan to use your unit in a bedroom, a sound level of 40 dB is ideal.

#3 - Oscillation and tilt functions

These features are very convenient because they allow you to enjoy a more evenly distributed but also targeted airflow. This way, the air emitted by the unit covers a larger area without the need for it to be moved.

#4 - Practicality

For more convenience and comfort of use, a small fan that comes with a remote control is a winning option. A model that can be recharged by usb or via your car's cigarette lighter is also interesting. Just make sure your fan is not too big for your car. Other than that, go for a device that is easy to handle.

#5 - Portability

Due to their compactness and lightness, small fans are space-saving and easy to move around. This makes them portable devices that can go anywhere with you. However, for a fan to be fully portable, it's important that it be self-contained. As such, a rechargeable battery-powered model is an excellent choice if you're planning to go hiking or camping.

Use of small ventilators in medical centers

In a hospital setting, consider these guidelines for using a small ventilator wisely.

  • Position the ventilator so that the airflow is directed toward the patient
  • Place the ventilator on a clean surface at the patient's bed or slightly higher
  • Make sure the airflow is not directed towards the room door. The direction of the flow should be upward toward the ceiling, avoiding smoke detectors
  • Ensure that the airflow does not blow directly onto burned skin, burn dressings, open wounds or directly onto the patient's face
  • Ensure that the ventilator is turned off when a sterile field or aseptic procedure is required, e.g., cannulation, dressing or catheterization

Mini and small ventilators: what are the differences?

A mini ventilator is a ventilator that looks like a conventional ventilator but in a miniature version. It is distinguished by its very small size. Its dimensions are usually around 10 cm x 5 cm x 1.5 cm. Thus, the mini fans can easily fit in a handbag or a backpack to accompany us everywhere. In terms of performance, the motor develops a power greater than or equal to 4 Watts.

A small fan is a small fan with an average diameter of 22 cm. With a power of at least 38 Watts, the device can cool a small room of 30 m² surface. A small fan usually finds its place on a desk or table.

The different types of small fans

Let's review the types of small fans on the market.

Small tabletop fans

Table fans, as the name suggests, are best placed on a table. They are found in almost every home. They provide less airflow than the larger models. However, some models are still powerful enough to move the air in an entire room, such as the table fans from Dyson or Rowenta.

Personal desk fans generally have some controls, most have an oscillation function and can be tilted to adjust the direction of flow. Nevertheless, they prove to be heavier than other types of small fans.

small portable fans

This is a cheap model that helps you stay cool wherever you are. Just like a fan, this small device can be carried in a bag or pocket because of its small size. Some models even have a misting function.

The pocket fan is great for enjoying a gentle breeze when you're in a crowd, at a concert, at the movies, and anywhere else you go. However, most are limited to personal use.

Small fans worn around the neck

It is a personal cooling fan that comes cheap at all and is worn around the neck. With this device, you can keep both hands free and go about your daily business in peace. Some models even have a massage function for the user's pleasure, while others have a very practical lighting function.

The part of the device in direct contact with the skin is usually made of silicone. This is both comfortable and safe for the user. Since this type of fan has no blades, there is no risk of the user's long hair getting caught in the device. Although some manufacturers recommend it for sports, the device is not really suitable for running.

Small fans or large fans?

Small fan

Small fans operate at a very high speed (4 to 8 times faster) compared to large fans at 300 to 400 rpm. As a result, they can be noisier because of their high speed, but their power consumption is usually no more than 75 watts. A small fan can only cover an area of about 13 to 25 square meters or a little more. Models like the Dyson AM06 table fan are an exception.

When it comes to noise, small fans are a little louder than large ones. In fact, in order to produce the same airflow as a large fan does with a single turn of the rotor, a small fan has to turn louder. Therefore, in order to move the same amount of air as a large fan, small fans must use more energy. This is usually noticeable in the noise level.

Large fan

The real difference between small and large fans is the speed and noise level. Most people mistakenly think that large fans run at high speeds, but this is not true. In fact, they usually operate at very low speeds. The common speed for large fans is in the range of 50 to 100 rpm depending on their size and type.

For your information, large industrial fans consume about 1500 watts. With the same energy consumption in mind, you can have about 20 small fans combined to get that much power. Be aware that dozens of small fans will not be able to cover the area covered by one large fan. An industrial ceiling fan, for example, can cover an area of 630 to 1,800 square meters depending on the size of the fan.

Verdict

In conclusion, the choice between a small and a large fan will depend mainly on the size of the area to be ventilated. For domestic use or to ventilate small areas, it is better to turn to small fans while for the ventilation of industrial installations or large living spaces, large fans are more suitable. The latter are more economical (but also very cumbersome) for cooling a larger area because they provide a high airflow. Smaller fans, on the other hand, have excellent airflow and low energy consumption, making them suitable for smaller areas.

Why buy a small fan?

Increased portability

The most obvious advantage of small fans is their compactness and light weight, which makes them more portable. This means your unit can go with you wherever you go and can also be easy to move around. A battery-powered model can also be used in places without electricity when you're camping or hiking. Small pocket fans allow you to have a source of fresh air at your fingertips.

High efficiency

Although they can't be compared to conventional fans, small fans can still provide fairly good cooling that is less aggressive than other types of fans. Be aware that there are also small column fans that can be placed on a table. Fans that are even quieter due to the fact that they have no blades.

Various designs

There are many options to choose from, and in addition to the shape and color, the types of fans are also of great importance. Small table fans, double-headed, car or neck coolers, there are different models for different circumstances.

Low energy consumption

Today, manufacturers of small fans are working hard to provide users with energy-efficient devices without compromising on performance and quality. And for good reason, most of the small fans on the market are almost all silent and have an energy class A rating.

Keeping it cool

Ideal for personal use, a small fan is an excellent cooling device that will provide a gentle, non-aggressive breeze during hot weather. However, some more sophisticated models are powerful enough to cool an entire small room.

The best brands of small fans

In our opinion, the best brands of small fans in 2022 are :

VersionTech
Tesoky
Supalak
Ikohs
Essentiel B

VersionTech is a brand that sells a variety of products ranging from gaming headsets and computer accessories to cooling products such as handheld fans, USB fans and clamp-on fans. The brand is highly regarded for the ergonomics, robustness and design of its products.

Tesoky is a well-known brand in the field of flying outdoor toys, kites, karaoke, and guns and darts. The brand also offers cleverly designed small portable fans with futuristic designs that do not go unnoticed by consumers.

Supalak is a brand that is known for its 4-in-1 cooling products, tabletop fans, and its ingeniously designed small usb fans. With its portable and combination air conditioner, fan, air cooler and misting or humidifier products, the brand offers a user-friendly way to cool indoor and outdoor spaces. Its air conditioning products can also be equally well used as the sole cooling system or as a supplement to existing air conditioning systems.

It is a brand that offers small tabletop fans characterized by a slim appearance. From modern to retro designs, the brand's fans are both powerful and comfortable to use.

Founded in 2005 by Boulanger, Essentiel B was created in 2005, the brand has since specialized in household and multimedia equipment. Ease of installation, durability and simplicity of use are the key words of the brand. These values are reflected in its robust and elegant products.

What is the price for a small fan

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
9 £ to 15 £
Mid-range
15 £ to 30 £
High-end
more than 30 £
Price range diagram

Tips

Cleaning

In order to enjoy your fan for as long as possible, consider cleaning it regularly, at least once a month. Use a vacuum cleaner to suck up dust and debris that has become lodged in the unit. In any case, you can also rely on the manufacturer's instructions to guide you on how to properly maintain your unit.

Greasing the motor

To do this, it get a 3-in-1 multi-purpose sewing machine motor oil. Before you proceed with greasing, make sure your fan is sparkling clean. Once everything is good, unscrew the motor housing to see the electric motor parts and remove the center fan cover. After that, point your lubricant nozzle inward. Rotate the blades with your hand to evenly distribute the lubricant. This is enough to allow the moving parts to stop rubbing against each other so that your fan can properly circulate air again.

Bringing down the temperature in a room with a small desk fan

To do this, simply pair your unit with a misting bottle. You can also put a bottle filled with water fresh from the freezer in front of your unit.

Caution with a small misting fan

If you're using a misting fan inside your room, keep a window open while the unit is running. If your windows are closed, the mist will eventually collect on your furniture and other appliances. This could seriously damage them.

Caution with a small column fan

Avoid disassembling your fan without blades yourself. It's best to leave this in the hands of an expert because it can be dangerous or cause irreversible damage to your unit.

FAQ

My small fan is making unusual noises. What should I do? My small fan is energy class A and yet it seems to use more energy than usual. Why is this? My little fan is whirring. How can I fix it?

Your unit may need to be cleaned. Dust and debris can cause problems with the motor and reduce the aerodynamics of the blades. To do this, clean your unit properly. A soft cloth slightly dampened with water is perfect for cleaning the blades.

Can I leave my fan running when I'm not home?

If your unit seems more energy hungry, it's probably because it's dirty. In fact, dirt greatly reduces the energy efficiency of a fan. So remember to clean your unit. Do it properly and regularly.

If your unit makes an annoying noise, it's probably because parts of its gearing are stuck. If this is the case, it's high time to grease the motor. In any case, clean the unit first and then turn it on once the cleaning is complete. If the problem persists, proceed to grease the motor.

Don't let your fans run continuously when you're not home. Not only will this shorten its life, but it will also waste a lot of energy. As a result, your electricity bills will increase and it will cost you more in the long run. Not to mention the fact that it can become an invisible fire hazard. Instead, rely on the tips in this guide to effectively lower the temperature in your room.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. Portable fan tune-up tips that'll blow you away, electrorecycle.ca
  2. Cooling fans : Coolness at the rendezvousFans, 60millions-mag.com
  3. 10 Hot tips to cool your home without air-conditioning, ventilation-industrie.fr
  4. How to properly clean your fan?Fan, capitaland.com
  5. brumizer : fighting the heat, les-masure.fr
  6. Contributions of a hand-held fan to self-management of chronic breathlessness, cotemaison.fr
  7. Don't sleep with the fan on if you have asthma, erj.ersjournals.com
  8. 9 home treatments for shortness of breath (Dyspnea), rtmagazine.com
  9. Tips for making a fan more effective, healthline.com
  10. Six of the best uses for your electric fan, apartmenttherapy.com
  11. Why sleeping with a fan on could lead to all sorts of trouble, newair.com
  12. The best small fans, bustle.com
  13. Amazon.co.uk : small fan, amazon.co.uk
  14. Small, quiet fan at the best price | Leroy Merlin, leroymerlin.fr
  15. Amazon.en : small fan, amazon.co.uk
  16. Small fan at a mini price - ManoMano, manomano.fr
  17. Amazon.co.uk : small fan, amazon.co.uk
  18. Fan - Free delivery 1h withdrawal in store, darty.com
  19. Silent fan - 1h withdrawal in store* | Boulanger, boulanger.com
  20. Fan - 1h withdrawal in store* | Boulanger, boulanger.com
  21. Small portable fan - Cdiscount, cdiscount.com
  22. Small fan - Cdiscount, cdiscount.com
  23. Small fan | Buy Fan on Rue du Commerce, rueducommerce.fr
  24. Small car fan - Cdiscount, cdiscount.com
  25. Wall fan at mini price - ManoMano, manomano.fr
  26. Amazon.co.uk : small fan, amazon.co.uk
  27. Cheap fan | La Foir'Fouille, lafoirfouille.fr
  28. Small neck fan - Cdiscount, cdiscount.com
  29. Fan : buy cheap - Electro Dépôt, electrodepot.fr
  30. Fans - HEMA, hema.com
  31. Cheap fan at Auchan price, auchan.fr
  32. Fan | Castorama, castorama.fr
See more

Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
EasyAcc mini ventilateur USB de Bureau 11
EasyAcc mini ventilateur USB de Bureau
Comlife - Mini ventilateur USB de Bureau 12
Comlife - Mini ventilateur USB de Bureau
Supalak Ventilateur de bureau Turbo 13
Supalak Ventilateur de bureau Turbo
Tesoky portable neck fan white 14
Tesoky portable neck fan white
Grencareu Double head car fan 15
Grencareu Double head car fan

Lecteurs

Every month we help more than 1 000 000 people buy better and smarter.

Copyright © 2022 - Made with by buyingbetter.co.uk

Your reviews and buying guides 0% advertising, 100% independent!