'I tried Dyson's cheapest bladeless fan and it's been a lifeline in recent heatwave'

As someone who really quite struggles in the heat (I’m a redhead), a good fan is an absolute lifesaver. And while I’ve tried and tested plenty of different makes and models over the years, the Dyson Cool CF1 is certainly the most sophisticated of them all.

I must admit, I’m no tech whizz, but I’m not a technophobe either, and do appreciate a good, functional gadget - see also: my Swan Alexa-compatible voice activated kettle. I’m also quite a fan of Dyson devices, and while the jury is still out on their cordless Corrale straighteners, I could write page after page about how much I adore the Supersonic hairdryer, or how their V8 vacuum is a godsend for pet owners.

Perhaps that’s why I was drawn to the new Dyson Cool CF1in the first place. Dyson’s latest reimagining of its iconic bladeless fan is its smallest and most affordable cooling device. But is it worth it?

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The Dyson Cool CF1 costs £249.99,which is definitely no small investment. Most fans I’ve picked up in the past have cost £50 or less and very much deliver on their promises, so what makes this one so special?

Over a decade ago, Dyson rewrote the fan rulebook by banishing blades altogether. Now, with the CF1, they’ve taken that legacy and made it smarter, safer, and more efficient. The first thing my parents and I said when we put the fan together (which was insanely easy to do) was how safe it was, not just for our two dogs, but for my very curious 18-month-old nephew, too. We’re at no risk of tails or tiny fingers getting caught by sharp blades with the CF1.

Instead of using blades, the Dyson has an energy-efficient DC motor that draws air in, which then exits the loop amplifier as a high-velocity jet. As the jet of air leaves the front of the loop amplifier, more air is drawn from the surroundings, amplifying the initial airflow by up to 13 times. As such, it’s powerful, delivering up to 370 litres of airflow per second, but without that choppy, wind-tunnel feel you get from traditional bladed fans. It really has been a lifeline in the recent heatwave.

Another bladeless benefit has to be the cleaning. Many alternative fans often find themselves caked in dust and difficult to clean, but we don’t get that issue with the Dyson fan. The CF1 has a simple loop amplifier that you just wipe down, with no need for screwdrivers or dismantling, much to my dad’s delight.

Another standout that sets the Dyson apart from its competitors is its undeniably chic design - as to be expected from the tech giant, whose appliances not only function exceptionally but look good doing it too. It has a short stand and wide round circular ‘head’, which is ideal for placing on the floor or on bedside tables.

However, for those with limited space, a tall, slim tower fan might be better suited. Dyson does have their own Cool Tower Fan for £349.99, however, for something more affordable, Dunelm offers the Vybra Dual Height Oscillator Cooling Fan for £69. Shoppers say it is 'powerful for the price' and praise the remote control that comes with it.

Alternatively, at Amazon, the Dreo 28dB Silent Tower Fan comes in at £74.99. With a 25ft/s air speed, the tower fan blows cold air, providing refreshing breezes to chill your space quickly, making it perfect for hot summer days or stuffy indoor areas.

Back to the Dyson design though, I’m a big fan of the fact it can be controlled remotely, meaning no need to get on my hands and knees in the heat to faff with settings. The LCD screen displays the speed of the fan, of which there are 10 settings, with options to oscillate between 15 and 70°.

There’s also a nighttime mode ideal for bedtime, which sets the fan to speed 4, which is the ultimate combination of whisper quiet while still being effective in its cooling abilities. If I were being picky, one of the only negatives would be that some of the higher speeds are a little noisy, requiring turning up the TV, but it’s no louder than other fans I’ve used.

In all, it’s very user-friendly, efficient, super lightweight and, let’s be honest, feels pretty satisfying to use, even for someone who usually doesn’t care about tech. On the Dyson website, it’s already been racking up a number of five-star reviews.

One said: “This fan arrived last week for me and with this continuous hot spell I am appreciating it every afternoon as the sun hits my home office. It's quiet enough, even on high power, to not affect calls or sleep if I move it to the bedroom at night.”

“I love the new CF1,” another declared, “Its powerful airflow is just what I needed in my apartment that gets very hot in summer months. It’s portable and very easy to control using the remote, meaning I don’t have to get out of bed to turn it off if it’s positioned across the room. The design is safe and even my furry dog loves it. It’s so quiet also, the best night's sleep I’ve had in ages.”

One shopper at John Lewis said it ‘doesn’t actually cool’ but still left a five-star rating adding: “Provides good airflow and is comparatively quiet.” And I have to say, if the room is already stifling, the fan can only really circulate the air already in the room.

Dyson said: “Designed to work seamlessly with air conditioning, the Dyson Cool CF1 enhances airflow to create a more comfortable and evenly cooled environment. Whether used alone or as a complement to existing cooling systems, its innovative engineering ensures customisable comfort and improved circulation.”

Another shopper added: “This is a wonderfully designed fan. If you have young children or pets around or are noise or dust-sensitive, this is the fan for you, or even if you don’t. It’s very quiet, easy to control. I really like the remote. It makes it handy to control it from bed. It stores by magnet to the top too. You can also adjust the fan’s angle. Most importantly it makes the room cooler.”

Another fan I rate is the Honeywell TurboForce Power Fan. Usually £32.49, it’s currently£28.99 on Amazon, saving 11% off the RRP ahead of Amazon Prime Day next week (July 8-11). It’s not its lowest-ever price, having previously been available for as little as £18.49, but for under £30, it’s still worth every penny, in my opinion.

However, if you’re looking for a more premium cooling gadget, the Shark FlexBreeze TableMate Indoor to Outdoor High-Velocity Tabletop Fan currently has £50 off,down to £99.99instead of £149.99.

As for the Dyson, while I’m seriously impressed with the functionality and features, it is a very expensive fan. If you just want a blast of air on a tight budget, there are far cheaper options, but if you’re after an appliance that slots seamlessly into a room, is powerful, quiet, and family-friendly, the Dyson Cool CF1 ticks all of those boxes.