Best fans to get through the UK Heatwave from tower models to portable air conditioners

Editor in chief at thinkmoney

22nd Jun 2026

2 minute read

As temperatures soar across the UK this week, the best fans can keep your home cool and comfortable.

Choosing the right cooling device can make a huge difference.

You don’t want to end up with a noisy, expensive to run and surprisingly ineffective model during very hot weather.

That's why we've rounded up the best models for the UK heatwave, including top-rated Meaco, Dreo, Philips and Dyson models.

Which are the best fans for the UK heatwave?

Soaring temperatures this week are going to send hot and bothered Brits running to snap up the best fans to help stay cool.

But not all fans are equal and there’s nothing worse than wasting your cash on a gadget that gives you very little respite from the hot weather.

If you plan on having the fan in your bedroom to help you sleep at night make sure you hunt out a DC-motor fan that will run more quietly.

Also focus on airflow performance as well as running costs and the reliability of the fan overall.

If you’re looking for the best overall fan for the heatwave try the MeacoFan Sefte range.

The gadgets have powerful airflow, quiet operation, and low running costs – and will often beat more expensive models on performance.

You can currently pick up the Meaco Sefte pedestal fan, 10-inch for £180 at Argos.

Or the MeacoFan 10-inch table air circulator is down from £120 to £98.99 at Robert Dyas.

You don't have to spend a fortune on pricey fans.

If you’re on a budget and just want to get through the heatwave, try a portable USB mini fan.

The Status 4" USB Desk Fan is just £3.99 from Currys.

You could also pop a bowl of ice in front of it for a budget way to help it push cooler air around the space.

If you’re looking for the best tower fans based on airflow and top reviews, try these good value options:

DREO 25ft smart standing tower fan, £89.99, from Amazon or uk.dreo.com. This is one of the best fans for sleeping based on its low noise.

Otherwise try the Dimplex Ion fresh cooling tower fan, £89.99 from Currys or Philips 5000 series CX5535/11 tower fan, £89.99 from Amazon.

If you have a bigger budget, the Dyson AM07 cool tower fan, £349, from Currys is a reliable option.

Fans move air to create a breeze which you can help you feel cooler.

However, a portable air conditioner will actually lower the temperature of a room.

This can be best for hot stuffy rooms where it feels as though a fan is simply pushing hot air around.

The issue with the units is that they are big and heavy which makes them a little tricker to store – especially if you’re short on space.

You can also expect to pay more for a portable air conditioning unit but the upfront cost could prove worthwhile during repeated summer heatwaves.

One of the top UK recommendations currently is the Pro Breeze 9000 BTU Smart model, £439.99, from Amazon.

It’s not just the gadget price you need to consider.

On top of a bigger upfront cost, you’ll also pay far more to run an air conditioning unit, as use a lot more energy much faster than a fan.

A typical fan costs between 1p and 5p per hour to run, depending on its size and power consumption.

By comparison, a portable air conditioner can cost 20p to 60p per hour or more.

It comes as UK energy bills are about to increase making costs already more expensive.

However, if you are very sensitive to the heat, you will get more relief from aircon so it could be worth the extra cash if you can afford it.

The information in this blog was accurate when published. Please check the date, as details may have changed over time.

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