Portable fan guide
With the summer season in full swing, you’re finding it harder and harder to stand the heat. Sitting on your sofa, you feel like you’re wearing a wetsuit. With all the sweat emanating from your body, your clothes stick to you like a second skin.
In these hot summer months, can you really do without a portable fan?
Thanks to its small size, this gadget follows you wherever you go. Yet despite its tiny dimensions, it’s far from lacking in power. Once up and running, it surprises its users with the force of the blast it’s capable of generating. Inexpensive, this little pocket fan is one of those accessories you don’t necessarily think about, but which can change your life.
What is a portable fan?
As the name suggests, a fan is a device designed to artificially create a cool breeze. Initially, fans relied on animal or human power to cool their owners. Even today, archaeologists are still discovering frescoes depicting men enjoying the breeze from a rudimentary fan.
Fortunately, one day Man invented the electric fan. Schuyler Wheeler, an American electronics engineer, is credited with inventing the first electric fan. Four years later, he went one step further and designed the very first portable fan.
If today millions of men and women can refresh themselves in all circumstances, it’s thanks to this brilliant man. Of course, as technology evolved, so did Wheeler’s concept.
To date, there are so many variations on the pocket fan that it’s hard to keep count. Mini pocket fan, rechargeable fan, USB portable fan, … Whether in terms of design or power supply, the pocket fan never ceases to surprise.
The best portable fans
Once you start looking for the ideal pocket fan, you’ll quickly realize that there’s no shortage of options. For the indecisive, it will be extremely difficult to choose from the plethora of models available. That’s right… Even the purchase of a fan can turn into a Chinese puzzle.
Among the criteria to take into account, the most obvious is undoubtedly the fan’s dimensions. Designed to be easily transported, the mini fan must be small. For example, it’s not uncommon to find fans measuring just 10.5 x 5 x 1.5 cm. What’s more, some designers have even gone so far as to produce foldable versions, which even fit into the small pockets of jeans.
Another factor to consider is the recharging time. Depending on the model, you’ll need to wait between two and six hours for your device to be operational. For those constantly on the road, battery-powered fans are the way to go. Technology buffs, meanwhile, will be pleased to learn that USB fans are also available.
Because of their small size, pocket fans are rarely equipped with a myriad of buttons. Nevertheless, whatever the circumstances, they have at least one on/off button. In addition to this feature, some specimens feature a speed control.
How does a portable fan work?
In summer, the best seat is the one positioned just below the fan. Thanks to the beating of its propeller wings, this device is able to facilitate the evaporation of perspiration and even out the temperature in the room.
To achieve this feat, pocket fans rely on a helical system. Also known as axial architecture, this configuration is based on the presence of two static parts (the distributor and the diffuser) which are attached to a moving part, the propeller.
It’s important to note that the static part is always the one designed to fit in the palm of the hand. The propeller always sits atop the gadget.
As soon as you press the start/stop button, the motor automatically starts up, pushing the propeller into its mad course. As it does so, the propeller “flushes” out the warm air, lowering the perceived temperature.
What are the different types of portable fans?
The mini neck fan
With its silhouette reminiscent of headphones, the neck fan is perfect for cooling off in style. Extremely modern, it’s one of the latest creations from technology firms.
The rechargeable pocket fan
Featuring a rechargeable battery, this gadget needs to be regularly connected to the electrical circuit to regain its strength. Depending on the model, it will need between two and six hours to reach 100% capacity.
The water fan
Featuring a water tank, this particular mini-fan emits a fine mist that cools those around it. The only drawback is that it can be noisy. What’s more, it’s not certain how long the tank will withstand the limescale of tap water.
The misting fan system
It’s simply another name for the mini water fan. Apart from this linguistic differentiation, they are similar in every respect.
The USB portable fan
Connectable to a USB port, this mini fan is particularly well-suited to long office working sessions. If you work in an administrative capacity, you can’t afford to be without it during the summer months.
Where and when to use them?
Whether placed on a table or hung on the lapel of a cupboard, the mini pocket fan is an ally that won’t let you down. In its basic version, it can be held in the hand for close-up refreshment.
In summer, don’t be surprised to see people walking around with their fans in hand. After all, it’s the easiest way to use them. But you don’t have to use it that way. In fact, some models are equipped with suction cups or hooks, which allow them to stay in place without your intervention.
Generally speaking, mini pocket fans are best used during the summer months. In fact, if used in winter, the fan runs the risk of freezing the user.
How much do pocket fans cost?
On average, the price of a mini pocket fan ranges from €3 to almost €150.
Of course, this depends very much on the sophistication of the device. The more options it offers, the more expensive it will be. So, at €3, don’t expect anything more than a simple hand-held fan. Likewise, don’t expect a misting fan at that price.
In short, it’s hard to have a precise idea of a model’s exact price. In addition to functionality, the brand’s commercial positioning also counts.
For future buyers of pocket fans, the easiest way to find out more is to visit a store or specialist retailer. There, you’ll find all the information you need to make your decision.