I tested the best handheld fans for summer – a £1.60 gadget from the high street was totally unexpected
THE UK is enjoying some serious hot weather and many of us love getting out and about in the sun.
But when the soaring temperatures get too much, a handheld fan is the perfect gadget to keep you cool on-the-go.
These handy little devices can keep you cool on stuffy trains and buses, at festivals, and even sat at your desk.
Prices start from as little as £1.60 so you needn’t worry if you’re on a budget – there is an option for everyone.
We asked Lynsey Hope, 42, from West Malling, to review some best-sellers.
Cuifati ABS Portable Lightweight Rechargeable Fan
- £15.79, amazon.co.uk
This fan from Amazon is bladeless so you don’t need to worry about getting hair or fingers stuck in it. It’s incredibly quiet and has three speed settings.
It’s lightweight and a compact design, making it easy to carry around.
It comes with a detachable base so you can stand it on a desk or dressing table next to you as well holding it.
It’s stylish looking and I was impressed by the powerful breeze it gave off, which kept me really nice and cool.
- Cool factor: 9/10
- Value for money: 8/10
- Overall score: 8/10
Folding Rechargeable Mini Travel Fan
- £6, wickes.co.uk
Wikes’ fan looks a bit plasticky but its a good price, has four speed settings and on the strongest one it gave off a good breeze.
It also folds so you can pop it on your desk whilst working or dressing table whilst popping make-up on, which I liked.
Perfect for hot days.
- Cool factor: 9/10
- Value for money: 10/10
- Overall score: 9/10
Jisulife Handheld Fan
- £17.99, amazon.co.uk
This fan from Amazon is a 3-in-1 gadget that also acts a torch and a charger – it has a backup power bank to charge your phone if you need.
Great for space saving in your hand bag and the design is stylish with a cute teddy bear motif.
The charge lasts for up to 12 hours even on the higher of the two settings.
The fan did look a bit flimsy and wasn’t as strong as some others.
For this price, I would have expected better though the extra functions were a bonus.
- Cool factor: 7/10
- Value for money: 8/10
- Overall score: 7/10
Beldray Mini Hand Fan
- £1.60, wilko.com
Wilko’s Beldray fan is quite a powerful little gadget for the price – something I wasn’t expecting.
You do have to hold your finger on it constantly for it to work and it has to be quite close to your face.
But it’s super handy for keeping cool on the go and small enough to fit in a pocket.
- Cool factor: 7/10
- Value for money: 9/10
- Overall score: 8/10
John Lewis Any Day 4inch Rechargeable Fan
- £12, johnlewis.co.uk
John Lewis‘ has a lovely design and colour and though this was bigger than most of the handheld fans in our test, it would fit in a biggish handbag.
Love that it is rechargeable so you don’t need to keep filling with batteries.
I was surprised given the size that it has three speeds and gives off a fair breeze.
It also folds so you can use it as a desk fan. Durable and great value for money.
- Cool factor: 10/10
- Value for money: 10/10
- Overall score: 10/10
Dog Shaped Handheld Fan
- £2, therange.co.uk
No batteries are needed in this fan from The Range.
You simply wind these up to give off a gentle breeze. They are a bit flimsy and can’t see they will last that long.
But my kids LOVED them and they were simple enough even for my three-year-old daughter Ivy to use.
This is a cute novelty item for hot kids.
- Cool factor: 5/10
- Value for money: 7/10
- Overall score: 6/10