As the thermometer approaches 30 degrees, the desire to cool off also grows. Mini fans, cooling cloths, water sprayers and nebulizers keep you cool on the go. Even though summer temperatures are still a long way off in some places this year, extreme heat is expected again this year.
If you don’t have time to go to the outdoor pool, you’ll need other means to cool off. Apart from exotic and expensive gadgets like cooling cloths, the obvious choice here is a mobile fan. But how do mini blowers differ and what should you pay attention to when buying one? We explain this in this guide.
Hand Fans
Compact hand fans, which are available for less than 10 euros, are particularly practical and popular because they are very flexible. Despite its small size, a modern mini hand fan is surprisingly powerful and ensures a cool air flow. Of course, such a portable fan cannot last as long as a stationary version, but the performance is perfectly sufficient for fresh air on the bus or train, while going for a walk or while walking the dog.
Mini fans with foldable handles are not only particularly compact, but they also don’t have to be held in your hand all the time. Here is the model we have Zifo with USB-C port and capacity display for about 15 euros Tested and they are very satisfied with it. The handle, which then works on a stand, also allows it to be placed on a table or bench. For models with a rigid handle, you should make sure that at least a small stand is included in the scope of delivery. If the fan, like our model, has a loop to hang around your neck, you can use it hands-free even while walking. The hanging fan may seem stupid, but we wouldn’t want to be without it on hot days without a breeze. A special form are fans with belt loops, which are intended to provide a draft under your shirts and T-shirts. These can also be found under the term Waist Clip Fan,
Ideally, rechargeable batteries are used instead of batteries to power the small fans. The speed levels should also vary. To be able to charge the mobile cooler wherever possible, the fan should be charged using a USB cable. If you don’t want to constantly look for the right USB charging cable at home, you should pay attention to the modern USB-C port.
The models we tested had perfectly fine volume during operation, mainly at low speeds. Instruments can only be heard clearly at higher volumes – which can be annoying. Models tested Jiju for 16 euros, Zefo for 15 eurosAnd Kensuka for 21 euros They all have tolerable amounts.
What we noticed during the test of a type of fan for 15 and 4 euros: Despite the absolutely identical design, the difference in battery life and material quality is noticeable. The plastic on the cheaper device feels less valuable and the battery life is also significantly shorter. So it is better not to rely on the design alone. If in doubt, it helps to buy from German shops and return the devices if you don’t like them.
Neck fans
Another type that can be used hands-free are so-called neck fans, which are placed around the neck like separate headphones. This is ideal if your hands are not free. The U-shaped devices usually have two invisibly installed fans and several ventilation openings at the top. The speed can usually be adjusted in several levels. Batteries are used to provide power. Since the older micro-USB charging cable standard is also used here, you should pay attention to the USB-C port.
However, some neck fans do not have the fan hidden in the housing but rather open. Here is an example Hand fan for 30 euroswhich is offered with different battery capacities. From our point of view, there is a risk of clothes, hair or similar things getting entangled in the fan, so we would choose a closed housing. For example, in some cases, the direction of the air flow can also be adjusted individually Model from Generisk for 15 euros. other neck fans, such as this one 14 euros for Gencolihas integrated colorful RGB lighting instead. While we find the first one particularly practical, we can also do without lighting. Our folding mechanism Neck fan for 18 euros from MQPin Although it’s practical for travel, a neck fan doesn’t fit in your trouser pocket.
Although we find the cooling effect surprisingly effective, neck fans have two significant disadvantages in our opinion. On the one hand, they lie directly on the neck. This can cause pain if you use it for a long time and you will also sweat under the plastic. However, we find the noise development here even more difficult. Although from a distance of one meter the fan is no louder than a hand fan, due to the position below the ears and the vibrations transmitted through touch, they are significantly more unpleasant for the wearer. In practical testing during a long walk, we only switched on the fan away from traffic – the loud sound absorbs all ambient noise and you can hear other road users much later, which can be dangerous.
Here, too, you should always pay attention to the USB port, as the older micro-USB port is often still used.
Mobile nebulizers and water atomizers
In practice, the additional cooling via atomized water works very well, while the fine water mist from the ultrasonic nebulizer is not noticeable. In addition, experience has shown that ultrasonic nebulizers do not last long if you use hard water. If you want a fan with evaporative cooling, you should choose the type with the classic water nozzle. These models are less suitable for offices etc. because of the risk of leakage. Fan with atomizer is available… Double pack for 11 euros. Our model with ultrasonic nebulizer Jiju is available for 16 euros,
Here is an exciting special solution is a water atomizer for bicycle or e-bike, which does not require an additional fan. Atomizer from Semtech Urban It is first filled with tap water and then pressurized with the integrated hand pump. Now you place the gadget in the drinking bottle holder and connect it to a long hose. This ends at the handlebar and is equipped with a release button and a small atomizer. If it gets too hot while driving, you press the button and a cloud of fine water droplets comes out. The air then takes over the transport of the atomized water droplets, which does the job perfectly. Alternatively, the atomizer can also be converted into a classic air pump.
As good as the effect is, it takes at least some time to build with a routed hose to the handlebars. The Mobile Water Drop Cooler for Bike is available from Pearl or Amazon From 25 euros Available.
cooling clothing
Too cooling clothing are available. Let’s start with ours Gerrick’s Fan Baseball Cap from about 17 euros. The fan built into the Cap Peak can be charged via USB-C and has three speed levels. During the practical test, we were initially unsure whether the cooling effect was really noticeable or whether the slight breeze was simply due to the wind. With barely an hour of battery use later, we were able to answer this question immediately: The cooling effect is clearly noticeable! The cap itself is made of thin and breathable fabric and therefore does not generate excess heat. Compared to a hand fan, you have both hands free and the sound is more pleasant than with a neck fan. This is mainly due to more clever placement and less used technology. He who wants it gets it Fan hats But the hat is even more attractive – even with an integrated solar panel.
We had one for the guide too Cooling vest with integrated fans Bought – the same model, which costs about 39 euros on Aliexpress, is only available over the counter on Amazon, even with a discount, starting at 69 euros. However, when our package arrived, there was disappointment – the vest arrived in the desired size and color, but the technical components were missing. We were therefore unable to test the cooling vest and the garment with ventilation openings at the back will be sent back. We find the idea exciting, but the no-name offers on Amazon & Co seem too expensive to us. We would love to go for that Climate jacket from Makita Pounce.
Systems that pump water or coolant through clothing are really expensive. With a mobile flow cooler, the wearer gets a lot of cooling, but the sets are expensive and bulky, which is why we recommend them for professional use rather than personal use. Jackets with integrated ice packs are economical, but the coolness doesn’t last long and the clothing items are very heavy.
conclusion
Compact fans are perfect for travel and day trips. Affordable hand and shoulder fans can be used in a variety of ways and ensure noticeable cooling through constant air flow. When buying, you should make sure that there is a USB-C port on board for charging.
Experience has shown that if you want to use fans in the office and at home, you should avoid the extra spray mist – water atomizers are only suitable for outdoor use. Ultrasonic nebulizers on a fan also look good, but no additional cooling effect is noticeable.
If you want to cool your bike, you should take a closer look at the water atomizer. The cooling effect is stronger than all other systems – but you won’t stay completely dry when using it.
