Best fan 2023: keep your home cool and fresh with our pick of the finest fans

The summer months are approaching and, if you haven't already been feeling the heat, you know that the year's first heatwave is just around the corner. Investing in a good fan can mean the difference between sweaty, uncomfortable days and breezy, relaxed afternoons - especially if you're planning on working from home.

Fan technology has advanced significantly over recent years, as our selection of the best fans below demonstrates. Whether you want a fan/heater combo that can serve you all year round or one that purifies the air as it works, there's a fantastic option out there.

We've taken a look at the best fans from top brands right now, and you can see what we picked below. And if you're looking for a way to remove bacteria, dust, and smells from your home, take a look at our ranking of the best air purifiers.

The best fans: tried and tested by us

Designed as a fan, air purifier and fan all in a single package, the Dyson HP04 Pure Hot + Cool is a fantastic multi-functional device with a design that has become pretty iconic over the years. The metallic space-age casing won't be for everyone, but its functionality may just convince doubters to give it a try.

When used as a fan, it purifies the room while expelling clean air at an intensity determined by either the user (on manual mode) or the number of pollutants in the space at the time (on auto). You can control the device either through the Dyson app, Alexa, or with the remote.

It's perfect for the bedroom, and Dyson reports that a whopping 70% of users reported sleeping better after using it. A night mode in which the display dims and the noise is kept to a minimum supports this and, if you suffer from allergies, the double-action of the Pure Hot + Cool could be a game-changer.

Homes & Gardens rating: 5 out of 5 stars

The smallest fan on this list, the Pure Fan from Blueair combines the company's air purification smarts with a more effective fan. This means you get both packaged in a Scandi-style cube that can be placed either on the floor or on a bedside table. Because of its design, it can't oscillate but promises a 90-degree range.

Customizable pre-filters allow you to add a subtle pop of color (dark gray, blue, light gray, pink, or yellow) beneath the outer casing, and a handle on top of the device means you can easily move it from room to room as needed. And if you like to keep things simple, the single-button controls might appeal.

Homes & Gardens rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Dyson's latest release and one with plenty to recommend it, the Dyson Hot + Cool Formaldehyde HP09 adds to the cooling/heating/purification technology of all Dyson fans with additional protection against the titular colorless gas that can be produced by furniture, pain,t or cleaning products.

Having tested the device we're only half-sold on this aspect, but that doesn't take away from the expectedly great results of the fan more generally. It's easy to use and great at circulating the air on those sticky days, and the new gold casing almost justifies the update all by itself.

Homes & Gardens rating: 4 out of 5 stars

The best fans: more top picks

A smaller iteration of the iconic Dyson all-in-one fans, the Pure Cool Desk Fan has a slightly more minimalist design and will look good in more places as a result. Lacking just the heating function of entry above, it still boasts a leading purification function as it cools the room. 

Another key difference for the Pure Cool Desk is the 75% reduction in noise and 40% increase in energy efficiency. This makes it a fantastic choice for those who want to have the fan operating all night as they sleep as, not only will it be less likely to keep you awake, but you can rest peacefully knowing you're doing less damage to the planet.

• Related: the best dehumidifiers to reduce damp and mold in the home

Part of Vornado's popular vintage range, the VFAN Sr. Pedestal Fan prioritizes style as well as function. The gorgeous green and gold finish ensures it's a standout piece in your space as well as a way to keep cool and, while there is no oscillating function it does tilt to direct airflow where it's needed.

This pivoting head plus twin air cones and 'Vortex Tornado' technology all help air circulate around the room better than a lot of fans, but reviewers have called out the tilting function for being a little fiddly. That said, if you prefer your appliances that don't forget aesthetics, look no further.

A great choice for those who love to relax and socialize outside in the nice weather but often find themselves overheating, the NewAir Oscillating Pedestal Fan offers not just a cooling airflow but also a misting function. With 3 speed settings and oscillation, you'll get the benefit wherever the fan is placed nearby.

The fan doesn't come with a remote control or any smart features, but the simple, stylish design means it will fit in well either inside or outside. It can also be operated without the misting mode, should you prefer to use it inside.

Not the most 'techy' of fans, this offering from DecoBREEZE is nevertheless a gorgeous pedestal fan with loads of personality. Available in 'brushed copper' or 'brushed stainless' finishes, the fan has three-speed settings and both oscillate and tilts to provide the best airflow around your space.

Standing at 48 inches tall at full height, the stand can be adjusted to 37 inches so you can customize it to fit your needs. Some reviewers complained that the fan was noisy so perhaps not the best choice for a bedroom. If you want something attractive that will keep you cool throughout the day, though, it would do the job.

How to choose the best fan for your home

Do fans cool a room?

The science of a traditional fan can be a head-scratcher, as the fact is that electric fans don't actually bring the temperature of a warm space down at all. So why do we feel cooler when running one?

The answer is more about airflow than it is about temperature, as the force of the air emitted by a fan helps us to feel less overheated by creating a wind-chill effect. In short, fans are good for bringing our own temperature down on hot days, but won't shift the level of heat in the room.

Should a fan be used with AC?

If your house is fitted with AC you may be wondering whether it's worth also investing in an electric fan. It comes down to your priorities - running a fan tends to be cheaper in the long run than cranking your air conditioning up to full when a heatwave hits but, as stated above, fans don't actually make your home any cooler.

Having both on hand can be a good idea as you can decide at the moment whether turning on the AC is necessary, or if a simple fan can do the work.

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