Latest news with #smartfeatures
Phone Arena
3 days ago
- Business
- Phone Arena
Grab the top-tier Sonos Roam 2 and save 22% with Amazon's offer
Looking for a waterproof Bluetooth speaker with built-in Alexa and other smart features at a lower price? Well, the Sonos Roam 2 is now on sale at Amazon, available for 22% off its original ~$180 price. The promo won't last forever, though, so you might want to act fast. $40 off (22%) Amazon is now giving you a limited-time 22% discount on the Sonos Roam 2. The speaker has a premium build, smart features, and excellent sound, making it a great option for music lovers right now. Hurry up, though, the promo won't last too long. Buy at Amazon Even though this premium portable speaker has been on sale before, this is the first time we're seeing it at such a generous discount in quite a while. In fact, it's currently down to its lowest price in over 30 Sonos Roam 2 delivers a lot, including some upgrades over the first-gen Sonos Roam. Unlike its predecessor, this bad boy features a Bluetooth button for easier pairing with your phone. It also sports a premium-looking design, solid IP67 rating, and a versatile build that lets you position it any way you want. The portable Bluetooth speaker is just as awesome when it comes to audio quality. It not only delivers clear sound with no distortion and some low end, but it also comes with handy extras like Automatic Trueplay. This feature automatically adjusts the audio to suit any environment. That said, users preferring more bass out of the box might prefer the JBL Flip 7 . Factor in all the extras, including Wi-Fi support, Sonos Voice Control, and more, and you've got a well-rounded unit that you just can't pass up. And with a battery life of 10 hours per charge, it'll keep your favorite jams going strong for hours on end. The best part about it? The Sonos Roam 2 is going for a tempting 22% off its original price. Sure, it's not a mind-blowing discount, but it's available in both colors. Plus, it's the first solid deal Amazon has launched in over a month. So, hurry up and save $40 while it
CNET
3 days ago
- CNET
This Smart Pet Fountain Looks So Good I Almost Drank Out of It
CNET's expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise. Petcube's small wireless fountain upgrades drinking water with several smart features. Tyler Lacoma/CNET I've gone through a fair share of pet fountains, thanks to a cat with a sensitive bladder who doesn't always drink as much as he should (Purina blames that on a housecat's desert genes). Modern fountains come equipped with increasingly smart features to help with that hydration, but Petcube's model is one of the best I have seen so far. This smart fountain is compact, well-designed, wireless and does a lot to encourage water-averse pets. At around $70, it's a little expensive but still reasonably priced for everything you'll find inside. A fountain filled with smarts The app gives fountain updates like time for cleaning or filter replacement. Tyler Lacoma/CNET Petcube's fountain holds about 6 cups at a time and measures about 9 inches long. In wireless mode, it lasts several days on a full battery charge with a chew-proof cord, so it doesn't need to be near an outlet most of the time. Petcube says that's about enough water for seven days of regular use. My cat, who generally dislikes new things in his favorite spot, took time to come around to the fountain, but this seems like an accurate estimate to me. The fountain is also equipped with a motion sensor, which activates when a pet draws near or inspects the small, rubber-tipped spout. That means it doesn't turn on all the time, but only when needed, saving on battery life. The app, meanwhile, gives you a rundown of filter health and a cleaning schedule to follow, plus a guide to what different LED light colors mean (red, for example, means the battery is running low). There aren't many settings to adjust, just a few handy alerts. Stylish and fun to use Aside from some variable motion detector responses, Petcube's fountain design really shines. Tyler Lacoma/CNET My test fountain came with a ceramic tray, although it's also available in stainless steel. Water bubbles from a small spout into the tray whenever the motion sensor is activated, sending a fresh wave of water flowing across the tray and back into the reservoir below. It's especially quiet compared with the other fountains I've had, which is a useful way to avoid a cycle of annoying, loud gurgles. "My cat drinks from a better water fountain than I had in high school," was my recurring thought while testing. The smooth way the filtered water ran across the clean ceramic surface was, well, tempting. It's one of the best-designed pet fountains I've seen, and inside is a four-layer filtration system with carbon filters, UV-C light and more. When the time comes to clean, the main components are all dishwasher-safe, too. I did find I had to clean the tray a bit more often as it was where some hair and debris tended to collect, but that only took a few seconds over the sink. A couple of slips, but ready for your household The Petcube fountain, for all its charm, isn't entirely perfect. The motion sensor isn't the most accurate, and mine usually activated when the fountain was closely inspected instead of on approach. The fountain does turn on occasionally throughout the day to help water stay fresh, whether from automatically scheduled cleanings or random motion activations, it was hard to say (the app wasn't informative on that part, but it did help keep the water clean). The filters, which are designed to be replaced about every 30 days, are only readily available in packs of three for $10, so you'll have to purchase them every few months. And a fountain this size can help the average cat or small dog, but it's not suitable for larger pets with bigger appetites. Overall, the fountain works well enough, and the design is particularly sharp compared with past fountains. If your pet accepts it, and you don't mind a steady repurchase of filters, this $70 fountain could be your water source for years to come.
The Sun
23-07-2025
- The Sun
5 Best extension leads
EXTENSION leads are the unsung heroes of the tech world, and a good one goes a long way. Today's models do more than just add sockets, and I've tested the best extension leads that truly earn their place in your setup. 5 They might not be glamorous, but a good extension lead is one of the most useful bits of kit you can have around the house. And while they might seem low-tech, the best extension lead options these days come with smarter features that make them surprisingly handy. Having tested everything from smart home devices to the best video doorbells on the market, I've seen just how much difference the right set-up can make. Many extension leads now come with USB-A and USB-C ports, surge protection, timers, and even voice control. Whether you're building a home office, powering smart devices, or just fed up with juggling chargers, the right lead can make your setup run a whole lot smoother. Read on for my top picks. How I tested I've plugged in and put these extension leads to work over the past couple of weeks, testing how they hold up in a busy household. From simple desk setups to outdoor use, and juggling multiple devices charging at once, I've seen how they perform in real life. I focused on build quality, the variety and usefulness of ports, how well any smart features work, and overall day-to-day reliability. After plenty of hands-on time and careful comparison, these are the extension leads that really stood out. Best extension leads - tried and tested Tapo P304M 5 Tapo P304M Smart Power Strip, £29.99 from Amazon I didn't quite realise how clever extension leads had become until I got hands-on with the Tapo P304M. This one lets you control each of the four mains sockets individually through the Tapo app, which means you can turn off things like a lamp or printer without having to get up. It also works with Alexa and Google Assistant for voice commands and basic automations, and you can even set timers or schedules. There's some neat energy monitoring baked in too, though I didn't find myself using it much day to day. Same goes for voice control, it's clever, but most things I plug in are there to stay, so I rarely found myself actually talking to it. The big miss for me is the lack of USB ports; there are none here. In 2025, that feels like a bit of a slip, especially when so many of our gadgets charge via USB-C. That said, for under £30, it's a great value way to make a standard setup a bit smarter. The 2-metre cord gives you enough reach for most rooms, and you can mount it if you want a cleaner finish. Sockets: 4 mains sockets, USB ports: None, Smart features: Voice control (via Alexa/Google), app timers, energy monitoring, Cable length: 2m, Mounting: Freestanding or wall-mountable, Power switch: Master on/off switches in app Addtam 1.6m Extension Lead 5 Addtam 1.6m Extension Lead, £16.99 £12.34 on Amazon BUY HERE This Addtam lead has quietly become one of my most-used tech bits around the house over the past few years, and it's held up really well. It's compact and surprisingly travel-friendly, with a tough braided cord that feels much more durable than the usual plastic kind. I've used it by the bed and when working on the dining room; and it's the one I'd reach for to pack for trips abroad. Despite the small size, it gives you two mains sockets, plus three Type-A and one Type-C port, which is a brilliant mix for charging everything from laptops to earbuds. The Type-C port is the star here; more devices use it now, and it means you don't need to lug around extra plugs. I would've liked another one, but having at least one is a win at this price. I went with the shortest 1.6m model just to make the sockets behind the bed more accessible, but you can go up to 5 metres if needed. Now that I know how well this works, I'd have no hesitation branching out to Addtam's larger extension leads. VonHaus Tower Extension Lead 5 If your desk or media setup is crying out for more sockets, the VonHaus Tower Extension Lead is a no-brainer. It gives you a whopping eight mains sockets and four USB ports (2 Type-A, 2 Type-C) in a compact, upright design that takes up way less space than a flat bar. I swapped this in from a chunky old lead and immediately doubled my socket count without any clutter. I've got it powering a lamp, smart speaker, and our phone chargers, and it looks tidier than most, with a clean, matte finish. You get surge and overload protection built-in too, which adds peace of mind if you're plugging in expensive gear. My only gripe is it's so lightweight that it can wobble or tip if only a couple of plugs are in play. Still, that's a minor issue; overall, it's a smart, space-saving pick that can easily handle a busy setup without looking like a jumble of cables. Sockets: 8 mains sockets, USB ports: 2 Type-A, 2 Type-C, Smart features: None, Cable length: 2m, Mounting: Freestanding, Power switch: Master on/off switches on tower VonHaus 25m Splash-proof Extension Lead 5 VonHaus 25m Splash-proof Extension Lead, £44.99 from VonHaus For outdoor jobs where a standard lead just won't stretch, this VonHaus 25m splash-proof reel is a proper workhorse. I use it mainly for things like jet washing the patio and running power tools at the far end of a long driveway. With 25 metres of cable, I've never once felt restricted. It's got more than enough reach. The reel design keeps things tidy when you're not using it, and it feels really solid. The sockets come with hinged, IP54-rated covers to keep out water, which gives me peace of mind when I'm sprucing up the driveway. No panic if the jet wash gets a bit wild with a stray blast. This one's not trying to be smart or techy, it's just a well-built, no-fuss lead that does exactly what it promises. It's a bit of a beast, weighing in at 3.47kg, but if you're doing garden work, running a shed, or sorting outdoor lighting, it's a brilliant bit of kit. Best extension leads FAQs What should I look for in an extension lead? Start with what you need: number of sockets, USB ports, and whether a strip or tower suits your space. Prioritise solid build quality, a decent cable length, and surge protection, especially for high-traffic or visible areas. Where can I buy extension cords? You'll find them at most major retailers, Amazon, Argos, B&Q, Screwfix, and Currys, all stock a wide range. Basic leads are everywhere, but if you're after smart features or USB-C ports, Amazon and Currys usually have the best selection. Here's where to look: What are surges? A surge is a sudden spike in voltage, usually caused by power cuts, lightning strikes, or large appliances switching on. They can damage your electronics or even start fires, so surge protection is something to look for in any good extension lead. What are surge protectors? It's an extension lead with built-in tech that blocks power spikes from reaching your devices. If you're plugging in pricey gear like a laptop, TV, or sound system, it's definitely worth having. No one wants their setup fried during a storm. Do extension leads use more electricity? Not by themselves. They only draw power when something is plugged in and switched on. Some smart models, like the Tapo P304M, even show you how much energy your devices are using, which is handy if you're trying to cut down on bills. Can you plug an extension lead into another? That's a no-no, and it has a name: 'daisy chaining.' But it's not as fun as it sounds. It can overload the circuit and pose a fire risk, so stick to one quality lead that can handle your needs safely. What can I not plug into an extension lead? Avoid high-powered appliances like heaters, fridges, microwaves, and washing machines; they should always go straight into a wall socket. Plugging them into an extension lead can overload the circuit and risk damage or pose fire hazards. Are 6-plug extension leads safe? Yes, as long as they're used properly. A single lead designed for six (or even more) sockets is safe to use, provided you don't go over the total wattage limit (usually around 3,000W in the UK).
The Sun
20-06-2025
- General
- The Sun
11 best home fans 2025 to beat the UK heatwave; tried and tested
WITH the summer heat cranking up, finding ways to keep cool at home has never been more essential. We've put the best home fans through their paces to help you beat the UK heatwave in style. 12 These cooling lifesavers are perfect whether you need a powerful whole-room cooler or just a simple desk fan to make your WFH days more bearable during these scorching temperatures. Modern fans are a breeze to use, thanks to smart features that do the hard work for you. From sleek tower fans to stylish pedestals, compact table models and cutting-edge bladeless designs. They're significantly cheaper to run than a portable air conditioning unit (so you can keep your energy bills in check), and most can be easily tucked away when autumn arrives. Ones with more features generally mean a higher price tag, but don't overlook those extra functions like a timer function, remote control and night mode that can make all the difference. Best home fan at a glance: How we test home fans Living through last year's heat waves provided me with the perfect opportunity to push these fans to their limits in real-world conditions. I judged each one on assembly ease, cooling power, noise levels and control simplicity. Each fan spent time cooling my home office during work hours and keeping my bedroom comfortable overnight. I tested every special feature – from night modes to natural breeze settings – to determine if they're genuinely worth the extra cash. Design appeal and value for money were also crucial factors in my final ratings. 1. MeacoFan Sefte 10" Pedestal Air Circulator 12 MeacoFan Sefte 10' Pedestal Air Circulator £158.95 Rating: 5/5 This is definitely a cut above most home fans, but that does mean it's pricier. It fits together in a flash and boasts a great contemporary look that suits any room without being overly noticeable. However, it's this fan's cooling capabilities that wowed me. It uses hi-tech sounding Air Beam Precision to control the angle of the airflow, whether you're surrounded by people or using it alone. The DC brushless motor projects air across the room for startlingly efficient cooling that I could feel on the other side of my kitchen. The temperature of the entire room seemed cooler, even when I wasn't directly facing the fan. Removable columns enable adjustable heights, offering maximum versatility. Additionally, the unit oscillates not only side to side but also vertically, enabling it to reach every corner of the room. The dedicated night mode is a real game-changer. The fan is already whisper-quiet, but the night setting turns off all sounds and lights, gradually lowering the setting until it shuts off automatically, so you don't wake up freezing. There's even a glow-in-the-dark remote control to avoid scrabbling around in the night. Easily one of the quietest home fans I tested, it's well worth the extra cost to sleep soundly all summer, regardless of how hot it gets. 2. Shark FlexBreeze Portable Fan FA220UK 12 Shark FlexBreeze Portable Fan FA220UK £199.99 BUY FROM SHARK Pros: Can be used outside, has a misting attachment, extremely powerful, perfect in a large room Rating: 4.5/5 This fan delivers on versatility. There are a whopping 12 ways it can be used, including cordless, outdoors and tabletop. It's simple to put together as the whole head comes as one, and the supporting column just needs to be slotted into place. It looks very sleek and sturdy, although its matte black exterior doesn't make as much of a style statement as the Icycool Copper Pedestal Fan. However, it does everything you could ever need from a fan, with 180-degree oscillation and a 55-degree tilt to fill the room with icy air, a breeze mode, and a timer that can be set for up to five hours. It can even be used outdoors as a cordless model, with up to 24 hours of runtime, so there's no need to swelter over the barbecue ever again. A hose pipe can also be attached to turn it into a misting fan, which I know will be a huge hit with my children this summer. I especially liked the fact that it could transform from a pedestal fan to a desktop model with the press of a button, unlike the Challenge White Pedestal & Desk Fan, which required poles to be removed to change its use. This makes it extremely easy to use throughout the house without hassle. I used it next to me while I was working at my desk, and then transformed it into a pedestal when I watched TV in the evening. If you're willing to spend a bit extra, you won't regret investing in this when the temperature rises. 3. Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Formaldehyde HP09 12 BUY AT DYSON Pros: Also a heater and air purifier, distinctive style, excellent cooling, quiet, no assembly, can be controlled via app Cons: Very expensive, some filters need changing Rating: 4.5/5 There's no need to pack away this fan once winter comes, as this Dyson model does almost everything but pour you a cold drink. Its cooling, heating and purifying capabilities (almost) make it worth the hefty price tag. Of course, it looks great too, thanks to Dyson's instantly recognisable bladeless oval shape, and – hooray! – arrives ready to go straight out of the box. It wasn't quite as large as I expected, so it doesn't overly dominate a room. Although it's simple to operate with a magnetic remote and an accompanying app that offers voice control, there's quite a bit to get your head around at first. Fan speed, direction and rotation can all be tweaked for the perfect stream of hot or cold air, and both are equally powerful. I tried it in my kitchen on a chilly morning and was toasty in moments, but it also cooled down my stuffy living room in no time. As an air purifier, it's a little more confusing, and I felt bamboozled by the science reading on the box, which claims that the fan can remove 99.95% of airborne pollutants, including formaldehyde, which is found in some woods, fabrics, and glues. Yet it was strangely compelling to see the Dyson whir into action whenever I cooked something or lit a candle nearby. I also appreciated being able to monitor my home's air quality on the app, which would be even more valuable for anyone who suffers from allergies or lives near a busy road. Of course, if you're just looking for a home fan to use on a few hot days each year, you definitely won't need the extra features this Dyson offers – or want to spend this much – so you should consider the MeacoFan Sefte 10' Pedestal Air Circulator instead. But if you're happy to leave this out all year to get the full effect of its clever functions, you'll benefit from a seriously impressive machine. Read our full Dyson Fan review here. 4. Honeywell QuietSet Oscillating Table Fan 12 Honeywell QuietSet Oscillating Table Fan £22.10 Pros: Small, five speed settings, quiet night setting, oscillates through a wide area, timer Cons: Night setting isn't very powerful, you can't adjust the height Rating: 4.5/5 It can get very stuffy in the box room I use as my office during the summer, so I was more than happy to test out this fan. Space is at a premium for me, and although it's a chunky model, the Honeywell QuietSet Oscillating Table Fan sat unobtrusively on the corner of my desk without being too overwhelming. The squat design is quite cute, and the five power levels certainly get the air moving, but since there isn't a lot of space (and a lot of paper is involved in what I do), I generally stick to the lowest two settings. Of these, the nighttime setting is the quietest, but also the lowest speed. While the fan has an oscillation function, I didn't use it when I was working, as it was just a bit too much. The breeze created on the lowest settings is welcome, but I found it hit me in the neck, and as there is no way to adjust the angle of air delivery, this became a little chilly after a while. I also used the fan during warm nights, positioning it on a bedside table as far away as possible. I slept fine when it was in night mode, but I couldn't feel the air moving. The higher settings were better for cooling the air, but they were too loud for me to sleep through. I'm a very light sleeper, though. There's also a timer, with settings for one, two, four, and eight hours, which is simple to activate. The LED lights that accompany each increase in fan speed fade out after 15 seconds. There's also a handy carry handle on the back. 5. C hallenge White Pedestal & Desk Fan 12 Cons: Larger than some other fans Rating: 4/5 Can't decide on the right size fan? This nifty model can be used as both a pedestal and a smaller desktop fan by adding extra poles, which also makes it easier to store when not in use. It's a little larger than some of the other home fans I tested, so it won't easily hide away in a corner. If you'd prefer a less obvious fan in a darker colour, it could be an idea to opt for the LOGIK L16PFGM17 16' Pedestal Fan – Gun Metal instead. However, if you fancy a fan in white, this one has all the power you'll need, plus eight settings, so you can crank it up when it's sweltering. I could feel it from several metres away, and I was also impressed by how quiet it was – I didn't need to turn it off to hear the TV. The beeping noise when settings are changed is quite loud, so it's best not to do this too often if someone else is trying to sleep in the same room. However, otherwise, this is a solid summer buy that does the job nicely. 6. MeacoFan Sefte 10' Table Air Circulator 12 MeacoFan Sefte 10' Table Air Circulator £99.99 Pros: Very quiet, powerful, 12 settings, horizontal and vertical oscillation, magnetic remote control attaches to front of fan, timer, eco mode, night mode Cons: Chunky build, short cable, timer only via remote control Rating: 4/5 This cool fan (pun intended) is powerful and packed with features that will definitely keep you cool and comfortable this summer. First off, it is incredibly quiet on the first setting, and I have had no problem sleeping with the fan on during warm nights. It has 12 settings in total, with levels two and three also being whisper-quiet. However, I generally didn't need to go beyond level four, as I found that level four was powerful enough. The Sefte also oscillates, both horizontally and vertically, with three different degrees of movement in each direction. I primarily tested the fan in my home office and found that the smallest oscillation setting was all I needed. However, in the living room, it's handy to be able to increase the degree of movement to cover the larger space. Eco mode means the fan automatically changes speed depending on the room temperature (which is shown on the digital display), so as the heat increases, the fan speed increases. I'm not sure of the value of this, though, as you can simply adjust the speed manually. I love that the remote control fixes magnetically to the front of the grille when not in use, so in theory, you should always be able to find it, just as well, because if you lose it, you can't use all of the functions. Annoyingly, you can only set the timer (1 – 12 hours) via the remote, which also mutes the beeping buttons and controls the display light. Although it's one of the quietest fans I've used, the design is quite chunky, so it looks a little intrusive and doesn't blend in. The power cable could also be longer – it's 161 cm (just over 5 ft) by my measurements. Power: 7. Icycool Copper Pedestal Fan Icycool Copper Pedestal Fan £59.99 BUY FROM THE RANGE Pros: Stylish, quiet operation, very stable, adjustable height Cons: Quite difficult to assemble Rating: 4/5 Fans aren't the most attractive home item, so I was pleasantly surprised by this stylish model. The copper finish gives it boutique hotel flair, so it won't stick out like a sore thumb in the corner of the living room. It also has a very stable base, so there's no chance it will be knocked over. However, I did find it a little tricky to get the screws in during assembly, as the motor is heavy to hold at the same time. I'd definitely recommend enlisting another pair of hands to help, if possible. Once put together, it's a great fan that delivers a powerful breeze, which can be felt several metres away. I also liked the fact that I didn't need to make room on my bedside table for a bulky desktop fan when using it at night. It wasn't too noisy, so it didn't disturb me while sleeping either. Although the Igenix DF0030 Oscillating Tower Fan is cheaper, it's worth the extra cost to have a fan that looks this good. 8. LOGIK L16PFGM17 16' Pedestal Fan BUY FROM CURRYS Pros: Looks good, great price Rating: 3.5/5 If you love the stylish look of the Shark FlexBreeze Portable Fan FA220UK but want to spend considerably less, this pedestal fan is a steal. Made of go-with-anything grey metal, it's surprisingly good-looking and won't be out of place anywhere in the home. I tried it in my living room, kitchen and bedroom, and it worked equally well in each one, with the dark metal far less jarring than a chunk of white plastic in the corner. It's fairly straightforward to put together though it does help to have someone on hand to hold the motor while you fasten the screws in place as they are a little fiddly. Settings are changed via a dial on the back, so there are no lights or noises if you tweak it during the night. However, it does mean that you need to be able to easily access the back of the fan. There's no timer or sleep mode, but I found it extremely effective at cooling me down as the wide head and blades can whip up a strong breeze that I could feel on the other side of the room. 9. Status 14-inch High Velocity Floor Fan Status 14-inch High Velocity Floor Fan £44.99 BUY FROM ROBERT DYAS Cons: Doesn't oscillate, portable Rating: 3.5/5 This fan earned bonus points from me before I'd even plugged it in as it lifts out of the box in one piece, ready to go, without so much as a screw to tighten. It's a fairly basic model without any timers or fancy features, but it more than delivers on power. I was amazed at how much wind it whipped up, and I found that I rarely needed to put it higher than the first setting, especially since the highest setting was quite noisy. It's very solid and well-built, and the clean metal finish looks surprisingly good. It doesn't take up a lot of floor space either, and would easily store away when the weather turns colder. You can tilt it to find the perfect angle, but be aware that it doesn't oscillate, so you need to face it directly to feel the breeze. 10. Igenix DF0030 Oscillating Tower Fan £32.99 BUY FROM AMAZON Pros: Great price, simple to use, integrated carry handle Cons: Timer makes a faint ticking sound, looks a bit cheap Rating: 3/5 This tower fan is fairly basic but is ideal if you're looking for a no-frills model with a price tag to match. It cools well, with three speeds to choose from and an oscillation function. I used it on the other side of my living room and could easily feel it from the sofa. Although be warned, there's no remote control, so you will have to get up to operate it. There's a two-hour timer that can be set on a dial, but I found this made a very faint ticking noise, so I chose not to use that function overnight. Otherwise, there are no complex settings or digital displays to navigate, as this fan operates with simple push-button controls. Though I tested the model in white, it's also available in black, which I think is a more stylish option, especially if it's going to be on display all summer. 11. Devola Floor Fan 16 Devola Floor Fan 16 £34.95 Pros: Powerful fan, carry handle on back, large, not too heavy to carry between rooms Cons: No timer, no remote control, only three settings, too big for small rooms Rating: 3/5 This fan is quite impressive and has an industrial vibe. It's a floor fan, so the stand doesn't get in the way, but the fan itself is massive. I used it in the living room and also tried it in the bedroom, but it was too noisy for me to sleep through. It has three speeds and is pretty powerful. You can also tilt the head to direct the air where it's most effective, but the stand's design prevents it from oscillating from left to right, which is a shame. Still, it works extremely well and I suspect it would be brilliant during a heatwave – alas, when I tested it, the weather hadn't reached those glorious heights and even the lowest setting was too much. The Devola Floor Fan is good for large spaces, but I think it's overkill for smaller rooms. It also requires more effort than we've come to expect from our appliances, as it lacks a timer or remote control, so you've to get up to switch it on and off, adjust the speed, and tilt the head to direct the airflow where you want it. Additionally, the electric cable is quite short, so you're limited to the position of your sockets, and you must have the fan facing you to benefit from the breeze. On the plus side, though, it's ready to go straight out of the box, with no need to make any adjustments. Where to buy home fans? Home fans can be bought online and are also available in a range of shops, including department stores and supermarkets. Don't wait until a heatwave before deciding to buy one, however, as many of these models will quickly sell out. Choose your favourite from the reviews above and get shopping on one of these recommended sites: Amazon Argos B&Q Dunelm Dyson John Lewis Meaco Robert Dyas The Range Wilko How much does a home fan cost? Fans are available to suit all budgets, from around £20 for a basic desktop fan to several hundred pounds for some bladeless models. If you just want a fan to blow cold air on a few hot days each year, there's no real point forking out over the odds. However, if you need to cool a large area, want a particularly quiet model to help you sleep, or prefer a more stylish fan you won't mind out on display, it could be worth spending extra on a model that will last for years. How much does it cost to run a fan? The brilliant news about fans is they're incredibly cheap to run, especially compared to energy-guzzling air conditioners. Most standard home fans use around 50 watts of electricity, which translates to just 1-2p per hour based on current energy prices. Even if you're keeping cool with your fan running all day during a heatwave, you're only looking at about 20-30p daily. For the budget-conscious, pedestal fans typically cost around £2-£5 per month with regular use, while ceiling fans are similarly economical at approximately 1p per hour. The power consumption varies between models – bladeless fans and those with extra features might use slightly more electricity, while basic desk fans use less. Which is the quietest fan? If you're a light sleeper or work from home, finding a whisper-quiet fan is essential – and the MeacoFan Sefte models are among the quietest for peaceful cooling. Both the pedestal and tabletop versions operate at just 25dB on their lowest settings – about as loud as a gentle whisper. The dedicated night mode is particularly impressive, gradually reducing fan speed while eliminating all lights and sounds. The Honeywell QuietSet lives up to its name, offering five speed settings, including an ultra-quiet night mode that's ideal for bedrooms. While not quite as silent as the MeacoFan models, it remains remarkably quiet even on higher settings. The Challenge White Pedestal & Desk Fan deserves an honourable mention – it's quiet enough that you won't need to turn it off to hear the TV, though its beeping when changing settings might disturb light sleepers. Can I use a fan overnight? Yes, it's perfectly safe to keep your fan running all night – and during a heatwave, that cool breeze can be the difference between tossing and turning or getting proper sleep. However, some people experience morning dryness due to the constant airflow. If you wake up with a scratchy throat or dry eyes, try positioning the fan to circulate air around the room rather than blowing directly on you. For allergy sufferers, fans can sometimes stir up dust and pollen; therefore, models with air purification, such as the Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool, are worth the investment. The MeacoFan Sefte range excels for overnight use with its whisper-quiet operation and clever night modes that gradually reduce speed before automatically switching off, preventing you from waking up chilly at 3 am. A timer function is particularly valuable for overnight use, letting you enjoy cooling comfort while falling asleep without running the fan unnecessarily all night. What is the biggest number of settings on a home fan? When it comes to cooling control, the MeacoFan Sefte range absolutely outperforms the competition with an impressive 12-speed setting, providing precise control over exactly how much breeze you need. Most standard fans offer just three basic settings (low, medium, high), but premium models are increasingly providing more flexibility. The Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool comes in second, offering 10 different speeds, while the Challenge White Pedestal & Desk Fan provides a respectable eight settings. Why does this matter? More settings means finding that perfect sweet spot – powerful enough to cool you down but not so breezy that it's blowing your paperwork everywhere or keeping you awake at night. The difference between settings 1-3 on the MeacoFan models is particularly valuable, offering whisper-quiet operation at just 25dB while still providing effective cooling, making it perfect for light sleepers who require gentle airflow.
Forbes
23-05-2025
- General
- Forbes
Midea Duo Portable Air Conditioner Review: A Quiet, Efficient Unit
If you don't have central AC or you're renting and can't install window units, a portable air conditioner can help keep your home comfortable when temperatures spike. Because you can move them from room to room, these units let you cool specific spaces quickly and often more efficiently. They're designed to lower temperature, reduce humidity and stay reasonably quiet—but in our experience testing them, many portable models are noisy, bulky or ineffective. The Midea Duo cooled one humid Florida home faster and more quietly than any other portable AC we ... More tested. There are, however, some standout models on the market. Out of the very best portable air conditioners we've tested, our favorite overall is the Midea Duo MAP14S1TBL: Designed for spaces up to 550 square feet, the unit runs quietly, cools quickly and has smart features that are actually useful. It also comes from a brand we trust. Midea has been been around since 1968 and consistently makes reliable home products that are easy to use and built to last. Over the years, we've tested and recommended several of the brand's appliances, from dehumidifiers to purifiers, but its portable air conditioners have been particularly impressive. In this detailed Midea Duo review, we'll share our experience testing its cooling power, noise levels, setup process and smart app controls, so you can see if it's the right portable air conditioner for your home. Amazon BTU: 14,000 | Coverage: Up to 550 square feet | Noise level: 52 to 61 dB | Weight: 77.2 pounds | Extras: Smart app control, oscillating cylindrical fan, foam insulation pads Best for: Skip if: During testing, we were impressed by how quietly the Midea Duo MAP14S1TBL cools down rooms, especially compared to other portable air conditioners of similar size. While many portable AC units create significant ambient noise as they run, the Duo is noticeably quieter, even at the highest setting. Sitting just a few feet away from the unit in our humid Florida living room, we found the low hum unobtrusive and easy to tune out. The cooling power itself is just as impressive. On the lowest temperature setting (60 degrees), the air coming from the unit was ice-cold. After running for just a couple of hours, the Midea Duo dropped the temperature in the large living room by at least 3 degrees, and we could clearly feel the difference down a hallway more than 20 feet away from the unit. This combination of quiet operation and strong cooling makes the Midea Duo particularly well-suited for bedrooms or home offices, where loud appliances can quickly become annoying. The Midea Duo includes smart-app control, which we found convenient overall—though it does have some quirks. Rather than using a dedicated Midea app, the unit pairs with a third-party smart-home app that manages devices from various brands. We were initially surprised when the app identified the Duo as a "split AC unit," though this odd labeling didn't affect functionality. It was easy to adjust the temperature, switch between fan and AC modes or power the unit on and off from another room. We also liked that the app lets you turn off the LED display, which is helpful if you're sensitive to lights at night—though strangely, there's no physical button on the unit to do this. It was also useful to see both indoor and outdoor temperatures, as well as activate the app's "boost" mode, which rapidly lowers the temperature in the room. That said, some of the app's terminology felt unnecessarily confusing. For instance, it refers to scheduling daily routines as "scenes," which didn't immediately make sense to us. Still, these minor inconveniences didn't meaningfully impact our experience with the unit. The design of the Midea Duo is practical and user-friendly, though it's worth noting the unit is fairly large. It's easy to unbox, and the caster wheels make it smooth to move the unit across hardwood floors or carpets, despite its bulk. Unlike most portable air conditioners that have separate pieces you need to disassemble and store, the Duo's hose conveniently clips onto the back, so there's less to keep track of. We especially liked the generous window insert options provided, which accommodate a variety of window sizes without issue. What's more, Midea provides a lot of extra insulation, compared to other brands. Instead of just the basic foam strips included with most portable air conditioners, this unit comes with thicker foam pads designed specifically to attach to the back of your window trim. When we installed these pads, they created a tight seal that clearly cut down on the heat leaking back into the room around the window—something that often happens with portable AC units. Combined with the Duo's larger hose-in-hose design, which itself helps prevent exhaust heat from re-entering your space, these insulation features made a clear difference in keeping our room cool. After two weeks using the Midea Duo in a humid Florida home, we found it quieter and better at cooling than most portable air conditioners we've tested. It cooled the room quickly, handled humidity well and stayed quiet even after hours of continuous use. We appreciated the insulation around the window inserts and the hose-in-hose setup, both of which noticeably cut down on heat leaking back into the room. The app isn't perfect—the setup was slightly confusing at first—but once we got used to it, we liked being able to adjust the temperature or turn off the LED display right from bed. The only real drawback we noticed is that it's bulky, especially because of the thicker hose. But if you have enough space, the extra room it takes up is easily justified by how much cooler (and quieter) your home feels.
