How we test tower fans

Every tower fan we recommend goes through the same hands-on assessment. We don't rely on manufacturer spec sheets, we test what it's actually like to live with.

Airflow and cooling

We measure how far each fan can push usable airflow, how wide its oscillation covers a room, and whether the higher speeds add real cooling or just noise. A fan that only feels powerful from 30cm away isn't much use in a living room.

Noise

Noise is the number-one complaint about tower fans. We check volume at the lowest useful setting (the one you'd actually sleep with) and at maximum, and we listen for rattles, motor whine and bearing hum that spec sheets never mention.

Running cost

We calculate real running costs in pence per hour at current UK energy prices, based on each fan's measured power draw, so you know what it costs to run overnight, not just what it costs to buy.

Features and usability

Timers, remotes, app control, sleep modes, display dimming, ease of cleaning and how stable the fan is on carpet all feed into the score. These are the details that decide whether you'll still be happy with a fan two summers from now.

Scoring

Each fan gets a star rating out of five that blends these factors, weighted towards the things most people care about: cooling, noise and value. We re-test and re-score as ranges and prices change.