Cooling down at the workplace!

Hot days in the office depress the mood and productivity drops. You can make the warm days in the office more pleasant with a suitable fan.

In this article we look at Recommended fans for the office on. We highlight the advantages and disadvantages of the most common types:

• Table fans
• Tower fans
• Pedestal fans

Each of these appliance classes is designed for a specific location and purpose and can play to its strengths there. Depending on the size and layout of the office space, one or the other may be more suitable.

Table fans

Table fans are handy, practical and flexible to use. They are simply placed on the office desk or other waist-high furniture. It is important that there is a power socket within reach. When buying a table fan, it is essential to check the length of the cable.

While the cables for fans in private homes are only as long as necessary (to avoid cable clutter), the longer the better when it comes to cable lengths in offices. This is because most offices either have a lot of cables between the desks anyway, or there are enough devices installed to manage the cables, such as the mesh baskets mounted under the desk tops.

As the table fan is often placed on your own desk, its dimensions are not unimportant. Anyone who has ever worked in an office knows that every square centimetre on the desk counts. For this reason, desk fans with a small and, above all, flat base are ideal. After all, you can still place a few small items on a very flat base. This way, you can use the space twice.

Here is my short ranking list of recommended table fans for the office:

The list contains the table fans that I think are well suited for use in the office. If you have any questions about the ranking or think that a product is missing or wrongly listed, please write to me: maxmarx1991@gmail.com

Honeywell TurboForce - Compact desk fan with power

Small, round and powerful - that's the best way to describe the Honeywell TurboForce. I was looking for a fan for my office that was compact, flexible to use and powerful at the same time. That's exactly what this model offers.

Assembly is almost completely unnecessary: Unpack it, plug it in and off you go. The fan is surprisingly light, so it can easily be placed on a desk, cupboard or even on the floor. Particularly practical: the five-position tilt adjustment allows you to direct the airflow exactly where you want it - be it towards your face, back or technology.

I usually use it on level 1 - this is perfectly adequate for a pleasant air movement at the workplace. At higher temperatures, I use level 2 or 3 - that's when the little appliance really gets going. Yes, it is audible at the highest level - but in relation to the power, the volume is completely okay. The air flow is particularly strong in a straight line - ideal for targeted cooling.

What I don't like so much is the order of the speed levels: After "Off" comes level III, then II and then I. If, like me, you mostly use level 1, you have to "click through" each time. The cable could also be a bit longer - at 1.80 metres, you can't get into every corner, so an extension cable is often necessary.

Nevertheless, for the price you get a very solid, durable and well thought-out fan. It fits perfectly in the office, runs for several hours without any problems and, thanks to its compact design, can be easily repositioned if necessary. A clear recommendation for anyone looking for powerful freshness in a small space!

Rowenta Turbo Silence Extreme+ - Classics in the office

I had high expectations of the Rowenta Turbo Silence Extreme+ - and I wasn't disappointed. The compact table fan has quickly established itself as my daily companion in the office, especially on hot summer days. Because I was looking for a quiet but powerful model, this device was exactly the right choice.

Assembly was straightforward and completed in about five minutes. Everything looks neatly finished - the materials are high quality, the appliance is stable and nothing rattles. The Rowenta makes a reliable impression even when used for long periods - a real quality product.

I am particularly impressed by the ratio between performance and volume. Even at the first level, there is a pleasant airflow that can be directed straight at the workstation - without disturbing colleagues. At level 2, the air circulation is powerful enough to allow you to concentrate on your work even when it's over 30 °C at your desk. At the same time, the device remains pleasantly quiet. The night mode (level 4) is actually barely audible and still provides a noticeable breeze - perfect for noise-sensitive environments such as meeting rooms or shared offices.

Even in continuous operation, the fan runs smoothly for me - it remains quiet and even, even if it runs all day. Cleaning is also done quickly: wiping it with a cloth once a week is enough.

Two small weaknesses: It is quite large for a table fan - so you need some space on your desk or sideboard. It also lacks a carrying handle, which makes moving it between different workstations a little awkward.

All in all, the Rowenta Turbo Silence Extreme+ is a clear recommendation for everyday office use. Anyone looking for a powerful, durable and quiet appliance that reliably provides fresh air will definitely find what they are looking for here.

Tower fans

Tower fans are not placed on the desk like table fans, but on the floor. Their shape gives this class of appliance its name: they are usually cylindrical and about waist-high. We'll take a closer look at these tower fans in a moment:

Tower fans do not have a normal rotor as in pedestal or table fans. Instead, it is a cylinder with blades that rotates and sets the air in motion.

If you want to find out more about the different types of fans, then I recommend the article on rotorless fans. The article begins with a well-illustrated explanation of the different types of fans and their technologies:

But back to the pedestal fans. They have become increasingly popular in recent years and there is a simple reason for this: in direct comparison with table and pedestal fans, they often have a wider range of functions.

Greater range of functions for tower fans

In addition to several speed levels and oscillation, tower fans also offer the following functions, for example:

• Timer
• Air humidification
• Air purification
• Night mode
• Natural wind mode

Let's take a closer look at these functions in a nutshell.

Timer

You can use a timer function to programme the tower fan to switch itself off after two hours, for example. This can also be useful at the workplace. This way, you only have to switch the fan on briefly in the morning or at lunchtime and it will run for as long as you had previously set. It is best to set it so that it covers the hot phase of the day well and then switches itself off.

Air humidification

Humidity is an interesting and important factor that significantly influences the quality of indoor air. Air that is too dry or too humid is perceived as unpleasant. Tower fans with a humidifier function can help to combat this.

Here are two articles that explain the topic of humidity in more detail:

You can use dehumidifiers to combat excessively humid room air. In contrast, the diffuser helps to increase the humidity:

In addition to simply humidifying the air, a diffuser can also be used to distribute room fragrances in the air over a longer period of time.

Night mode

Night mode often refers to a particularly quiet mode. The fan simply runs at the lowest setting. Many devices switch off automatically after a few hours in night mode. Others gradually switch down one speed level at a time in night mode and then switch off.

Natural wind mode

A mode that imitates a natural breeze. The device automatically changes the intensity. After all, a natural wind is not always exactly the same strength. The advantage of this mode is that it is often perceived as more pleasant; a long-lasting, constant air flow is perceived by many as unpleasant.

Levoit 21 dB tower fan - Who enjoys the silence

The Levoit is a little louder in direct comparison to the Brandson pedestal fan: 21dB (although you can hardly hear it) at the lowest level - this is almost exactly the manufacturer's specification of 20 dB and is one of the quietest models on the market.

The Assembly was completed in less than three minutesand the The stand was the quickest and easiest to install compared to other devices. Particularly impressive: Although it runs so quietly, the Air flow at level 1 strong enough to blow out a candle from a distance of three metres - a rare value in this appliance category.

On Stage 12, the Levoit delivers an air velocity of up to 7.9 m/s - more than enough for a quick cool-down on hot days. Thanks to the 90° oscillation the air flow is distributed evenly throughout the room. The LED display with temperature display, Remote control, 12 speed levels, 4 modes and a 12-hour timer round off the overall package. The fan in plain white also cuts a fine figure visually.

Important to know: With most tower fans, the air flow can be Do not adjust verticallybut flows always straight ahead. With a price of around 90 Euro the Levoit offers a Impressive overall package of smooth running, performance and ease of use - Perfect for all those who also want to don't want to do without a cool breeze, but appreciate absolute peace and quiet.

Brandson - Powerful tower fan for hot days at a top price

The Brandson tower fan with a height of 96 cm immediately made a very good first impression on me. As soon as you unpack it, you can see that quality is important here - the triple packaging including microfibre cloth is not standard. I also like the look of the model: slim, modern, in cool grey or pearl white - it fits into any room and makes a high-quality impression.

Assembly was completed in just a few minutes. One small but important detail: the transport lock must be removed beforehand, otherwise the assembly will not work. Afterwards, the fan is stable and secure - I didn't notice anything "wobbly".

What struck me as particularly positive is the noise level. At the lowest setting, the appliance is barely audible - ideal for the bedroom. The middle level is slightly louder, but still pleasant. It only becomes more noticeable at level 3, but even then it remains quieter than many cheap models. If you're a light sleeper like me, you'll be pleased with the automatic display switch-off: After a few seconds, the display switches off - no annoying light in the room.

The remote control works reliably, but is very small. If you tend to lose small things (like me), you should perhaps give it a fixed place - it promptly slipped between my couch cushions. The controls on the device itself are intuitive and clearly labelled.

I find the different modes practical: in addition to normal operation, there is a nature mode in which the wind strength varies randomly, as well as a sleep mode. The swivelling function with approx. 65 degrees also does a good job - even if it turns a little too slowly for me. The timer function with up to 10 hours is perfect for overnight use. I would also like to emphasise the temperature display, which is not only practical but also stylishly integrated.

One small drawback: the power cable is really short at approx. 1.5 metres. I would have liked a longer cable here, especially if you want to place the device anywhere in the room.

Nevertheless, for around 70-80 euros, you get a really top product that not only impresses with its looks and performance, but also with its sophisticated functions. I've been using the Brandson for the third summer season now and I'm always happy when the temperatures rise - because I know that my trusty Brandson will get me through the heat.

Philips oscillating tower fan - Power pack with fragrance diffuser function

The tower fan from Philips is a Solid, functional fanwhich is particularly characterised by its Size, air performance and quiet operation convinced. Compared to other models such as the Levoit, Brandson or Dreo, it falls short of the mark. larger and also offers more powerwithout getting loud.

The Wide air outlet According to the manufacturer, it provides an air flow of up to 2230 m³/h - You can tell: the room is ventilated noticeably quickly. Philips specifies a noise level of 39 dB (min) to 46 dB (max) to. In my test, the volume at level 1 was only approx. 26 dB. That is Very quietbut still perceptible - more of a gentle hiss. Immediately after switching on, there was a Short electronic buzzing audible, which disappeared after approx. 30 seconds. Possibly device-specific.

• 3 speed levels
• Nature mode with changing air intensity
• Oscillation approx. 60° horizontal
• Timer from 1 to 4 hours
• Remote control included (with limited range)

With 3 speed levels and 3 modes (including a natural mode with varying intensity), the device offers enough variety for everyday use. The natural mode in particular conveys a pleasantly changing feeling of ventilation - from a gentle breeze to a powerful airflow. The integrated Timer (1 to 4 hours) is also practical, especially for the bedroom.

A nice extra is the Flavour diffuserwhich can be filled with your own essential oils. If you like subtle fragrances, you can also create a relaxing atmosphere - even if this remains more of a bonus feature.

The Design is slim, simple and space-savingideal for living rooms with limited space. The workmanship is of high quality throughout and assembly is quick and easy.

Pedestal fans

Pedestal fans are more bulky in design than tower fans. This is one of the reasons why tower fans have become increasingly popular in comparison.

We will take a closer look at the following pedestal fans in this section:

In some cases, a pedestal fan can be very useful, for example because the rotor sits much higher. In the office, the pedestal fan can therefore be used practically at all workstations where people stand (standing desk, stand-up meeting, etc.).

Pedestal fans usually come with a smaller range of functions than tower fans. On the other hand, an elegantly designed pedestal fan can even play an upgrading role in the interior. For this reason, my ranking of pedestal fans is determined a little more by their appearance.

Rowenta Turbo Silence Extreme + - 23 dB with very large rotor blade

The Rowenta Turbo Silence Extreme+ scores in the test with the best workmanship and the highest quality design among all devices tested. The Stand is particularly stable and heavywhich ensures a secure grip - ideal for uneven floors. The large rotor with multiple blades not only looks impressive, but also delivers plenty of power. On Level 1 was measured at around 23 dBwhich makes him one of the quieter pedestal fans perfect for quiet environments. But those who Power searchshe gets on Level 16 supplied more than adequately - Here the Rowenta moves an extremely large amount of air.

Apart from its enormous power, the Rowenta product has nothing to hide:

• 16 levels
• Natural wind mode
• swivels 120 degrees
• Timer up to 12 hours
• Remote control

Exciting: In direct comparison to the Normal Rowenta Turbo Silence pedestal fan (see below in the test), the Extreme+ variant significantly quieter a real difference in everyday life, which is particularly noticeable in bedrooms. For those who value high-quality workmanship and is prepared to 160 € to investgets an appliance that is visually and functionally impressive. A quiet, powerful fan for anyone who doesn't want to compromise on quality.

TROTEC - Powerful premium fan with 26 speeds

I have really tried a lot of fans - but the TROTEC TVE 26 S impressed me from the very first impression. Even the packaging was high quality and the assembly was pleasantly uncomplicated. Although instructions were included, they were not necessary. Particularly positive: the design is modern and elegant. The semi-transparent 5-blade smoked glass rotor looks great and the sturdy protective grille looks solid.

What makes the TVE 26 S special is its versatility: 26 (!) finely graduated speeds - so everyone can find their perfect air strength. From a barely audible puff of air at speed 1 to a "high-performance blow-dryer" at speed 26 - that's really impressive. Even at the higher levels, the volume remains within limits and is solely due to the air flow - the motor remains pleasantly quiet.

For me, the fan was particularly important for the bedroom - and that's exactly where it impresses with its quiet performance, dark display (which switches off automatically) and pleasant airflow. I particularly like the timer function up to 12 hours and the different wind modes such as sleep, nature or silent. Personally, I usually stick with the standard mode as this offers the clearest setting.

The oscillation moves by ±40° and can be activated electronically. In addition, the swivelling range can be adjusted mechanically by locking the head to the right or left - a clever extra! The tilt angle is also easy to adjust, even if the mechanism seems a little stiff.

One real drawback for me was the remote control: inserting the CR2032 battery was quite a test of patience. No arrow, no intuitive system - instead I had to force the cover open with a screwdriver. Unfortunately, that left its mark. Nevertheless, once it's working, it's reliable - even if it occasionally skips a step.

The delivery time and support from TROTEC also deserve criticism. The waiting time was long and my enquiry went unanswered. Unfortunately, this detracts somewhat from what is an all-round successful product.

Conclusion: The TROTEC TVE 26 S is a powerful, quiet and extremely versatile fan with an outstanding range of functions. If you are looking for a high-quality model with a lot of control, this is the right choice.

Dreo pedestal fan - Strong design with good power

The Dreo PolyFan stands out in the test above all due to its Modern, almost futuristic design on. If you don't like classic pedestal fans, this is a stylish alternative with surprisingly solid performance.

With 8 speed levels and 3 modes (including natural wind simulation), it covers everything you need in everyday life - from gentle breezes to strong gusts. The Oscillates in both directions simultaneously (horizontal & vertical 120° each)which ensures pleasant all-round air circulation. Visually, it really does make quite an impression.

The Volume is very low, on Level 1 barely audible (approx. 25 dB) - Ideal for bedrooms or quiet rooms. Even at higher settings, the operating noise remains pleasant - compared to the Dreo tower fan (to follow in the ranking) Significantly quieter.

• 8 speed levels
• Natural wind mode
• Pivots horizontally and vertically 120° each
• Timer up to 8 hours
• Controllable with remote control

Assembly is quick and uncomplicated. The Remote control is practical and responds reliably. Bonus: If you own the small table fan from Dreo, you can control both with the same remote control.

One small drawback is the Only slight height adjustment (approx. 12.7 cm). This means that the PolyFan remains rather compact (approx. 89-101 cm) - which can be either ideal or a little too low, depending on where it is used. A temperature display is also missing, which might have been a plus given the price level.

Nevertheless, the overall package is convincing: Quiet, visually striking, well equipped. With Timer (up to 8 hours), uniform oscillation and energy-saving DC motor, the PolyFan is a well-rounded product.

Conclusion

The hot season can quickly become a test of nerves in the office. If the office is not equipped with air conditioning, then fans are a solid alternative. They can be used flexibly and cost considerably less than an air conditioning system.

But between the fans and the air conditioner, there are some product classes that can be interesting alternatives and are definitely worth considering.

Alternatives to the fan in the office

Let's take a look at which devices or device classes can still be used to cool down the office:

Air cooler

Put simply, the air cooler is a fan with a water cooling system. The fan inside the housing pushes the air past the water and allows it to evaporate.

To make evaporation more efficient, the water is pumped onto an area with as large a surface as possible (e.g. a close-meshed grid).

The effect of evaporative cooling then cools the air.

You can find out more about the air cooler in the corresponding article:

Ceiling fan

An often forgotten fan is the ceiling fan. It is not as widespread in Germany as it is in the USA, for example. Yet it is really practical, quiet and space-saving. Sure, it can't be set up as easily as a pedestal fan. But it doesn't take up any space on the floor either.

The large blades are able to move a lot of air even at low speeds. Ceiling fans are therefore a very quiet alternative to other fans with smaller blades.

You can find out more about ceiling fans and why they can also help with heating in winter here:

Rotorless fan

Rotorless fans do not have a rotor. At least not a classic one and not one that you can see from the outside. They are sometimes the most modern fans. This is also the reason why rotorless fans are most commonly used with Smart Home functions are equipped.

Many of these fans also have an additional air filter. This is a good idea simply because of the special design. You can find out more about rotorless fans and why they are (perhaps) the future here:

Air purifier

In a way, air purifiers are not in a class of their own. This is because many types of fan can have an air filter inside them. Nevertheless, many of these air purifiers are primarily labelled as such and only secondarily as fans.

You can find more information about air purifiers and when they are useful here:

Further contributions