The right fan for the office: cooling 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:
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
3 speeds- Oscillation by 80° (can be switched on)
- Flat base
- Natural wind mode
- Switch on the back
3 speeds
Switch on the backThis retro-look table fan has the following features Three speed levels. You can tilt it up or down by up to 20°. With the Oscillation by 80° it can cover a wide area in the room.
Oscillation refers to the automatic swivelling of the fan back and forth.The disadvantage of this device is that the Buttons for switching on and off on the back are. In my opinion, this model nevertheless deserves first place among the table fans; its range of functions is coherent, the Design is timeless and the price is reasonable.
- Compact design
- Tiltable by up to 135°
- Power supply via USB
- Natural wind mode
- No oscillation
Here we have a rather Compact model that also fits on a small desk.
The fan is approx. 10cm high and about 11cm long. The power supply runs via a USB cable. You can plug this into a USB port on your PC or laptop.
While the fan can be tilted vertically by up to 135°, it does not have an oscillation function. This means that this model is hardly suitable for several users at the same time.
But he is the cheapest fan on this list. Its compact design makes it portable and the stand can be folded down to make it a practical Carrying handle becomes.
- Narrow design
- 4 speeds
- Oscillation
- Natural wind mode
- No inclination upwards/downwards
The design of the Honeywell fan is very different from other table fans. And that is precisely the reason why it has made it onto this list:
The Narrow shape ensures that it doesn't take up too much space on the desk. For example, you could place it at the same height as the stand of your PC monitor. It won't protrude too far forwards and the work surface on your desk will remain free.
With Four speed levels and one Oscillation by 35° it provides the most important functions in my eyes.
The disadvantage of this table fan is that it can oscillate to the left and right, but cannot be tilted upwards/downwards can. This means you will find it difficult to direct the airflow directly at your face.
A persistent, strong airflow will be unpleasant for most people in the long run anyway, but you should definitely be aware of this shortcoming before you buy the product.
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:
Recommended tower fans for the office
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:
How rotorless fans work and which models are recommended.
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:
Recommended dehumidifiers and the most important purchase criteria.
You can use dehumidifiers to combat excessively humid room air. In contrast, the diffuser helps to increase the humidity:
Recommended diffusers and how you can use them to improve the indoor climate.
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.
- Oscillation
- Remote control
- Natural wind mode
- Night mode
- Timer
- visually not so intoxicating
In my opinion, the Honeywell model offers the most important functions, has a decent performance and only consumes around 40 watts.
If tower fans are used in the office, then in my opinion the Oscillation function essential. After all, in most cases the fan should reach several workstations. This tower fan can oscillate by 110°.
I find the oscillation almost as important as the fan speed for office fans. Remote control. You can use it to switch the fan on and off from your workstation.
This has proved to be particularly practical in workplaces where telephone calls are often made. As we all know, wind and telephony don't get along so well. So instead of having to run to the tower fan every time the phone rings, all you have to do is press a button on the remote control.
In my opinion, the only drawback of this model is its appearance. Nevertheless, this tower fan has made it to first place. I think when it comes to a fan that is firstly in the office and secondly not directly on the desk, then the appearance is not so important.
- Oscillation
- Remote control
- Timer
- Display (shows temperature, among other things)
- Quiet (38-48dB)
- Elegant design
- Remote control not always reliable
The Brandson brand is no slouch when it comes to beautifully designed products such as fans. This tower fan is no exception.
It comes with the most important functions (Oscillation, timer and remote control). It is therefore in no way inferior to the first place in this list and is even quite a bit prettier.
Unfortunately, the remote control does not always work reliably with 100%. As a result, this model comes a close second, although it even has a Display on which (among other things) the Current temperature displayed becomes.
- Oscillation by 90°
- reasonably priced
- Timer
- No remote control
- Timer only up to 120min
Compared to the leaders in this ranking, the tower fan from AEG is not equipped with a remote control. The Timer can unfortunately only be limited to a maximum of 120 minutes be set. The Oscillation of the device comprises a total of 90°.
AEG delivers a relatively inexpensive fan here. When it comes to supplying larger office spaces with ventilation, several devices will probably be needed. Then a Relatively low price all the more important. For this reason, the inexpensive model from AEG takes third place.
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:
Recommended pedestal fans for the office
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.
- 36 speeds
- Remote control
- Oscillation
- Timer
- Height-adjustable (120-137cm)
- Display (shows temperature, among other things)
- Natural wind mode
- Night mode
This appliance does honour to those pedestal fans that are otherwise less blessed with extras. In addition to the Oscillationthe Timer and one Remote control this model offers a few more functions.
One notable detail is the total 26 speed levelswhich can also be controlled precisely by remote control. Normally, fans rarely have more than 5 speed levels.
The head of the appliance, including the rotor, can be automatically Oscillate 85° and can be tilted by 20. You can also adjust the height of the stand. The foot is height adjustable from 120-137cm.
Even though it may not be needed in the office, this pedestal fan has a night mode. What can be more useful in the workplace is the Natural wind modewhich imitates a natural breeze with varying intensities.
I have not found any disadvantages worth mentioning. If you like the design and are happy with the price, then this is the pedestal fan I would recommend first.
- Timer
- Remote control
- 360° oscillation
- Night mode
- No remote control
- No timer
Rowenta has made it to second place with its sand fan. It is still a great appliance, but not to the same extent as first place. The fan can oscillate and has 4 speed levels. This should be absolutely sufficient for most applications.
One Remote control is not available and you also have to do without a timer here. However, the control panel is very clearly laid out and the appliance can be conveniently controlled using the rotary knob.
With a noise level of 45dB-59dB it is almost as quiet as the first seat.
Brandson pedestal fan with tripod
- Oscillation
- Height adjustable
- industrial design
- No remote control
- No timer
This pedestal fan looks a little out of the ordinary. But I don't think that's a bad thing, I think it's attractive. A Tripod is simply something different. In combination with the monochrome, industrial design I find this model really beautiful to look at.
We can argue about taste, so here are a few more facts: The rotor can be turned by up to Oscillate 80° and to one of Three speed levels be set.
The stand is Height adjustable and offers a secure stand thanks to the tripod.
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:
Air conditioners without exhaust air hose in comparison: These models are recommended.
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:
How rotorless fans work and which models are recommended.
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:
A comparison of air purifiers: What to look out for when buying and which models are recommended.