This Dyson fan got me through a heatwave - here's why it's worth the splurge

I consider myself to be something of a cooling sleep connoisseur. Whether it's night sweats, this shockingly hot weather, your your natural disposition, keeping cool is not the sort of thing you should have to compromise on. Thankfully, Dyson agree, which is why they've launched the Dyson Cool CF1 Desk Fan.

There are plenty of cooling fans that are designed to help you keep cool (day and night), but in true Dyson style, the Cool CF1 Desk Fan does silent breezes with a touch of style. At first glance, it is simple, but there's some impressive technology inside it.

I live in a flat that acts like a greenhouse in the sun. Think big windows, with no breeze. So, I have been putting the Dyson Cool CF1 to a true challenge at home. Here's how it fared.

Everything you need to know about the Dyson Cool CF1 Fan

Who would the Dyson Cool CF1 Fan suit?

If you're after a cooling solution that won’t ruin your aesthetic or your sleep this fan is very much for you. The Dyson Cool CF1 is ideal for anyone who wants quiet, powerful airflow without the clunky design of traditional fans. It’s compact enough for a nightstand or dressing table and stylish enough for a home office or lounge.

At around £300, it's not cheap, but it feels like a luxury fan in every sense, from its graceful design to how well it works. If you’ve already invested in things like good bedding, silk pillowcases, and blackout curtains, this fan fits perfectly into that 'elevated comfort' lifestyle.

What is the Dyson Cool CF1 like to use?

There are lots of things that I love about Dyson. First off, their packaging is always really simple, with sustainability at the forefront. The (surprisingly light) Dyson Cool CF1 comes neatly packed into a cardboard box, which has a QR code on to help you set up the app. You don't need the app to have it running. In fact, you don't even need the remote thanks to the buttons on the front, but it's nice to know that there's scope for tech sceptics and whizzes alike.

This arrived on a hot afternoon, so I was keen to get myself cool as soon as possible. The hoop slots onto the base and then you will need to locate a plug. The lead is nice and generous, so you shouldn't struggle too much here.

Plugging it in, I was struck by just how quiet this is on the lower settings. I am a light sleeper and I have had this blowing air over me without any disruption. Oh, the joy. What's nice to know is that this can crank up the power and really create a breeze when it's on it's highest speed (10). I've found that I generally don't need to have it running any higher than 5 or 6, even in this heat, but it's nice to know that it can quickly cool a room down when called upon.

Because I live in a heat-trapping flat (south-facing, no breeze, you get the idea), I've been putting the Dyson Cool CF1 through near constant use. By day, it kept my workspace comfortable without blowing paper everywhere. By night, it was a godsend. I’d point it towards the bed, set the sleep timer for a couple of hours, and finally get some decent rest without waking up sweating.

The remote control is also a nice touch, no getting out of bed to fiddle with buttons. However, should you lose the remote, you can still use the base to control the fan. It's also worth noting that the fan can tilt backwards and forwards, as well as oscillating in a very smooth rotation.

Cleaning and maintaining the Dyson Cool CF1

If you've ever wrestled with a dust-clogged fan grill, you'll love how easy the CF1 is to clean. It’s bladeless, so there’s no grime building up behind mesh or dangerous parts to unscrew. I just wipe it down with a microfiber cloth once a week and that’s it, no tools, no fuss. It’s especially good if you’re prone to allergies or just like things to look pristine.

How does the Dyson Cool CF1 compare to the Dyson Hot + Cool Formaldehyde?

The first comparison that I have to make is against the bigger sibling, the Dyson Hot + Cool Formaldehyde, since this is the one that I swear by. The Dyson Hot + Cool Formaldehyde does everything the CF1 does and then some. It purifies the air, heats in winter, and even breaks down formaldehyde particles. It’s incredibly clever and ideal if you have year-round needs or live somewhere with more extreme weather changes. But it also costs about double the price.

If you're just after a sleek, reliable cooling fan (especially for summer and sleep), the CF1 does the job beautifully. If you want the full air quality package, the Hot + Cool is worth considering, just prepare to pay more.

On the other hand, you have the Shark FlexBreeze. This comes in a less attractive package, but what it lacks in beauty, it makes up for in practicality. The Shark has a misting function, which is really helpful for lowering the perceived temperature of a room. It's also completely portable and can be taken inside or out (I know, impressive), so it works well if you're often outside. At one third of the price, it's a great alternative. However, you don't have the elegance of the Dyson CF!, nor do you have the premium design features, the remote, and the little luxuries, such as how quiet it is. It's certainly a good competitor, but with different appeals.

Should you buy the Dyson Cool CF1 Fan?

If comfort, style, and simplicity are your priorities, then yes. The Dyson Cool CF1 Desk Fan is a brilliant buy for summer, especially if your nights are too warm and your current fan is too noisy, ugly, or ineffective. It’s more of an investment than a quick fix, but for those who value quiet cooling, it’s a game-changer. Add in the easy cleaning, precise settings, and elegant design, and it’s hard to go back to anything else.