I didn't think Shark could improve the impressive Turboblade fan, but then they added a powerful heater

After relying on the Shark Turboblade Fan to survive the sweltering heat earlier this summer, I was excited to see if the updated model with a heating mode could do the same job. Spoiler alert, it really does.

I've been using the powerful new hybrid fan in my home for the past few months to see how it measures up to the original model. I'm pleased to say it has surpassed my expectations by offering the same level of powerful airflow to act as one of the best electric heaters, in addition to being one of the best cooling fans.

This hybrid model is designed to rival the mighty Dyson Purifier Hot + Cold. And I can assure you that this powerful multipurpose design is more than a contender, thanks to its effectiveness, capabilities and design qualities, for far less money. The only thing it doesn't do is act as an air purifier, but is it still worth £350? Absolutely.

Shark TurboBlade Cool + Heat fan review

First impressions

The sleek, slimline charcoal grey and bronze appliance still looks more like a futuristic art installation than a portable heater/ cooling fan. The new, improved design is slightly bigger in size to accommodate the heating element in the centre of the blade, but only marginally, which is impressive given how much more it can now do.

While in heating mode, the air is solely projected through the middle component, making the Turboblades redundant. However, when in cooling mode, the blades are the main outlet for airflow. But don't let that fool you into thinking I'm complaining, because as far as fans go, this is one of the most powerful designs I've ever had the pleasure of using.

The most striking thing when first using it as a heater was that the warmth is more or less instant, and it is so powerful that it can heat a whole room in a matter of minutes – a great way to keep your home warm for less in the winter. In addition to three distinct heat modes, the innovative fan has been developed to include ThermoIQ™ Mode – an intelligent system that automatically monitors and maintains your preferred temperature setting, so it adjusts accordingly to avoid overheating.

How does it measure up?

The new TurboBlade Cool + Heat fan is slightly larger and heavier than the original model, but you wouldn't notice the difference unless you saw them side by side.

I was surprised by how lightweight it feels, because it looks quite hefty and premium. Weighing just under 10kg, it's still light enough to manoeuvre from room to room with relative ease, but I wouldn't say it's portable for those who struggle with lifting weights, as there are no wheels to aid movement.

It still has the same slim, tall silhouette and boasts the same measurements as the original model, with the exception that it can't be adjusted in height. But to be honest, you don't really miss that function much because it's only a small height adjustment, and it still delivers incredible airflow.

The flexibility is a major selling point with this TurboBlade Cool + Heat fan. Thanks to the tilting motion, I have been able to use it as a tower fan beside my standing desk during the day to blast hot or cool air to make my environment more comfortable.

Then, by night, the horizontal tilt allows me to cool the full length of my bed, providing far better cooling blanket coverage than most standard fans. Especially when you factor in the 3 different oscillating modes, to extend the area of coverage. The fan is so powerful that it can "project blades of air up to 20 meters at the highest speed."

In addition to adjusting the nozzle from upright to horizontal, you can also set the fan in three different oscillating modes: 45, 90 and 180 to create a widespread blanket of cool or hot air. Because the heat is only dispersed from the middle component (not the blades on either side, in the same way as the cool air is), the range of oscillating modes becomes invaluable for better coverage.

Is the Shark TurboBlade Cool + Heat easy to use?

This fan is super easy to use, especially now that it features a digital screen – and I say that as someone fearful of all things technical. The only thing that makes it slightly trickier than the original Turboblade is having to switch between cool and hot air, because at first it was as self-explanatory as I'd hoped. But after a blast of unwelcome cold air when I wanted heat, I finally cracked it (don't worry, it comes with a helpful user manual). There's a simple switch on the side of the device to switch between cool and heat.

You can use the remote control from a long range; you don't have to be immediately in front of the device. You can control the speed settings, oscillation modes and timer from the palm of your hand.

The remote feature is especially handy when you're in bed and need to switch it off, whether in heat or cool mode. When it's in heater mode, it becomes a game-changer, being able to switch it down while remaining seated on the sofa all snug and cosy – that was a definite highlight for me.

The cooling fan offers 10 different speeds based on preference, including Sleep Mode, which mutes chimes, dims lights, and optimises fan speed, designed for sleep; BreezeBoost, for a burst of powerful airflow; and Natural Breeze Mode, which gently randomises airflow to simulate natural wind.

The timer is also incredibly easy to use, with 5 different time blocks: 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours, 8 hours and 12 hours. This is purely controlled by the remote, but it is easy to navigate thanks to the new LED screen on the base of the fan.

It also features a brilliantly helpful magnetic pad on the top, which keeps the remote control pad handy to ensure you never misplace it. It also makes it easier to transport from room to room because the control becomes a part of the fan - no need to keep a free hand to carry that too. It sounds simple enough, but it's these impressively savvy design elements that make it more valuable in making everyday use even easier.

Who would it suit?

This new hybrid fan is ideal for anyone looking for a year-round solution to improve their living conditions, from beating sweltering heat in summer to combating freezing temperatures in winter. It offers a quick fix for either, because both the cool and heat modes produce instant remedies to make conditions more comfortable.

It's perfect for those who would love to own the Dyson model but can't stretch their budget. While Shark's TurboBlade hybrid fan is by no means a budget alternative, it is still significantly cheaper in comparison to the £600 price tag of the best-selling Dyson version.

The flexible positioning is also great for those who want a more even distribution of cool or hot air, rather than having to commit to a tower fan or a bulky low appliance. This impressive heating solution offers the best of both worlds.

It's also ideal for those who want a low-maintenance appliance, thanks to the wipe-clean outer casing and 'Dust Defence' panel at the rear for easy cleaning (because cleaning a fan can be tricky on most other models) and long-term power optimisation.

Ultimately, it would suit anyone who wants a home heating and cooling system that is as stylish as it is effective.

How we test

At woman&home, we take product testing very seriously. When it comes to heating and cooling products, it's not always so easy to demonstrate the results, but we've developed methods for testing to ensure our reviews are useful to you as a buyer.

In the case of the Shark TurboBlade Cool + Heat fan, we've measured the new heating elements alongside our previous tests of the cooling credentials to aid your buying decision – how effective is the heating compared to the cooling, and is it good value for money?

To measure noise, I used a decibel-measuring application on my smartphone to take an average reading of the 10 different speed levels. This test was to assess if the powerful fan is suitable for those who need a 'silent' fan to aid with problems sleeping (if they want to use it at night).

To test the cooling fan element, I used this appliance in my east-facing hot lounge during the day to combat intense heat and my unbearably hot loft bedroom by night. To test the heater, I used it to heat my small bathroom from the entrance to make the cold room more comfortable. I also used it to lift freezing cold temperatures of my loft bedroom before retiring to bed – while they say cooler environments ensure a better night's sleep, but I'd argue that there is such a thing as too cold.

Aside from the practical tests, we also like to highlight other relevant factors, like ease of use, style and general points of interest. We'll let you know if there are any special features and how it compares to other models on the market to give you a fair assessment. We pride ourselves on recommending only the best products on the market, the ones we've lived with, tried and tested.