Which? reveals: our most popular fans and air conditioners

Whether you want to keep running costs down with a fan or spend more on a powerful air conditioner, we've laid out popular choices from brands including AEG, Meaco and Dyson to help keep your home cool in the worst heatwaves.

We've picked the top three electric fans and air conditioners that were most popular with Which? members from May 2022 to May 2023. However, a product's popularity doesn't necessarily mean it's the best choice, so read our expert air conditioner reviews and electric fan reviews to find a model that scored highly in our independent tests.

Top three most popular air conditioners

AEG Chillflex Pro AXP26U338CW (typical price – £598.80)

• Portable air conditioner
• 9,000 BTU
• Three fan speeds

We like: Built-in dehumidifier

We don't like: One of the heaviest air conditioners we've tested

This portable air conditioner is suitable for medium-sized rooms, but if you want to move it around, bear in mind that it weighs a hefty 32kg.

It has a built-in dehumidifier, but you need to have a hose permanently attached so it can drip into a tray or drain. We haven't tested its dehumidifying capabilities, but this model is still the most popular with members.

Read our AEG Chillflex Pro AXP26U338CW review to see how well it cools rooms.

You can buy the AEG Chillflex Pro from Appliances Direct for £489, or compare prices from other retailers below:

Meaco Cool MC Series 12000 (typical price – £475)

• 12,000 BTU
• Three fan speeds
• Window seal kit sold separately

We like: Built-in dehumidifier and fan

We don't like: Not designed for semi-permanent installation

Meaco claims that this model is 'stylish, energy efficient and kind to the environment', and it has an A rating for energy.

This portable air conditioner is suitable for larger rooms, and the 28.5kg unit has casters to help you move it around.

It's not designed for semi-permanent installation with the venting hose attached to a wall outlet. Instead, you'll need to position it so the hose can hang out of an open window to expel air.

Red our Meaco Cool MC Series 12000 review to see how well it cools down a room.

You can buy the Meaco Cool MC Series 12000 direct from Meaco for £439.99, or compare prices from other major retailers below:

ElectriQ P12HPW (typical price – £440)

• Wi-fi-enabled smart air conditioner
• 12,000 BTU
• 4-in-1 device: dehumidifier, heater, air conditioner and fan

We like: Built-in heater

We don't like: App doesn't have the best password policy

Our third most popular air conditioner is the ElectriQ P12HPW. It has smart capabilities, so you can connect it to your home wi-fi and control it from your phone.

This unit isn't just an air conditioner: it also works as a heater, dehumidifier and fan (although we haven't tested its heating or dehumidifying capabilities). While some all-in-one units are truly great at everything, we've often found that jacks-of-all-trades are typically masters of none.

Like the other models, this portable air conditioner is still quite heavy, at 29kg. 

ElectriQ's app doesn't have the strongest password policy: it allows you to create a six-digit password without using special characters. 

Read our ElectriQ p12HPW review to see if this air conditioner is actually smart, or if it misses the mark. 

You can buy the ElectriQ P12HPW from Servers Direct for £349.98 (inc. VAT), or buy a refurbished model from Aircon Direct for £299.

Read our guide on the most popular dehumidifiers.

Top three most popular electric fans

While the most popular air conditioners all have a fan-only mode, it's an expensive option if that's all you want to use it for. You're better off buying an electric fan instead. 

These three electric fans are most popular with Which? members.

Challenge 16" Ped & Desk Digital Fan 393/1640 (typical price – £90)

• 16" pedestal fan
• Less than 1 metre tall at full height
• Eight fan settings

We like: Can be used as a pedestal or desk fan

We don't like: Not the easiest to clean

This convertible desk and standing fan is popular with Which? members for its versatility and wide range of uses.

There are eight fan speeds to help you find just the right amount of breeze. It also comes with a remote control and has a timer function that can be programmed for up to eight hours.

Read our Challenge 16" Ped & Desk Digital Fan review to find out how well it produces a breeze.

You can compare prices from major retailers below:

John Lewis 42" Tower fan (typical price – £95)

• 42" tower fan
• Stands 108cm tall
• Six fan speeds

We like: Energy efficient

We don't like: Digital display could be clearer

This tower fan from John Lewis is good option when you're sitting on a low sofa or bed. 

It comes with a remote control and has a timer function that you can set for up to 12 hours. It's energy efficient, too, so you don't have to worry about leaving it on all day during a heat spell.

There's no way to angle the fan, as it stands flat on the ground. It can still oscillate, though. 

Read our John Lewis 42" Tower fan review.

You can compare prices from retailers below:

Dyson Purifier Cool TP07 fan (typical price – £500)

• Bladeless fan
• Built-in air purifier
• 10 fan speeds

We like: Shows indoor air quality, humidity and temperature on built-in display

We don't like: Expensive

It's no surprise that Dyson makes it on to our list of the most popular fans, even if it is expensive. For the price of this fan, you could buy an air conditioner.

This model has 10 fan speeds and a variety of oscillation settings. It doesn't take up much space on the floor and weighs just 4.9kg, making it easy to move around.

It doubles as an air purifier, which we've also tested.

Read our Dyson Purifier Cool TP07 review to see if this fan blew us away.

You can compare prices from retailers below:

Read our reviews on air purifiers to find the perfect standalone model.

What extra features are worth paying for?

Features such as sleep mode, extra fan speeds and shut-off timers are helpful for energy efficiency and reducing noise.

Fancier models with built-in air purifiers and dehumidifiers can be expensive, but could save you some money and space as you'll only be buying one model that does it all. However, you might be better off spending a little more to buy separate units that each do a better job.

If you're after an air purifier or dehumidifier, read our dehumidifier reviews and air purifier reviews for a top-quality standalone model.

If you're not sure where to start, read our breakdown on the best electric fans and our guide on the best air conditioners.

How to save money on cooling your home

Electric fans are much cheaper to buy and run than air conditioners. However, air conditioners will keep your home colder, as they actually cool the air rather than just moving it around. Portable air conditioners typically cost between £300 and £700. 

Installing split-air, permanent units throughout your home will cost much more – likely in the thousands. If you're looking to install a permanent unit, use our Trusted Trader tool to find a contractor endorsed by Which?. 

You can also better insulate your home, which can help to reduce heating and cooling costs by making your home more thermally efficient.

Other ways to keep your home cool in warmer weather

If you don't have a fan or air conditioner, there are other ways to stay cool on hot days. 

When the air inside is cooler than being outside, closing your windows and curtains can help to keep out the sun and heat. This might seem counterintuitive as it shuts out any breeze, but unless winds are higher you won't feel much of a difference, and if your blinds are open too, it can let in a lot of solar energy that will increase the heat.

Taking lukewarm (not cold) showers throughout the day can also help you to feel cooler. Taking a freezing shower might temporally feel better, but your body will try to regulate core temperature by retaining heat. This will increase blood flow to your skin, making you feel even warmer than you were before.  

If the rooms in your home get a lot of sun, or if you have mainly south-facing windows, consider an air conditioner for your home.

Read our tips on how to keep cool without air conditioning for more advice.