I have mixed feelings about heatwaves. I’m mostly excited – it means long days of sunshine, spending time outside and soaking up the rays in beer gardens with a glass of wine in hand. However, a small part of me dreads the sweaty days spent trying to work from home and sticky nights.
If the thought of having to peel your thighs apart or tossing and turning all night fills you with dread, I have just the thing to help: one of my favourite affordable tower fans.
Here’s my honest review, along with the Good Housekeeping Institute’s expert verdict.
The ProBreeze 40” Tower Fan at a glance
Pros
- Affordable
- Slim and space-saving
- 7-hour timer
- Remote control
Cons
- Limited 80-degree oscillation
- Not as stable as we’d have liked
Key specifications
| Style | Tower |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | H101.5 x W30 x D30cm |
| Number of speeds | 3 |
| Remote control | Yes |
| Noise range | 39.8-50.9dB |
| Energy consumption range | 0.023kWh = 0.6p an hour (on low); 0.035kWh = 0.8p an hour |
| Air speed range (from 75cm away in the lab) | 1.2-3.4m/s |
| Features | Night mode, 7-hour timer, natural breeze mode, night mode, remote control, 80-degree oscillation, 1.8m cord, 3.8kg weight |
Why I love the ProBreeze Tower Fan
You can feel the breeze from across the room
I felt the effects of this fan as soon as I turned it on. I placed it about 1.5m away from the sofa (so I could lounge and bask in the breeze), and the power was genuinely noticeable, cooling me down in minutes.
There are three speed settings, plus an eco-setting that switches between low and medium every 15 seconds, providing plenty of options for getting comfortable. I found setting one refreshing, but the highest speed is best for quick relief on a really hot day.
The three fan modes provide plenty of versatility
I also loved the different modes available. You can choose between a natural breeze, which switches speeds every six seconds in a range of patterns, and a night mode, which slowly reduces the speed of the fan as you sleep.
The night mode is fantastic for clammy evenings, as you can leave the fan running while you drift off, then it will continue to cool you on low throughout the night, without using up loads of energy.
It’s simple and easy to use
From taking it out of the box to relying on it to sleep (read: survive) during hot nights, the ProBreeze tower fan was so easy to use.
It comes pretty much assembled and ready to go – you just need to screw on the base – and I was pleased to see the remote control came with batteries, so less than five minutes stand between you and cool, comfortable air.
The remote control is intuitive, so it’s easy to switch between the different modes and speeds until you find one that suits. However, if you do find the icons confusing, the instruction manual is very clear.
Take note
The oscillation is limited
I’d prefer to have more oscillation options. The fan is limited to 80 degrees, and you can’t control the oscillation or direct the airflow beyond turning it on or off. For example, I’d have loved a more concentrated oscillation for when I’m relaxing on the sofa but a wider one when I’m using it at night, so it cools me from head to toe!
It’s not the most stable
With its tall build, I’d prefer the fan to have a more stable base. It arrives in two parts and felt a little cheap and plasticky while I was assembling it. Once upright, the ProBreeze fan wobbled slightly before stabilising – you might need to keep an eye on it or anchor it somewhere in a busy home with boisterous pets or young children.
My verdict on the ProBreeze Tower Fan
I was really impressed by this tall fan. It’s slim and doesn’t take up much room, sitting nicely in the corner of my living room without being too imposing.
The remote control gives you plenty of flexibility and it was easy to cycle through the different modes and settings to find the most comfortable option. While there are a few things I would change, I am being picky (it’s my job, after all). For less than £80, this is a powerful fan that will do the job throughout the hot weather.
The Good Housekeeping Institute’s verdict
Score: 85/100
Simple, yet effective, this ProBreeze tower fan is an affordable choice that will make heatwaves more bearable.
While there are only three speed settings, the range was impressive, blowing at a gentle 1.2 metres per second (ideal for nighttime) up to a more powerful 3.4m/s, which will provide quick relief on hot days. It doesn’t make much noise, either, ranging from 39.8dB on low (a quiet hum) up to 50.9dB (similar to the level of a quiet office).
The tall build makes it ideal for full body cooling, and the different modes – including the natural breeze and night functions – mean you can easily find a setting to suit your needs. In fact, our panel had no problems getting comfortable with it in a 30-degree room, with the smooth oscillation helping to circulate the cooler air.
Our experts would also have loved a wider oscillation angle, as well as the option to adjust it between a shallower and wider setting. But overall, it’s affordable, powerful, quiet, and easy to use. We’re big fans.
Shop the ProBreeze 40" Oscillating Tower Fan at amazon.co.uk for £99.99.
Megan is the Good Housekeeping Institute’s senior homes and lifestyle writer. She loves diving into the latest product releases to find the very best buys on the market and has written hundreds of product reviews on everything from the best vacuum cleaners and coffee machines to the best ice cream makers and robot window cleaners.
When she’s not writing about the newest gadgets and gizmos for your home and garden, you’ll find her running every distance from 5km to 100km or relaxing at home with her cat – there really is no in between.
Megan has an MA in Magazine Journalism and has previously written for Stylist, Glamour, Women's Health, TimeOut, SquareMeal, and YOU magazine. You can find Megan on Instagram @meganlouisegeall.
