I love the outdoors but hate to sweat which is unfortunate since it doesn’t take much to turn me into a drenched disaster with pink cheeks.
One birthday my husband surprised me with this small, pink battery operated fan. It looked like a spray bottle where the top had been cut off and replaced with an enclosed set of blades.
When you turned it on, the blades would rotate and send a flurry of cool air at you. If you filled the bottle portion with water, you could squeeze a trigger and a mist of water would be mixed with the air for even further comfort.
I just saw that there are even more styles available now – from cute and snazzy to functional and compact – so there’s a lot to think about before you choose one.
Let’s cover the basics below.
What are Handheld Battery-Operated Fans?
Handheld battery-operated fans are small, lightweight devices that utilize batteries to energize their blades, inducing an air current to alleviate discomfort from heat.
These are available in diverse styles, hues, and sizes, ranging from petite models that can be effortlessly stored in the side pocket of a purse to more substantial ones that can be comfortably grasped in the hand.
Despite their varying appearances, all of them serve the same fundamental purpose – to provide a revitalizing current of air precisely when it’s most required to mitigate the impact of high temperatures.
When Might You Need One?
A small, personal fan can come in handy for a multitude of reasons, especially during outdoor summer events.
If you’ve ever attended an outdoor graduation ceremony or wedding, you know how much these can provide some much needed relief from direct sunlight.
They can also be helpful when you’re heading to the beach or a picnic where there is limited shade and the blazing sun is reflecting off of nearby water.
Outdoor concerts are another event where they can be a lifesaver.
These types of events can get crowded, and the heat from the stage lights and the number of people can quickly become unbearable.
If you can cool yourself down easily you’ll find the show more enjoyable.
Camping and hiking trips are also prime examples of when these can be useful because you may not have access to air conditioning or other cooling systems.
A fan can provide some relief during hot afternoons or stuffy nights in your tent.
Landscapers, construction workers or anyone else who spends much of their workday outside could find a personal fan helpful in cooling them down during their break times.
Similarly, if you’re volunteering at an outdoor charity event or watching a race, they can provide a refreshing breeze that helps you escape the rising heat from nearby pavement.
Sporting events, whether you’re playing or watching, can be physically demanding and lead to excessive sweating. A personal fan can help alleviate the discomfort and allow you to enjoy watching for a longer period of time (golf tournaments come to mind!).
Of course let’s not forget they also help those who simply sweat more than others or who are fighting hot flashes.
Benefits of Small Battery-Operated Fans
When talking benefits, the biggest is that their design makes them easy for almost anyone to carry.
They’re simple to operate so anyone from a responsible child to an adult with arthritis can turn them on with the push of a button or the flick of a small switch.
One benefit that doesn’t get brought up much is that these could be used to reduce your electric bill and your overall carbon footprint. I bet there are times when you could turn off your apartment or house AC system and use one of these to keep you cool instead.
Some use rechargeable batteries with a USB cord so you have multiple ways to keep them going so that’s another possible savings over time.
They can even provide health benefits because they can reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses like heatstroke or dehydration.
For those who suffer from allergies, these could come in handy for circulating the air around you to push away irritants.
Types
There are numerous styles but the differences boil down to three things:
- How they’re powered – regular batteries vs rechargeable
- Rechargeable is best if you don’t want to keep costs down and want an eco-friendly option
- How they’re held – handheld vs hands free
- Some you hold in your hand and point at your face, neck or chest while others are worn around your neck so your hands are free
- Mist feature – water cooled vs not
- Air that includes some water mist can feel colder than air that does not include mist but water-filled styles can be messier to operate and are best for outdoors
How to Choose the Right Handheld Battery-Operated Fan
Many times you’re likely to buy one of these just when you need it (at an event) or when you come across one while shopping.
If you’re looking for one online ahead of time – maybe you have a trip coming up and you’re getting everything ready now – then check all of the following statements that apply to you and keep those in mind while browsing:
With your wants in mind you’ll find it easier to narrow down your selection and find the perfect fit.
You may even decide to get several and assign each its own purpose. I have two that I use outside in my yard – one for sitting by the pool and a different one for when I’m pulling weeds.
Once you find the ones you like best don’t forget to buy them as gifts for your family, too.