Recently my trusty cheap aging box fan started making strange bearing noises, not moving air well and losing speed randomly.
I started looking at 240V replacement fans. There are so many to choose from without knowing what they are like.
Having owned $5 USB fans up through to upper echelon priced appliances (E.G. Dyson Air multipliers).
I set out to find a replacement, but I had a few main requirements.
1. The ability to point the fan at a downwards angle because my dresser/chest of drawers is rather tall.
2. It run quietly for medium amount of air movement 2meters away.
I found the new Dimplex Rechargeable fan which I hoped would meet my requirements...
I unboxed a few fans in Bunnings, this was the only Dimplex unit that could angle the fan downards.
They do not have any fans setup for display or plugged in to try. Come on bunnings, this would be helpful!
the DCAC25DC I took a gamble on and hoped it would fit the bill. Plus it has the added bonus is the inbuilt rechargeable battery.
Although I could not find out the type of batteries on the website or manual or anywhere, or the size of the batteries. This wasn't ideal. I would hope Dimplex to actually publish the battery type, voltage and capacity in the specifications (either on their website, in the owners manual, anywhere). The product information doesn't even inform how long the battery is expected to run for.
I have tested at full speed and the battery lasts approximately 2 hours. Will last longer at slower speeds.
Recently we had a power outage at night time, I woke up because the original fan lost power. Now if the power drops off even for a short period, my sleep won't be interrupted.
The fan does slow down on battery (or top speed is lower). at 30% battery it was noticeably slower, plugged into the supplied 240v to 25v plug pack and the speed bumped back up to full power.
Dimplex claims stepless speed control. It isn't actually stepless, the rotary speed controller graduates the fan speed with 9 selectable speeds. The digital rotary controller has 18 steps. (two light but noticeable mechanical bumps per speed level when turning). The speed selector is smooth, feels weighted and perhaps would be a little difficult for those with dexterity or strength issues. Not hard but not easy to turn either. (was running at 50-75% of the maximum speed when on battery).
One excellent function is the information screen actually turns off the screen after a couple of minutes, so that at night time you don't see the bright LED's. Fantastic inclusion.
The ability to easily turn the front face and open to clean is also an excellent feature.
Under the base is a hidden solid foot that actually turns the entire body of the fan to oscillate left to right in the horizontal plane. There is no vertical oscillation.
We are using this fan as one would a Desk fan and it works fantastic. Have not tried as a whole room air circulator.
The price is not what I would call cheap at $179 (compared to the typical $30 box or desk fan) but for my needs it is great value for money. Normally I would annually purchase a new box fan as they are poorly made (from no name brands)
Solidly built. Hinge feels strong. Handy carry handle on top for moving the fan to other locations.
The air volume target or envelope is fairly narrow and small which is exactly what I was looking for.
I wish I could easily expand the battery size or add an external battery packs to run 10 hours. (350watt battery) so I could use it camping for entire night before recharging in the day from 240v power.
It does not include an IR, RF, Bluetooth or WiFi remote control. For me this would be a waste of money and pointless. I do not need this kind of functionality.
Purchase from Bunnings Warehouse. 2 year warranty (I have registered the warranty with Dimplex online).
I hope it lasts as it's great so far.
