If you’re a regular reader of my blog, you’ll know that I don’t often indulge in excess: I’ll never try to convince you to purchase a $1,100 stroller (rolls eyes), would rather wear Joe Fresh than John Galliano, and really do believe that extreme couponing should be an Olympic sport. Therefore, the fact that I’m about to endorse a $$$ fan should tell you that it’s pretty.damn.awesome.
Well, okay – it’s not just any fan. It’s the famed Dyson Air Multiplier: the revolutionary, stylish new blade-less fan. You’ve likely seen the commercials, or the products on display at your local Home Outfitters or Future Shop, and thought… I want that fan.
And so you should.
“Dyson Air Multiplier fans work very differently from conventional fans. They use Air Multiplier technology to draw in air and amplify it up to 18 times, producing an uninterrupted stream of smooth air. With no blades or grille, they’re safe, easy to clean and don’t cause unpleasant buffeting.”
Now I won’t get in a huge discussion about the technology behind the fan, but here’s AM101:
Up to 27 litres of air per second is drawn in by an energy-efficient, brushless motor. A combination of the technologies used in turbochargers and jet engines generates powerful airflow. Next, airflow is accelerated though an annular aperture. It passes over a 16° airfoil-shaped ramp, which channels its direction. Air behind the Dyson Air Multiplier fan is drawn into the airflow, through a process known as inducement. Finally, air around the machine is also drawn into the airflow, through a process known as entrainment, amplifying it 15 times.
(If you just got excited by that tutorial, you may be a dude.)
Why the Dyson Air Multiplier Rocks:
1. It’s Safe. Having two curious little boys – who are especially attracted to fast-moving objects – I can’t tell you how relieved I am to have a child-friendly option. Because the Air Multiplier is sans blades, I don’t have to stress over wayward fingers, toes or heads being hacked off. And please don’t get me started on the “safety grill” of conventional fans. As a child, I stuck a crayon inside said grill and literally blanketed a room in wax confetti. Considering that a crayon is the same width as a child’s finger, there’s a very relevant reason why no traditional fans will ever see the inside of chez Lena.
2. Easy to Clean. See that simple, ergonomic circle? Yup, just a simple wipe and you’re good to go. None of that dense, chunky dust settling into blades or grills, because let’s be honest, moms don’t need another reason to clean.
3. No Choppy Air. Before owning this fan I believed “buffeting” was the art of visiting buffets and leaving without loosening your belt or buttons. Turns out it actually refers to an annoying, choppy motion that traditional fans employ (ie. throwing air at you in hypnotic waves). The airflow from the Air Multiplier is smooth and covers an area unheard of by those bladed buffeters.
4. Touch Tilt. Have you ever tried to angle a regular fan? Took your back out, didn’t cha? The Dyson Air Multiplier pivots on it’s own center of gravity, so a simple touch gives you the control and direction you need. The fan also has an incredibly low center of gravity, which means that the heaviest components are positioned at the bottom for increased stability.
The table fans (10 and 12″) retail for $379.99 and $399.99 respectively, and the tower/pedestal fans will set you back $549.99. They’re now available online at Dyson Canada, and at your local Home Outfitters, The Bay, Sears, Future Shop, Best Buy and Canadian Tire.
But why should YOU buy this fan? Well, I’ll be frank. I didn’t buy it; the Pedestal model (AM03) was very generously sent to me for my Reno-cation. Before testing it out, I likely would have laughed at the probability of buying a $500 fan – but, now that we’ve had it for about a month, I honestly think it’s one of the best investments a family can make.
Think about it – you can always use a little extra cool air, right? And when you consider the enviable safety aspects of the fan, it just makes sense to invest in a quality product. In my home, I’ve theorized that twenty little fingers over ten years is $2.50 per finger, per year. Yes, I could certainly make that investment for my peace of mind and the comfort of my family.
So heck ya, I’m endorsing this product. If you’ve had your eye on it, you won’t be disappointed.
Here’s a picture of my husband sticking my baby through the fan while in operation. (Note to Child Protection Services: it’s completely safe! Read the above review.)
