There are two types of people when it comes to a London heatwave: the electric fan lovers and the manual, flamenco fan divas.
Recently, I’ve found myself part of the latter camp. Surprisingly powerful and always chic, I’ve been enjoying the subtle ease of flicking my Spanish fan open and closed to lightly cool my face on the underground without creating excessive noise or drawing too much attention.
Nevertheless, the relatively large yet somehow portable Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo (always a mouthful when it comes to Shark and Ninja) seems to have captured the hearts of influencers and tech enthusiasts worldwide. So popular has this simple misting fan become that it’s currently sold out on Shark’s website, as is the dedicated travel rucksack that you can purchase separately. Fear not, both are available on Amazon.
If you belong to the school of thought that believes that girls and guys lugging around 1.5-litre Stanley Quenchers are off their rocker, this latest oversized emotional support accessory is set to send you haywire. Look away now.
The fan doesn’t exactly look portable, does it?
Yet it’s inherently more powerful than one of those measly, mini rechargeable numbers that break within months of ownership and do little to quell the stagnant heat on an evening commute home. Shark-lovers have described it as “excellently engineered” and a “game-changer” in the hundreds of five-star reviews listed on the brand’s website.
I got my hands on one to put it to the test. Keep scrolling for an in-depth review.
Shop now: Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo, £99, Amazon
Key specifications
- Product weight: 1.77kg
- Product dimensions (cm): H:29cm W:21cm D:22cm
- Cord length: 2m
- Wattage: 36W
- Run-time: 12 hours
- Guarantee: 2 Years
- Airflow: 975 Cubic Feet per Minute
- Water tank: 150ml
- Speeds: Five
Design
I’m yet to have any qualms when it comes to the design of a Shark product. Sleek, sophisticated and void of any unnecessary features, the FlexBreeze HydroGo does exactly what it says on the tin without any fuss and – most importantly – without a companion app. Three buttons on the top of the device control power, fan level and the misting function.
Filling up the 150ml water tank is intuitive and breezy thanks to the water droplet symbol that sits atop the closure. The stand is sturdy and equipped with non-slip feet that keep it in place wherever you choose to use it, and it’s incredibly easy to adjust the direction of the fan with a simple push-button adjuster that releases the hinge.
The fan is also very lightweight, if a little bulky, and easy to ferry around the house to keep different locations cool as a cucumber. Should you wish to bring it outside, rest assured, it’s UV and rain resistant. Perfect for any heatwave or surprise summer showers.
Though the misting feature is described as ultra-fine and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, I found it to be slightly too extreme for indoor use. When I switched the misting feature on before bed, my sheets were dampened within a few minutes.
Functionality
While many mid-range fans seemingly just oscillate warm, stagnant air, the Shark FlexBreeze has a distinct, brilliant cooling power. Though it won’t cool down the furthest corners of your living room (despite promising up to 20 metres of reach), it doesn’t need to. The portable fan is designed to deliver concentrated cold air exactly where you require it most: the desk, the bed, the sofa, or even the kitchen while cooking.
Where the fan really shines, however, is its power to keep you cool when outside. On its highest setting with the mist function on, you can close your eyes and imagine it’s a cool ocean spray. Plus, there’s no need to worry about making your home damp. The grass will probably thank you.
The battery life is good, but not life-changing. During the heatwave, I’ve not been able to settle for any less than full power. As such, the fan lasts well into the night but dies at around five or six o’clock in the morning. Though it can be used while charging, it’ll only work on its lowest fan setting.
User-friendliness
When it comes to user-friendliness, my rating is always contingent on the presence of an unnecessary companion app. This fan functions without one, which makes it a winner in my books. Simply press the on button and go, charging in between uses to ensure maximum battery life.
Verdict
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Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo
Portable and mighty powerful, Shark’s latest innovation in oscillation has gone viral for a reason. The rechargeable fan, which can be used wirelessly or plugged in depending on your needs, is equipped with a 150ml capacity ultra-fine misting function that provides extra cooling power outdoors.
Fully charged, it has an average run time of 12 hours on the lowest of five speed settings, non-slip feet and a handy carry handle. It can be easily adjusted to point in different directions and is remarkably quiet – perfect for sound sleeping during hot weather.
Buy now £99.00, Amazon
