John Lewis Anyday Hand Fan Review

Summer has been a mixed bag, tossing wildly between gray and scorching days. But the sunny days are an example of how poorly Britain is adapted to very hot weather. Unlike those in other countries, we don’t move between air-conditioned spaces when we’re away, and our buildings are designed to retain heat, not ventilate.

Arming yourself with a few cooling devices can make a big difference. A good fan in your bedroom and one for your home office will do a lot to keep you comfortable at home. Check out our round-up of the best fans we’ve tested for indoor fans to keep you chill all August long.

But once you go outside, you’re at the mercy of the sticky outdoor space or the stuffy indoor public areas. You board the train feeling fresh and ready and leave it looking shiny and withered. Waiting rooms are airless. Festivals and performances are stifling.

In fact, it was at a gig that I first saw John Lewis’ portable Anyday fan, in the hand of the only person in the packed room who still looked cool (although not unflappable).

Design and construction

The Anyday fan is 25 cm long and the fan head has a diameter of 10 cm. It’s also light: just 184 grams, which is about the same weight as your average smartphone.

It comes in four attractive matte colors: white, sage, lake blue and yellow. At the time of writing, the blue and yellow models are sold out, but that is possible buy the sage (pictured) or white fan from John Lewis for only €8.40.

Unfortunately, this model isn’t available in the US, but you can browse a selection of similar handheld fans on Amazon.

It’s nicely made – much sturdier than other handheld fans you may have tried. And thanks to its seamless design, it’s actually nice to carry around.

Whenever you go somewhere, you can fold it into portrait mode and use it on a desk, table or shelf. You can even adjust its angle, although there are only two settings available.

Emma Rowley / Foundry

Emma Rowley / Foundry

Emma Rowley / Foundry

But the performance is even better than the design.

For starters, it’s powerful. More than enough to prevent you from sweating at your desk or on public transport. And it’s quiet too, especially at the first two of the three operating speeds. In my opinion, the middle speed is the Goldilocks setting: quiet enough not to be intrusive, and powerful enough to be effective.

It will also not drip and extinguish after half an hour. You get nine hours of use on low speed, six on medium and four on high speed, so it can get you through a work day or a night out.

The charging time is slightly less spectacular: it takes five hours to charge from empty to full. But because it comes with a standard USB cable with a Type-A to Type-C connection, it’s easy enough to do. It even has a charging indicator light. It goes from red while charging to green when fully charged. The indicator lights blue during normal use and flashes blue when the battery is low.

In a perfect world it would have a clip or loop on the end so you can attach it to your bag. Yet it fits comfortably in one – and in a small shoulder bag at that.

Emma Rowley / Foundry

Emma Rowley / Foundry

Emma Rowley / Foundry

Should you buy the John Lewis Anyday handheld fan?

In a word: yes. It’s such a small expense to stay cool. I wish I had discovered it earlier this summer.

For more help staying comfortable in the heat, check out our top fan recommendations for your home.