Fan Club
Sydney Morning Herald
Thursday January 29, 1998
Domain's reader panel tests electric fans.
DIMPLEX TURBO TILT BOX FAN
Tester: Irena Storay.
Occupation: Writer/actor.
Price: $89 rrp.
Stockists: David Jones, electrical retailers
or call 1800 648 556.
Comments: The humidity of a Sydney summer was put to the test by the Dimplex turbo tilt box fan - a 35cm, three-blade fan featuring a vertical tilting head, rotating front grille, push-button speed
control, two-year replacement warranty and an optional wall-mounting kit. The vertical tilting head allowed our tester to keep the air circulating well in her high-ceilinged apartment; having the option to point the fan upwards meant that the cool air was distributed to suit her needs. She loved the "sleek and uncluttered" design, found it light and easy to carry from room to room and approved of its whisper-quiet motor. Overall, our tester found the performance of the product "excellent". She felt it would be suitable and safe for anyone of any age.
Verdict: A great fan to have around as a personal cooling system.
BONAIRE MAXICOOLER
Tester: Jenny Erwin.
Occupation: Public servant.
Price: $259 rrp.
Stockists: Electrical retailers.
Comments: This product, designed and made in Australia, can be used as an evaporative cooler or simply a box fan (both options have three speeds). Our tester was extremely pleased with the
performance of her test product. While she found the unit noisier when operating at the higher levels of cooling, this was necessary only for short bursts to quickly cool the room. "It was especially
effective on very hot days - the boost function to quickly cool air in minutes was terrific." Our tester said she would recommend the Maxicooler to
people who wanted an inexpensive and flexible air cooling solution. The manufacturers of the Maxicooler say the unit is CFC-free, and filters any air irritants. The unit has a mobile base which can be removed for positioning on a bench top.
Verdict: A good performer, reasonably priced,
environmentally friendly.
GOLDAIR STUDIO FAN, MODEL 1207S
Tester: James Robson.
Occupation: Tax consultant.
Price: $69.
Stockists: Electrical retailers.
Comments: This tester took an immediate liking to the design, describing it as "simple and stylish" with a colour scheme that didn't draw attention, "unlike most fans that are chunky and white". He thought the height was a useful feature, found it lightweight and easy to move around and felt that the "large flat base" made it stable. The three-speed fan oscillates and tilts. Our tester said it was one of the quietest fans he had heard. Assembly took some time: if you're not good with instructions and like to take things straight out of the box and plug them in, this isn't the fan for you. Our tester used the fan in his TV/lounge room, and said it was quiet enough to watch TV without distraction.
Verdict: Powerful, quiet, good looking, value for money, effective and user friendly. He would
definitely
consider
buying one.
MARTEC ANTIQUE DESK FAN
Tester: Anne Harvey.
Occupation: Solicitor.
Price: $99.
Stockists: Target, Myers, David Jones, Retravision, Beta Stores
or call 1300 360 400.
Comments: This product took our tester back to the 1930s and Hollywood's portrayal of a struggling private investigator's office, a la Dick Tracy. The fan
oscillates, tilts and has three speeds (you change the speed with a sliding switch, not push buttons). The chrome colour "really appealed" to our tester. Although it was not as quiet as her own fan, she found the noise level acceptable: the whirring sound added to the antique feel. She used the product in her bedroom and living room and even took it on holidays with her to the country (she nearly always travels with a fan in the summer). Our tester liked the compact size of the fan, but found it a little difficult to get a grip on the
handle. Also, the chrome tended to show up fingermarks and our tester felt it may be a little heavy for some people.
Verdict: Not quite Casablanca, but looked very smart in all locations.
© 1998 Sydney Morning Herald