Keeping cool in the hot weather, the best fans available

England had a mini heatwave for a few weeks in June 2010. Then, as quickly as the temperature began to sizzle, it fell sharply away. That's so typical of Summer in the UK. From one extreme to the other.

However, the hot, muggy weather has returned and most people are struggling to keep cool. It would seem that the UK is not alone in this though. Across Europe and parts of the US people are over heating.

Sensible light clothing and plenty of hydration are essential.

In an attempt to cool down we try most things. One thing that is becoming almost essential is a good portable fan.

Let's start with the cheapest, most convenient and often traditional fan, those that are hand held.

Fans that used to be employed by Ladies, in order to attract the opposite sex and aid flirting, are still often available. The effort required to waft the air across you though may make such a fan useless for keeping you cool. They may be alright as an accessory or a flirt aid but not ideal for cooling you down.

The best hand held fanavailable for keeping you cool are the battery powered kind.

Prices range from next to nothing. If you want the fan to be an accessory also, check out the best colour and style available. Remember that you may also want your fan to be water and shatter proof.

You can probably opt for a slightly larger hand held fan if you are able to pop it into a briefcase or handbag.

If you prefer shop around for a wind up hand held fan which does not use batteries.

Some of these small fans also incorporate a light. This can be useful when travelling. If it uses an LED light, the light may not be very bright but rather subdued. It depends what you need the light for.

Moving on to rather larger fans, many of these are also portable. It does depend how far you want to move them and how strong you are.

After all even those tall fans are portable in that you can move them from room to room.

The only fans that do not really fall into the portable category are those that are wall mounted or ceiling fans.

So before you shop for a fan think about what your needs are:-

• Do you want a fan with more than just one or two speeds?
• Would you prefer it to be remote controlled when desired?
• Is it to be placed on a cupboard?
• Is it to stand on a floor?
• Will there be children and, or, pets in close proximity?
• Are you looking for style as well utility?
• How much do you want to spend?
• Must the fan operate quietly?, i.e if it is to be placed in a bedroom.

These are just a few considerations to get you started.

Now that you have decided what you want from your fan research the products available.

All of this may seem a chore but it will be worth the extra effort.

A good portable fan can last years. That's not much good if it does not do what you require it to.

Remember to clean your fan regularly to prevent a build up of dust. Who wants a heap of dust blowing at them from their fan?

Make sure that when you do this no water or fluid gets into the workings of the fan.

If you fancy purchasing a vintage fan see what is available at local auctions, car boot or garage sales and antique shops. You may have to pay an electrician to up date the wiring for you, but the fan could end up a beautiful accessory to your home.

In the UK air conditioning is few and far between. As such a good fan is almost essential for 21st Century summer weather.