Shark FlexBreeze Fan review: Hugely versatile cooling that works indoors and out

Shark FlexBreeze fan review in a sentence: Excellent performance, quiet operation and indoor or outdoors appeal makes this model one of the best you can buy.

I’ve had a Dyson bladeless fan for a few years now and it works well enough although isn’t quite as quiet as I’d expected. That can be a bit of an issue if you’re a light sleeper like me and need to have a fan in the bedroom from time to time. That’s why I’ve been so impressed with this model, the Shark FlexBreeze fan, which is super silent on any of its speed settings.

However, the Shark FlexBreeze fan also comes with a host of other features and functions too. It’s wonderfully versatile, allowing it to be used in 12 different design setups. It’s also got a cord or cordless design, meaning the Shark FlexBreeze fan can be used outside. Adding to that is the water misting capability that offers additional cooling capacity when you’re out on the patio.

There’s a remote control, durable build quality and it looks pretty good too. Overall, I’m hugely impressed with it as you’ll find out from the review below. The Shark FlexBreeze fan is up against stiff competition though, as you’ll see if you also dip into our best fans guide and the more specific best Dyson fans guide.

Shark FlexBreeze fan review: Price and availability

The Shark FlexBreeze portable fan FA220UK is available now and has a price tag of £199.99 in the UK. It can be purchased direct from Shark and comes with everything needed to get up and running. If you’re going to be using the water misting function you will have to have the ability to plug the fitting into a compatible hose/water supply.

The same model for the American market is called the Shark FlexBreeze Fan with InstaCool Attachment and costs $199.99 direct from Shark or from other online retailers.

Shark FlexBreeze fan review: What is it?

The Shark FlexBreeze is described by the manufacturer as a portable fan and it certainly is, thanks to a construction that’s very versatile. The hybrid design means I can use it both indoors and outdoors, which makes it very handy if I’m going to be having something like a barbecue and have my gazebo set up on the patio. In other words, the most obvious area of appeal is the way the design can be tweaked to suit the surroundings. 

To do this, the design let me set up the Shark FlexBreeze fan in a variety of arrangements. I can go corded, or cordless too, which is a really great feature. However, the Shark FlexBreeze fan is even better because I can change the design and transform it from a pedestal unit into a tabletop number. The stand is easily undone, so the topmost fan unit can be placed on a table or floor area, while the height of the stand itself means the fan can also push cool air into larger rooms with ease. In fact, the unit can be used in no less than 12 different combinations.

Adding extra appeal on that front is the way the Shark comes complete with an InstaCool misting attachment that provides a cooling waft of moisture when conditions allow it. This comes inside the box along with all the other fixtures and fittings, which also include a remote controller with a battery inside along with a power cable with a length that is very generous indeed. Dimensions are 94 cm high x 35 cm wide x 35 cm deep, while the whole thing weighs in at 5.67kg or 12.2lbs.

Shark FlexBreeze fan review: Is it any good?

As mentioned earlier, I already have a Dyson fan, which has been in my house for a few years now and still works well. It’s one of those bladeless models and, while it’s quiet on lower levels it does make quite a lot of noise when it’s cranked up. One of the things I immediately noticed about the Shark FlexBreeze fan is just how silent it is. Even when I cranked it up the unit is very unobtrusive even if it’s set up in a smaller room. I’m a light sleeper too, so it’s handy for stuffy summer nights when it can run in the bedroom without getting on my nerves.

There’s no shortage of flexibility in terms of the features here too, with five different fans spends, a 180-degree oscillation and 55-degree tilt flexibility. If I charge it up using the mains, the Shark FlexBreeze fan can also run without a power cord for up to 24 hours, which means it’s ideal if I’m planning on a full-on outdoors event during any of the hotter summer months. Shark reckons using the misting attachment can take the edge off the heat by up to 5-degrees C, which is jolly useful.

Shark FlexBreeze fan review: Performance

I love that the Shark FlexBreeze fan is a breeze to use (no pun intended). The setup took me mere minutes as it all just slots together in logical fashion. There’s a small manual included, but it’s easy enough to figure out without any assistance. I did find the port for the power cable a little bit elusive at first, but once I’d connected that and switched on, everything else was really straightforward. This is mainly because the core controls sit on the top of the fan unit, with buttons for power, fan speed and oscillation all sitting next to each other.

On the front of the unit is a small row of LEDs, which display fan intensity, while a green charging icon lets you know the fan is being readied for when I want to unplug it and go cordless. I like the big handle on the back of the fan body too, which lets me move it around without fuss. The base is quite heavy mind, so it’s a good idea to lift that independently rather than risk it slipping out of the upright tube and marking your floor.

Cleverly, the dinky little remote control sticks to the bac of the fan via a magnet, meaning I shouldn’t ever lose it and comes with everything needed to control the fan without ever leaving the sofa. In terms of performance, the Shark FlexBreeze fan is excellent. It has a good variety of fan speeds, and the oscillation is more than enough for my needs. 

The way I can also setup the fan to work in a variety of positions means it’s more flexible than my Dyson too. In that respect, and considering the quietness of this model, I’d say it pips the Dyson to the post although that is a few years old now to be fair.

Shark FlexBreeze fan review: Verdict

I do love this Shark FlexBreeze fan, mainly because it makes my older Dyson bladeless model seem quite inferior by comparison. It comes with a stack of great features, with all sorts of settings and setup options, plus there’s the ability to use it corded or cordless, as well as having a water misting feature.

Granted, the base is quite heavy, which is good for stability, but this does make it a little unwieldy. However, the overall fan size is one of its main strengths, with plenty of cooling potential while also being one of the quietest fans I’ve ever used.

Shark FlexBreeze fan: Alternatives to consider

While Shark is better known for its vacuums than its fans, this model is an excellent choice. However, there are also plenty of other great models out there to help you stay cool. Top of the pile here at T3 has to be the Dyson Pure Cool, which is a bladeless design and not cheap. But, it is very impressive if you’re a fan of the Dyson brand.

If not, then Meaco continues to impress us with its variety of cooling options. Try the MeacoFan 1056 Air Circulator if you’re watching the pennies, while the MeacoFan 260c Cordless Air Circulator makes sense if space is limited but you still want a decent level of cooling.