Britain has recorded five heatwaves so far this year as temperatures rise and humid conditions persist, according to testing conducted by a consumer publication. Rising demand for portable cooling devices has led manufacturers to increase production of neck fans and handheld models marketed for use during commutes and outdoor activity.
The growing market has filled shops with low-cost options that frequently disappoint buyers and end up discarded, the publication found. An estimated 4.3 million such devices are expected to reach landfills this year alone.
Consumers face a choice between managing discomfort on public transport and during outdoor activity without assistance, or purchasing devices that may prove ineffective or short-lived. The publication tested a range of portable fans to identify models that perform reliably over time.