Shark's ChillPill 3-in-1 fan delivers a blast of air, a misting spray, and a cooling plate that can lower skin temperature by up to 9°C. But with a price tag of £129.99, it's a significant investment for a handheld fan.
What is the Shark ChillPill?
The ChillPill is Shark's first handheld fan, following the success of the Shark FlexBreeze. It features three interchangeable heads: a standard fan, a water mister, and a cooling plate for direct skin contact. The design is unorthodox, with two uneven cylinders that twist to direct airflow.
It comes in seven two-tone colors: glacier, carbon, haze, dragon fruit, matcha, iced latte, and rose gold.
Performance and battery life
The fan has 10 power levels, with measured air speeds from 1.6 to 4.6 metres per second. While not as powerful as the Dyson HushJet Mini Cool (which reaches 7.5 m/s in boost mode), it provides a decent blast. Battery life is exceptional: on the lowest setting, it ran for over 19 hours, far exceeding the manual's promise of 11 hours. Even at top speed, it lasted 2 hours 46 minutes, nearly double the stated 90 minutes.
The misting head empties its 14ml water tank in about 20 minutes, but the cooling plate is highly effective, getting cold enough to form condensation. It turns off after eight minutes for safety, but can be reactivated.
What we love
The three-in-one design offers flexibility unmatched by most handheld fans. The cooling plate is a standout feature, providing targeted relief on hot days. The battery life is impressive, making it ideal for long trips. A power lock prevents accidental activation during travel.
What we don't love
At top speed, the fan measures 74.1dB, similar to a vacuum cleaner. While quieter than the Dyson HushJet's 80.3dB in boost mode, it's still noticeable. The asymmetrical design can be awkward to hold, and switching heads requires carrying spares. The misting head needs frequent refills and a monthly wick replacement (£6.99 for three).
Shark charges extra for accessories like a crossbody strap (£96.94 for a bundle), which adds to the cost.
Price and competition
At £129.99, the ChillPill is expensive compared to budget options like the John Lewis handheld fan at £12. However, it undercuts the Dyson HushJet Mini Cool at £99.99 when considering the added features. The DiveBlues JetForce offers higher speeds for £22.99 but is similarly noisy.
According to Alan Martin, the reviewer, "If money were no object, this is the fan I'd pack for a big trip."
