Fans are great alternatives to air conditioning systems. They are inexpensive, portable, energy-efficient, and capable of effectively cooling you off during sweltering summer heat. But remember, not all cooling fans are created equal. Some are designed to cool larger spaces, while others are better at blowing air in small areas. On that note, let’s take a look at the Vornado 610DC.
The Vornado 610DC is a compact, energy-efficient air circulator that can effectively cool small to medium spaces. It comes with infinite speed control and backed by a ten-year warranty. The height, however, can’t be adjusted, and you have to operate the fan manually.
Pros of the Vornado 610DC
- Compact and lightweight design to comfortably use in your tabletop or desktop
- Infinite speed settings give you control over the exact amount of air you want
- The DC motor uses less energy to run than AC powered fans, reducing your electric bill
- Moves a decent amount of air for its size to keep the heat at bay
- Speed control is located at the front for easy access
- The 10-year warranty protects your investment from manufacturer defects
- The removable cover allows you to clean the blades with ease
- Relatively quiet compared to other fans with the same airflow output
Cons of the Vornado 610DC
- Power brick can be an issue for some users
- A remote control should have been included in the price
- Not everyone will appreciate its small size, but it does pack a powerful punch
- Quite expensive for a small fan
Should You Get This?
Before we get into details about this particular fan, let’s first figure out if it’s the right option for you. The first thing you should consider is the climate in your area.
There are regions where you’d be wasting money buying a fan, leave alone an air conditioning unit. You can just employ a few tricks like drinking lots of water, taking cold showers, opening windows, using blackout curtains, and you’re good to go.
Unfortunately, there aren’t so many regions where the temperature is perfect year-round.
But if you live in a place where the weather is usually mild, you can probably get by without a fan. You might only need it during the warmest months of the year. But if you live in a region where the temperature is extreme or fluctuates, an AC or cooling fan is the obvious solution to fend off the heat apocalypse.
While you can’t compare an AC and fan in terms of cooling capabilities, the former can be out of reach for many people. It’s not only expensive to buy but also to run. An AC unit usually makes up a huge chunk of energy bills every month. It’s, however, the best cooling solution if you can afford it. If not, a cooling fan can work just fine.
Now that we’ve established, you might need a fan; the next equation is your cooling needs. What do you need it for? To cool your workspace, entire living room, bedroom, or to supplement your central air? This will help you evaluate and decide the perfect fan for you.
Cooling fans come in different sizes and styles, so you need one that can meet your cooling needs. Some are best suited for large rooms, and others are perfect for supplying breeze to medium or small spaces.
If your idea is to cool the entire living area or a larger room, you’re better off with a window or ceiling fan. A few large floor fans from Vornado, Honeywell, and Lasko can be up to the task.
For spaces like bedrooms, dining, kitchen, offices, and compact sitting rooms, a mid-size floor or desk fan is ideal. Also, if you’re looking for a nice gentle breeze instead of a gust or some white noise, these fans can do the job.
With that said, should you get the Vornado 610DC? If a floor or desk/table fan sounds more reasonable to you, this fan might be just what you need.
The 610DC is considered a floor fan, but it’s compact enough to fit on a desk or table. It’s 13.7 inches (34.8 cm) tall, 12.1 (30.7 cm) inches wide, 8.7 inches (22.1 cm) deep– and weighs about 5 pounds (2.27 kg). It comes with a variable fan speed control to help you achieve the exact airflow you need.
Energy efficiency is yet another reason why you should consider getting this unit. It’s also effortless to clean and moves a good amount of air without being too noisy. It can be a lovely addition to your home or office.
Why the Vornado 610DC Is Worth It
With so many cheap options out there, why should you go for the Vornado 610DC? Is the price tag worth it? Here’s why this device is worth every penny:
Whole House Cooling Experience
Despite its small size, the 610DC can cool the entire room, whether you place it on a tabletop or the floor. Like almost all Vornado fans, the 610DC circulates air rather than blowing it. The best thing about these air circulators is that they distribute the breeze all over the room, cooling everyone in it.
In contrast, typical fans can only cool you if the air is blown directly on you.
Technically, an air circulator does not cool a room. It keeps moving air around, creating a cooling effect, often referred to as wind chill. This illusion simply air bushes across your skin, similar to opening a car window when it’s moving.
It replaces the hot air with a drier, cooler one, making you feel cooler. The same concept applies to a fan. The only difference is that it blows air around and does not circulate.
Energy Efficient DC Motor Will Go Easy on Your Electricity
If you’re looking to trim your energy bills this summer, this unit can help. It is DC powered, meaning it doesn’t consume much electricity. There’s a complex principle behind this, but the process it uses requires less electric energy. This, of course, translates to lower electric bills.
It Will Not Distract Your Work or Keep You Up at Night
Another advantage of DC motor fans is that they are incredibly quiet. This makes the Vornado 610DC an excellent option for an office or study area where noise could be a bother. It’s also an excellent option for light sleepers.
Like any other fan, it can get a bit loud on higher settings, but nothing jet engine-like. It’s considered one of the quietest fans in the market.
Allows You to Customize the Airflow with Infinite Adjustability
Fans with variable speed control have a huge advantage over three-speed alternatives. The problem with three-speed fans is that you can’t adjust below or above the fixed setting. If you set it at low speeds, you can’t go any lower to get the precise amount of airflow that you need.
But with this fan, you can adjust the speed at will with a wide range of settings. This added versatility provides the best comfort.
Flaws but not Dealbreakers
Power Brick Can Be Annoying to Some
You may not like this feature very much if you’re planning to move the fan around. It’s relatively small, but you can hide it behind the cabinet or somewhere else if you find it bothersome. This is one of the tradeoffs for using DC motor fans. But considering their quiet operation and energy-saving capabilities, this is quite a small sacrifice.
Only Suitable For Small to Medium Spaces
If you’re looking to cool a large room, this unit won’t be of much help. But when it comes to small and medium spaces, it performs exceptionally well.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much electricity does it use?
It uses about 2 watts at the lowest settings and 40 watts on high.
Does it come with a remote control?
No, it does not, but the controls are located in the front for easy access.
Does the head swivel?
Yes, it tilts straight up, out, and down slightly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a small yet powerful fan to keep you cool when the heatwave strikes, the Vornado 610DC can get the job done. The price is steeper compared to other basic fans, but its performance and reliability make it one of the best fans for small spaces.
Vincent is a freelance writer based in Santa Ana, California. When he isn’t writing articles for Temperature Master, he can be found biking or hanging out with his cat, Shelly.