Ideal Home’s air conditioning expert has just convinced me to snap up this misting fan instead of a portable AC – it’s one of the few left in stock that we rate

Since the last heatwave proved that my home really struggled to keep heat out, I’m currently putting cooling measures in place already for the next one. One of the biggest investments I'm planning to make is a new cooling appliance, and Ideal Home’s resident air conditioning expert recommended the DREO TurboCool Misting Fan (£199.99, Amazon) as one of her preferred ways to keep cool when the mercury spikes.

Right now, the best portable air conditioners and some of the best fans are sold out everywhere. And with manufacturers stating that stock may not be replenished until later this month, I’m looking for high-quality cooling appliances that are still in stock for next week’s high temperatures.

The DREO TurboCool Misting Fan is not only recommended by Ideal Home’s cooling expert Sarah Handley, but it also has over 100 positive reviews online. Here’s everything you need to know.

If you’ve struggled to find a portable AC in stock, a misting fan is a pretty good alternative. These release a fine mist of water, which makes you feel instantly cool and refreshed. You can snap up handheld models (like this rechargeable Amazon bestseller), which are a lifesaver on sweaty commutes, while larger models use evaporative cooling to cool a room.

Misting fans work by spreading a steady stream of air alongside the ultra-fine spray, which evaporates in the warm air, cooling it in the process. As the droplets are so fine, you don’t have to worry about you or your home feeling wet.

This DREO model uses ultrasonic atomization to produce 17μm ultra-fine mist. This means it delivers practically moisture-free cooling, but unlike a typical fan, which blows around warm air, it will feel cool. DREO claims this fan can reduce perceived temperature by six degrees in just one minute.

It has a 6L tank to enable up to seven hours of turbo cooling, or 30 hours on a low speed. The DREO TurboCool Misting Fan actually offers three-in-one functions, integrating cooling, a fan and humidifying.

‘This Dreo TurboCool 765S misting fan easily bridges the gap between a fan and a portable air conditioner, creates a lovely cooling breeze and won't leave your furniture soggy,’ says Sarah.

Sarah’s currently in the process of testing it, so you can expect a full review soon. However, the DREO misting fan’s online reviews have been equally positive.

‘This is one amazing product! Really quiet, dry water vapour, it gets the job done. I've got a 4m x 8m bedroom, and it keeps the room nice and cool. The water tank is a good size and doesn't need constant topping up. I keep it on a low setting,’ says one.

‘I'm giving this 5 stars because, although it was a little expensive (the price fluctuates regularly) it does what it's designed to do. However, be aware that if your air is already quite humid, like it can get sometimes in the UK, then if you use misting, which adds more moisture into the air, then it can start to feel quite tropical. The instructions describe when not to use the misting, and the display shows how humid the air is currently. Basically, it's not an air con, but it is a good fan, and the product quality is good,’ says another.

Amazon is currently saying that the DREO TurboCool Misting Fan is usually dispatched within two to three days, so in the meantime, you can turn your current fan into a makeshift air conditioner using a bowl of ice or Amazon’s clever misting attachment. Alternatively, here are a few more cooling appliances I’ve found in stock and online.

If you’re still scrambling to find a good fan in stock, we have tried and vouch for the DREO TurboCool Misting fan