Staying Cool Without Breaking the Bank: A Review of the MeacoFan Sefte
As the weather warms up, many of us are looking for ways to stay cool without breaking the bank. While portable air conditioners are one of the best options, they can be expensive to buy and run, not to mention loud. Air coolers, on the other hand, are a more affordable option, but they’re not very effective in the UK due to our high humidity levels. That’s why fans remain one of the most cost-effective solutions.
I’ve previously reviewed the excellent MeacoFan 1056P Pedestal Fan, which is one of the most recommended pedestal fans on the market. Meaco has now launched the Sefte, which is slightly more expensive but offers improved performance and quieter operation.
MeacoFan Sefte vs 1056 Specification
| Feature | MeacoFan Sefte | MeacoFan 1056P |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (HWD) | 432 x 305 x 227 mm | 403 x 285 x 305 mm |
| Cable length | 1.6 m | 1.6 m |
| Weight | 3 kg | 3.2 kg |
| Air flow | 19.18 m³/min | 17.76 m³/min |
| Air volume | 1150.80 m³/hour | 1065.6 m³/hour |
| Noise level | From 25 dB | From 29 dB |
| Warranty | 3 years | 2 years |
| Power consumption | 8-26 watts | 8-24 watts |
| Standby power consumption | 0.3 watts | 0.3 watts |
| Running costs | 0.1p/hour based on 24.5p/kWh | Less than 1p/hour based on 24.5p/kWh |
Design
The design of the MeacoFan Sefte has changed slightly compared to the MeacoFan 1056. While fans are not particularly attractive devices, the MeacoFan 1056 was one of the most aesthetic models on the market, with only the Dyson tower fans looking more impressive (but not performing as well). The MeacoFan Sefte lacks the tapered effect of the external housing and does not have the leather carry strap on the top. The controls on the fan have also been moved from the centre of the fan housing down to the base of the stand.
The MeacoFan Sefte has a more modern design
Testing
To test the fan, I compared it against the MeacoFan 1056P Pedestal Fan, Dreo Falcon S Air Circulator Smart Fan (CF714S), and Ansio 9-blade 26-speed Pedestal Fan.
Air Flow Performance
The airflow produced by the Sefte is excellent. At the highest setting, the Sefte moves more air, but I would say that the difference is hard to tell in real life. The Sefte has slightly better oscillation with the controls, allowing you to choose three different angles and a much wider horizontal range. The Sefte also has a Night Mode to keep things quiet and dim whilst you sleep, and better fan speed control. There is also a timer that you can use in conjunction with the other options and can be handy for sleeping.
The Sefte has slightly better air flow performance
Noise Level Performance
In my opinion, the noise level of a fan is the main thing that differentiates fans and helps justify the higher price of some of these fans. Both the MeacoFan Sefte and MeacoFan 1056 are Quiet mark accredited, with the Sefte being rated at just 25 dB and the 1056 being 29 dB.
The Sefte has a lower noise level
Power Usage / Running Costs
Using the TP-Link Tapo P110M to monitor the power consumption, the MeacoFan Sefte used: Fan set to level 1: 3w, Fan set to level 5: 6w, Fan set to level 12: 21w. The power draw is so low on fans it is not really worth worrying about too much. They are considerably more affordable to run than portable air conditioners which can easily draw over 1000W.
Price and Alternative Options
The MeacoFan Sefte 10” Table Air Circulator is available to buy now directly from Meaco for just £120 and it is also available from Amazon and John Lewis. The pedestal version is £180. The older, popular MeacoFan 1056 Air Circulator is £110, with the MeacoFan 1056P Pedestal being £150. I was impressed with the Dreo CF714S smart fan, which has a similar design and performance but also benefits from the mobile connection. Unfortunately, it is not available in the UK, but it is $100 on Amazon.com. The Dreo CF511S is available for £75 but has a slightly higher noise level of 28dB.
Overall
I was impressed with the MeacoFan 1056P Pedestal Fan when I reviewed it back in 2021, and I have continued to use it in my living room during the summer months. The new MeacoFan Sefte is an incremental upgrade to it with slightly better airflow and a lower noise level. The additional fan speed levels and underlying engineering improvements have made a big difference in the noise levels of the fan, and this is the most important upgrade for me. It is not totally silent, but it is quiet enough that I can get to sleep, whereas I felt the MeacoFan 1056P was a touch too loud for my liking.
The MeacoFan Sefte is a great option for those looking for a quiet and affordable fan
