As temperatures rise, the Shark ChillPill, a portable cooling device priced at £129.99, has emerged as a popular item among celebrities and influencers. This compact gadget offers a combination of fan, misting, and cooling pad functionalities, aiming to provide a high-tech solution for staying cool during hot weather.
The ChillPill has been spotted with notable figures such as tennis player Aryna Sabalenka at the Paris Open and Rachel Stevens at Wimbledon. Justin Bieber has also launched a collaboration range of the device in the United States.
Design and Features
The device distinguishes itself with a unique, twisting dual-cylinder design. It comes with three attachments: a standard fan, a misting pod, and an aluminum cooling plate. Each attachment can be swapped out by clicking it into the main fan unit. The controls are integrated into a display that allows users to adjust fan speed and cooling modes. When turned on its side, this control unit functions as a kickstand, making the ChillPill suitable for desk use.
A lock switch at the bottom of the control cylinder prevents accidental activation, and a USB-C port facilitates charging. The fan can be used while charging, but the misting and cooling functions require the device to be unplugged.
Performance and Cooling Capabilities
In terms of performance, the fan attachment offers ten speed settings, delivering a concentrated stream of air. At its lowest setting, the device operates quietly at 41 decibels, comparable to a refrigerator's hum. However, at its maximum speed, it reaches 74 decibels, similar to a running vacuum cleaner, which may be too loud for quiet environments.
The misting attachment, when combined with the fan, provides a significant cooling effect by releasing a fine spray of water. This feature is particularly effective in enclosed spaces. The misting pod can last for about ten minutes at full power or 15 minutes on an intermittent setting, requiring regular refills.
The cooling plate attachment utilizes the Peltier effect to reduce skin temperature by a claimed 9°C (16°F) on contact. This plate is designed to be applied to pulse points like the wrist or neck. It operates for eight minutes before automatically shutting off.
Battery Life and Value
Shark claims a battery life of up to 11 hours on the lowest fan setting, with shorter durations when using the misting pod or cooling plate. Testing suggests the battery may exceed these advertised times in real-world usage. For instance, a fully charged device reportedly lasted through a weekend of intermittent use.
The £129.99 price tag places the ChillPill in the premium category for portable fans. Additional accessories, such as wrist straps, belt clips, and carrying cases, are available for purchase separately, further increasing the overall cost.
Compared to other devices, the Dyson HushJet is noted at £99.99 but lacks the misting and cooling plate features and has a shorter battery life. Cheaper alternatives exist, but they generally do not match the ChillPill's advanced functionalities and performance.
Online reviews for the ChillPill show an average rating of 3.9 out of five. While users praise its cooling plate and misting function, common criticisms include the small misting pod capacity, noise at high speeds, and the overall cost.