Dyson AM05 Hot + Cool Fan Heater Review

The Dyson AM05 fan heater is designed to work year round, heating your room in the winter and cooling it off in the summer. While expensive, it does have some amazing features, power and energy efficiency that are hard, if not impossible, to find in less expensive models

First, the AM05 uses the patented Dyson Air Multiplier technology. While this sounds fancy, it’s really just a way of saying that this fan directs a high velocity jet of air into your room. The way the fan is designed ensures a really strong air blast with no blades to get in the way. Overall because of this, it cools a room much better than other fans.

Wasn’t there a recall for this heater?

Yes – there has been a recall for the AM05 Hot + Cool Fan Heater. If you own one, the unit will be fixed for free. This means if you get it at a cheap enough price, it may be well worth the effort of sending it in. The recall was because a small number of these models have been known to short-circuit, leading to internal parts melting or burning. No one has been injured, and no property has been damaged according to Dyson, but if you own one, it’s still best to get it fixed for free just in case. If you choose to go this route, you will get a new two year warranty covering labor and parts.

Can I get one refurbished?

While Dyson does offer some of their older vacuum models factory refurbished, they have yet to do so with their fans. Your best bet if you’re looking to save money on one of these is to simply shop around for the best price.

Directing the Air

This unit has several options for directing the airflow. You can direct it in one spot by either leaving it facing directly forward, or you can tilt it up and down. It also has a one-touch oscillating feature to distribute hot or cool air throughout the whole room. One person asked if the air comes out both sides of the unit, which is a fair question. It actually does not – it comes out the front only.

Sleep Timer & Temperature Settings

One cool feature in this fan is the sleep timer. You can easily program it to run for 15 minutes up to 9 hours (if you want it to run while you’re sleeping then shut off for instance). If you use it while you’re sleeping or not paying attention to it, the temperature settings are also very convenient. You can set it anywhere from 33 degrees to 99 degrees Fahrenheit, and it will heat until it reaches your desired temperature.

The same works for the fan feature, but it’s important to note this is not an air conditioner. In other words, it won’t maintain a low temperature in a room if the room is hot to begin with. This is why it’s best to use it in conjunction with your air conditioning, placing it in front of a vent to disperse the cold air.

Safety Features

One of the best loved features in user fan reviews is the safety aspect of the AM05. Since it’s bladeless, there is no worry that kids will stick their fingers in and get hurt. The same goes for pet tails. It’s also hard to tip over, so overall it’s very safe. Since it’s also a heater, the unit will shut off if for some reason it does get tipped over. Additionally, it stays cool to the touch so no one gets burned.

All of these safety features also make it very easy to clean and maintain. If you’ve ever had to disassemble a fan to hose off the blades and cage assembly, you’ll really appreciate this. The smooth surface means there’s nothing to take apart – just wipe it down with a damp cloth, and you’re good to go.

Difference in AM05 vs AM04 vs AM09

The AM09 is the newest version of this product, and the AM04 is the oldest. While they are all basically the same (much like the AM06 Desk Fan, AM07 Tower Fan and AM08 Pedestal Fan), there are some important differences. Essentially, the newer the model, the more improvements that are included.

For instance, the AM05 uses about 30% less energy to run than the AM04, and the motor spins faster. If you use it along with your air conditioning, it can lower your energy bills by up to 20%. You’ll save the most if you place it right in front of your air conditioning vent to really disperse all that cold air.

As for the newest model, the AM09, it has the same energy efficiency as the AM05, but it is also 75% quieter – a huge bonus, especially if you’re looking to use it in the bedroom, in the office when you’re concentrating on work or if you have it on while watching television or listening to music.

It is good to know, however, that even these quiet fans do make some noise, especially on higher speeds. Even though they are all bladeless with quiet motors, you will still hear the air moving through, just like you might hear air blowing through an open window.

Dyson AM05 Specs

• Colors Available: Black/Nickel, Iron/Blue or White/Silver
• Base Diameter: 8.1” with baseplate; 5.7” without
• Amp Diameter: 5.9”
• Temperature Settings: 33 – 99 degrees
• Cord Length: 5.9’
• Weight: 5.5 pounds
• Total Height: 22.8”
• Voltage: 110
• Watts: 1500

What’s in the box?

• Dyson AM05 Hot Cool Fan Heater
• Remote Control (magnetized to stick to the top of the fan unit)
• Operations Manual
• 2 Year Limited Warranty

Pros

• Contemporary design that’s easy to clean
• Very safe
• Several options to oscillate and/or direct air flow with 10 speeds
• Great for heating or cooling down a room
• Remote that is magnetized so it sticks to the unit and won’t get lost
• Stays cool to the touch

Cons

While review after review of this fan is positive (getting an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars), there are a few things that users would like to see changed or have questions about. The first concern is about the price.

While it is much more expensive than your average fan, it also is of very high quality, works very well and has a lot of fun features. Overall, those who own it think it was a very good investment. However, if it will blow your budget, it may not be for you.

The other big complaint is that there is a misconception that this is an air conditioner and will completely cool off a really hot room. This is not the case. While it is a powerful heater, in the cool setting, it’s a fan only.

While it’s powerful enough to cool a room, all it will do is move the air around, so if your room is really hot, it’s going to be circulating that hot air.

Overall Impressions

Overall, the Dyson AM05 is a good investment and does a great job. However, if you’re going to be spending this much money, you might as well get the AM09, the newer model. The AM09 Fan Heater has all the same features but is also 75% quieter for about the same price. While the AM05 is a good choice, the newer model is a better investment for this reason unless you can find the older model really cheap.