2 min readSummer is my least favorite time of year. From sweaty commutes to crowded summer concerts, I overheat way too easily. I always have at least two fans on me, from portable neck fans to handheld bamboo ones. I’d be willing to spend hundreds on a great cooling fan to tackle the summer heat, especially if it were my own portable air conditioner. Enter: the Shark ChillPill.
If you’re a fellow over-heater, chances are your algorithm has already served this viral cooling fan to you. Well, after months of testing it in the hottest climates, I’m proud to say it’s worth the online hype. It’s now just as essential as my wallet when I leave the house.
It comes with three attachments that work together to be a pocket-sized air conditioner. There’s the fan, with 10 powerful settings you adjust with the included dial. Unlike most handheld or neck fans, it actually cools the air before blowing it back at you, so it does more than just redirect the airflow. The second attachment is a misting fan. You fill it with water, and using the included wick, it sprays a dry-touch mist that refreshes dry skin. You can choose between intermittent misting and a steady stream, so it’s customized to your own cooling needs.
The most unique attachment is the InstaChill cooling plate. It’s a metal plate with two levels of cooling, and it’s the most effective in actually lowering your body temperature. Think the relief of placing an ice pack on your neck, but with none of the condensation mess.
The ChillPill has been my lifeline this summer. No matter where I traveled, it was super helpful. On a two-week trip across Southeast Asia, where I sweat more than I ever have, the ChillPill was quick to dry me off. On a long flight, the mist refreshed my skin in the dry plane air. The chill plate even saved me from a hot flash or two. It’s not just for self-cooling, either—I used it to dry spackle when patching spots on the living room wall.
My main pain point for the ChillPill is that its accessories are sold separately. It would be so helpful to include a carrying case to hold the fan and its attachments, or a carrying strap that makes it hands-free, especially at the price point. But it’s been so effective that I don’t mind carrying it in my hands for now.
Summer’s sweatiest days are still ahead of us, and several of the ChillPill colors are already sold out on Amazon. Don’t be the last person to catch on to how cool they are (literally). And if you want a true fan arsenal, find three more of my approved picks below.
Morelax Neck Fan
