As you’ll see from our original Dyson Air Multiplier review, we were blown away (sorry) by the British designers’ first face-cooler. Now, its second version has wafted into the Electricpig office.
Is it another triumph over turbulence, or is the floor-standing behemoth of breeze a load of hot air?
More to the point, how many more of these wind gags can we squeeze in before you start complaining? Read our full Dyson Air Multiplier AM03 review to find out!
Unpacking the Dyson Air Multiplier AM03 is more exciting than is should be. Dyson has split the AM03’s construction into four parts, which you’re required to slot together in order. It’s a little bit like expensive Lego, and thankfully completely fool-proof.
Once assembled, the Air Multiplier AM03 stands proud at just over 1.4 metres. It’s large enough to dominate any office, and skinny enough that its height doesn’t look silly. That’s not to say this is demure though, it’s lollipop design drew more than a few giggles as we unpacked it.
In operation, the Air Multiplier AM03 is far from quiet too. In fact, it’s very loud at full pelt, which is the speed you’ll need to run it if you’re hoping to move air more than a meter or two. Sit next to it, and you’ll be livid within minutes. If you’re working in a quiet office, it’s obtrusive to say the least.
However, if you’re looking for something to blow air across the desks of a couple of workers, and they’ll sit quite near the fan, it’s ideal.
Expect arguments over who controls the Air Multiplier AM03 though. Dyson has positioned its speed and oscillation controls at the very bottom of its base, where they’re tricky to reach.
Read our original Dyson Air Multiplier review
There’s salvation in the shape of a cute infra-red remote that’s magnetised and curved to sit on top of the fan when not in use. It’s not dissimilar in design to Apple’s remote controls for its Macintosh computers, but it’s an add-on just begging to be lost, or squabbled over in an office full of even the most restrained gadget fans.
As with the smaller, desk-top Dyson Air Multiplier, the power of the Air Multiplier AM03 is surprising. It’s able to kick out a fair gust, and if noise isn’t an issue, it’s a belter. Like its predecessor, that draught is smooth and free of “buffeting” caused by traditional fan blades.
Which leaves us with just one issue to contend: the Dyson Air Multiplier AM03’s price tag. At £300 it’s going to be hard to justify for all but the most design-conscious offices. If you’re looking for a cheap cooling solution, there are air conditioners available for less, and although Dyson has eco-friendliness on its side, there’s considerably more bang for your buck to be had elsewhere.
Let’s face it though. If you’re even considering an Air Multiplier AM03, it’s the design rather than the function that you’re after. What you’ll get, at tolerable operating volumes, is a slight breeze, with peerless design, careful attention to detail and talking points aplenty thrown in. It’s more than a beige box kicking out cold air, and for that, you’ll pay a premium.
