Review: Shark FlexBreeze Pro Mist

As summer approaches, many are considering whether their existing fan will suffice for another season or if an upgrade is necessary. The fan market offers a diverse range of options, with models distinguished by their appearance, features, noise level, and specialized functions. We evaluated the Shark Flexbreeze Pro Mist over several warm days, considering these various aspects.

The Shark FlexBreeze Pro Mist offers several notable features, including its suitability for outdoor use. Similar to other Shark products we’ve reviewed, such as the Shark Stainstriker and Shark Flexstyle 5-in-1, it is user-friendly and intuitive. Consider a scenario, be it a stuffy room or a scorching, windless outdoor setting, as we delve into its performance.

A First Impression – Shark FlexBreeze Pro Mist

The FlexBreeze Pro Mist’s appeal stems from its versatility: it can operate on battery power, be mounted on its stand, or function as a smaller, independent unit. Its battery operation and stand-free usage contribute to its flexibility. The package includes a water tank (function explained below), a remote control, and a protective cover. This cover protects the unit from dew when left outdoors and, more importantly, prevents dust accumulation on the blades and fan tunnel during periods of inactivity. A magnetic mount for the remote control is located on the back of the fan housing—a practical feature for preventing loss, as anyone familiar with fan remotes can appreciate.

Fan Modes and Functions

The FlexBreeze Pro Mist features five fan modes, ranging from Quiet Operation to High Power Cooling. It includes five timer modes, adjustable from one to five hours. Additionally, two modes simulate natural wind by cycling through different fan speeds. Oscillation is limited to horizontal movement with three sector options; vertical angle adjustment is manual.

The key feature is the “Mist” function. Via two nozzles on each side of the fan, water is sprayed and dispersed to create a water mist. This should not be mistaken for a typical room humidifier, which produces a gentle, ambient moisture. This system is more akin to a garden hose nozzle’s mist setting, but with a strong airflow, making it suitable primarily for outdoor use, as noted in the manual.

The FlexBreeze Pro Mist can operate at its lowest setting (level 1) for up to 24 hours when oscillation and water mist are disabled. Using the highest settings—maximum fan speed, oscillation, and water mist—reduces the runtime to approximately one and a half hours.

The Experience – FlexBreeze Pro Mist

The unit is larger than initially perceived, but its light weight makes it easy to move. A white version, without the mist function, exists; this color option would provide a sleeker aesthetic. The FlexBreeze Pro Mist, however, is only available in Charcoal Grey. While the color is acceptable, it gives a somewhat heavier appearance. The fan’s controls are intuitive, requiring minimal reference to the manual. Upon unpacking, the unit is labeled with clear instructions for assembly and operation, despite the straightforward setup.

The fan delivers powerful airflow, with level 2 and oscillation proving effective for indoor use. This setting remains relatively quiet while providing sufficient air circulation for a living room of approximately 30-40 square meters. Regarding noise levels, the fan is generally quiet. At the highest setting, the propeller blades’ cavitation produces significant noise, accompanied by a vibrating sound that resonates through the floor, similar to a distant tumble dryer. This constant sound, while present only at the highest setting, is a noticeable and undesirable side effect.

Outdoors, the fan is beneficial in still, hot conditions. The water mist is a welcome feature, but its use requires consideration, as proximity can result in dampness. The water tank can be connected whether the fan is mounted or not, as both the hose and tank are easily detachable. Beyond direct misting, the fan could be used to cool surrounding vegetation in areas like gazebos, creating a comfortable microclimate. While we did not test this application, the mist function is effective and best suited for very hot summer days.

Things we don’t like

The lack of vertical oscillation is a drawback considering the FlexBreeze Pro Mist’s price point. While the mist function is a key selling point, the manual vertical angle adjustment detracts from the overall user experience for a fan in the 3,200 kronor range.

An additional, weaker mist mode would be beneficial. This would allow for closer proximity to the fan while still enjoying the cooling effect of the air and mist without becoming overly wet.

The color choice is also a point of consideration. While a dark gray is a safe and stylish option, offering brighter color variants like clear blue or light green could enhance its aesthetic appeal. Alternatively, a white option would provide a more neutral alternative. The current gray color, while stylish, is somewhat uninspired.

Conclusion – Shark FlexBreeze Pro Mist

Shark continues to offer innovative and practical solutions. The FlexBreeze Pro Mist is an effective, quiet, and powerful fan suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments. While substantial in size, it becomes a more discreet element when used without the stand. The water mist feature is a valuable addition, though its utility is maximized during particularly hot periods.

Despite the mist feature, the price is somewhat high, as its usability is not constant. The Shark FlexBreeze Portable Fan, a similar model without the mist function, is available for 700 kronor less. However, considering the competitive landscape, even that price point is debatable, as alternatives from companies like Xiaomi offer similar functions at a lower cost, at least on paper. Yet, the Shark FlexBreeze Pro Mist distinguishes itself by integrating all of these features into a single unit, setting it apart from the competition.

Shark provided the review sample for this evaluation. The provision of review materials does not influence our editorial independence, and we maintain an objective perspective with our readers and consumers as our primary focus.