I’ve always had issues with getting overheated, even as a kid, but in the last few years, since I’ve been in the thick of perimenopause, my hot flashes have gotten even worse. In an effort to find a solution, I’ve spent an exorbitant amount of money on fans, cooling sheets, and breathable pillows—to no avail. So when I got the opportunity to try Shark’s ChillPill—a new, powerful cooling tool—I couldn’t wait to see how it performed.
Shop the new Shark ChillPill on Amazon
At first glance, the fan looks like yet another handheld device. In reality, it’s more like having a mini air conditioner that fits inside your purse. It comes with three attachments, including a fan, a mister, and an “InstaChill” cooling plate (more on that later). Though this little gadget was officially released earlier this week on Amazon, I was given the chance to test it out several weeks early.
When I talk to my friends who are also going through perimenopause, I know I’m not alone in desiring a good fan to help soothe hot flashes. Keep reading for my full, unfiltered review of this brand-new device.
Cons
- Fan speeds 5-10 are a little loud
- Lanyard attachment sold separately
Features at a Glance
| Fan Settings | 1-10, up to 25 feet per second |
| Length of charge | 11 hours of cooling at the lowest speed or 1.5 hours at max speed |
| Colors | 7 |
| Weight | 0.77 lbs |
Product details
Despite its admittedly high cost, its three attachments make it even more versatile than your average portable fan. It pushes air with 10 different speeds, and in my testing, level five was intense enough to wick away excess heat. And, the fan is bladeless, so you don’t have to worry about getting your hair or fingers caught.
There’s also a misting attachment, which has a small tank you can fill with water (up to 10 minutes’ worth of mist, according to the brand), for extra cooling relief. I’ve found that it’s a nice feeling that also doesn’t leave you totally soaked—so I could see it being an ideal feature when summer temperatures hit, and I’m walking on a street with no shade.
The ChillPill propped up in an adjustable fan mode.
The ChillPill has an easy-to-read display screen and one large power button.
The feature that makes this device stand out for me is the InstaChill cooling plate; it’s the attachment that I’ve used the most because it’s so unique. Turn on the ChillPill and press the InstaChill plate against your skin; it instantly reduces your temperature. The brand claims it can cool your skin by 16 degrees in a matter of seconds, and while I haven’t done the scientific testing that their lab has, I used it after a hot pilates class week, and it helped cool me off quickly. Another underrated use for this feature? I pressed it against my forehead during a migraine last weekend for quick, cooling relief.
How it works
The ChillPill cooling plate goes right against your skin for instant cold relief.
The misting feature of the ChillPill in use.
To turn the ChillPill on, simply press the one large button and adjust the fan speed by turning a dial—making it very easy to operate. I really like the easy-to-read display for seeing which setting I’m on, especially in the dark or at night. When you want to use the mist, fill the small tank with water (tap water is fine), then hold it near your face and place the cooling plate directly against your skin.
I also like that the two halves of the device twist, so you can prop it up next to you and use the fan or misting option hands-free. Shark says they’ll soon be selling attachments so you can securely clamp the ChillPill onto your stroller or spin bike, making it great for walks and workouts, or even a clip or lanyard to use it as a wearable on hot summer days.
The battery reportedly lasts up to 11 hours before you’ll need to charge it with a USB-C cable. I’ve personally only used it for about three hours without having it plugged in, but I’m looking forward to taking it with me on vacations to really see how long it lasts.
How I tested it
The Shark ChillPill comes with three different attachments: a fan, mister, and a cooling plate.
I’ve got a drawer full of handheld fans that I usually take with me on long walks and runs, but after a few weeks of testing, the ChillPill stands out from the rest. It has earned a coveted spot on my nightstand since the day I got it, since I can easily grab it at 3 a.m. when a middle-of-the-night hot flash hits. I usually sleep with a window fan on low, but the ChillPill adds a more direct breeze, and I particularly love that the large button means I don’t even need to open my eyes to turn it on.
The ChillPill comes in seven different colors.
After a heated Pilates class last week, I used the cooling plate to provide some post-workout relief. While I got dressed and did my makeup, I swapped the plate for the fan and propped the device on the counter so I could continue to enjoy a cool breeze. Usually, I leave the studio still feeling warm, but the ChillPill minimized that.
The discreet look of this fan is another major plus. It comes in seven different colors, each with the three attachments, a small storage bag, and a USB-C cable. I wish it came with the crossbody lanyard to start for even more portability, but it’s easy enough to add on at a later date as long as you’re willing to spend a few extra bucks.
The bottom line
I’m looking forward to having this on my next flight, as I always feel too warm on airplanes and love the ability to target air directly at myself, especially if I’m stuck in a middle seat. Just note that the directions note that above level five is meant for outdoor usage, and I found that those higher levels are a little loud, despite the size.
I’m curious to see how this fan holds up against warm temperatures. Right now, I’ve been using it indoors for workout recovery and hot flash relief—and already think it’s worth its weight in gold—but I’m planning on testing the cooling plate when the first summer heat wave hits. Admittedly, I haven’t used the misting feature much yet, but I suspect it’ll be a hit in the summer if you’re walking around or spectating a sporting event with no shade.
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