Every fall, I haul heaters out of storage and pack away fans and A/C units, only to reverse the whole process six months later. If you don’t have central air, you know the drill. These devices are clunky, awkward to carry, and perpetually in the way. Worse, they often fail at delivering ideal temperature control—either blasting air that’s too weak, too drying, or annoyingly directed right at your face. That’s where the Dyson Hot+Cool Gen1 steps in, solving these problems with impressive efficiency. It heats, cools, purifies, and looks sleek while doing it.
A Magic Trick in Airflow
You’ve probably seen Dyson fans before—the ones without spinning blades, featuring a futuristic ring called an “air multiplier.” If you’ve ever stuck your hand through the ring, trying to figure out where the air comes from, you’re not alone. It seems like wizardry. Dyson’s latest lineup takes this concept even further by adding heat and air purification.
Why Dyson Stands Out
At Lifehacker, we’re big fans of fans (pun intended). Sure, A/C is great for cooling a room, but if you’re sitting at a desk or lounging solo, pointing a fan at yourself is a quick way to stay comfortable. The problem? Traditional fans are loud, drying, and tend to scatter papers across the room. They’re also dust magnets, and cleaning them is a nightmare. Dyson tackles these pain points head-on by hiding the fan blades in the base, delivering a gentle breeze without the blast.
When I tested it, I felt cool (or warm) without that aggressive wind sensation, and it was practically silent. I even kept it running during calls, and no one noticed. Plus, it’s easy to clean—every surface is smooth and accessible.
Instant Heating and Cooling
Comfort is key, and the Dyson excels here. It switches between heating and cooling in under five seconds, providing impressive, instant temperature control.
Whole-Room Comfort with Owl-Like Swiveling
The Gen1 swivels like an owl, offering customizable rotation angles: 45, 90, 180, or 350 degrees. This flexibility means you can cool or heat the entire room or direct airflow exactly where you want it. I tested it in a 400-square-foot space, though it’s rated for rooms up to 1,200 square feet.
Unlike traditional fans with just a few speed options, the Dyson offers nuanced control. You can fine-tune the temperature using the remote, which lets you set an ideal heating or cooling level.
Portable, Lightweight, and Versatile
Over a month of testing, I moved the Dyson around the room to see how placement affected performance. Whether it was on the floor, a table, or a shelf, the results were consistent. It’s lightweight (under 10 pounds) and easy to carry one-handed using the ring. Its sleek, modern design also blends seamlessly with any decor. Bonus: I never worried about my pet getting burned or knocking it over.
Air Purification: A Useful Bonus
While Dyson markets this as primarily a purifier, I saw it as more of a side benefit. During a stretch of poor air-quality days, I turned off my usual purifier and relied solely on the Dyson. It filters particles as small as 0.03 microns—better than my regular purifier—but I didn’t notice a huge difference in overall air quality. However, it did clear smoke faster, especially after I accidentally set off my kitchen’s fire alarm.
The digital display shows useful information, including air quality, current mode, and swivel angle. You can even switch to “night mode,” which kills the display lights and noise for a more restful sleep. I found myself sleeping better with the Dyson instead of my noisy A/C, which often left my sinuses irritated.
Minor Flaws and Upgrade Options
The Dyson isn’t perfect. As the fan swivels, it can be tricky to catch the right angle with the remote to change modes. Speaking of which, the small remote is easy to lose, and it’s the only way to activate the heater (you can turn on cooling directly from the unit).
Unlike newer Dyson models, the Gen1 lacks app functionality, meaning no voice control or automations. If those features matter to you, consider upgrading to the Dyson Hot+Cool HP07 or HP09, which offer app integration and additional bells and whistles.
Price: A Premium Experience Comes at a Cost
At $599, the Dyson Hot+Cool Gen1 isn’t cheap, though it’s more affordable than some higher-end Dyson models. The HP07 and HP09 cost $649 and $749, respectively. Compared to traditional A/C units or tower heaters, it’s pricey. Keep in mind that you’ll also need to replace the filter annually, which costs about $80.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Dyson Hot+Cool Gen1 Air Purifier, and how does it work?
The Dyson Hot+Cool Gen1 Air Purifier is a multifunctional device designed to purify the air while also serving as a heater and a cooling fan. It uses Dyson’s advanced HEPA filtration technology to capture allergens, pollutants, and ultrafine particles, ensuring cleaner air in your home. It provides year-round functionality by offering heating during cold weather and cool airflow during warmer months.
Can the Dyson Hot+Cool Gen1 Air Purifier be used all year round?
Yes, the Dyson Hot+Cool Gen1 is designed for year-round use. It functions as a heater during the winter, a cooling fan in the summer, and an air purifier throughout the year, helping improve indoor air quality by removing dust, pet dander, pollen, and pollutants.
Does the Dyson Hot+Cool Gen1 Air Purifier have a HEPA filter, and how often should it be replaced?
Yes, the Dyson Hot+Cool Gen1 Air Purifier is equipped with a HEPA filter that captures 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. Dyson recommends replacing the filter every 12 months, depending on usage, to maintain optimal performance.
How energy-efficient is the Dyson Hot+Cool Gen1 Air Purifier when used as a heater or fan?
The Dyson Hot+Cool Gen1 is designed to be energy-efficient, using precise temperature control and targeted heating to avoid wasting energy. It automatically monitors and maintains your desired room temperature, reducing unnecessary power consumption.
Is the Dyson Hot+Cool Gen1 Air Purifier safe to use around pets and children?
Yes, it’s designed with safety in mind. The device has no fast-spinning blades, making it safe for homes with pets and children. Additionally, it features an automatic shut-off function if it’s accidentally tipped over, providing extra peace of mind.
Conclusion
The Dyson Hot+Cool Gen1 Air Purifier stands out as a multifunctional device that combines effective air purification with both heating and cooling capabilities. With its sleek design, HEPA filtration, and energy-efficient performance, it caters to year-round comfort and improved air quality. Whether you’re seeking relief from allergens, warmth in winter, or a refreshing breeze in summer, the Dyson Hot+Cool Gen1 delivers with ease and style.
Its safety features, user-friendly controls, and quiet operation make it an excellent choice for homes with children and pets. Though it comes at a premium price, the added versatility and Dyson’s trusted innovation ensure you’re investing in a device that’s both practical and powerful. If you’re looking for an all-in-one solution to enhance your home environment, the Dyson Hot+Cool Gen1 Air Purifier is a worthy contender.
