Vornado 143 Tower Circulator

Expensive but good – The fan needs to be on the highest setting for it to achieve any meaningful wind flow, which unfortunately also means its quite loud. However with the amount of area the curve airflow design can cover, it's certainly does it job. When placed correctly in the living room, everyone on the counch is able to feel the winds blowing their way. I like it a lot, but it would be perfect if it can be quieter.

It's effective – In relation to the above review, I'm not sure if you bought it online, but I purchased mine in store and the sales assistant pointed out it wasn't like the other models. Even on the box it shows a diagram of it only covering a 90 degree footprint. I'm sure it would be disappointing expecting something completely different. For me however I… Read more

bought two models, a vortex desk top and this model. Even though the sales assistant said it wasn't so good in terms of oscillating the airflow (and I agree it is rather limited), it does perform quite effectively.

I have it in the lounge next to the tv and it fits very well in terms of aesthetics, which was a big point in my decision to buy this. The reason being is I live in a small appartment where space is an issue, and I reasoned the squat floor model was too much insofar as it would look like a large frog humming in the corner. This thing is far more discreet and goes almost unnoticed in that it fits in.

I do like the design. The lines of the grill are quite nice and the blue LEDs are not invasive at night with dimmed lighting.

Functionally, it comes with a remote which sits neatly on top of the system.

Given it is less powerful than the vortex style models it does run a lot quieter. I reasoned though that when watching tv the last thing your ear drums and neighbours want is more decibels, so although it is disappointing if you're intending a more powerful vortex oscillation style, it is ideal for a lounge room where you wish to keep the noise down and still have a directed air flow.

Overall, I love both models and am impressed with the five year warranty. Thumbs up !

Its good but not for everyone – This is a fan that may disappoint unless you consider what you want / need before you buy. I have another Vornado (floor model, 630A) and it shoots a jet stream of air across the room (claimed 23m which is probably right) and really creates an air circulation pattern in the room. Vornado's "claim to fame" is they have fans which create an air… Read more

circulation patten (see their website as to why this is a good thing compared to normal fans).

So, I bought my 2nd Vornado, this time for the bedroom and choose the Vornado Tower 143 thinking it would also shoot a jet stream of air for the claimed 18m but I am very disappointed that it doesn't. The air it puts out is spread across the length of the tower but mostly in the bottom half of the tower and it is in a diagonal pattern....ie.. a / direction rather than a completely vertical 90 degrees. I feel it does not create the air circulation pattern that the 630A does because the air output is less focused than the 630A. I think Vornado has muddied their "claim to fame" by introducing this model and I find it hard to differentiate this tower from another brand of tower. Considering Vornado's price, which are at least double what the equivalent in other brands are, the Tower 143 is not exceptional to warrant the price premium. (I think the 630A style is definitely worth the price premium).

The Tower 143 fan speed is noisy on medium and high, while on low it is not nearly silent as claimed on the box. Without a fan I fall straight to sleep, however, on low it keeps me a wake for a while

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The base is very sturdy. There can be plastic rattle even on low, but if you push the tower a different direction on the base it can be eliminated.

The timer is great and users can select 1, 2, 4, 8 hours. If it wasn't for this I probably would have returned it by now.

The air intake is at the front on the side. When buying I did not check this and had assumed it would be on the back. Why does this matter? A rear air intake when placed against open window or door sucks in the outside air and circulates into the room (great on days when your home is hotter inside than out). I do not think the Vornado's air intake at the front is as good and I think a rear intake model would make the room cooler.

Overall, I am disappointed but I have kept it 1) due to the timer, 2) the flow of air is high enough to go ahead the bed and I can feel it but not too strong that I get a cold spot or feel a draft.

If I were buying again what would I do? If I wanted a tower I would go with another brand and save the $, or if I wanted a fan to create a circulation patten I would select a smaller version of the 630A. Timer, tower Expensive, does not create the air circulation patten Vornado is famous for, noisy.