Buying a Shark ChillPill personal fan this week? There's only one colour left in stock, so you'll have to move like lightning to grab one

The Shark ChillPill is one of the best personal fans around, but it's selling out fast, and if you want to grab one for delivery this week you'll have to be quick. Right now the only option available for rapid delivery is the Shark ChillPill in Dragonfruit for £129 at Amazon.

All other colours are back-ordered, with the silver Cloud version not available until the end of July, and more popular options like Matcha green unavailable for at least six months. If you want your fan this side of Christmas, don't hang around.

I've been keeping a close eye on stocks of various fans during this summer's heatwaves, and personal coolers have been especially popular. In fact, according to a report published by the Guardian this morning, Britons are expected to buy eight million mini fans this year. Most of those will be cheap, low-quality devices sold for just a couple of pounds or even given away free, and last year it was calculated that 55% ended up in landfill.

You certainly don't have to spend £129 on a fan to keep yourself comfortable, and there are many cheaper options available. However much you spend though, it's worth taking care of it, and hanging onto it for as long as possible to prevent unnecessary e-waste — and to make sure you're ready when the temperature starts to climb again next year.

Hands-on with the ChillPill

If you do opt for the ChillPill, I think you'll be pleased. It's a compact and lightweight fan with 10 different speed settings, and a choice of three attachments: the standard fan, a misting fan with its own water reservoir, and a cooling plate to place against pulse points when you're getting uncomfortably warm.

I bought a ChillPill myself after trying one out, and it's been very welcome during my daily office commute — particularly when the train is replaced by a bus service. The misting attachment is especially effective, and can be filled from your drinking water bottle, though I recommend using the intermittent mode rather than continuous misting so the reservoir lasts longer between fills.

For more cooling options, take a look at our complete list of the best fans, which includes plenty of desk, standing, and tower fans to keep you comfortable at home.