When my home gets stuffy, especially during those in-between seasons or when the AC just isn’t quite cutting it, the air feels heavy and stagnant. I remember trying to work or even relax when the air wasn’t moving; it was uncomfortable, distracting, and just made everything feel warmer and less fresh. Finding a way to efficiently move air around a room was crucial to creating a comfortable living space, preventing that feeling of being trapped in still, warm air. Without a proper solution, this lack of air circulation could make even cool air feel stifling and hot spots persist.
Before you dive into buying a fan or air circulator, it’s worth considering what problem you’re trying to solve. Are you looking to cool a room, distribute heated or cooled air more evenly, or just create a more comfortable breeze? Air circulators, like the Vornado 660, are specifically designed to move air throughout an entire room, not just blow air directly at you. This makes them ideal for someone who wants to improve overall room comfort and efficiency, perhaps by helping your AC or heater work better or simply by alleviating stuffiness. The ideal customer wants more than just a personal breeze; they seek a solution for whole-room airflow.
Who might *not* be the best fit for an air circulator? If you’re looking for something to sit right next to you at your desk and provide a constant blast of air on your face, a traditional oscillating fan might be more your speed. Air circulators are about the *feeling* of moving air throughout the space, not necessarily a direct wind. If noise is a major concern and you need absolute silence even on higher settings, you might need to look for specifically labeled “ultra-quiet” personal fans, though most powerful air movers will generate some level of sound. Key things to think about before buying include the size of your room, how much noise you can tolerate, where you plan to place the unit, and whether you need oscillation (many whole-room circulators do not oscillate, relying instead on their unique airflow pattern).
Unveiling the Vornado 660
Enter the Vornado 660 Large Whole Room Air Circulator Fan. This unit is designed with one primary goal: to move air effectively throughout an entire room using Vornado’s signature Vortex Action technology. The promise is that this air circulator won’t just push air; it will circulate it everywhere, ensuring even temperatures and consistent comfort.
When you purchase the Vornado 660, you typically get the fan unit itself and an owner’s guide. Compared to market leaders (which Vornado itself is often considered) and previous versions like the 630 or older 733 models, the 660 represents an evolution in design and control while maintaining that core Vornado performance. It features a sleek, modern aesthetic with push-button controls and a unique glide bar for adjustable tilt, departing from the rotary dials and fixed tilt options of some older units.
This specific model, the Vornado 660 Large, is best suited for medium to large rooms like living rooms, bedrooms, or offices where you need significant air movement. It might be overkill for a tiny office cubicle or personal desk space, but it truly shines in more expansive areas where traditional fans struggle to make an impact beyond their immediate vicinity.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons based on my long-term use:
Pros:
* Exceptional whole-room air circulation due to Vortex technology.
* Powerful airflow reaching up to 100 feet.
* Durable and built to last (backed by a 5-year warranty).
* Sleek, modern design with adjustable tilt.
* Easy-to-use push-button controls.
Cons:
* Can be noisy on higher settings.
* Does not oscillate.
* Cord length could be longer for some placements.
* Cleaning requires removing the grill, which can be a bit tedious.
Detailed Look at Performance and Advantages
Having used the Vornado 660 for a significant amount of time, I can attest to its capabilities, particularly in its core function of air circulation. Let’s break down the key features and the benefits they bring to everyday comfort.
The Power of Vortex Action
This is the heart and soul of any Vornado air circulator, and the 660 leverages it beautifully. Unlike standard fans that simply blow air forward, the Vornado 660 utilizes deep-pitched blades, an inlet guide cone, enclosed air duct, and a spiral grill to create a concentrated beam of air. This beam travels across the room, bounces off the opposite wall, and circulates throughout the entire space before returning to the fan.
Why is this important? Because it genuinely moves *all* the air in the room. This means you don’t get hot spots or cold spots. If you’re using it with air conditioning, it helps distribute the cool air evenly, allowing you to potentially set your thermostat a bit higher and save on energy bills. If you have a room that feels stagnant or stuffy, this whole room air circulator constantly mixes the air, creating a feeling of fresh, comfortable movement everywhere, not just directly in front of the unit. It reaches areas a standard fan might miss, like corners or behind furniture. The claim of moving air up to 100 feet isn’t just marketing jargon; you can genuinely feel the effect of the circulation far from the fan itself.
Effortless Controls
The Vornado 660 features straightforward push-button controls located conveniently on the top of the unit. There are buttons for the four speeds. This might seem minor, but compared to older models with rear dials or other less intuitive setups, having the buttons on top is simple and accessible. There’s no fumbling around the back or trying to see a dial position in dim light. You simply push the button for the speed you want.
The four speeds offer versatility. The lowest setting is relatively quiet (though not silent) and provides a gentle circulation, great for bedrooms or quieter environments. The higher speeds are powerful and move a tremendous amount of air, perfect for quickly cooling down a space or combating significant stuffiness. The trade-off, as with most powerful fans, is increased noise on the highest settings. While it doesn’t remember the last speed setting when turned off (it defaults to the highest speed upon the first button press, then cycles down), the simplicity of just pressing a button makes operation easy for anyone.
Multi-Directional Airflow Control
The 660 boasts a stylish chrome glide bar that allows for adjustable tilt. This means you can easily angle the fan head up or down to direct the airflow precisely where you need it. While the fan doesn’t oscillate horizontally (which is typical for Vornado’s whole-room circulators as their vortex action handles horizontal spread), the vertical adjustment is smooth and stays put once set.
This feature is beneficial because it allows you to optimize the circulation for your specific room layout. Pointing the air towards the ceiling is a common technique recommended by Vornado to maximize the “bounce” and whole-room effect, but you can also angle it towards a wall or even slightly downwards if needed. The glide bar makes this adjustment much easier than on fans with stepped or stiff pivot points. It’s a simple yet effective way to fine-tune the powerful airflow.
Optimum Performance and Placement
The design of the Vornado 660 allows it to perform effectively whether placed on the floor or a table. Its relatively compact footprint for a “large room” circulator means it doesn’t take up excessive space. The combination of the deep-pitched blades, inlet guide cone, enclosed air duct, and spiral grill are all engineered to work together to create that efficient vortex.
From a performance standpoint, this fan excels at its intended purpose. When the air is stagnant, turning on the 660 quickly changes the feeling of the room. It’s particularly effective in rooms with flat ceilings where the air has a clear surface to reflect off of. While it still helps in rooms with vaulted ceilings, the effect of the circulation beam isn’t quite as pronounced, as one user noted. However, even in such rooms, it’s still far more effective at moving air than a traditional fan. Its ability to help distribute cooled or heated air means it can be a valuable tool for improving comfort and potentially reducing energy consumption year-round.
Durability and Build Quality
One of the reasons Vornado fans command a higher price point is their build quality, and the Vornado 660 is no exception. The materials feel sturdy, and the design feels robust. My experience, and that of other long-term users, is that these fans are built to last. It’s not uncommon to hear about Vornado fans still running strong after a decade or more of continuous use.
The design, using a mix of gloss and matte plastics with the chrome accent, gives it a visually appealing, almost premium look that stands out from generic plastic fans. While some reviewers mentioned minor quibbles like the tilt mechanism requiring two hands initially or the rear switch area gathering dust (on a similar model, though the 660’s controls are on top), the overall impression is one of a well-constructed appliance designed for longevity. The 5-year warranty offered by Vornado further reinforces their confidence in the product’s durability, providing significant peace of mind compared to the typical one-year warranties on less expensive fans.
Ease of Cleaning
Maintaining air quality and fan efficiency requires occasional cleaning. The Vornado 660 features a removable grill, which is essential for accessing the blades and the interior to wipe away accumulated dust. This is a significant plus, as some fans are notoriously difficult or impossible to clean thoroughly.
The process involves removing a few screws (typically) to detach the front grill, allowing you full access to the fan components for cleaning. While reattaching the grill might take a minute, the ability to keep the fan clean ensures it continues to operate at peak efficiency and prevents the circulation of dusty air. Compared to the hassle of cleaning other fan types, the 660’s design makes this necessary chore manageable, albeit perhaps not as quick as simply wiping down a surface.
What Users Are Saying Online
Looking across various online platforms, the sentiment from users who have purchased the Vornado 660 is overwhelmingly positive. Many reviewers highlight the fan’s incredible power and ability to move air throughout an entire room, often noting a distinct difference compared to traditional fans. Users frequently praise its effectiveness in cooling spaces or improving comfort when used alongside HVAC systems. The durability is another recurring theme, with multiple people mentioning owning Vornado fans for many years without issues, justifying the higher initial cost. While some acknowledge the noise level on high settings and the lack of oscillation as minor drawbacks, they generally feel these are acceptable trade-offs for the superior air circulation performance. The easy-to-use controls and sturdy build also receive positive mentions.
Final Thoughts on the Vornado 660
Dealing with stagnant, uncomfortable air in your home is a common problem, and if left unaddressed, it can make even temperature-controlled rooms feel stuffy and unpleasant. The lack of proper air movement can create noticeable differences in temperature from one area to another and just make being indoors less comfortable overall.
The Vornado 660 Large Whole Room Air Circulator Fan is a fantastic solution for this issue. Its powerful Vortex Action truly lives up to the promise of circulating air throughout an entire room, not just creating a localized breeze. With its durable build, straightforward controls, and adjustable tilt, it’s designed for long-term performance and ease of use. While it has minor drawbacks like noise on high and no oscillation, its core function of superior whole-room air movement makes it a worthwhile investment for anyone seeking consistent comfort and improved air circulation in medium to large spaces. If you’re tired of ineffective fans and want a powerful, reliable way to improve the air quality and feel of your living areas, this Vornado air circulator is definitely worth considering. To find out more and check out the product details, click here.