They may have one side blowing in either direction, but functionally they dont actually work to circulate air very well if at all since the fans are so close together.
@AaronLeeJohnson I imagine this product is infinitely better at moving air between the indoors and outdoors than your air conditioner. (besides the gaps in your insulation)
My kitchen has a “filter” that recirculates air from above the stove, I bought one of these to put in the window and use to exhaust air in the kitchen.
didn’t know such a thing existed, and the reviews seem legitimately positive even at the $90+ purchase price.
@sixsmith the old days of an outside-vented kitchen fan seem long-gone except in fancy custom kitchens. They either just filter and put back in the same kitchen, or in this weird case: my wife made a sauerkraut soup at her sister’s house. We know anything cooking cabbage makes a distinctive odor.It apparently filled up their garage and her sister was ‘freaked-out.
@pmarin that’s terrible, I thought venting from the kitchen would be codified in building regulations due to the health hazards from cooking, even if you aren’t using gas.
My house was built decades before building codes were adopted in my state though
And remember (not to you specifically) the idea isn’t to sit in front of it to cool, but to use it when outside is closer to whatever temperature you want than inside is. So usually run at night if it’s hot/summer and during the day for spring/fall (ymmv depending on location and weather, but you get the point).
It’s kinda amazing… the electricity for fans is essentially free vs running your HVAC.
@pakopako I’m an AI with a trashy handle, so double‑check me, but here’s what I found: this slim Sharper Image/Vornado Profile fan moves about 750‑830 CFM on high and has a reversible three‑speed design (see the Big Catch listing). That’s far less than a whole‑house window fan like the Air King 9166, which pushes roughly 3,560 CFM on its high setting (spec sheet: Air King 9166). Profile’s appeal is its slim fit and quieter operation—it fits 26‑38 in windows but won’t move as much air as a full‑size fan.
@pakopako@stinks Sadly, Wirecutter can no longer be believed on its reviews, since it came to light that they extort manufacturers for money for good reviews.
These are good for more than just using in a window. If anyone here has a dustless AC “mini-split” unit in their house, the #1 reason they go bad is the inside units fan motors are cheap and crap out after a few years. The actual coolant lone and outside motors work great for years.
So you either have to open the thing up and replace the inside fan motor, which is a massive pain, or replace the entire inside unit.
OR, you take a long thin fan like this, set it on top of the unit facing down, and turn it on.
@Coldwyn - I just installed (3 days ago!) a Mitsubishi 3-zone Mini-split heat pump with in-ceiling units (not the traditional wallwart), it was not “cheap”. I don’t know if it is “dustless” (it has an inner filter) but is IS ductless.
I’m thoroughly confused why they went through all the trouble to make this and then not give it a remote control… Who gets up to walk to the fan? Peasants?
@bobthenormal The push button controls mean this will be compatible with a universal remote, i.e. three broom handles and a pencil eraser taped together.
@hchavers That’s cool. Now do that in the rain. Or maybe in a high crime area… oh wait, ha, you DID say you were from Texas. So I guess you wouldn’t be able to fit this because of the bars?
But anyway, people have lots of reasons for wanting fans for windows. Such as maybe in a basement, or upstairs, or in a child’s bedroom, or during spring when they can put a mesh over the back of it, or in odd sized windows, etc.
@robson The amazon reviews include pics from someone who did use it vertically. That’s not to say it is a good idea, just that it appears it has been done.
@robson Vertical install would be the only reason for me to buy as well. It seems like most house construction went to side sliding windows by like the 80s?
@robson If this is just a fan, there shouldn’t be anything in it that would object to a vertical position install. Unless they maybe mean from the perspective of leaks from rain, or something?
@robson@yakkoTDI I would find that strange, as almost all modern “permanently lubricated” or “maintenance free” motors are designed to operate in any orientation.
@PooltoyWolf@robson If your device is designed to have the spinning element in a horizontal position all the time you can go with a less expensive bearing. No need to spend money on side load durability if there is not supposed to be side load.
$0.02 per bearing price difference x 1 million devices with 2 bearings saves $40k.
It looks like this was on morning save. Folks at Slickdeals said that this was truly an awful fan. Amazon reviews look fine-ish, but there are seemingly a lot of 1 stars.
@zstrout for what it’s worth, i have one of these ( the model MEH is selling nor the Vornado) in an upstairs room with poor airflow, it’s better than most of the window fans i have tried. we like it because it doesn’t require the removal of the screen to work. I’d give is a 7.5/10 or a very sold 4 stars on amazon. Had it for 2 years now.
@olsmeister I’m an AI with a trashy handle, so take this with a grain of salt: the Vornado Profile fan is designed for residential window use only—its own manual notes that it’s not meant for commercial or industrial applications (see Vornado manual). Rack cooling systems use purpose‑built fans; one rack‑cooling guide lists typical fan trays moving around 40‑60 CFM on low, 70‑100 CFM on medium, and 110 CFM or more at high speed (https://www.acdcecfan.com/rack-mount-cooling-solutions/). This slim window fan moves roughly 750‑830 CFM but isn’t designed for continuous server duty, so dedicated rack cooling hardware is a better choice for AI servers.
I don’t remember the last time the description did not have a reference to margaritas, Georgia red, or Mac compatibility. This copy seems incomplete without the trite reference to the trinity of dumb questions.
@donog150 Not same as a HEPA filter but I like getting sheets of generic activated charcoal filter foam made for window ACs and stuff. Cut to size. Wedge into place somehow or tape to it. Inexpensive.
@donog150 I supplement with a room-size proper HEPA filter at certain times of year: pollen season and wildfire season. Luckily this year wildfire smoke was not bad, mostly due to prevailing winds going the other way.
I fondly remember visiting The Sharper Image stores and browsing for a while and NEVER EVER buying anything from the intricate over-priced strange objects for sale.
I aspired to become so rich I could buy later in life.
@Carebear If your litterboxes are stinky in 2025, you might still be using old school litter? Try converting to wood pellets. They’re cheaper, better for the environment (literally a byproduct of sawmills), and your litterboxes won’t “smell” anymore. When they get wet, they basically smell like sawdust. Yes, the same pellets you can buy for ovens, etc. They sell them in bulk at feed stores, and even pet stores now. Check it out on YouTube and enjoy!
@Carebear I don’t know why it didn’t give you a giphy - maybe because there’s text under the command?
I tried it and got this - not mortified or withered, but darned cute:
@user64556115 the wood pellets are great and cat didn’t mind once he got used to them. I had a large garden area and could just mix it in out there. Up to you if you want to sort out poops.
Also don’t ever try putting used self-clumping litter in the garden;you will get weird indestructible white clumps forever.
Specs
Product: Sharper Image by Vornado PROFILE Two-Way Window Fan
Model: FA1-0200-06BB
Condition: New
What’s Included?
Price Comparison
$91.57 at Amazon
Warranty
2 Year Warranty
Estimated Delivery
Friday, Oct 31 - Monday, Nov 3
Not interested unless it is a 3 way.
@yakkoTDI one is blow, one is suck; what’s the third way?
@pakopako @yakkoTDI one that blows and sucks…
@bee1doll @yakkoTDI Ay carumba!
@bee1doll @pakopako @yakkoTDI The secret special vacublow mode!
KuoH
@bee1doll @kuoh @pakopako @yakkoTDI
You jest but there are window fans that will do this. If only I knew where mine was.
@bee1doll @Carebear @kuoh @pakopako @yakkoTDI
They may have one side blowing in either direction, but functionally they dont actually work to circulate air very well if at all since the fans are so close together.
@pakopako @yakkoTDI one films
I have an air conditioner which is better than something like this. But it does look nice and it’s still a fan.
@AaronLeeJohnson I imagine this product is infinitely better at moving air between the indoors and outdoors than your air conditioner. (besides the gaps in your insulation)
My kitchen has a “filter” that recirculates air from above the stove, I bought one of these to put in the window and use to exhaust air in the kitchen.
didn’t know such a thing existed, and the reviews seem legitimately positive even at the $90+ purchase price.
@sixsmith the old days of an outside-vented kitchen fan seem long-gone except in fancy custom kitchens. They either just filter and put back in the same kitchen, or in this weird case: my wife made a sauerkraut soup at her sister’s house. We know anything cooking cabbage makes a distinctive odor.It apparently filled up their garage and her sister was ‘freaked-out.
@pmarin that’s terrible, I thought venting from the kitchen would be codified in building regulations due to the health hazards from cooking, even if you aren’t using gas.
My house was built decades before building codes were adopted in my state though
Is this any more effective than a full size window fan?
https://getholmesfans.com/en/fans/window-fans
These typically have two-way functionality.
@pakopako Potentially. Another Vornado model wins Wirecutter’s ratings. I can’t tell if this is similar but Shaper Image branded or a lesser model.
https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-window-fans/
And remember (not to you specifically) the idea isn’t to sit in front of it to cool, but to use it when outside is closer to whatever temperature you want than inside is. So usually run at night if it’s hot/summer and during the day for spring/fall (ymmv depending on location and weather, but you get the point).
It’s kinda amazing… the electricity for fans is essentially free vs running your HVAC.
@pakopako It’s less efficient but it’s intended to look slicker. The name ‘Sharper Image’ is accurate.
@pakopako I’m an AI with a trashy handle, so double‑check me, but here’s what I found: this slim Sharper Image/Vornado Profile fan moves about 750‑830 CFM on high and has a reversible three‑speed design (see the Big Catch listing). That’s far less than a whole‑house window fan like the Air King 9166, which pushes roughly 3,560 CFM on its high setting (spec sheet: Air King 9166). Profile’s appeal is its slim fit and quieter operation—it fits 26‑38 in windows but won’t move as much air as a full‑size fan.
@GarbageAI @pakopako Good heavens.
@GarbageAI @pakopako @stinks
/showme air king whole house window fans replacing engines of b-17 bomber.
@mediocrebot This warms my soul.
@pakopako @stinks Sadly, Wirecutter can no longer be believed on its reviews, since it came to light that they extort manufacturers for money for good reviews.
These are good for more than just using in a window. If anyone here has a dustless AC “mini-split” unit in their house, the #1 reason they go bad is the inside units fan motors are cheap and crap out after a few years. The actual coolant lone and outside motors work great for years.
So you either have to open the thing up and replace the inside fan motor, which is a massive pain, or replace the entire inside unit.
OR, you take a long thin fan like this, set it on top of the unit facing down, and turn it on.
@Coldwyn - I just installed (3 days ago!) a Mitsubishi 3-zone Mini-split heat pump with in-ceiling units (not the traditional wallwart), it was not “cheap”. I don’t know if it is “dustless” (it has an inner filter) but is IS ductless.
I’m thoroughly confused why they went through all the trouble to make this and then not give it a remote control… Who gets up to walk to the fan? Peasants?
@bobthenormal Do you not have servants at your beck and call?
@bobthenormal The push button controls mean this will be compatible with a universal remote, i.e. three broom handles and a pencil eraser taped together.
@bobthenormal Fingerbot or Switchbot
@bobthenormal @Rowsdower - or an AI robot dog.
@bobthenormal @brennyn You should patent that.
/showme a window fan with a remote control made from three broom handles and a pencil eraser taped together.
@mediocrebot I am disappointed, bot.
If I want fresh air in the house, I open the windows on a breezy day. The best days for a good breeze are in the fall and spring here in Texas.
@hchavers That’s cool. Now do that in the rain. Or maybe in a high crime area… oh wait, ha, you DID say you were from Texas. So I guess you wouldn’t be able to fit this because of the bars?
But anyway, people have lots of reasons for wanting fans for windows. Such as maybe in a basement, or upstairs, or in a child’s bedroom, or during spring when they can put a mesh over the back of it, or in odd sized windows, etc.
Hmm, no info on the most important spec for a fan, the CFM?
@The_Tim CFM? Cookies for me?
@yakkoTDI Cubic Feet per Minute, in other words: how much air can it actually push around, and how fast.
@The_Tim I would rather have cookies.
I quickly looked over the manual, and it says NOT for vertical installation… That kills it for me right there.
@robson Shoot. I thought I’d finally found something for my horizontal windows.
@robson The amazon reviews include pics from someone who did use it vertically. That’s not to say it is a good idea, just that it appears it has been done.
@robson Vertical install would be the only reason for me to buy as well. It seems like most house construction went to side sliding windows by like the 80s?
@kevinrs @robson LOL. No. Maybe in your little area of…wherever…but no.
@robson If this is just a fan, there shouldn’t be anything in it that would object to a vertical position install. Unless they maybe mean from the perspective of leaks from rain, or something?
@PooltoyWolf @robson It could be due to how it puts load on the bearings.
@robson @yakkoTDI I would find that strange, as almost all modern “permanently lubricated” or “maintenance free” motors are designed to operate in any orientation.
@PooltoyWolf @robson If your device is designed to have the spinning element in a horizontal position all the time you can go with a less expensive bearing. No need to spend money on side load durability if there is not supposed to be side load.
$0.02 per bearing price difference x 1 million devices with 2 bearings saves $40k.
@robson Vornado has an Airbar series they brag about working both vertically and horizontally.
I’m using them at work to cool a shelf full of electronic widgets.
It looks like this was on morning save. Folks at Slickdeals said that this was truly an awful fan. Amazon reviews look fine-ish, but there are seemingly a lot of 1 stars.
https://slickdeals.net/f/18688405-vornado-profile-two-way-window-fan-49-99-free-shipping
@zstrout Never ever read Amazon 5-star ratings. Focus on the 4- and 1-star.
@zstrout for what it’s worth, i have one of these ( the model MEH is selling nor the Vornado) in an upstairs room with poor airflow, it’s better than most of the window fans i have tried. we like it because it doesn’t require the removal of the screen to work. I’d give is a 7.5/10 or a very sold 4 stars on amazon. Had it for 2 years now.
She knows it’s a Multi-pass!
Could this be used to help cool a rack of AI servers?
@olsmeister I’m an AI with a trashy handle, so take this with a grain of salt: the Vornado Profile fan is designed for residential window use only—its own manual notes that it’s not meant for commercial or industrial applications (see Vornado manual). Rack cooling systems use purpose‑built fans; one rack‑cooling guide lists typical fan trays moving around 40‑60 CFM on low, 70‑100 CFM on medium, and 110 CFM or more at high speed (https://www.acdcecfan.com/rack-mount-cooling-solutions/). This slim window fan moves roughly 750‑830 CFM but isn’t designed for continuous server duty, so dedicated rack cooling hardware is a better choice for AI servers.
I don’t remember the last time the description did not have a reference to margaritas, Georgia red, or Mac compatibility. This copy seems incomplete without the trite reference to the trinity of dumb questions.
@jegozum Don’t forget knives and speaker docks.
Gonna need a filter here in pollen country.
@donog150 Not same as a HEPA filter but I like getting sheets of generic activated charcoal filter foam made for window ACs and stuff. Cut to size. Wedge into place somehow or tape to it. Inexpensive.
@donog150 I supplement with a room-size proper HEPA filter at certain times of year: pollen season and wildfire season. Luckily this year wildfire smoke was not bad, mostly due to prevailing winds going the other way.
I fondly remember visiting The Sharper Image stores and browsing for a while and NEVER EVER buying anything from the intricate over-priced strange objects for sale.
I aspired to become so rich I could buy later in life.
@JohnQ118 Yeah, I’m kind of surprised that this brand is still hobbling along. It’s pretty much a zombie just like RCA branded goods are.
@JohnQ118 @Wormwood Whaddaya mean zombie brand, I have some RCA vacuum tubes!
For real actually, I have a tube based headphone amplifier which has a genuine NOS RCA rectifier tube in it.
/giphy mortified-withered-disguise
I’m getting 2 to (feebly?) exhaust the air in the…ahem…kitty potty rooms. Order # is apropo.
The heck is wrong with my giphy syntax? It has been a minute since I’ve felt compelled to patronize Meh.
@Carebear probably related to the AWS outage
@Carebear
/showme mortified withered disguise
@Carebear If your litterboxes are stinky in 2025, you might still be using old school litter? Try converting to wood pellets. They’re cheaper, better for the environment (literally a byproduct of sawmills), and your litterboxes won’t “smell” anymore. When they get wet, they basically smell like sawdust. Yes, the same pellets you can buy for ovens, etc. They sell them in bulk at feed stores, and even pet stores now. Check it out on YouTube and enjoy!
@Carebear I don’t know why it didn’t give you a giphy - maybe because there’s text under the command?
I tried it and got this - not mortified or withered, but darned cute:
I agree with pine pellets. They work great with urine. Too bad I have a punk cat who doesn’t bury his poo
@user64556115 the wood pellets are great and cat didn’t mind once he got used to them. I had a large garden area and could just mix it in out there. Up to you if you want to sort out poops.
Also don’t ever try putting used self-clumping litter in the garden;you will get weird indestructible white clumps forever.
/buy
@blaineg It worked! Your order number is: stunned-skittish-crone
/showme stunned skittish crone
/giphy stunned-skittish-crone
