Performance: Does it all
The Dyson Hot + Cool has a leg up on the competition because it is both an electric heater and a fan combined in one unit. Dyson uses its signature Air Multiplier technology to draw in and amplify airflow. When in heater mode, ceramic plates inside the loop amplifier heat the air. It was able to effectively heat our home office in 10 minutes when set to a higher temperature setting (70 degrees), but it struggled when we moved it to a larger open-concept living room. In larger rooms, it was better used for direct heat that is focused on a specific area and not the entire room. Once the room reached the set temperature, the Dyson turned off and remained idle until the room needed some extra heat. The fan and heater are controlled by a remote that magnetically attaches to the top of the unit. The remote was useful for changing the setting of the fan without moving from our seats, but it is the only way to control several features of the fan, so make sure you don’t lose it. Oscillation is one of the remote-controlled features and one of our favorites. The fan moves quietly along a wide arc, delivering a blast of warm air across the length of a room. It also tilts up and down so you can direct the airflow right where you need it. The AM09 is chock full of features, including a sleep timer that turns off the fan after a set amount of time. There’s also a temperature setting that turns off the heat when the room reaches the desired degree. Not only do these features give you precise control over the temperature of the room, but they also help minimize power usage. If you need additional heat, you can crank up the fan by raising the temperature and increasing the speed of the blower.
Design: More than eye-catching
Like most Dyson products, the Dyson AM09 has an eye-catching design that is modern and stylish. Guests won’t believe the Dyson is a combination fan/heater, so be prepared to give a demonstration and let them stick their hands down the center of the fan. Aesthetically, the Dyson AM09 is a winner. Not surprisingly, the AM09 also earns accolades for its functional design as well. The remote on the Dyson AM09 is conveniently designed, with buttons that are intuitive and easy to press. We love that the cooling and heating buttons allow us to switch between fan mode and heating mode with the touch of a finger. We also appreciate the magnet that holds the remote on the top of the unit. Once you get in the habit of storing it there, it holds securely and will stay there indefinitely.
Safety: Great for those with kids or pets
Dyson designed its Hot + Cool Jet Focus AM09 Fan Heater without fan blades and exposed heating elements, making it safe for use around pets and children. Even when in the heating mode, the unit stays cool to the touch thanks to a buffer of cool air circulating between the thermoplastic plates and the interior ceramic plates. Like most quality space heaters, the Dyson also powers off if it falls over.
Important Update: Look to other retailers
Price: Shockingly high
At $450, the Dyson Hot + Cool Jet Focus AM09 Fan Heater is expensive. In fact, it’s one of the highest-priced units we have tested. You pay more for the innovative design and for its dual operation as both a fan and a heater. It also outperforms its competition in the speed department, quickly heating up a room faster than other space heaters. Are these features worth the extra cost? If you have the extra cash, then we wouldn’t hesitate to buy the Dyson AM09. For the budget-minded, there are other space heaters that heat equally as well as the Dyson and won’t bust your budget.
Dyson Hot + Cool Jet Focus AM09 Fan Heater vs. Vornado VH10 Whole Room Heater
It’s the little things that matter when it comes to the Dyson AM09. The heater’s performance was slightly better than competitors like the Vornado H10, which we also tested. While both fans heated rooms to a comfortable temperature, the AM09 worked much more quickly thanks to its oscillation, temperature control, and blower speeds. The AM09 also has a handy remote to turn the heater features off and on as needed—and those features are numerous, making the Dyson AM09 both a fast-acting and feature-rich heater. Its price tag is its biggest deterrent and the reason why we can’t endorse the Dyson as a must-have fan for everyone. If you have the funds and want the Dyson name, then you won’t be disappointed with the AM09. But if you are concerned about your cash flow, then there are other more affordable options, like the Vornado VH10, that will keep you warm and will do so affordably. If you want a do-it-all combination fan/heater and have some cash to spare, then the Dyson Hot + Cool Jet Focus AM09 Fan Heater should be high on your list. The bladeless design is nearly silent in its operation and delivers a blast of warm or cool air depending on your needs. While no longer available on the Dyson site, the unit can be purchased at other retailers. Of course, it is still quite costly.
