Verdict
The TEMPT ICY succeeds because it doesn't try to reinvent the handheld fan. The semiconductor-powered Chiller Mode isn't a gimmick. It genuinely delivers a noticeably cooler experience than conventional portable fans, and the rapid cooling plate is something you'll appreciate almost immediately after stepping outdoors on a hot afternoon. Yes, the controls could have been more intuitive. But for Rs 1,990, you get solid build quality, excellent battery life, quick charging, an informative display and, most importantly, cooling that feels meaningfully differen. If you spend long hours outdoors, commute daily or simply hate the summer heat, the TEMPT ICY is an easy recommendation.
The Good
- Effective Chiller Mode
- Excellent battery life
- Balanced, sturdy build
The Bad
- Confusing Controls
- Plastic Construction
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Design
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Functionality
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Battery Life
Handheld fans aren’t exactly a new invention. Most of us have used one at some point or, at the very least, seen someone pull one out during a sweltering summer commute. But after a while, they all start to feel the same. After all, they are all small blades pushing around the same hot air that’s making you uncomfortable in the first place.
Living in Mumbai, where summer temperatures regularly cross 35 degrees Celsius, and being someone who naturally sweats more than the average person, the launch of the TEMPT ICY immediately caught my attention. Not because it’s another portable fan, but because it promised something different. Instead of simply circulating ambient air, it houses a semiconductor cooling plate that can drop to as low as 18°C and blow noticeably cooler air through what the company calls Chiller Mode. At Rs 1,990, it also seemed reasonably priced for something claiming to offer an air-conditioner-like cooling experience. Naturally, I had to find out whether it was more than just clever marketing.
Design
The TEMPT ICY is built entirely out of plastic, and while that won’t bring it a few minus points for sturdiness, it doesn’t exactly feel cheap. In fact, the construction is reassuringly solid, with no creaks or flexing even when held tightly. Weight distribution is excellent, largely because the sizeable 4,000mAh battery sits inside the handle, giving the fan a balanced feel instead of making it top-heavy.
The controls, however, take a little getting used to. There’s a power button on the front, while separate up and down buttons sit on the side to control fan speed. Around the back, you’ll find a USB Type-C charging port, and the fan blades themselves are protected by a sturdy cage that feels safe enough to throw into a backpack without worrying about accidental damage.
The product comes with a neat carrying pouch and even a Type-C cable. It isn’t the most premium-looking handheld fan on the market, but it’s practical, ergonomic and feels durable enough for everyday use.
Functionality
Using the ICY is straightforward once you’ve memorised the button layout. A single press of the power button turns the fan on or off, while the side buttons cycle through its five fan-speed settings. I have to admit, though, it took me quite some time to get used to these controls, and they certainly can’t be called intuitive.
Now for the real attraction: the Chiller Mode. A long press of the power button activates the semiconductor cooling plate, and this is where the ICY genuinely separates itself from ordinary portable fans.
Cooling begins almost immediately. Within roughly five seconds, the metal plate develops visible condensation, confirming just how quickly it drops in temperature. The difference is easy to feel, especially when the cooling plate is placed directly against the skin before the chilled airflow follows. During Mumbai’s humid afternoons, the sensation is surprisingly refreshing and noticeably more effective than simply blasting warm air at your face.
While it won’t replace an air conditioner, it delivers exactly what it promises, which is a pocket-sized cooling boost that’s genuinely useful while commuting, standing in queues or walking outdoors.
The LED display is another welcome addition, clearly showing battery percentage, fan speed and cooling status without requiring any guesswork.
Battery Life
Battery endurance is another strong point. The ICY packs a 4,000mAh rechargeable battery that’s claimed to deliver 12 hours of usage on a single charge. But this applies to its lowest setting with the Chiller Mode off.
Enabling Chiller Mode at lower speeds provides up to 10 hours of operation, which is a great thing in itself. At maximum fan speed with the Chiller Mode on, expect closer to three hours, which is fairly respectable considering the cooling plate and high-speed motor are both drawing power simultaneously.
Charging is equally convenient. Thanks to USB Type-C fast charging, the battery goes from empty to full in around 90 minutes. In real-world use, it’s unlikely you’ll need to recharge it more than once a day unless you’re running Chiller Mode continuously.