Vornado VFAN Petite Alchemy Vortex Fan: Portable Table Fan for Rooms, Adjustable Tilt, 3 Speeds, ETL Listed, Black

I bought one of these about 6 years ago because I liked the look of it, and while I found it overpriced at the time I appreciated that it moved air very quietly and fairly effectively. Recently my partner was using it and their hair got caught in the shaft leading to it running very slowly with a horrible screeching sound on any speed. No problem, I figured—just pull the grille and blade off, slide the hair off the shaft, maybe drip some machine oil into the bearings to replace what the hair might have absorbed, and we're good to go. Little did I know what I was getting myself into. Taking the grille off without marking the finish is a pain to begin with, requiring pressure on multiple tabs with a flathead screwdriver (or preferably something plastic so you don't scratch it). The blade is simple enough to unscrew, but then there's a locking clip on the shaft that prevented me from sliding the hair off so that had to come off as well (cue 5 minutes of fighting it with pliers). Then to actually clean and service the motor after six years of dust and grime accumulation took approximately four hands and five screwdrivers and left me thinking, if anyone else had gotten hair stuck in this fan they probably would have thrown it away three steps ago. Eventually I got it up and running again good as new after about 45 minutes, but the entire experience was diabolical to say the least. It's clear that despite the high price tag this is an appliance meant to be used and thrown away as even this simple issue (which wasn't even a fault of the fan itself) took so much time and effort to remedy. I'm certain that these considerations were left out in the original design of the product, and I have a hard time believing that the originals from the early 20th century that these are meant to replicate are this difficult to work on. It's a classic case of a modern product made to look like a legendary historical one but cost-cut and made worse in every possible way. I think I might have to give it away before something else happens, lest I be on the hook to work on it in the future. If you have one just make sure you never get your head anywhere near it if you have long hair.

I am basically addicted to Vornado fans. I purchased seven for my home and have ordered several for mom. They are quiet, well built, sturdy and do not tip over like some plastic ones do. They have a great history and well worth the price.

I got the VFAN petite. At first, I thought it was just too small, but it really does work for a small room. You can put it anywhere. I like that it’s metal and durable and has a nostalgic look.

I love the look and design of this fan. Compared to others where the control job is on top, this makes far more sense. I did expect it to be a little more powerful though having owned several Vornados in the past. I was surprised that the high setting was much less powerful than cheaper versions of Vornados I’ve owned. It also has a slight tick sound, which I’m sure is not meant to be there. I have a really hard time sleeping and any non-consistent sound exasperates it, which is my main reason for having a fan and buying Vornados for their superiority to other fans I’ve had. Was slightly disappointed on this aspect and the power only, otherwise great product!

Stylish but not as cooling as I had hoped. Pros = very quiet, stylish, seems it will be easy to clean Cons = even in a smaller space it didn’t seem to move air effectively to a spot even 3 feet away Pretty pricey as well! Maybe I should have gotten a less-glamorous box fan.

The flat black color and muted gold accents are very nice, and made of metal not plastic, functions as I wanted with three speeds, highest is not loud at all. I've always liked Vornado!

We love this fan! It is So stylish and works great!

I’m a long time customer of Vornado because they make a great product. LOVE the petite version of the alchemy series. I already have the largest model in the alchemy line and that’s what persuaded me to get the petite version. For the money, you will not find a better (or beautiful) fan. Double bonus it’s made in KS. LOVE IT!!!

Bought this for my home office to move the air around and provide some light white noise. It does both perfectly. Absolutely love the retro design. It also feels like something built in the '50s - very solid and meticulous. The three speed settings are different enough to be useful for different situations. I have just a couple of suggestions for Vornado. 1) Would love to see this model offer silver accents instead of gold. 2) The fan blades are plastic. They seem durable, but would also like to see these replaced with metal. Minor quibbles for an excellent product.

Perfect size for a desktop/workspace. I was really impressed with customer service on an issue with one of my own Vornado fans recently so I felt confident giving this as a gift.

I purchased this as a gift for my mother. It is very attractive and looks great in her living room. It is a small fan, but does a great job of keeping the air moving thru out the room.

This is 3rd Vornado fan in 3 years :-) have the large jade color w brass and the medium floor in cream and chrome … we have a mid-century home and the style alone is worth buying ! It’s so Quiet and the new black and brass mini in the kitchen looks great w my Wolf Range sitting on counter and is a Fabulous addition to keep cool while cooking !!!

Bought this for the kids small computer room that gets warm from the computers. The fan works well to move the air, it is super quiet, and looks great in the space. Love the vintage look!

Bedroom fan, works well on med speed, VERY QUIET. (Yea!) Have a Vornado 293 which I move from garage to porch, will soon purchase another 293 ( no more moving) huge air flow and quiet on low. Yes I would recommend these fans.

I love the size and built of this fan. The metal structure appears to be durable and should last for years. The size makes it easy to travel with for those who enjoy a personal fan. The fan is quiet but still provides a good source of “white noise” for sleeping.

I needed a small fan for my executive office. A cheap plastic fan would have looked out of place. The Petite Alchemy fan is perfect. Beautiful design and VERY quiet. I could not be more pleased.

I purchased this fan for my RV and its size fits the smaller space requirements needed in the RV. I also have a Vornado space heater in my RV and multiple ones in me home. The unique design and effectiveness of these air movers is the best I've found and I am sold on these top of the line units. They are cost effective units and I wish I had found this brand long ago.

I don't know how this compares with a regular fan, but my office is noticeably cooler and the adorable Petite Alchemy is pleasingly compact and quiet. I can't imagine wanting to use it on the lower settings, though.

It's really cute looking. But to be honest, after a couple days of use it started making a clicking sound when on the "low" setting. Not a deal breaker but not really the kind of quality I thought I was getting based on the really excellent look.

Love the look of this fan & was surprised with how powerful it was.