Review: Shark FlexBreeze Pro Mist

Just in time for the onset of summer, most people are starting to dust off their fans and perhaps wondering whether the old faithful will last another season or if it’s time for an upgrade. In the fan category, there is a wide range where aesthetics, features, noise levels, and specialized functions all compete with one another. Consequently, there were quite a few aspects to consider when we put the Shark Flexbreeze Pro Mist to the test during a number of warm summer days.

The Shark FlexBreeze Pro Mist features a variety of exciting functions, and what stands out immediately is Shark’s claim that it is also well-suited for outdoor use. As with most test subjects we have evaluated, such as the Shark Stainstriker or the Shark Flexstyle 5-i-1, it is exceptionally intuitive and easy to use. So, imagine sitting in a room that’s far too hot or in the sweltering, dead heat outdoors, and let’s get started.

First Impressions – Shark FlexBreeze Pro Mist

Three things immediately make the FlexBreeze Pro Mist interesting: it can be battery-powered, it can be mounted on a pedestal stand, and it can also function as a smaller desktop unit. It is the combination of battery power and the ability to use it without its stand that makes it incredibly flexible. Also included in the box are a water tank attachment (the function of which we explain below), a remote control, and a cover. The cover allows you to leave it outdoors protected from the night dew, but more importantly, during periods when it’s not in use, you can avoid dust buildup on the propeller blades and the fan shroud—something that shouldn’t be underestimated. On the back of the fan housing itself, there is a magnetic mount for the remote control, which is exceptionally well-thought-out, as anyone who has previously owned a fan with a remote can attest. Without a specific storage spot, it is destined to be lost.

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Fan Modes and Features

The FlexBreeze Pro Mist has five fan speeds, appropriately described from the lowest, Quiet Operation, to the highest, High Power Cooling. There are five built-in timer settings ranging from one to five hours. Finally, there are also two modes designed to simulate natural wind by alternating between the different fan speeds. Oscillation is available for horizontal movement only, with three sector settings, while you set the vertical angle manually.

Now for the major feature hidden behind the word “Mist” in the name. Using two nozzles on either side of the fan, water is injected and projected to become a powerful water mist. For those wondering, this should not be confused with a humidifier with a fan—that kind of quiet, dancing moisture. No, this is better compared to the mist setting on a garden hose nozzle, but combined with strong wind, and it is strictly for outdoor use (as Shark clearly explains in the manual).

The FlexBreeze Pro Mist can run on level 1 for up to 24 hours if oscillation and water mist are turned off. If you run it at full blast—meaning max fan speed, oscillation, and water mist—the battery life drops to one and a half hours.

The Experience – FlexBreeze Pro Mist

It is larger than you might think, but given its light weight, it is easy to handle. The FlexBreeze Pro Mist has a cousin without the mist function that comes in white, which we wish had been an option here as it would have given the fan a sleeker feel; however, the FlexBreeze Pro Mist is only available in Charcoal Grey. The color is stylish but gives a heavier impression. All of the fan’s controls are easy to understand without reading the manual; when you unbox it, it is covered in small labels in various places providing advice on both assembly and use. This was helpful, even though it was already crystal clear how everything was supposed to fit together.

It is a powerful fan, and a favorite setting indoors was level 2 with oscillation active. It remains largely whisper-quiet while still creating a pleasant air exchange in a relatively large living room (approximately 30-40 square meters). Continuing on the subject of noise levels, it is generally quite quiet. With the most powerful level active, the cavitation of the propeller blades naturally creates a fair amount of noise, but we discovered that it simultaneously creates a strong vibrating sound that travels into the floor, which can best be described as the sound of a tumble dryer in the distance. It is a steady sound, but once you turn down the power, it becomes noticeable how powerful that sound actually was. Definitely an unwanted side effect.

Even outdoors, it is truly enjoyable to have it running if the air is completely still and the heat is intense. The water mist is pleasant but requires the right conditions, because if you stand too close, you are suddenly wet. There is an option to connect the water tank to the fan even when it’s not mounted on the stand, as both the hose and tank are easily detached. Aside from standing directly in the water mist, we see other possibilities. For example, if you have a nice arbor, the FlexBreeze Pro Mist could cool down the surrounding vegetation and thereby effectively create a wonderful microclimate. However, we haven’t had the opportunity to test this. But the function is nonetheless delightful and effective, though it requires a seriously hot summer day.

Things We Don’t Like

The fact that the FlexBreeze Pro Mist lacks vertical oscillation doesn’t sit well with its price. While the mist function is the main draw, for a fan that costs 3,200 kronor, the overall premium feel declines when you have to manually adjust the vertical angle.

We also wish the water mist had an additional setting besides the two available. A weaker one. One that created a mist allowing you to be closer while it’s active and simultaneously enjoy the cooling air more without getting wet quite so quickly.

And the final point is the color choice. We understand the safe choice of a dark grey color, but if we could have chosen between one or two colorful variants—such as bright blue or a pale green—it could have become a fun interior design element in a completely different way. Or, of course, the other safe alternative, white. But grey becomes a bit… dull. Stylish, but a bit too “safe.”

The Verdict – Shark FlexBreeze Pro Mist

As usual, Shark offers ingenuity and clever solutions. The FlexBreeze Pro Mist is an effective, quiet, and powerful fan that is truly suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. It is a substantial piece of equipment, but without the stand, it becomes a more discreet and stylish addition to the home. The water mist is a really nice feature but requires a repeat of the “monster summer” of 2018 to truly come into its own.

The price is a bit high despite the wonderful water mist, since that function is far from usable in all situations. Its cousin, the Shark FlexBreeze Portable Fan, costs 700 kronor less and is very similar on paper. But considering the competition, even that is a bit high when you can essentially—again, on paper—get a fan from Xiaomi with roughly the same features for about half the price. However, we haven’t found any other fan that offers all these features simultaneously. In that regard, the Shark FlexBreeze Pro Mist stands out and is in a league of its own.

Shark provided a review unit for this test. The provider of the material has no editorial influence on our tests; we always write independently with our readers and consumers in focus.