Keep Cool, With A Little Help From Gadgets
The dog days of summer are just about here, and staying cool will be a top priority.
So, BestStuff.com Senior Editor David Gregg brought several products to The Early Show Wednesday designed to help you chill out during the summer swelter.
Editor's note: The following descriptions were prepared with information provided by the products' manufacturers.
Windchill Misting Fan, by WindChaser
The Windchill Misting Fan dramatically reduces surrounding temperatures. It attaches to a regular garden hose and provides up to 25 degrees (Fahrenheit) of relief by channeling water to a four-nozzle hub that produces a fine, cooling mist. The Windchill Misting Fan is also effective as an insect repellant, as wind and moisture keep bugs at bay. It was designed during the last Summer Olympics to cool both athletes and spectators, and this is the first consumer version. The fan oscillates 90 degrees to cover 950 square feet. Adjustable to 56 inches high. Includes a 6-foot connector hose. Rust resistant. UL listed for indoor or outdoor use.
$129, windchaserproducts.com
Zippi Fan, by Vornado
Vornado's Zippi Fan has innovative soft cloth blades that quickly and quietly propel the air, but are safe to touch even while the fan is in motion! The Zippi is a powerful electric fan that doesn't require batteries. Ideal for travelers, the Zippi fan folds down so it can be easily packed away. Available in five fun bright summer colors.
$40, www.vornado.com
The Bedfan
The Bedfan removes heat that is generated by your body and gets trapped beneath your bed sheets. This unique system enables you to sleep feeling much cooler at night and, at the same time, save you money on air conditioning costs. The Bedfan's patent-pending cooling system has an adjustable speed dial and high performance dual fans that enable you to control the breeze that starts at the foot of your bed and moves up the sides of your body for instant relief.
$70, www.bedfan.com
Cool-or-Heat Auto Seat Cushion
Summer or winter, you'll stay as comfy as can be with this innovative seat cushion. Its soft, padded design features advanced technology that circulates cooled or heated water with a flip of a switch. Great for hot car seats, sweaty backs and lower back discomfort. By using the Cool-or-Heat Seat Cushion, drivers have the potential to lower their gas use by running the vehicle's air conditioner less often. Includes AC and DC adapters.
$120, www.coolorheat.com
LG Art Cool Ductless Air Conditioner
You can now cool your home using attractive, wall-mounted "art" that is effective, economical, and quiet. The lightweight indoor section of the LG Ductless Air Conditioner simply mounts on the wall and connects to the outdoor unit through a three-inch hole in the wall. The indoor section of this ductless split system can be customized at time of purchase to display Van Gogh's renowned "Starry Night" masterpiece, among several art designs. Your friends and neighbors will be amazed when they discover the LG Art Cool Ductless Air Conditioner is actually a cost-effective, computer-controlled cooling system that is both functional and attractive!
$1,500 and up, www.lgusa.com
Komfort Pets Climate-Controlled Pet Carrier
The Komfort Pets Climate-Controlled Pet Carrier is designed to automatically keep pets cool when it's too hot and warm when it's too cold. It can be taken almost anywhere, and can be used in cars, SUVs, RVs, rental cars, boats, private planes, homes and garages. It's powered by utilizing a 110-volt electrical outlet with a 12 volt DC converter, or by the 12 volt power outlet in a car, SUV, RV, private plane or boat. Cords and adapters are included with every pet carrier. Available colors: ruby red or silver, in the following dimensions: Small (19" x 13" x 16"); Medium (24" x 15" x 19"); Large (27" x 18" x 22"); Extra large (38" x 25" x 30"). Both the Classic and Designer-style lines are available with two distinctive tops: contoured or stackable. You can buy both, for interchangeable use.
Starting at $399, www.komfortpets.com
Margaritaville Frozen Concoction Maker
Put on your favorite Jimmy Buffet CD and plan your virtual escape to the Florida Keys with the Margaritaville Frozen Concoction Maker. So (sing along with Gregg!), "Put the booze in the blender and render the frozen concoction that may help you hang on." Or, you may want to excite your kids with snow cones and other shaved ice treats. Simple to use, the maker automatically shaves ice and blends for consistent results. Unlike a typical blender, the concoction maker features two motors, one for shaving, another for blending.
$300, available online and through national specialty retailers
Chilled Shot Machine
Nothing goes down more smoothly than an ice-cold shot of your favorite liquor. Treat yourself with this hassle-free fill-and-pour system that virtually eliminates spills and features LED illumination for an eye-catching bottle display. Simply attach your bottle of choice and let the liquor drop to a temperature colder than ice for a chilly 15 degree (Fahrenheit) taste sensation. $189, www.homechillshot.com