Vornado EOS9 Large Air Circulator vs Zafro Smart Tower Fan 36
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Vornado EOS9 Large Air Circulator ranks higher (#1 vs #4 of 8) and scores better on airflow, easy cleaning. Zafro Smart Tower Fan 36 wins on controls & remote.
The biggest complaint about the Vornado EOS9 Large Air Circulator is confusing controls; for the Zafro Smart Tower Fan 36 it's no mesh dust screen. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Vornado EOS9 Large Air Circulator | Zafro Smart Tower Fan 36 | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in fans | #1 | #4 |
| Price tier | $$ | $$ |
| Type | Air circulator | Tower fan |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 12% | 7% |
| Overall score | 4.3 | 3.9 |
| Airflow | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| Quietness | — | 4.0 |
| Controls & remote | 3.5 | 4.5 |
| Easy cleaning | 5.0 | 2.5 |
| Durability | 3.5 | — |
Price tiers: $ under $60 · $$ $60–150 · $$$ over $150. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Vornado EOS9 Large Air Circulator
- Confusing controls
Wirecutter says the light uses different buttons depending on whether the fan is running, and the menu of airflow modes plus oscillation options can feel overwhelming.
Source: Wirecutter - Slow startup orientation
At power-on the head moves in every direction for about 30 seconds to orient itself, then you still have to press the fan button (Wirecutter).
Source: Wirecutter - Oscillation failing early for some
Amazon's review summary says reliability is mixed, with some owners reporting it stopped oscillating after about a week. The listing has only 52 ratings.
Zafro Smart Tower Fan 36
- No mesh dust screen
CNET lists no mesh screen filter as a con; it credits fans with removable screens for easier cleaning.
Source: CNET - Hum on low; startup chime
CNET notes the oscillation hums on lower settings and the fan keeps a startup chime even with mute on.
Source: CNET - Clicky remote
CNET calls the remote moderately clicky.
Source: CNET
Who should pick which
Pick the Vornado EOS9 Large Air Circulator if
Large rooms that need a lot of air
Easy, tool-free cleaning
A fan that doubles as a soft lamp
Skip it if: You want simple controls; You move the fan around often (slow startup orientation); You want a long track record
Pick the Zafro Smart Tower Fan 36 if
Strong airflow at a mid price
Smart-home control
Adjustable oscillation width
Skip it if: You want a removable dust screen; You are sensitive to low hums; You want a long brand track record
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