Have you ever dreamt of sitting in the cockpit of an aircraft, aviator glasses sitting on your nose, marveling at the booming velocity? Get one step closer to your childhood dream and turn your living room into a landing strip for award-winning design! The three stylish models of the Charly fan range made by Swiss brand Stadler Form is reminiscent of the aerodynamic shape of an airplane impeller. The likeable name Charly has the meaning free man and also fits to the overall concept of freedom and ease of aviation – Ready for take-off?

No matter from which side you are looking at this 3-blade fan, it just looks good! Particularly the loving details added by product designer Matti Walker and sleek shapes set the Charly apart from other fans and wins him a place in the league of extraordinary household appliances. This portable fan of the range has been decorated with the iF award in the discipline “Product“ by an international jury in 2016. Though it does not come as a surprise: User-friendly setup with an easily accessible control panel as well as technical features like adjustable oscillation and pitch. The slim support frame is topped off with just the right amount of material to not make it look too flamboyant. Charly’s efficient performance is just as impressive as his looks, even the smalles model of the series generates an airflow of up to 3300m³ per hour thanks to a powerful motor - while consuming a maximum of 33 Watts!

The basic Floor model was introduced to the market in 2006, one year later the desk and pedestal fan of this iconic range followed in 2007. The three fans are differ in terms of size and corresponding airflow in the room. The handy Charly Little is suitable for moving air in rooms with up to 20 m² size, its bigger relatives can handle up to 50 m². The glossy parts of the Charly fans are held up by a metal frame of the same colour. The diameter of the impeller ranges from about 30 cm (Little) to about 40 cm (Floor & Stand), meaning the items are definitely something of an eyecatcher.

A novelty for all three models is the oscillation feature that makes the fan head turn from one side to the other in a slow, relaxed fashion. That way every corner of the room is hit and the air is circulated consistently. This motion is turned on and off by flicking a little switch on the back of the fan with an industrial cage look. As soon as your are working on a desk with imporant documents it is best to leave the fan in a fixed position with the impeller slightly facing away. The rotary on/off switch is also located on the backside of the device that offers three speed levels that generate a mild breeze as well as a fast and powerful air circulation. The Charly fans are based on airplanes both from a visual and technical point of view. They have a high output even on low speed so that they bring satisfaction in everyday situations. In case you need even more power, simply select medium level 2 or high level 3 and enjoy! Be careful with stacked papers, they might fly away. Charly starts at high speed and offers variable levels to match the individual requirements for air movement.

On top of the oscillation feature the tilt angle of all Charly models can be adjusted in four positions by gently moving the motor housing. A clicking sound signalises that the device has now clicked in place and is ready to begin blowing air in the desired direction. The pedestal fan version of the series has telescopic bar that lets users decide about the height, thus the airflow can be adjusted from seat height to high table just as the situation requires.

Furnishing with style

Elegant curves and control panels characterise the design of this fan range. The metallic silver finish of the uniformly lacquered materials cinc, aluminium and coated steel give a sophisticated, high-quality impression and make Charly the eyecatcher of any home. It fits apartments with a 1950s retro theme with pastel colours and round, chrome-plated appliances. A modern hipster loft with a minimalist interior decoration that relies on chic technical devices, lamp shades or unusual accessories also benefits from the unique, timeless design of the Charly range.

But you do not need a designer loft like pictured in a furniture catalogue to shelter this gem. Thanks to its unobtrusive colour the Charly is easily combined with a variety of decor. Cool, vivid shades such as turquoise or bright citreous as well as plain, simple colours like black, grey and pure white go well with the metal fan. In country-style homes the Charly adds a feeling of viridity and lightness. Combined with light timbers in office and work spaces it plays up the open, friendly interior.

Charly’s aesthetics have to be seen! Show off the winner of the 2016 iF product design award in the centre of your room!

Technical details

The top-quality asynchronous motor of the Charly series is powered by alternate (AC) current and provides a cool breeze in the entire room. Use this fan in your summer or guest house, you might need an adapter outside the EU.

Operating sound

Reaching a maximum of 52db on the high speed setting, the operational noise of the Charly Little is similar to birds chirping, normal household sounds or soft music from the radio. Both of the bigger models, Charly Floor and Charly Stand, generate 56db(A), thus equalling a normal conversation at home. At work, up to 60dB count as normal office noise – audible, but low-key. That means even continuous operation will not result in any health effects, however people with sensitive hearing and susceptibility to stress should not place the Charly directly next to the bed.
* = All of the mentioned comparisons were measured in about one metre distance to the source of the sound

Safety

In order to prevent small children, mesmerised pets and visitors from touching the rotating blades, getting hurt in the process, the Charly comes with a protective grille on the front and the back. The stable base is part of all versions to keep the fan from falling over. However, make sure to have a safe distance between the device and sources of humidity such as the bathtub, shower, sink or boiling water. The Charly fans are designed for use indoors, despite their protective grille they are not protected against water ingress. Direct influece of heat (not the hot summer, but hot plates, open fireplace, etc.) should be avoided due to fire hazard, particularly near the power cable.

Transporting Charly

Low weight and compact dimensions allow you to take Charly Little and Charly Floor with you whenever you need. The integrated lead wire measures ca. 1.5m and gives you the option of moving the fan in a certain radius around around the wall socket. An extension cable helps overcome big distances, otherwise you can simply take the fan to the next wall socket. The Charly Stand is also portable, with less than 10kg weight it can be moved around or rolled around on its round pedestal.

Shipping and assembly

Storage in winter

If you do not want to keep around the decorative Charly fan in your home during the cold months of the year, you store its components in a place of your choice (not too damp), they do not take up much space. Preferably you can dismantle the fan and keep it in its original box, or leave it fully assembled and put a cover on top to prevent dust ingress. That way Charly can rest until it is time to begin cooling again. Alternatively you can bring the fan back whenever you are having a party and know the room temperature will rise.