One of the things Ryobi has been doing that I particularly like is they have been releasing a lot of their 18 Volt tools in hybrid models. Their latest release is the Ryobi 18-Volt Hybrid Air Cannon Drum Fan.
In order for a tool from Ryobi to be labeled as a hybrid, it must be able to be operated by a battery or an electric cord. I love this concept. It allows the user to have the mobility of a battery tool and the long run time of a cord. Depending on the users need and/or access to an electrical source, they can choose how to power the tool.
Ryobi 18-Volt Hybrid Air Cannon Drum Fan Review Overview
About 4 years ago, all of the major tool brands started releasing small personal sized battery operated fans. Even though the fans looked very similar, there are differences that set them apart from each other. They differed by how loud they are, how much variable speed control they have and whether or not they are a hybrid model.
In case you are wondering, my absolute favorite small battery operated fan model is the Ridgid 18-Volt Hybrid Fan because it is the quietest, the variable speed control is completely adjustable and it is a hybrid model. It checks all of the boxes.
Ryobi seems to be leading the way and is first to market with a new and much larger size air mover which they have dubbed an “Air Cannon”.
Ryobi 18-Volt Hybrid Air Cannon Drum Fan Review Features
First and foremost, this drum fan is a hybrid where it can be run off of a Ryobi 18-Volt battery or off of an extension cord. These receptacles are found on the back of the fan.
The fan can be rotated 220 degrees and held into place by tightening the knobs on the sides.
The body of the fan and the back grill are made of metal.
The fan blades and front grill are made from plastic.
Three different levels of fan speed on controlled from the back of the unit.
A top mount plastic handle makes the unit easy to carry.
There is a screw mounting hole on the base. This gives you the ability to mount this fan to a wall if necessary.
There is a 4-foot cord included with the fan. This is particularly nice if the only extension cord you have does not fit in the fan receptacle. For instance, if you have an extension cord with multiple receptacles at the end, it won’t fit with this fan. The included 4-foot cord fixes that issue.
Ryobi 18-Volt Hybrid Air Cannon Drum Fan Review Performance
The airflow coming out of this fan is much greater than the smaller units that came out a few years ago. Ryobi claims this unit can make up to 2,400 CFM. With no way of proving or disproving this claim all I can say is that this unit sends out about the same air movement as a good box fan.
Even though the air flow is about the same, the noise from the Ryobi unit is noticeably quieter than a box fan. It is rated at 38 decibels and according to the meter on my phone, which was very close to what I was seeing. In case you don’t have a frame of reference for decibels, this is very quiet.
This unit is very light, easy to move around and very adjustable. It is nearly perfect in these regards. The only way this could be better is if it not only rotated up and down but side to side as well. This would allow it to pivot in any direction without ever having to be moved.
The hybrid option on this fan is just awesome. I love this. I’ve used the small Hybrid Ridgid fan in the past with a cord so that I could keep a continuous flow of air going over some of my projects in order to try the polyurethane finish evenly. I’ve also used that fan during camping trips with a battery on low to cool me off at night.
Ryobi 18-Volt Hybrid Air Cannon Drum Fan Review Value
The Home Depot has the Ryobi 18-Volt Hybrid Air Cannon Drum Fan listed at $139.00. This includes the fan, and 4-foot cord, but no battery.
Even though I think everyone who owns Ryobi batteries should own and would love this unit, I feel the $139.00 price tag is just a little steep and would be a much better buy at $99.00
Ryobi 18-Volt Hybrid Air Cannon Drum Fan Review Final Thoughts
A battery operated fan wasn’t really an item that I gave much attention to until I tried out a few of the small models released a few years ago. Since then, I’ve found them very useful and love that they are as mobile as they are. The one thing that wanted to see improved on was the amount of air flow produced.
It appears Ryobi has taken the battery operated fan to the next level and I am loving it.
139 is way too much for this fan or one just like it. I have a 24 inch that is corded but is a real shop fan and puts out way more air for 99 dollars. Batteries don’t equal better in every instance.
You are correct. Batteries don’t always equal better. I would like to see this fan down around the $99 range. I think over time, you will see it drop to that price. But for someone who wants the convenience of going cordless, this is a bigger option from the other ones on the market. I do know the girls on our fastpitch travel team sure appreciated it when they were playing in 90+ degree heat in July.
How long does the battery last when powering the air cannon? Any idea?
It depends on what speed and what size Amp-hour Ryobi battery you are using.
Ryobi has several similar fans. What is the model number of the fan you reviewed?
It’s P3340, the Ryobi Air Cannon.