Blast Air

Small chores add up: water dripping from a mirror housing after a wash, crumbs lodged deep in a keyboard, a sleeping pad that needs inflating before you can rest. Blast Air, presented as a Kickstarter project, aims to handle all of them with a single compact device that, according to the maker, fits in the hand.

Motor and airflow

At its core is a 130,000RPM brushless motor, which the maker says produces air speeds of up to 65m/s and a maximum airflow of 1200L/min. The suggested uses include pushing water out of door handles, grilles and wheel areas after washing, clearing light snow or dust from a car, and drying 3D prints. The maker claims a sleeping pad can be inflated in about 10 seconds and a small kayak in about 1 minute, and that the airflow can also be used to feed a campfire.

Gentler modes for delicate gear

For electronics and cameras, Blast Air uses a fine mesh filter and a soft silicone nozzle. On low output, the maker says it can blow dust from camera lenses and around sensors, as well as from keyboards and PC setups. A nozzle set for cleaning and inflation and a carrying case are part of the package, letting the airflow be concentrated into narrow gaps or connected to inflatables.

Power and portability

• 5000mAh battery
• Three output levels: up to about 60 minutes on low, about 18 minutes at full 130,000RPM power, per the maker
• Wireless charging and USB-C charging
• Card-shaped body designed to sit in a car's wireless charging space
• Travel lock to prevent accidental activation in a bag
• Weight of about 212g
• Available in Black and White

The card-like form factor is the most practical detail here: left on a car's wireless charging pad, the device can top up while driving, so it is more likely to be ready when needed.