Evaporative cooler is the affordable alternative to air conditioner, especially in dry and semi-arid areas (with less than 40% humidity levels). They use evaporation method to decrease the temperature by up to 15 degrees. When compared to air conditioners, they consume less power. And moreover, they can be used both indoors and outdoors. If evaporative cooler is your choice, then consider the below factors while making the purchase…
- Cooling Area It refers to the volume of cool air delivered by the evaporative cooler. You should consider room size while analyzing this factor.
For a small area – Invest in low CFM model as higher range will make the air muggy & humid and uncomfortable. For larger hall/workshops – Go for a cooler with a large CFM rating. Lesser CFM rating will not be adequate to cool the air. For outdoors – look for a cooler with airflow of at least 1000 CFM.
- Water Tank Capacity To prevent constant refilling of the tank, you have to choose a cooler with an adequate water tank capacity. For a complete working of all the night/day, it should have a tank capacity of at least 5 gallons of water. For further information on how to choose an evaporative air cooler, we recommend checking out the ultimate “Buying Guide”. Based on the same information, we have shortlisted the Best Evaporative Air Coolers. A detail description is also provided below for your reference.
Best Evaporative Air Coolers
Best Evaporative Air Coolers Reviews
1. Hessaire MC37M Portable Evaporative Cooler
Hessaire has a great brand reputation out there and is well-known for producing excellently engineered evaporative coolers at highly affordable prices. Speaking about the MC37M model that we have here, it has a decent airflow of 3,100 cubic feet per minute. That said, the MC37M air cooler is quite good to use in larger rooms, as its effective cooling area is mentioned to be 950sq.ft. on paper.
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It boasts superior quality Chillcel cooling pads which have extremely high density and can last for about 8 years without any need of replacement. In fact, the tank capacity of this evaporative cooler is about 10.3 gallons which allows it to provide consistent cooling for almost 4 hours continuously. Coming to its other features, there are 3 different rotary controls (Off, High, Mid, Low), and also an Air Swing Delivery system is also present. Although the design of the air cooler might not be too impressive, its build quality will blow your mind. Make sure the room has enough space for this cooler as it’s 37x17x24 inches in size. On the other hand, the weight of this unit is 40 pounds, but you won’t face any struggle moving it around, thanks to the high-quality caster wheels. Key Features: Pros:
Superior Build Quality Uses a 0.2HP powerful motor Comes with a continuous tank fill feature
Cons:
Max noise of 59dB might feel disturbing.
2. FANCOLE 2-in-1 Windowless Evaporative Air Cooler
Fancole manufactures a wide range of home-cooling appliances like air conditioners, dehumidifiers, ice machines, and evaporative coolers with various amazing features at an affordable price range. The 2-in-1 powerful evaporative air cooler with humidification will keep your indoors and outdoors cool, comfy, and pleasant. There is a remote control that let you for easy operation of the evaporative cooler. Also, you can choose a power level from 2 different modes (normal & cooling) and 3 different speeds as per your requirements to cool medium to large spaces in your home or office. The visible low-water indicator will allow you to monitor the water level (low-max) to know when you need to refill the tank. Talking about the performance, the evaporative cooler uses 100 watts of power to cool a room with up to 700 square feet of dimension. It is equipped with a large tank container that allows you to add 5.28 gallons of water which is enough to run for 10 hours. Its upgraded big turbine motor, 3 pieces of high-density evaporative cooling pads, and 15-inch circular large wind outlet will make the cooler powerful that emit a max wind speed of 23.6 Ft/sec and an air volume of 2100 CFM. It won’t require any installation, as this portable and movable cooler comes with pre-installed and 4 rolling casters to move around. Key Features
100 watts power consumption 28 gallons large water tank capacity Cools up to 700 sq. ft. dimension 4 cooling ice packs Visible water tank and it is effortless to add water Delivers 2100 CFM with a maximum wind speed of 7.2 m/s. Covers a distance of 10 – 15 feet upon 60° left and right oscillation.
Pros
3 different power levels for ideal cooling Large air outlet for efficient cooling Superior build quality windowless cooler Movable rolling caster for indoors and outdoors use Backed by a 1-year manufacturing warranty Built-in handle to carry it around easily and quickly.
Cons
A bit noisy and slightly expensive.
3. Bestooth Evaporative Air Cooler
If you are looking for a budget-friendly yet decent evaporative air cooler, then Bestooth is one of the trustworthy brands. Though it is small size, this air cooler can enough cooling for up to 24 feet. It is equipped with air humifying and crystal refrigeration technology which ensures cool air ever single time. It has 3 fan speed options that include low, medium and high. Along with that, it also comes with 4 modes that are normal, natural, sleep and cooling. This air cooler has bladeless design which ensures safety and easy maintenance. It has a large 5 litre capacity so you don’t have to worry about refilling frequently. On a full tank, you can expect continuous cool air for several hours. Key Features:
9 cooling ice packs 3 gallon water tank 24-hour timer setting No compressor mode Eco-friendly Bladeless design
Pros
Silent operation User-friendly design Easy rolling casters Remote control
Cons:
Nothing much
4. Honeywell CO30XE Evaporative Air Cooler
Honeywell produces a wide range of home appliances and has also been a top-tier brand in the cooling industry for over a decade now. This Honeywell CO30XE portable evaporative air cooler will be there on this list due to its decent specifications to compete with other products. It offers a decent airflow of 525 cubic feet per minute which is quite enough to cool small areas with its effective cooling area of 320 sq. ft. With its weatherproof (IPX4 rating) and UV-resistant carbon material construction, you can use this cooler in both indoor and outdoor spaces. They are compact, and portable with dimensions that measure around 18 X 13.9 X 33.7 inches and weigh 24.9 pounds, which can be moved easily with their heavy-duty caster wheels. It has smartly designed air vents that blow cool air and combat dryness with its three humidity settings/3 fan speed levels, as per your requirement. You can control the cooler with its full-featured remote and also has a timer feature to set/schedule for up to 7.5 hours. Its detachable water tank of 7.9-gallon capacity will allow for easy operation (filling & maintenance). Although the overall cooler is quite good, in case of any issues, you can get it fixed for free, as it comes with a 1-year warranty period. Key Features:
Ideal for spaces up to 320 sq. ft Delivers 525 CFM airflow and has 3 different fan speed modes Detachable water tank with a capacity of 7.9 gallons IPX4 weather resistant to use outdoors The power consumption of this cooler is around 288 watts Comes with 7.5 hours timer feature Low water alarm and remote control.
Pros:
Ideal for small rooms and outdoors Compact and portable with caster wheels Comes with a 1-year warranty Built of weatherproof and UV-resistant material
Cons:
Power consumption is a bit high A bit noisy.
5. OEMTOOLS 23976 3-Speed Evaporative Cooler
If you are essentially looking for a large-sized air cooler for a large space such as halls, workshops, etc., OEMTOOLS has just the right air cooler for you, available at a pleasant cost. So, the size of this air cooler is itself big, measuring 25.8 x 16.9 x 35.8 inches, hence it takes up a decent amount of room space. However, once you get it working, it won’t take more than 10 minutes to completely change the climate inside the room, thanks to 3,100CFM powerful airflow offered by its 1/5HP motor. Although we are not a big fan of its build quality, we definitely love it for its features though. The water tank of this cooler comes with a continuous fill feature and has a total capacity of 10.3 gallons. Speaking of other features, it boasts an advanced swing feature that allows it to throw air in multiple directions. That said, the effective cooling area of this air cooler is 950sq.ft. which is quite great. Depending on your needs, you can adjust its fan speed between 3 different levels. Moreover, you will find 4 heavy-duty caster wheels attached to its base that will help you move this 40pounds air cooler effortlessly. Key Features: Pros:
Best suitable for large halls, and outdoor use. Comes with high-quality ChillCel cooling pads. Reduces humidity up to some extent
Cons:
Occupies more space due to large size
6. Honeywell CO48PM Evaporative Air Cooler
Honeywell produces a wide range of home appliances and has also been a top-tier brand in the cooling industry for over a decade now. The Honeywell CO48PM Evaporative Air Cooler suits this list quite well and has decent specs to compete with other products. If you live in an area where it’s consistently dry in summers, you should definitely have the CO48PM air cooler in your home. Although it looks big in size, it just measures 24.4″ W 14.8″ D 34.8″ H and weighs around 30.9lbs. No matter how heavy it is, the caster wheels will help you move it around easily. Since it has various fan speed modes, it has a powerful airflow ranging from 1062CFM to 1471CFM, even when the max power consumption is just 150Watts. This is a perfect air cooler for indoor as well as outdoor use since it has an effective cooling area of 610sq.ft. The 10.6-gallon tank capacity is fairly good for an air cooler of this size. In fact, it uses triple-sided honeycomb cooling pads for a pleasant evaporative cooling experience. On top of that, it has a separate compartment for putting ice. Speaking of its build quality, it’s weatherproof and UV resistant as well. Key Features: Pros:
Built of weatherproof and UV-resistant material Power consumption is low Ideal for outdoor use also
Cons:
A bit noisy
7. FRIGIDAIRE Indoor and Outdoor Evaporative Cooler
Last but not the least, we have yet another decent air cooler option left to cover on this list, from this highly-reputed brand, Frigidaire. It’s an ideal air cooler to pick if you are looking forward to using it both indoors as well as outdoors. With its powerful 1650CFM airflow, it’ll do a pretty decent job in both areas. The tank capacity of 10.6 gallons is pretty good as it will last for a full night and provide you with a good and cold sleeping experience. According to your likings, you can choose between 3 fan speed modes and have a personalized experience. For consistent cooling, it boasts 3 eco-friendly high moisture cooling pads, which are not going to face any wear and tear any time soon. It does get a wide-oscillation feature that allows it to cool any-size room in a matter of a few minutes. The build quality and design are pretty good as well, and the caster wheels are highly useful in moving this large-sized air cooler. That said, the dimensions of this cooler measures around 20.5 x 29.7 x 44.3 inches, so, you need to ensure your room has space for this much empty space to use this air cooler. Although the overall cooler is quite good, in case of any issues, you can get it fixed for free under the 1-year warranty period. Key Features: Pros:
Can be used outdoors Easily replaceable cooling pads Portable Design
Cons:
Slightly Expensive
How to Choose an Evaporative Air Cooler?
There are several factors to consider while shopping for evaporative air coolers. Below, we have listed all the essential factors, which you have to check and differentiate between various models to pick the right one, as per your requirement.
1. Cooling Area (CFM):
The size of the cooler/cooling area is essential to consider while buying an evaporative cooler. This will let you know whether the cooler can effectively cool the room or not. For this, you have to check the CFM of the cooler. Just like AC sized in BTUs, evaporative air coolers are sized in Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM). This describes how much volume of air a particular cooler process.
If you brought a cooler that is too small for your room, then it works just more than a fan. If purchasing a cooler that is big/large for the room, it makes the air humid and uncomfortable. A swamp cooler with a high CFM will make pass more air through it. Thus, cool down the room/space quickly and thereby easily handle a large room.
Here is the formula used to calculate the right CFM, based on your room size. Room’s Square Feet X Ceiling Height / 2 = CFM. Simply, multiply the room’s square footage with its ceiling height, and then divide it by two to get the right CFM for your room. For instance, searching for a cooler to use in a room with a 300 Sq. Ft & a standard 8Ft ceiling, then the right cooler size will be 300 X 8 /2 = 1200 CFM. Also, remember that you should not be strict with this CFM rating. So, you can choose a cooler with 500 – 800 CFM for a room of 300 sq. ft. rather than 1200 CFM. But this less CFM will slowly cool down the room. When once your room cools down, then it will maintain the temperature easily. Still, not sure about the cooler’s size, then check the product, as the manufacture suggest the maximum CFM a cooler can cool the room/space. Want to use evaporative coolers for the outdoors, then purchase a powerful CFM rating (airflow at least 1000 CFM) cooler to cool a large space. Also, it’s best to choose the one designed with water and UV resistant to withstand any element or temperature.
2. Water Tank Capacity:
Are you tired of refilling the water tank constantly in an evaporative cooler? Then simply opt for coolers having adequate water tank capacity. For instance, a tank capacity of at least 5 gallons of water will be enough to run a swamp cooler all night/day. While a smaller tank with 1 – 3 gallons of water will last for 5 – 7 hours. A cooler utilizes the water from the tank based on its CFM. Most outdoor models offer hose attachments that can refill themselves instead of manual filling of the tank. While indoor models, you need to refill the water to top off the tank eventually.
3. Cooling Pads:
In general, the cooling pads get wet in cold water, which allows them to absorb heat easily from the air and thus deliver a cool breeze. There are two types of cooling pads available in the market – Honeycomb cooling pad and aspen/wool cooling pads. Let’s know about them in detail. Honeycomb Cooling Pad – These high-density cooling pads are made of cellulose, which resembles honeycomb in structure. They provide more cooling compared to other types of cooling pads. These are durable and highly efficient. The only drawback is that they are expensive. Aspen or Wood/Wool Cooling Pad – This type of cooling pad resemble grass in structure. This makes it provide a less cooling effect. Since they are less durable and efficient, they are affordable. Also, consider how often you need to replace these cooling pads, as some of the more exotic options are pricier.
4. Power Consumption:
Buying an evaporative air cooler is a one-time investment, but its running cost will be a lifetime expenditure, which matters a lot. In case, if you come across two similar features of air coolers but with different power ratings, then pick the one that consumes less power, irrespective of their prices. The amount of area you want to cool will decide the power consumption of a particular model. A general rule is – the power consumption of a cooler will increase when there is an increase in its cooling area.
5. Portability:
The cooler that is easy to mobile and portable are considered the best swamp coolers. They come with wheels and a lightweight yet sturdy body. Most of these models can be used to handle a single room at a time, which makes portability as a must option for these coolers.
6. Humidity Levels:
As we already mentioned, evaporative air coolers add moisture to the air and thereby meant to use in hot and dry areas. If using a cooler in a humid area, then it raises the moisture levels beyond the safety level. Thereby results in the development of mold in your home. Most experts say that areas with less than 60% humidity are suitable to use an evaporative cooler. So, check out the moisture level in your space before buying an evaporative cooler.
7. Decibel Level:
The noise level of any item is measured in terms of decibels (dBA). While running an evaporative cooler outdoors won’t let you consider this decibel rating, but when you’re running a cooler indoors (or) looking for a smaller unit, then it is a must to consider this dBA level. It is essential to know how loud your cooler will sound while operating and to know whether it disturbs your sleep or not. For instance, a vacuum cleaner is around 70dBA and a fridge can be at 50dBA.
8. Other Features:
Here are a few additional features that aids in the smart functioning of this swamp cooler. Have a look at them. Speed Control – This lets you control the airflow of the fan’s speed, as per your requirement (either to increase or decrease). In general, there are 3-speed levels offered – Low, Medium and High. Set the speed level as needed to make yourself cool and comfortable. Remote Control – With this convenient and comfortable feature, you can easily control the evaporative cooler from a distance by using the remote. Air Filtration – Choosing a cooler with added air filtration will prevent allergen particles like pollen or dust or other debris, while cooling your space. A few models offer activated carbon filters for odor filtration. ABS Plastic – Pick a durable model made with ABS plastic for a heavy-duty cooling effect, especially in industrial spaces. Continuous Use – An evaporative cooler having a hose hook up will let you use it continuously. Simply, connect the hose for the cool air till you space is cool and comfortable. Wheels at Base – The cooler with 4 caster wheels will make them easy to move around (ease of movement) in either indoor or outdoor areas. Garden Hose Adapter – It is not fun to refill the tank after every few hours. If you’re tired due to this refilling water tank, then look for a swamp cooler with a garden hose adapter. This adapter will let you connect the hose to have a constant water supply.
9. Air Swing Delivery System:
This feature will ensure the reach of air blown by a cooler in all directions of the room. Here the swamp cooler has oscillation louvers of 40°, 70°, or 120°. As the degree of oscillation increases, the range of air blown will also increase. To determine the proper air swing delivery system, you have to consider the size of your room. The bigger the space, the higher degree of oscillation required. If you want to cool down a large area/room, then purchase a cooler with a higher degree of oscillation.
10. Timer Function:
With this timer function, you can easily program the cooler for uninterrupted working for a certain period of time. When once the set time reaches, the cooler will switch off automatically. The coolers offer a maximum timer function of 15 hours with 1hr/2hr/3hr/4hr switch buttons. Also, remember that coolers with this option are a bit expensive. All you need is to select the time as per your requirement.
11. Water Level Indicator:
This water level indicator will let you know the amount of water present in the cooler. If water reaches a minimum level, then this indicator will notify you with a sound (alarm) and light to refill the empty tank. Thus, this simple gauge will save the swamp cooler from not getting any damage due to less/no water in the tank.
12. Price:
The price of evaporative coolers is affordable than ACs. Its price range will be from $. Make sure to choose the model that comes with decent quality and essential features, which comes within your budget range.
13. Warranty:
Most of these evaporative coolers offer short guarantees. Since they won’t have many moving parts, yet there are a few things that can leak, break or rust. So, look for a product the comes with an effective warranty period.
How does an evaporative cooler will work to cool the room?
An evaporative cooler will cool the room with the process of evaporation. They work by pulling the dry, stale air and move this air through a water-moistened cooling pad. Then the cool water gets evaporated into the air. Thus, this released cool air will be re-circulated back into the environment by using a powerful, and efficient fan. Finally, this re-circulated cool air will produce a cool, gentle breeze that reduces the air temperature. The daily operating cost of this cooling solution will be up to 75% lower (affordable) than ACs. But remember that while using these coolers indoors, they should have access to a constant supply of fresh air either from an open door or window.
How to Maintain an Evaporative Air Cooler?
An evaporative air cooler is one of the best low maintenance cooling options. All you need is to keep these 3 basic things in your mind about its maintenance. Basic Maintenance – Use a damp cloth to wipe out the outer housing of the portable swamp cooler. Doing it regular basis will keep it clean. Cleaning and Replacement of Cooling Pads – It is a must to clean the evaporative cooling pads at least once a month with a mixture of mild detergent and lukewarm water. This will remove dirt, dust, mold, and mildew build-up. Also, one has to replace these cooling pads based on the model they purchase. Use a disinfectant spray to clear the build-up of mineral or mildew forming on a media. Seasonal Shut Down – People use this swamp cooler for the hot summer season, and whenever the season is finished, store it properly. Drain the tank and water line, disconnect the waterline, and cover the cooler. Run the cooler with a fan-only feature for about 30 – 60 minutes to dry out the machine and its cooling pads completely before it’s storing.
Types of Evaporative/Swamp Coolers:
There are 5 main types of swamp coolers available in the market. Let’s know about them in detail. Portable Swamp Coolers – It is the most common type of swamp coolers. This portable air cooler will cool an entire room and are portable that aids in easy mobility from one place to another. Window Swamp Coolers – Resembles like window ACs, but uses evaporative cooling in the place of a compressor. This window-mounted swamp cooler will offer better cooling performance with less noise. Personal Swamp Coolers – This mini ultra-portable cooler is designed to cool down the area quickly. This type of cooler is suitable to use for your coffee table, work desk or bedside to make yourself relax comfortably. Outdoor Swamp Coolers – They work similar to indoor ones, yet they are bigger with powerful motors and large fans. They are stronger, durable and can withstand elements. They blow cool air across a wider area. Some models offer garden hose connection to prevent you from constant refilling of the water tank. Industrial Swamp Coolers – This industrial evaporative cooler is a huge unit used to blow out a massive amount of cool air at once. This type of coolers is designed for large open areas like warehouse, workshops, garages or factory floor.
Air Conditioner Vs Evaporative Air Cooler:
Before purchasing this air cooler, one should know the difference between the cooler and the air conditioner. Have a look at the table to know its difference.
Advantages of Evaporative Air Coolers:
Here is a list of some of the benefits of evaporative swamp coolers. Have a look at them before making their purchase.
Cost-Effectiveness – When compared to AC’s, these evaporative coolers cost less but provide efficient & effective cooling in your space. Eco-friendly – They don’t use any harmful refrigerants for their cooling. Instead, they cool the natural air and works eco-friendly (don’t cause any harm to the environment). Energy Efficient – Compared to ACs, they consume less power to provide effective cooling. Thus, results in less electricity bill. Humidifier – Acts as a great humidifier in dry or semi-arid regions. They increase the moisture content in the air while blowing. Easily Portable – With its caster wheels at their base, this cooler let you shift them to the desired area (either indoors or outdoors).
Disadvantages of Evaporative Air Coolers:
Beyond benefits, one should know its drawbacks before buying. Here is the list of disadvantages of swamp coolers.
High Maintenance – The fans and motors of the cooler are prone to rust & damage. Thus, it requires proper maintenance regularly. Less Effective in Humid Areas – They can’t add moisture into the air and thereby works less effective in humid and coastal areas. Noise – The motor running to blow air will produce a lot of sounds, which seems noisy and disturb you. Regular Filling of Tank – You need to refill the water tank regularly, whenever it gets empty. It makes most people get tired easily, and this problem gets worse if you live in a drought full area.
Conclusion:
We hope you have liked this list of the best evaporative air coolers and found it useful to select the best suitable air cooler option for your home. Almost all the products that we have shortlisted have pretty low power consumption, yet provide amazing cooling. Although we have mentioned all the key features of each product along with its pros and cons so that you don’t find it difficult to choose one for yourself. Still, if you are facing trouble making the final decision, we have a few personal recommendations for you:
Thinking of a powerful air cooler, the only name that comes to mind is the Hessaire MC37M Portable Evaporative Cooler. It comes with a variety of different speed and cooling modes and delivers an amazing cooling effect up to 950 sq. ft. Hence, it’s suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. If you want an air cooler that should operate quietly and shall not disturb you while sleeping, the hOmeLabs Evaporative Cooler is the best option for you. With 200 sq.ft. cooling area capacity, it’s the perfect choice to use in the bedroom. In fact, it can be operated using Remote as well. In case power consumption is a major concern for you, the BREEZEWELL 2-In-1 Bladeless Tower Fan consumes only 65Watts and is one of the best energy-efficient evaporative coolers for indoor use. Despite low power consumption, it has an effective cooling area of 900 sq. ft. which is quite impressive.
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