Best Evaporative Air Coolers

Review & Comparison, Last Update January 31, 2024
Hot as hell! And we're not talking about a sexy person, unfortunately. It's the weather! The air is so hot and dry it's difficult to function. What to do? We suggest you to kill two birds with one stone and buy an evaporative air cooler. It will make the room both cooler and more humid! ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
TYPE
DIMENSIONS
WEIGHT
ROOM SIZE
AIR FLOW
POWER CONSUMPTION
CONTROL
WATER TANK VOLUME
FUNCTIONS
FILTER
PECULIARITIES
WARRANTY
 
PROS

This device is able to work for 3-4 hours in the standalone mode, but thanks to the included garden hose hook-up with float valve, it can also work continuously.

CONS

The manual fill drawer is rather small and looks very flimsy.

OUR VERDICT

The Hessaire MC37M is a high power equipment that can cool large rooms. It can also work in simple blowing mode. The unit has a smart design and is easy to move thanks to the wheels.

detailed parameters
TYPE

Portable / Indoors

DIMENSIONS

38" x 16" x 24"

WEIGHT

40 pounds

ROOM SIZE

950 sq. ft.

AIR FLOW

3,100 CFM

POWER CONSUMPTION

250 watts

CONTROL

Manual

WATER TANK VOLUME

10.3 gallons

FUNCTIONS

3 speeds (High, Medium, Low), Automatic oscillation (On / Off), Fan-only mode

FILTER

Integrated air filter

PECULIARITIES

Water level indicator, Hose hookup, Adjustable louvers, Automatic overheat protection, Hose hookup, 4 casters, Cup holder, Unique palm grill design, 3-4-hour runtime

WARRANTY

1 year

PROS
The LED control panel at the front allows adjusting and monitoring the operation easily, and with the durable wheels and handle at the back moving this evaporative air cooler will be a breeze.
CONS
Needs to be placed near open windows or doors.
OUR VERDICT
If you are after a portable compact and highly capable air cooler, then you can cease the searching as you have found it! By the way, it has some interesting features.
detailed parameters
TYPE
Portable / Indoors
DIMENSIONS
31.49" x 13.54" x 15.75"
WEIGHT
23.4 pounds
ROOM SIZE

Up to 175 sq.ft

AIR FLOW
300 CFM
POWER CONSUMPTION

100 watts

CONTROL
Electronic, RC
WATER TANK VOLUME
2.6 gallons
FUNCTIONS

4 speeds (High / Mid / Low / Sleep), 7.5 hour timer, Automatic louvers oscillation

FILTER
Carbon dust filter
PECULIARITIES
Low water alarm, Detachable water tank, Full tank is enough for 6–8 hours of operation
WARRANTY

Limited 1-year warranty

PROS

Due to the adjustable louvers, you can direct the air flow exactly on yourself and on the floor to quickly dry it. The device will be able to work in the High Fan or Low Fan modes with an empty tank.

CONS

The "door" for refilling water is difficult to close.

OUR VERDICT

The Hessaire MC18M is a portable device that is ideal for small spaces or camping. It will satisfy you with the efficient operation and a durable molded plastic case with UV additives, so you can put it outdoors and not worry about safety.

detailed parameters
TYPE

Portable / Indoors

DIMENSIONS

28" x 10" x 20"

WEIGHT

16 pounds

ROOM SIZE

Up to 500 sq.ft.

AIR FLOW

1300 CFM

POWER CONSUMPTION

85 watts

CONTROL

Manual

WATER TANK VOLUME

4.8 gallons

FUNCTIONS

2 speeds (High, Low), Fan-only mode

FILTER

Integrated air filter

PECULIARITIES

3-4-hour runtime, Built-in float valve and garden hose adapter, Adjustable louvers, Rugged exterior, Water level indicator, 4 wheels, Automatic overheat protection

WARRANTY

1 year

PROS

The double tank ensures more efficient circulation of water and does not heat it up as quickly. The package includes 4 ice packs to keep you even cooler.

CONS

The instructions are not very clear.

OUR VERDICT

The COMFYHOME ‎NDY-DL2 is an air cooler/humidifier that is useful in a house or apartment. This device can be controlled without getting up from the couch; simply pick one of three speeds and modes, or set a timer. The device works pretty quietly and will not disturb your rest.

detailed parameters
TYPE

Portable / Indoors

DIMENSIONS

22" x 10" x 11"

WEIGHT

9 pounds

ROOM SIZE

Up to 170 sq. ft.

AIR FLOW

455 CFM

POWER CONSUMPTION

65 watts

CONTROL

Electronic, RC

WATER TANK VOLUME

1 gallon

FUNCTIONS

3 speeds (High, Medium, Low), 12-hour timer, 65° wide oscillation, Sleep/Nature/Cool modes

FILTER

Integrated air filter

PECULIARITIES

Double water tanks, Adjustable louvers, 4 casters, Built-in handle, 4 x ice packs included, 8-hour runtime

WARRANTY

2 years

PROS
NewAir AF-310 is just wonderful! Slim and tall, yet durable, it takes awesomely moderate amount of space. The oscillation can be controlled automatically, the portable evaporative air cooler has a water level indicator and an RC storage space.
CONS
No wheels. Not suited for commercial use.
OUR VERDICT
You can hardly find a better evaporative air cooler for your small room or office than this one. It takes nearly no space and cools really fast. An energy-efficient and economically beneficial decision that will nevertheless bring you all the comfort possible.
detailed parameters
TYPE
Portable / Indoors
DIMENSIONS
34.5" x 12.63" х 11.38"
WEIGHT
11.6 pounds
ROOM SIZE

Up to 75 sq.ft

AIR FLOW
312 CFM
POWER CONSUMPTION

80 watts

CONTROL
Electronic, RC
WATER TANK VOLUME
1 gallon
FUNCTIONS
3 fan speeds, Nature mode, Sleep mode, 7.5-hour timer
FILTER
Integrated air filter
PECULIARITIES
Ice box for additional cooling, Water lasts for 16–20 hours at the lowest speed
WARRANTY

Limited 1-year warranty

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Hessaire MC37M

Dry Area Lifesaver

Hot weather makes the air unpleasantly dry, but you’re welcome to solve the heat and humidity issue by simply getting an evaporative air cooler. The Hessaire model is compact, powerful, and economical, which makes it one of the best options in its class.

You don’t need a bulky cooler to get the real operational power. The Hessaire weighs only 40 pounds, which means you can take it on a camping trip or simply move it to the patio with no problem. It even has wheels for easy transportation; just don’t forget to lock them before using the device.

Despite its compact size, this unit covers the areas of up to 950 sq. ft., which is simply impressive. Porch or patio, garage or workshop, all will be cooled down amidst the summer heat. What this cooler does is pull the dry air through the filter that is water-soaked. This helps bring down the temperature and boost humidity. Overall, it can move up to 3,100 cu. ft. per minute – and produce a really strong airflow.

But that’s not all; you can choose from the 3 fan speeds (low, medium, and high) for the added comfort. The low settings can be used as a source of white noise for sleep assistance or relaxation.

Review of Hessaire MC37M Evaporative Cooler (3,100 CFM)

Easy to Operate

The Hessaire includes both manual and continuous fill. You can always connect a hose with the float adaptor – and not refill manually every few hours, which can be a bit annoying. Still, if you don’t want that, you’re always welcome to fill the water tank by hand. Note, however, that the fill drawer is rather small and looks very flimsy.

Operating this cooler is simple as a breeze. It has separate speed, pump, and oscillation controls. Even if you’ve never had such device before, you’ll be sure to grasp it all within a few minutes’ time.

Even better; this cooler is very economical compared to the air conditioning systems. In fact, you can save up to 50% on energy costs, and there will be no unpleasant dryness in the air. The high-density cooling pads in this unit are 3-sided and make for more evaporative area.

If you decide on buying this unit, keep in mind that it doesn’t work in high humidity areas. As for the dry locations, you’ll be impressed at how much good it can do for your house or garage.

Summing up, this evaporative cooler gives you a strong airflow without compromising the free space – and boosts humidity for your ultimate comfort.

Hessaire MC37M Evaporative Cooler (3,100 CFM) in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B00MYWQL96

 

Honeywell CS10XE

Money-saving Comfort

If you live in a dry hot climate, a conventional air cooler is probably not something you want to buy — they make the already dry air even drier. So what do you do? In cases like this, what you need is the Honeywell CS10XE Indoor Portable Evaporative Air Cooler.

This device allows you to easily adjust the temperature, making the air cooler and fresher in a room of up to 150 sq.ft, in size. At the same time, the cooler is quite compact, doesn't take a lot of room, and comes with wheels for additional portability so you can place it just where you need it.

Furthermore, the Honeywell CS10XE comes with a fairly big tank that is able to provide cooling for up to 6–8 hours continuously, which will give you almost all day or night of comfortable climate to enjoy. Also of note is automatic louvers oscillation that makes sure the cool air is evenly distributed across the room.

Regarding controls, there are two ways to control the unit - via a convenient electronic panel at the front of the device or a remote controller. The latter means you can set it to cool the air in the room before you wake up or come back home from work, which is extremely convenient.

As a cherry on the top, the Honeywell CS10XE is very energy-efficient: it only needs 100 watts per hour, which is comparable to a light bulb but not an air conditioner. So those who are worrying about their electricty bills can rest assured it won't increase your costs. 

Review of Honeywell CS10XE Indoor Evaporative Cooler (300 CFM)

Some Tips

  • While mainteinance of modern evaporative air coolers have become much easier than it was, due attention must be paid nevertheless in order for the device to serve you faithfully for a long while.
  • Those who'd like to minimize fiddling should consider going with a model equipped with a bigger water tank, which won't need frequent filling.
  • Please take note that it's not recommended to run both an evaporative air cooler and an air conditioner at the same time. Since they are meant to do different things, simulatenous operation of these appliances may conflict, resulting in higher electricity bills.
  • It's important to clean a water filter regularly. Water filters are designed to prevent impurities from releasing into the air, and when those impurities accumulate they must be removed; otherwise, they interfere with the device, slowing it down dramatically. In addition, the accumulation of water impurities on filters can lead to the growth of weeds and become a source of unpleasant smell, something you don't really want to happen in your house.
Honeywell CS10XE Indoor Evaporative Cooler (300 CFM) in the use

Additional Info

User Manual

Last updated price $184.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B00IINNL9I

 

Hessaire MC18M

The Portable Efficiency

Living in a dry climate but don’t want the air conditioning to inflate your bills? Consider trying the Hessaire evaporative cooler; it’s compact, effective, and lets you save up big time.

With the convenient weight of only 16 pounds, this cooler is very easy to move around on caster wheels. They are easy to put on, and two of them are locking to prevent the unit from moving due to the airflow. The body of this cooler is made of sturdy plastic with UV additives, so you can use it outdoors as well as indoors.

Although smaller, the Hessaire can cover the area of up to 500 sq. ft. Living rooms, patios, porches; you can use it just about anywhere and enjoy the strong and cool wind that this unit blows. It works with a water-soaked filter, bringing you heat relief and increasing humidity.

The airflow capacity of this cooler is 1,300 cu. ft. per minute. While perfect for dry climates and desert regions, it wouldn’t work for a high humidity area.

The Hessaire comes with 2 cooling and 2 fan-only speeds for a more versatile experience. Just use the motor speed dial to choose the perfect one for you, and the device will do the rest.

Review of Hessaire MC18M Portable Evaporative Cooler (1300 CFM)

Cool Down & Save Up

You can fill this capable cooler in two ways: manually or through connecting an external hose. The water tank can hold 4.8 gallons, which is enough for 3-4 hours of work. But as the “door” for refills is inconvenient to close, you might want to switch to the hose. Don’t worry about it overflowing the tank; there’s an integrated float valve and hose adapter to take care of that.

Another thing you’ll love is the adjustable louvers that direct the cool air at you as well as the floor to dry it out. Because why not?

This cooler doesn’t make a lot of noise. In fact, it’s even quieter than the typical 19" fan. Use it whenever you want to cool down and relax inside or outside your home.

Great, but how can it help you save the energy? While the AC systems normally work fine, they dry the air – and consume up to 50% more electricity. No wonder that instead of paying hundreds of dollars for the AC, many prefer to buy “swamp coolers”. Also, the use of water in place of refrigerant doesn’t lead to the ozone layer depletion, which is great news for sustainable households.

Overall, this evaporative cooler by Hessaire is ready for the rescue if your house is a hotbox during the dry summer months.

Hessaire MC18M Portable Evaporative Cooler (1300 CFM) in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B078HFGJ3T

 

COMFYHOME ‎NDY-DL2

Your Cooling Suite

So how about getting an air cooler, a fan, and a humidifier in a single device? The COMFYHOME is exactly this: a portable cooling device to bring the heat relief and solve the dry air problem.

Unlike the window air conditioning, this air cooler can be used in spaces such as a windowless room, an office, or a garage. It’s also small enough for tighter spaces, but this doesn’t mean compromising on the cooling power (which is up to 455 CFM). Weighing the mere 9 lbs., this unit can be moved around with ease thanks to the 4 sturdy casters. Take it to your bedroom or kitchen – and enjoy the strong cool wind amidst the summer heat.

This model is equipped with a double water tank that supports better recycling and keeps the water cool for more time. And if you want the top performance, simply add the 4 included ice packs to the water tank. This will boost the cooling effect and take away the heat faster than in the regular mode. Just don’t forget to read the instructions as to the use of ice (although some of the directions are not exactly clear).

This air cooler offers the convenient 65° oscillation to circulate cool air within the area of up to 170 sq. ft.

Review of COMFYHOME ‎NDY-DL2 Portable Air Cooler (170CFM)

Smart & Convenient

The COMFYHOME air conditioner lets you adjust the settings to deliver the best cooling experience. It features the Sleep, Nature, and Cool modes for the added comfort. Use the device smartly depending on the placement and your personal tastes. One thing to be sure of is that the high quality motor will blow the cool air no matter what.

What also makes this unit great is the 16.5 ft. remote control. No need to get up from the bed or put the movie on pause to change the fan speed. This isn’t something every evaporative cooler has, but definitely an amazing feature. Just click the button – and go on relaxing in the perfect microclimate.

But that’s not all; the COMFYHOME features a 12-hour timer, and the water refill should be due in only 8 hours’ time. Another reason to go smart and get this cooler for your home.

Is this device really loud? Actually, not at all. The noise level is quite acceptable even on the highest speed. If you go low, you can use the fan as a source of white noise for sleeping, studying, or relaxing. It even fits a nursery without disturbing your baby.

As evident, this compact air cooler will be perfect for a smart home owner living in the hot and dry climate.

COMFYHOME ‎NDY-DL2 Portable Air Cooler (170CFM) in the use
Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B08QHPJG1P

 

NewAir AF-310

Design and Usability

Visually, the NewAir AF-310 resembles a tower, it is slim and tall. The dimensions of this cooler are 34.50" x 12.63" х 11.38", so it will not take much space in your room. This wonderful design is absolutely perfect for small premises, and light weight makes the portable evaporative air cooler easy to carry from room to room. If you encountered an overdry air and wish to decrease the room temperature, this NewAir AF-310 will gladly assist you.

Review of NewAir AF-310 Indoor/Outdoor Evaporative Cooler (312 CFM)

Performance

Although it might be insufficient for large rooms, NewAir AF-310 is an evaporative air cooler that will cool small rooms (up to 75 sq.ft) comfortably with ease. This fascinating portable evaporative air cooler is really quiet, so it won't ever disturb you with irritating buzz. And owing to a 312.37 CFM air flow, it will take mere minutes to cool your room or office down several degrees. For even better results, you can load ice into a special ice box.

 

NewAir AF-310 Indoor/Outdoor Evaporative Cooler (312 CFM) in the use

CONTROL AND FUNCTIONALITY

No need to get up from a couch to adjust the cooling manually, control this portable evaporative air cooler with a remote control. At the same time, if you are near the device, the front panel is also equipped with controls for you to choose the appropriate mode. This evaporative air cooler model has quite a lot of useful options, like Nature Mode that changes the air flow automatically, or a timer that sets the auto switch-off. You can also adjust the oscillation to distribute fresh cool air evenly throughout the whole room area. It's absolutely awesome!

Detailed review of NewAir AF-310 Indoor/Outdoor Evaporative Cooler (312 CFM)
Last updated price $93.78
Stock In stock
ASIN B009KGB4FK

VIDEO
NewAir AF-310 Multi Functional Evaporative Cooling Fan
 

Infographics

Comparison of Evaporative Air Coolers

What Is an Evaporative Air Cooler?

Every time a stiflingly hot summer comes we wishfully think how great it would be to have a whiff of fresh air. Stop dreaming, start acting! Buy an evaporative air cooler, it is a perfect device to cool and moisturize the ambient air, making it a lot easier to breathe. And it is cheaper than an air conditioner. So, what is an evaporative air cooler? Like we said above, it's a device that cools and moisturizes the air in your room. The mechanism is pretty simple: there is a filter at the back continuously showered with water and the fan that draws the water through this filter causing it to evaporate; thus, the air is moisturized and cooled. The evaporative air cooler does not require mounting, just plug it in, pour the water into the tank, and select a mode. Mostly, the evaporative air coolers are used indoors but some innovative models work perfectly well outside too. The only limitation here is that as the evaporative air cooler cools the air with water, it is designed for dry air mostly. If the air around is already moisturized, the device will be less performing. But in a hot dry air, it will make the difference! And as a cherry on the top, the evaporative air cooler is a really energy-efficient device! Your electricity charges will be cut significantly.

For those living in the regions of high humidity and wishing to maintain comfortable temperatures in their houses, we can offer several other reviews: portable air conditioners, split air conditioners, and window air conditioners.

What Features to Compare

Design and Usability

Starting to look for an evaporative air cooler, first, consider its design and usability. For example, there are stationary evaporative air coolers that are mounted on the roof and are connected through a special ventilation duct. Or there are portable evaporative air coolers that have wheels and can be moved from one room to another. The differences in design are often also important: a slim tower portable evaporative air cooler will be more convenient in a small room than a bulkier one. By contrast, for commercial use, it will be better to buy a monoblock portable evaporative air cooler with a big diffuser. Also, such device can be used outdoors — on a patio, in a garden, or by the pool. The wheels make it easier to move the portable evaporative air cooler.

Performance

Same as any household device, evaporative air coolers have different technical characteristics, and the most important one is probably performance. It largely depends on the room size; the bigger the room is, the more powerful cooler you need, obviously. As the evaporative air coolers operate by evaporating the water, the water tank volume should also be quite large for the cooler to function longer (before you need to refill the tank). If you are busy or just don't want to refill the tank from time to time, there are models that take water just from the water pipes. The water, in this case, is supplied continuously and you don't need to participate. In a battle "evaporative air cooler vs air conditioner", when discussing energy efficiency, the former wins even without trying. They consume less energy to provide approximately the same temperature. Just look at the amount of energy your future evaporative air cooler needs and at its airflow (shown in CFM), compare them to those of an air conditioner. The difference is seen by a naked eye. The last point that we include with the performance is the noise level. We recommend you to keep in mind that more powerful evaporative air coolers might be a bit loud for a small closed room. You buy a cooler to work and rest in a cool room, right? The noise is a distraction, so take it into account.

Control and Functionality

Control and functionality can vary from model to model, too. For instance, the oscillation feature can help you control the air flow direction, and it can be controlled either manually or automatically. Some models can have an additional compartment for ice to prolong the time the evaporative air cooler operates at one fill. Also, the ice adds a bit of "frosty" feel to the air. The water level indicator will show (or even notify!) you that it is time to refill the tank. Control-wise, there are two major distinctions — some evaporative air coolers are controlled manually and some electronically. Manual evaporative air coolers are easy to manipulate and reliable. Generally, they might have fan speed adjustment, several operating modes, and oscillation. evaporative air coolers with electronic control usually have more options. There can be a timer, a sleep mode, an auto-oscillation, a Nature mode, and they can be managed with a remote control. Before you make your final decision and purchase an evaporative air cooler, carefully think about everything we've mentioned. If you are buying an evaporative air cooler for commercial use, a portable device with a constant water supply, high air flow, and mechanical control will probably be the best option. But if all you need is a device to cool and moisturize a small room to get the most comfort, then the smaller size and electronic control might be a better choice.

Sources:

1. Evaporative Cooler, Wikipedia. August 4, 2016.

2. 5 Things to Consider When Buying an Evaporative Cooler, Sylvane Inc.

3. How to Size an Evaporative Cooler, Air & Water and Air-N-Water.

4. Astha Shah Top Ten Air Coolers in India by Efficiency and Price in 2016, Bijli Bachao. July 7, 2016.

5. How Swamp Coolers Work, How Stuff Works.

6. EVAPORATIVE COOLERS, U.S. Department of Energy.

7. Anthony Zhou Why You Should Choose Evaporative Cooling vs. Air Conditioner, Behance. August 3, 2016.

8. Evaporative Coolers Information, Engineering360.

9. Evaporative Cooler Selection Guide, eZtips. Last review April 22, 2014.

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