10 Best Evaporative Cooler Options To Chill Out This Summer

Evaporative coolers, also known as swamp coolers, are a cost-effective and eco-friendly way to cool your home or office. They work by evaporating water to cool the air, rather than using refrigerants.

Using the best evaporative cooler will help you stay comfortable in dry climates since they are suitable for industrial and residential purposes. But there are several options available on the market and I have shortlisted the top 10 products to help you choose the best portable evaporative air coolers.

Best Evaporative Coolers

Here is the list of the 10 best evaporative coolers that you can use to keep your home comfortable and cool during the hot summer months.

1. Hessaire MC37M Evaporative Cooler: Best With Air Swing Delivery System

This portable, indoor evaporative cooler is designed for industrial and residential use in warehouses, construction sites, outdoor shops, restaurants, patios, porches, garages, workshops, camping, and tailgating. It can effectively cool large spaces with a coverage area of up to 950 square feet. 

The fan has a height of 37 inches, a width of 17 inches, and a depth of 25 inches. It weighs 40 lbs and has an operating weight of 131 lbs. Moreover, it comes with four heavy-duty locking casters, which make it easy to move the unit from one location to another easily.  

You will find a water reservoir capacity of 10.3 gallons and a water level indicator, making it easy to monitor the water level. Thanks to the continuous fill option you can attach a household hose with the included float adaptor, eliminating the need to watch and fill the water tank manually.

The fan utilizes 3-sided, rigid, high-density cooling pads for increased evaporative surface area, producing cooler air. It has a maximum CFM of 3,100 and a maximum noise level of 59 dB. To use the fan effectively, place it in front of an open window or door while keeping another one open for air to exhaust from the room. Also, run the fan on FAN ONLY mode for 30 minutes daily to dry the filter.

2. COSTWAY Portable Air Conditioner: Best With Wide-Angle Oscillation

The 3-in-1 Multifunctional Air Conditioner is the perfect solution for cooling your home or office since it has a premium fan and dehumidifier, equipped with four modes and two-speed adjustments to meet your needs. Moreover, the easy-to-use LCD panel allows for effortless operation and monitoring. 

This air cooler boasts a powerful cooling system with 10,000 BTU, while it can swing horizontally up to 65° (automatically) and vertically up to 100° (manually adjusted), making it perfect for most spaces. Its 4 four universal casters and built-in handle also ensure easy mobility and versatility to cool any area you choose.

I found it has a 24h timer function that provides flexibility to fit your schedule. And this air cooler operates quietly, producing 55 dB of noise, which makes it ideal for use during sleep or rest. Plus, the sleep mode can automatically adjust the fan speed to prevent overexposure to cold air. 

This air cooler comes equipped with a remote control that can operate the device from a distance of up to 16 feet, making it extremely convenient for the user. Additionally, the cooler includes an overload protection feature that ensures safe operation by preventing damage from overvoltage. The device also features a built-in handle for easy carrying.

3. The VAGKRI Portable Evaporative Cooler: Best With Three Possible Cooling Processes

The VAGKRI Portable Evaporative Cooler is an appliance that combines the features of a fan, humidifier, and air cooler, to create a comfortable environment. It features three different cooling models, allowing you to choose between air, water, or ice cooling to suit your preference. 

This air cooler can deliver cool air quickly and efficiently with its powerful fan motors and 3-sided intake panels. It also comes equipped with an ice compartment, which makes it an excellent choice for extreme heat. 

Plus, the evaporative cooler is designed to cover larger spaces with 120° oscillation and 700 square feet of coverage. It produces 2,100 cubic feet of cold air a minute, making it suitable for use in various environments, including homes, offices, and other commercial spaces.

You will love the 8-gallon water tank, providing hours of cooling without frequent refills, while you can also manually add water from the top or attach a garden hose for uninterrupted cooling. The appliance is equipped with an electronic control panel that is user-friendly. And the full-function remote control guarantees further convenience, making it possible to adjust the settings from a distance.

4. Dreo Evaporative Air Cooler: Best With Reusable Ice Boxes

The Dreo Evaporative Air Cooler provides a cool lake breeze during hot and dry summer days and nights with its 80-degree wide-angle oscillation, which covers a large area. You can enjoy the cool breeze from up to 20 feet away using the remote. 

It is a versatile appliance that can function as a fan and a humidifier, perfect for arid regions, as it cools rooms using less energy and adds humidity. Additionally, the quiet sleep mode and three fan speeds allow for custom comfort. 

With its all-in-one touch panel, you can easily customize your cooling experience because it offers a full range of functions, including humidifying, oscillation, fan speed, and timer settings. The water level indicator and alert even allow you to check the water level quickly without pulling the tank out. 

Moreover, the low water alert blinks when it's time to add water, so you'll never have to worry about forgetting to fill it up. The 1.06-gallon large water tank can run for up to 8 hours, keeping your room cool and moist overnight. 

This Air Cooler comes with reusable ice boxes that you can freeze and put into the tank to maximize cooling. However, it's important to note that you should use a soft cloth or gloves to move the ice boxes and avoid touching them with your hands to prevent frostbite.  

5. MEPTY Evaporative Cooler: Best With Continuous Auto Fill Feature 

With three high-density evaporative cooling pads and powerful fan motors, this air cooler produces cold air quickly and efficiently. The included ice packs enhance the cooling effect, making it ideal for use in large spaces of up to 900 square feet. 

Unlike traditional tower fans, this air cooler blasts air at 3531 CFM using less energy. Wider oscillation ensures that the cold air is distributed evenly throughout the space, making it an excellent alternative to air conditioners. 

It features a sizable 10.6-gallon water tank to keep the evaporative cooling fan working for more hours. Low-Max water line helps you monitor the water level for timely refills, and a drainage port at the bottom makes maintenance more convenient. 

The top-refilled design makes refilling the water tank a breeze without needing a hose or bending over. Additionally, with four rolling casters, this portable evaporative cooler can be moved easily to any space, making it perfect for use in backyards, garages, or gyms. 

6. Portacool Jetstream 230: Best In Class Warranty 

The Portacool PACJS2301A1 Jetstream 230 Portable Evaporative Cooler is a versatile and efficient cooling solution, thanks to its compact design and powerful cooling capabilities. One of the critical features of this evaporative cooler is the Kuul Comfort MicroTech evaporative media, made in the USA exclusively for Portacool products. This high-quality media ensures optimal cooling performance and is designed to last for many years of use. 

It also comes equipped with oscillating louvers, which help to cool a larger area more effectively. Additionally, the sizable two-inch drain makes cleaning and maintenance easy and efficient. 

This cooler features a liquid level indicator with an automatic pump shut-off to protect your investment for added convenience. And with its durable construction and Portacool Protect lifetime warranty, you can trust that this product will provide reliable cooling comfort for years to come. The warranty is applicable on the housing against manufacturing defects, while it has a 3-year warranty on all electrical components, 

7. Evapolar EvaSMART Personal Evaporative Air Cooler: Best With Environment-Friendly Technology

EvaSMART air cooler is a portable and efficient device that uses natural evaporative technology to create a cool personal climate. This 3-in-1 device cools, humidifies, and cleans the air of dust particles to make your living space healthier. It's perfect for personal use as it cools an area of up to 2.5 - 3.5 sq m, making it suitable for use on a desk, couch, or bed. 

This device is operated via a mobile application and can be connected to various Smart Home assistants like Amazon Alexa with voice commands. It has an LED display that shows the temperature of both incoming and outgoing air, and you can choose from various light colors for your water tank lighting to suit your mood. 

I found it was easy to install; you just need to pour water in the tank, plug it in, set the Wifi on, and enjoy. The working principle of the EvaSMART is based on natural water evaporation technology, making it the most efficient evaporative air cooler of its type. It takes hot air and makes it cool and moist even in dry climates. 

However, it's not recommended to use it when the humidity is higher than 70% in your room. EvaSMART is also environmentally friendly due to its low power consumption and innovative, fully-inorganic, biodegradable material inside the EvaBreezeTM. 

Not to forget, each easily replaceable cartridge lasts 3-6 months, depending on use and air and water quality.

8. Hessaire 5,300 CFM Evaporative Cooler: Best With Extensive ASDS Coverage

The Hessaire 5,300 CFM Evaporative Cooler is a compact and aesthetically pleasing cooling device that delivers exceptional performance, surpassing larger coolers in terms of cooling ability. It achieves this by expanding its air-intake areas and using hi-density XeL50 rigid media comprising three panels instead of one on most mobile coolers. 

This design provides more air-intake area, reduces pre-rotation of the air to the prop, and lowers static pressure, allowing for more efficient air delivery. The hi-density XeL50 media also provides 80% more evaporation surface than regular density media, translating into higher evaporation efficiency and cooler temperatures. 

It is important to note that this unit is not an air conditioner, which makes it an energy-efficient alternative that saves on electricity costs. It is best used in dry climates or open spaces, and it is recommended to leave windows and doors open to limit the rise of humidity and promote better air ventilation in the room. 

This Portable Evaporative Air Cooler is made of durable polypropylene material and comes in a sleek grey color. Its compact form factor makes it ideal for personal use, and it has a 14.6-gallon reservoir capacity and can cover an area of up to 1600 square feet. The cooler is lightweight at 56 pounds, making it easy to move around as needed. It has a button control system and three different speeds, allowing easy adjustments according to your needs.

The cooler operates quietly with a sound level of 63 dB and has a wattage of 430, making it an energy-efficient option. It runs on a standard 115-volt power source and comes with a one-year warranty from the manufacturer. 

9. Big Ass Fans Cool-Space 400: Best With Large Water Tank Capacity

The Cool-Space 400 Evaporative Cooler is a powerful and efficient solution for cooling your space without needing costly traditional A/C. Depending on your location's ambient temperature and humidity, this cooler can cool air up to 33 degrees, thanks to its 36-inch fan and 6,400-9,700 cfm output.

Equipped with a large 46-gallon tank, the Cool-Space 400 can run for up to 10 hours without being connected to a water source, offering maximum portability for immediate spot-cooling. The cooler's low water indicator also ensures you're always aware of the water level.

The 8-inch thick cooling media is the industry's most influential and longest-lasting, treated with a thermosetting resin to resist algae growth and withstand frequent cleaning. Its design prevents dirt and other particles from penetrating the substrate, ensuring it stays effective for longer. 

Cool-Space's variable-speed controls make maintaining the perfect temperature for your space as simple as turning a dial, with virtually silent direct-drive motors delivering precise cooling. The motors are designed for both power and efficiency, helping to keep your space comfortable while keeping running costs low.  

10. Honeywell 525 CFM: Best With Ice Compartment

The Honeywell Evaporative Cooler is an excellent solution for hot and dry climates in the southwest and Midwest regions of the US. It provides powerful 525 CFM airflow, perfect for spot-cooling small to medium spaces such as living rooms, bedrooms, dens, covered patios, and garages. It has a low power consumption of only 288 watts. 

This evaporative cooler has several features, including a carbon dust air filter and remote control. low water alarm, energy-saving timer, adjustable humidification dial, and an ice compartment.

In addition to cooling, this air cooler can also be used as a humidifier during winter months, providing a moist, cool breeze to cool you down. However, it's important to note that this is not an air conditioner and should not be expected to cool as efficiently as a refrigerated AC. Its tank is detachable for easy maintenance.

The Honeywell 525 CFM Indoor Portable Evaporative Air Cooler has a freestanding design and a reservoir capacity of 7.9 gallons. It is made of durable plastic and comes in a sleek gray color. Its floor area coverage of 320 square feet makes it perfect for personal use in residential spaces.

Quick Comparisons Of Top Evaporative Coolers

Buying Guide For The Best Evaporative Cooler

Cooling Capacity

When selecting a cooling unit, it's important to consider the size of the area you want to cool. Choose a unit with appropriate CFM (cubic feet per minute) for the space you want to cool. A unit with insufficient cooling capacity will not be able to effectively cool the area, while a unit with excessive cooling capacity will be wasteful and inefficient.

Water Tank Capacity

If one wishes to avoid frequent refilling of the cooler's water receptacle, it is imperative to opt for a model with a larger water tank capacity. By doing so, the cooling process may persist for a longer duration without necessitating the replenishment of the tank. Nonetheless, it is essential to acknowledge that a larger tank capacity may also result in a heavier and more unwieldy unit.

Airflow Direction

Different coolers are designed to provide airflow in different directions. Some models allow for vertical airflow, while others provide horizontal airflow. Consider the layout of your space and your desired cooling pattern to choose a unit that can provide airflow in your desired direction.

Noise Level

If you plan to use your cooler in a home or workplace, it's important to consider the noise level of the unit. Some coolers can be quite loud, which can be disruptive to those around you. Look for models with low noise levels to ensure a comfortable and peaceful environment.

Energy Efficiency

It is an important consideration when choosing a cooler. Choose a model with a higher SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating for better energy efficiency. This will help you save money on energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint.

Maintenance

Maintenance is an important consideration when choosing a cooler. Look for units with easy-to-clean filters and minimal maintenance requirements to save time and effort. Regular cleaning and maintenance will ensure that your cooler performs at its best and has a longer lifespan.

Warranty

A warranty is important for protection against defects and other issues. Consider an extended warranty period for added peace of mind. This will ensure that you can get repairs or replacements if anything goes wrong with your cooler within the warranty period. Be sure to read the terms and conditions of the warranty carefully to ensure that you understand what is covered.

Evaporative Cooler FAQs

What is an evaporative cooler?

An evaporative cooler, also known as a swamp cooler, is an air conditioning unit that uses water evaporation to cool and humidify the air.

How does an evaporative cooler work?

An evaporative cooler draws dry and hot air through moistened pads or media, which evaporates the water and cools the air. The cooled air is then circulated throughout the space.  

What are the different types of evaporative coolers?

The different types of evaporative coolers include portable, window-mounted, ducted, and direct evaporative coolers. 

How do I choose the right size of an evaporative cooler for my home or office?

The right size of an evaporative cooler depends on the size of the space to be cooled. You should consult the manufacturer’s recommendations or consult with an HVAC professional. 

How often should I clean and maintain my evaporative cooler?

You should clean and maintain your evaporative cooler at least once a year or more if you use it frequently. This includes changing the pads or media, cleaning the water reservoir, and checking the pump and fan.

How much water and electricity does an evaporative cooler consume?

The water consumption of an evaporative cooler varies depending on the size and usage but typically ranges from 3-15 gallons per day. The electricity consumption is also relatively low compared to traditional air conditioning units.

How does an evaporative cooler compare to other air conditioners?

Evaporative coolers are typically less expensive and more energy efficient than traditional air conditioning units. However, they are less effective in humid climates.

Can I use an evaporative cooler in a humid environment?

Evaporative coolers are not effective in humid environments because the air is already saturated with moisture, so the water in the pads or media cannot evaporate and cool the air.  

How long does an evaporative cooler typically last?

An evaporative cooler lifespan depends on the unit’s quality and how well it is maintained, but they typically last 10-20 years. 

What are some popular brands of evaporative coolers?

Popular brands of evaporative coolers include Honeywell, Hessaire, Breezair, and Champion 

Conclusion

After further analysis, I believe that the Hessaire MC37M Evaporative Cooler is the best evaporative air cooler for those needing exceptional performance from a compact unit. Its features, such as the Air Swing Delivery System, provide maximum coverage and is ideal for outdoor cooling. 

The second best option that stands out in the list is the COSTWAY Portable Air Conditioner, which is equipped with a built-in handle and 4 universal casters. You can try out these options to remain cool and calm during the summers or conduct your own research after reading the buyer’s guide and FAQs.