Table of Contents
Best Evaporative Air Coolers 2021
Affiliate Disclosure: I am grateful to be of service and to bring you content free of charge. In order to do this, please note that when you click links and purchase items, in most cases I receive referral commissions. Eventually, I may earn enough to buy a beer or two 🙂
Keeping cool in a dry climate can be challenging, and typical air conditioners may not be adequate. You may believe that the only alternatives for cooling your home during the summer are an air conditioner or a box fan, but there is a third option: an evaporative cooler.
The best evaporative cooler can fix that problem because it can do things that an air conditioner can’t and is far less expensive to run.
Evaporative Coolers: What Are They?
Evaporative air coolers use the power of evaporation to chill the air. Water goes from a liquid to a gas when it evaporates. As a result, the water’s highest-energy particles escape first, causing a temperature reduction.
This is why, on a hot day, a moistened towel on your forehead feels cool — the water evaporates, lowering the temperature of your head.
When it comes to the air in your home, the same logical principle applies to evaporative cooling. Evaporation can assist lower the temperature of the air in a dry area.
If you’ve ever misted the air around you so you can feel cooler on a hot summer day, you’ve probably experienced this. An evaporative air conditioner works on the same principle as a traditional air conditioner.
It incorporates technology to make the process more efficient — and less dirty — than just spraying a room with water and hoping for the best.
How Do Evaporative Coolers Work?
Basic evaporation is automated in an evaporative cooling system to efficiently lower the temperature of the air in your home.
A fan, a thick pad, a water reservoir, and various extra controls for fine-tuning the outcomes will make up the machine in general. The machine draws dry, hot air and across the cooler pads by the fan.
These thick pads absorb water from the reservoir and are made up of multiple layers to maximize surface area. The water molecules on the surface of the pad evaporate as hot air passes over them, causing the air temperature inside the cooler to drop by as much as 20 degrees.
On a hot day, the fan then delivers that chilly air into your room, where you may enjoy the coolness.
Some evaporative coolers also contains other helpful components Many people use air filters and pads to enhance air quality by lowering allergens and preventing mildew growth, which is especially helpful for people who suffer from allergies or other respiratory problems.
While not technically necessary, a water pump can help to speed up the absorption into the cooling pad. Some models allow you to add an ice pack to cool the air the fan blasts into the room even more. A remote control, variable fan speeds, and oscillating functions are additional essential features.
Best Evaporative Coolers 2021
Unless you live in a consistently humid region, evaporative coolers is all you need: you can significantly cool your personal space while not relying on the comfort of others.
As a result, we’ve put together a list of the top portable evaporative cooler models for 2021.
#1 Hessaire MC18M Portable Evaporative Cooler
The Hessaire MC18M is a small evaporative cooler that can handle up to 500 square feet of outdoor space and outperforms some of the larger coolers on the market.
While it has a lot of cooling power, Hessaire contains a small tank and will need to be refilled after three to four hours of continuous operation without a hose.
It’s great for outdoor use or bigger indoor spaces, and it includes a number of portability characteristics that make it one of the best portable swamp coolers for transferring from one location to another.
Hessaire MC18M Portable Evaporative Cooler CFM
The Hessaire MC18M, which represents the small side of evaporative coolers, boasts 1300 CFM, estimated at 115.41 square inches (0.80 square fee). The actual airflow at 808 CFM on high with an average airspeed of 1009 feet per minute (11.47 MPH). It, like its big brother, falls short of its advertised value by a significant margin – about 500 CFM, or 38% in this case.
Convenience and Effectiveness
The Hessaire MC18M model has a simple control panel with only one rotary switch and three motor speed modes: low, medium, and high. A pump switch, as well as a center rocker switch for fan oscillation and a power switch, make it simple to regulate the pump.
The MC18M is extremely light and portable, allowing you to move it around your home and property with ease.Included are 4 heavy-duty wheels, an ergonomic top handle, and a float valve for a garden hose connection.
The Hessaire MC18M, like most good swamp evaporative coolers, is also good to use both indoors and outdoors and works best when the air humidity is low.
Recommended for You: Best Portable Air Conditioners to Keep You Cool Anytime, Anywhere
Energy Efficient
In this portable swamp cooler, Hessaire has put a lot of emphasis on performance and energy economy. It makes use of high-density XeL50 media, which has 80 percent more evaporation surface than ordinary density evaporative material and, when combined with a three-sided pad intake area, greatly improves its cooling capability.
From a power standpoint, the Hessaire MC18axial M’s propeller allows it to throw cool air longer while remaining energy efficient. This swamp cooler, in fact, has one of the best cubic feet per minute (CFM) to dollar ratios.
Also Best for Outdoor Environments
While Hessaire notes that this device is best suited to outdoor environments, it can also be utilized in well-ventilated indoor environments. If you do use it indoors, keep in mind that it has enough power to chill a couple of rooms, but the high airflow rating of 1,300 CFM may be too much for a tiny area.
This swamp cooler is built of robust yet lightweight ABS resin, making it very easy to move from spot to spot to cool any place you’re in. It also has a compact design, robust wheels, and a carry-handle.
Specifications:
- Evaporative Cooler Type: Residential
- Coverage Area: 500 sq. ft.
- Height: 28 in.
- Width: 22 in.
- Weight: 16 lbs.
- Number of Fan Speeds: 2
- CFM: 1,300 CFM
- Maximum Noise Level: 53.4 dB
- Water Reservoir Capacity: 4.8 Gallons
- Water Level Indicator: Yes
- Hose Hookup: Yes
- Controls: Manual
- Adjustable Louvers: Yes
- Voltage: 110-120 V
- Maximum Wattage: 85 W
- Maximum Amperage: 0.7 Amps
- Horsepower: 1/15 hp
- Power Cord Length: 6 ft.
- Automatic Overheat Protection: Yes
- Safety Certifications: ETL
Pros:
- What makes the Hessaire MC18M model stand out the most is its compact size that manages not to compromise the effectiveness of the cooler.
- The Hessaire MC18M comes in 3 different sizes that can cover areas from 500 square feet to 1,600 square feet.
- This portable evaporative cooler is exceptionally easy to operate and requires no more than a minute to set up.
Cons:
- The water tank needs to be refilled every 3 to 4 hours.
Where to buy Hessaire MC18M Portable Evaporative Cooler
Check out Individual Product Review for Hessaire Evaporative Cooler MC18M
#2 TaoTronics 3-in-1 Evaporative Air Cooler, Dehumidifier, Cooling Fan
Taotronics fills your home with an abundance of luxuriant, clean, and freshly breathable air to alleviate those discomforts. They let you escape into a wonderfully exhilarating world of hydration, with adjustable humidity levels, quiet operation, effortless filling, and a constant mist from morning to evening.
This swamp cooler is built of robust yet lightweight ABS resin, making it very easy to move from spot to spot to cool any place you’re in. It also has a compact design, robust wheels, and a carry-handle.
Recommended for You: Best Dehumidifier and Air Purifier Combo | 2-in-1 Machines for a Safer and Cleaner Home
Performance
There are various controls to learn because you can use this as a stand-alone fan, air cooler, and/or humidifier. The water drip button, in addition to the regular power button, is used to turn on or off the cooling/humidifying system.
You can set a timer using the clock button. Press it fast to choose between 0 and 10 hours, then press it again to confirm. The timer will be cancelled if you hold down the button for a long period.
Increase or reduce the fan speed or timer using the plus and minus buttons.
Overall, the controls are simple to use. However, determining which settings are appropriate for your needs takes some time.
Taotronics Design
The TaoTronics Model TT-TF007 appears to be a huge oscillating fan from the exterior. It has a height of 43 inches, a depth of 13 inches, and a width of 10 inches. The housing is predominantly white in color and has an oval form.
The front and back panels, however, are a glossy black, offering a nice contrast. The machine’s heart is a 21-inch fan that takes up most of the top half.
Product Specifications:
- Wind Speeds: 4
- Wind Modes: 3
- Timer: 15H
- Water Capacity: 6L
- Oscillation: 80°
- Dimensions: 47.5 x 14.5 x 13 in.
- Item Weight: 29.5 pounds
- Manufacturer: TaoTronics
- Color: White
- Brand: TaoTronics
- Controller Type: Remote Control & Touch Control
- Control Method: Remote
Pros:
- An alternative to traditional air conditioning that is friendly to the environment.
- The range is quite large, and the treatment space is rather large as well.
- It’s simple to use and control.
- It can also be used as a humidifier or a fan.
Cons:
- It should be refilled every 10 hours or so.
- It may not operate in extreme humidity.
Where to buy TaoTronics 3-in-1 Evaporative Air Cooler, Dehumidifier, Cooling Fan
#3 NewAir AF-310 Evaporative Air Cooler
The NewAir AF-310 is suitable for hot and dry areas because it has a humidifier, fan, and air purifier. This device provides 312.37CFM of airflow, for use in places up to 100 square feet and in settings with a relative humidity of 60% or less.
This device’s purifier feature has a built-in air ionizer that removes harmful particles in the air, such as pet dander, dust, and pollen. When used in conjunction with the swamp cooler, the outcome is clean, rejuvenated air that effectively combats the parched Summer air.
Multi-use Feature
It is frequently confused with central air conditioners since they both have the ability to cool the environment effectively, but there are significant differences between them. The NewAir AF-310 evaporative tower cooling fan is a three-in-one device that may be used as a swamp cooler, tower fan, and humidifier.
The NewAir AF-310 Indoor/Outdoor Portable Evaporative Air Cooler also has a 60-degree oscillation function, which aids in appropriate air circulation throughout the room. This NewAir tower fan boasts a slim, tall, and compact design.
The unit’s ice box provides maximum cooling capacity, and the water level indicator indicates when the water tank needs to be refilled. This fan effectively cools the room while eliminating dryness. It comes with a remote control and an electronic timer for simplicity of use and convenience.
Capabilities
The versatility of the NewAir AF-310 to serve as numerous units in one makes it perfect for usage in dry, humid areas. A swamp cooler, also known as an evaporative cooler, cools the air by evaporating water. As a result, moistened air is produced, which helps to alleviate the heat during the summer months.
Certifications/Efficiency
The oscillating fan of the NewAir AF-310 is developed with an energy-efficient evaporative technology system, which increases efficiency. This works by sucking in the air around the device, moistening it with water-soaked pads, and then cooling it down by evaporating the water in the pads.
Finally, the cooled air is released into the surrounding area. This method has the added benefit of being completely eco-friendly and energy-efficient. In terms of certificates, this unit is thankfully ETL certified, which complies with North American safety regulations, giving the user peace of mind, which is always a welcome feature.
Timer and Oscillation
Aside from all of the amazing features that come with this NewAir fan, it also has a 60-degree oscillation angle that allows it to cool a larger area. For ease of use and convenience, the AF-310 tower fan comes with a remote control and an electronic timer.
Specifications:
- Model: AF-310
- Type: Tower Evaporative Cooler
- Dimensions (DxWxH): 12.20″ x 11.60″ x 34.75″
- Weight: 11.60 lbs.
- Type: Electric Fan
- Voltage: 120 volts
- Wattage: 80 watts
- Amperage: 0.67 amps
- Frequency: 60 Hz
- Certifications: ETL
- Coverage Area: 100 sq. ft.
- Air Flow Capacity: 312.37 CFM
- Water Tank Size: 1 gallon
- Adjustable Louvers: Yes
- Automatic Louvers: Yes
- Water Level Indicator: Yes
- Ice Tank: Yes
- With Timer: Yes
- Length of Timer: 7.5 hour
- Remote: Yes
- Air Filter: Yes
- Built-In Air Filtering System: Yes
Pros:
- Affordably priced
- Effective in terms of energy usage
- It purifies the air around you.
- Extras that are useful
- Portable and compact
Cons:
- Not recommended for large spaces
- Needs to be refilled on a regular basis
Where to buy NewAir AF-310 Evaporative Air Cooler
Check out Individual Product Review for Newair AF 310 Evaporative Cooler
#4 Honeywell 525-790CFM Evaporative Air Conditioner
If you live in a place where the weather is consistently hot and humid, life indoors might be difficult if you don’t have a swamp cooler or evaporative cooler. Because they rely on the cooling action that occurs after water evaporation to produce cool air, they are a more energy efficient alternative to air conditioners.
If you’ve never bought an evaporative cooler before, the Honeywell 525-790CFM model could be a good place to start and a serious alternative to consider if you’re looking for the finest windowless air conditioner.
Performance
As you might expect, the Honeywell 525-790CFM has a 790-cubic-foot-per-minute airflow output capability and is best suited for a 320-square-foot floor area. It also has three built-in features, including a fan, a humidifier, and a cooler.
The Honeywell portable evaporative cooler contains a 7.9 gallon water tank and a low water level alarm so you know when to replace it.
Durability
Evaporative air coolers, unlike air conditioners, do not have a compressor within. This implies there’s no need to be concerned about a swamp cooler’s most critical component failing.
This is why, like most swamp coolers, the Honeywell 525-790CFM comes with a one-year guarantee covering both parts and labor.
Products Specifications:
- Electronic Controls: No
- Fan Speeds: 4
- Finish or Colour: Grey
- For Rooms up to: 30 M²
- Number of Speeds: 4
- Remote Control: Yes
- Voltage: 240 vo
- Height: 856 mm
- Weight: 11.3 kg
- Width: 457.2 mm
Where to buy Honeywell 525-790CFM Evaporative Air Conditioner
#5 Hessaire MC37M Evaporative Air Cooler/Conditioner
When compared to a traditional air conditioner, evaporative coolers are also far less expensive, however this may not be the case if you’re seeking for the best evaporative air cooler.
The Hessaire MC37M is one of the better choices you should take into account if all you need is a good breeze on a hot day. This evaporative cooler is small in size, but don’t be fooled by its diminutive size; it’s a strong cooler with some nice features, such as cooling pads.
Performance
Because the Hessaire MC37M portable evaporative cooler simply has one rotary dial and three switches as controls, getting it to operate is simple.
It has a three-level fan, as well as oscillating levers that assure even dispersion. It has a high airflow output of up to 3100 CFM, allowing it to service a floor space of up to 950 square feet effectively.
The Hessaire MC18M evaporative air cooler is more ideal for smaller spaces, with a cooling coverage of up to 500 sq ft. While this may be better for a workshop space or a larger office, it is more ideal for smaller spaces.
Cooling Capacity
This device features an oscillating high-velocity fan blade that continually throws air. The integrated fan system generates 3100 CFM while using extremely little energy.
It only takes a few minutes to lower the room temperature and cool the environment.
Product Specifications:
- Coverage Area: 500 sq. ft.
- Placement: Freestanding
- Height: 37 in.
- Width: 17 in.
- Depth: 25 in.
- Weight: 40 lbs.
- Operating Weight: 131 lbs.
- Number of Fan Speeds: 3
- Maximum CFM: 3,100
- Noise Level: 59 dB
- Water Tank Capacity: Yes
- Hose Hookup: Yes
- Controls: Manual
- Voltage: 110-120 V
- Wattage: 250 W
- Amperage: 2.4 Amps
- Horsepower: 0.20 hp
- Power Cord Length: 7 ft.
- Automatic Overheat Protection Yes
- Safety Certifications ETL
Pros:
- Includes a one-year warranty.
- Easy Maintenance and simple to keep up with.
- It’s very safe to use.
- Chemical-free and long-lasting body
- Underneath are wheels for convenient mobility.
Cons:
- There is no way to check the water level.
Where to buy Hessaire MC37M Evaporative Air Cooler/Conditioner
#5 Lifeplus Tower Portable Evaporative Air Cooler
This is the LIFEPLUS tower fan evaporative cooler, which serves as both an energy-efficient air conditioner and a standard bladeless oscillating house fan. While it is marketed as a two-in-one evap cooler, it also has a third function, making it ideal for homes that experience all four seasons.
It also functions as a humidifier for houses that experience dry air during the winter and summer months. It has a very modern style to it, so it can blend in with any design and can also be used as a discussion piece, similar to a bar or painting.
Efficiency and Convenience
This is the LIFEPLUS tower fan evaporative cooler, which serves as both an energy-efficient air conditioner and a standard bladeless oscillating house fan. While it is marketed as a two-in-one evap cooler, it also has a third function, making it ideal for homes that experience all four seasons.
It also functions as a humidifier for houses that experience dry air during the winter and summer months. It has a very modern style to it, so it can blend in with any design and can also be used as a discussion piece, similar to a bar or painting.
Product Specifications:
- Brand: LifePlus
- Color: White
- Item Dimensions (LxWxH): 11.8 x 11.2 x 30 in.
- Wattage: 80 watts
- Material: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
- Controls Type: Remote
- Standby Power Consumption: 900 CMPH
- Item Weight: 14.3 Pounds
- Sound Level: 45 dB
Pros:
- Children’s safety is ensured by its bladeless design.
- Motor is whisper-quiet.
- 15 hours timer
Cons:
- Limited storage space
- Possibility of tipping
Where to buy Lifeplus Tower Portable Evaporative Air Cooler
#6 BREEZEWELL 2-in-1 Evaporative Air Cooler
This cooler is built of a lightweight aluminum alloy and does not have a compressor or chemical refrigerants, which are common in evaporative air coolers. It’s also a significant energy saving, and you can easily enjoy extra cool without spending any extra money by simply adding ice or cold water.
The removable 1-gallon water tank is simple to fill and clean, and while the business doesn’t specify how long it may last between refills, you could need one after 5-6 hours if you compare it to other versions.
Design and Durability in Overall
This cooler is built of a lightweight aluminum alloy and does not have a compressor or chemical refrigerants, which are common in evaporative air coolers.
Energy Saving
It’s also a significant energy saving, and you can easily enjoy extra cool without spending any extra money by simply adding ice or cold water.
The removable 1-gallon water tank is simple to fill and clean, and while the business doesn’t specify how long it may last between refills, you could need one after 5-6 hours if you compare it to other versions.
Modes of Cooling
The BREEZEWELL oscillating tower fan offers three wind speed settings (low, middle, and high) and three modes (normal wind, natural wind, and sleep wind). The timer function allows for a 15-hour programmable shut down.
These units will save you money on your electricity bill every month and are around half the price of typical air conditioners.
Bladeless Making it Safe for Home Use
This evaporative cooler’s coolest and most unique feature is that it is fully bladeless, making it safe for homes with small children.
Product Specifications:
- Dimension: 45.79 x 14.69 x 10.59 in
- Weight: 16.15 lbs
- Timer: 15-hour
- Maximum CFM: 250
- Cool Up to: 900 square feet
- Speed Settings: 3
Pros:
- Can be used as a humidifier
- Fan that oscillates at 70 degrees
- Controlled from afar
- This will keep your area chilly for up to 12 hours before requiring a refill.
- Safe bladeless
Cons:
- The target area is only 120 square feet
- Batteries are necessary.
Where to buy BREEZEWELL 2-in-1 Evaporative Air Cooler
#7 Comfyhome 3-in-1 Evaporative Air Cooler
Comfyhome has been in business for over 40 years, providing clients with high-quality, long-lasting products while ensuring client happiness.
As a result, we provide you this Comfyhome 3-in-1 evaporative air cooler with a mass airflow of 455CFM and an effective cooling area of 170sq.ft., as well as a total tank capacity of 2 gallons.
Size and Engine
This air cooler is relatively small in dimension and light in weight. Despite this, it has four heavy-duty caster wheels on its base to assist the user in moving it comfortably. It has the potential to cool a space in a matter of minutes, thanks to its powerful yet energy-efficient engine.
It can easily cover a complete space thanks to its 65-degree oscillation capability. The remote controller will undoubtedly make your life easier if you are sleeping and don’t want to modify the settings.
Cooling Modes
You may choose from three different cooling modes on this air cooler when it comes to its settings. If the environment is tough and dry, its humidifier function can be quite useful. Furthermore, because it throws air, the cooler’s dust and bacterium filter ensures that the air you breathe is always fresh and clean.
Product Specifications:
- Oscillation: 65°
- Timer: 12H
- Fan Speeds: 3
- Mode: Cool/Heat Mode, 8-Hour Timer, Air Conditioner Fan
- Height: 32 inches
- CFM: 455
- Cools Up to: 170 sq. ft.
- Dimensions (LxWxH):11 x 10 x 22 inches
- Control Method: Remote
- Voltage: 120 Volts
- Wattage: 65 watts
- Floor Area: 170 Square Feet
- Noise: 35 dB
Pros:
- A total capacity of 2 gallons is available in the water tank.
- A 12-hour timer is included.
- There are three different speeds and three different modes to choose from.
- 2 ice packs that can be used over and over
Cons:
- Some users report of leakage issue
Where to buy Comfyhome 3-in-1 Evaporative Air Cooler
What to Look for When Buying an Evaporative Air Cooler
When buying evaporative air coolers, there are a few things to keep in mind. Below, we’ve included all of the critical variables to consider when comparing and contrasting various models in order to select the best one for your needs.
Cooling Area (CFM):
When purchasing an evaporative cooler, the size of the cooler/cooling area is critical to consider. This will tell you whether the cooler is capable of successfully cooling the room. You’ll need to check the cooler’s CFM for this.
Evaporative air coolers are measured in Cubic Feet per Minute, similar to how air conditioners are measured in BTUs (CFM). This is the amount of air that a given cooler process can handle.
Here is the formula used to calculate the right CFM, based on your room size.
Room’s Square Feet X Ceiling Height / 2 = CFM.
Water Tank Capacity
Are you tired of continuously replenishing the water tank in an evaporative cooler? Then simply choose coolers with sufficient water tank capacity. For example, a swamp cooler will run all night/day with a tank capacity of at least 5 gallons of water.
A smaller tank containing 1–3 gallons of water, on the other hand, will last 5–7 hours. The water from the tank is used by a chiller based on its CFM.
Power Consumption
While purchasing an evaporative air cooler is a one-time investment, the ongoing costs are a significant one. If you run across two air coolers with identical features but differing power ratings, choose the one that consumes less power, regardless of price.
The power consumption of a given model is determined by the amount of area you want to cool. A general guideline is that as the cooling area of a cooler grows, so does the power consumption of the cooler.
Portability
The greatest swamp coolers are those that are easy to transport and move about. They are wheeled and have a light but strong body. Most of these types can only handle one room at a time, making portability a must-have feature for these coolers.
Final Thoughts
We hope you enjoyed this list of the best evaporative air coolers and found it helpful in deciding which air cooler would be ideal for your home. Almost all of the devices on our shortlist consume very little electricity while providing excellent cooling.
Even yet, if you’re having difficulties deciding, we have a few personal recommendations for you:
- The Hessaire MC37M Portable Evaporative Cooler is the only name that springs to mind when it comes to a strong air cooler. It has a number of variable speed and cooling modes, and it can cool an area up to 950 square feet. As a result, it can be used both indoors and outdoors.
- If you’re concerned about power consumption, the BREEZEWELL 2-In-1 Bladeless Tower Fan uses only 65 watts and is one of the most energy-efficient evaporative coolers for indoor use. Despite its low energy usage, it has a cooling capacity of 900 square feet, which is rather outstanding.
