The fact that they run a fan means they are far more energy efficient than standard air conditioners. To keep the air on the pad at a comfortable temperature, water is pumped in from an internal tank and must be replenished when it runs dry. Continue reading for helpful purchasing tips and reviews of the top evaporative air coolers if this sounds practical and affordable for your house.
You can use an portable evaporative swamp coolers to feel more at ease in your local environment. These machines, often called “swamp coolers,” employ a spray of water to cool the heated air flowing into a room before pushing it out with a fan. They function best in dry environments, with humidity below 30 percent (but they will work between 30 and 60 percent). Beyond that point, you won’t notice any difference.
In hot, dry climates, an portable evaporative air coolers can effectively control a well-ventilated interior room or an outdoor area like a patio or workshop. Top Hat Home Comfort Services’ Glenn Wiseman suggests considering the unit’s size and mobility while deciding between several models. During the hot summer months, having a cooler that can be quickly picked up and moved around the house or the office will be much handier. He also suggests adding a timer or remote control to the evaporative cooler for ease of use.
In light of this recommendation, we scoured the internet for hours, searching for the most effective evaporative coolers, portable indoor units, and whole-house swamp coolers. We compared popular models across several brands and stores, taking into account such criteria as how simple they are to use, how much water they can hold, and how much money they would save you over time. We also examined the cooling area that may be expected and the airflow for each unit, which is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM).
Frigidaire Ffec3025ub
Frigidaire has been among the most well-known appliance companies during the past century, and it is simple to understand why. The Frigidaire Mini 2-in-1 Evaporative Cooler succeeds in the promise of effective home cooling with ingenious convenience features like a remote control, timer, and three adjustable fan settings. Even when filled, the lightweight design and convenient carry handle make transporting it from one location to another simple. The water storage tank may be easily removed for servicing. Force is required to open or remove.
However, you quickly adjust. Filling it up without removing the tank makes less of a mess, so we do that. It’s important to empty the tank every so often because the pump doesn’t appear to be able to use the final inch or so of water. We should have acquired it before the heat wave; We may have saved enough money on power costs to more than cover the price of the unit itself. With ice or ice packs added to the water, the air that comes out of it is noticeably colder than that of a standard fan. Do not assume that a temperature drop of 60 degrees Fahrenheit is possible while it is 100 degrees outside; this is not the case with swamp coolers. Yet even a wind that’s only ten to fifteen degrees colder makes a huge difference.
Specifications:
- Dimensions:30 inches in width, 21.75 inches in depth, and 2.63 inches in height.
- Cooking Elements:Four radiant elements, including one 6-inch, one 7-inch, and two 8-inch elements.
- Control Panel:Knob controls for temperature adjustment and hot surface indicator light.
- Installation:Can be installed over most single wall ovens.
- Warranty:One-year limited warranty.
Reasons to Buy:
- Affordable price compared to other cooktops.
- Easy-to-clean smooth ceramic glass surface.
- Four radiant elements offer flexible cooking options for different pan sizes and cooking needs.
- Can be installed over most single wall ovens.
Reasons to Avoid:
- Not as efficient as gas cooktops in terms of heating speed and responsiveness.
- Requires a specific type of cookware to work properly (flat-bottomed, magnetic).
- May scratch or crack easily if not handled with care.
The Hessaire Mc18m
Since it has 1,3000 CFMs and a 4.8-gallon water tank, this evaporative air cooler is the finest one for use inside, outdoors, and under cover when used outdoors. It can cool areas that are as large as 500 square feet in size. Nobody likes being hot and sticky, regardless of whether they are indoors or outside. The MC18M is a Top Choice and the most effective evaporative air cooler that can be used in several settings. It is rated for use both inside and outside, including under protected conditions such as a porch or tent and in direct contact with the weather and other natural elements. Because it has a water tank that holds 4.8 gallons, the air conditioner can chill an area of up to 500 square feet. It’s a relief to hear that you can install an air conditioner in a tent; this means you won’t always have to rough it.
This option is a great decision because it has a strong 1,300 CFM and two different fan speeds. This product does not come with a remote control, a programmed timer, or oscillation capabilities; however, it does come with an indicator for the water level and casters for easy transportation. Still, we appreciate that the highest noise level is only 53.4 decibels, a respectable amount for a portable air conditioner. In addition to that, this option features built-in safety against automatic overheating. The Hessaire MC18M weighs only 16 pounds when the tank isn’t full, making it a wonderful alternative for anybody to handle, regardless of size or strength. Compare some of the finest central air conditioners for clever features and options with other top central air conditioners. Explore further with The Hessaire Review of Portable Evaporative Coolers.
Specifications:
- Cooling Capacity:Can cool rooms up to 500 square feet.
- Water Tank Capacity:3 gallons.
- Airflow:Provides up to 1,300 CFM of airflow.
- Fan Speeds:Three different fan speeds to choose from.
- Additional Features:Oscillating louvers, remote control, and a timer function.
Reasons to Buy:
- Provides effective cooling for medium-sized rooms.
- Evaporative cooling technology is more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly compared to traditional air conditioning units.
- Comes with additional features like oscillating louvers, remote control, and timer function for added convenience.
- Portable design allows for easy movement from room to room.
Reasons to Avoid:
- May not be as effective in high humidity areas.
- Requires regular maintenance, including cleaning and refilling of the water tank.
- May not cool as efficiently as traditional air conditioning units in extremely hot temperatures.
VAGKRI 2100 Cfm
The portable evaporative cooler can function as a fan and lower the air temperature and increase the relative humidity in the portable evaporative room coolers it’s in. Its three possible cooling methods are air, water, and ice. The three-sided intake panels of the VAGKRI air cooler enable incredibly rapid cooling, and the powerful fan motors ensure that the air is blown out with maximum force. In addition to that, it features an ice compartment for incredibly efficient cooling. The portable swamp cooler has an oscillation of 120 degrees and can cool places that are up to 700 square feet in size. Also, it generates 2100 cubic feet of cool air each minute and efficiently distributes the cool air across the whole area.
This evaporative air cooler has a large tank of 8 gallons of water, allowing it to continue operating for hours without needing to be refilled. You can manually add water through the Top of the unit or attach a garden hose for continuous cooling that does not require filling. You may choose from three different fan speeds and between one and twenty-four hours of timed settings using the full-function remote control with this cooling fan. The electronic control panel, designed for simplicity and durability over the long term, is also included.
Specifications:
- Cooling Capacity:Can cool rooms up to 350 square feet.
- Water Tank Capacity:5 liters (approximately 1.5 gallons).
- Airflow:Provides up to 2100 CFM of airflow.
- Fan Speeds:Three different fan speeds to choose from.
- Additional Features:Oscillating louvers, remote control, and a timer function.
Reasons to Buy:
- Provides effective cooling for small to medium-sized rooms.
- Evaporative cooling technology is more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly compared to traditional air conditioning units.
- Comes with additional features like oscillating louvers, remote control, and timer function for added convenience.
- Portable design allows for easy movement from room to room.
Reasons to Avoid:
- May not be as effective in high humidity areas.
- Requires regular maintenance, including cleaning and refilling of the water tank.
- May not cool as efficiently as traditional air conditioning units in extremely hot temperatures.
Newair AF-310
Nevertheless, a significant number of reviews state either that the product leaks or that the evaporative feature does not appear to be functioning properly for them. Some people believe that these issues might be caused by more humid areas, in which the cooler cannot inject more moisture into the air, or by the fact that the water and ice filling mechanism is being utilized incorrectly. In any case, it is important to consider that several customers have reported this issue.
The cooling power has been highly praised, while the fan oscillation is also commended a few times. However, one reviewer pointed out that the oscillating applies to the louvers, not the whole fan, so it does not cover a wide area. Those who do not experience the problems listed above are impressed with the fan.
Specifications:
- Cooling Capacity:Can cool rooms up to 100 square feet.
- Water Tank Capacity: 1 gallon.
- Airflow:Provides up to 312 CFM of airflow.
- Fan Speeds:Three different fan speeds to choose from.
- Additional Features:Oscillating louvers, remote control, and a timer function.
Reasons to Buy:
- Provides effective cooling for small rooms or personal spaces.
- Compact and portable design makes it easy to move from room to room.
- Evaporative cooling technology is more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly compared to traditional air conditioning units.
- Comes with additional features like oscillating louvers, remote control, and timer function for added convenience.
Reasons to Avoid:
- May not be as effective in high humidity areas.
- Requires regular maintenance, including cleaning and refilling of the water tank.
- May not cool as efficiently as traditional air conditioning units in extremely hot temperatures.
Honeywell CS10XE
The Honeywell CS10XE is an excellent choice for cooling the air in small rooms because it can reduce the air temperature by up to 30 degrees in areas up to 175 square feet in size. It also provides a nice selection of controls that can be controlled remotely, such as oscillation and fan speed. This makes it an excellent choice for rooms that are a little small. Also, it is designed to be easily maneuverable, and its power cable extends to a length of 6 feet, which makes it simple to place in any location. The Honeywell CS10XE is one of the most cost-effective solutions currently available on the market. At $200, the Honeywell CS10XE portable swamp cooler falls between the lower end of the price spectrum and the higher end of the intermediate range of evaporative coolers. The NewAir AF-310 (opens in new tab), which the Honeywell CS10XE is relatively comparable to in terms of being better suited to smaller cool space portable evaporative coolers and incorporating a remote control, is more affordable.
Still, the Honeywell CS10XE does offer greater power. The remote control, a carbon dust filter, and an alert for low water are all included with purchasing a Honeywell CS10EX. The remote control allows you to make the same adjustments to the settings you can make on the display of the cooler itself. A carbon dust filter removes dust and other impurities as the fan blows. You also have the option to switch off the cooler pump on the CS10EX and use it as a fan instead. The LED display & control panel are simple to operate, and the board is tilted in a way that makes it easy to observe the many settings for the operation. This cooler is backed by a guarantee from Honeywell that is good for one year.
Specifications:
- Cooling Capacity:Can cool rooms up to 175 square feet.
- Water Tank Capacity:6 gallons.
- Airflow:Provides up to 300 CFM of airflow.
- Fan Speeds:Four different fan speeds to choose from.
- Additional Features:Oscillating louvers, remote control, and a timer function.
Reasons to Buy:
- Provides effective cooling for small to medium-sized rooms.
- Portable design makes it easy to move from room to room.
- Uses low energy consumption and is environmentally friendly.
- Comes with additional features like oscillating louvers, remote control, and timer function for added convenience.
Reasons to Avoid:
- May produce more noise than other portable air coolers due to its powerful fan.
- Can only cool a limited area, which may not be sufficient for larger rooms or open-concept living spaces.
- Uses evaporative cooling technology, which may not be as effective as traditional air conditioning units in extremely hot and humid weather conditions.
The Most Important Factors to Consider
Water Tank
Evaporative air conditioners, commonly called air coolers, are distinct from conventional air conditioners. They necessitate the use of a water tank and generate cold air through the process of water evaporation. Hence, you will need to consider the tank capacity and determine whether or not that quantity is suitable for the square footage of the space you want to cool. Certain versions offer continuous fill, indicating that you may connect a garden hose to the unit to keep the tank filled at all times. We address this in our evaluation of the Delonghi portable evaporative cooler.
Size
Although the caster wheels found on all evaporative coolers give the impression that they are portable, the sizes of the various models can vary greatly. If you don’t want to put in a lot of effort to move a cooler about your house or area, you should pay attention to both the cooler’s size and weight. Keep in mind that once the tank is full, the weight might shift noticeably in any direction. Some models have smaller water tanks, but they may still be incredibly energy-efficient and help you save money on your energy bills. One such model is the VOSAREA Portable Evaporative Air Cooler, which was reviewed here on our website.
Rating For CFM
The CFM rating, often known as the cubic feet per meter rating, indicates how well an air conditioner circulates air around a space. A unit with a high CFM rating typically suggests it moves air efficiently. You will need a higher CFM rating if you want to guarantee adequate airflow through your room.
More Functions and Options
While purchasing an evaporative air cooler, you should seek various user-friendly features that will make the appliance more beneficial to your needs. These may include the ability for the fan to oscillate, the presence of a humidifier, the total number of fan speeds, programmable timers, and even options for automatically turning off the fan. Other features, like detachable filters and remote controls, can be beneficial.
