Best Evaporative Coolers Review

Best Evaporative Coolers Review

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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We love it when the sun shines but it can get too much for some of us, especially if you do not have access to the best evaporative cooler.

Evaporative coolers are energy-efficient machines that work on evaporation to get rid of the heat and keep the place cool. They are more affordable than air conditioners as they come at a lower price tag and also use less energy.

They work by releasing water vapor into the air. These vapor work reduce the temperature by absorbing heat. This is also why this phenomenon works best in humid conditions.

There are various evaporative coolers on the market for you to choose from. However, picking one can be quite difficult especially due to the huge number of options out there.

We have made a list of some of the best evaporative coolers for you to choose from. They are all reliable, known to be effective, and also affordable. The right cooler can bring down the temperature down by up to 8 degrees.

So without much ado, let’s have a look at some of the best evaporative coolers on the market:

1. Luma Comfort EC220W

Luma Comfort EC220W High Power 1650 CFM Evaporative...
  • TOWER FAN - This evaporative cooler and tower fan with remote...
  • FEATURES - With 3 fan speeds, wide oscillation, and an air...
  • ECO-FRIENDLY - Instead of freon and other chemicals, get climate...
  • QUALITY - This portable air conditioner is made with quality...
  • LUMA COMFORT - Quality products and excellent customer service:...

Luma Comfort EC220W can be a good pick if you want an evaporative cooler for warm and dry regions. It comes from a company that is known to be customer friendly and professional.

Features:

1. Area Coverage: This particular unit is the largest in Luma’s arsenal and can cool up to 650 square feet of area. Unlike other coolers than only work indoors, this one is made to work outdoors as well.

You can place it outdoor to make your evenings more fun as you will not feel the heat of the setting sun.

It uses water to reduce temperatures in hot, dry climates. It also helps in adding moisture into the atmosphere improving breathability.

Consider giving it a try if the heat gives you a suffocating feeling.

2. Large Water Tank: Luma EC220W comes with a large 10.6 gallon water tank. Since the tank is built-in, there is no hassle of taking it out or fitting it back in.

The huge size of the tank ensures you do not have to refill the tank every few hours. The tank is made to last for about 6 hours. You can, however, easily refill it to run the unit for longer hours.

Connect a water hose, spigot or waterline directly to the water tank to refill it. There is no hassle involved and the job will be done in no time.

3. Three-Speeds: There’s a large and powerful fan built inside the unit that works continuously to distribute cool air to every corner.

The fan can be set to one of the three speed settings:

  • High: If you wish to cool the room in a few minutes
  • Medium: Use this option if it’s not too hot.
  • Low: Suitable if you want the unit consume less water from the tank and run for a longer period of time.

The fan can distribute up to 1650 CFM of airflow. This makes it possible to cool larger rooms easily. Moreover, this cooler has air vents that ensure the air is nicely divided.

4. Filters Air: Hot weather can promote airborne particles and germs making it unsafe. Thankfully, this unit is equipped with cooling pads that filter out these particles and make the air healthy and breathable.

5. Eco And Budget Friendly: Luma EC220W is an eco-friendly product that doesn’t require a condenser to cool the air. Instead, it uses a natural water process to release moisture into the air and reduce heat.

This process consumes 80% less energy compared to air conditioners. Hence, it is both an eco-friendly and a budget-friendly option.

Pros:

  • Portable thanks to wheels.
  • 1-year warranty.
  • Requires no setup.
  • Works quietly, hence will not cause you any disturbance.
  • You can choose the direction of the air.

Cons:

  • A bit noisy on the highest fan speed.
  • Needs flowing air behind to work well.

Bottom line:

Luma Comfort EC220W is a great pick as it does not only keep the room chilled but also makes the air safer to breathe in. Consider this one if you’re serious about the safety of your family as it will help everyone sleep peacefully while keeping the air clean.

2. Honeywell CL30XC

Honeywell 525-790CFM, Fan & Humidifier with Ice...
  • Indoor evaporative air cooler or swamp cooler ideal for use in...
  • Super low power consumption 288W & powerful 525-729CFM airflow...
  • Carbon Dust Air Filter, Remote Control, Low water alarm, energy...
  • Moist, cool breeze can cool you down & be used as humidification...
  • NOT an Air Conditioner & NOT just a Fan – Environmentally...

Honeywell deals in making top quality evaporative coolers and Honeywell CL30XC is no different. It is known to work quickly and comes with some kickass features.

Features:

Low Power Consumption: Some units can consume a lot of power to cool a room but such is not the case with Honeywell CL30XC. It consumes only 252 watts of power to operate.

You will not have to worry about your energy bill skyrocketing even if you use it for hours.

Water Tank: It incorporates a large 7.9 gallon water tank which is easy to maintain and fill. There’s also a low water alarm that will inform you when it is time for a refill.

This is a great feature as it ensures you do do not have to spend even a minute in heat.

Space And Size: Unlike other coolers, this one is compact in size and will fit most corners easily. Plus, it is also very attractive and will not look bulky or boring.

Moreover, moving the unit is also not difficult as it is only 25 pounds in weight. It offers great portability, making it possible to move it from one corner to another.

Airflow And Coverage: The unit is packed with a strong fan that delivers 525 CFM of airflow over an area of 320 square feet. This combination of air and coverage is enough to cool large rooms and halls with a few minutes of operation.

Fan Speed: Honeywell CL30XC gives the power in your hands. You can choose from four speed settings:

  • High
  • Low
  • Medium
  • Sleep

While it is not a noisy unit, it may make a bit of sound at high. It’s best to run it at high only when you really need a strong hit. Moreover, keep it on sleep mode when you want to sleep.

The unit operates silently in this mode.

Shut Off Timer: It can be frustrating to wake up in the middle of the night to shut the unit off if the environment gets too chilled. To tackle this problem, you can use the shut off timer option.

The unit lets you put any timer between 0.5 to 7.5 hours. This feature offers amazing ease and ensures your sleep is not disturbed.

Remote Controllable: The unit comes with a remote controller that makes it possible to operate it from a distance. This can come in handy as you do not have to walk all the way to the cooler to turn it on or change settings.

Pros:

  • 1-year limited warranty.
  • Silent operation.
  • The fan distributes air evenly throughout the room.
  • Shut off timer offers great ease.
  • Active carbon filters.

Cons:

  • Might not be very durable.

Bottom line:

Honeywell CL30XC is a smart evaporative cooler. It works well and the remote controller offers amazing ease. Give this one a try if you need an affordable unit that comes with kickass features such as shut off timer, speed options.

3. Hessaire MC37M

Sale
Hessaire MC37M Evaporative Cooler, 3,100 CFM, Gray
  • PORTABLE - 4 heavy duty locking casters for cooling home, patio...
  • COMPACT YET POWERFUL – 37x17x24 inches; 3, 100 Cubic Feet per...
  • EASY TO OPERATE & SIMPLE TO MAINTAIN – 3 simple rotary controls...
  • MANUAL & CONTINUOUS FILL – Utilize the Continuous Fill option...
  • SUPERCHARGED, ECONOMICAL COOLING – 3-sided rigid high-density...

Hessaire has been making quality products since 1996 and the MC37A is no exception.

This evaporative cooler is small in size but do not let the size fool you, this is quite a powerful cooler that offers some cool features including cooling pads.

Features:

Cooling Power: This device has an oscillating high velocity fan blade that throws air continuously. The integrated fan system provides 3100 CFM and consumes very little power.

It only takes a few minutes to reduce room temperature and make the surroundings cooler.

Area Coverage: MC37M cover covers 750 square feet of area which commendable for its size.

Durability: The body of this cooler is constructed using polypropylene UV material that keeps it protected from sunlight and damages. Hence, you can take it outside without any trouble. It can be your partner and make BBQ parties more fun.

Fan Speed: You get to choose from four fan speeds:

  • Low
  • Medium
  • High

There is a knob that you can use to control speed and turn the unit on or off. It’s a classic touch that some users may like.

Switches: The makers have kept the design simple. There are only three switches on the unit, each performing a specific function:

  1. Pump Switch: It allows you to control the pump inside the cooler.
  2. Middle Rocker Switch: This one lets you control oscillation.
  3. Power Switch: It is associated with handling the main controls. It stays lit when the power is on.

Power Consumption: You won’t see a drastic rise in the electricity bill when you start to use this cooler on a daily basis. It consumes only 250 watts of power, hence use it as much as you like without worrying about your energy consumption.

It also has a USB port that you can use to charge appliances that consume less power.

Water Tank: It incorporates a large water reservoir of 10.3 gallons which can last for about 6 hours and keep on providing cool air.

The unit itself is quite small in size. Moreover, it looks quite good and will add to the look of your room.

In addition to this, it has a 7 feet long cable that ensures you have no trouble in attaching it to the power source.

Overheat Protection: While evaporative coolers are generally safe to use, there are some risk factors. It can be unsafe to use the unit when the water tank gets empty.

The cooler may begin to produce heat which can be dangerous. However, there are no such worries as this beauty is equipped to shut down when it detects.

Pros:

  • 1-year warranty.
  • Chemical free and durable body.
  • Easy to maintain.
  • Safe to use.
  • Wheels underneath for easy mobility.

Cons:

  • No option to check water level.

Bottom line:

Hessaire MC37M is a great pick. It works silently and effectively. Plus, it’s highly portable and quick to do the job. Moreover, you can put all your worries to rest as it is also quite safe to use.

4. NewAir AF-1000W

Sale
NewAir, AF-1000W, Portable Indoor Tower Fan with...
  • TOWER FAN - This evaporative cooler and tower fan with remote...
  • FEATURES - This lightweight air humidifier fan comes with an...
  • ECO-FRIENDLY - Instead of freon and other chemicals, get climate...
  • QUALITY - This portable air conditioner is made with quality...
  • NEWAIR - With good quality products and excellent customer...

NewAir is a popular brand that has made quite a name by manufacturing top end cooling appliances. NewAir AF-1000W is one such product from the makers.

It is a compact evaporative cooler that is easy to move from place to place. The unit works well and can cover a wide area.

Features:

Size And Weight: This cooler is compact and weighs only 23.4 pounds. These characteristics make it a portable and easy to move cooler.

You can move it from one place to another without any difficulty, especially due to the wheels it comes with.

Coverage: AF1000W can cover 300 square feet, hence it is only suitable for small areas. However, it’s real power lies in how effective it is. The unit is known to reduce the temperature by up to 20 degrees.

Water Tank: It has a 5.3 gallon water tank that’s easy to fill from the side and can be easily drained, too.

Do not let the small size fool you, the unit can work for about 10 hours with a full tank. This is enough to ensure you sleep peacefully.

Water Level Check: Not all coolers allow you to check water level but this one. It’s a great feature as it makes sure you do not suddenly run out of water.

You can keep an eye on water level and refill the tank whenever needed.

Filtering: The unit has carbon dust filters and cooling pads to capture dust and airborne particles found in the air. This makes the air healthy and fresh.

Pros:

  • 1-year limited warranty.
  • Excellent build and durability.
  • Large water tank that’s easy to fill.
  • Rolling casters make it easier to move.
  • Excellent customer service.

Cons:

  • Not suitable for outdoors.

Bottom line:

NewAir AF-1000W can be a good pick if you are looking for an affordable evaporative cooler that also works. It’s only suitable for indoors and small rooms but will not disappoint you in terms of performance.

5. Honeywell Indoor Portable Evaporative Cooler

Sale
Honeywell 500 CFM Indoor Portable Evaporative Cooler...
  • Ideal for hot, dry climates—Indoor air cooler (swamp cooler)...
  • Provides targeted spot cooling—Enjoy spot cooling in small to...
  • Powerful unit with low power consumption—Uses only 235 W while...
  • Ultra-convenient features—Carbon dust filter, remote control,...
  • Not an air conditioner and not just a fan - Reduces temperature...

Honeywell CL25AE is a superlight cooler that’s suitable for small and medium sized rooms. It is quite affordable but has all that you’d expect from a premium product. Plus, it comes from a company that’s known to make reliable products so you can put all your worries to rest.

Features:

Cool Breeze: This cooler has the ability to pass air 500 cubic feet per minute which is enough to cool a small or medium sized room. In addition to that, there’s an ice compartment in the unit which aids in providing chilly winds when you want it.

This feature can be very useful when the weather is extremely hot. The ice ensures it throws chilled air that can be very inviting.

Humidity Levels: It is ideal to eliminate dryness and humidity from the air. In fact, you can choose from three different humidity levels and make the environment around you fresh.

Fan Speed: There’s a fast moving fan inside the unit which can be set to 4 different speeds. The highest speed produces a bit of noise but it is not irritable.

Tank: It has a 6.6 gallon water tank which is made to last for about 8 hours. You can use a hose to fill it easily. It’s best to avoid using a bucket to fill the tank as it can get messy.

Timer: You can set a timer to make the cooler shut off automatically. This is a handy feature, especially when you want to shut down the unit on its own.

The function is quite easy to use so expect no complications.

Area Coverage: It is suitable for only about 100 square feet rooms. This is not much but the unit works well for smaller rooms and you may consider adding two units if you have a bigger room as it is quite an affordable option.

Pros:

  • 1-year warranty.
  • Consumes only 235 watts.
    Carbon filters.
  • Incorporates a low water alarm.
  • LCD display and remote control operable.

Cons:

  • Can be hard to see the water level.

Bottom line:

Honeywell 500 CFM Indoor Portable Evaporative Cooler with Fan & Humidifier, Carbon Dust Filter & Remote Control, CL25AE is a great pick for users who want a cooler for a small room. It works well and is easy to use thanks to the remote controller it comes with.

6. COSTWAY Portable Evaporative Air Cooler
COSTWAY Evaporative Cooler, Include Remote Control, 2...
  • 🌬️【Adjustable Speed】Three-speed evaporative air cooler...
  • 🌬️【Cool/Humidify】Adopt ice crystal refrigeration and air...
  • 🌬️【Deliver Wind at Wide Angle】Swing the blades...
  • 🌬️【Timing Function】8-hour timing function makes the air...
  • 🌬️【Large-capacity Water Tank and Universal Wheels】6L...

If you’re looking for a 2-in-1 device that can both cool and humidify then bring home the COSTWAY air cooler. It offers various speeds and is also aesthetically pleasing making it a suitable option for not only homes but also offices.

Features:

Water Tank: The 6L water tank is big enough to keep this unit operational for about 5 hours and provide cool air. There’s a compartment to fill the tank on the left side.

You will have no difficulty in doing the job thanks to the unique design of the cooler.

It also incorporates an ice cube box that makes the air more chilly. You will feel a sea like sensation when you sit close to it. However, make sure not to use this option a lot as icy air may be bad for health.

Three Speed: The fast oscillating fan on this device offers three speeds to choose from. You can choose the high speed option when you want the unit to work quickly, however it may produce a bit of sound at the fastest speed.

Touch Buttons And Remote Control: Operating the cooler is a breeze thanks to the touch panel on the top. You can use the panel to change speed, turn the device on or off, etc.

If you don’t feel like walking towards the cooler to change settings, set timer or turn it off then you can do it from a distance too, using a remote control.

These features make the unit perfect for offices as you can place it in a meeting room. It will not only add class to the area but also remove the need to manually do the job.

Timer: You can set an 8 hour timer and make the unit go off automatically.

Humidify And Cool: The ice crystal refrigeration and air humidifying technology help lower the temperature using the air vent and prevents air drying as well.

Pros:

  • Consumes 75 watts only.
  • Lightweight - 8 pounds.
  • Produces a cool mist.
  • Aesthetically good looking.

Cons:

  • No water level indicator.
  • Poor directions.

Bottom line:

COSTWAY Air Cooler, Portable Evaporative Air Cooler with Fan & Humidifier Bladeless Quiet Electric Fan w/Remote Control for Indoor Home Office Dorms can be suitable for small areas. It is known to produce misty air and can be a good option for professional settings due to its black and white color that looks neat.

7. SPT Evaporative Air Cooler with 3D Cooling Pad Multi

SPT Evaporative Air Cooler with 3D Cooling Pad, Multi
  • 3D honeycomb cooling pad for enhanced cooling performance
  • Computer controlled system with LED panel
  • Three air speeds: H / M / L; Three fan modes: Normal, Natural,...
  • 5L water tank capacity, Energy saving - only 65W of power
  • Kindly refer the user manual given below for troubleshooting...

This evaporative makes use of 3D cooling pads to lower temperature and make the surroundings cooler. It works best for dry regions.

Features:

3D Cooling Pad Technology: It incorporates a unique cooling pad for spot cooling. This pad is made up of cellulose paper and further treated with wetting agents to absorb water. Moreover, it can also keep bacteria and algae at bay.

This is a great feature as the unit can clean air and keep the surroundings safe and healthy.

This pad is three dimensional which is why there’s no contact between air and water. Thus, you get a fresh wave of air that’s safe.

Water Tank: There’s a 5L water tank built inside the cooler which provides cool air via evaporation. The tank works for about 5 hours and is quite easy to fill.

Airflow: It produces 428 cubic feet of air per minute and quickly cools a room. It will cover 64 square feet of area which is commendable for its size.

Lightweight: The product weighs 13 pounds only and has dimensions of 11.5 x 11 x 27.8 inches. You can move it easily from place to place.

Pros:

  • 1- year guarantee.
  • Air swing louvers.
  • LED display.
  • Three fan speeds.
  • Consumes 65 watts of power only.

Cons:

  • Only suitable for smaller rooms.

Bottom line:

SPT Evaporative Air Cooler with 3D Cooling Pad Multi can be perfect for users who want to eliminate heat and humidity. However, it is only suitable for small rooms and may work well for cubicles.

8. Whirlpool WPEC12GW 214 Cfm Indoor White Evaporative Air Cooler

Whirlpool WPEC12GW 214 Cfm Indoor White Evaporative Air...
  • Evaporative air cooler for indoor use in open environments with...
  • Best for use in areas where the air is hot with low humidity
  • Recommended humidity level is 60Percent or less for maximum...
  • 214 cfm air flow for optimum cooling
  • Water pump protection system; tank capacity up to 1. 59 gallons

This is a viable evaporative air cooler with cross ventilation air cooling. It can cool a wide area in just a few minutes. However, it’s big in size but highly mobile thanks to high quality wheels that make it a breeze to move the unit.

Features:

Airflow: It produces 214 CFM of air and is perfect for 428 square feet of area. 

Water Tank: The unit has a small water tank – only 1.59 gallon – but do not let it fool you. It still offers a runtime of 8 hours making it a good option for most users.

Ice: You can keep ice or freezer packs inside the tank to enjoy chilled air. It can be a good option if you live in very dry or hot regions.

Fan Speed: You can run the fat at low, medium, or high. Like most coolers, it may also get a bit noisy when run at a high speed.

Pros:

  • 1-year warranty
  • Filters air.
  • Water pump protection system.
  • Easy to maintain and use.
  • Consumes 110 watts only.

Cons:

  • Can be a bit noisy.

Bottom line:

Whirlpool WPEC12GW 214 Cfm Indoor White Evaporative Air Cooler can be an excellent choice for homeowners who want a reliable product that is easy to use.

Buying Guide

It is important to look into a few things before buying an evaporative cooler for your home or office.

1. Area Coverage 

The very first thing you need to figure out is the size of the room you need it for. Some small units can only cover about 100 sq. ft. of area but some powerful units can even cover up to 800 sq. ft.

2. CFM

This feature determines how quickly will an evaporative cooler cool a room. CFM refers to the amount of air flowing from a unit in cubic per minute.

3. Air Filtering 

What good is an evaporative air cooler if it cannot filter out air and capture dust and harmful particles.

4. Mobility 

Portability is important, hence pick a one that is light to weight and wheels underneath so that you have no trouble in moving it around.

5. Runtime

The amount of time an evaporative cooler will operate for depends on the size of the water tank. However, the size of the tank may not always determine runtime, as some smaller units may also run for a good few hours.

6. Ease 

Pick a unit that is easy to use. It should be easy to operate with features like remote controller, water level indicator, auto shut off, etc.

Conclusion

These were some of the best evaporative coolers on the market. Choose one that fits your needs the best so that you can enjoy no matter how hot the temperature is.

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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