7 Best Evaporative Air Coolers of 2023

Photo: Hessaire

The evaporative air cooler or swamp cooler is an ingenious way of cooling your room by using the natural powers of evaporation.

Essentially, the evaporative air cooler contains a water tub inside with a fan blowing over the water.

This water evaporates and exits the evaporative air cooler which then replaces the hot and dry air in your room with cool and moist air.

Advantages of the Evaporative Air Cooler

Effective: The evaporative air cooler is very effective in turning dry air into cool air. Therefore, if you live in a hot and dry environment, the evaporative air cooler will make the air significantly more comfortable.

Easy to carry: Most top-rated evaporative air coolers on the market are usually lightweight and compact. This means that they are portable and can be carried anywhere with ease. Moreover, they can be dragged around fairly easily in the room because they have bottom rollers.

Low power consumption: One of the best things about the evaporative air cooler is that it does not consume a lot of energy. This can be highly beneficial to you especially if you live in an area that is very dry and electricity is expensive.

Affordable: Compared to common solutions like the air conditioner, the evaporative air cooler is much more economical to run in the long term. It is also affordable to purchase.

7 Best Evaporative Air Coolers – Review

IMAGE	PRODUCT	FEATURES
	1. DeLonghi EV250WH (Best Portable Swamp Cooler)	Very lightweight and portable Large cooling area Small and compact form factor
	2. Hessaire MC37M (High-Performance Air Flow)	Cools a large area of 750 square feet Very high airflow of 3,100 CFM The large water tank of 40 L
	3. Honeywell CO30XE (Best for Medium Space)	Low power consumption Very easy to use Comes in different sizes
	4. Whirpool WPEC12 (Best for Indoor)	Competitively priced Aesthetically pleasing Lightweight and compact
	5. Luma Comfort EC220W (High Performing & Heavy-Duty)	Heavy-duty air cooler for big rooms Easy to adjust the airflow A 40 L water tank
	6. Honeywell CO25AE (Versatile)	Indoors and outdoors use Ice tray for more efficient cooling Washable dust filters
	7. Honeywell CS10XE (Cost Effective & Easy to Adjust)	Most affordable solution Lightweight and portable Comes in different sizes

1. DeLonghi EV250WH – Best Portable Swamp Cooler

Photo: DeLonghi

• Cooling Area: 534.9 square feet
• Air Flow: 206 CFM
• Water Tank Capacity: 4.5 L
• Weight: 16.22 lbs

If you constantly need to change the location of your evaporative air cooler, then the DeLonghi EV250WH is one of the best models when it comes to portability.

Indeed, this unit weighs only 16.22 lbs which makes it the lightest model you will find in this review.

In addition, there are 4 rollers at the bottom of the cooler, so you do not have to lift it. You can drag it in any direction you want which makes it even easier to carry around.

But what we like the best about this model is that despite its small water tank capacity of only 4.5 L, it is still able to cool a fairly large area of 534.9 square feet in an hour. This is very decent!

Due to the compact and slim form factor of this DeLonghi model, it will not consume a lot of space.

It also looks quite modern and aesthetically pleasing, so it will add to the value of your room. Not to mention that in operation, this evaporative air cooler is extremely quiet.

For those looking for a small, compact, and highly portable evaporative air cooler, the DeLonghi EV250WH is worth a look, and it is certainly the best portable evaporative air cooler.

Notes: Since the airflow is only 206 CFM, it takes a bit of time to cool the room. So, you will need to wait at least one hour to get the rated cooling area capacity of 534.9 square feet.

Pros:

• The lightest evaporative air cooler in this review at 16.22 lbs
• Easy to carry around with 4 rollers at the bottom
• Small and compact form factor

Cons:

• The price could have been more competitively priced
• Weak airflow of 206 CFM

2. Hessaire MC37M – High-Performance Air Flow 

Photo: Hessaire

• Cooling Area: 750 square feet
• Air Flow: 3,100 CFM
• Water Tank Capacity: 40 L
• Weight: 39 lbs

The Hessaire MC37M is unbeatable when it comes to airflow. Indeed, this model has the highest airflow in this evaporative air cooler review. In fact, with an airflow rating of 3,100 CFM, it is hard to beat.

Moreover, the water tank capacity of 40 L guarantees that you will have a large supply of water before you need a refill. It has a cooling area of 750 square feet which provides it with an ability to cool a large area in a short period of time.

Best, you even have the possibility to purchase this model in a higher capacity cooler rated at an impressive 5,300 CFM. This model is definitely geared for those who need to cool a large surface area like a big room.

The only caveat we note with this product is that its weight of 39 lbs makes it quite difficult to lift. However, the presence of 4 rollers at the bottom makes it a bit easier to move about in the home.

In addition, one of the best things about this model is that due to its high airflow and cooling area capacity, it can be used both indoors and outdoors as well.

Therefore, we nominate this model as one of the best outdoors evaporative air coolers that you can purchase because of its very high airflow of 3,100 CFM and large cooling area of 750 square feet.

Pros:

• Heavy duty with a high airflow of 3,100 CFM. Able to cool a large room fast
• Flexible. Can be used both indoors and outdoors
• Possibility to purchase in different sizes to suit your need
• Large water tank capacity of 40 L. Does not require frequent refills

Cons:

• Quite heavy at 39 lbs
• The price. It is expensive

3. Honeywell CO30XE – Best Model for Medium Space

Photo: Honeywell

• Cooling Area: 320 square feet
• Air Flow: 525 CFM
• Water Tank Capacity: 30 L
• Weight: 24.9 lbs

The Honeywell CO30XE is definitely not the most heavy-duty or performing evaporative air cooler that you can purchase. It is not what this model has been designed for.

But, if you need a reliable, energy efficient, and easy to use the model for a small to medium space, then it works brilliantly.

It has an airflow of 525 CFM which provides it with a cooling area capacity of 320 square feet per hour. With its water tray of 30 L, you will not have to constantly refill this evaporative air cooler.

Moreover, you also get a handy remote control that will allow you to operate this cooler at a distance.

Best, you can purchase this model in different sizes to cool a bigger room if you need to.

All in all, this model from Honeywell is not bad at all and certainly one of the best evaporative air coolers for a small to medium-size room.

Notes: The manufacturer of this model recommends that you adjust the humidity level to 60 percent or less for maximum efficiency.

Pros:

• Energy efficient. Low power consumption
• Easy to use. Comes with a handy remote control
• Fairly large water tank capacity of 30 L. Does not require frequent refills
• Possibility to purchase in different sizes to suit your need

Cons:

• Not as durable when compared to other models
• The fans are a bit louder

4. Whirpool WPEC12 – Best Indoor Evaporative Air Cooler

Photo: Whirpool

• Cooling Area: 428 square feet
• Air Flow: 214 CFM
• Water Tank Capacity: 6 L
• Weight: 16.84 lbs

The Whirpool WPEC12 lacks the versatility of other models as it is made to be used exclusively as an indoor evaporative air cooler.

However, since it is indoors only, it is more aesthetically pleasing than others.

In fact, it will have no problem blending in with your other pieces of furniture. You can also purchase this model in 2 different colors, white or black.

What makes this model from Whirlpool unique and one of the best indoor evaporative air coolers for the money is its very competitive pricing.

It is one of the most competitively priced evaporative air coolers that you will find in this review.

The cooling area of 428 square feet is also pretty decent as it clearly shows that this model has the capacity to cool down a small to medium-size room with ease.

Even if the airflow of 214 CFM is a bit low when compared to others. However, this low airflow has a unique advantage. It makes the cooler dead silent which definitely makes it more pleasant to use at night.

Pros:

• Most competitively priced air cooler in this review
• Low airflow of 214 CFM makes it very silent in operation
• Aesthetically pleasing

Cons:

• Cannot be used outdoors. For indoor use only
• Low airflow of 214 CFM and small water tank of 6 L. Not for heavy-duty use

5. Luma Comfort EC220W – High Performing & Heavy-Duty

Photo: Luma Comfort

• Cooling Area: 650 square feet
• Air Flow: 1,650 CFM
• Water Tank Capacity: 40 L
• Weight: 41.9 lbs

The Luma Comfort EC220W is an evaporative air cooler that has been designed especially for those looking for a high performing and heavy-duty model for both indoor and outdoor use.

This cooler has a cooling area capacity of 650 square feet and an airflow of 1,650 CFM. Clearly, it is able to cool a fairly large room in a short period of time with ease.

In addition, its large water tank capacity of 40 L means that you do not have to constantly refill the water tank. It will last you quite a while.

There are air filters both at the rear as well as to the side to maximize airflow and distribute a clean and mold-free air in the room.

You also get no less than 3 cooling speeds in this model as well as a special wind-mode that tries to mimic natural wind.

It is definitely a powerful model. And even if it is not the best portable evaporative air cooler because of its heavy weight of 41.9 lbs, it can still be easily carried around because of the presence of 4 rollers at the bottom.

Pros:

• High performance, heavy-duty, and long-lasting
• Large water tank capacity of 40 L. Does not require frequent refills
• Easy to make cooling speed adjustments
• Large and thick air filters pump clean air in the room

Cons:

• Quite heavy at 41.9 lbs
• It is expensive

6. Honeywell CO25AE – Versatile Evaporative Air Cooler 

Photo: Honeywell

• Cooling Area: 300 square feet
• Air Flow: 500 CFM
• Water Tank Capacity: 25 L
• Weight: 25.48 lbs

If the Honeywell CO25AE can be summed up in one word, then it is definitely “versatility.”

You can use this evaporative air cooler both indoors as well as outdoors, and it will do a perfectly fine job of cooling your environment.

It has a decent airflow of 500 CFM and is intended to cool a medium-sized space of 300 square feet. Since its airflow is quite high, it will have no problem cooling that space in a short period of time.

Moreover, you get a handy remote control with this evaporative air cooler, and it has a top compartment where you place ice cubes and a bottom tray for the water.

This combination of ice cubes and water means that it will be able to humidify your room more effectively.

You also have a front water meter that will show you the level of water in your water tank at all times. The water tank capacity itself is 25 L which is pretty decent.

Even if the Honeywell CO25AE does not have the most advanced features we have seen in this review, it is still a top-rated evaporative air cooler for a small to medium-size room.

Pros:

• Versatile. Can be used both indoors and indoors
• Effective cooling. Uses ice and water to cool the room
• Easy to use. Comes with a remote control
• The dust filters are washable

Cons:

• With a power of 235 watts, it consumes a little bit more power

7. Honeywell CS10XE – Cost Effective & Easy to Adjust

Photo: Honeywell

• Cooling Area: 175 square feet
• Air Flow: 300 CFM
• Water Tank Capacity: 9.8 L
• Weight: 18.5 lbs

The Honeywell CS10XE Is an excellent example of how an evaporative cooler can be a significantly more cost-effective solution in terms of power consumption when compared to the regular air conditioner.

Indeed, this model only consumes around 102 W of power while still being able to cool an area measuring 175 square feet at 300 CFM.

One of the biggest advantages of this evaporative air cooler is that it is dead silent, so it will not disturb you will use in proximity at night.

Additionally, you have the ability to purchase this model in different sizes as it ranges from 176 CFM for the smallest model up to 525 CFM For the most performing Honeywell unit.

You also have a lot on adjustment settings with this evaporative air cooler, and it even comes with remote control.

There are 5 buttons on this remote control, so you can adjust the fan speed, switch it on or off and reduce or increase the humidity level to your liking.

At the end of the day, the Honeywell CS10XE may not be the best evaporative air cooler in terms of airflow power or cooling capacity, but it is excellently priced, portable, and easy to use.

Pros:

• The most affordable evaporative air cooler in this review
• Easy to make adjustments. Comes with a remote control
• Flexible. Available in a wide range of sizes to suit your need
• Lightweight and portable. Weighs only 18.5 lbs

Cons:

• Weak cooling area of only 175 square feet
• Made from mostly plastic. Not as durable when compared to other models

Evaporative Air Cooler vs. Air Conditioner

Photo: DeLonghi

There are several key differences between the evaporative air cooler and the regular air conditioner. Here are a few of the most common differences:

1. Operation Costs

Since the evaporative air cooler is simply a big fan that blows over a tray of water, it consumes less power when compared to the air conditioner which has more complex functionality.

At the end of the day, you will pay significantly less for operating the evaporative air cooler than the air conditioner.

2. Operation Mode

With the regular air conditioner, you have to close all doors and windows for the power saving mode to kick in.

If you do not close your doors and windows, the air conditioner will consume an extremely high amount of electricity trying to cool the entire room.

This is not a problem with the evaporative air cooler because regardless of whether your door or window is open, the power consumption remains the same.

3. Moisture Level

The big problem with air conditioners is that they remove moisture from the air.

This dry air is not very healthy and can cause a wide range of health issues ranging from asthma, allergies, dry eyes, dry skin, etc.

On the other hand, the evaporative air cooler adds moisture to the air so that it makes it cooler. The cool air is a more natural air to the body which will be more comfortable.

4. Environment-friendly

The air conditioner emits a high level of CO2 which proves to be dangerous to the environment over the long term.

Indeed, a high level of CO2 in the atmosphere contributes to the warming up of the planet.

Additionally, the air conditioner is an electric device that produces a fair amount of noise when it is operational.

Therefore, if you have your air conditioner switched on at night, then you will definitely hear it whenever it starts working.

With the evaporative air cooler, you do not have any of those problems.

It either does not emit any CO2 or a very small amount of it, and it is silent in operation.

5. Portability

The biggest advantage of the evaporative air cooler is portability. Indeed, since most evaporative air coolers are quite lightweight, they can easily be carried around in the house.

Additionally, many of those coolers have rollers at the bottom so that you can drag them easily.

How to Buy the Best Evaporative Air Cooler

Photo: Luma Comfort

One of the most important aspects to consider when trying to find a top-rated evaporative air cooler for the money is the climate.

Indeed, your choice will depend on the weather or environment where you will be using the evaporative air cooler.

This is because this device is more useful in hot and dry environments than cold and moist ones.

If you live in a hot climate, like a desert, then the evaporative air cooler will be the most effective.

It will be able to add a higher concentration of water vapor in the air, making it cooler.

1. Air Flow

The airflow is measured in CFM and is basically how much moisture the evaporative air cooler can add to the air in a given period of time.

For most people, and evaporative air cooler that can output at least 300 CFM is more than enough.

However, if you have a big room. Or you need your evaporative air cooler to cool the air as fast as possible; then it is always best to go with a model with a high CFM value.

Knowing the exact CFM value for your cooler is quite easy.

All you have to do is know the square feet area you need to cool. Then multiply it with the height of the room ceiling and divide this number by 2.

As an example, if you need to cool an area of 500 square feet and the room has a ceiling height of 8 feet, you will need a 2,000 CFM evaporative air cooler. (500 x 8 /2 = 2,000 CFM)

Keep in mind that an evaporative air cooler with a higher CFM will also generally output more noise.

So, if noise levels are important to you, it is best to go with a lower CFM air cooler.

2. Maintenance

Since the evaporative air cooler comprises a fan and a series of filters, it will attract dust.

Therefore, regular maintenance is necessary for both the proper functioning of the evaporative air cooler as well as for your health.

If you use your evaporative air cooler daily, then we recommend that you perform maintenance every 2 weeks.

You can use lukewarm water and a mild detergent to clean the fans as well as the filters of your evaporative air cooler.

In addition, sometimes you may need to store your evaporative air cooler for an extended period of time. This usually happens when the season changes and you have no need for it.

To do so, you need to protect the evaporative air cooler by disconnecting it with any water line as well as unplugging it from the power supply.

3. Portability

One of the biggest advantages of the evaporative air cooler remains its portability. Indeed, it is usually a relatively lightweight device when compared to other types of careers that can easily be carried around.

But keep in mind that some of the best portable swamp coolers are not necessarily the lightest in terms of weight, but they still remain quite easy to carry around.

This is because they have bottom rollers, so you can easily drag them around in the room.

4. Energy Saving

Most people prefer the evaporative air cooler because it is an energy efficient device when compared to other cooling devices like the air conditioner.

There are no complex or power-hungry parts in the evaporative air cooler. This means that it will not add up too much in your electricity bill.

In fact, most reputable evaporative air cooler manufacturers will actually tell you how much energy in watts or amperage their coolers consume. They rarely go over 250 W.

Additionally, they will also tell you the humidity level you need to use for maximum efficiency.

Most of the time, this value is usually at 60 percent humidity level or less.

Conclusion

The evaporative air cooler is an absolute must-have if you live in a dry area. It will cool the air inside your room and make it significantly more pleasant.

By reading our evaporative air cooler review above, we can also see that they are also more affordable than traditional coolers like the air conditioner. Which is both more expensive and consumes more power.

Sources

1. Evaporative Cooler vs. Portable Air Conditioners – Newair
2. 5 Things to Consider When Buying an Evaporative Cooler – Sylvane