Best Portable Evaporative Coolers – 2022 In-Depth Review

If you live in a dry, hot region, you may find it expensive and ineffective to use standard air conditioners and ceiling fans.

Fortunately, some devices cool the air through evaporation, saving you utility and purchase costs.

In this article, we’ll look at the best portable evaporative coolers, how you can select the best one, and how it compares to standard AC units.

Comparison of the Best Portable Evaporative Coolers

How Do I Choose a Portable Evaporative Cooler?

Buying any evaporative or swamp cooler online isn’t a good idea. You need to consider specific factors before you set off on this exciting adventure with your new cooling unit. Let’s take a brief look at them. 

Area of Effect

The first significant factor is the space that you want to cool. Smaller evaporative coolers will struggle to work in a massive area, causing strain on their components while having no effect on the room at all.

You’ll need to measure the space first and then check the evaporative cooler’s specifications. There will be a label indicating what size it caters to and whether it’s suitable for your purposes.

Air Circulation

Some evaporative coolers have an automated swing delivery, which changes the airflow direction. The oscillation angles vary from 40° to 120°, which means that numerous people in the room can enjoy the cooling effect. 

You should also pay attention to the cubic feet per minute (CFM) of airflow. This measurement indicates how well it can circulate the air in the room while cooling it down, and it’s directly proportional to the room size.

Ease of Transport

There’s no use in aiming for a portable device if it can’t move around quickly. Pay attention to the base wheels or carry handles, as the means of transport may affect where you can take it in the home.

This factor is especially significant when you buy a heavy evaporative cooler. Pay attention to the dimensions if you plan on taking it with you on long trips.

Cooling and Water Capacity

Since you’re using the cooler for dry and hot regions, you’ll need to ensure that it has sufficient cooling capacity to deal with high temperatures. The specifications will indicate how well it can perform.

In the same way, have a look at the water capacity. Manufacturers usually indicate it in gallons or liters, and a higher capacity means exceptional cooling for larger spaces.

Extra Features

Of course, it’ll be beneficial to see how many other features you can enjoy. While evaporative cooling is the primary goal, other functions will make your life easier.

For instance, have a look at what the control panel or remote control has to offer. Some coolers also perform humidification or purification functions, providing you with a dual advantage.

Review of the Best Portable Evaporative Coolers

Now that you know what to look for, here’s our list of the best portable evaporative coolers. Make sure you check the specifications for each device and that it meets your needs.

How Does a Portable Evaporative Cooler Work?

An evaporative cooler works by evaporating cold water stored in a tank, releasing cooler air into the living space. Unlike air conditioners and humidifiers, there are no compressors or other electrical components needed, which is why it’s more cost-effective.

Here are some of the features you’ll find with these devices.

Water Tank

The most significant part is the water tank. You’ll need easy access to refill the water or ice cubes, as the evaporative cooler can’t work without it.

That’s why it’s so vital to have a water-level indicator included when you purchase the unit. Some will also have an alarm that beeps when the levels are dangerously low. 

Timer

You can use a timer for two different functions. There’s the option to delay the start or switch the evaporative cooler off at a specific time.

The timer is useful for when you go to sleep or head out of the house. The last thing you want is to wake up or come home to a hot living space, so it can cool everything before you need to use the area.

Remote Control

If you’re busy working in the garage or shed, you won’t want to get up to change the settings. A remote control aids you in achieving this goal from a distance. Having a smartphone app to monitor and manage it is even better.

Who Should Use a Portable Evaporative Cooler?

Are you wondering if you need a portable evaporative cooler or if a different device will suffice? This section will highlight key aspects you need to consider before you make any purchases.

Dry Climate

You shouldn’t use an evaporative cooler to combat humid days. There’s already enough moisture in the air, and introducing more vapor will only make the problem worse.

Instead, a dehumidifier will be better in those situations. You’ll want to reserve the cooling unit for dry days when there is little humidity and high temperatures.

Seasonal Use

If you still want to use your evaporative cooler when there’s high humidity, don’t purchase a whole-house unit. You can move portable devices around, ensuring you remain cool in the room where you’re located.

Pay attention to the season’s weather. With it continually changing, you want to make sure you get the best out of the device and only use it when necessary to save its lifespan.

On the Move

With the device being portable, it means you can move it around at will. If you love camping or spending weekends in nature, it’s convenient to pack up the evaporative cooler and take it with you.

Of course, having a bulky, heavy device won’t be productive to transport it outside of the house. You should aim for a lightweight unit that delivers the CFM that matches the area it will cool.

It’s About the Size

This aspect brings us to the final point. You’ll want to measure the space that the evaporative cooler will need to operate in first. 

Buying a small device for a massive space won’t bear any results that you can feel. Also, you may be spending more on utility bills if you buy a large unit for a small area.

Pros and Cons of Portable Evaporative Coolers

Evaporative coolers have benefits and disadvantages, each of which you’ll need to weigh to see if they will suit your needs. Let’s look at the top pros and cons of this HVAC system.

Extreme Cooling

The top benefit is that it provides cooling in high temperatures, especially near deserts or arid regions. If you look at the CFM level, you can see just how much airflow the unit provides while chilling the room.

Cost-effective

Since there are fewer electrical components to worry about, you’ll pay less for the purchase and maintenance. There’s also lower power consumption, so you don’t have to worry about high monthly utility costs.

Humidification

You’ll be using the evaporative cooler in dry climates with low humidification. Most devices also act as a humidifier, adding water vapor into the air and improving the moisture quality. 

Constant Refilling

The one significant downfall is that you’ll spend lots of time refilling the water tank. Where air conditioners and dehumidifiers have automatic drainage, evaporative coolers don’t come with auto-refilling.

Noise Levels

Another issue with powerful units is that they are often noisy in the highest settings. Smaller coolers may run quietly all night long, but they might not be able to cope with extreme temperatures.

What Size Portable Evaporative Cooler Do I Need?

The evaporative cooler size boils down to the space you want to cool. Where dehumidifiers look at pints per day, you’ll effectively judge the water tank capacity and the CFM. You’ll need to determine if it can handle your region’s high temperatures.

There’s a quick formula you can use to determine what size will be adequate for your needs:

[(Square feet x ceiling height) x average air changes per hour)] /  60 minutes

If we take an example of a 450 sq. ft. room with an 8 ft. ceiling, you will get 450 x 8 = 3,600 cu. ft.  If you multiply this by an average of 30 ACPH, it amounts to 108,000. Finally, divide this by 60 minutes, and you’ll obtain a final answer of 1,800 CFM.

Top Brands in the Portable Evaporative Cooler Space

Sometimes, the name is everything. You might turn to a specific brand since it has an outstanding reputation for durability or performance. 

Here are a few brands worth looking at if affordability isn’t an objective.

Honeywell

Honeywell is a name you may recognize among numerous HVAC systems, such as dehumidifiers, humidifiers, and purifiers. That’s because it’s been in business since 1885, starting with the first furnace regulator that it invented.

It followed this success by forming the Honeywell Heating Specialty Company in 1906 and has been growing in the HVAC industry ever since. It’s also worth noting that Honeywell installed 14 different electronic components in the infamous mission to the Moon in 1969.

Arctic Cove

Arctic Cove is a brand that’s made a home, so to speak, at Home Depot stores throughout the United States and online. For this reason, you’re less than likely to see its evaporative coolers on Amazon or other markets.

The company has delved into some interesting cooling projects over time. Besides some innovative designs, it’s specialized in misting tents and misting towers with Bluetooth radio. Its CHILLSTITCH technology is well sought after in the HVAC commercial arena.

NewAir

NewAir has several brand names, two of which consist of NewAir and Luma evaporative coolers. Its primary focus is on compact appliances that deliver high performance. That’s why you’ll see lightweight designs with high CFM ratings.

The company started in a small garage roughly 15 years ago. Today, it delivers coolers, heating systems, and appliances to distribution centers worldwide.

Price Points of Portable Evaporative Coolers

While many may tell you that price doesn’t matter, in reality, it does. You’ll find improved performance, more durable material, and additional functions. Here are some price ranges and what you can expect from each of them.

$100 – $500

This price range features the most basic evaporative coolers, consisting of a low CFM rating and few functions. They’ll work effectively in small spaces, but don’t count on them for massive areas. Furthermore, you’ll find a tiny water tank that you’ll need to fill regularly.

$500 – $1,000

Now you’re heading into mid-range evaporative coolers, with higher CFMs that can handle medium-sized rooms or two small spaces. Humidification and purification functions may be included, and you’ll be treated to a larger water tank. You’ll also receive more remote control functions.

$1000+

These units are the cream of the crop, with the top brand names listed within them. They deliver the ultimate performance for massive spaces, and you may even be able to cool the entire house or enormous workshops. The problem is that they’re also generally the heaviest of the lot, so it may be hard to move around.

Portable Evaporative Cooler vs Fan vs Portable Air Conditioner

While it may seem like there isn’t much difference between portable evaporative coolers, air conditioners, and fans, there are some factors you need to assess to see the small details. Here’s a comparative look at the similarities and differences.

Cooling Action

While air conditioners and evaporative coolers both perform cooling functions, how they do it is where the crucial difference lies. Air conditioners rely on compressors or condensers, while coolers evaporate ice-cold water to introduce chilled vapor into the air. Fans merely circulate and blow the air around the room, cooling it with the wind action.

Humidification

Fans serve no humidification function at all. While some air conditioners also work as humidifiers, evaporative coolers are better at this purpose, as they place more moisture in the air. Coolers are therefore better suited for dry climates.

Refilling vs Drainage

Another significant difference is in refilling vs. drainage. Air conditioners need the excess water to drain somewhere, usually, a pipe that leads outside or in a bucket under the portable units. 

Evaporative coolers do the opposite, placing ice water in the bucket to evaporate into the air. You’ll need to regularly refill the cooler, while the AC unit looks after itself if you have automatic drainage.

Power Consumption

Fans have the lowest power consumption, as all they do is spin blades to cool the air. However, you won’t find them performing very well in high temperatures. Evaporative coolers use less power than AC units, as they don’t have compressors and other components that eat the electricity.

Conclusion

It’s been quite a journey looking at the best portable evaporative coolers on the market. We hope this guide has provided you with some information that will lead you to choose the one that suits your needs. Please be sure to check that it’s what you need compared to the other HVAC types available.

People Also Ask

We understand that you may have some burning questions. Here’s a list of the FAQs we often receive from our readers. If you have any other queries, please feel free to let us know.