Hot, stale, and dry.
Does that sound like summer to you?
If you live in a dry climate, the amazing sunshine can quickly turn into our worst enemy. Thankfully, swamp coolers offer a quick solution to the summer heat.
Swamp coolers take the sting out of summer by quietly cooling us down, adding moisture, and getting fresh air flowing around our home. All for way cheaper than any air conditioner!
But which swamp cooler is right for you? I’ve been searching through plenty of these units, and put together this simple review of the best swamp coolers you can buy for any situation.
The Best Swamp Coolers - Reviewed
The Honeywell CS10XE is our pick for the best evaporative air cooler for small rooms and apartments – overall. It is a combination of a fan, an air cooler, and a humidifier packed into one energy-saving system that functions best when humidity levels are at 60% or less.
In fact, its 300 CFM maximum airflow can efficiently cool a 175-square-feet space with minimum energy consumption. The sleek design and size of this unit are also a plus. The unit can be easily placed on small corners of the room. This model also boasts of its thermal overload protection and heat-safe internal casing for additional user safety.
The water tank capacity at 2.6 Gallons is both a good and a bad thing for this model. Having this much water capacity means it can run for longer hours without frequent refills. But, given that the weight of the unit itself is already almost 20 lbs, when in full tank capacity, it may be a little heavy to move around even with the help of its moveable wheels.
Also, there are instances where some users may be bothered by the loud noise from the unit when it is used in the highest settings. But even for the standard swamp coolers, both of these issues are not very uncommon.
Fan/Wind speeds: 3 | Water Tank Capacity: 3 Gallons | Working Time: 6-8 Hours | Equipment Size: 16 x 14 x 32 inches | Weight: 19 lbs | Coverage Area: 175 Sq. Ft.
Our Verdict
The Honeywell CS10XE has other unique features such as its detachable water tank for an easy refill, an ice compartment for extra coolness, and a convenient digital display panel.
It is also remote-controlled, has a low water level alarm system, and features an energy-saving timer. This is probably the best all-rounder swamp cooler you can find anywhere as it makes you stay cool even in the hot summer.
The Hessaire MC18M is a good evaporative cooler designed for rooms up to 500 square feet. With an airflow rating of 1,300 CFM, this equipment has no problem cooling up a garage, a workshop, or a patio.
Besides, it includes a high-density grid media pad that provides higher evaporation efficiency than regular density media pad, plus a longer lifespan.
This unit’s 4.8-gallon water tank can even cool large rooms for more extended hours, which means it doesn’t need a refill very often. It also comes with a float valve that can be used to hook to a garden hose to keep it running, making it more convenient.
One problem that might occur for this cooler is the loud noise when used at high-speed settings, which could be bothersome, especially at night. Another thing that may not be best for this unit is its size. It will take up too much space inside a small room, and it may be hard to look for a spot to place the unit for maximum effect.
Thankfully, the cooler has a plastic build, making it quite light for its size. It also has heavy-duty caster wheels for easy mobility, and it can be locked in place so it won’t just roll around.
Fan/Wind speeds: 3 | Water Tank Capacity: 4.8 Gallons | Working Time: 6-8 Hours | Equipment Size: 20 x 10 x 28 inches | Weight: 16 lbs | Coverage Area: 500 Sq. Ft
Our Verdict
There’s a ton of people that have been pleased with this product due to its cooling power and efficiency. So if you have a larger room that needs cooling without the need of an AC unit, Hessaire MC18M may just be what you need. A powerful swamp cooler for a medium-sized room at a relatively affordable price.
When it comes to heavy-duty load both for indoor and outdoor use, the OEMTOOLS 23976 model delivers. Powered by 1/5 HP, this unit with 3,100 CFM maximum airflow can easily cool down a 950-square-feet of space. Quite perfect to use for decks, outdoor workspaces, and large shops.
Moreover, this model is energy efficient and quiet even for its large size, and that’s due to its patented axial propellers. The 10.3-gallon water tank capacity makes it suitable for more prolonged use. Plus, refills may be avoided by the direct-connect-to-hose feature of this unit that enables constant water supply.
The only real downside of this unit is its size and weight. When the 10.3 gallons in full capacity combines with the 40-lb unit weight, this unit can be a bit heavy – especially when moving around. But of course, it is expected for a piece of heavy-duty equipment to be heavy and large, too. Luckily, this unit comes with large casters for easy mobility and transport.
Fan/Wind speeds: 3 | Water Tank Capacity: 10.3 Gallons | Working Time: Not Specified | Equipment Size: 37 x 17 x 25 inches | Weight: 40 lbs | Coverage Area: 950 Sq. Ft.
Our Verdict
All in all, OEMTOOLS 23976 may seem heavyweight, but its weight is actually an asset as it outperforms other coolers within its size range – and even those much larger than it is. Having such outstanding performance, it can you give you your money’s worth compared to other branded models.
The GREATSSLY Mini Personal Evaporative Air Cooler is one of the portable air coolers with the least expensive cost but still offers great cooling power for small spaces.
Because of its small size, it is easier to move around than most portable coolers. However, the smaller size means a lower water tank capacity and frequent water refills. So, this one’s only recommended for small rooms.
With a working time of 3-5 hours, this cooler may not be that ideal for long summer days. But, this cooling machine has an easy-to-refill water tank. Just pour in enough water at the back! You can even add ice for a more significant cooling effect.
Other convenient features of this cooler include having three wind speed options and being able to function as a humidifier and air purifier while running on a very low noise level.
It also offers a 7-colour LED light which can be used as a bedside lamp. It can be remotely controlled and has a timer, which is great for whenever you want to turn it off after you have fallen asleep.
Fan/Wind speeds: 3 | Water Tank Capacity: 400 ml | Working Time: 3-5 Hours | Equipment Size: 8.9-inch height | Weight: 1.85 lbs | Coverage Area: Not Specified
Our Verdict
While this unit may not be as capable of cooling medium to large rooms, it still meets the needs of most personal coolers. It is portable, easy to use, has a shutoff timer, and, as I’ve already mentioned, a fancy 7-LED light function. So, if you need just the right mix of power and mobility, this could be one of your best options for its price.
If you’re looking for a cooler that you can just put on top of your desk, the Peodelk Compact Evaporative Air Circulator might just be the machine you’ll need. Its compact size (only 9.5 inches in height and 5.7 inches in width) makes it very portable to carry and put in your nightstand for a night of cool sleep.
Meanwhile, its 420-ml water tank capacity is just enough to last you a good 4-6 hours of use. And you can even add some of your essential oils in the water tank as this air cooler also functions as a humidifier. It has a three-wind-speed setting, and the fan blades can be adjusted up and down at 120 degrees, just like some air conditioning units.
This unit is very limited to personal use, though. Unlike other compact coolers which may substantially decrease a room’s temperature, this unit is designed for when you are at home alone and in a small space.
It is also advised to stay close to the cooler to feel its effect immediately. And its short power cord may also limit the spot where you can put this air cooler in your room.
Fan/Wind speeds: 3 | Water Tank Capacity: 420 ml | Working Time: 4-6 Hours | Equipment Size: 5.7 * 9.5 * 3.9 inch | Weight: 1.70 lbs | Coverage Area: Not Specified
Our Verdict
Overall, this small portable product works great and is easy to use. It also has an automatic shutdown humidification function when the tank’s water is low.
If you’re alone and you want to save some money on your electric bills, instead of turning on the AC unit for the whole house, you can just use this compact evaporative air circulator and enjoy some cold air.
Conclusion
Swamp coolers are one of the best options for staying cool and fresh despite the hot weather creeping from the outside to inside your home. They don’t rely on refrigerants and are energy efficient compared to air conditioning units. Plus, they can even cool down a wide range of space without causing a relatively huge spike on your electrical consumption.
Better yet, unlike most AC units that dry out the air, swamp coolers actually add humidity, thus reducing dry air symptoms.
Now hopefully, the list I’ve given you above has provided you with just enough insight as to which cooler to choose – whatever suits your needs.
Whether it’s for personal or heavy-duty use, I think your top swamp cooler is the best in its own category. I hope that this article has helped you make the right “top choice” for yourself.
Thanks for reading and happy cooling!
– Craig
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