Portable Evaporative Cooler

H arnessing water evaporation in order to decrease temperature and provide a cooling effect is what portable evaporative coolers provide. Ideal for hot and dry environments through the nature of their operation as they not only cool the air inside the space you place them in, but raise humidity at the same time, these appliances are perfect for at-home or office use.

Less expensive than traditional air conditioners, more energy efficient, and boasting a portable design that enhances their versatility in use, evaporative coolers are a must-have for the warm season.

Top 10 Portable Evaporative Coolers Compared

Photo	Product	Air Flow	Area Coverage	Water Tank	Fan Speeds	Max. Sound Level	Power Draw	Warranty	Price
Best Overall	1. MasterCool MMBT14	1600 CFM	800 square feet	11 gallons	2	N/A	520 watts	1 year	Check Price
Best for Garage	2. Hessaire MC37A	2200 CFM	750 square feet	10.3 gallons	3	59 dB	250 watts	1 year	Check Price
Editor’s Choice	3. Honeywell CO60PM	1540 CFM	850 square feet	15.9 gallons	3	65 dB	220 watts	1 year	Check Price
Best for RV	4. Honeywell CL201AE	470 CFM	290 square feet	5.3 gallons	3	46 dB	250 watts	1 year	Check Price
	5. Honeywell CL30XC	525 CFM	320 square feet	7.9 gallons	3	64 dB	252 watts	1 year	Check Price
Best for the Money	6. Costway 23664-CYPE-CS	500 CFM	300 square feet	1.84 gallons	3	56 dB	75 watts	90 days	Check Price
	7. Honeywell CL25AE	500 CFM	300 square feet	6.6 gallons	4	64 dB	235 watts	1 year	Check Price
	8. Luma Comfort EC110S	500 CFM	250 square feet	1.76 gallons	3	66 dB	110 watts	1 year	Check Price
	9. SPT SF-608R	600 CFM	400 square feet	2.65 gallons	3	N/A	60 watts	1 year	Check Price
	10. Whirlpool WPEC12GW	214 CFM	425 square feet	1.59 gallons	3	56 dB	110 watts	1 year	Check Price

1. MasterCool MMBT14

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This model is ideal for those who need to cool large areas as it provides optimal performance in spaces of up to 800 square feet, the polyester media pads it uses adding to its efficiency. It uses a powerful 1/2 HP motor which adds to its energy efficiency and features 4-way directional grilles with adjustable vents to ensure ideal spreading of the cool air in the designated space.

The tank is a hearty 11-gallon capacity so that refilling isn’t required obnoxiously often. The analog controls make it a cinch to control its operation in precise adjustments as needed. It features heavy-duty caster wheels and handles that make it a breeze to move it from room to room.

The steel cabinet ensures long-lasting durability, making it weather and impact resistant so that you can rest assured knowing it is a purchase for the years. It puts 2 fan speeds at your disposal to select the intensity at which it delivers the cool air.

Moreover, the aforementioned polyester media pads help trap dirt and particles to help improve the air indoors for your home to be a healthier habitat for you to live in. Overall, through its simplistic yet powerful design, the MasterCool MMBT14 makes for an ideal addition to anyone living in a dry and arid area.

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2. Hessaire MC37A

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Summer is sure to become your new favorite season with the MC37A by your side, the effective water evaporation technique it employs cooling down the space you place it in to make hot weather days more bearable. Sure, it might cost a pretty penny, but balancing all the features it provides, its portable design, and intuitive operation, it would be a shame to overlook it because of a few extra bucks on the price tag.

Dual Water Tank Fill Options

Convenience is a key aspect to take into consideration with any appliance, and as luck has it, the Hessaire excels in this important department as it provides you with dual water tank fill options – an automatic option, and a manual one. Obviously, the manual option requires you to refill the 10.3-gallon tank when it empties. On the other hand, the other option aforementioned eliminates all hassle involved as a continuous operation is granted by the float valve that you can connect to a garden hose.

Reduced Power Consumption

When it comes to energy efficiency, it surpasses expectations as it not only consumes little power to operate, to begin with, drawing only 250 watts but because it comes with the timer feature that helps reduce running costs. You can set the appliance to automatically shut off after 0.5, 1, 2, 4, or 8 hours of operation, thus ensuring it won’t consume more power than needed to preserve a cool environment.

Mention-Worthy Features and Specs

• Xel50 cooling pad it features boasts a long lifespan during which it provides maximum cooling efficiency.
• Louvers automatically oscillate from left to right to ensure an even cooling of the space this appliance is placed in.
• Low water indicator keeps you aware of how much time is left until refilling is required in case you opt for the manual fill mode.
• When it is engaged and you have selected a certain span for its operation, the timer button gets lit.
• High velocity axial fan blade design ensures maximum efficiency.

Design – Build and Mobility

As portability is your top interest with it, you should know that the MC37A delivers it with the help of the sturdy caster wheels it features. When it comes to design, we must praise its rather compact build as it measures a mere 24 inches in depth, 16 inches in width, and 38 inches in height. It weighs 39 pounds, which ensures that no excruciating effort is needed to transport it from one room to another.

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3. Honeywell CO60PM

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An Eco-friendly, low-cost option to keep your home cool even in the hottest summer day, this no-compressor system is ideal for use if you live in a hot and dry area. Using the natural process of water evaporation and a fan, it provides you with a comfortable, cool breeze that will make it bearable to sit inside regardless of how hot the weather is in that particular day.

More Than a Cooler

What’s interesting about the CO60PM and makes it all the more desirable is the fact that it provides more than just cooling of indoor air when the weather is unbearably hot. As a matter of fact, it fulfills the role of 3 different appliances – the cooler, the fan, and the humidifier. Thus, it not only makes the indoor environment more pleasant to be in, but it helps enhance air quality at the same time as well.

Unbeatable Energy Efficiency

Seeing how a modern household is full of electronics and appliances that draw electricity to run, thus raising costs on the power bill, energy efficiency is a point of interest when making any acquisition. Luckily, this Honeywell appliance presents you with an energy-efficient manner to keep your home cool as it only consumes 220 watts to operate. Its non-compressor design is what helps give it this high efficiency, while the wide fan blades it features ensure fast air circulation to lower the temperature as fast as possible.

Mention-Worthy Features and Specs

• Can be used for indoor, as well as outdoor cooling due to the UV and weather resistant build it boasts.
• Powerful 1540 cubic feet per minute air flow ensures the a fast cooling of the air.
• Optimum cooling performance is granted by the honeycomb-style cooling media it utilizes.
• Features a top-loading ice compartment that gives you the chance to opt for extra cooling when the weather gets too hot.
• Promotes unattended operation for your convenience as it features a copper continuous water supply connection.

Incomparable Portability Due to Smart Design

As expected seeing how it is a portable model, the appliance features caster wheels which endorse easy mobility from room to room. Designed to ease your life, it measures only 18.35 inches in length, 27.56 inches in width, 40.04 inches in height, and weighs 41 pounds. Thus, as you add to the portability enhancing wheels the compact design, you have a great appliance for home or office use.

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4. Honeywell CL201AE

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An energy-efficient model built to cool small to medium-sized rooms of up to 290 square feet, the Honeywell CL201AE boasts a powerful 470 CFM airflow that places it among the most effective products in its niche. The 5.3-gallon water tank won’t need to be refilled absurdly often, and when the time does come to refill it, the low water alarm will kick in and let you know. Thus, even if you are the forgetful type, there’s no need to worry as this Honeywell product is designed to prevent you from making mistakes and leaving the room uncooled for even the slightest while.

It is one of the more versatile performers at the moment as well, this being highlighted by the 3 adjustable fan speeds and the oscillating louvers which direct the cool air wherever you need it. The ice compartment is located at the top for convenient refilling, but it is advisable that you add some ice cubes in the water tank for extra cooling power.

It comes with a carbon dust filter that traps particles from the air passing through it to help make the air cleaner. A full-function remote control is included with the acquisition, making it a lot more convenient for you to operate it.

The cord measures 6 feet, so it is unlikely that you will need extension cords, and it features caster wheels for easy relocation when needed. When it comes to backing, the manufacturer has it covered on parts and labor for 1 year from the moment of purchase.

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5. Honeywell CL30XC

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Another Honeywell entry that has impressed not only us but a lot of customers interested in mobile evaporative coolers, the CL30XC helps reduce temperature indoors through water evaporation, a technique which helps enhance air humidity as well. Thus, if the air in your area tends to be dry, under the 60% level, you will actually fix two separate issues at the same time.

Cooling Speed and Efficiency

As warm air is drawn into it, the cooler filters it through the wet honeycomb media it features. This causes the heat to be absorbed, naturally cooling and humidifying the air. As this process is over, the powerful fan tends to push the air out, efficiently cooling the surrounding area. No compressor is required for the process, which means that an environmentally-friendly and energy-efficient option to keep cool is provided.

Operational Efficiency

As it presents a natural method to cool the air, the CL30XC is one of the most inexpensive to operate options to go for. It boasts a low power consumption of only 252 watts, so no matter how long you operate it, the costs on your electric bills won’t rise all that much. Additionally, it comes with the timer function which grants you the possibility to decide the length of its operation – you can set it from 0.5 to 8 hours.

Mention-Worthy Features and Specs

• Features a top-loading ice compartment which makes the cooling process go even faster.
• The four sturdy caster wheels enable you to move it around as you please easily.
• Provides you with the possibility to adjust humidity control as you see fit in order to maintain a healthy living environment.
• Comes with side handles that make it even easier to move it from one room to another.
• Oscillating louvers ensure an even distribution of the cool air inside the room where the appliance is located.

Ease of Use

Some people have trouble operating complicated appliances because of the confusing controls. This is not an issue to worry about in this particular case as it features a user-friendly LED control panel with touch controls. Besides the intuitive operation provided, the LED lighting of the panel ensures you will be able to check up on the settings from a distance, which is quite convenient as you won’t have to make trips to it to see what fan speed is selected, for example.

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6. Costway 23664-CYPE-CS

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The non-compressor Costway system can cool an area of up to 300 square feet in an efficient and inexpensive manner. Its popularity and status as the best seller comes as a result of the aforementioned prowess in terms of performance, as well as the fact that it is a cheap purchase and doesn’t feature power-hungry components. It is a 4-in-1 system as it provides a total of 4 functions – cooler, heater, humidifier, and fan.

To cool and distribute the air properly, it passes it through the honeycomb cooling media, all while the dust filter removes impurities that linger in it to ensure the air you breathe is safe and clean. The filter is removable and washable, so you won’t have to spend money on replacements, and it even generates negative ions with the help of the “Anion” setting to sterilize the air.

There are 3 fan speeds that you can pick between – low, medium, and high – as well as 3 fan modes that cater to specific situations – Normal, Natural, and Sleeping. Evidently, on the Sleeping mode, it maintains as quiet of an operation as possible to not present a nuisance when you sleep. It features an 8-hour timer that lets you set the desired operational span so that it doesn’t consume more energy than needed. It features a 7-liter or 1.84-gallon capacity water tank that prevents you from adding water continuously.

In terms of portability, it is quite appealing as it weighs only 17 pounds and features 4 caster wheels that make relocation an easy task. Furthermore, it measures only 15” in length by 11” in width by 29” in height, so it won’t take up much space. Woefully, the manufacturing company only backs it for 90 days of parts and labor, which is below industry standard in this department.

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7. Honeywell CL25AE

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A cooler that serves more than one purpose as it not only makes the environment more pleasurable when the hot weather strikes, but also humidifies the air when it gets dry, this Honeywell entry is ideal in both hot and dry climates, where humidity levels are lower than 60%. It is quite reasonably priced as opposed to most entries on this market, and its powerful air flow delivery of up to 500 cubic feet per minute makes it all the more worth the investment.

It is designed to provide optimum performance in areas and spaces of up to 300 square feet. It even increases air quality indoors due to the activated carbon filter it features, a filter that is washable and reusable, thus saving you money in terms of maintenance. As it comes with a remote control, you are granted convenience in use with this product.

It can even be viewed as one of the energy saving options in its niche as it not only consumes a low 235 watts when it runs, but because it comes with a programmable 7.-5 hour timer which allows you to limit its operation to prevent waste. Another mention-worthy feature is the top-loading ice compartment as it provides a refreshingly cool breeze inside in the most ingenious way possible.

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8. Luma Comfort EC110S

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Due to the powerful 500 cubic feet per minute airflow rating it boasts, it is sure to get the job done in no time, making you feel comfortable even in the most torrid, unpleasant summer day. Designed for use in spaces of up to 250 square feet and boasting a low asking price, it is the most budget-friendly option you could go for at the moment.

Employed Cooling Technology

Not only is there no compressor involved in the cooling process this appliance employs, but it actually uses the highly energy efficient cyclonic technology to deliver optimal results with minimal costs involved. As you press the Swing button on the remote or control panel, the fan head starts to oscillate counterclockwise in order to direct the air it has cooled into a cyclone, providing a more focused effect to reduce the temperature in the surrounding area.

Climate Control

Enjoying the possibility to lower the temperature indoors as much as you like is one of the main reasons why you would take interest in a cooler. From this point of view, you will be happy to learn that the EC110S allows full customization due to the 3 fan speeds it puts at your disposal. Thus, you will always be able to create the perfect ambiance in the space you sit in.

Mention-Worthy Features and Specs

• To cool the air in the surrounding area, it uses the energy efficient cyclonic technology.
• You are announced when the tank needs to be refilled by the low water level indicator it features.
• Capable of lowering the temperature indoors by up to 30 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Casters ensure you will have an easy time moving it from room to room when needed.
• Plastic housing ensures it can be used indoors, just as well as outdoors.

Design and Portability

In terms of design, this tower-style model is your best option. It measures 12.75 inches in length, 11.25 inches in width, and 34.5 inches in height, so regardless how crowded the room you intend to place it in is, it won’t be a problem as you will be able to fit it there. When it comes to portability, considering that it weighs only 16.2 pounds and it features casters that make moving it absurdly easy, it’s safe to say that it will be a cinch for you to cool all the rooms in your home with it.

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9. SPT SF-608R

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Using the simple yet efficient process of endothermic reaction, the SF-608R makes for a nifty solution to cool down when the temperature rises uncontrollably. It might be limited when it comes to the area coverage it provides, but seeing how this is a feature-rich product that comes at a cheap price, you cannot expect it to excel from all points of view.

Endothermic Reaction Explained

The SPT is so effective at its job due to the technology it employs, more precisely the endothermic reaction. What happens is that the hot air indoors is passed through a water-saturated wick which absorbs it consuming all the heat and reducing the temperature of the air before dispersing it back into the room.

Antibacterial Water Tank

Your health is most definitely one of your top priorities, and the SPT puts an accent on keeping you safe from this perspective as it features an antibacterial water tank. The sterile environment in which the water sits ensures it will be free of germs, thus, what is released back into the room being clean air that is 100% free of harmful contaminants.

Mention-Worthy Features and Specs

• Oscillating louvers disperse the air evenly to the surrounding area in order to properly cool it.
• Perfect for climates where humidity levels are below 40% as it increases moisture in the air.
• When you install the included caster kit, it becomes a lot easier to move it from room to room.
• Casters can be locked in order to ensure that the appliance won’t change its position when you knock into it.
• Measures 25.2 inches in height, 15.4 inches in width, 11.8 inches in depth, and weighs 16.5 pounds.

Top Ice Box Role

One of the features that drew our attention the most was the top ice box as it has the role of further enhancing its cooling efficiency and speed. Just add ice inside this compartment and let the appliance run normally on your preferred speed setting, and you will witness a noticeable difference as extra cooling will be provided on the spot.

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10. Whirlpool WPEC12GW

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It doesn’t provide the most impressive air flow compared to our other selections as it only delivers 214 cubic feet per minute, but this doesn’t mean that it is any less effective at cooling as, when used in an appropriate space of approximately 425 square feet, it does wonders, to say the least. Recommended for use in spaces where humidity tends to be low as it releases moisture into the air as well, it comes with a 1.59-gallon tank that won’t require refilling all that often.

There are 3 wind speeds and modes to pick from, the speeds including low, medium, and high, while the modes include Normal, Natural, and Sleeping. For example, if you let it run during the night, you should opt for the Sleeping mode as it will ensure a silent operation that won’t distract or bother you. This isn’t to say the Whirlpool is noisy otherwise as it produces a maximum noise output of 56 decibels, which makes operational noise your last worry with it.

It features a timer function that you can set for 1, 2, 4, or 8 hours according to your specific needs to cut down on operational costs. If you don’t select a specific option, it will automatically turn off after 15 hours to prevent overheating or any unwanted occurrence.

It even features a honeycomb filter that you can dismount to clean or replace when needed, a filter that evidently plays the role of ensuring clean air in the room. Lastly, we must mention that the manufacturer offers backing for it during the first year after purchase, which means that you won’t be throwing money out of your own pocket to have eventual defective parts repaired.

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Cooler Sizing Explained

By simply combining the naturally occurring process of evaporation with an air-moving system, evaporative models manage to lower temperatures in their surrounding area in an effective yet energy-efficient manner. As the hot air is drawn, cooled, and then outputted into the room, a negative difference of up to 30 degrees Fahrenheit can be felt in the environment. However, the efficiency depends on you making a correct pick when it comes to its size.

For the household device to be able to adequately cool the space you intend to place it in, it must have the right CFM rating. This measurement indicates how many cubic feet per minute of air it will be able to blow into your home. To figure out the right CFM rating, and thus the proper size for it to have, you must calculate it using a simple formula where you take the cubic feet of the room or area you want to use it in, divide the number by two, after which you divide the resulting number by 2 once again.

Temperature Drop Chart

In the chart below, we will show you what is the estimated temperature of the cooled air outputted by it given a certain combination of ambient temperature and relative humidity when the cooling pads are saturated in a proportion of 80%. It’s important for you to check it out as the cooling efficiency of the household device greatly relies on these two factors, after proper sizing environmental conditions weighing most in establishing what product you actually need.

Ambient Temperature °F	Relative Humidity %
		10%	20%	30%	40%	50%	60%	70%	80%	90%
50°F	38 CFM	39 CFM	41 CFM	42 CFM	44 CFM	45 CFM	46 CFM	48 CFM	49 CFM
60°F	45 CFM	47 CFM	49 CFM	51 CFM	52 CFM	54 CFM	56 CFM	57 CFM	58 CFM
70°F	52 CFM	54 CFM	56 CFM	59 CFM	61 CFM	63 CFM	65 CFM	67 CFM	68 CFM
80°F	59 CFM	62 CFM	64 CFM	67 CFM	70 CFM	72 CFM	74 CFM	76 CFM	78 CFM
90°F	65 CFM	69 CFM	72 CFM	75 CFM	78 CFM	80 CFM	83 CFM	86 CFM	88 CFM
100°F		76 CFM	80 CFM	83 CFM	87 CFM	90 CFM	93 CFM	95 CFM	98 CFM
110°F		83 CFM	88 CFM	92 CFM	95 CFM	99 CFM	102 CFM	105 CFM	108 CFM
120°F			95 CFM	100 CFM	104 CFM	108 CFM	111 CFM	114 CFM	118 CFM
130°F			103 CFM	108 CFM	112 CFM	117 CFM	120 CFM	124 CFM	127 CFM

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Conclusion

Portable solutions to intolerable heat are always appealing as they provide a convenient means to get through torrid summers. Through the nature of their operation, evaporative coolers have the upper hand on AC systems, allowing relocation so that you benefit from their cooling performance in any area of the residence or house you desire.

Best Portable Evaporative Cooler for Sale: MasterCool MMBT14

Even though it is the top-performing unit available, the MasterCool actually manages to preserve a highly energy-efficient operation that is granted by the 1/2 HP motor it uses. It caters to spaces of up to 800 square feet, so it makes for an equally great option for residential use, as well as office use. To spread the cool air evenly in the space it is designated to work in, it uses the 4-way directional grilles with adjustable vents. Furthermore, it provides a total of 2 selections for operational speeds so that you adjust its functioning as you see fit.

Editor’s Choice: Honeywell CO60PM

As it is designed to tailor to spaces of up to 850 square feet, this Honeywell entry is quite popular for use in large office spaces. When it comes to residential use, the operational prowess guarantees that summers will never feel unbearable again. It even features a top-loading ice compartment for extra cooling power when you are in maximum need. If you seek convenient operation, it grants that too as it allows continuous use without refilling required on your part through the supply connection it features.

Best Portable Evaporative Cooler for Garage: Hessaire MC37A

As the Hessaire comes with a float valve, you can benefit from the much more convenient continuous operation that implies you won’t have to refill the 10.3-gallon tank each time it empties. All you need is to connect it to a garden hose, and voila, non-stop cooling with no effort on your part. Seeing how the garage is situated, you can set up the connection easily and just let the unit run unsupervised. It even lets you program its operation, providing you the following options – half an hour, 1, 2, 4, or 8 hours.

Best Portable Evaporative Cooler for RV: Honeywell CS201AE

RV folk need to make proper conditions inside the vehicle as it basically becomes their home during trips, some even living in the transportation means throughout the year. A model that occupies little space so that you don’t have to sacrifice items you find useful from the RV to make room for it, this 470 CFM entry from Honeywell is quite an interesting option to take into consideration as it features a top-located ice compartment that amps its cooling power.

Best Portable Evaporative Cooler for the Money: Costway 23664-CYPE-CS

Considerably less expensive as opposed to top-tier coolers yet qualitative enough to provide optimal performance in spaces of up to 300 square feet, the Costway is an intuitive system that we consider to be quite a smart investment as, aside from the standard operation that implies cooling, fan, and humidity increase, it also heats the space when needed. Moreover, through the Anion function, it spreads negative ions that serve the purpose of sterilizing the air.