Key Takeaways:

• Using evaporative air coolers, also known as swamp coolers,  in place of traditional AC units offers many benefits, including portability, cost savings, and energy efficiency. 
• Before choosing an evaporative air cooler, you need to consider various factors, including your climate, available space, water connection, desired cooling power, water tank capacity, and indoor vs outdoor use.
• Cool Boss provides evaporative air coolers and portable air coolers that can keep both indoor and outdoor spaces cool in the heat.

Staying cool during sweltering weather doesn’t have to come with sky-high energy bills or complicated installations. While traditional air conditioners do the job, they’re often costly to operate and set up.

That’s where evaporative air coolers (also known as swamp coolers) come in. These efficient, budget-friendly devices offer a refreshing alternative, making them perfect for both indoor and outdoor spaces.

In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best evaporative air coolers to help you find the ideal option to keep your space cool and comfortable all day long.

What is an Evaporative Air Cooler?

An evaporative air cooler is a device that cools the air temperature of an indoor or outdoor space using water evaporation. Particularly effective in low-humidity areas, evaporative coolers provide a steady stream of fresh air through an energy-efficient process. They are portable, sustainable, and simple to maintain. 

There are many evaporative air coolers on the market, but they fall under three types of cooling systems: 

• Indirect cooling systems: This is ideal for high-temperature, high-humidity spaces, such as storage rooms and garages.
• Direct cooling system: This system is ideal for spaces where humidity is relatively low and temperature is high, that is, smaller spaces that need to be cooled quickly, such as offices or bedrooms.
• Mixed cooling system: These are suitable for any space. You can use it in both hot and humid spaces by switching between cooling modes.

Evaporative Air Cooler vs. Swamp Cooler vs DIY Swamp Coolers

Evaporative air coolers and swamp coolers are different terms for the same technology. Both function using the principle that water absorbs heat from the surrounding air when evaporating. The evaporative cooler or swamp cooler draws in hot air and then releases significantly cooler air. 

DIY swamp coolers are similar to evaporative air coolers, except they are built at home for higher cost savings and customization. They typically use evaporative pads, a water reservoir, and a fan. However, a DIY swamp cooler may require more maintenance than commercially made units, and it doesn’t perform as well as commercial evaporative air coolers.

How Do Evaporative Air Coolers Work?

Evaporative air coolers work by passing outdoor air through water-saturated pads to reduce the air temperature, then redirecting it back into the atmosphere. 

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the process:

• Air intake: The swamp cooler draws in hot air from the room itself or outside.
• Evaporation: The air moves over a water-soaked surface or pad made from materials like cellulose or cardboard.
• Heat absorption: When the air flows over the pad, water evaporates and absorbs heat from the surrounding air. 
• Cool air production: The air becomes cool and moist and is blown into the space by a fan.

Some doors or windows need to be open for the swamp cooler to work effectively. This allows the cooled, humid air to escape. The best evaporative air coolers have fans that can pull in higher volumes of air without using extra energy.  

How Much Can Evaporative Air Conditioners Cool the Air?

Evaporative air conditioners can reduce air temperature by 15°F to 40°F, depending on temperature and humidity. High-humidity areas already have a lot of moisture, which limits the amount of water that can evaporate, thus reducing the cooling effect. 

Best Evaporative Air Coolers and Swamp Coolers

Whether you need to cool an indoor or outdoor space, we’ve gathered the best evaporative air coolers and swamp coolers to help you stay comfortable in the heat. 

1. Cool Boss Evaporative Air Coolers

Cool Boss offers a range of industrial-grade evaporative coolers that use the natural process of water evaporation to cool and refresh large spaces without high energy costs or complex installations. The units are a great alternative to traditional air conditioning systems and are perfect for commercial environments like warehouses, workshops, event spaces, patios, and more. 

Cool Boss’s units deliver powerful, high cubic feet per minute (CFM) airflow to cover expansive areas, turning hot, stuffy air into a comfortable, cool breeze. The units optimize water usage, are long-lasting, and have adjustable fan speeds. They can run for hours without needing frequent refills. 

Cool Boss also provides various essential accessories, such as protective covers, ducking kits, and media pads, to enhance the efficiency and longevity of your evaporative air cooler. 

Cool Boss offers great support, so users never have to worry about figuring out how to use their unit alone. Customers can access easy-to-understand user manuals or raise tickets to get immediate support from experts.

Features:

• Automatic water shutoff
• Automatic swing louvers
• Automatic low water shutoff
• 4000 lumen LED floodlight
• Axial-flow fan design 
• Built-in speakers in some models
• Durable locking casters
• Water level indicator 
• Remote control
• Flow control valve
• Constant water inlet
• 360-degree handle
• Antibacterial housing 

Pros:

• Energy efficient 
• Cost-effective cooling solution 
• Optimizes water usage
• Suitable for indoor and outdoor usage

Cons:

• Some models do not include additional features like bluetooth and LED floodlight

Models and Pricing:

• CB-28HV desert storm: $4,195
• CB-12SL: $1,550
• CB-19SL: $925
• CB-14SL: $1,825
• CB-28L: $3,795
• CB-16L: $2,795
• CB-36: $4,895
• CB-26SL: $3,295

Choose the right Cool Boss evaporative air cooler for your space.

2. Cool Boss Coolee™ Portable Evaporative Air Coolers

Cool Boss offers state-of-the-art 3-in-1 portable air coolers with built-in weather-resistant bluetooth speakers and built-in ice chests. These coolers are perfect for staying cool and refreshed outdoors when camping, golfing, or swimming, requiring only ice and a little water to give people cool, refreshing air.. 

The units have shoulder straps or wheels, making them easy to transport. They’re rechargeable and include a battery pack, charger, 110V, and 12V power cords. They have dual adjustable vents and dual airflow nozzles, giving users full control over airflow. 

Features:

• Rechargeable battery pack, charger, power cords
• Automatic water shutoff
• Automatic swing louvers
• Automatic low water shutoff
• 4000 lumen LED floodlight
• Axial-flow fan design 
• Built-in speakers
• Durable locking casters
• Water level indicator 
• Remote control
• Flow control valve
• Constant water inlet
• 360-degree handle

Pros:

• Easy to transport
• Energy efficient 
• Cost-effective 
• Optimized water usage

Cons:

• More suitable for outdoor usage than indoor space cooling

Models and Pricing: 

• CL-50R: $725
• CL-240 gray blue: $430
• CL-240 camo: $430

Find a portable air cooler for your outdoor adventures.

3. Big Ass Fans Evaporative Coolers

Big Ass Fans provides evaporative coolers for industrial and commercial work environments. Their units have water pads made from thick cross-corrugated, angle-fluted formulated cellulose. They also come with a thermosetting resin coating to prevent algae growth and filters that keep dust and particles from penetrating the unit. 

Features:

• Aerodynamic fan blades
• Off-road tires
• Push/pull portability bar
• Variable speed control

Pros:

• Works well in warehouses, patios, and airport hangars
• Users can adjust fan speed and airflow

Cons:

• No ice compartment in some models
• No UV-resistant cover for some models

Models and Pricing: 

• Cool space 400 evaporative cooler: $3,699
• Cool space 300 evaporative cooler: $1,899
• Cool space 350 evaporative cooler: $2,899
• Cool space 500 evaporative cooler: $4,750

4. Portacool

Portacool evaporative coolers are built for extreme heat and humid climates. The units are designed to be placed against a wall and have a centrifugal blower design to reduce noise indoors. Their oscillating louvers can be remotely controlled and customized to deliver a specific level of airflow. 

Features:

• Automatic oscillating louvers 
• Water refill hatch
• Wifi connectivity 
• High velocity airflow

Pros:

• Has a mobile application for controlling coolers
• Allows users control the unit using voice commands

Cons:

• High initial cost
• Some models might need frequent refills

Models and Pricing: 

• Apex 500: $1,429
• Apex 700: $2,079
• Apex 1200: $3,119
• Apex 2000: $4,159

5. Honeywell Evaporative Air Coolers

Honeywell offers a range of environmentally friendly evaporative air coolers. Their units work for indoor and outdoor areas and have electronic controls. They have detachable water tanks and ice compartments, allowing users to manually refill the tanks regularly and use ice to cool the air further. 

Features:

• Detachable water tank
• Electronic controls
• Ice compartment 
• Water level indicator 

Pros:

• Consume little electricity 
• Useful for indoor spaces

Cons:

• Maximum square feet coverage of 2000 sq ft 
• Maximum airflow of 3000 CFM

Models and Pricing: 

• Honeywell TC30PEU 700 CFM: $259.99
• Honeywell CS10XM 423 CFM: $229.99
• Honeywell cooler with detachable tank: $279.95
• Honeywell 525 CFM: $379.95

6. HESSAIRE MC18M Evaporative Coolers

Hessaire’s evaporative cooler series is for small spaces that need a cool breeze. They are lightweight and can also be used for small outdoor gatherings, medium-sized patios, and outdoor workshops. Some units can also serve commercial spaces.

Features:

• Water tank and ice fill 
• Exhaust fans 
• ABS resin construction 
• Ice pack loading tray

Pros:

• Energy efficient and eco-friendly 
• Lightweight and easy to carry around

Cons:

• Maximum coverage of 500 square feet
• Customers have to buy many accessories in addition to the cooler

Models and Pricing: 

• 900 CFM mobile cooler: Not available
• 1300 CFM mobile cooler: Not available
• 2100-2600 CFM mobile cooler: Not available
• 3100 CFM mobile cooler: Not available

7. Evapolar Personal Evaporative Air Cooler and Humidifier Fan

Evapolar offers three portable evaporative air coolers. The units work in compact indoor spaces and come with removable water tanks, one-button controls, and LED backlights. Evapolar also provides a mobile application for customers to turn the device on and off, control airflow, and adjust temperature. 

Features:

• LED backlight 
• Remote control
• One button control
• Removable water tank

Pros:

• Charges with a power bank, laptop, or power socket
• Portable and useful for commute or travel

Cons:

• Not suitable for large spaces
• Smaller models might not last long

Models and Pricing: 

• evaCHILL: $119
• evaLIGHT plus: $179
• evaSMART: $279

8. Arctic Air Pure Chill 2.0 Evaporative Air Cooler by Ontel

Arctic Air Pure Chill Evaporative Air Cooler is a personal space cooler with a refillable water tank. The unit uses hydro chill technology and an evaporative air cooling cartridge to cool the air. It’s designed to fit on surfaces like desks, kitchen counters, or nightstands. It can also filter dust, smoke, and carbon monoxide. 

Features:

• Hydro chill technology
• LED light effects
• Air cooling cartridge
• Low, medium, and high arctic settings 

Pros:

• Portable and can fit in small spaces
• Has filters for dust and smoke

Cons:

• Mostly suitable for indoor spaces
• Requires frequent water refills

Pricing: 

• Arctic air pure chill: $39.99

9. Princess Smart

Princess Smart provides dehumidifiers for homes, basements, bathrooms, and industrial spaces. Their units regulate humidity and prevent mildew, mold, and musty odors. The unit’s water tanks are removable and come with a water-level indicator, telling users when to empty the tank. 

Features:

• Removable water tank
• Full water tank indicator 
• Customizable humidity control
• Automatic shut-off function

Pros:

• Little to no noise for indoor units 
• Can be used in different parts of the house

Cons:

• Smaller than usual water tanks 
• Will need regular refills 

Models and Pricing: 

• Princess 368001 dehumidifier: Not available
• Princess 368010 dehumidifier: $149.99
• Princess 368016 dehumidifier: $199.99
• Princess 368020 dehumidifier: Not available

10. Tristar

Tristar air coolers are suitable for indoor use and come with built-in casters that allow them to be used anywhere indoors. They have removable water tanks, and allow users to adjust air flow as needed. 

Features:

• Wifi connectivity
• Built-in cooling compressor
• Wheels for portability
• Remote control

Pros:

• Good for indoor and outdoor usage
• Multiple air settings

Cons:

• Needs connectivity to a water source 
• May be too heavy for some users to transport easily

Models and Pricing: 

• Tristar AT-5445 air cooler: Not available
• Tristar AT-5446 air cooler: Not available
• Tristar AT-5450 air cooler: Not available
• Tristar AT-5465 air cooler: Not available

11. Symphony Diet 3D 12i Evaporative

Symphony provides household and commercial air cooling devices. The household air coolers work in dry heat and high humid areas, providing cool air indoors. The commercial air cooling units are suitable for businesses operating in garages, workshops, and outdoor spaces. 

Features:

• Pop-up touchscreen
• Magnetic remote
• Honeycomb cooling pad
• Large water tank

Pros:

• Suitable for indoor and outdoor areas
• Can hold large amounts of water

Cons:

• Higher pricing compared to some vendors 
• Must be placed near access to a water source

Models and Pricing: 

• Diet 3D 12i personal air cooler: Not available
• Diet 3D 30B BLDC personal air cooler: Not available
• Diet 3D 30i personal air cooler: Not available
• Diet 3D 20i personal air cooler: Not available

12. Igenix Smart Digital 10L

Igenix provides air coolers for the home or office. Some units are multifunctional and include a fan heater and dehumidifier. Users can control the units manually, using a remote, voice commands, or the mobile app. 

Features:

• LED display
• Remote control
• Humidification function
• 3 speed settings

Pros:

• Customizable airflow settings 
• Some units have a fan and dehumidifier

Cons:

• Only three speed settings
• More suitable for indoor usage

Models and Pricing: 

• 5L evaporative air cooler fan: €79.99
• 6L evaporative air cooler fan: €69.99
• 10L smart digital air cooler: €129.99
• 30L evaporative air cooler fan: €219

13. Five-Liter DG1903

5Ltr Air Cooler is an evaporative swamp cooler that works with a timer. Users can fill the unit with water and set a timer for how long it should operate, with three speed settings for adjustable cooling. 

Features:

• 328.8 m³/hr air flow capacity
• Remote control 
• Timer

Pros:

• 5 liter water capacity
• Suitable for indoor use

Cons:

• No smart features
• Features are not as advanced as other models

Pricing: €45.99

How to Choose the Best Swamp Cooler for Your Space

To ensure your swamp cooler operates at its best within your space, you must consider several factors. Here’s what to keep in mind for optimal cooling:

1. Your Climate

You need to evaluate your climate first. Evaporative coolers work best in dry climates with low humidity, where water evaporates more easily. This helps significantly lower the temperature.  For regions like Australia or the American Southwest, where it’s mostly hot and dry throughout the year, swamp coolers are an energy-efficient solution for your space. 

Swamp coolers are less effective in humid environments. The air is already saturated with moisture, leaving little room for additional evaporation. As such, the cooling effect is minimal, and the air may even feel stuffy or damp. However, they can still provide some cooling relief from direct  airflow.

2. Available Space and Cooling Power

It is extremely important to buy a swamp cooler large enough to cool your chosen space. First, consider coverage. Swamp coolers are more effective when they match the square footage of your room or outdoor space. If you buy a unit that’s too small, it won’t provide proper cooling, and if you choose one that’s too large, it may use more energy and increase the humidity.

Measure the space beforehand and compare it to the coolers’ coverage capacity, which is usually listed in cubic feet per minute (CFM) or square feet. You can calculate the right CFM for your room using a simple formula: Room square footage x ceiling height ÷ 2 = recommended CFM 

For example, if you have a 500-square-foot room with a five-foot ceiling, the suitable CFM is 1250. 

Here’s a simple guide:

• Up to 300 sq ft.:  500-1000 CFM
• 300 – 700 sq ft.: 1000 – 2000 CFM
• 700 – 1000 sq ft.: 2000 – 3000 CFM
• 1000+ sq ft.: 3000 CFM upwards

Beyond coverage, consider physical dimensions (the size of the cooler compared to the space in the room). Some units are portable and compact, which is great for smaller rooms, but if you’re putting it in larger spaces like a garage, you’ll need a bigger unit. 

Tip: Swamp coolers work best in well-ventilated areas where moist air can circulate freely, so keep that in mind when choosing a space for the unit. 

3. Water Connection

Swamp coolers require a continuous water supply to keep the water pads wet and to operate efficiently. You have two options here: you can connect the unit directly to a water source or use a manual fill option. 

If you’re getting a small portable swamp cooler, a manual fill option is more convenient. Smaller units come with built-in tanks that allow you to refill the water yourself. This is great for when you plan to use the unit occasionally, or if you live in an area where access to a direct water source is limited. 

For commercial or residential areas where you want to permanently install the unit and use it 24/7, go for a direct water connection. Check that the swamp cooler has a flow control valve to regulate water intake and prevent the water from overflowing. Also, ensure that the space has an outdoor plumbing source nearby or an accessible spigot. 

4. Indoor vs. Outdoor Use

For indoor use, a compact swamp cooler with built-in humidity control and low noise levels is ideal. The unit’s CFM output must match your room size, and the room needs proper ventilation for the cooler to be effective. 

For outdoor use, such as garages, patios, or backyards, go for powerful and durable swamp coolers. Units designed for outdoor use typically have higher airflow, are bigger, and can handle elements like dust. Some come with features like heavy-duty wheels for easy movement, large water tanks, and UV-resistant covering. 

5. Water Tank Capacity

If you plan to buy a swamp cooler that requires manual refill, check the tank’s size first. The size of the tank determines how long your unit will last before it needs a refill. 

How long the unit runs on a tank of water depends on how it’s built, but here’s what you can generally expect:

• Small tanks: Can take around one to three gallons of water and will need a refill every 2-4 hours, depending on fan speed and humidity levels
• Medium tanks: Hold four to seven gallons of water and need refills every 6-10 hours 
• Large tanks: Accommodate 8+ gallons of water and last around 12 hours on a full tank

Choose Energy-Efficient Cooling With Cool Boss Evaporative Air Conditioners

Heat, especially during summer, can be uncomfortable. It affects your sleep and productivity and can even lead to a heat stroke. Staying cool is non-negotiable, and if you’re looking for a cost-effective and energy-efficient way to beat the heat, you need an evaporative air conditioner. 

Cool Boss delivers powerful, efficient cooling for indoor and outdoor spaces. Cool Boss’s range of evaporative air conditioners offers amazing functionality, such as high-performance airflow, large tank capacity, automatic water shutoff, remote control, and more. Some models even come with Bluetooth audio systems and integrated LED floodlights, allowing you to access cooling, music, and lighting all in one. 

Ready to stay cool using the best evaporative air conditioners? Visit Cool Boss today to choose the right model for your space!

Swamp Cooler FAQs

How much electricity do evaporative air coolers use?

Evaporative air coolers have lower power demands than traditional air conditioners. This is primarily because evaporative coolers use fans and water pumps and, therefore, consume significantly less energy. 

Most evaporative air coolers use between 200 and 400 watts of electricity per hour of continuous use. However, some more powerful or large units can consume up to two kilowatts or more.

How do I know if an evaporative air cooler is right for me?

An evaporative air cooler might be right for you if you live in a hot, dry climate and need an energy-efficient way to stay cool. 

Before purchasing an evaporative air cooler, consider the local weather, your available space, desired cooling power, water tank capacity, and, of course, the cost. This will help you choose a cooler that fits your needs exactly. 

Are swamp coolers effective in humid areas?

Swamp coolers tend to be less effective in humid areas. Since swamp coolers work with the process of water evaporation, they pass air through water pads to create cool airflow. Since humid areas already have a lot of moisture in the air, this reduces the amount of water that can evaporate, limiting the cooling effect. 

Does a swamp cooler need to be vented out a window?

Yes, a swamp cooler needs to be vented out a window to work properly. Opening doors or windows provides ventilation necessary for warm, humid air to escape, enabling the swamp cooler to draw in fresh air continuously. 

Basically, ventilation is important for:

• Heat relief: Opening windows lets warm air leave the room
• Proper airflow: Without warm air escaping, the swamp cooler will recirculate the same air, which increases humidity and makes it less effective
• Better efficiency: Swamp coolers operate at peak condition when they don’t have excess buildup of warm, saturated air

How loud are air coolers?

The noise of an evaporative air cooler depends on the model you choose. Many modern air coolers have noise reduction functionality, making them suitable for quiet environments like bedrooms. Some are as quiet as a whisper (around 35 to 50 decibels), while others might reach the sound level of a normal conversation (60 decibels). 

The air cooler’s capacity, size, fan speed, and location all contribute to its noise level. You can also mitigate noise by placing the unit far away from occupied spaces or by using proper sound insulation.