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The 5 Best Evaporative Coolers To Chill Your Space Amid The Heat Wave

As temperatures soar across the country, it’s essential to have a reliable cooling device (or two) to keep your home comfortable. If you’re looking for an inexpensive and energy-efficient option, evaporative coolers, also known as swamp coolers, can help you stay cool during the warmer months. These devices use ice or water to cool down the hot air they draw in, then push it back out to circulate throughout your space. Out of the very best evaporative coolers, our top pick for most homes is the Hessaire MC37M, is a freestanding model that’s far-reaching and user-friendly.

While evaporative coolers aren’t quite as powerful as window air conditioners or portable AC units, they’re more versatile and easier to move around. In fact, most models can start cooling down a space with little to no installation. “Evaporative coolers can be a fantastic energy-efficient alternative to traditional air conditioners, particularly in dry climates,” says Justin Bohannon, owner and operator of Tech On Deck Heating, Electric & Air. “They use significantly less electricity, which can lead to substantial savings on energy bills.” If you’re in the market for a new evaporative cooler, start by considering the size of your space; there are both compact units for small rooms and more powerful models that can cool down larger areas. Ahead, you’ll find the best evaporative coolers to keep you comfortable all summer long.

Best Evaporative Cooler Overall

A Powerful, Versatile Cooler For Large Indoor And Outdoor Spaces

Hessaire MC37M

Dimensions: 24 x 16 x 38 inches | Weight: 39 pounds | Coverage area: 950 square feet

The Hessaire MC37M evaporative cooler is a reliable, powerful pick that can operate anywhere, from large indoor spaces to outdoor areas like patios or garages. It’s sturdy, easy to move and features an impressive airflow that can cover up to 950 square feet. For these reasons, it’s our top pick for most homes.

One thing that sets this Hessaire model apart is its convenience. The 10.3-gallon water tank offers up to four hours of cooling—and if you need it to last longer, you can hook it up to a garden hose for a continuous water supply. This is perfect for those hot summer days when you just want to set it and forget it.

Even though it’s marketed as an outdoor cooler, customers find it works perfectly indoors, too. Just crack a window open and you’re all set. Plus, its simple design means no complicated setups or installations. Whether you’re cooling a spacious living room or your own backyard, this Hessaire model is a versatile option that’s worth the investment.


Best Evaporative Cooler For Small Rooms

A Lightweight And Effective Pick For The Home Office Or Garage

Hessaire MC18M

Dimensions: 20 x 10 x 28 inches | Weight: 16 pounds | Coverage area: 500 square feet

With a 500-square-foot coverage area, the Hessaire MC18M evaporative cooler is ideal for keeping small rooms cool. It’s also lightweight and portable, so it can be moved around easily, whether you’re cooling off your office, garage or a small patio.

Setting this cooler up is a breeze: Just fill the 4.8-gallon tank, plug it in and turn the knob. There’s also an option to connect it to a hose for continuous water flow, which means fewer refills if you’re using it outdoors. Additionally, customers love that the MC18M is easy to use and extremely effective, especially when compared to other models at this size and price. It’s also made from durable materials, so it’s built to last. Plus, it doesn’t make much noise, which is ideal if you’re using it in a more peaceful environment like a bedroom.


Best Evaporative Cooler For Large Rooms

An Extra Powerful Pick For Spacious Areas

Hessaire MC61M

Dimensions: 28 x 17 x 46 inches | Weight: 56 pounds | Coverage area: 1,600 square feet

When it comes to cooling large spaces, there’s no better option than the Hessaire MC61M. This model offers powerful cooling with a three-panel intake system that maximizes air intake and speeds up the cooling process. With an impressive coverage area of 1,600 square feet, it can easily handle large spaces, making it perfect for everything from living rooms to outdoor patios.

One of the best features of this model is its 14.6-gallon water tank. You can fill it manually for a few hours of cooling or hook it up to a garden hose for continuous use. Plus, it has caster wheels that let you move it around without much effort. The MC61M’s straightforward design also makes it super user-friendly: Just plug it in, turn the knob and enjoy a cool, quiet breeze. If you’re looking to keep a big space comfortable, this evaporative cooler is up for the job. 


Best Evaporative Cooler For Bedrooms

An Efficient, Quiet Machine You Can Run While You Sleep

Hessaire MC26A

Dimensions: 34.3 x 13.2 x 19.7 inches | Weight: 30 pounds | Coverage area: 700 square feet

We’re big fans of several Hessaire models, but the MC26A stands out as the best for the bedroom. Its combined airflow capacity and coverage ensures that even larger rooms stay cool, all without running up the electricity bill. It can run for four hours on a single fill of the water tank, or you can hook it up to a garden hose for continuous operation—no more late-night water refills. This model is also quieter than most, meaning you can get a good night’s sleep without breaking a sweat. Most importantly, the remote control makes it easy to adjust the settings from your bed.


Best Tower Evaporative Cooler

A Slim Pick For Tight Spaces

LifePlus Evaporative Air Cooler Tower Fan

Dimensions: 11.4 x 9.8 x 41.3 inches | Weight: 12 lbs | Coverage area: 215 square feet

This LifePlus evaporative cooler is perfect for homes that need a compact and efficient way to cool down a room. Its tall, slim design means it fits easily into tight areas without taking up too much floor space. Refilling the dual water tank is easy, and the cooler can run for up to seven hours on a full tank, which is great for overnight use in a bedroom.

It’s also designed with three different wind modes and speeds, so you can adjust the fan to whatever feels most comfortable. The 50-degree oscillation ensures that cool air is distributed evenly, effectively cooling down your entire space. Plus, the remote control makes it easy to control from anywhere in the room.


Why Trust Forbes Vetted

The Forbes Vetted team has published dozens of expertly researched articles in our home vertical, including many focused on heating and cooling. Our extensive coverage includes everything from roundups on the best portable air conditioners and tower fans to guides on the best space heaters.

  • The Forbes Vetted home and kitchen team includes three expert editors: deputy editor Rebekah Lowin, senior editor Amanda Arnold and editor Sholeen Damarwala. They oversee all stories and product recommendations for stories in their vertical, including this one.
  • We consulted with several home cooling experts for this story. This includes Justin Bohannon, owner and operator of Tech-On-Deck Heating, Air & Electric; Clement Feng, VP of product management at Briggs & Stratton Energy Solutions; and Paul Oslam, HVAC account manager of Home Alliance. Their insights on energy efficiency and cooling performance guided our selection process.
  • To stay up to date on the best evaporative coolers, we regularly update this article. It was most recently updated in July 2024 by Kelly O’Sullivan, who has nearly a decade of experience covering home and kitchen products.

How We Chose The Best Evaporative Coolers

To find the best evaporative cooler for each category, we researched best-selling models, compared features and consulted experts to understand what makes an evaporative cooler effective and efficient.

  • We focused on top-rated models from trusted brands known for their quality and performance, including Hessaire and LifePlus.
  • We consulted three experts to understand the benefits of evaporative coolers, how they work and key features to look for. Then, our editors evaluated each model’s specifications, including size, weight, airflow capacity and water tank capacity.
  • We included a range of options to meet different needs, from compact units for small rooms to powerful models for large spaces, plus tower designs.
  • Customer feedback played a significant role in our selection process. We focused on products that have consistently positive reviews and an average rating of at least 4 stars.

What To Look For In The Best Evaporative Coolers

Thinking of bringing home an evaporative cooler? Here’s what you should consider while you shop.

Room Size And Cooling Capacity

“When choosing an evaporative cooler, it’s important to consider the size of the room you’ll be using it in,” says Paul Oslam, HVAC account manager of Home Alliance. Smaller rooms can be effectively cooled with compact, portable units, while larger spaces or outdoor areas require more powerful models with higher airflow rates.

Humidity Levels

Evaporative coolers work best in dry climates with low humidity. “Humidity plays a significant role in the performance of evaporative coolers,” Oslam explains. In areas with high humidity, the cooling effect may be reduced because the air is already saturated with moisture. To help them work best in those conditions, try adding ice to the water reservoir or use the cooler along with a dehumidifier. You can also look for models that have dehumidifying features built in.

Maintenance

Keeping your evaporative cooler in good shape is necessary for it to run efficiently. “Maintaining evaporative coolers is relatively straightforward but crucial for efficiency,” says Bohannon. This includes cleaning the water reservoir and filter regularly to prevent mold and bacteria growth. Look for models that are easy to operate and maintain, with features like removable water tanks and accessible filters.

Additional Features

Think about what extra features might make your life easier. “Innovative features such as remote controls, programmable timers and air purification functions can enhance the user experience,” Oslam says. Adjustable fan speeds and oscillation can also make a big difference. Before buying, consider which extras will make the cooler more versatile and convenient to use.

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