When temperatures soar, there’s nothing more refreshing than a cold drink or a dip in the pool. If you’re looking for an equally refreshing way to cool down during summer heat waves, consider investing in a portable evaporative cooler. These units use water evaporation to lower the surrounding air temperature, making them perfect for cooling small spaces like tents, garages, and patios. Consumer Reports tested best portable evaporative cooler consumer reports and has compiled its findings in this comprehensive buying guide. Read on to learn which models made the cut and which one is right for you.
If you’re looking for the best portable evaporative cooler, Consumer Reports is a great place to start. They test and rank all sorts of things, including which brands are most effective at cooling down your home or office on those sweltering days when an air conditioner just won’t do it. You can also find out what features each model has that might matter the most to you as well as read customer reviews from other people who have tried them. And if you’re feeling like every day feels like summer in Houston (or any other city), we recommend checking out our blog post about how to stay cool this season!
Top 10 Best Portable Evaporative Cooler to Buy in 2022:
*Note: Score is rated from our Editors and AI.
Table of Contents
Portable Evaporative Cooler
Portable evaporative cooler is a portable air coolers with a high performance. This kind of air cooling machine looks like a ‘box’ which you can move from one place to another easily. The size and weight of this product are just suitable for you to bring it if you want to go camping, having picnic in the park or any activities outside the house. In addition, this device has waterproof function that makes it perfect for outdoor use such as garden, patio, backyard, etc.
What Are The Components Of Portable Evaporative Cooler?
A portable evaporative cooler is a device for cooling the air. The cool air produced by this device is very soothing and refreshing. Portable Evaporative Cooler uses water as its main medium to produce coolness. The process of generation of cool air is known as evaporative cooling.
The following are the components which go into the making of the best portable evaporative cooler consumer reports:
– Fan
This component generates wind speed that helps in pushing water soaked through wet pads or filter, which further passes over the heat source and emits cool and fresh air all around. Without fan it can’t be possible for any type of portable evaporative cooler to work. This feature makes it best among all other devices available in market with same function like swamp coolers or evaporative coolers.
Fan size of portable evaporative humidifiers should be high so that it can deliver good volume of air flow to entire room which in turn will help in producing coolness. It’s advisable to go for the fan which has higher RPM (rotations per minute) because along with cooling it will also eliminate foul smell, smoke and other small particles present in air efficiently.
– Pump
This device continuously draws water from reservoir tank and delivers it to wet pads through distribution pipe. It should have high volume pump so that re-filling process doesn’t have to be done frequently. Pump is available in both single speed as well as dual speed model depending upon utilization concept. You can go for either one depending upon availability of electricity.
– Wet pads or filter
This component is responsible for trapping dust, impurities and other small particles present in air which ultimately makes it clean and healthy to breathe. This device can be made of either synthetic fiber or cotton.
– Electricity supply
It’s necessary to have readily available electricity connection with your portable evaporative cooler so that it can work without any problem even when there is power cut in the area. Whenever you go for buying a portable evaporative cooler make sure that you ask about required electricity wattage because generally these devices require around 1 HP (horse power) – 8 HP electric motor to function properly. If you are going out on a vacation then check the average timing of power cut at the destination place and buy the cooler accordingly. You can also go for generator as a backup alternative which will provide uninterrupted power supply to these devices.
– Bucket or tank
This device subsequently collects all water drained out of wet pads and stores it in a closed tank for later use. This component is available in both plastic and metal variety. If you choose plastic then it’s better not to expose this device under hot sun because that may cause material to melt down due to high temperature exposure. Tank capacity should be such that it should be able to contain required amount of water so that refill process doesn’t have to be done frequently and consumes less time as well as energy.
– Spill tray or Water level indicator
Spill tray serves dual purpose: First it collects all spilled water from the device to avoid any sort of mess on floor and second it serves as a warning line to indicate complete draining out of water. You can take help of indicator provided with the device which will alert you in case there is no more adequate amount of water present inside tank so that refill process doesn’t have to be done frequently.
– Wind catcher
This component helps in directing airflow directly towards user or into desired direction without dispersing it everywhere. This feature makes it best among other evaporative coolers because this device provides targeted cooling only where it’s required.
The best portable evaporative cooler consumer reports are available both online as well as offline depending upon your ease and comfort zone. It’s better not to take decision in hurry rather read product reviews, gain knowledge about its functionality and cost from online sources before going out to buy one.
How to Use Portable Evaporative Coolers?
Portable Evaporative Coolers are a better alternative to traditional air conditioners since they have no compressor. The only thing that users of these coolers need to think about is that they will quickly use up their supply of water and ice. Luckily, there are a few tricks that people can follow in order to get the most from their cooler.
What it does:
Evaporative cooling works by having water evaporate on a pad inside an enclosed area which has been cooled by the air outside. As it does this, it takes heat out of the surrounding air and lowers its temperature substantially while maintaining relative humidity levels. This process also uses relatively little energy compared to other cooling techniques while running as well.
How to use evaporative coolers:
– The first thing that anyone should do when they start running an evaporative cooler is to put a pan of ice on top of the pad. This enhances evaporation and speeds up the cooling process. It will also give the user a slight reserve if it becomes too hot outside or if there is no ice machine nearby so more water can be added as needed.
Each time the ice melts, just add more to keep things going smoothly. Do not let any spills occur on the surface because this may disrupt evaporative cooling entirely. In addition, try not to let too much water accumulate before adding some more as that will also have a negative effect on how well it works.
– People need to note that these coolers also affect humidity levels. The cooler will make air feel drier because it is removing water from the surrounding atmosphere. It does not, however, change wet bulb readings and should be used to supplement dehumidification whenever possible.
– The best way to use a cooler like this is as a supplemental device for cooling the home or office when there is no other option available. It can be run all night if necessary but will have to be refilled with ice before using again. In addition, these units should only be used indoors as they are not designed for outdoor use at all.
– Remember that the cooler itself has a slight ability to reduce temperature levels even without evaporation going on so it in a room where it is air conditioned. In addition, the cooler should not be turned off unless it is time to add ice or other coolants which may have been depleted too much to make effective cooling possible.
– In order to improve efficiency, people should always try for a low humidity level in any area where they plan on using this kind of cooler. This means that windows and doors should stay closed while the unit is working and that people should put a pan full of ice inside if their home or office gets very humid while it is going. It will still lower temperatures but will work better while evaporative cooling is also going on.
– Finally, users need to note that these units remove heat from the surrounding air so there will likely be a slight change in how hot surfaces are. They may feel cooler than normal so people should put the unit on some kind of surface that will not be damaged by drops in temperature levels. Putting it on a table or other solid structure is generally best.
– Evaporative coolers do not require any regular maintenance but they should always be checked regularly for leaks and cracks which can occur over time. It is best to put it some place where this will not be a problem if there is any chance that it may break or otherwise need repair before the end of its normal lifespan, which varies depending on a number of factors.
– Evaporative coolers are relatively inexpensive and easy to use as long as people follow these basic rules for using them. They are best used as a supplemental cooling option and should always be monitored carefully for performance levels which can vary depending on the ambient conditions.
What Are The Benefits Of Portable Evaporative Coolers?
Portable evaporative coolers can be used both at homes and in offices. Quite a number of people might find it difficult to understand the need to purchase this kind of equipment, and that is completely understandable. This is because there are so many other cooling systems available in the market today – refrigerators, air conditioners – which makes choosing one over the other a bit confusing. In order for you to make an informed decision as far as buying a portable evaporative cooler is concerned, read on as we highlight some of its benefits:
– It comes with wheels
Those who have ever bought or used a window mounted air conditioning unit will know how challenging it can be if you have to move it from one window to another. Portable evaporative coolers on the other hand are relatively lighter and come with wheels, thus you can just roll it from window to window or wherever you need cooling.
– It is easy to use
You don’t have to be an engineer in order for you to learn how to use portable evaporative coolers as they are relatively simple machines that do not require any special skills. This is even true if you are using this equipment for the first time, so if someone who has never used a best portable evaporative cooler consumer reports before will find its operation very straightforward.
– Energy efficient
Compared with bulky air conditioning units, evaporative cooling systems are more energy efficient because their compact size enables them to maximize the use of cold air while minimizing energy costs.
– It does not need a permanent outdoor source of water
This is one of the most important benefits that you can get from using a best portable evaporative cooler consumer reports and it is why they stand out compared with other cooling systems. This is because some outdoor sources of water might be unsuitable for these units, particularly during winter season when the quality of water might have changed due to the effects of snow and ice melting.
– It comes in different sizes
Since there are so many types and brands on sale today, you will find it easy to find a unit which matches your preferences and requirements, whether large or small. Some models even come with an adjustable so you can decide if you want concentrated or wide spray cooling.
– It is cheaper than using air conditioning units
Portable evaporative coolers are known for providing an alternative and cost-effective way of staying cool during summer days. This is due to the fact that compared with electricity powered air conditioners, it does not require much in terms of energy consumption. Since you don’t have to spend lots of money on this equipment, this means you can use the extra cash for doing other things such as going out for a movie or having dinner at your favorite restaurant.
FAQs About Best Portable Evaporative Cooler Consumer Reports
What Is The Difference Between Portable And Window Units?
Portable units can be moved without much effort – they typically sit on casters – whereas window units remain stationary and must be installed within a pre-existing window frame. Additionally, portable units can be used in wharehouses or construction sites (you plug them into an electrical outlet) where window units cannot be placed due to the lack of windows.
How Does An Evaporative Cooler Work?
Evaporative coolers remove heat (or thermal energy) by mixing the cooler outside air with the hot, dry desert air; as water evaporates into this warm air, temperatures are reduced. This is because when water vaporizes it draws heat from its surroundings, which can then be transferred to other objects or gasses in the surrounding area. Colder (and heavier) air falls into place behind the evaporatively cooled region, creating a wind that refreshes and cools everything around it. In this way evaporation acts as a form of natural air-conditioning – without using any electricity!
What Materials Are Used For Constructing Portable Units?
The majority of evaporative coolers made today are constructed of plastic or galvanized steel, which is rust-resistant.
How Much Electricity Does An Evaporative Cooler Use?
A best portable evaporative cooler consumer reports uses less electricity than a standard household fan (100 watts vs. 500 watts), and costs only pennies per hour to operate. A window unit typically uses about two times more energy than a portable unit; however, there are substantially larger window units available (up to 9000 BTU).
Why Must The Cooling Pad Be Replaced Periodically?
The water-soaked pads of swamp coolers provide the surface area where evaporation takes place. The pads in most units must be replaced every summer season. In some units, rotation of wetted pads provides additional cooling surface area.
How Can You Conserve Energy?
Low-water pads are available that reduce water consumption by 30 to 50 percent, with no sacrifice in cooling performance or pad life expectancy. Frequent use of the low-water switch also helps lower water usage. When not in use, it is best to keep the unit plugged in so that internal components will not corrode during long periods of non-use.
What Are Some Tips For Maintaining An Evaporative Cooler?
Regularly clean and re-oil moving parts on all evaporative coolers. Check filters regularly, especially after cleaning evaporative surfaces, before restarting each time during summer months. Periodically vacuum the inside air intake grill to remove dirt and ensure proper airflow into cooler.
Every summer, have your evaporative cooler cleaned by a service professional. Do not attempt to use brushes or high-pressure washers with an electrical motor in the unit—this can cause damage. Keep internal cooling pads clean and rotate wetted pads after extended periods of non-use.
>>> See more: How Swamp Coolers Work | Best portable evaporative cooler consumer reports
Conclusion paragraph: Portable evaporative coolers are becoming more and more popular each year. To find the best one for your needs, it’s important to do your research. We’ve compiled all of the information you need to make an informed decision in our best portable evaporative cooler consumer reports. Don’t wait any longer to get relief from the heat!
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