An air cooler is a simple, affordable way to beat the summer heat. It takes the basic concept of evaporative cooling and automates it to efficiently lower the temperature of your space. The machine draws hot ambient air into a fan, passing it over wet cooling pads. The pads are designed with thick layers to increase the surface area, so the hot air comes into contact with the water molecules and evaporates. This cools the air, and the cooled air is then blown out into the room.
The best air coolers have a variety of settings to suit your needs and preferences, including an oscillating mode that allows you to cover more of the space with a cool breeze. You can also add ice cubes to the water tank to improve the cooling effect. Most of these models are portable and lightweight enough to move around the space with ease. They are easy to set up and require no professional installation or gas connection.
As an added bonus, most of the cooling units we reviewed have long-lasting battery life, which is a big selling point for many consumers. In addition, most of the coolers have easy-to-use remote controls that let you control various functions without leaving your seat.
We considered a number of factors when selecting the top cooling machines, from the capacity to the noise levels. We also examined the air throw distance, which is how far the cool breeze can travel. The models we chose had longer, more angled fan blades that allow for better air delivery and lower operating noise.
Assistant Editor Annie O’Sullivan writes about gifts, holiday decor and more for Good Housekeeping. She has spent years shopping for the best bargains and scouring reviews to find the most useful products for her readers.
When choosing an air cooler, be sure to consider the size of your room and how humid it is. You should also think about whether you’ll be able to leave a window open. Air coolers work most effectively in rooms that have an open door or window to let fresh air in, and they can make your home feel stuffy if there isn’t sufficient ventilation.
The best air coolers can cool a large space while remaining quiet. They feature a unique design that uses multiple cooling jets and a special top-lid compartment for adding ice to help keep the air cooler. They are lightweight and have a long-lasting battery life, plus they come with a convenient remote for making changes to the settings. They can even double as a humidifier, which is a great way to ease dryness during the winter. They can also run on a continuous stream of water, which helps reduce the need for refilling the tank. And, unlike ACs, they don’t require professional installation.