Like all good Texans, we LOVE spending time outdoors. Whether it’s going on a picnic, firing up a grill, or simply lounging around in the yard, outdoors is always better than in, for us anyway!
However, anyone can attest that Texan summers are HOT! From the sweltering temps to the dry, arid air, a cooling system is a nice-to-have as mercury levels climb.
Enter portable evaporative coolers, also affectionately nicknamed “swamp coolers”.
A quick explanation of how an evaporating cooler works is that the device draws in hot, warm air, passes it through soggy cooling pads, the water evaporates (surprise!), and cools the surrounding air. That’s basic physics in action for you.
Not all evaporative coolers are created equal, and it all depends on what you’re using it for.
If you need one for open spaces like patios, garages, warehouses, or outdoor events, you’ll want a model built for that.
The best outdoor evaporative coolers have higher airflow capacity to cover large areas, run quietly, and come with larger water tanks or a direct water hookup, so you don’t have to keep refilling.
At Snook & Aderton HVAC Supply, we’ve done the grunt work for you! After selling thousands of coolers resulting in many happy customers (and some not-so-happy ones that we had to take care of), here are our favorites!
Outdoor Evaporative Coolers: Nutshell Review
Whether you're grilling in the backyard, hosting a pool party, or just unwinding on the porch or deck, these outdoor swamp coolers will make things more comfortable.
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QuietCool QC48B2 48" — Most Durable, High-Efficiency Portable Cooler for Outdoor
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Dial PEC-A-11000G2-AM — Up to 3000 Sq. Ft. Coverage for Cooling
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Dial Manufacturing 81050 — Most Budget-Friendly Yet Reliable Option
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Champion CP70 Direct Drive Ultra Cool — Easiest to Use With Digital Features
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QuietCool QC18DVS 18" for Money
These portable units draw hot, dry air through wet pads, where water evaporates. The pads absorb heat from the air and cool it down before blowing the now-moist, cooler air into the area's atmosphere.
To ensure you’re getting the best cooler, we’ve provided a more in-depth review of each unit.
Note each swamp cooler's CFM rating, fan speed options, airflow coverage, tank size, price, and power needs.
1. QuietCool QC48B2 48" — Most Durable, High-Efficiency Portable Cooler for Outdoor
QuietCool 48" Portable Evaporative Cooler - QC48B2
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Max. Airflow (CFM) |
17,600 |
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Coverage Area |
3,600 sq.ft. |
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Fan Speeds |
2 |
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Dimensions (H, D and W) |
79″x 36″x 75.5″ |
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Weight |
450 Ibs |
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Price |
$4,300 |
One of the biggest strengths of the QC48B2 is its ability to cool large spaces of up to 3,600 square feet. It was easy to learn why many warehouse owners in Texas opted for this unit.
With a powerful 1 HP enclosed motor and a 17,600 CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) airflow rating, this cooler can significantly reduce temperatures by as much as 26°F, making it perfect for hot and dry climates.
The QC48B2 is built for an industrial setting or outdoor use. It is made with a rotomold housing.
We were really interested in this unit's operational cost. Seeing that it runs at 1776 watts and 14.8 total amps was a relief. This means substantial cooling power without excessive energy use.
Despite its 450-pound weight, its freestanding design allows easy placement wherever needed. However, looking at the size, this cooler takes up a lot of space. This means it’s less suitable for smaller areas.
WHO SHOULD BUY THIS EVAPORATIVE COOLER?
The QuietCool QC48B2 48 "Evaporative Cooler is an excellent option for keeping large outdoor or industrial spaces cool without racking up high energy bills.
This unit will be an overkill for small patio cooling or a little garage.
With its powerful motor, efficient cooling pads, and cost-effective operation, this swamp cooler is ideal for bigger workshops or warehouses.
2. Dial PEC-A-11000G2-AM — Up to 3000 Sq. Ft. Coverage for Cooling
Dial PEC-A-11000G2-AM 45.2 Gallon 11000 CFM Portable Evaporative Cooler
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Max. Airflow (CFM) |
11, 000 |
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Coverage Area |
Up to 3000 Sq. Ft. |
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Fan Speeds |
3 |
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Tank Capacity |
5.3 Gallons |
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Dimensions (H, D and W) |
60.7" x 43.7" × 25.2" |
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Weight |
148 Ib |
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Price |
$1,200 |
This beast of an evaporative cooler pumps out up to 11,000 CFM of airflow, making it perfect for spaces up to 3,000 square feet. It's great for patios, garages, or anywhere regular AC just won’t do.
Thanks to a 1.5 HP motor, this cooler delivers strong, steady airflow. The spiderweb-style fan guard improves efficiency while keeping things safe.
You have options—either fill it manually or hook it up to a garden hose for an automatic water supply—so there's no need to keep checking if it’s running dry.
And if you do want to check, the built-in water level window makes it simple.
The auto-moving vertical louvers and manual horizontal louvers let you control the breeze and direct cool air exactly where you need it.
This cooler is designed to last, with a WeatherGuard™ cover to protect it from harsh elements. The locking wheels make it easy to move around and keep it securely in place.
WHO SHOULD BUY THIS EVAPORATIVE COOLER?
This is a solid choice if you’re looking for a high-powered outdoor cooling solution. However, it uses 1150W of power, so keep that in mind if you plan to run it for long hours.
While its size and energy use may not suit everyone, it’s a fantastic investment if you need serious cooling in hot, dry weather outside.
3. Dial Manufacturing 81050 — Most Budget-Friendly Yet Reliable Option
Dial Manufacturing 81050 2200 CFM Portable Evaporative Cooler
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Max. Airflow (CFM) |
2,200 |
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Coverage Area |
Up to 750 Sq. Ft. |
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Fan Speeds |
3 |
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Tank Capacity |
36 Litres |
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Dimensions (H, D and W) |
20.08" x 14.37" x 33.07" |
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Weight |
29.76 lb. |
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Price |
$500 |
The first positive impression of this Dial Manufacturing 81050 unit is the touchscreen control panel and remote control, which allow you to adjust everything from up to 6 meters away.
The 4-way airflow ensures cool air reaches every corner, and the ice pack option gives an extra cooling boost.
With its 3-speed motor, you can adjust the cooling power to your liking, whether you need a light breeze or full-on chill mode.
It runs quietly, so you won’t have to deal with annoying fan noise.
One of the most remarkable features has to be the water level indicator window, which lets you quickly check if it needs a refill. And speaking of refills, you can either manually add water or hook it up to a garden hose for continuous cooling.
Other handy features include:
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Lockable caster wheels for easy moving
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A removable dust screen for cleaner air
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A 7.5-hour timer for hassle-free operation.
Plus, it covers up to 750 sq. ft., making it great for patios or garages, and you won’t spend beyond $500 to get this unit.
WHO SHOULD BUY THIS EVAPORATIVE COOLER?
If you’re on a tight budget and need a simple evaporative cooler that will suffice for your small patio or backyard, this unit will do the job perfectly.
4. Champion CP70 Direct Drive Ultra Cool — Easiest to Use With Digital Features
Champion CP70 115 V 700 CFM Direct Drive Ultracool Portable Cooler
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Max. Airflow (CFM) |
700 |
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Coverage Area |
Up to 350 sq. ft. |
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Fan Speeds |
3 |
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Tank Capacity |
6 gallon |
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Dimensions (H, D and W) |
38.5" x 19.5" x 11.5" |
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Weight |
27 Ibs |
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Price |
$500 |
We weren't expecting much from the Champion CP70 UltraCool evaporative cooler, given its 700 CFM airflow. But yes, it efficiently cools outdoor spaces up to 350 sq. ft.
However, the unique thing about this unit is its user-friendly digital controls—you can adjust the fan speed (low, medium, or high) and even set a timer (up to 8 hours) so it turns off automatically.
The oscillating louvers help spread the cool air evenly, and the front-fill water tank makes refilling super simple. Plus, the 6-gallon reservoir means fewer trips to the sink.
A water level indicator keeps you updated on how much water is left, while the low water alarm gives a heads-up before it runs dry.
The pump burnout protection is another smart feature—it stops the pump if the water runs too low, keeping things running smoothly.
WHO SHOULD BUY THIS EVAPORATIVE COOLER?
This is a truly lightweight unit. I recommend it if you're not willing to blow too much cash in a swamp cooler but still need something reliable for outdoor cooling.
5. QuietCool QC18DVS 18" — Best Value for Money
Alt: QuietCool 18" Portable Evaporative Cooler - QC18DVS
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Max. Airflow (CFM) |
2,600 |
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Coverage |
900 sq. ft. |
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Fan Speeds |
Direct Drive Variable Speed |
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Dimensions (H, D and W) |
54″x 25” x 28″ |
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Weight |
120 lbs. |
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Price |
$1,500 |
This one works just like a regular floor fan in terms of power and cost, but thanks to its 6-inch cooling pads, it can pump out air up to 26° cooler than the outside temperature.
This makes it perfect for garages, greenhouses, warehouses, or outdoor patios.
Setting it up is also easy—just plug it in and connect it to a water supply, and you'll be ready to go.
The unit is built with rotomolded polyethylene and a sturdy aluminum fan, which means it’s also heavy-duty.
QUICK NOTE:
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This Direct-Drive model is slightly louder than the Belt-Drive version but is also more affordable.
WHO SHOULD BUY THIS EVAPORATIVE COOLER?
The QuietCool QC18DVS 18" is a powerful, efficient, portable evaporative cooling solution for large, open spaces.
It gets the job done without costing a fortune, especially if you don’t want to spend more on higher versions of this lineup, such as the 36” and 48” options.
Buying Guide: Things To Look Out For When Choosing an Evaporative Cooler for Outdoor Use
When choosing a portable evaporative cooler, many focus on how much space it can cool. Ideally, you want a model that spreads air evenly and covers at least 400 sq. ft.
But that’s just part of the story—here are other key features to look for:
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Fan Speed Options: Go for a unit with three-speed settings to control how strongly the cool air blows.
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User-Friendly Controls: A cooler with digital features like an auto-off timer or adjustable cooling levels makes life easier. A remote control is also a big plus, so you can tweak the settings across the room.
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Easy Mobility: A truly portable cooler should have 360° rotating wheels, making it effortless to move around.
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Cost: The priciest option on this list is around $4,300 because it’s built for industrial use. However, you don’t need to spend that much if you’re not using the cooler for something heavy-duty-oriented. A solid choice typically costs between $700 and $1,500.
Finally…
Evaporative cooling works best in dry conditions with low humidity, which is great news for us Texans, especially if we’re hanging around our outdoor spaces in the stifling summer heat.
Take Lubbock, for example—it’s a breezy city with very little rainfall, making the climate dry and perfect for these coolers.
Once the humidity climbs, the efficacy of evaporative coolers can take a hit, so be mindful of that.
If you’re ready to shop for an evaporative cooler, beep us here and let us help! We’d love to help keep you cool!