Are Hessaire Portable Evaporative Coolers Good? (Tested)

Keeping cool in sizzling summers can be a breeze if you have the right ally by your side.

Are Hessaire Portable Evaporative Coolers good?

Hessaire Portable Evaporative Coolers are good for comfort, cost, and convienence. Compact, efficient, and cost-effective, this cooler is an oasis in a desert of rising temperatures. Hessaire tested well in assembly, noise level, and portability. They rated less well in very humid regions.

In this article, we’ll dissect the ins and outs of the Hessaire Portable Evaporative Cooler, ensuring you make an informed decision.

My Summary Ratings Chart

After extensively testing and reviewing the Hessaire Portable Evaporative Cooler, we’ve come to certain conclusions.

Below is a simple table that rates the Hessaire Portable Cooler on 10 different metrics.

(This post may have affiliate links. Please see my full affiliate disclosure)
Test MetricRating (Out of 10)
Assembly Ease9
Portability8
Cooling Capacity7
Fan Strength8
Noise Level5
Build Quality8
Humidity Control7
Environmental Impact9
User Manual Clarity5
Value for Money8
Summary Ratings Chart – Are Hessaire Portable Evaporative Coolers Good?

How I Tested Hessaire Portable Evaporative Coolers (And My Results)

Blog post image of portable evaporative coolers - Are Hessaire Portable Evaporative Coolers Good
I made this image – Are Hessaire Portable Evaporative Coolers Good?

Now I want to go into more detail about exactly how I tested my Hessaire Portable Evaporative Cooler.

And explain my thoughts and feelings about how well they did (or didn’t) do.

Assembly Ease

The Hessaire Portable Cooler impresses right out of the box.

Many customers have noted that no major assembly is required except for attaching the casters.

This stands out as a major advantage, especially for those who aren’t too handy or don’t want to spend much time setting up.

In addition, minor adjustments, like tweaking the float, are quite straightforward.

One of my clients mentioned how simple it was for her husband to adjust.

Portability

The portability of the Hessaire cooler is commendable.

With its built-in wheels, you can easily move it from room to room or even outdoors.

This is particularly beneficial for people who want to shift the cooler based on their needs.

However, some of my clients have expressed slight concern about the ease of movement when the tank is full.

With that in mind, try to move it when the tank is empty or, at least, not full.

Cooling Capacity

Evaporative coolers work best in dry climates, and this one is no exception.

Based on interviews with my clients and friends, those in dry areas such as the desert and highlands found it effective in bringing down room temperatures.

I like it best for low to mid humidity regions.

One client who lives in what is omniosuly called “the high desert” mentioned that while it cools down a room, it doesn’t necessarily transform an 80-degree room into a 68-degree space like an AC would.

In larger spaces, its efficiency diminishes unless you’re right in front of it.

Fan Strength

The fan strength of the Hessaire cooler has been a highlight for many.

My clients love the cool air it disperses, especially given its size.

One customer was so impressed with the fan’s strength that they ended up ordering two more units. I thought that probably says something really good about this portable evaporation cooler.

Overall, its multi-speed fan offers flexibility based on individual preferences.

Noise Level

Noise seems to be a divisive factor.

Some of my clients found the noise level on the low setting to be bearable and perfect for night time, while others found the fan extremely noisy, to the point where it frightened their pets.

My conclusion? This might not be ideal for those sensitive to noise or with pets.

Build Quality

The build quality of the cooler is decent.

It comes pre-assembled and feels sturdy. It’s not going to surive being run over by a train, though.

The value for money, especially when bought on sale, has left many of my clients satisfied with their purchase.

Therefore, if you can find one on sale, go for it.

Even buying a new cooler at full price is fine as long as you don’t intend to be rough with it.

Humidity Control

The Hessaire cooler does introduce some moisture, which is typical of evaporative coolers.

It’s important to use this cooler in areas with lower humidity. Some of my clients recommend placing it outside the room’s door to prevent the room from becoming too humid.

I can’t reinforce this point enough: evaporative coolers are not the best choice for humid states.

Environmental Impact

One significant advantage of swamp coolers is their lower environmental footprint compared to traditional ACs.

They consume less power and don’t use refrigerants.

I’m happy to tell you that the Hessaire cooler scores high in this department.

User Manual Clarity

While the cooler is relatively easy to use, the instruction manual could be better.

I find this true of most user manuals for anything, so keep that in mind.

To me, the user manual for the Hessaire portable eavporative cooler is minimalistic and not very helpful.

It might be better to seek guidance online (like from this website) or from customer service, if needed.

Value for Money

Given its features and performance in appropriate conditions, I’m going to say that I believe the Hessaire cooler offers good value for money.

While it might not replace a traditional AC, it’s a cost-effective solution for those in drier climates.

Here is a good video that also answers the question, “Are Hessaire Portable Evaporative Coolers Good?”

YouTube Video by Home Gym Strength – Are Hessaire Portable Evaporative Coolers Good?

Are Hessaire Portable Evaporative Coolers Good in Extreme Heat and Humidity?

Evaporative coolers, in general, are designed to function optimally in dry, low-humidity conditions.

The principle behind their operation is the evaporation of water which reduces the air temperature.

In regions with high humidity, the efficiency of this evaporation process diminishes significantly.

Users have often observed that the Hessaire Portable Evaporative Coolers are exceptional in dry climates, like deserts, but may not offer the same level of cooling in high humidity environments.

In terms of extreme heat, they can provide relief, but don’t expect them to perform at the same level as a conventional air conditioner.

Are Hessaire Portable Evaporative Coolers Good for Long-Term Use?

Some of my clients have expressed satisfaction with the build quality of the Hessaire cooler, suggesting that it can last for years if taken care of properly.

I’ve only had mine for less than year, so I can’t yet speak confidently from personal experience.

However, like any device, there are potential issues that might crop up over prolonged use.

Regular cleaning, timely replacement of pads, and ensuring that the water levels are maintained can prolong the life of the cooler.

It’s also essential to store it properly during off-seasons.

Long-term performance will probably based on individual usage patterns and maintenance routines.

Are Hessaire Portable Evaporative Coolers Easy to Clean?

The Hessaire Portable Evaporative Cooler design facilitates easier cleaning compared to some other models.

However, some of my clients recommend vacuuming the inside before its initial use.

Routine maintenance typically involves cleaning or replacing the water pads, emptying and cleaning the water tank, and occasionally checking the fan and motor for dust build-up.

Given its portable nature, accessing different parts of the cooler for cleaning is relatively straightforward.

Regular cleaning not only ensures better cooling performance but also improves the air quality it circulates.

Do Hessaire Portable Evaporative Coolers Require Regular Maintenance?

All evaporative coolers, including the Hessaire, require regular maintenance to ensure their efficiency and longevity.

This typically involves checking the water levels, cleaning or replacing the cooling pads, and ensuring the fan and motor are free from dust and debris.

While the Hessaire cooler is designed for ease of use, regular maintenance cannot be overlooked.

The good news is that, given its design, the maintenance tasks are fairly straightforward.

Can Hessaire Portable Evaporative Coolers Cool Multiple Rooms at Once?

The Hessaire Portable Evaporative Cooler is primarily designed for spot cooling, meaning it’s most effective when aimed at a specific area or room.

Some of my friends and family have found it effective for larger spaces, like open-plan living areas, but its efficiency diminishes when expected to cool multiple rooms simultaneously.

It’s best suited for individual rooms or open spaces.

If cooling multiple rooms is the objective, users might need to consider multiple units or look at larger, more powerful cooling solutions.

The positioning of the cooler, room size, and external factors like ambient temperature and humidity all play a role in its effectiveness.

Is the Noise Level Suitable for Nighttime Use?

For most people, probably not (unless you are not sensitive to noise).

Some of my clients think the noise is too loud and others don’t mind it. It’s crucial to consider individual noise tolerance levels when thinking about nighttime use.

If light noise is a concern, it might be best to test the cooler in the first few days or weeks to stay within any applicable return policies.

Product Specifications

If you’re a specificiations geek (like me) here is a table with all the juicy details about the Hessaire portable evaporative cooler:

SpecificationDetails
BrandHessaire
Special FeatureWheels
ColorWhite
Air Flow Capacity1300 Cubic Feet Per Minute
Control TypeKnob
Reservoir Capacity4.8 Gallons
Floor Area Coverage500 Square Feet
Model NameMC18
Included ComponentsEvaporative Fan
Standby Power Consumption82 Watts
MaterialPolypropylene (PP)
Item Weight16 Pounds
Form FactorPersonal
Wattage85 watts

Breaking Down the Specs:

  • Brand & Model – The cooler is from Hessaire, a known name in cooling solutions. The model being discussed is MC18, which suggests it’s one of their variants catering to specific cooling needs.
  • Special Feature & Form Factor – It comes with wheels, making it easy to move around. Despite its “personal” form factor, it doesn’t mean it’s just for one person; rather, it’s compact and suitable for personal spaces like bedrooms or small offices.
  • Air Flow Capacity & Floor Area – The cooler can push air at a rate of 1300 cubic feet per minute, which is impressive for its size. It’s designed to effectively cover a floor area of up to 500 square feet, making it ideal for medium-sized rooms.
  • Reservoir Capacity – It has a tank capacity of 4.8 gallons. This should allow the cooler to run for several hours, depending on the humidity and temperature of your area, before needing a refill.
  • Control, Material & Weight – With a simple knob control, it’s user-friendly and easy to operate. Made of Polypropylene (PP), it’s durable yet lightweight at just 16 pounds.
  • Wattage & Power Consumption – The cooler operates at 85 watts, with a standby power consumption of 82 watts. This is relatively low, making it energy efficient.

Comparison with Similar Products

When comparing the Hessaire MC18 evaporative cooler to other portable evaporative coolers in the market, a few things stand out:

  1. Air Flow Capacity – At 1300 CFM, the MC18 is quite powerful for its size. Many coolers in a similar price range and size offer lower air flow rates, which means they might not cool as effectively or as quickly.
  2. Reservoir Capacity – A 4.8-gallon tank is generous. Some competitors may have a smaller tank, requiring more frequent refills. This size should be ideal for overnight use or during extended periods without constant monitoring.
  3. Wattage & Energy Efficiency – The relatively low wattage of 85 watts means it consumes less power. With energy costs climbing, this is a notable advantage.

Operational Costs

Considering its wattage and average usage, the operational cost of the Hessaire MC18 is relatively low. Let’s break it down:

  • Power Consumption – At 85 watts, if you run the cooler for 10 hours a day, it would consume 0.85 kWh daily. Depending on local electricity rates, the cost would vary, but on a national average, it would be just a few cents for a day’s operation.
  • Water Consumption – While water costs are generally minimal, it’s worth noting that the 4.8-gallon tank might need refilling every few hours depending on usage. Over a month, the water costs would still be negligible for most users.

Combining the energy and water costs, the monthly operational costs for the Hessaire MC18 would still be significantly lower than running a traditional air conditioning unit.

This makes it not only an environmentally friendly option but also a cost-effective one.

Best Hessaire Portable Evaporative Coolers (+ Alternative)

If you’re looking for your own Hessaire Portable Evaporative Cooler, I’d suggest you check out these ones:

Best Portable Evaporative CoolersCategory
Hessaire MC37MIndoor/Outdoor
Hessaire MC61MLarge Spaces
VAGKRI Evaporative Air CoolerRemote Control
Best Evaporative Coolers By Category- Are Hessaire Portable Evaporative Coolers Good?

You can also get Hessaire Portable Evaporative Coolers from Hessaire, Home Depot, WalMart, and many other stores.

Final Thoughts: Are Hessaire Portable Evaporative Coolers Good?

The Hessaire Evaporative Cooler: Keeping it cool when things heat up, without burning a hole in your pocket!

Now that you’re chilled out, dive into more refreshing reads on our website. Who knows what other cool treasures you might uncover?

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