Are Hessaire Portable Evaporative Coolers Good?

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 a good, low-cost way to stay comfortable in dry climates. The MC18 is light, simple to set up and cheap to run. They are a poor fit for humid regions, where evaporative cooling stops working well.

This article looks at the Hessaire portable evaporative cooler in detail to help with an informed decision.

Hessaire Portable Evaporative Coolers: What to Expect

Here is a closer look at the Hessaire MC18, the 1,300 CFM model, using Hessaire’s specifications and manual.

Assembly Ease

The Hessaire Portable Cooler impresses right out of the box.

Hessaire’s manual shows that the only assembly is pushing in the four 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.

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, the cooler is harder to move 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.

The US Department of Energy says evaporative coolers are only suitable for areas with low humidity, and that portable units on wheels give only a slight cooling effect.

It is best suited to low-humidity regions. Hessaire says cooling is reduced above about 60% humidity.

Do not expect it to turn an 80-degree room into a 68-degree space the way an air conditioner would.

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

Fan Strength

Hessaire rates the MC18 at 1,300 CFM.

The fan has high and low speeds, and it can run with or without the water pump.

Noise Level

Noise seems to be a divisive factor.

Noise tolerance varies. Some people find the low setting fine for night time, while others find the fan noisy.

It may not suit light sleepers.

Build Quality

The build quality of the cooler is decent.

Hessaire lists the cabinet as lightweight ABS resin. It is not built for rough handling.

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

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.

This point is worth repeating: 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.

The MC18 draws 85 watts, according to Hessaire.

Value for Money

Given its features and performance in the right conditions, 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?”

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.

Hessaire coolers do their best work in dry climates, like deserts, and will not offer the same level of cooling in high humidity.

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?

Hessaire covers the MC18 with a one-year warranty.

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

Hessaire recommends draining and refilling the tank weekly and replacing the cooling pads at least once per cooling season.

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.

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.

It can help in larger spaces, like open-plan living areas, but its efficiency drops when it is expected to cool multiple rooms at once.

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).

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

Here is a table with the main specifications of the Hessaire MC18:

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 is easy to operate. Hessaire lists the cabinet as lightweight ABS resin, and the unit weighs 16 pounds.
• Wattage & Power Consumption – Hessaire lists the power draw at 0.7 amps, or 85 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 1,300 CFM, the MC18 moves a lot of air for its size.
2. Reservoir Capacity – A 4.8-gallon tank is generous for a cooler this size. Hessaire says it may need refilling every 4 to 8 hours in hot, dry conditions.
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 uses 0.85 kWh daily. At a rate of 18 cents per kWh, that is about 15 cents a day. Your cost will depend on local rates.
• 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)

Hessaire also makes larger models:

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!

For more on cooling gear, browse the other articles on this site.

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Reviewed October 2026. We corrected the specifications and running costs using Hessaire’s product page and US Department of Energy guidance, and removed ratings we could not support.