Portable evaporative coolers review 2008

03.Product profiles

Profiles - what to buy

Convair Mastercool 850238-C

Price: $369

Good points

• Highest evaporative efficiency in the test.
• Controls are very easy to use.

Bad points

• Small water filling spout.

Convair Magicool 004006

Price: $259

Good points

• Good evaporative efficiency.
• Easy to use and has very easy internal access for cleaning the wetting medium — tools are not required to remove the back panel.
• Fold-out foot for extra stability.

Bad points

• Can be difficult to drain residual water from the tank; the drainage outlet is too low to easily put a bucket or tray under without lifting the unit.

Profiles - the rest

Convair Megacool 009438

Price: $399

Good points

• Good evaporative efficiency, though not as good as the recommended models.
• Good airflow.

Bad points

• Water filling spout wouldn't stay open while filling the tank.

Convair Coolmaster 3000

Price: $449

Good points

• Excellent airflow.
• Very easy to fill and drain the water tank, and to access the inside for maintenance.

Bad points

• Poor evaporative efficiency (though the manufacturer disputed this).
• Comparatively high power consumption (though still much less than an air conditioner).

IXL Blizzard 42056*

Price: $299

Good points

• Good airflow.
• Generally easy to use.
• Remote control.
• Off timer.

Bad points

• Poor evaporative efficiency.
• Controls aren't clear and simple.
• Drainage outlet isn't easy to use.
• Highest power consumption in the test (though still much less than an air conditioner).
• *This model is discontinued and replaced by model 42058.

IXL Compact 42055*

Price: $159

Good points

• Quiet, compared to other models.
• Off timer.

Bad points

• Poor evaporative efficiency.
• Poor airflow.
• Can be difficult to drain residual water from the tank; the drainage outlet is too low to easily put a bucket or tray under without lifting the unit.
• *Exclusive to Betta Electrical: being discontinued but still available in some stores.

IXL Icecap 2 42054

Price: $169

Good points

• Remote control.
• Off timer.

Bad points

• Poor evaporative efficiency.
• Poor airflow.
• Not easy to fill with water as there's no lip or spout at the filling hole, and the water level indicator is hard to read.
• Difficult to access the wetting medium for maintenance.
• Can be difficult to drain residual water from the tank; the drainage outlet is too low to easily put a bucket or tray under without lifting the unit.