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Also called swamp coolers, evaporative air coolers offer an energy-efficient way to combat oppressive summer heat, particularly in dry climates. Unlike traditional air conditioners, they don’t rely on compressors, working instead by drawing hot air through water-soaked pads and cooling it via evaporation before blowing it back out.
After testing nine top options for our best evaporative air coolers guide, it was easy to see why Portacool’s models are all so popular. As our upgrade pick, the Apex 500 earned its spot in our lineup for its user-friendly app and digital controls, premium build, and quiet operation.
Best Upgraded Evaporative Cooler
Portacool Apex 500 Wi-Fi Evaporative Air Cooler
Buy at Amazon Buy at Lowe's Buy at Tractor Supply Co.What We Like
- High-velocity airflow reaches up to 55 feet
- Digital and app controls
- Large 13-gallon tank plus hose hookup
- Durable roto-molded housing
What We Don’t Like
- Upgraded features increase price
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 46″ H by 22″ W by 19.5″ D
- Cooling area: 500 square feet
- CFM: 800
- Tank capacity: 13 gallons
Premium Design and Smart Controls
The Portacool Apex 500 sets a high standard for evaporative coolers, combining durable roto-molded construction with easy-to-use digital and smart controls. It has a much slimmer profile than many of the models we tested, and because the air intake is across its front, you can set it flush against the wall to protect floor space even more. It was also one of the only options with motorized oscillating louvers rather than manual ones, which made it great for continually sweeping cool air over a wide space. Inside, the 8-inch cooling pads are treated with what the brand calls EdgeCoat, a finish designed to maximize water absorbency and evaporation efficiency while resisting wear and tear.
While we weren’t initially sure whether an app seemed necessary for an evaporative cooler, we came to appreciate it over an incredibly hot July’s worth of testing. We use our garage as a workout space and one of our dogs sleeps in his kennel out there (don’t worry, he loves it so much he sits by the door at night to put himself to bed), so we’re careful about keeping that space comfortable. With the Portacool’s Wi-Fi controls, we could check the garage’s temp without having to go out and turn on the lights. The smart water management system and digital level indicator also alerted us when it needed a refill, and the automatic shut-off feature ensured the pump wouldn’t overheat if the tank ran dry.
Excellent Performance and Usability
With daily temperatures in the mid-to-upper 90s and almost no rain, this Portacool evaporative cooler had its work cut out for it during testing. With it, we were easily able to maintain a 70-degree-Fahrenheit space instead of one in the high 80s. The high-velocity breeze also helped, reaching speeds of up to 40 miles per hour and distances of up to 55 feet away. The mechanical louvers have narrow, wide, and sweep settings plus low, medium, and high speeds, and the cooler itself has eco and max modes as well as five fan speeds. You can choose between a garden hose hookup for continuous operation or manual refills for the 13-gallon reservoir via the back hatch, and there’s even a special wick-drying cycle that runs after use to reduce the risk of mold or mildew buildup on the cooling pads and inside the housing.
Despite its impressive output, the Apex 500 only registered between 50 and 63 decibels on the NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) app. While definitely noticeable, it really just sounded like a loud fan versus a rattling air conditioner. Moving it around is easy thanks to two large rear wheels, front locking casters, and a long tilt-and-pull handle, but since it weighs 70 pounds without water, you’ll want help if you need to lift it. Yes, the Portacool costs more than most models we tested, but between its commercial-grade build, long-range airflow, and smart features, we think it’s worth it.
Where To Buy
Portacool Apex 500 Wi-Fi Evaporative Air Cooler
Buy at Amazon Buy at Lowe's Buy at Tractor Supply Co.