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Keep cool as a cucumber this summer with an evaporative cooler

Plus, expert advice on choosing the perfect model for you.

We’re all familiar with the toil of tossing and turning on a bit-too-balmy night in the summertime. Cue: the portable evaporative cooler.

Sure, you’re aware of fans, air conditioners and air purifiers, but an evaporative cooler is the cost-effective solution you’ve been looking for to keep you cool during the warmer nights of spring and summer. Some even come with heating functions, so you can use them throughout the year.

To help you with your search, we’ve searched far and wide for the best evaporative coolers currently on the market. Below you’ll find our concise curated list, which includes models that cater for different room sizes and budgets, so there’s sure to be something for everyone.

2025’s top evaporative colours

  1. Evapolar EV-500W personal evaporative air cooler, $195.64, Amazon (here’s why)
  2. Polar Breeze 7L low-noise air cooler, $199, Big W (here’s why)
  3. Honeywell evaporative cooler CL30XC, $599, Bing Lee (here’s why)

6 best evaporative coolers to shop in 2025

01

Evapolar EV-500W personal evaporative air cooler

$195.64, Amazon

Best for: Small spaces and tables

This three-in-one compact cooler humidifies and cools the air, plus traps dust particles. It’s no wonder it’s received over 2.3k five-star reviews.

“Incredibly versatile and perfect for a bedroom and the three-speed settings allow me to customise the cooling to my preference, ensuring maximum comfort at all times,” one satisfied customer wrote.

Number of fan speeds: 3

Water tank capacity: 800ml

Key features:

  • 3-in-1 cooling
  • Four fan speeds
  • One-button control
  • Energy-efficient and cost-saving
  • 100 per cent safe for breathing
  • USB connectivity

02

Polar Breeze 7L low-noise air cooler

$199, Big W

Best for: Multi-use

A fan, air purifier, humidifier and cooler all in one, this Polar Breeze model is a sure-fire way to keep your cool during the summer.

Number of fan speeds: 3

Water tank capacity: 7L

Key features:

  • Ultra-wind speed technology and robust motor
  • Timer function
  • High-density cellulose anti-mildew dust air filter
  • Quiet operation
  • 12-month warranty

03

Honeywell evaporative cooler CL30XC

$559, Bing Lee

Best for: powerful airflow

This evaporative cooler has both a detachable water tank and oscillating louvres to ensure faster air cooling and wider air reach. Other notable features include its large honeycomb cooling pad, powerful motor, ice loading compartment, low water alarm and carbon/dust filter help to deliver powerful airflow right where you need it.

Number of fan speeds: 4

Water tank capacity: 30L

Key features:

  • 252W power consumption
  • 30L water tank capacity
  • Four speeds
  • Honeycomb cooling media for optimum cooling
  • Remote control included
  • LCD control panel
  • Oscillating louver
  • Sleep timer

04

DeLonghi portable evaporative cooler

$249, Betta

Best for: Bedroom use

Perfect for the bedroom, this De’Longhi white evaporative cooler silently cools the air when in sleep mode. The convenient 4.5 litre water tank guarantees up to six hours of operation, so you can set and forget.

Number of fan speeds: 4

Water tank capacity: 4.5L

Key features:

  • Three fan speeds and three wind speeds
  • Dust filter for reduced cleaning
  • Ioniser
  • LED display
  • Vertical swing louvers
  • Manually adjustable frontal grid
  • 12-month warranty

Available at:

05

Bonaire Durango 125L evaporative cooler

$1199.98, MyDeal

Best for: Extra large areas

This large cooler is designed to cool areas up to 100m2 and is ideal for workshops, garages, showrooms or outdoor use in an entertaining area at home or functions and events.

Number of fan speeds: 3

Water tank capacity: 125L

Key features:

  • Cools areas up to 100m2
  • Electronic controls with full-function remote control
  • Auto vertical swing louvres
  • Fully closable horizontal louvres for winter shut-off
  • Heavy-duty lockable castors
  • Hose connection with float valve
  • Three-sided high-efficiency honeycomb cooling pads
  • Dust filter
  • Two-year warranty

06

Heller portable evaporative cooler & heater

$249.99, Temple & Webster

Best for: Cooling and heating

Stay cool during the warmer months and warm during the cooler seasons with this reliable model from one of Australia’s leading small appliances brand, Heller. It features a hefty 15-litre water tank, two power settings, three speed settings and a remote control so you can control the temperature without having to get off the couch.

Number of fan speeds: 3

Water tank capacity: 15L

Key features:

  • Ceramic technology
  • 1800W and 2000W power settings
  • Automatic left and right swing at 120 degrees
  • Manual adjustments up and down
  • Remote control included
  • One-year warranty and 30-day returns

What is an evaporative cooler?

Evaporative coolers lower the air temperature by turning and evaporating water and heat in the air into a cool refreshing breeze. Each machine contains a fan that draws the warm outside air into the appliance and then passes it over water-soaked pads inside the unit to cool the air.

Why buy an evaporative cooler?

Many Aussies rely on air conditioning however, this can get quite expensive. But an evaporative cooler is a great energy-efficient alternative and is usually much cheaper to buy, install and run. Easily manoeuvrable, these devices are the perfect option for people looking to cool different spaces and rooms at different times.

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