If you've been debating whether air coolers are actually any good in these heatwaves, I may have found the best real-life test. My gym has never had air conditioning, but even during the sweatiest workouts, it's surprisingly comfortable, thanks to one large air cooler.
With many of the best air conditioners (and the not-so-good) and even the best fans selling out during the latest heatwaves, it's becoming increasingly hard to get hold of any unit, let alone a good one. If that's left you wondering what an air cooler actually is, my gym has convinced me they're far more effective than many people realise.
Here's why it actually worked to keep us all cool while working out.
My gym is based in an old warehouse where windows can't be opened, so a traditional portable air conditioner unit isn't an option, as there's nowhere for the hot air to vent out. Instead, a big old air cooler blasts a refreshing stream of air across the studio.
As someone who's tested plenty of cooling appliances for Ideal Home over the years, when I first locked eyes on the air cooler in my gym, I was curious to see it in action in such a sweatbox. Because let's be honest, a studio full of people exercising is hardly an easy place to keep cool because there's constant movement, body heat and very little chance for the room to cool down naturally.
However, this bad boy is managing to take the edge off. And my thinking is if it can make a noticeable difference in a room packed with people working up a sweat, I'd say that's pretty solid evidence that a smaller air cooler is more than capable of keeping a typical UK room feeling comfortable.
Ok, so it doesn't create the icy blast you'd expect from air conditioning, but that's not really the point. Instead, it gives off a cooling breeze and standing in front of it between sets gave instant relief.
Unlike a fan that simply circulates warm air around, it draws air through water-soaked cooling pads before blowing it back out for a cooler, fresher feel, with the option to slot ice packs into the unit for an extra chill factor. And while a portable air conditioner is designed to lower the temperature of an entire room, an air cooler provides more targeted cooling, which I feel is a good halfway house if air conditioning just isn't an option.
Shop in-stock air coolers
With a 7L water tank and included ice packs, this oscillating air cooler features six auto-adjusting fan speeds, five modes (including sleep and baby), remote control and a 12 hour timer.
Ideal for rooms up to 25m, choose from 3 speeds and 3 easy modes, with triple air inlets and a Vortex fan blade which drives a punchy 6.5m/s airflow.
With an ultra-low 45W power consumption, this oscillating air cooler features a 4.5L water tank, an included ice box, three fan speeds, and three modes (including a soft baby mode and sleep).
This smaller unit cools a smaller space, like the size of a desk, bed or sofa, with a working time of up to four to six hours. It also features a night light.
This silent, 35db air cooler blows cold air around a room with its 80° oscillating bladeless fan. It includes a removable 4L water tank, ice packs, a remote control, four speeds and a 7-hour timer.
Featuring three speeds, a seven hour timer and a four litre water tank, this oscillating air cooler has a 1.8m cable so you can move it about easily wherever you need cooling most.
Saying that, it won't make a huge space like my gym feel ice-cold the way a fitted AC unit or a portable air conditioner does, but it's definitely been helping me feel cooler by creating a slightly less stuffy environment, which is not to be sniffed at. And after a few sweaty sessions lately, I think it's doing pretty well.
The unit, of course, is far larger than anything you'd buy for your own home. But that's also why I think a smaller air cooler makes a lot of sense. If one industrial-style model can provide cooling relief in a packed studio, a smaller unit should provide some cooling relief for you in your living room, bedroom or home office.
From seeing this one in action, I'd happily recommend an air cooler as an affordable way to stay cool this summer, especially since there are still quite a few in stock! Stay cool out there.
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