Beat the heat: How to pick the most efficient smart air cooler

If you are planning on investing in an air cooler, here is an easy guide to help you choose the right smart air cooler that is both power-efficient and offers optimal cooling.

What constitutes an air cooler as a smart air cooler?

If an air cooler is a connected IoT (Internet of Things) device, then it can be considered smart. This means the integration of Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa for voice control, app support with remote access, and inclusion of sensors to inform users about the water level, and an optional screen that can display various parameters.

Similarly, a smart air cooler could also include an option to adjust fan RPM (rotations per minute) to automatically tune the airflow to increase, decrease, or maintain the room temperature.

Different types of air coolers (Image credit: Bing Image generator)

Different types of smart air coolers

Air coolers come in various form factors. A small smart air cooler, which can be placed on a desk or a table, is known as a personal air cooler, usually sufficient for a single person. Similarly, there are desert-type smart air coolers meant for large spaces and slightly noisier than other forms of air coolers.

Then there are room air coolers, which are sufficient for small bedrooms, and lastly, one can also opt for a window-mounted air cooler. Depending on individual requirements, one can choose an air cooler that fits the bill.

Other factors to consider when buying a smart air cooler

Just like most electronic gadgets, some smart air coolers also come with a star energy rating, indicating the energy efficiency rating of a smart air cooler. A product with a star rating is more efficient than a product with a four or three-star energy rating.

Symphony Duet is a high-end personal air cooler with a stealth design (Image credit: Symphony)

Best small smart air coolers in 2023

The Symphony Duet is a high-end personal air cooler with a stealth design. The air cooler offers auto-rotation and also has an electronic knob control panel, making it slightly smarter than similar products. Priced at around Rs 3,500, this is a pocket-friendly air cooler that’s easy to carry around.

Havells Cool Mate, priced at Rs 5,000, is also a compact air cooler that comes with a remote control for touch-free operation. It offers 36-degree oscillation, quieter operations, and delivers optimal cooling for a single person.

It also has a small LCD remote that can show real-time temperature (Image credit: Havells)

Best room smart air coolers in 2023

The Symphony Tower air cooler is an affordable room smart air cooler that also comes with a remote. Priced at around Rs 11,000, this specific model offers 150 square feet of coverage and uses honeycomb-style cooling pads to enhance water retention.

The Havells Fresco i portable air cooler costs Rs 9,499 and offers access via a remote control. It also has a small LCD remote that can show real-time temperature. It is equipped with honeycomb cooling pads and has a water tank capacity of 24 litres.

Another interesting offbeat option is the Orient Electric Cloud 3 fan that we recently reviewed. Priced at Rs 15,999, this is an air cooler with a standing fan form factor and comes with a remote for easier access to various features and settings.

Orient Electric Cloud 3 Fan with Cloudchill Technology (Image credit: Oriental)

Best desert smart air coolers in 2023

The Optimus 65 IoT smart air cooler from Crompton is available for Rs 21,500. This specific air cooler is Google Home and Amazon Alexa certified, allowing users to control the device using voice commands. Similarly, it also comes with Android and iOS My Crompton mobile app support for cooling and speed control, enabling users to remotely access the cooler.

It also has a small LCD remote that can show real-time temperature (Image credit: Havells)

Orient Electric Ultimo is also a desert air cooler. While it is not as smart as the Optimus 65, it does come with a remote control and costs Rs 14,000. This air cooler features a modern design with a tiny digital display on the top.