Portacool APEX 500
For a small shop, garage bay or patio where floor space and noise matter and you want app control and a long warranty.
Amazon $1,096.37$1,096.37
The Portacool APEX 500 is the better evaporative cooler overall, rated 3.7 to 3.2. The Portacool APEX 500 leads on warranty, tank and features. The Hessaire MC18 wins on value. The Hessaire MC18 costs $909.37 less ($187 vs $1,096.37).
Hessaire MC18
A cheap, light cooler for one person in a dry garage, porch or small room. Buy it for the low running cost, not for wide coverage.
Amazon $187$187
Prices were last checked October 31, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Portacool APEX 500 for warranty (3-year warranty vs 1-year warranty), tank (13 gal tank vs 4.8 gal tank) and features (rigid cooling pads, oscillation, hose hookup vs rigid cooling pads, hose hookup).
- Choose the Hessaire MC18 for value ($143.85 per 1,000 CFM ($187, 1,300 CFM) vs $783.12 per 1,000 CFM ($1,096.37, 1,400 CFM)).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every under 2,000 CFM evaporative cooler; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Portacool APEX 500 | Hessaire MC18 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.7/5 | 3.2/5 |
| Value 30% | 9 $783.12 per 1,000 CFM ($1,096.37, 1,400 CFM) | 69 $143.85 per 1,000 CFM ($187, 1,300 CFM) |
| Airflow 25% | 73 1,400 CFM | 67 1,300 CFM |
| Tank 10% | 100 13 gal tank | 35 4.8 gal tank |
| Features 15% | 75 rigid cooling pads, oscillation, hose hookup | 50 rigid cooling pads, hose hookup |
| Warranty 20% | 100 3-year warranty | 0 1-year warranty |
Specifications
| Portacool APEX 500 | Hessaire MC18 | |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling | ||
| Airflow | 1,400 CFM | 1,300 CFM |
| Cooling area | 1,000 sq ft | 500 sq ft |
| Cooling pads | Rigid cellulose | Rigid cellulose |
| Tank | 13 gal | 4.8 gal |
| Hose hookup | Yes | Yes |
| Controls and build | ||
| Fan speeds | 5 | 2 |
| Oscillation | Yes | No |
| Remote | No | No |
| Power draw | - | 85 W |
| Weight | 70 lb | 16 lb |
| Warranty | 3 years | 1 year |
| Released | 2023-10 | - |