Portacool APEX 1200
For a large shop, gym or patio that wants commercial build quality and app control with a long warranty.
Amazon $1,875$1,875
The Portacool APEX 1200 is the better evaporative cooler overall, rated 4.0 to 3.3. The Portacool APEX 1200 leads on warranty, tank and airflow. The Hessaire MC61 wins on value and features. The Hessaire MC61 costs $1,175.15 less ($699.85 vs $1,875).
Hessaire MC61
For a big garage, shop or patio that needs real airflow on a budget. Pricier per CFM than the MC37 at current prices but covers far more space.
Amazon $699.85$699.85
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 1200 for warranty (3-year warranty vs 1-year warranty), tank (40 gal tank vs 14.6 gal tank) and airflow (6,250 CFM vs 5,300 CFM).
- Choose the Hessaire MC61 for value ($132.05 per 1,000 CFM ($699.85, 5,300 CFM) vs $300 per 1,000 CFM ($1,875, 6,250 CFM)) and features (rigid cooling pads, oscillation, hose hookup vs rigid cooling pads, hose hookup).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every 2,000 CFM and up evaporative cooler; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Portacool APEX 1200 | Hessaire MC61 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.0/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Value 30% | 43 $300 per 1,000 CFM ($1,875, 6,250 CFM) | 72 $132.05 per 1,000 CFM ($699.85, 5,300 CFM) |
| Airflow 25% | 83 6,250 CFM | 62 5,300 CFM |
| Tank 10% | 100 40 gal tank | 30 14.6 gal tank |
| Features 15% | 50 rigid cooling pads, hose hookup | 75 rigid cooling pads, oscillation, hose hookup |
| Warranty 20% | 100 3-year warranty | 0 1-year warranty |
Specifications
| Portacool APEX 1200 | Hessaire MC61 | |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling | ||
| Airflow | 6,250 CFM | 5,300 CFM |
| Cooling area | 2,800 sq ft | 1,600 sq ft |
| Cooling pads | Rigid cellulose | Rigid cellulose |
| Tank | 40 gal | 14.6 gal |
| Hose hookup | Yes | Yes |
| Controls and build | ||
| Fan speeds | 5 | 3 |
| Oscillation | No | Yes |
| Remote | No | No |
| Power draw | - | 430 W |
| Weight | 134 lb | 57 lb |
| Warranty | 3 years | 1 year |
| Released | 2023-10 | - |