Top 10 Best Desktop Air Conditioners in 2021 (Gaiatop, Generic, and More)

Our top 10 best desktop air conditioners list is made up of different coolers with different functions! Browse through the list to find the product fit for your needs.

The right desktop air conditioner should cool a designated area without being too obtrusive or loud. Read our buying guide below for all the information you need to pick out the best option for you!

Not all desktop air conditioners function the same way. They use a motorized fan to provide a steady air stream or create a cool mist by evaporating ice water. Since these small devices lack the cooling refrigerants that stationary air conditioners have, they cannot cool large areas.

Desktop fans come in multiple sizes and have different cooling capabilities. These fans look much like regular fans but are smaller and more portable. They have a motor that spins blades to blow out air. Place these portable devices on your desk to provide relief on a hot day or help cool down an overheating laptop.

Desktop fans are great for prolonged use and work, much like a regular standalone fan. The main difference between an air conditioner and a fan is is that the temperature in an area cannot be reduced with a fan.

Desktop fans use a motor to circulate the air in a room, creating an airflow that helps cool down your body. However, some fans can get loud, especially if they have different power levels. 

Evaporative air conditioners are slightly larger than desktop fans. They are usually rectangular and have the same panels you see on a stationary air conditioner. They are still very portable and small enough to be placed on top of your desk!

Get an evaporative air conditioner if you’re looking for a device that emits cold air rather than just circulating air. These devices, sometimes called personal cooling air conditioners, cool a small area by evaporating ice water and circulating the cool air with a fan. 

The strength of the cold air coming from regular air conditioners is measured by British Thermal Units (BTU). Stationary air conditioners usually run on around 5,000 to 12,500 British thermal units. 

Unlike a standard stationary air conditioner that requires installation, an evaporative air conditioner is portable and light. It comes with a water tank, a set of filters, and a fan. Simply fill up the tank with ice water and enjoy a short period of cold air!

Most evaporative cooling air conditioners can be used as a standalone fan or as an air cooler. In addition, some models can also act as humidifiers that help reduce a room’s dryness by adding extra moisture.

Desktop air conditioners don't produce much noise compared to regular air conditioners, making them an excellent alternative for those looking for a little white noise to help them relax or fall asleep.

Desktop fans, which can’t blow out cold air and look like regular standing fans, don’t have a water tank. So, they can be kept on for a long time. However, evaporative air conditioners' run time depends on their water tank.

Evaporative air conditioners usually have a tank capacity ranging from small 200-milliliter tanks to large 800-milliliter tanks. These devices run roughly for four to nine hours, depending on the cooler’s strength. If it has multiple speeds, running it at the lowest speed will make it last longer. 

Regular desktop fans and evaporative air conditioners are both very energy-efficient appliances. Whether they use a power cord or a USB cable to run, they use up little energy. These useful appliances don’t have an air compressor, unlike regular like stationary air conditioners that require a lot of power to run.

Personal cooling air conditioners may use a USB cable and rechargeable batteries. These models are very portable and can be charged using multiple methods. Hook a desktop air conditioner to your PC or laptop and enjoy cold air on the go. 

Desktop evaporative air conditioners are easy to use and maintain. Most models only require a few simple steps to keep the air clean and cool. After the water in the tank is used up, clean the filters using a damp cloth.

Some manufacturers include an extra set of filters, or you can purchase your own. Filters get dirty relatively quickly, especially in rooms with a lot of dust. So don’t forget to give the filters a clean from time to time!

Not all desktop evaporative air conditioners come with filters. For those that don’t have a separate filter, make sure to clean the fan’s blades as soon as the dust starts to accumulate. It's also a good idea to keep an eye on the water tank for mold or mildew.

Desktop fans are maintained and cleaned like regular standing fans. As soon as you see the cover of dust building up on the blades and outer covering, the fan needs cleaning. Maintaining a desktop fan is easier than cleaning an evaporative air conditioner because it lacks a water tank and filters. 

Evaporative air conditioners come in a range of sizes and models. They also have additional features that add functionality. Like we mentioned above, some personal cooling air conditioners are a three-in-one product. You get a fan, an air cooler, and a humidifier. 

Other useful features to look for are remote controllability, different fan strengths and modes, auto-shutdown timers, LED lights, and carry handles. The more additional features your cooling air conditioner has, the more convenient they are to use. Some can even connect to Google Home or Amazon Alexa! 

Sadly, desktop fans do not usually have extra features. Other than changing the fan’s strength and maybe remote controllability, desktop fans are straightforward appliances. 

Are you looking for more ways to stay cool? Check out these items that will help you beat the heat!

When buying a desktop air conditioner, it's essential to know what type of appliance you want. Do you want one that can be used as a fan? Or, are you looking for additional features, like a night light or humidifier?

Once you know what type of desktop cooler you want, remember to keep a few other things like water tank capacity and power supply in mind. You will be able to enjoy a cool breeze without the hassle of installing a stationary air conditioner! 

Author: Kazuko Otsuka

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