Brand: Argo

The Argo Polifemo Zeus is an evaporative air cooler fitted with Argo's patented Vortex system, generating a circular airflow advertised at up to 966 m3/h with a 10-metre air throw. With its 6-litre tank, 3 speeds and noise kept under 57 dB(A), it aims for the best price-to-airflow ratio in our lineup, at the cost of a higher weight.

I moved it from room to room over several days to really put its Vortex system to the test, which is supposed to spread the air in a circular pattern rather than a single jet. The claimed 966 m3/h airflow is genuinely noticeable in use, the strongest of all the coolers I tested this season. The 10-metre range Argo advertises turns out to mean the throw distance of the airflow, not a uniform cooling radius across the whole room, a distinction worth understanding before buying. The two ice packs included let you boost the effect during the hottest peaks, a real plus on the warmest days. The 6-litre tank with a drawer-style opening makes filling and cleaning easy, a simple but well-thought-out detail. What struck me most, less positively: at 12.6 kg it's by far the heaviest of the bunch, and even with the 360° wheels, moving it between rooms takes a bit of effort. Noise stays reasonable (57 dB(A) at maximum), a solid choice for anyone who prioritises airflow power over lightness.

The Argo Relax Style is a compact monobloc portable air conditioner with an exhaust hose and several fan speeds. Suited to a medium-sized bedroom or home office, it genuinely lowers the room temperature with no building work required, backed by the reliability of the Italian brand Argo.