As the heat picks up, low-cost mud-pot coolers see demand in rural and semi-urban areas, as expensive air conditioners remain out of reach for many.
This humble alternative – natural mud-pot air coolers—has evolved into an affordable and eco-friendly cooling solution.
According to a report by Gizbot, this year, the trend has found a home in the sultry heat of Tamil Nadu.
These mud-pot coolers are at the cusp of innovation meeting tradition—where normal clay pots are adapted to cooling spaces using innovative design, blending the cooling properties of clay with a touch of DIY engineering. And of course, they keep the power bills low and affordable. Most of these mud-pot coolers are simple—the mud-pot either has holes or cut-outs for airflow while the bottom of the pot is filled with water. The mouth of the mud pot is sealed with a small, low-cost fan, which, when switched on, throws cool air into the room.
The cost of this unassuming device starts at around ₹2,600. A double-fan model costs around ₹3,900, offering slightly more power and coverage. For larger spaces or families, a jumbo version priced at ₹6,000 is available. Once purchased, their electricity consumption remains minimal since they only power a small fan.
This cost-effectiveness has made them popular for homes, small shops, roadside stalls, and community spaces.
How mud-pot coolers work
Clay is naturally porous as it allows water to slowly evaporate through its surface. This process pulls heat from the surrounding air, creating a natural cooling effect. It’s the same principle that kept your grandmother’s earthen pot of water cool, even without refrigeration.
The mud pot air cooler takes this a step further. These are handcrafted clay structures with a hollow chamber at the base to hold water. A small square outlet is carved into the side of the pot to allow airflow. Mounted on top is a simple electric fan, which blows air downward through the pot.
As the air passes over the cool surface and the evaporating water inside, it’s chilled and pushed out through the opening, offering a breeze that feels significantly cooler than what you’d get from a regular fan.
Sellers also recommend wrapping a wet cloth around the pot to intensify the effect, allowing additional moisture to evaporate from the surface, cooling the air even further.
