An evaporative cooler, also known as a zeer pot, is an ancient device that provides refrigeration for food and drinks when the temperature outside is blazing. And they're really simple to make, with just two containers that fit inside each other.


The video above demonstrates one variation of this basic cooler. As the water in the wet sand evaporates, it removes the heat from the inner container, lowering the temperature.

As MixCat.com's video shows, the temperature starts to drop pretty quickly, but it may take some time for the cooler to get really cold. In six hours, the interior went from 85 degrees (F) to 52 degrees, while the temperature outside was 94 degrees.


This DIY project (Update: we've noted this idea before—same type of project, different video) is great to have in case your electricity goes out or perhaps for keeping your beer cool in the sweltering heat (the hotter it is, the faster the evaporation and quicker the cooling).

Other really neat variations to try are the solar cooler in a can and Dew Bucket cooler, both made by James R Patrick out of paint buckets. They have convenient handles.

Zeer Pot Fridge. Cool your food or drinks with no electric needed! | YouTube via sustainablog