€160 Epicooler "air conditioner" is just a fan — Stiftung Warentest warns of AI-powered scam

The German non-profit organization Stiftung Warentest, known for rigorous product testing, has issued a warning against purchasing cheap air conditioners from brands like Epicooler and Coolizi. The reason is simple: there is no actual air conditioner inside these devices, according to the report.

Epicooler aggressively markets its products using AI-generated videos and images across social media, YouTube, and online publications. The devices are advertised as "revolutionary," a "NASA-inspired airflow acceleration system," or a "brand-new invention by an industry insider." They look like portable air conditioners and cost around €160, making them tempting for consumers unfamiliar with climate control systems.

The surge in demand for cooling solutions stems from record-breaking heatwaves across Europe and other parts of the world. High-quality air conditioning systems remain expensive, and in some countries, installation is restricted or the local market is limited. For those with little knowledge of air conditioners, the Epicooler offer appears attractive.

However, Stiftung Warentest's investigation reveals that the devices are nothing more than fans. They do not contain a compressor, refrigerant, or any mechanism to actually cool the air. The organization states that the aggressive advertising is misleading, and the products fail to deliver on their promises.

Epicooler devices are always shipped from China, despite the website claiming the company is based in the United States or is a German, 100% owner-operated business. When the testers attempted to place an order, the Epicooler website redirected them to Coolizi. The organization warns that buyers risk receiving a simple fan that cannot cool the air like a real air conditioner, making the purchase a waste of money during a heatwave.