Cooling an Outdoor Dining Area: How to Keep Your Beer Garden Pleasant in the Heat

An outdoor dining area depends on good weather, but on hot days the mood can turn quickly: seats in the sun stay empty, guests move indoors or stay for a shorter time. Keeping the beer garden pleasantly cool extends the length of a visit and often the revenue per table as well.

What helps in a beer garden in the heat

• Shade: Parasols, awnings or greenery lower the perceived temperature the most. They are the basis but do not replace cooling of the air.
• Air movement: A fan stirs up the air and feels cooler on the skin, but the temperature of the air does not fall as a result, see Evaporative air cooler or fan.
• Evaporative cooling: An evaporative air cooler passes the air over a wet cooling pad. The evaporating water draws heat from the air and the air stream becomes cooler.

Why air coolers work well outdoors

Evaporative cooling works best when fresh air keeps flowing in. Outdoors this is the case: the humid air drifts away and drier air follows. Unlike an air conditioner, an evaporative air cooler does not need a closed room and is designed for exactly such open situations. We explain how the principle works in How does an evaporative air cooler work?

To be honest: what you can expect

A beer garden is open above and to the sides. There, an evaporative air cooler does not lower the temperature of the whole garden, but creates a noticeably cooler zone in the air stream. So plan carefully: position the units so that the air is directed at the seating. In very muggy weather the effect is smaller, see Evaporative air coolers and humidity.

How to position the units correctly

1. Direction: Aim the air stream at the seating areas, not at a wall.
2. Distance: Leave enough space to the guests so that the air stream feels pleasant.
3. Power and water: A socket nearby and easy access to water save walking. How long one fill lasts is explained in Water in the air cooler.
4. Standing surface: A level spot without through traffic prevents tripping hazards.

Which model suits an outdoor dining area?

• GoodCooling Y5: 40–60 m², 26 kg, for smaller beer gardens or individual zones
• GoodCooling Y15: 100–150 m², 44 kg, the all-rounder for catering and events
• GoodCooling Y30: 150–250 m², 50 kg, for large areas and events

All values come from the data sheets or product pages. How many air coolers do I need? offers help with planning. More ideas for restaurateurs: 5 reasons why air coolers are perfect for catering and Air coolers for terraces, gardens and events.

Frequently asked questions

Does an air cooler cool the whole beer garden?

It creates a cooler zone in the air stream. For large beer gardens, several units aimed at the seating areas are recommended.

Do I need an exhaust hose or assembly?

No. The units are plugged into a socket and filled with water.

How much maintenance does the unit need?

Change the water regularly, clean the tank and check the cooling pad. Details in Air cooler maintenance & care.

Conclusion

Shade, air movement and evaporative cooling complement each other. For open beer gardens, an evaporative air cooler is a mobile solution without any conversion. We are happy to discuss which units suit your area via our contact form. You will find all models in the Catering, Events & Workshops section.