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Oceanaire 2OAC1811 vs Airrex HSC-18R: Which 1.5-Ton Portable Cooler Is Better for Your Job?
When you need portable cooling in the 1.5-ton range, two models come up more than almost any others: the Oceanaire 2OAC1811 and the Airrex HSC-18R. They’re similar in capacity, run on 115V power, and are used in commercial and industrial spaces nationwide. But they serve different purposes, and the right choice depends on how and where you plan to use the unit.
This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can pick the best option for your application.
Quick Comparison
Oceanaire 2OAC1811
- Cooling Capacity: ~16,800 BTU/h (1.5 ton)
- Refrigerant: Now available with R-454B (low-GWP)
- Heating: No heat (cooling-only model)
- Airflow: ~600 CFM evaporator / ~900+ CFM condenser
- Power: 115V, ~14.1A, NEMA 5-20P
- Weight: ~260 lb
- Build: Manufactured in the USA
- Air Delivery: Large front discharge for room cooling
- Condensate: 5-gallon internal tank
Airrex HSC-18R
- Cooling Capacity: 16,800 BTU/h (1.5 ton)
- Refrigerant: R-454B low-GWP
- Heating: No heat
- Airflow: ~460 CFM (spot cooling nozzles)
- Power: 115V, ~20A, NEMA 5-20
- Weight: ~175–185 lb
- Build: Imported
- Air Delivery: Dual 5″ cold-air nozzles for direct spot cooling
- Condensate: Internal tank or optional pump
Cooling Performance
Both units deliver nearly the exact same cooling capacity—around 16,800 BTU/h—which places them squarely in the 1.5-ton class. For pure cooling power, they’re evenly matched.
The real difference is how each unit delivers that cooling.
Airflow & Air Distribution
Oceanaire 2OAC1811 – Room Cooling
The 2OAC1811 pushes air through a large front grille, making it ideal for cooling an entire room or a larger open area. With roughly 600 CFM of evaporator airflow, it spreads cool air evenly without requiring spot nozzles.
It’s a better fit when you need to condition the entire space, not just one workstation.
Airrex HSC-18R – Spot Cooling
The HSC-18R is a true spot cooler. It uses two directional nozzles to blast cold air directly at equipment, hot zones, or workers.
If you need to hit:
- a specific machine
- a production line
- a welding station
- a server rack
…the Airrex is the more precise option.
Refrigerant: Both Now Use R-454B
Previously, units in this class relied heavily on R-410A. Today both brands offer configurations with R-454B, a low-GWP refrigerant that aligns with upcoming U.S. regulations.
Airrex has used R-454B for years.
Oceanaire now also adopts R-454B, making it fully compliant for long-term use, including in strict states.
This makes refrigerant no longer a differentiator — both are “future-proof.”
Power Requirements
Both units operate on 115V, which makes deployment simple in most commercial buildings.
- Oceanaire: ~14.1 amps (lighter draw)
- Airrex: ~20 amps
The lower amp draw on the Oceanaire gives it an advantage in older facilities or when circuits are already heavily loaded.
Size, Weight & Mobility
Oceanaire 2OAC1811
- Larger footprint
- Heavier (around 260 lb)
- Built with a heavy-duty steel cabinet
- Made in the USA
It’s extremely durable but not the easiest unit to maneuver through tight spaces.
Airrex HSC-18R
- Narrower and taller
- Much lighter (around 175–185 lb)
- Easier to roll between machinery, aisles, and doors
If constant mobility is important, the Airrex is easier to handle.
Build Quality & Origin
Oceanaire – Made in the USA
This is one of the biggest differentiators.
Oceanaire units are:
- Manufactured in the United States
- Built with heavier materials
- Known for long service life
- Easy to service with readily available parts
For critical environments where uptime is everything, U.S. build quality is a major advantage.
Airrex – Imported
Airrex units are well-made but lighter duty. They shine in mobility and ease of deployment, but they are not as heavy-duty as the Oceanaire.
Best Applications
Choose the Oceanaire 2OAC1811 if you need:
- Whole-room or broad-area cooling
- A U.S.-made, heavy-duty machine
- Lower amp draw on 115V
- A long-term, serviceable unit for permanent or semi-permanent use
- A lower-noise, “HVAC-style” air pattern
Perfect for offices, labs, healthcare spaces, classrooms, and general building cooling.
Choose the Airrex HSC-18R if you need:
- Direct spot cooling on equipment or workers
- A lighter, more maneuverable unit
- Fast deployment in tight spaces
- A unit for heat-intensive industrial work
Perfect for manufacturing cells, server racks, workstations, machine shops, and process cooling.
Final Thoughts
The Oceanaire 2OAC1811 is the better choice if you want a durable, American-made, whole-room portable cooler with solid airflow and lower power requirements.
The Airrex HSC-18R is the better choice when you need precision spot cooling, lighter weight, and easier mobility through industrial environments.
Both are reliable 1.5-ton performers — the best choice comes down to room cooling (Oceanaire) versus targeted spot cooling (Airrex).
