Evaporative box for whole produce

Reviewed 17 October 2026 · schematic not to scale

Test a shaded ventilated plastic produce box with an external wet cloth to slow wilting in dry air.

Hands-on timeAbout 1 hour assembly plus an empty daytime performance trial.

Size and spaceShaded level area with airflow and access to clean water.

1Measured clean plastic storage box
2Supported divider and compatible growing medium
3Separate fill and overflow below the support deck
4Monitor water, roots and wet load

Original Thaka explanatory illustration, not to scale or a fabrication drawing. Use the guide’s stated measurements and instructions.

Site and operating requirements

Measure the purchased components before making a cut template. Mark wet and dry zones, fan guards, drain and accessible stop.
Use manufacturer-compatible low-voltage equipment and keep the mains power supply outside condensation and spill areas.

Tools and measuring equipment

Measuring tape, thermometers and humidity meter
Cloth clips, cleaning brush and gloves

Output and operating conditions

Cooling depends on air dryness and movement; it cannot cool below the local wet-bulb temperature. No fixed temperature drop is promised.

Original small-box adaptation of established evaporative produce cooling. Example box 600 ×400 ×450 mm; compare measured inside and ambient temperatures.

Parts, quantities and dimensions

Part	Quantity	Specification / dimensions
Clean ventilated plastic produce box	1	Example 600 ×400 ×450 mm with a fitted ventilated lid and insect screen; no airtight enclosure.
Washable external wicking cloth	1 wrap	Clean absorbent cloth outside the produce compartment, kept moist without blocking air passages.
Shallow plastic catch tray and water	1 set	Keep fabric moist with clean water; drain excess and protect water access from insects.
Two thermometers and humidity meter	1 set	Compare shaded ambient and inside conditions at the same time.

Preparation and component checks

Use a box meant for produce contact and a washable cloth.
Choose crops compatible with humid short-term storage.

Procedure

1
Choose shade with natural airflow away from dust, livestock waste and chemical storage.
2
Wash the box, lid, tray and cloth; inspect food-contact surfaces and screens.
3
Fit the damp cloth around the outside while leaving a continuous air path and clean dry produce compartment.
4
Set the box securely over its catch tray and place separate inside and ambient thermometers.
5
Run empty, recording temperature, humidity and water use; proceed only if the method benefits the intended whole crop.
6
Load sound whole produce loosely, close the ventilated lid and inspect quality daily; use proper refrigeration where needed.

Ready-to-use checklist

Airflow and insect barriers remain open and sound.
Measured benefit exists; no cold-chain food is being stored.

Safety and inspection

This is not a refrigerator for meat, dairy, medicines or cut produce. Do not leave edible surfaces in dirty water or allow stagnant water and mould to accumulate.

Verify the result

Run an empty comparison trial first, then use only compatible whole produce and inspect daily. Humid coastal weather may give little cooling.

Measurement log

Inside and ambient temperature, humidity and water use.
Crop condition and any condensation, pests or mould.

Maintenance and repeat checks

Keep cloth clean and damp; empty stagnant tray water and wash surfaces regularly.
Stop for mould, pests or no useful temperature improvement; reassess whenever humidity changes.

Troubleshooting

No output, abnormal heat, noise, vibration or leaks: Stop and isolate first. Check the documented input, load compatibility, alignment and connections; keep guards fitted and refer specialist systems to their installer.