Tested the Light-Up EL55 Mosquito Repeller by Thermacell for its efficacy against mosquitoes
Rewritten Article:
Summer's almost here, and after a long, chilly winter, I'm desperate to unwind outdoors. But there's a catch – mosquitoes! Whether it's a weekend camping trip or a peaceful patio evening, these blood-sucking critters can turn your alfresco dreams into a nightmare.
Living adjacent to a wooded area in New Jersey, I've had my fair share of mosquito encounters. As I've gotten older, my reaction to their bites has become increasingly severe. With both myself and my kids itching and swollen, I've zero tolerance for buggy nights.
Last year, I stumbled upon a solution – the Thermacell E55, a rechargeable mosquito repeller offering a stealthy, scent-free, and silent 20-foot protection zone. After trying it out, it swiftly became one of my outdoor essentials. So, when Thermacell upgraded this great gadget by launching the EL55 Mosquito Repeller + Glow Light ($50), I was eager to put it to the test.
Thermacell EL55 Mosquito Repeller and Glow Light
Portable and effective, the Thermacell EL55 is an enhanced rechargeable mosquito repeller that seamlessly combines both protective features and ambient lighting.
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What I Loved About It
Identical to the E55 in size and weight, the repeller's top selling point - aside from its performance, of course - is that it now includes a light, boosting its functionality. The best thing about this new feature is that it's dimmable and can operate independently from the repeller.
Another major selling point is the extended battery life. Previously limited to 5.5 hours, the EL55's rechargeable Li-ion battery now offers an impressive 9 hours of mosquito protection after a single charge - nearly double the time. The repeller is also compact and portable, weighing less than 1 pound and measuring just 4.5 inches tall, wide, and deep. It's so petite you can easily stash it in a cabinet when not in use, or pop it in your bag before heading out.
But does it work? After conducting extensive tests on my patio during the spring season, the EL55 proved its worth. The device is virtually silent, the repellent is invisible, and I often found myself questioning, "Is this thing even working?" But, with none of us rushing indoors swatting away mosquitoes, I had my answer. We were lingering, chatting, and enjoying dusk outside – the undeniable proof I needed.
As I delved into researching the repellent in my E55 review, mainly what you need to know is that its liquid solution cartridge uses the active ingredient metofluthrin (5.5%) and contains petroleum distillate, without any DEET or citronella. After discussing the repellent with several experts, I confirmed that it's safe for both humans and pets. Elmer Gray, entomologist at the University of Georgia, told me: "The EPA describes metofluthrin as 'practically non-toxic' to humans, so yes, I would say it's completely safe."
What I Didn't Love About It
While the light is a definite upgrade, for lighting connoisseurs like myself, its colder, whiter glow may not be to our preference. However, the dimmability feature lets me adjust the projection levels, softening the overall brightness.
When the light is used in conjunction with the repeller - although they can also function separately, which is a nice touch - the battery life shrinks back to 5.5 hours. While this might be a bit of a letdown for those hosting lengthy soirees, I've found that our backyard fêtes rarely run for more than five hours at a time. Furthermore, if I did need the repeller to operate longer, I could always recharge it while keeping the light on.
The EL55 comes with a single 12-hour repellent refill. To be on the ready for spontaneous outdoor excursions, having additional refills on hand would be a smart move, although their cost can be a bit steep. A three-pack of 40-hour refills, for instance, retails for $55 – but that's 120 hours of protection for the price, which should cover you throughout the summer months.
If taking the Thermacell on the go, remember to remove the repellent cartridge and store it carefully to prevent jostling – CNN Underscored's outdoors editor, Kai Burkhardt, once made the mistake of keeping it in a bin, causing it to accidentally turn on and waste the entire repellent supply.
How It Compares
Thermacell's toughest competition may very well come from itself. The heavy-duty EX90 model is enclosed in rubber and includes a carabiner for transporting happiness, while the original E55 lacks the integrated light (but still performs exceptionally well and costs $10 less). For larger, DIY-oriented outdoor areas, there's the sophisticated LIV Smart Repellent System that combines multiple repellers and an app to trigger heated, heat-activated repellents on demand.
Bottom Line
Two of my favorite things in life are mosquito-free evenings and multitasking. Now, thanks to the Thermacell EL55 Mosquito Repeller + Glow Light, I can get both. Seamlessly transitioning into my collection of outdoor essentials, the EL55's protective and lighting abilities make it a must-have for camping trips, backyard barbecues, or any other outdoor gathering. Plus, it comes with a three-year warranty, effectively guaranteeing your satisfaction. In short, welcome to my worry-free investment!
- The Thermacell EL55 Mosquito Repeller + Glow Light, an upgraded version of the E55, provides a 20-foot mosquito-free zone and includes a dimmable, independent light, perfect for alfresco lifestyle and outdoor-living.
- During testing on my patio, the EL55 proved effective with no noticeable sound or visible repellent, ensuring peaceful and enjoyable outdoor evenings with my family, free from mosquito bites.
- With an extended battery life of 9 hours, the EL55 Mosquito Repeller is compact and portable, making it a suitable essential for camping trips, home-and-garden parties, or any outdoor events.
- While the light's colder, whiter glow may not be preferred by all, the dimmability feature allows for adjustment of the brightness, catering to various lifestyle preferences during outdoor-living and alfresco events.
