Lidl has released an affordable three-in-one portable air conditioning unit, the Tronic 3-in-1 Air Conditioner, priced at £149.99, just as the UK experiences a record-breaking heatwave with temperatures hitting 37°C this week. The unit is one of the cheapest on the market and also functions as a dehumidifier and ventilator.
Key Features of the Lidl Unit
The Lidl air conditioner includes wheels for easy mobility, a 24-hour digital timer, two fan speeds, and automatic oscillation. The temperature can be adjusted between 16°C and 31°C. It also has a removable air filter and a control panel with soft-touch buttons. The package comes with a remote control, batteries, a 1.5m drain hose, a seal for tilting windows, and a hose connection. Based on its power consumption of 785W, it costs approximately 20-21p per hour to run. The unit is available in-store only.
Alternative: DREO Portable Air Conditioner 318S
For those who miss out on Lidl's launch, the DREO portable air conditioner 318S is available on Amazon for £399. According to tech expert Stuart Pritchard, the 7500 BTU unit is ideal for rooms up to 20m². It features an exhaust hose length of 5ft and can be controlled via app, remote, or voice. It offers air conditioning, dehumidifier, and fan functions. The unit operates at just 46dB on the lowest setting and includes a Sleep Mode that adjusts temperature as body temperature drops. It has a 2.5l dehumidifier capacity, a magnetic remote, and casters with carry handles for easy movement.
Heatwave Context
Fewer than 5% of UK homes have built-in air conditioning, making portable units a popular alternative. Scientists have warned of even hotter temperatures in the future, prompting many to consider heatproofing their homes.
