Following a recent warning from the Climate Change Committee, 92 per cent of UK homes could overheat by 2050. With summer temperatures soaring, portable air conditioning units offer an effective solution beyond fans. Stuart Pritchard, an experienced appliance reviewer, tested several models during the UK heatwave to help you choose the right one.
What to Consider When Choosing a Portable Air Conditioner
BTU, or British Thermal Unit, measures the heat an air conditioner can remove per hour. A basic rule: Small rooms need 5,000-8,000 BTU, medium rooms 8,000-10,000 BTU, and large rooms 12,000+ BTU. Units also function as dehumidifiers and fans, adding year-round value. Running costs vary from 17p to 43p per hour depending on size and efficiency.
Best Overall: DREO Portable Air Conditioner 318S
Price: £400 at Dreo.com
Cooling Power: 7,500 BTU
Coverage: 20m²
Noise Level: 46-51 dB
Energy Efficiency: A
Cost Per Hour: 17p-22p
The DREO 318S is a compact 7,500 BTU unit ideal for smaller rooms up to 20m². It features a 5ft exhaust hose, sliding window kit, and multiple controls via app, voice, or magnetic remote. Running at just 46dB on low, it includes a sleep mode that adjusts temperature as your body cools. With a 2.5-litre dehumidifier capacity, casters, and carry handles, it offers fast, flexible cooling. According to Pritchard, it brings quick cooling comfort and is energy efficient.
Best Budget Buy: ElectriQ Slimline 9000 BTU
Price: £350 at Appliancesdirect.co.uk
Cooling Power: 9,000 BTU
Coverage: 24m²
Noise Level: 48-53 dB
Energy Efficiency: A
Cost Per Hour: 20p
The electriQ Slimline 9000 BTU (SF10000E) is a budget-friendly option for medium spaces up to 24m². It combines air conditioning, dehumidifier (36-litre capacity), and fan functions. With 3 fan speeds and automatic swing louvres, it quickly removes heat. Noise levels range from 48-53dB, and it costs around 20p per hour to run. It includes a sleep mode, auto energy-saving mode, and a 24-hour timer. Pritchard notes it is an absolute steal at £350.
Best for Medium to Large Spaces: Hisense APC09QC
Price: £399 at Ao.com
Cooling Power: 9,000 BTU
Coverage: 24m²
Noise Level: 45-63 dB
Energy Efficiency: A
Cost Per Hour: 24.5p-25p
Hisense APC09QC is designed for medium to large rooms up to 24m². It features air conditioning, dehumidifying (1-litre per hour), and ventilating functions. With a noise level of 45dB on low, it includes auto-swing louvres, smart mode, and app/voice control. The sliding window kit makes installation easy. Pritchard describes it as an excellent, energy-efficient AC option at an affordable price.
Best for Larger Spaces: VonHaus 12000BTU
Price: £400 at Vonhaus.com
Cooling Power: 12,000 BTU
Coverage: Up to 35m²
Noise Level: 58-65 dB
Energy Efficiency: A
Cost Per Hour: 32p-40p
For larger rooms up to 35m², the VonHaus 12000BTU offers powerful cooling. It works as an air conditioner, dehumidifier, and fan, with app, remote, or voice control via Google Home or Alexa. Noise levels range from 58-65dB, with sleep mode at 58dB. Running costs are higher due to its power. Pritchard says it is a potent provider of cooling at a pleasing price for those who can tolerate noise.
Best for the Largest Spaces: De'Longhi Pinguino GentleJet Inverter
Price: £1,000 at Delonghi.com
Cooling Power: 13,000 BTU
Coverage: 130m³
Noise Level: 43-50 dB
Energy Efficiency: A+
Cost Per Hour: 22p-38p
De'Longhi Pinguino GentleJet Inverter is a 13,000 BTU unit for very large spaces up to 130m³. It runs at A+ energy efficiency and 43-50dB. Functions include air conditioning, dehumidifier, and fan. The inverter technology adjusts speed to maintain temperature, and a condensate recycling system improves efficiency. It is large and heavy (31kg) but powerful. Pritchard notes it can cool a space equivalent to a large shipping container.
Best for Pure Power: Meaco Cirro 16000 BTU
Price: £630 at Meaco.com
Cooling Power: 16,000 BTU
Coverage: 40m²
Noise Level: 42-51 dB
Energy Efficiency: A
Cost Per Hour: 43p
Meaco Cirro 16000 BTU is the most powerful unit tested, capable of cooling a 40m² room from 32°C to 16°C in one hour. It functions as an air conditioner, dehumidifier, and fan, with inverter technology for efficiency. Noise levels range from 42-51dB. It uses a continuous gravity drain instead of a tank. Controls include app, voice, and panel. Relatively light at 25kg with castors, it is easy to move. Pritchard calls it a cooling slice of aircon excellence.
How I Tested
Pritchard tested each unit in the main living area of his house, which has east-west exposure. He measured cooling speed using a thermometer and timer, and noise levels with a digital decibel meter. Units were evaluated for BTU performance in different room sizes, ease of installation, and additional functions like dehumidification. The DREO 318S was his top pick for most UK homes, given average bedroom sizes of 12.5-13.5m² and living rooms of 17.1m².
