Best Portable Air Conditioner Review
Last Updated: September 27, 2021If you need a cool living space but don’t have permanent central or window AC, perhaps a portable unit is the best solution for you? If so, read our team’s buyers guide to and reviews of the best portable air conditioner units.
Finding the best portable air conditioner is quite a complex task. The process of finding the best units will depend on whether you’re reviewing on a basis of most cost effective units, or preparing Energy Star portable air conditioners reviews.
So our team review portable air conditioners on your behalf. And to help you find your way around this guide, we have divided the post into a number of sections, the most prominent of which is our reviewers’ Best Portable Air Conditioner Comparison Chart .
The table is interactive, with clickable links to where each appliance can be found. There are also detailed individual portable AC units reviews, including the most powerful portable AC; the most efficient portable air conditioner; the AC with the best cooling performance; and the quietest portable appliance.
All these links and more can be easily accessed via the scrolling navigation menu at screen right. The links will also enable you to perform your own portable air conditioner price comparison.
As an appetizer to the best portable air conditioner here is a brief video summary of the Top 10 portable air conditioners in our review.
Best Portable Air Conditioner – Choosing the Best Appliance
With the onset of balmy summer heat portable ACs can offer a welcome cooling relief. For over three years we have tested and tried a wide range of products. The portable air conditioner units reviews will help you choose the appliance that suits you best.
Our team has tested a wide range of portable air conditioner units. Based on our findings we believe the Frigidaire Gallery, the Whynter ARC-12S, and the Frigidaire Gray 14000 BTU are ahead of the competition. (Read our buyers guide at the end of the portable air conditioner reviews to find out more about our methodology.)
All of units in this portable air conditioners comparison excel individually in one or more areas. We believe these top portable air conditioners will cool, refresh and provide welcome relief when needed most. But it’s beyond doubt that some of them do this in a swifter and/or more efficient way than others—and on that note, let’s take a look at our leaderboard. Click on the Unit Brand & Model links in the table to jump to detailed portable AC reviews for each appliance.
Portable AC Brand & Model | Noise Level | Check Price |
Frigidaire Gallery FGPC1244T1 > | <strong>53dB</strong> | Check Price > |
Whynter ARC-12S > | <strong>52.5dB</strong> | Check Price > |
Frigidaire Gray 14,000 BTU > | <strong>55dB</strong> | Check Price > |
Haier HPC12XCR > | <strong>50dB</strong> | Check Price > |
Friedrich P09B > | <strong>50dB</strong> | Check Price > |
Sunpentown WA-8070E > | <strong>53.6dB</strong> | Check Price > |
Honeywell MN10CESBB > | <strong>50dB</strong> | Check Price > |
LG Electronics LP1414GXR > | <strong>55-58dB</strong> | Check Price > |
NewAir AC-14100E > | <strong>57dB</strong> | Check Price > |
Amico AP11000 > | <strong>48dB</strong> | Check Price > |
Friedrich PH14B > | <strong>51dB</strong> | Check Price > |
Whynter Arc-14S > | <strong>56dB</strong> | Check Price > |
LG LP0817WSR > | <strong>54dB</strong> | Check Price > |
1. Best Portable Air Conditioner Review – Frigidaire Gallery FGPC1244T1 – Most Powerful
Portable AC Unit | Brand Name & Model | Check Price |
Frigidaire Gallery FGPC1244T1 | Check Price > |
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
This portable AC from Frigidaire is a high quality unit that cools rooms and spaces efficiently and quickly. It is a quiet unit and comes with a host of great features. | There are some minus points due to the relatively heavy weight of the Frigidaire Gallery FGPC1244T1 |
VERDICT | |
While the sheer quality and efficiency of the Frigidaire Gallery FGPC1244T1 makes it immediately attractive, people with more than one level in their home should be aware, as there are more portable and much lighter models on our list. However, overall, our research reveals this portable AC to be one of the best cooling machines on the market. |
While It doesn’t have the best performance specifications, our review and testing of theFrigidaire Gallery FGPC1244T1 indicated a generally strong performance. Its specifications are definitely above average, in terms of room size and power, when compared with other models. This portable air conditioner also has a number of interesting features, including three fan speeds and a dehumidification mode.
Frigidaire Gallery FGPC1244T1 – Cooling Performance
The Frigidaire Gallery FGPC1244T1 true stand-out feature is its oscillating louvers. These are almost unique for a portable AC: only two other units we reviewed have something similar. The louvers allow air to be spread through a room quickly allowing for a fast, fresh cooling effect. The Frigidaire Gallery FGPC1244T1 portable AC also boasts superior circulation capacity, so increasing the rate at which the unit will cool a room.
Room Size (square feet) | 550 |
Power (BTU) | 12,000 |
Maximum Airflow (CFM) | 200 |
Moisture Removal | 3 |
Multiple Fan Speed | Yes |
Fan Mode | Yes |
Dehumidify or Dry Mode | Yes |
Oscillating Louvers | Yes |
Frigidaire Gallery FGPC1244T1 – Efficiency and Certifications
Not only is the Frigidaire Gallery FGPC1244T1 one of the best AC units: it’s also one of the most efficient. The Frigidaire Gallery FGPC1244T1 has a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) score of 11. SEER is the ratio of cooling in BTU per energy consumed in watt-hours, and the higher this rating, the more energy-efficient the unit is. The Frigidaire SEER rating of 11 is much higher than the lowest score we reviewed here (8.9). While that’s maybe not the best EER rating, it is certainly above average.
From this rating, our review team estimates that this high efficiency portable air conditioner will cost only around $94.76 per annum to run. Even the top units can cost more than $135 to run, so this means the Frigidaire Gallery FGPC1244T1 is as cost-efficient as it is energy-efficient, and therefore is a great cooling resource for your home.
Not only is a remarkably energy efficient portable AC; the Frigidaire Gallery FGPC1244T1 is also one of the safest of electrical products for the home. It’s certified by the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) agency, and by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), the global safety consulting and certification company. There could be no higher standards of verfification. In summary, RoHS certification signifies that the units don’t contain materials deemed harmful, such as lead, mercury etc. UL certification means that you that any public safety standards have been successfully met and surpassed. Safety for the home is a big factor in influencing consumer choice, and these two certifications verify that the Frigidaire Gallery FGPC1244T1 is a safe choice.
Energy Efficiency Ratio | 11.1 |
Estimated Annual Energy Cost | $94.76 |
UL Listed | Yes |
RoHS Compliant | Yes |
Frigidaire Gallery FGPC1244T1 – Convenience
You are going to be spending a significant sum of money, so you really want the peace of mind that your new product is convenient in terms of use.
There are a number of special features making the Frigidaire Gallery FGPC1244T1 portable air conditioner convenient to use. Most units feature a 24-hour programmable timer as well as wheels on the bottom. This product features both whilst also boasting an auto restart feature and a sleep mode. These extra features are not common in the portable unit market and can be a very useful selling point.
The auto-restart feature will turn the unit back on if it loses power, and the sleep mode will adjust the temperature per your sleeping pattern.
Remote Control | Buttons Only |
24-Hour Programmable Timer | Yes |
Auto Evaporative System | Yes |
Casters | Yes |
Auto Restart | Yes |
Sleep Mode | Yes |
Frigidaire Gallery FGPC1244T1 – Design
The Frigidaire Gallery FGPC1244T1 is not light! Coming in at 78 pounds it is possibly the heaviest of all the products we reviewed. Therefore, when it comes to moving the unit about the home you may find it challenging. However, the presence of wheels does make this task that bit easier. Moving it up and down stairs will be a challenge.
Weight (pounds) | 78 |
Max Window Size (inches) | 44.1 |
Vent Hose Length (feet) | 4.92 |
Depth (inches) | 12 5/8 |
Width (inches) | 12 5/8 |
Height (inches) | 36 13/16 |
Frigidaire Gallery FGPC1244T1 – Noise Level
Not only is the Frigidaire Gallery FGPC1244T1 portable air conditioner convenient and well designed, it also excels in terms of its level of noise output. Only emitting 53dB, the Frigidaire Gallery FGPC1244T1 is quieter than many of the other models in our comparison.
Frigidaire Gallery FGPC1244T1 – Value For Money
Available for in or around $540-$555, this Frigidaire unit constitutes a considerable investment. However, this is one of the machines that performed most consistently high across all criteria. It works just as well in large open-plan spaces as it does in compact areas such as bedrooms and closets. For this reason, it’s a fantastic return on investment.
Frigidaire Gallery FGPC1244T1 – Help & Support
Compressor Warranty | 5 Years |
1-Year Appliance Warranty | Yes |
Email & Phone | Yes |
Online Manual | Yes |
FAQs | Yes |
Live Chat | No |
Frigidaire Gallery FGPC1244T1 – Best Portable Air Conditioner Summary
The Frigidaire Gallery FGPC1244T1 does exactly what’s asked of it. It is a quality portable unit that cools efficiently and makes your home comfortable quickly. A drawback would be its heavy weight, but for the same reason, it might also be the best single room air conditioner. Its status as the most energy efficient portable air conditioner on our list makes this an excellent choice as a cooling machine.
2. Best Portable Air Conditioners Reviews – Whynter ARC-12S – Most Efficient
Portable AC Unit | Brand & Model | Check Price |
Whynter ARC-12S | Check Price > |
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Energy efficiency ratio of 11.1 and is the most energy-efficient model we reviewed. | It doesn’t have the added sleep mode feature that allows you to be cooled comfortably at night. |
VERDICT | |
The Whynter ARC-12S is one of the best portable air conditioner units because of its many convenient features, suite of third-party certifications and energy efficiency. |
With some excellent options in terms of cooling as well as a number of varied modes of operation the unit is also one of the most energy efficient portable air conditioners. There is no sleep mode and there is no auto evaporate feature which pulls its score down. However, we believe it is an effective cooling unit and scores well in terms of energy usage. Not only is it in our top 10 portable ac unit reviews—it’s also our Silver Award winner.
Whynter ARC-12S – Cooling Performance
The Whynter ARC-12S portable air conditioner produces 12,000 BTU, so it’s suitable for rooms of up to 550 square feet. It is important that you choose a product that is neither too powerful nor too weak for the space it will cool. The Whynter ARC-12S is able to shift 188 cubic feet of air every minute. This result means the product cools exceptionally quickly and efficiently distributes the cool air around your room.
The Whynter ARC-12S allows you to set the operation mode of your preference. It also tackles humidity and removes excess moisture from the air at a fast rate. In fan-only mode the unit circulates air around the room without cooling. However, it’s disappointing that the unit does not have a sleep mode.
Room Size (square feet) | 550 |
Power (BTU) | 12,000 |
Maximum Airflow (CFM) | 188 |
Moisture Removal | 3.8 |
Multiple Fan Speed | Yes |
Fan Mode | Yes |
Dehumidify or Dry Mode | Yes |
Oscillating Louvers | No |
Whynter ARC-12S – Efficiency & Certifications
With an 11.1 portable air conditioner EER, the Whynter ARC-12S portable air conditioner was the most energy-efficient model we reviewed. You will save significantly on your energy bills with this product. We estimate that running the unit costs approximately $90 a year, depending on how much the unit is in operation. It also has the UL mark, meaning it has been tested to meet a range of safety criteria. It’s also RoHS-compliant, meaning that no hazardous substances were used in its manufacture..
Energy Efficiency Ratio | 11.1 |
Estimated Annual Energy Cost | $93.39 |
UL Listed | Yes |
RoHS Compliant | Yes |
Whynter ARC-12S – Convenience
The Whynter ARC-12S remote control enables total operational control from the comfort of your armchair. It’s perhaps not a leader in innovation, but its features, including programmable timer, allow you to set the machine to operate to your daily schedule.
Remote Control | Buttons Only |
24-Hour Programmable Timer | Yes |
Auto Evaporative System | No |
Casters | Yes |
Auto Restart | Yes |
Sleep Mode | No |
Whynter ARC-12S – Design
The Whynter ARC-12S has no self-evaporation system, so moisture removed from the air is collected in a drip tray, which requires regular emptying. It’s a very portable machine, with quality, well-made casters on the bottom of the unit.
While it’s not the heaviest unit, its 62-pound weight is not the lightest either. It’s also slightly larger than some other units, but is sufficiently compact for easy storage out of sight during the cooler months. Like all the other units we reviewed this product has a vent hose and window kit for extraction of hot air from the house. The window kit can fit in window sills up to 46 inches wide, while the vent hose can extend up to 5 feet long.
Weight (pounds) | 62 |
Max Window Size (inches) | 46 |
Vent Hose Length (feet) | 5 |
Depth (inches) | 15 1/2 |
Width (inches) | 17 |
Height (inches) | 31 |
Whynter ARC-12S – Noise Level
The maximum noise level of the Whynter ARC-12S is 52.5dB, which makes this an attractive option for use in any household or a medium-sized office.
Whynter ARC-12S – Value For Money
Available for $452.99, the Whynter ARC-12S is a very attractive option to consider if your budget will not stretch to the Frigidaire Gallery FGPC1244T. It has a host of fantastic features and a good Energy Efficiency Rating too, as well as a full suite of safety certifications. All in all, one of the best 12000 BTU portable air conditioner units on the market.
Whynter ARC-12S – Help & Support
Compressor Warranty | 3 Years |
1-Year Appliance Warranty | Yes |
Email & Phone | Yes |
Online Manual | Yes |
FAQs | Yes |
Live Chat | No |
Whynter ARC-12S – Best Portable Air Conditioner Summary
The Whynter ARC-12S is one of the best portable air conditioner units that you can transport from room to room with ease. This model produces 12,000 BTU, making it an product for rooms up to 550 square feet. It is the most energy-efficient model we reviewed and overall, this is an effective and efficient air conditioner that cools a room quickly.
3. Best Portable Air Conditioner Review – Frigidaire Gray 14,000 BTU – Best Cooling Performance
Portable AC Unit | Brand & Model | Check Price |
Frigidaire Gray 14,000 BTU | Check Price > |
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Frigidaire Gray 14000 BTU has the best cooling performance among all the units we reviewed. | This machine will cost you more money to operate than others. |
VERDICT | |
While the Frigidaire Gray 14000 BTU is a bit more expensive to run, its powerful design and numerous features make it the best option if you want to cool a large room quickly. |
We loved the Frigidaire Gray 14000 BTU portable air conditioner. A prominent feature in all stand-alone air conditioners reviews, this offers performance balance, portable air conditioner efficiency, and portability. Surprisingly it doesn’t stand out in any one area but it scores well across the board. It offers to stand out features such as oscillating levers and a useful sleep mode. This is one of the more pricey best stand-alone air conditioner units on the market but as a cooling machine, we think it’s worth it.
The Frigidaire Gray 14000 BTU portable air conditioner is a high-capacity designed unit that contains features that outperform the other best portable air conditioner units in our review. In terms of efficiency, this product doesn’t score well and will cost more to run annually ($30 more per year). Most of us want to choose a product that performs well and the Frigidaire Gray 14000 BTU is a cooling machine that does the job. It is a sturdy machine with a number of features that make it stand out from the crowd, the reason why we have awarded it our Bronze review.
Frigidaire Gray 14000 BTU – Cooling Performance
This is a powerful machine. With 14,000 BTU, this portable air conditioner works in large rooms, up to 700 square feet. It also has superior power output to all other units on the market. With an airflow of up to 497 cubic feet per minute (CFM) the Frigidaire Gray 14000 BTU has the highest score. When compared to the average airflow of 240 CFM, this rating makes it a well above average performer. Every hour this machine removes up to 3.8 pints of moisture from your room. As a dehumidifier, the Frigidaire Gray 14000 BTU is one of the most effective and efficient.
Several specs make the Frigidaire Gray 14000 BTU portable air conditioner stand out from its competitors in the best free standing air conditioner reviews. Circulating air and removing stale air from the atmosphere, its fan only mode is perfect for when no cooling is required. Asleep mode enables the unit to be used efficiently particularly at night. You will have a comfortable room to sleep in while saving money in the process! It has oscillating louvers, rare enough in this sector of the cooling market. This feature enables you to control fan slats and ensure even distribution of air—a convenient and effective bonus.
Room Size (square feet) | 700 |
Power (BTU) | 14,000 |
Maximum Airflow (CFM) | 497 |
Moisture Removal | 3.8 |
Multiple Fan Speed | Yes |
Fan Mode | Yes |
Dehumidify or Dry Mode | Yes |
Oscillating Louvers | Yes |
Frigidaire Gray 14000 BTU – Efficiency & Certifications
This is not the most cost-effective unit. Its below-average efficiency of 8.9 EER compares unfavorable with the market average of 9.7. The unit’s high BTU rating makes it one of the costliest to run—an annual average of $136.
The unit also lacks RoHS certification, unlike most of the units from the best portable air conditioner brands. However, the product does have UL certification having passed all required safety standards in independent testing.
Energy Efficiency Ratio | 8.9 |
Estimated Annual Energy Cost | $136.19 |
UL Listed | Yes |
RoHS Compliant | No |
Frigidaire Gray 14000 BTU – Convenience
This unit offers a number of convenient features, including auto-restart. Its sleep mode is useful if you plan on using it while you sleep at night. The LCD remote control allows for full operation of the functions from the comfort of your armchair.
Noise Level (dB) | 55 |
Remote Control | LCD Screen |
24-Hour Programmable Timer | Yes |
Auto Evaporative System | Yes |
Casters | Yes |
Auto Restart | Yes |
Sleep Mode | Yes |
Frigidaire Gray 14000 BTU – Design
At 74 pounds, this unit is heavier than the average of 65 pounds and slightly larger than other products reviewed here. However, rolling casters make these particular units easily transportable from room to room.
Weight (pounds) | 74 |
Max Window Size (inches) | 48 1/3 |
Vent Hose Length (feet) | 4.92 |
Height (inches) | 30 1/8 |
Width (inches) | 18 1/3 |
Depth (inches) | 15 5/8 |
Frigidaire Gray 14000 BTU – Noise Level
It’s interesting how one apparent deficit can be advantageous. Yes, this Frigidaire may be one of the heaviest units. But the solidity of its construction helps to bring about a very respectable noise level of 55dB.
True, these units are not the quietest. However, reviewers of the best portable air conditioning units will confirm that noise is not an issue for most consumers. And while most portable air conditioning units are operationally audible, there is nothing to cause major discomfort.
Frigidaire Gray 14000 BTU – Value For Money
In value terms, it would score more highly than the Whynter ARC-12S by dint of its very neat design, which is a pleasant contrast to the Whynter appliance. While it’s not as energy efficient as that machine, it has a quality build and includes numerous industry-leading standout features, including oscillating louvers for improved air circulation.
Frigidaire Gray 14000 BTU – Help & Support
Compressor Warranty | 5 Years |
1-Year Appliance Warranty | Yes |
Email & Phone | Yes |
Online Manual | Yes |
FAQs | Yes |
Live Chat | No |
Frigidaire Gray 14000 BTU – Best Portable Air Conditioner Summary
This is not the most cost-effective or efficient unit, but it’s certainly the most powerful we reviewed. It might arguably top any 14000 BTU portable air conditioner reviews. Whatever the case, If you need to cool spaces up to 700 square feet, this machine is particularly good.
4. Best Portable Air Conditioner Review – Haier HPC12XCR
Portable AC Unit | Brand & Model | Check Price |
Haier HPC12XCR | Check Price > |
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Our assessments identified the Haier HPC12XCR as a solid, effective unit, with fast & efficient performance. | The unit lacks oscillating louvres and so does not cool as evenly as some of its rivals. |
VERDICT | |
While it has some shortcomings, the Haier HPC12XCR can shift almost 4 pints of moisture from room air every hour, making the unit a great performer in humid climates. |
The Haier HPC12XCR can be used day and night in various sized rooms. They are solid, effective cooling units that work quickly and efficiently. They’d be standouts in any of the best quiet portable air conditioner reviews.
In terms of the size of room the Haier HPC12XCR is designed for, this unit will comfortably work in room sizes up to 450 square feet, producing an average of 12,000 BTU. Always be fully aware of the size of room you’re cooling, and choose a product suited to work within that space.
Haier HPC12XCR – Cooling Performance
The Haier HPC12XCR is frequently featured in 12000 BTU portable air conditioner reviews. It has a top airflow of 188 CFM. It pumps a lot of air quickly through your space. However, it has no oscillating louvers, so will not cool spaces as evenly as some of its rivals.
Room Size (square feet) | 450 |
Power (BTU) | 12,000 |
Maximum Airflow (CFM) | 188 |
Moisture Removal | 4 |
Multiple Fan Speed | Yes |
Fan Mode | Yes |
Dehumidify or Dry Mode | Yes |
Oscillating Louvers | Yes |
Haier HPC12XCR – Efficiency & Certifications
The Haier HPC12XCR has three settings, enabling the user a high degree of operational flexibility. If you live in a humid environment, this unit will also function as a dehumidifier. The Haier HPC12XCR performs well at eliminating excess moisture. It removes up to 4 pints from the atmosphere every hour.
The HPC12XCR has an EER of 9.5. While it’s not top of our list, it’s a good score, indicating that the unit will conserve a fair amount of energy while in operation. The Haier HPC12XCR costs approximately $90.72 to run per year. This is calculated on a hypothetical usage of eight hours daily for three months. The Haier HPC12XCR has a UL seal, so it has passed the necessary safety tests, although it is not certified RoHS.
Energy Efficiency Ratio | 8.9 |
Estimated Annual Energy Cost | $136.19 |
UL Listed | Yes |
RoHS Compliant | No |
Haier HPC12XCR – Convenience
The Haier AC portable air conditioner offers a number of function and operation modes including a remote control. It is conveniently programmable and can be set to operate at times of your own choosing, and enabling you to ensure your room is cooled to a desired temperature from the moment you enter your home.
Remote Control | Buttons Only |
24-Hour Programmable Timer | Yes |
Auto Evaporative System | Yes |
Casters | Yes |
Auto Restart | Yes |
Sleep Mode | No |
Haier HPC12XCR – Design
Among the most quiet portable air conditioners, the Haier HPC12XCR is lightweight and can be easily transported around your home. In fact, it is one of the lightest of all the portable air conditioners we reviewed coming in at 56 pounds. Its vent hose conveniently stretches to 5 feet and the window kit extends to a respectable 46 inches.
Weight (pounds) | 56 |
Max Window Size (inches) | 46 |
Vent Hose Length (feet) | 5 |
Height (inches) | 27 3/4 |
Width (inches) | 16 7/8 |
Depth (inches) | 14 1/4 |
Haier HPC12XCR – Noise Level
In tests, the Haier HPC12XCR has shown an operational noise level of 50dB, making it one of the the quietest portable air conditioner appliances we considered. This appliance would be in the upper part of any of the quietest portable air conditioner reviews.
Haier HPC12XCR – Value For Money
The Haier HPC12XCR offers breathtaking value for money. It scores highly in terms of its sturdy yet lightweight design, and is powerful enough to cool spaces of up to 450 square feet. And yet it can be obtained new for as low as $369. Your money also gets you a fantastic warranty and exemplary after-sales service.
Haier HPC12XCR – Help & Support
The Haier HPC12XCR portable air conditioner offers a one year appliance warranty. The compressor itself has a warranty for up to 5 years. The compressor is the primary component contained within your unit. The online manual is clear and easy to follow allowing you to maintain your unit easily should you encounter any issues. The Frequently Asked Questions section on the company’s website will also help guide you to a solution in the event of problems. Finally customer support is excellent, and company representatives can be contacted by email, phone or a convenient live chat option on the website.
Compressor Warranty | 5 Years |
1-Year Appliance Warranty | Yes |
Email & Phone | Yes |
Online Manual | Yes |
FAQs | Yes |
Live Chat | Yes |
Haier HPC12XCR – Best Portable Air Conditioner Summary
In summary, the Haier HPC12XCR is another of the best portable air conditioner units on the market. It’s close to being an ultra quiet portable air conditioner, and is certainly one of the best quality quiet portable AC units. The design, lightweight portability and performance will be a winning blend for many.
5. Best Portable Air Conditioner Review – Friedrich P09B
Portable AC Unit | Brand & Model | Check Price |
Friedrich P09B | Check Price > |
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
The Friedrich P09B is a quietly performing cooling champ In humid conditions. It is also more efficient than many other portable AC units. | The unit lacks the sleep mode and oscillating louvre features found on its rivals. |
VERDICT | |
The Friedrich P09B is slightly bulky but does a decent job in fairly large rooms. It’s a quiet operator and efficiently removes a significant amount of moisture from the air in humid conditions. |
In humid conditions, the Friedrich P09B is a good choice. It will remove 5 pints of moisture from the atmosphere, more than any of the other units we reviewed.
Friedrich P09B – Cooling Performance
There are three settings for fan speed, providing the user with a variety of options for their particular space. The fan-only mode operates without cooling the air, circulating it comfortably as you sleep at night. Other features include humidify mode, which focuses specifically on removing an excess moisture from the air.
Unlike some of the other units we reviewed, the Friedrich P09B portable air conditioner does not offer a sleep mode, nor the oscillating louvers provided with other units.
Room Size (square feet) | 400 |
Power (BTU) | 9,300 |
Maximum Airflow (CFM) | 212 |
Moisture Removal | 5 |
Multiple Fan Speed | Yes |
Fan Mode | Yes |
Dehumidify or Dry Mode | Yes |
Oscillating Louvers | No |
Friedrich P09B – Efficiency & Certifications
The Friedrich P09B has an energy efficiency ratio (EER) of 9.4. This means that while the unit doesn’t top our list for energy efficiency, but it’s certainly superior to others. It will save you money if you plan to upgrade from an older model. This appliance costs about $85 to run per year, depending on the usage time of your unit.
Another great feature of the Friedrich P09B is its UL-listed mark, which means that it’s been independently tested and complies with industry-led safety specifications. However, it is not RoHS-compliant so we can’t guarantee the unit is free of potentially hazardous materials or substances.
Energy Efficiency Ratio | 9.4 |
Estimated Annual Energy Cost | $85.52 |
UL Listed | Yes |
RoHS Compliant | No |
Friedrich P09B – Convenience
Friedrich P09B units are not noisy, making them one of the best in room air conditioner choices. At the highest levels it emits noise levels similar to those of average conversation. Its 50dB rating makes this unit one of the quietest we have seen. This machine also has a remote control with LCD screen, which allows for easy management of the AC unit’s settings.
There is also a 24-hour timer on the Friedrich P09B, enabling setting of the unit to activate or switch off at selected times. The auto-evaporate setting allows for efficient removal of moisture from the atmosphere.
Remote Control | LCD Screen |
24-Hour Programmable Timer | Yes |
Auto Evaporative System | Yes |
Casters | Yes |
Auto Restart | Yes |
Sleep Mode | No |
Friedrich P09B – Design
This is not the lightest portable AC. It’s bigger, more bulky and poses a challenge if you want to move the appliance between floors.
The appliance includes a window kit and vent hose to extract hot air from the house. This kit can fit in window sills up to 46 inches wide, while the vent hose extends up to 5 feet.
Weight (pounds) | 71 |
Max Window Size (inches) | 46 |
Vent Hose Length (feet) | 5 |
Height (inches) | 33 1/2 |
Width (inches) | 19 1/2 |
Depth (inches) | 15 1/2 |
Friedrich P09B – Noise Level
The maximum operational noise level of the Friedrich P09B is a very respectable 50dB.
Friedrich P09B – Value For Money
While the asking price for this Friedrich’s unit was not available to us at the time of review, the machine is excellent purely on its own merits. Technically it’s a strong performer with good features, a decent operational noise level and superb cover and customer service.
Friedrich P09B – Help & Support
The Friedrich P09B has a one-year appliance guarantee and a five-year compressor warranty, the longest compressor warranty we identified. Friedrich offers excellent customer service and can be contacted by email or over the phone. However, they do not offer a live chat support online. It’s easy to download the user manual from the company website. The site also has an FAQ page with answers to the most typical questions that arise with these units.
Compressor Warranty | 5 Years |
1-Year Appliance Warranty | Yes |
Email & Phone | Yes |
Online Manual | Yes |
FAQs | Yes |
Live Chat | No |
Friedrich P09B – Best Portable Air Conditioner Summary
The Friedrich P09B will do a good job at cooling fairly large rooms. It will work well in terms of removing humidity from the air. It is not a lightweight portable air conditioner. Slightly large compared with other units, it’s also heavy, so portability even around the house is a challenge. When it comes to noise emission, these products are very quiet and won’t be a disturbing presence in your home.
6. Best Portable Air Conditioner Review – Sunpentown WA-8070E
Portable AC Unit | Brand & Model | Check Price |
Sunpentown WA-8070E | Check Price > |
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
The Sunpentown WA-8070E portable air conditioner is an ideal choice for smaller rooms. It's extremely energy efficient and environmentally friendly. | The retro appearance of the Sunpentown WA-8070E will not be to everyone's taste. Its bulk somewhat compromises its portability. |
VERDICT | |
The Sunpentown WA-8070E is most efficient for cooling small to medium spaces. It may be quite heavy and bulkier than other units, but its energy efficiency and low estimated running cost cannot be ignored. |
Heat rises. In hot summer months rooms at upper levels in year home can become very warm. Small portable air conditioners work well when you need to cool such small spaces. The Sunpentown WA-8070E portable air conditioner is a low power unit that produces up to 8,000 BTU. Because of this lower BTU, the Sunpentown WA-8070E is best for smaller sized rooms, of up to 350 square feet.
Sunpentown WA-8070E – Cooling Performance
The Sunpentown WA-8070E has an airflow rating of up to 185 CFM (cubic feet of airflow every minute).
Portable air conditioners such as the Sunpentown WA-8070E are ideal for cooling small rooms but also help create temperature balance on the different levels in your home. The Sunpentown WA-8070E can cool upstairs offices or bedrooms in the summer.
This model has cooling, dehumidifying and fan modes. The Sunpentown WA-8070E can remove 1.9 pints of water from the atmosphere, and recycle it to cool the unit’s coils. In fan mode, the Sunpentown WA-8070E is perfect for cooling spaces where circulation might be problematic.
Room Size (square feet) | 350 |
Power (BTU) | 8,000 |
Maximum Airflow (CFM) | 185 |
Moisture Removal | 1.9 |
Multiple Fan Speed | No |
Fan Mode | Yes |
Dehumidify or Dry Mode | Yes |
Oscillating Louvers | No |
Sunpentown WA-8070E – Efficiency and Certifications
This unit is extremely energy efficient, with a superior EER to many other units we reviewed, and an estimated annual running cost of $78. Industry standards dictate that units must score an EER of at least 8, so the Sunpentown WA-8070E is well above average. While it’s not RoHS compliant, the unit is environmentally friendly to the extent that its R410A refrigerant does not contain any ozone-damaging chemicals.
Energy Efficiency Ratio | 8.9 |
Estimated Annual Energy Cost | $77.82 |
UL Listed | Yes |
RoHS Compliant | No |
Sunpentown WA-8070E – Convenience
The unit’s control panel is well organized and easy to follow. There are indicator lights displaying the selected mode as well as well as timer, sleep and power button illumination. The supplied remote control makes it easy to adjust the settings. Whether via the remote or on the machine, it’s also easy to choose and control the fan or AC cycles and the programmable timer. This machine’s image is a little bit dated/retro, but it is more affordable than most portable AC units.
Remote Control | LCD Screen |
24-Hour Programmable Timer | Yes |
Auto Evaporative System | Yes |
Casters | Yes |
Auto Restart | Yes |
Sleep Mode | Yes |
Sunpentown WA-8070E – Design
The Sunpentown WA-8070E is well designed. It is made of tough, fire-resistant PVC plastic housing, which prevents it from cracking or overheating. In addition, its filters are washable. The Sunpentown WA-8070E isn’t so easy to move about the home, however. Despite its relatively small size, it weighs a pretty hefty 51 pounds.
Weight (pounds) | 51 |
Max Window Size (inches) | 40 1/2 |
Vent Hose Length (feet) | 1.92 |
Height (inches) | 29 1/2 |
Width (inches) | 13 3/4 |
Depth (inches) | 15 |
Sunpentown WA-8070E – Noise Level
As befits a unit with such a solid and robust construction, the noise levels of the Sunpentown WA-8070E are just below average, at 53.6dB.
Sunpentown WA-8070E – Value For Money
The low price point of the Sunpentown WA-8070E cannot be ignored. At just $318, this is among the best cheap portable air conditioner units available.. And while it is indeed basic compared to, say, the Frigidare units, it is more than adequate. It does not cost a fortune to run either, and if you need to keep smaller rooms and spaces in the home cool, you’ll be able to manage it very efficiently with this appliance.
Sunpentown WA-8070E – Help & Support
In terms of warranties – the Sunpentown WA-8070E has a one-year compressor an compliance warranty, which is not the best compressor warranty on offer. Customer support is available via email and phone, and there is a downloadable online manual to help you with any issues you may experience.
Compressor Warranty | 5 Years |
1-Year Appliance Warranty | Yes |
Email & Phone | Yes |
Online Manual | Yes |
FAQs | No |
Live Chat | No |
Sunpentown WA-8070E – Best Portable Air Conditioner Summary
The Sunpentown WA-8070E will cool smaller rooms in your home efficiently. It is a compact unit, but quite heavy compared with other units we reviewed. Its annual running cost is quite low. And with several helpful features such as the fan and dehumidification settings, the Sunpentown WA-8070E is worth considering.
7. Best Portable Air Conditioner Review – Honeywell MN10CESBB
Portable AC Unit | Brand & Model | Check Price |
Honeywell MN10CESBB | Check Price> |
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
A pretty strong performer from Honeywell, especially in humid climates, and in small room spaces. | A number of rather basic features are not included, including auto start and sleep mode. Its hose is also quite short, meaning that it must be placed close to a window. |
VERDICT | |
A good portable AC unit for a humid climate, which works well in modestly sized rooms. We did identify some design issues and noted that some basic features were lacking. |
Honeywell MN10CESBB – Cooling Performance
The Honeywell MN10CESBB is a 10,000 BTU portable air conditioner that will comfortably cool down a 450-square-foot room. While not the most powerful unit, it’s sufficient for the cooling of smaller spaces.
This Honeywell model has a fan with 3 adjustable speeds, allowing for the air to be circulated to a choice of speeds that will suit the requirements of a variety of environments. While the maximum airflow rating is 174 CFM is not particularly powerful, it’s sufficient to provide a markedly cooling effect within the first 30 minutes of its operation.
It’s a great humidifier, and removes moisture from the air even when the dehumidifier setting is not in use. On its cooling setting, the unit removes 68 pints of water from the air every day. When set to dehumidifier, the Honeywell MN10CESBB will remove even more moisture, mostly via the appliance’s window vent. It also has an auto-evaporation system that eliminates any concern you might have about emptying tanks or drip trays.
Room Size (square feet) | 450 |
Power (BTU) | 10,000 |
Maximum Airflow (CFM) | 174 |
Moisture Removal | 2.8 |
Multiple Fan Speed | No |
Fan Mode | Yes |
Dehumidify or Dry Mode | Yes |
Oscillating Louvers | No |
Honeywell MN10CESBB – Efficiency and Certifications
The Honeywell MN10CESBB costs about $90 per annum to operate, less than some of the units we reviewed.The model has an EER of 9.5, a bit lower than others but still ahead of the minimum rating by a significant degree. The Honeywell MN10CESBB has a UL seal, so it is meets or surpasses the necessary health and safety requirements.
Energy Efficiency Ratio | 9.5 |
Estimated Annual Energy Cost | $90.80 |
UL Listed | Yes |
RoHS Compliant | No |
Honeywell MN10CESBB – Convenience
Honeywell MN10CESBB portable air conditioners are very user friendly, whether you’re operating on the appliance itself or via the supplied remote control. However, the features are minimal in comparison with other units. There is no auto start or sleep mode, so the precise control of the unit is a little problematic. And the lack of auto restart means the unit will not resume operation if the power is cut whilst away from home. You will be returning to a warm house.
Remote Control | Buttons Only |
24-Hour Programmable Timer | Yes |
Auto Evaporative System | Yes |
Casters | Yes |
Auto Restart | No |
Sleep Mode | No |
Honeywell MN10CESBB – Design
You might want to think carefully before purchasing a Honeywell MN10CESBB. For instance, it must be positioned near a window to allow it function with its vent hose. While this is the case with most portable AC units, the problem here is that the Honeywell MN10CESBB has a shorter vent hose than most.
The Honeywell MN10CESBB comes in two colours and its louvers are foldable from the top of the machine. It looks modern but is slightly wider than other models, so it may take up slightly more space than one would initially expect.
Weight (pounds) | 63.9 |
Max Window Size (inches) | 47 1/4 |
Vent Hose Length (feet) | 3.94 |
Height (inches) | 29 1/3 |
Width (inches) | 18 1/9 |
Depth (inches) | 15 1/5 |
Honeywell MN10CESBB – Noise Level
When reading the best portable air conditioning reviews, what you’re looking for is an indication of quality. Some indicators are obvious—when the manufacturer is one of the most renowned air conditioning brands, you are looking for performance befitting the reputation. The noise level of this, as with all Honeywell machines, reflects this quality. It’s sleekly unobtrusive, operating at around 50dB.
Honeywell MN10CESBB – Value For Money
Available from £386, the Honeywell MN10CESBB portable air conditioner costs little more than $90 dollars per year to run. This is significantly less than the running costs of some of the larger units reviewed by our team. The mid-range investment also buys you a unit that meets all the industry requirements in terms of health and safety, with an official UL seal of approval.
Honeywell MN10CESBB – Help & Support
The unit offers a respectable four-year warranty on its compressor, as well as the standard one-year appliance warranty. Its manual available can be downloaded online for full guidance in setting up and installing your machine. The FAQ page on the website will answer any questions you may have about the unit. You may also contact the firm directly via email or phone if you need any further assistance.
Compressor Warranty | 4 Years |
1-Year Appliance Warranty | Yes |
Email & Phone | Yes |
Online Manual | Yes |
FAQs | No |
Live Chat | No |
Honeywell MN10CESBB – Best Portable Air Conditioner Summary
The Honeywell MN10CESBB is a respectable performer, although perhaps a little bulky for some tastes. It has decent warranty cover and a reasonable degree of support available, via email or phone. This is still one of the best portable air conditioner units available, but probably best used in small spaces.
8. Best Portable Air Conditioner – LG LP1415GXR
Photo | Name | Price |
LG Electronics LP1414GXR | Check Price > |
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
The sleek design and portability of this LG portable air conditioner is its strongest suit. It will fit in almost any space, discreetly, and is a powerful performer. | The appearance of the unit offset by shortcomings in the area of efficiency. It has most of the standard features but has a below average EER and a relatively high running cost. |
VERDICT | |
A powerful freestanding air conditioner with a great design that will fit well in narrow spaces. However, it isn’t the most energy efficient unit on the market. |
The LG LP1415GXR portable air conditioner is a powerful freestanding air conditioner with a great design that will fit well in narrow spaces. However, it isn’t the most energy efficient unit on the market.
LG LP1415GXR – Cooling Performance
The LG LP1415GXR portable air conditioner is designed to cool rooms of up to 7,000 square feet. At 14,000 BTU this is a powerful, high BTU portable air conditioner appliance with the highest maximum airflow of all the units we reviewed. But while it would eat up the competition in any 14 000 BTU portable air conditioner reviews, it won’t suit everyone. So please note, if you’re looking to cool a small room, the LG LP1415GXR will probably not be for you.
With its air flow of 270 CFM, the LG LP1415GXR has a three-speed fan to ensure comfort, and the lower speed setting will help to conserve energy and save money on your annual bill.
The LG LP1415GXR has a dehumidifier mode that removes removing 3.4 pints of water every hour. However, it has no auto-evaporation system, so its water tank will have to be checked and emptied regularly in areas with high humidity levels.
Room Size (square feet) | 700 |
Power (BTU) | 14,000 |
Maximum Airflow (CFM) | 270 |
Moisture Removal | 3.4 |
Multiple Fan Speed | Yes |
Fan Mode | Yes |
Dehumidify or Dry Mode | Yes |
Oscillating Louvers | Yes |
LG LP1415GXR – Efficiency and Certifications
In terms of energy efficiency, the LG LP1415GXR is below average with a 10.1 EER. Its 14,000 BTU power is very high, so it is a little more expensive to run than other models—an estimated $119 per annum. The LG LP1415GXR portable air conditioner has none of the specific industry portable air conditioners ratings we looked for, including ASHRAE, RoHS, ETL or UL, so this raises concerns in relation to potential lack of safety testing, or testing for hazardous materials or substances.
On the upside, this LG air conditioner comes with most of the standard features. The three-speed fan works best if you wish to conserve energy or to circulate air around your room. However, the unit does not offer the useful sleep mode for operation as you sleep during the night.
Energy Efficiency Ratio | 10.1 |
Estimated Annual Energy Cost | $119.33 |
UL Listed | No |
RoHS Compliant | No |
LG LP1415GXR – Convenience
This LG unit is slightly bulky, and so it’s not the best standing air conditioner by any means. Its vent panel works best for 18- to 50-inch windows, but the panel can be extended for larger windows with extra components. Most of the materials you need are included, but you’ll have to cut the seals to fit, and screw the window bracket in place if you don’t plan to move the unit. You’ll also have to ensure there is at least 20 inches around the unit, to allow sufficient space for proper venting.
Remote Control | LCD Screen |
24-Hour Programmable Timer | Yes |
Auto Evaporative System | No |
Casters | Yes |
Auto Restart | Yes |
Sleep Mode | No |
LG LP1415GXR – Design
This unit boasts a range of impressive features. It’s tall and slim enough to fit in most spaces, including studios. Oscillating louvers give the unit a contemporary feel, and also automatically distribute the air evenly throughout your room.
Weight (pounds) | 71.6 |
Max Window Size (inches) | 50 |
Vent Hose Length (feet) | 5 |
Height (inches) | 33 1/16 |
Width (inches) | 18/12 |
Depth (inches) | 13 |
LG LP1415GXR – Noise Level
Measured in the noise range of 55dB-58dB, this had a slightly louder noise level than most, although even at its loudest it was not excessively obtrusive.
LG LP1415GXR – Value For Money
With its price point of $499, the LG LP1415GXR should not be purchased for small spaces. It’s too powerful to be used on small spaces—a much less powerful unit will do. This has a beautifully tall and slim design, but it falls down in value for money terms—especially in this price bracket—for the lack of features such as sleep mode and auto-evaporation.
LG LP1415GXR – Help & Support
The unit is covered by a one-year warranty – not as good as other units we reviewed. While LG has a reliable reputation, we feel they could have been kinder with their warranty coverage. However, the company does not stint on customer service, which includes live chat, email and phone options. There is also a helpful FAQs section on the website and an online manual available for download.
Compressor Warranty | 1 Years |
1-Year Appliance Warranty | Yes |
Email & Phone | Yes |
Online Manual | Yes |
FAQs | Yes |
Live Chat | Yes |
LG LP1415GXR – Best Portable Air Conditioner Summary
This LG model is designed for larger rooms. It’s one of the most powerful units we reviewed. It functions well, and falls down only slightly due to its relatively poor energy efficiency rating. The tall, slim design was attractive and the oscillating louvers are a fantastic feature. The lack of a sleep mode or evaporation system, and of certification from safety authorities, raised concerns. However, overall this is a nicely designed and built unit, with a pretty powerful cooling and dehumidifying effect.
9. Best Portable Air Conditioner – NewAir AC-14100E
Photo | Name | Price |
NewAir AC-14100E | Check Price > |
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Versatility is the calling card of this portable air conditioner from New Air. Portable and lightweight but powerful, the AC-14100E can easily be converted to a window AC unit. | A generally excellent suite of features is negated by the absence of some basics, including oscillating louvers or auto restart. Also, the unit lacks a number of industry standards (UL, ASHRAE, RoHS or ETL) |
VERDICT | |
A versatile portable air conditioner, the NewAir AC-14100E is quite powerful and efficient for small to medium spaces, albeit with relatively high annual operating costs. Despite lacking a number of key features, it's an attractive overall AC package. |
If your home doesn’t have a strong AC unit then you know what Summer can bring. A NewAir AC-14100E portable air conditioner will cool and circulate air through your office, home or garage. It’s easy to transport and comes with a special window attachment that allows it to be converted to a window air conditioner.
NewAir AC-14100E – Cooling Performance
The NewAir AC-14100E has 14,000 BTU, powerful enough for quality airflow in rooms of up to 700 square feet. It’s a powerful machine with an airflow rating of 250 cubic feet of air per minute. Within a half-hour of activation, this unit will ensure a noticeable difference on temperature within 30 minutes of use.
With 3 fan speeds, the unit allows you to make the air as comfortably cool as you require, or to circulate air when room temperature is already comfortable.
The NewAir AC-14100E remove up to 2.9 pints of moisture from the air every hour when cooling, and an incredible daily rate of 71 pints when in dehumidifier mode.
The sleep mode allows for raising room temperature during the night to ensure comfort whilst sleeping. There is also a window attachment, allowing you to convert the machine and make it worthy of inclusion in the best portable window air conditioner reviews!
Room Size (square feet) | 700 |
Power (BTU) | 14,000 |
Maximum Airflow (CFM) | 250 |
Moisture Removal | 2.9 |
Multiple Fan Speed | Yes |
Fan Mode | Yes |
Dehumidify or Dry Mode | Yes |
Oscillating Louvers | No |
NewAir AC-14100E – Efficiency and Certifications
The NewAir AC-14100E has an EER of 9.88, which is better than average but does not topping our ‘most efficient’ list. It costs approximately $122 to operate per annum, based on running time of eight hours per day for 90 days.
Energy Efficiency Ratio | 9.88 |
Estimated Annual Energy Cost | $122.53 |
UL Listed | No |
RoHS Compliant | No |
NewAir AC-14100E – Convenience
Remote Control | LCD Screen |
24-Hour Programmable Timer | Yes |
Auto Evaporative System | Yes |
Casters | Yes |
Auto Restart | No |
Sleep Mode | Yes |
NewAir AC-14100E – Design
Many of the design specs are excellent but, like many, the unit suffers for a want of some features, including oscillating louvers or auto restart. Manual adjustment of louvers is necessary for changing direction of airflow. And if you experience a power outage when you are not home, the NewAir AC-14100E will not kick back into action. In that event, you will likely return home to stiflingly hot temperatures.
The NewAir AC-14100E also lacks certain industry certification (UL, ASHRAE, RoHS or ETL) that would verify the unit’s safety, and the absence of hazardous materials in its construction.
Weight (pounds) | 61.9 |
Max Window Size (inches) | 59 |
Vent Hose Length (feet) | 4.92 |
Height (inches) | 31 1/8 |
Width (inches) | 16 |
Depth (inches) | 16 1/2 |
NewAir AC-14100E – Noise Level
This is among the loudest units we reviewed with an average operational noise level of 57dB. It won’t cause too much hassle, but when compared to other units reviewed for this post, it is noticeably louder.
NewAir AC-14100E – Value For Money
One of the more expensive air conditioner units reviewed by our team, the asking price of $410 does constitute great value for money. It’s not the largest portable air conditioner, but it delivers an amazing 14,000 BTUs of cooling power. This machine can efficiently and swiftly cool down areas of up to 525 square feet.
NewAir AC-14100E – Help & Support
The NewAir AC-14100E’s one-year compressor warranty is below average. However, the company offers decent customer service. if you have any issues or need an answer to a specific question, representatives can be contacted either via email or by phone. The company website has a dedicated FAQ page and an easily downloadable online manual for assistance and reference.
Compressor Warranty | 1 Years |
1-Year Appliance Warranty | Yes |
Email & Phone | Yes |
Online Manual | Yes |
FAQs | Yes |
Live Chat | No |
NewAir AC-14100E – Best Portable Air Conditioner Summary
The NewAir AC-14100E is a powerful 14,000 BTU portable AC that can cool reasonably large spaces very quickly. It is a pretty versatile machine with a variety of usage modes based on time of day or differing circumstances. If you want to use it simply as a fan it will effectively flush the room of stale air. While annual operating costs are higher than average, it has decent energy efficiency. It is missing a few notable features, such as restart capability, but overall it has a nice feature package.
10. Best Portable Air Conditioner: Amico AP11000 – Quietest Portable AC
Portable AC Unit | Brand & Model | Check Price |
Amico AP11000 | Check Price > |
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
The Amico AP11000 works surprisingly well in larger spaces. It is a powerful performer, and cools spaces extremely quickly when running at full power. It also has an EER well above the industry standard has relatively modest running costs. | While it is a strong and efficient performer, the However, the Amico AP11000 is not rated by industry standards such as ASHRAE, RoHS or ETL, which raises some small concerns in relation to certain health and safety issues. |
VERDICT | |
The Amico AP11000 is relatively inexpensive to run, and a quiet unit while operational. It’s also extremely robust and low-maintenance. There are some attractive special features such as auto-evaporation. However, the lack of some health & safety standard certification does give rise to some concern. |
Summer months, particularly in warm climates, can be a challenge. The presence of a portable air conditioner in your home can be extremely welcome. The Amico AP11000 works well in relatively large spaces. The unit has 11,000 BTU, and at full power has an airflow rating of 235 cubic feet every minute. Such a rating ensures that the user feels the benefits quickly.
Amico AP11000 – Cooling Performance
The Amico AP11000 has adjustable fan speeds which help you save on energy bills, and to quickly freshen up stale air in your living space. It has a powerful enough fan mode to make a huge impact on environmental conditions. However, it offers only two speeds—high and low—while others we reviewed offered at least three.
This Amico unit very effectively removes clammy moisture. Even when not operating in dehumidify mode, it will extract up to 2.5 pints every hour and 61 pints per day. It also has an auto evaporation function that absorbs any moisture not extracted via the window vent.
Room Size (square feet) | 50 |
Power (BTU) | 11,000 |
Maximum Airflow (CFM) | 235 |
Moisture Removal | 2.5 |
Multiple Fan Speed | No |
Fan Mode | Yes |
Dehumidify or Dry Mode | Yes |
Oscillating Louvers | No |
Amico AP11000 – Efficiency and Certifications
The Amico AP11000 has an EER of 10.2, well above the industry standard EER of 8. It costs approximately $93 per year to operate, better than many other models on our list. However, it is not rated by industry standards such as ASHRAE, RoHS or ETL, which may raise concern in relation to certain health and safety issues.
Energy Efficiency Ratio | 9.88 |
Estimated Annual Energy Cost | $122.53 |
UL Listed | No |
RoHS Compliant | No |
Amico AP11000 – Convenience
This machine cools large spaces effectively, and the inclusion of a wire remote control is welcome. There is also a programmable timer, so it can operate if you’re out of the home, or asleep. However, the lack of an auto restart function means the unit will not reactivate if there is a power outage in the home. Nor will it self-adjust for the apt comfort level as you sleep.
Remote Control | Buttons Only |
24-Hour Programmable Timer | Yes |
Auto Evaporative System | Yes |
Casters | Yes |
Auto Restart | No |
Sleep Mode | No |
Amico AP11000 – Design
Weight (pounds) | 55 |
Max Window Size (inches) | 51 1/5 |
Vent Hose Length (feet) | 5.9 |
Height (inches) | 31 1/3 |
Width (inches) | 17 |
Depth (inches) | 13 |
Amico AP11000 – Noise Level
If a low operational noise level is important to you, make sure to check this unit, because it is the quietest model in our best portable air conditioner round-up, emitting just 48dB.
Amico AP11000 – Value For Money
At around $380, this is a quiet, efficient air conditioner that will conveniently keep your home cool without running up hefty service bills. It’s a low-maintenance appliance too. However, some might be concerned at the lack of safety certification.
Amico AP11000 – Help & Support
This Amico model has both a one-year compressor and appliance warranty. This meets basic standards but it’s not the best term warranty compared with other models we reviewed. The company offers excellent customer support via phone or email and an online manual will answer any questions you may have.
Compressor Warranty | 1 Years |
1-Year Appliance Warranty | Yes |
Email & Phone | Yes |
Online Manual | No |
FAQs | Yes |
Live Chat | No |
Amico AP11000 – Best Portable Air Conditioner Summary
The Amico AP11000 will save you money on energy bills. It operates quietly and won’t cause you trouble in terms of maintenance. The auto evaporation feature will come in handy particularly in damp, stuffy climates. The EER means it will not cost a fortune to operate during the year. However, we must raise at least some concern with regard to the lack of health and safety standard certification.
Are These Best Portable Air Conditioner Units Right for You?
There’s no sign of a cool breeze. The air is thick with incessant heat. The kids are fed up and you constantly feel the need to change your shirt. The misery looks set to continue for days and it’s been like this every summer you can remember. What’s the solution?
Of course, there are options. You could turn to the old favorites, but there are problems. Tower fans provide a breeze but do nothing to cool your space. Window air conditioners might solve the problem but won’t provide a multi-room solution. Suffering through a long summer is no-one’s idea of a solution, so we recommend selecting one of the best portable air conditioner units.
The best portable air conditioner units in this review are suitable for homes, offices and other spaces. They are effective, cool better than ceiling fans and, most importantly, are portable. Whatever space you need to use, any of the best portable air conditioner units highlighted here can come with you.
Portable air conditioners won’t break the bank. Unlike central air conditioners, the best portable air conditioner units are affordable as well as effective. They take the hot, sweaty sting out of summer, allowing you and your family to enjoy rather than endure the summer months.
Making the right choice of portable air conditioner can be difficult. There are so many different products available, so it is not easy to find the unit that you need. Therefore, we have done the groundwork for you. We have tested, tried and evaluated, and the results are here to help you decide.
Buyers Guide – How to Choose the Best Portable Air Conditioner
We identified five key criteria that we believe will guide you to choose the portable air conditioner that will be the best match for your lifestyle:
BEST PORTABLE AIR CONDITIONER - Key Purchasing Criteria | FURTHER INFORMATION |
---|---|
• Cooling Performance | Read More > |
• Efficiency & Safety | Read More > |
• Convenience | Read More > |
• Design | Read More > |
• Noise Level | Read More > |
• Value for Money | Read More > |
You might identify one or more of these as the most important factors to you to you. Does your space become uncomfortable in the blink of an eye? Do you need to get that cooling effect as quickly as possible? If so, you might want to focus on Cooling Performance. Do you need to easily move from room to room without fuss? If so, then maybe Design is what you should focus on. No two of the best portable air conditioner units in this review are identical. Each appliance has its own particular standout qualities. You need to understand what aspects of these best portable air conditioner units will work best for you and choose the product that will do the job.
Best Portable Air Conditioner Review – What We Evaluated
After investigating a wide range of AC products, we identified our top 10 portable air conditioner units. We gave these product our full laboratory tests. We checked the units against their specifications. And we then evaluated, based on our own test criteria to came up with the results below. Here is just some of what we looked for:
AC Review Criteria – i – Cooling Performance
Simply put – does this cool your space effectively? When choosing a portable air conditioner, we sometimes forget to consider the one basic requirement: to cool a room. Therefore, we used the cooling performance of the products as one of our key criteria.
Obviously, if this factor is not so important to you, look at other criteria such as design, portability or efficiency.
When tabulating our scores for cooling performance, we focussed on product specification. We checked if each unit could cool a room of the size that it was designed to cool. Also, we checked the level of power required to carry out these tasks.
Additionally, we investigated if there were an additional features that would assist the cooling process. Did the product boast fan modes or features such as moisture removal?
In the cooling performance category we identified the Frigidaire Gray 14000 BTU as the stand out product. Across the performance-related criteria we identified this product worked best.
The higher a performance rating of a portable air conditioner, the better, if cooling speed is most important to you.
AC Review Criteria – ii – Efficiency & Safety Certifications
Some customers identify price and product safety as major factors when they are choosing a portable air conditioner. If you need a safe, cost-effective product, we have identified four things to take into account.
Product efficiency basically means how much it should cost to run the portable air conditioner. We took a look at each product’s efficiency ratio and its estimated annual running cost. While efficiency ratios are a useful guide, we went a step further by calculating the annual estimated running cost. These figures will help if efficiency is your preferred criteria.
We also looked at two distinct safety certifications – RoHS compliance and UL listing. An RoHS compliance certification will tell you that your portable air conditioner isn’t producing any materials deemed hazardous. The UL certification clearly tells you that the product is meeting any standards of safety identified by the industry.
So to find the safest, most cost-effective portable air conditioner, focus on efficiency and certification criteria..
AC Review Criteria – iii – Convenience
We all will use products differently. Convenience is often a key decision-making factor. Some might want to ensure a product isn’t going to keep you up at night. If quietness of performance is important to you, then this category tells you most of what you need to know. Ratings under the convenience heading are likely to be decisive depending on how specific your requirements are.
The portable air conditioner units we assessed include such core features as 24-hour timers, portability wheels, and remote controls.
A higher convenience rating often indicates extra features that make the unit stand apart. Extras can include sleep timers that control room temperature even while you sleep. And an auto-restart usefully turns the unit back on in the event of a power cut. Stand out extra features such as these are likely to be important when you make your choice.
In terms of noise, most the machines we tested were pretty similar, all within 8dB of each other. Our favourite unit, the Frigidaire Gray 14000 BTU, was second on our noise ratings list (55db). Our runner up, the Haier, was actually a little quieter at 49 dB. Do take note of a dB levels of a machine. Knowledge of these levels will help you make the most educated decision.
If you need a portable air conditioner that’s quiet and easy to use, then carefully consider the convenience criteria scores.
AC Review Criteria – iv – Design
The design of a portable air conditioner is important, especially if the unit is used frequently throughout your house.
If your domestic lifestyle is mobile from room to room, then look for a lightweight unit. You are looking for portability and ease of manoeuvring. The various products we looked at weigh and average of 63 pounds. You might want to go with the lightest.
If space is an issue in your home, consider a portable air conditioner unit with a long exhaust hose. These units will expel hot air through your windows. Longer exhaust hoses also give you greater scope for positioning of the unit. For this reason, an exhaust hose of 5 feet or longer is worth considering.
Do you need a unit that’s portable and blends well with your spaces? Keep an eye on the design category.
AC Review Criteria – v – Noise Level
For some customers, noise levels are the decisive factor in purchasing a new air conditioner. Some people may be seeking a completely silent portable air conditioner, or as close to it as possible. This will most likely be the case if you’re using the machine for domestic reasons and want to minimise the nuisance factor presented by noise.
AC Review Criteria – vi – Value for Money
Value for money is important when purchasing a portable air conditioner. There is an array of portable air conditioners available that are affordable and which are graced with myriad attractive features and facilities. There is no doubt that the best ACs are relatively expensive. The Frigidaire Gallery FGPC1244T1 may indeed be one of our ‘rave’ units, but it’s also one of the most expensive here. But if this is beyond your budget, don’t lose heart, there is a myriad of more affordable appliances that do not sacrifice their cooling power and efficiency, more their range of features. And in some cases, these are features you could possibly do without?
How Customers Rate the Best Portable AC Units
We undertook unofficial best portable air conditioner consumer reports, based on our readings of customer activity on Amazon. This table charts how consumer rate the units that we rated as the best portable air conditioner appliances. The table takes account of the number of customers who submitted reviews for the products, and the average star rating awarded in each case. With these best portable air conditioners consumer reports we attempt to show you how typical shoppers rate the units.
Portable AC Unit | Brand & Model | Amazon Customer Reviews | Average Rating (/5) | Check Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
Whynter Arc-14S | 1,530 | Check Price > | ||
Frigidaire Gray 14,000 BTU | 23 | Check Price > | ||
Honeywell MN10CESBB | 2,116 | Check Price > | ||
Sunpentown WA-8070E | 512 | Check Price > | ||
Frigidaire Gallery FGPC1244T1 | 35 | Check Price > | ||
LG Electronics LP0817WSR | 464 | Check Price > | ||
Whynter Arc 12S | 440 | Check Price > | ||
Friedrich PH14B | 173 | Check Price > | ||
Friedrich P09B | 173 | Check Price > | ||
LG Electronics LP1414GXR | 98 | Check Price > | ||
Haier HPC12XCR | 196 | Check Price > | ||
NewAir AC-14100E | 107 | Check Price > | ||
Amico AP11000 | 19 | Check Price > |
Portable AC Unit | Brand & Model | Amazon Customer Reviews | Average Rating (/5) | Check Price |
<strong>Whynter Arc-14S</strong> | <strong>1,530</strong> | 3.8 | Check Price > | |
<strong>Frigidaire Gray 14,000 BTU</strong> | <strong>23</strong> | 3.8 | Check Price > | |
<strong>Honeywell MN10CESBB</strong> | <strong>2,116</strong> | 3.7 | Check Price > | |
<strong>Sunpentown WA-8070E</strong> | <strong>512</strong> | 3.7 | Check Price > | |
<strong>Frigidaire Gallery FGPC1244T1</strong> | <strong>35</strong> | 3.7 | Check Price > | |
<strong>LG Electronics LP0817WSR</strong> | <strong>464</strong> | 3.6 | Check Price > | |
<strong>Whynter Arc 12S</strong> | <strong>440</strong> | 3.6 | Check Price > | |
<strong>Friedrich PH14B</strong> | <strong>173</strong> | 3.6 | Check Price > | |
<strong>Friedrich P09B</strong> | <strong>173</strong> | 3.6 | Check Price > | |
<strong>LG Electronics LP1414GXR</strong> | <strong>98</strong> | 3.5 | Check Price > | |
<strong>Haier HPC12XCR</strong> | <strong>196</strong> | 3.4 | Check Price > | |
<strong>NewAir AC-14100E</strong> | <strong>107</strong> | 3 | Check Price > | |
<strong>Amico AP11000</strong> | <strong>19</strong> | 3 | Check Price > |
Portable AirCon Review – Final Thoughts
Whatever your choice, a quality portable air conditioner will make a difference to your life. All of the best portable air conditioner units offer cooling features that will make life comfortable. The best portable air conditioner systems are cost-efficient: they will not break the bank. They may differ, but hopefully this guide will help you find something that suits your requirements.