Best Portable Air Conditioner featured

Best Portable Air Conditioner Reviews UK 2023 – Which Is the Coolest Choice?

Last Updated on January 10, 2023

Our Favourites

Editor’s Choice: Inventor Magic 12.000BTU
Luxury Choice: De Longhi PACEX100 Pinguino
Power-Saver Option: Pro Breeze PB-AC04-UK

There are so many things to love about summer. BBQs with friends, days at the beach and balmy evenings to name a few. But what about all those hot days indoors? A hot stuffy room is no fun for anyone, especially if you’re trying to get work done. Luckily, using the best portable air conditioner in the UK is a great way to make your life more comfortable, fast.

Portable air conditioners offer a simple and convenient alternative to traditional installed ones. They can be simply wheeled into the room and plugged into the mains near a window – immediately working to bring you welcome relief from the heat.

However, if you’re on the hunt for the best portable air conditioner on the market, you may be feeling overwhelmed by the choice of models available. Don’t worry, we’re here to help!

In this article, we have rounded up 10 of our favourite portable air conditioner reviews, so you can start to enjoy summer again!

How We Compared Portable Air Conditioners

portable air conditioners collage

To find the right portable air conditioners we considered multiple factors including:

  • Dimensions
  • Energy class
  • Capabilities
  • Noise Level

Our team planned comparison points and specifically looked for products that would cater to all kinds of needs. We spent countless hours researching, consulting customer reviews and comparing features to come up with this list.

To find out more about our process please see here.

Best Portable Air Conditioner Reviews – Top 10 Picks

1. Inventor Magic 12.000BTU (Editor’s Choice)

inventor-magicThis portable air conditioner from Inventor Magic is an excellent option for year-round use. Boasting five functions in one compact unit, this versatile model has everything you need to feel comfortable in any weather.

Capable of effectively cooling, heating, and reducing humidity, the Inventor Magic can do the work of multiple appliances. The built-in thermostat enables you to set your desired temperature. You can select “Auto” mode for carefree climate control or you can opt for the simple 3-speed “Fan” function to improve air circulation. There’s even a convenient 24-hour timer, so you can set the unit to switch on when desired.

Ideal for home or office, this portable AC unit can be used in a static position or oscillating for maximum cooling. Additionally, the device comes with a wireless remote control. Thus, you can adjust the settings without having to get up from your seat. The remote has a useful LED display, which is quite handy if the heat wakes you up during the night.

Boasting an Energy Class “A” rating, this model won’t rack up your household bills. The accompanying exhaust hose is expandable to fit standard-sized vertical or horizontal sliders. However, some users have complained the hose is shorter than they would like. It also comes with a window kit for universal compatibility.

Overall, this portable AC unit is a fantastic option for muggy summer days or chilly winter evenings, but it does have a couple of drawbacks. It’s rather noisy, which, if you’re a light sleeper, may make it difficult to use overnight. Moreover, while the omnidirectional casters certainly help, this model is a bit heavy. Hence, elderly or frail individuals may struggle to move it around the home.

Pros:

  • Offers 5 functions in 1 unit
  • 24-hour timer
  • Wireless remote with LED display
  • Energy Class “A” rated

Cons:

  • Noisy
  • Hose outlet is short
  • Heavy to move around

2. De Longhi PACEX100 Pinguino (Luxury Choice)

de-longhi-pac-ex100-pinguinoThe De’Longhi PACEX100 Pinguino Silent Air Conditioner is a cutting edge portable air conditioner that uses ‘Real Feel technology’ to ensure your room reaches optimal comfort conditions using a combination of dehumidifying and cooling. You can leave it to do its work and once it’s reached perfect conditions it will maintain them.

This model is a good choice for you if you’re looking for a hassle-free, easy to use installation that can do the work on its own to optimise your comfort. As you can leave the unit to maintain the ideal conditions, it doesn’t have a timer function. Although, it is good to note that it is rated A++ for energy efficiency, which makes it the only portable air conditioner in our selection to achieve this standard.

This stylish looking unit has an integrated remote holder so you don’t have to worry about losing it down the back of the sofa. It also includes an integral bio-silver air filter to remove allergens and pollutants, making it a great choice if you’re an allergy sufferer, just be sure to seal your window too. While this product is marketed as silent, it is still quite noisy which is to be expected with a portable AC.

This is a great purchase that is easy to use, looks great in any room and will purify your air. But a word of warning – it will, however, still be pretty noisy to run even if it is said to be one of the quieter options on our list. Note that if you purchase it, you may need to buy an additional exhaust hose as the included hose is rather short and severely limits where you can place the unit.

Pros:

  • Top rated for energy efficiency – A++
  • Integral bio-silver air filter to remove pollutants and allergens
  • Stylish looking
  • Integrated remote
  • Real feel technology – combines dehumidifier with cooling to create optimal comfortable conditions

Cons:

  • No timer
  • Noisier than expected
  • Short exhaust hose – limits placement options

3. Pro Breeze PB-AC04-UK (Power Saver Option)

Pro Breeze 4 in 1The Pro Breeze PB-AC04-UK is a great option for anyone looking to cool small to medium-sized rooms. It has a 4-in-1 design featuring a fan, a dehumidifier, cooling with an auto function, and a sleep mode.

This air conditioner by Pro Breeze has a 9000 BTU cooling capacity and automatic oscillation for powerful cooling capability. It features an LED display with easy to use controls, a 24-hour timer, and also a remote control so you can change settings from across the room.

This portable air conditioning unit has an energy class rating of A, which is quite energy efficient for this type of unit. It conveniently comes with two window kits included so it can easily fit both hinged and sliding window openings, no problem.

If you are seriously considering this device just keep in mind that it is not ideal for larger rooms, some people find it is a bit noisy for sleeping, and the shorter hose may not reach higher windows.

Pros:

  • Cooling, fan, dehumidifier, and sleep modes
  • Energy-efficient design
  • Two window installation kits included

Cons:

  • May not be ideal for larger rooms
  • The shorter hose may not reach a higher window

4. Inventor Chilly 9000 BTU (Eco-Friendly Choice)

Inventor Chilly 9000 BTUThe Inventor Chilly 9000 BTU portable air conditioner proudly boasts an environmentally friendly and conscious design that is highly versatile and of course, functional. This unit is great for use all year round and features advanced controls that make it a wonderful choice for most spaces that are up to 20 metres squared in size.

If you want a multipurpose portable air conditioner, the Chilly could be for you. It features a dry mode for use during wetter winter months, a fan for circulating air in spring and fall months, and a cool mode for summer months. It also has a sleep mode and a self-diagnostic mode for optimal control.

This portable air conditioner uses a refrigerant that is ozone-safe and has a Class A energy rating. Overall, this device has almost no negative impact on the environment. It comes with a remote control that has an LED digital display and features durable castor wheels and an expandable exhaust hose so you can fit it to a window.

This portable air conditioning unit may be versatile and environmentally friendly; however, it might be a bit noisier than some people had hoped. Also, the two AAA batteries needed for the remote control and the window kit pictured with the product do not come included with your purchase.

Pros:

  • Environmentally friendly design
  • Good for use all year
  • Remote control with LED display
  • Durable castors
  • Sleep mode

Cons:

  • Can be a bit noisy
  • Batteries for the remote may not be included
  • The window kit pictured is sold separately

5. Black + Decker 3-in-1 BXAC40008GB (Best Multi-Purpose)

The Black + Decker 3-in-1 BXAC40008GB is another fantastic option on our list that you can use to cool small to medium-sized spaces. Its 3-in-1 design has an air conditioner, dehumidifier, and cooling fan mode.

This portable air conditioner has 12,000 BTU for cooling spaces up to 30 metres squared in size. It also includes three fan speeds and a 24-hour timer function. You can easily manipulate the controls using the large LED display on the unit or the remote control that comes with your purchase.

Each Black + Decker 3-in-1 portable air conditioner comes equipped with overheat protection as well as a Sleep Mode to help you conserve energy overnight. These units are easy to use and install. They sit atop caster wheels to be rolled from one place to the next hassle-free. They come with a window kit adapter and a 1.5-metre exhaust pipe, too.

Regretfully the exhaust pipe included may be too short for some windows, so you may need to purchase a longer one, especially if you have higher windows, and it might occasionally leak a small amount of water. In addition, while it claims to be virtually silent on the lowest fan speed, we found it can be quite noisy overall.

Pros:

  • Air filtration system
  • Air conditioner, cooling fan, and dehumidifier
  • LED display plus a remote control
  • 24-hour timer function
  • Energy-efficient Sleep Mode

Cons:

  • May not be the quietest option
  • May come with shorter exhaust pipe
  • Could occasionally leak a small amount

6. Pro Breeze LFJ-005 (Best with 10L Tank)

Pro Breeze 10LPro Breeze is on our list again with their LFJ-005 portable air conditioning unit. It is a great choice for anyone seeking to cool a medium-sized room and has four operation modes which include cooling, fan only, natural wind, and an energy-saving night mode.

The Pro Breeze LFJ-005 portable air conditioner features innovative honeycomb cooling technology which is able to produce cooler air in less time when compared to other similar devices. It also comes with two ice packs and has three-speed settings, automatic oscillation, and a 7.5-hour timer so you can set it and go to sleep or leave the area without any concerns.

An LED control panel, caster wheels, and remote control make this air conditioner easy to use and highly portable. Its large 10-litre water tank has an automatic shutoff function and it is available in a smaller 5-litre size as well.

Keep in mind, this Pro Breeze unit is not ideal for larger sized rooms and it does not feature the quietest operation so light sleepers may find it disruptive.

Pros:

  • Innovative cooling tech
  • 4 operation modes
  • Remote control operation
  • Large 10L water tank
  • Caster wheels for easy manoeuvrability

Cons:

  • May not be the quietest
  • May not be ideal for larger rooms

7. Pro Breeze 5L Cooler (Best Value)

pro-breeze-5lIf you’re looking for a simple, portable air conditioner to keep you comfortable in hot weather, then this model by Pro Breeze could be your perfect match.

Offering four different modes, this air conditioner uses advanced technology to maximise cooling efficiency, while still being economical to run. Warm air is passed over a honeycomb waterfall system of ice-cold water, before being blown back out into the room. By eliminating the need for refrigerants, this unit provides a cheaper and more environment-friendly alternative to traditional AC units.

Settings are easy to monitor and adjust, thanks to the clear LED display and wireless remote control. If you’d prefer to tweak the settings once and leave the unit to run, this is easy to achieve by using the 7-hour timer. A special ‘night-time mode’ claims to reduce noise levels while you sleep, but some users have complained that this is still too loud.

This unit comes complete with two reusable cooling packs and a large 5L water tank. Although you’re unlikely to change the water frequently, it’s worth noting that the tank can be a little awkward to remove and replace when the time comes. Also, the instructions are quite poor, so you may struggle to get the hang of it at first.

Nevertheless, this portable AC unit makes a highly effective, eco-friendly, and economical solution to uncomfortable temperatures at home and in the office.

Pros:

  • Choice of 4 cooling modes
  • Clear LED display
  • Wireless remote control
  • 7-hour timer
  • Comes with 2 reusable cooling packs

Cons:

  • Poor instructions
  • Night mode is still quite noisy
  • Water tank is awkward to remove

8. De’Longhi PAC N82 (Best for Large Rooms)

delonghi-pac-n82The De’Longhi PAC N82 portable air conditioner is capable of quickly cooling down large rooms of up to 80 cubic metres, thanks to its powerful 9,400 BTU per hour cooling capacity. It uses a natural, non-toxic refrigerant gas and is highly energy-efficient, making it an affordable, environment-friendly option.

Not only is this portable AC unit capable of rapidly cooling down your room, but it can also be used as a dehumidifier and a three-speed fan – making it perfect for all seasons. Thanks to its electronic timer, you can set it to run for a certain amount of time to ensure that your room is sufficiently cool before bedtime. It also features a thermostat, so you can program it to cycle on and off automatically to keep your room at your desired temperature.

This mobile AC unit is easy to set up and operate, thanks to its wide LED control panel. It also comes with remote control for your convenience. However, like most portable air conditioning units, this model is fairly noisy, so you may not want to have it running overnight.

While it comes with castor wheels for easy movement from one room to another, it is pretty heavy, so you may find it a bit tricky to carry up and down the stairs. Furthermore, if you’re using it with a window seal, bear in mind that the exhaust hose is very short, so unless you attach an extension, you will need a window near the floor.

Pros:

  • 9,400 BTU/h cooling capacity
  • Dehumidifier and three-speed fan functions
  • Electronic timer and thermostat
  • LED control panel
  • Remote control

Cons:

  • Can be quite noisy when used overnight
  • May be too heavy to lift
  • Exhaust hose may be too short for some

9. GHONLZIN NexFan Mini (Best for Office Use)

GHONLZIN NexFan MiniThe GHONLZIN NexFan Mini air conditioning unit has a highly portable design that is great for personal use on a desk or next to your bed while you sleep. It has a cooling fan mode as well as a humidifier mode.

The NexFan Mini features three fan speeds with a 90-degree adjustment range on the fan leaves so you can cater the wind production and direction to your preference and specific location with ease. Its 500ml water tank is completely leakproof and for its size, it produces very little noise.

The Mini air conditioner is USB powered and has an LED mood light with seven different colours. We really like that it is easily disassembled for cleaning purposes and you can add essential or fragrance oils for aromatherapy purposes without damaging it internally. It also has a detachable cotton filter to help purify your breathing air.

Cons for this portable air conditioner include it only being good for personal use, having a lower cooling effect overall, and several reports of it having lower durability than consumers expected.

Pros:

  • Highly portable
  • Detachable cotton filter
  • Easy to clean and maintain
  • Colour changing mood light
  • Quiet operation

Cons:

  • May only be suitable for personal use
  • May have a lower cooling effect

10. TKLake Portable (Best Night Mode)

TKLake PortableThe TKLake is another fantastic option on our best air conditioner list with 4-in-1 operation settings including a fan, a humidifier, cooling, and an air purifier. It is highly recommended for desktop use or as a portable device.

This small but powerful air conditioner device features a 380ml water tank to provide you with six hours of consistent cooling ability. This model was newly upgraded and it now produces less noise and is completely leakproof, unlike previous versions. It facilitates three-speed settings and two modes.

This product is easy to use thanks to its basic push-button controls and the USB power source. The top of the TKLake Portable air conditioner features a large carry handle for easy transport from room to room. It even has seven variable LED night light colours to facilitate a gentle mood lighting option.

Be aware, this portable air conditioner is only good for personal use due to its compact size. This also results in a lower cooling effect overall when compared to other larger devices.

Pros:

  • Six hours of cooling
  • High portability
  • Compact size good for desktop use
  • USB charging
  • Built-in 7 coloured night light

Cons:

  • May only be suitable for personal use
  • May have a lower cooling effect

How Do Portable Air Conditioners Work?

Enjoying the cool air of the new devicePortable ACs are great appliances to have especially during really hot days. It works in the same basic manner as installed air conditioners, using refrigeration gases to cool warm air and eject heat.

When manually switched on, or when the ambient temperature reaches the thermostats’ trigger point, the portable air conditioner will begin to suck the air in through an air inlet grille, usually through a filter.

Once the warm air is inside, it is circulated around a refrigerated coil. This cools the air by absorbing the heat present, turning it into a vapour. This heat is then forced through a compressor and condenser, which turns the vapour back into heat and water.

The heat is blown outside, while the water is usually collected in a drip tray. This cycle continues until the room temperature has reached a comfortable level.

Benefits of Using a Portable Air Conditioner

In this section, we take a look a some of the key benefits of using a portable AC in your home or office.

1. Saves Space

a-mobile-air-cooler-in-the-living-roomA cheap portable air conditioner offers a great solution if you live in a small flat, or spend all day in a cramped office. Because they are so compact and portable, these air conditioners can easily fit into those rooms that cannot accommodate big bulky appliances.

This is also especially true if you have limited windows which you wouldn’t want to give up in exchange for an installed AC system. Portable air conditioners allow you to retain the vast majority of your window space, whilst still efficiently cooling the area.

2. Convenient

One of the greatest things about portable appliances is their convenience. You can use them wherever you need. air conditioners are no different as they are easy to use in the office during a particularly hot spell and then take them home with you at the end of the day.

Portable air conditioners can also be used to keep you comfortable when you go away on holiday. Due to their small size and manoeuvrability, portable air conditioners make a great choice for use in campervans, tents and holiday apartments. Many models also have wheeled bases, so you can easily push them around to wherever some cooling air is needed.

3. No Installation

In contrast to central AC systems, portable air conditioners don’t require any installation to get them set up. All you need to do is plug them in, connect the exhaust to a window and you’re done! Thus saving you lots of time and unwanted hassle on a hot day.

4. Multifunctional

Many portable air conditioners will double as dehumidifiers, enabling you to cool the air and reduce relative moisture. High humidity can feel uncomfortably oppressive and is particularly unpleasant if you suffer from asthma, hay fever and other allergies.

In this regard, portable air conditioners act as two appliances in one, saving you both money and space. Some of the best home air conditioners offer heating and fan capabilities too, so they can be used all year round.

Conclusion

All of the above portable air conditioners would make great choices to help cool hot air on a stuffy day. But if we had to pick our overall favourite, it would be the Inventor Magic 12.000BTU.

Offering a five-in-one functionality, this air conditioning unit is capable of easily cooling or heating small to medium-sized rooms. You can even effortlessly move it from one room to another as required, thanks to its compact built and large easy glide castors.

As if that wasn’t enough, you won’t need to get up from your sofa or workstation to adjust the settings; this portable air cooler comes complete with a handy remote control so you can easily operate it from wherever you are in the room.

After taking all this into consideration, we’re sure you’ll agree that the Inventor Magic 12.000BTU is currently the best portable air conditioner in the UK.

Do you have some personal experience with portable air conditioning appliances? Shere it with us in the comments section below.

1 thought on “Best Portable Air Conditioner Reviews UK 2023 – Which Is the Coolest Choice?”

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top