Need to know
- Our experts test units for cooling performance, noise, energy efficiency and more
- Portable air cons can be convenient, but are usually less efficient and more expensive to run than split-system units
- CHOICE members can access our full reviews to see the best performers in our test
With Australia facing another summer that's set to be among the hottest on record, you might be thinking about ditching the pedestal fan and getting serious about cooling.
If you rent, can't afford an expensive built-in option, or simply like the flexibility of moving your air con between rooms, a portable air conditioner can be an excellent option.
We've found some impressive performers (both cheap and expensive) and seen some disappointing duds, too – sometimes from the same manufacturer
CHOICE experts regularly review portable air cons in our labs, assessing key factors such as cooling performance, running cost and noise level when set to high (learn more about how we test).
They've found some impressive performers (both cheap and expensive) and seen some disappointing duds, too – sometimes from the same manufacturer.
We don't want you to end up with a bad buy, so here are the products that scored lowest in our lab tests. Consider becoming a CHOICE member to see the best performers.
The worst portable air conditioners in our tests
They may come from a range of manufacturers and price points, but there's one thing these seven products have in common: they're all terrible at cooling.
Not a single one scored more than 40% for cooling, and all were rated as 'Noisy' or 'Very noisy' by our experts. Some are quite heavy as well, which doesn't seem very portable.
We can excuse a $300 model for not being perfect, but it's reasonable to expect that a $1099 unit should do the job well.
Most of the other models from these brands didn't score very well either and there aren't any recommended models currently available
Three of these lowballers come from Dimplex and one each from Arlec, Excelair, EWT and Shinco. Most of the other models from these brands didn't score very well either and there aren't any recommended models currently available.
Here are the models to cross off your shopping list.
The Dimplex DCP16C costs a cool $1300 but won't do much to cool your room.
Arlec PA1122WH
- CHOICE Expert Rating: 50%
- Price: $459
Dimplex DCP11MULTI
- CHOICE Expert Rating: 50%
- Price: $819
Dimplex DCP14MULTI
- CHOICE Expert Rating: 50%
- Price: $899
Dimplex DCP16C
- CHOICE Expert Rating: 50%
- Price: $1099
EWT EWTP11
- CHOICE Expert Rating: 50%
- Price: $799
Excelair EPA20A
- CHOICE Expert Rating: 50%
- Price: $1099
Shinco SPO6-07C
- CHOICE Expert Rating: 50%
- Price: $399
Stock images: Getty, unless otherwise stated.
