Meet Friedrich Kühl: Premium cooling designed to tackle NYC heatwaves
When summer heatwaves descend on New York City, they often bring not only oppressive temperatures but also suffocating humidity and stagnant air. For apartment dwellers, the impact can be overwhelming, especially in older buildings without central air conditioning.
During these intense periods, a high-performance air conditioner becomes more than a luxury; it becomes a necessity. The Friedrich Kühl product line is engineered to meet this challenge with commercial-grade quality, smart features, and industry-leading efficiency.
What Is the Friedrich Kühl Series?
The Kühl series represents Friedrich's flagship line of window and through-the-wall air conditioners. With top quality and long-term performance, it's a winner in our books.
Kühl
The Kühl lineup is available in several chassis sizes ranging from compact 'Q' models to larger S, M and L models. As of 2025, Friedrich has transitioned the entire line to use inverter-driven compressors and the environmentally friendlier R-32 refrigerant. What does this mean? This brings superior energy efficiency, quieter operation and precise temperature control.
Units range from approximately 8,000 BTU to 36,000 BTU, which is great for cooling-only, electric heat and heat pump models. Some models and pumps, marketed under the Kühl+ name, also include electric heat strips, offering year-round climate control.
Key Features That Matter During NYC Heatwaves
QuietMaster Technology
One of the standout features of the Kühl series is Friedrich's proprietary QuietMaster noise reduction system. This includes advanced components such as a heavy-duty steel inner wall, high-density insulation, vibration-absorbing rubber grommets and a specially designed airflow path.
These features combine to make Kühl models up to 45% quieter than standard window units (which is a huge plus, if that wasn't obvious). For residents of New York City, where space is tight and noise pollution is common, this quieter performance is a significant benefit.
Smart Wi-Fi Control and Programmability
Every Kühl unit includes built-in Wi-Fi, allowing homeowners and renters to control their air conditioner remotely via the FriedrichLink powered by EcoNet mobile app. Through the app, users can create 7-day programmable schedules, control multiple units from one interface and integrate with smart home systems such as Amazon Alexa or Google Home. A feature called ComfortWatch actively samples room temperature to maintain the set point more accurately.
For those with unpredictable schedules or hybrid work routines, the ability to pre-cool an apartment before arriving home is a game-changer. Smart scheduling also allows users to reduce energy usage during peak hours, which is particularly important in NYC's strained electrical grid during summer months.
Advanced Air Filtration and Fresh Air Intake
Each Kühl unit comes with a washable filter and a maintenance reminder. Users seeking enhanced indoor air quality can opt to install a FreshAire MERV 13 filter, which captures particles as small as one micron — including pollen, dust and airborne pollutants. This is especially important during heatwaves, when windows remain closed for extended periods and indoor air can become stagnant and unhealthy.
Built for Durability and Heavy Use
The Kühl series is constructed using commercial-grade materials. Its steel cabinet, rust-resistant aluminum grilles and sealed fan motors are designed for long-term use, even in harsh environments. Many models feature a slide-out chassis for easier maintenance and cleaning, and safety enhancements like EntryGard anti-intrusion locks and insect barriers come standard.
This rugged construction ensures Kühl units can handle the demands of 24/7 operation during extended NYC heatwaves, without wearing out quickly or requiring frequent repairs.
Inverter Compressor and Heat Pump Options
Kühl units equipped with Friedrich's Precision Inverter technology deliver more consistent temperature control while using less electricity. Here, inverter models adjust their speed to match real-time cooling demand, which is a convenient contrast to conventional compressors that frequently cycle on and off. The result? Lower energy consumption, fewer fluctuations in indoor temperature and quieter operation.
For those seeking year-round climate control, Kühl+ models include heat pump technology. These units can provide efficient heating during transitional seasons when a full HVAC system might not be necessary.
How the Kühl Series Helps Beat NYC Heatwaves
During a typical New York City heatwave, temperatures can exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit for several days in a row, with high humidity compounding discomfort. Standard window units often struggle to maintain a steady indoor climate under such conditions, resulting in hot-cold swings and constant cycling.
In contrast, Kühl's inverter-driven compressors deliver precise, stable temperatures, ensuring your space remains cool and comfortable, even during the hottest part of the day.
Energy Savings and Smart Scheduling
Because Friedrich Kühl units can be programmed or controlled remotely, users can optimize cooling schedules to align with their daily routines. For example, a unit can be set to pre-cool the home just before arrival, reducing the need to leave it running all day. This not only enhances comfort but also reduces electricity costs, which is an important consideration in NYC, where energy prices are among the highest in the country.
Quieter Operation in Compact Living Spaces
In small apartments, noise from a conventional air conditioner can be intrusive, especially when watching TV, working from home or sleeping. The Kühl series addresses this with its QuietMaster design.
While some newer models have received mixed feedback regarding sound levels, especially compared to earlier versions, the overall engineering still provides a significant noise reduction advantage over many standard units.
Cleaner Air During Closed-Window Periods
When outdoor air is uncomfortably hot or polluted — as is often the case during NYC heatwaves —residents are forced to keep windows shut. In such scenarios, Kühl's optional MERV 13 filtration becomes invaluable, helping to remove airborne particles and improving indoor air quality. Combined with the unit's fresh air intake setting, the Kühl helps maintain a healthier environment inside.
Choosing the Right Kühl Model for Your NYC Apartment
Friedrich offers Kühl models in a variety of sizes and configurations to meet the diverse needs of NYC living spaces. Compact models in the 8,000 to 10,000 BTU range are ideal for small bedrooms or studios, while larger models up to 36,000 BTU can handle multi-room apartments or commercial spaces.
Installation flexibility is also a strength. Kühl units can be installed either in a window or through a wall, which is particularly helpful in pre-war buildings with thick walls or strict window AC regulations.
The Final Verdict
In a city like New York, where extreme heat, limited space and high energy costs intersect, the Friedrich Kühl series offers a premium solution. Its combination of precise cooling, quiet operation, rugged construction and smart features makes it an ideal companion for surviving summer heatwaves.
Although it comes at a higher upfront cost, the Kühl's long-term efficiency, programmable controls, and high-quality build make it a sound investment. Whether you're looking to cool a cozy studio or manage multiple rooms, Friedrich Kühl provides a sophisticated, durable, and dependable air conditioning solution — and that's exactly what's needed when NYC weather turns brutal.
For over 200 years, the New York Post has been America's go-to source for bold news, engaging stories, in-depth reporting, and now, insightful shopping guidance. We're not just thorough reporters – we sift through mountains of information, test and compare products, and consult experts on any topics we aren't already schooled specialists in to deliver useful, realistic product recommendations based on our extensive and hands-on analysis. Here at The Post, we're known for being brutally honest – we clearly label partnership content, and whether we receive anything from affiliate links, so you always know where we stand. We routinely update content to reflect current research and expert advice, provide context (and wit) and ensure our links work. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.
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Beatbot is designed precisely for users to just throw it in and completely forget about it, letting it clean autonomously until it finishes cleaning, returns to the surface and sends a notification to the app. At that point, all you need to do is retrieve it — so you can spend your free time not hanging poolside if you don't want to. It's also heavy, as I mentioned before. If you have mobility issues or trouble lifting, you might want to factor that into your decision. Once it's wet, it takes some effort to get out of the water. But hey, a small tradeoff for what it does. The Final Verdict Al Murillo Here's the thing: after a few weeks of using the Aquasense 2 Ultra, I haven't hired a pool service once. I haven't spent hours brushing the walls, vacuuming, or skimming by hand. My water looks and feels better than it ever has, and every time I walk outside, I smile knowing the hardest-working member of the household is already at the bottom of the pool, quietly handling business. 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How I Tested Al Murillo When reviewing the Aquasense 2 Ultra, here's the detailed criteria I kept in mind to see if the model was worth it in the long haul: Cleaning Coverage : I evaluated how effectively it handles all pool zones, including scrubbing of surfaces and its integrated clarifying agent for crystal-clear water. : I evaluated how effectively it handles all pool zones, including scrubbing of surfaces and its integrated clarifying agent for crystal-clear water. Navigation & Obstacle Detection : I tested how well the unit maps the pool, avoids obstacles and navigates complex shapes using its AI-powered camera and array of sensors. : I tested how well the unit maps the pool, avoids obstacles and navigates complex shapes using its AI-powered camera and array of sensors. Battery Life & Runtime Performance: I measured the runtime for various modes (surface versus floor cleaning), assessing how long it can clean before needing recharge, as long as 10 hours for surface or 5 hours for deep cleans on a full charge. I measured the runtime for various modes (surface versus floor cleaning), assessing how long it can clean before needing recharge, as long as 10 hours for surface or 5 hours for deep cleans on a full charge. Ease of Use & Smart Features (App Control, Setup, Retrieval): I gauged user experience —from unboxing and app setup to control via Bluetooth/Wi‑Fi, voice alerts and hassle‑free auto‑return mechanisms like surface parking. I gauged user experience —from unboxing and app setup to control via Bluetooth/Wi‑Fi, voice alerts and hassle‑free auto‑return mechanisms like surface parking. Physical Design & Durability: I assessed handling and longevity, noting factors like the robot's heavyweight construction, corrosion-resilient materials, included brushes/accessory kit and storage cover for protection. For over 200 years, the New York Post has been America's go-to source for bold news, engaging stories, in-depth reporting, and now, insightful shopping guidance. We're not just thorough reporters – we sift through mountains of information, test and compare products, and consult experts on any topics we aren't already schooled specialists in to deliver useful, realistic product recommendations based on our extensive and hands-on analysis. Here at The Post, we're known for being brutally honest – we clearly label partnership content, and whether we receive anything from affiliate links, so you always know where we stand. We routinely update content to reflect current research and expert advice, provide context (and wit) and ensure our links work. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.
New York Post
2 days ago
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The tofu came out crispy, not soggy or rubbery like it does when I bake it forever in a conventional oven. 'As a New Yorker living in a small apartment with limited kitchen space, the flip design, which doesn't take up counter space and slides under cabinets, was a chef's kiss. It has 8 functions, including air fry, toast, pizza, broil, bake, and even dehydrate. I'd argue that some of the functions are the same, like 'bagel' is not a function, that fit should fit under the category of 'toast' or 'pizza' under the category of 'bake,' but potato, po-tah-toe.' Functions: Air Fry, Toast, Bagel, Pizza, Broil, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate | Preheat: <1 min Ninja Pros: Powerful blending Smart sense technology does all the work at the push of a button Simple assembly and ease of use Great value with 3 cup sizes Dishwasher safe for easy cleanup Cons: Large appliance can take up valuable storage space Relatively heavy appliance This isn't your standard smoothie maker — it's an all-in-one blending powerhouse. The BlendSense Technology automatically detects what's in your container and fine-tunes the speed, time, and power to get the perfect texture, whether you're pulverizing frozen fruit for smoothies or blending silky soups. The included 72-oz pitcher is ideal for batch drinks, while the 24-oz single-serve cups are perfect for grab-and-go mornings. 'I'm blown away by the smart technology and power of this blender every time I use it,' Meaghan Roche, commerce SEO manager, said. 'Its BlendSense Technology automatically adjusts power, speed, and time based on any ingredients you toss in, so all the work is done for you with up to 1800 watts cutting through even the toughest ingredients. 'Plus, it comes with a huge 72-ounce full-size pitcher (hello batch made frozen margs) and two 24-ounce single-serve cups (for the green juice you and your partner need post-margaritas). I love using just the single cup for a post-workout treat with less cleanup, but as a bonus, all the containers, lids and even blades are safe for the top rack of the dishwasher.' Motor: 1800 watts | Accessories: 72-oz pitcher, 2× 24-oz cups with spout lids | Dishwasher safe: Yes (top rack) Pros: 6-in1 cooking capabilities No preheating Large capacity Smart cooking with optional separate heating zones Easy cleaning Cons: Larger appliance that may command permanent residence on your kitchen counter The DualZone design means you can air fry salmon in one basket while roasting veggies in the other — and they'll finish at the same time thanks to Smart Finish. The 8-quart capacity is great for family meals, and the no-preheat feature shaves serious time off dinner prep. 'Air frying, roasting, broiling, dehydrating, and more — this Ninja air fryer can replace half of your kitchen appliances while cooking in half the time,' said Roche. My highlights include no preheating time, smart finish capabilities so that your whole meal is ready at once, dishwasher-safe plates, and a large capacity. 'If you've been thinking about finally getting an air fryer or upgrading to a higher-tech appliance, this is the one for you. It's easy to use, while also still having all the impressive bells and whistles that will wow you as much as the tasty dinners you'll make with it.' Capacity: 8 quarts (2 baskets) | Functions: Air Fry, Roast, Broil, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate | Dishwasher safe: Yes (crisper plates) Amazon Pros: Two texture modes (drinkable/spoonable) Preset programs for different recipes Handles frozen ingredients with ease Cons: Smaller capacity than full-size blenders Designed for precision texture control, the TWISTi offers drinkable and spoonable settings with targeted presets. It blends thick smoothie bowls as effortlessly as thin sauces, with blades that cut through frozen ingredients without overheating. 'The Ninja TWISTi is a super smooth product to use, pun very much intended,' mused former commerce reporter Sophie Cannon. 'As someone who was very used to smoke coming from my $20 blender every time I tried to crush ice or fruit, this was a dream. The TWISTi knows exactly what is needed from a blender — the ability to create perfect consistencies when blending up a juice vs. a smoothie bowl and a sauce vs. a delicious oil. That's where both the settings and the unique cap come into play. Sophie Cannon 'The blender itself has two different options: drinkable and spoonable. From there, choose an option like extract, smoothie or frozen or go for spread or bowl. Then, the blender knows exactly what to do, with a built-in preset and timer, making for a practically hands-free experience. To put this to the test, I made both a bowl and a drinkable juice to test their 'total texture control' claim on the front of the blender. I was impressed by how well the blades easily cut through a completely frozen block of acai and hunks of ginger, while also knowing not to totally pulverize the chia seeds. 'One more thing to mention: when using the larger 34-ounce high-speed pitcher, the cap at the top twists — maybe a nod to the name TWISTi? — and pushes everything down to the blades to ensure an even blend, leaving no chunks or lumps to be found.' Modes: Drinkable, Spoonable | Programs: Extract, Smoothie, Frozen, Spread, Bowl Amazon Pros: Compact size is perfect for small kitchens Easy to store Removable grill plat and lids for ease of cleaning Even and quick heating Grease catcher reduces mess Cons: Nonstick grill grates can be tough and cumbersome to clean Indoor grilling without the smoke — Ninja's grill delivers even heat from edge to edge, producing juicy proteins and crisp vegetables. The smoke-control lid and removable plates make cleanup easier, and the flat griddle plate expands its versatility for breakfast favorites. 'This is one of my favorite wedding registry gifts that has truly transformed home-cooking in my NYC apartment,' raved Roche. 'Nothing beats fresh-grilled meats and veggies in the summer, and now I don't have to escape the five boroughs to enjoy them. 'Ninja's countertop indoor grill fits enough to feed a family (or meal prep for the week). Its perforated lid controls smoke and messy grease, while the edge-to-edge heating cooks food quickly and evenly. I have yet to use the flat top griddle plate, but I look forward to using it for pancakes and bacon on the weekends. The lid and grill are removable to allow for easier cleanup, but I do recommend getting a small grill brush to scrub off grease and residue.' Cooking surface: Family-size capacity | Functions: Grill, Griddle | Dishwasher safe: Yes (lid and grill plate) Amazon Pros: Woodfire flavor with minimal pellets High heat for charring and fast cooking Multiple cooking modes Cons: Larger footprint for outdoor space From Neapolitan-style pizzas to charred steaks, this outdoor oven delivers real wood-smoke flavor with just a handful of pellets. The wide temperature range supports baking, roasting, and searing — all in one durable outdoor appliance. 'I'm not going to lie, I dove right into trying the Ninja Woodfire. Totally cool, retro-inspired look aside, it has a slew of unique features worth noting,' said commerce reporter Victoria Giardina. 'For one, there are some suggested recipes to follow inside its manual that make the entire package a nice touch, especially for beginner pizza-makers and outdoor grillers. Victoria Giardina 'With a range of 105-700°F, the Ninja Woodfire can add that coveted, authentic wood-fire flavor (making this outdoor appliance aptly named) to anything you decide to divvy into its durably coated frame. Impressively, it does it all with just a 1/2 cup of pellets (which are included upon purchase), thanks to its unique technology. 'It's also compatible to cook a 12-lb turkey, 9-lb pork shoulder, 12-lb prime rib dinner with veggies (perhaps by ordering from our best meat delivery services guide), a full sheet-pan meal, and a standard 8×11 casserole dish. It's pretty incredible — and, as a result, you'll want to have all of your meals outside. And, because of its high temperature threshold, the Ninja Woodfire is said to make high-heat char on steaks in less than seven minutes, helping to make full meals (as you would indoors) up to 40% faster. Victoria Giardina 'Ninja truly thought of everything. In just 30 minutes, I had two filling, fresh, aromatic, and rustic Italian-inspired pies. Overall, the Ninja Woodfire 8-in-1 Outdoor Pizza Oven is well worth the splurge. Not only does it enhance your outdoor dining experience tenfold, but it allows you to try your hand at savory, tasty, and truly scrumptious pizza (among other dishes, which I have yet to try).' Temp range: 105–700°F | Fuel: ½ cup pellets (included) | Capacity: Fits 12-lb turkey or full sheet-pan meal Amazon Pros: Multiple cooking styles in one unit Crisping tray for texture control Easy switch between modes Cons: Bulky size The Speedi can crisp fries, steam veggies, or bake a souffle in under 25 minutes. Its simple switch toggles between rapid cooking and air frying, while the crisping tray adjusts for different recipes. 'This device seriously turns up the heat,' commented Cannon. 'Although not literally, as this multifunctional rapid cooker and air fryer phenomenon didn't get too hot to the touch, even when dehydrating fruit for eight hours or grilling up juicy burgers on a high heat setting. That was just the first feature I fell in love with. 'The next was the ease of use, once you understand the mechanics. There is really only one switch, flipping from its air fryer capabilities to the rapid cooker settings, and once you know what you want to cook, the rest is self-explanatory. The only other addition is the crisping tray inside, which can be propped up or flattened down depending on what's cooking. New York Post 'For my tests, I wanted to try as many settings as possible, making sure the fryer yielded crunchy french fries, the steam and bake settings were up to snuff to bake a fluffy souffle and tried my hand at dehydrating just for fun. Even as an amateur chef, I don't think I could have made a more professional-looking (and tasting) souffle if I tried, moreover in less than 25 minutes. New York Post 'The one downside to this machine is simply the sheer size of it. Since it really does replace the need for other appliances like a steamer, a frying pan, a dehydrator, and honestly an entire oven range, I do think it is worth the money, if you can find the counter-space, of course.' Functions: Air Fry, Steam, Bake, Dehydrate, Grill | Capacity: Family-size This heavy-duty cooler keeps ice cold for days while offering a dry compartment for snacks or raw proteins. With rugged construction and lockable lids, it's built for serious outdoor use. Amazon Pros: Dry storage compartment Ice retention up to 5 days Durable build Cons: Pricier than budget coolers 'This cooler offers a separate compartment that keeps select drinks and snacks dry at food-safe temperatures, meaning that you can grab your favorite items hassle-free without opening the cooler lid,' stated Miska Salemann, commerce reporter. 'Upon testing this out, I was very impressed with how cool the items stayed in the dry storage zone, but I should also note that items stay even cooler for longer when placed on ice. Plus, you won't have to subject your hands to digging through freezing ice just to find what you need. Miska Salemann 'This separate area is also ideal for adults looking to keep alcoholic drinks in a separate area for family-friendly use. Or, use it to keep raw protein out of the way. It's exceptionally convenient. The ice storage section holds ice for up to five days. This is ideal for people planning longer trips, as there is no need to worry about constantly changing out the ice. I hardly noticed any condensation or sweating after a day of packing this cooler with ice and drinks. If you're looking for a sturdy cooler that can withstand some blows, tumbles, and drops, you've found it. Miska Salemann 'The Ninja FrostVault Cooler is worth the splurge. You may be spending more money on this cooler than you would for something from Amazon, but you're paying for high-quality, long-lasting materials, durability, convenience, and security. Not to mention, Ninja offers a five-year limited warranty, so you can be reimbursed if you run into any issues. Between that, free shipping, and a surprise gift, this cooler certainly gets the check from me.' Sizes: 30-quart (48 cans) or 50-quart (80 cans) | Insulation: Up to 3″ | Warranty: 5 years Amazon Pros: Adjustable carbonation Mixes flavors during carbonation Multiple drink sizes Cons: Water tank needs chilling before use The Thirsti turns still water into sparkling flavored drinks in seconds, with adjustable fizz levels and mix-in flavor pods. It's perfect for seltzer fans or anyone bored of plain water. 'I've been using the Ninja Thirsti since October, and it's been a lot of fun to whip up new drink combinations quickly and easily,' Tricarico said. 'Because all of the functions are spelled out on the appliance's buttons, it's easy to get it up and running, and there's not much of a learning curve. Angela Tricarico 'The Thirsti gets its water from an attached water tank, similar to coffee makers like Nespresso and Keurigs. Still, the major difference here is that the Thirsti doesn't change the temperature of the water at all. Whatever temperature the water is when you add it to the tank is how it'll dispense after the CO2 and flavoring processes. To combat this, Ninja recommends storing the tank inside your refrigerator or filling it with water and ice. There's a handy indicator inside the tank that turns a bright blue when the water reaches an optimal temperature for carbonation. 'As for the flavors, I find that I like the Vitamins and Hydrate lines best, partly because I try to curb my caffeine intake as the day goes on and because the Splash flavors aren't bold enough most of the time. If I want just the hint of a flavor, I'll use a Splash pod, and it ends up tasting like a flavored seltzer, but most of the time, I want a more substantial flavor. Angela Tricarico 'This, to me, is what makes the Thirsti worth the money; I'm able to customize my drinks on demand by making new flavor combinations. Some of my favorites so far are Orange Tangerine + Summer Strawberry, Watermelon Lime + Lemonade, Strawberry Kiwi on its own, and Tart Lemon + Summer Strawberry for a subtly sweet blend. But, for what it's worth, I've also used the Thirsti to make plain, unflavored sparkling water for my seltzer-loving grandma, and she prefers it to the canned stuff now!' Functions: Sparkling, Still, Flavored Drinks | Drink sizes: 4 options | CO2 compatible: Yes How we tested Our Post Wanted team didn't just unbox these Ninjas and call it a day — we put them through weeks (in some cases, months or years) of everyday use, in real kitchens, apartments, and backyards. Each tester was either assigned a product and asked to use it exactly how they would if they'd bought it themselves — no staged recipes, no test-lab perfect conditions — or they actually did buy it themselves (which was generally the case). This meant blenders got fed everything from frozen acai bricks to fibrous ginger, air fryers handled weeknight chicken thighs and last-minute frozen fries, and the Woodfire oven went from homemade pizza to pizza to pizza in a single weekend. We tracked how intuitive each product was to set up, how well it delivered on its promised functions, and whether it actually earned permanent counter or storage space. We also paid attention to the little things: cleanup time, noise levels, countertop footprint, durability of parts, and whether the included accessories were useful or just filler. And because our testers live in a mix of small NYC apartments and suburban homes, we could assess how each appliance fits into different lifestyles — whether that means folding up to slide under a cabinet or withstanding a full weekend camping trip. The result? Only the Ninja products that proved their worth made this list. Check out New York Post Shopping for more content. This article was written by Kendall Cornish, New York Post Commerce Editor & Reporter. Kendall, who moonlights as a private chef in the Hamptons for New York elites, lends her expertise to testing and recommending cooking products – for beginners and aspiring sous chefs alike. Simmering and seasoning her way through both jobs, Kendall dishes on everything from the best cookware for your kitchen to cooking classes that will level-up your skills to new dinnerware to upgrade your holiday hosting. Prior to joining the Post's shopping team in 2023, Kendall previously held positions at Apartment Therapy and at Dotdash Meredith's Travel + Leisure and Departures magazines.
