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NBC News
3 days ago
- NBC News
6 best portable air conditioners to keep you cool this summer
If you want fresh, breezy air without the stress of window installation or aren't lucky enough to have central air, a portable air conditioner can be a great solution. Think of them as A/C units on wheels, able to cool a single room without semi-permanent installation in your home and windowsill. To help you find the best portable air conditioner, we spoke with cooling and appliance experts and selected top-rated models based on their advice, including budget-friendly, smart-connected and premium options for different sized rooms. How we picked top-rated portable air conditioning units To pick the best portable air conditioners on the market, I spoke with experts on what to look for in specs and features. Following their guidance, I selected units that met the following criteria: Btu (British thermal unit): An air conditioner's cooling ability is typically measured in Btus — the higher the number, the more powerful the A/C. Per expert guidance, we selected portable A/Cs with a range of Btus and recommended room size, so you can pick the most appropriate option for your space. (More on Btus in our FAQ section.) Functionality: All of our selections have additional fan and dehumidifier functions, as well as washable dust filters. Portability: Portable air conditioners often weigh over 50 pounds. We only selected units with built-in wheels that make them easier to move around. Top-rated portable air conditioning units in 2025 Our top picks come from large brands like Black+Decker, Midea and Honeywell. All of the recommendations below are top-rated units with at least a four-star average rating from 500 reviews or more on Amazon. I also included brands we've covered before. This unit from Black+Decker is best suited to smaller rooms up to 350 square feet — think bedrooms and offices. While there are a few size options available, this 8,000 Btu version is the most affordable. Like all of our picks, you can adjust the settings on the unit itself or via the remote. Bonus settings include a timer, sleep and auto mode. For large spaces: With 14,000 BTUs of cooling, this powerful unit from DeLonghi is designed to cool large spaces up to 700 square feet. The unit monitors temperature and humidity, and will automatically adjust its settings to create a good balance between the two, according to the brand. It also has motorized fan slats that can oscillate to more evenly spread cool air around your space. This is the largest, heaviest and priciest unit on our list, but it also cools the largest sized space of our top picks. This unit from Shinco is a good pick for anyone looking to cool a small space on a budget. It has a swing mode that automatically oscillates the fan grille up and down to better distribute cool air. And like other other picks, you can control the A/C via the on-unit controls or the wireless remote. The low price does mean some compromises on features. There is no smart connectivity and the remote does not have a temperature readout like our picks from Black+Decker and Midea. While this A/C is powerful for the price, light sleepers may want to avoid it — some reviewers on Amazon say it is loud, even on low fan settings. The Dreo portable air conditioner works via an app that allows you to adjust its speed and power perfectly to your preferences. It's compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, and has a drain-free feature, so you don't have to do it manually, according to the brand. It also has an adjustable window panel, so you can use it with different window sizes, according to Dreo. This portable unit, which has a 4.1-star average rating from 600 reviews on Amazon is ideal for a large bedroom, living room or a small studio apartment. It has control buttons on the top and three modes, including sleep, dehumidifying and cooling. It also has a space-conscious shape, making it perfect for storing beside a dresser or desk. The A/C includes a remote control and window installation foam to prevent insects from getting in. For dual hose efficiency: This Whynter model is a dual-hose unit: one hose pulls fresh air into your home, the other pushes hot air outside. Dual-hose units are generally more powerful and efficient, but can be louder and more complicated to install. (More on hose type in our How to Shop section.) It has both a dust filter and a carbon filter that work together to block dust, clear gas and eliminate odors, according to the brand. Otherwise, it is similar (albeit heavier) to our other picks, with three operating modes, three operating speeds, wheels and a wireless remote control. This portable unit from Select-favorite brand Midea is a high-end, dual-hose model with energy-efficient inverter technology and smart connectivity. Inverter air conditioners are more energy efficient than non-inverters — they typically cost more up front, but can save you money on your energy bill long-term. The Midea Duo can be connected to Wi-Fi and synced with the Midea Air app, letting you control it remotely or with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. There are six versions of the Midea Duo across multiple price points, including lower-priced options that retain smart connectivity and a higher-priced model that can heat as well as cool your space. How to shop for a portable air-conditioning unit Portable air-conditioners are generally pricier than window A/Cs. However, they're much easier to install and are typically more compact, so you can move the unit from room to room without much effort, says Dr. John McKeon, CEO of Allergy Standards — an organization that works with brands and manufacturers to improve indoor air quality science and standards. If a portable A/C sounds right for your needs, keep the following in mind as you shop: Placement and maintenance A portable air conditioner has to be close to a window and an electrical outlet to work. They also require some maintenance, including draining the water from the unit as needed and cleaning the air filters every couple of weeks. This will help avoid mold growth in your unit, which can decrease your room's air quality, said McKeon. Smart connectivity Some portable air conditioners can connect to your Wi-Fi and be controlled via smartphone app, though these models will typically cost more, says McKeon. Decide if this is a worthwhile feature for you before adding a model to your cart. Hose type Portable air conditioners either come with one or two hoses that vent through your window to the outside. Single hose models are more common: they pull and cool the air inside your room, pushing hot air out. Dual-hose units have one hose that pulls and cools fresh air into your home and another that pushes hot air out. Dual-hose units are typically louder and more expensive than single hose units, says Carl Prouty, a tech expert at electronics and appliance retailer Abt. You'll also have to empty the water in dual hose units more often, as pulling in outdoor air produces more condensation. But dual-hose units are typically faster, more powerful and more energy-efficient, according to manufacturers. Meet our experts At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest. Dr. John McKeon, CEO of Allergy Standards — an organization that works with brands and manufacturers to improve indoor air quality science and standards. Carl Prouty is a tech expert at electronics and appliance retailer Abt. Why trust NBC Select?
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
Snag a Lodge cast iron Dutch oven for just $55, plus 10 more of today's best deals
Gearing up to for a Memorial Day bash next weekend? Let's help you get a head start on that with a bunch of today's superstar steals. Get prepped for guests with Black + Decker's popular handvac — it's 30% off. Then snag yourself these top-rated bug zappers — just $26! — to keep mosquitoes at bay (i.e., by killing them). And how 'bout whipping up a big ol' pot of your signature chili in this editor-approved Lodge Dutch oven while it's just $55. Check out these deals and more to help you get summer kicked off in style ... and savings. Adidas: Get up to 70% off sale shoes and apparel. Anthropologie: Save up to 50% on sale items. Brooklinen: Score bedding, bath linens and more for up to 75% off. Coach Outlet: Save up to 70% on sale styles. Cozy Earth: Get up to 30% off Oprah-approved bedding and pajamas during the extended Mother's Day Sale. Everlane: Snag up to 80% off sale styles. Save up to 50% more on already marked-down items. Kate Spade Outlet: Get up to 70% off everything. Loft: Take 40% off your purchase, plus get 50% off tops and an extra 50% off sale styles. Nordstrom: Shop new sale items for up to 75% off. Nordstrom Rack: Save up to 75% on thousands of new deals. Old Navy: Score tanks starting at $5, swimwear starting at $10 and shorts and dresses starting at $15. REI: Get up to 70% off camping supplies, running gear and past-season deals. Spanx: Get up to 40% off select AirEssentials sale items, and up to 70% off sale items. Sur La Table: Save up to 60% on top brands like Staub, Le Creuset and more. Target: Get up to 50% off outdoor furniture, floor care, kitchen essentials, clothing and more. Walmart: Shop rollbacks and flash deals of up to 80% off. Wayfair: Stock up on furniture, linens and more for up to 70% off. If you have Amazon Prime, you'll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.) The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
Mint
15-05-2025
- General
- Mint
Black+Decker 1.5 Ton AC review: Is this new brand changing the cooling landscape in India? Should you buy it?
Let's face it, summer is not all beach days and frozen margaritas. Sometimes it's just you, your laptop, and your thoughts in a room that feels like a sauna. The Black+Decker 1.5-Ton AC is a sleek, efficient, and surprisingly chill (pun intended) solution to your summer woes. After spending a month with this unit, let me break down why it might just be the hero your bedroom needs. The Black+Decker 1.5-Ton AC doesn't scream 'I'm an appliance,' but rather whispers, 'I'm here to help.' Its minimalist design blends well with most interiors, and while it won't win any design awards, it definitely doesn't feel out of place. The white finish gives it a clean look, and the LED display adds a touch of modernity without going overboard. Yes, it's not as Instagrammable as your new succulent collection or your mid-century modern armchair, but hey, it does its job quietly and efficiently. And if you're into DIY decor, the manual even includes installation instructions that make it clear how serious they are about aesthetics (and safety). This thing is fast. The manual mentions it cools at 52°C , which honestly sounds like a typo until you realize it means it can handle seriously hot environments. Whether it's a heatwave or you've left the oven on by accident, the 1.5-ton capacity ensures you stay cool and collected. One standout feature is the 7-in-1 convertible mode, which allows you to adjust the cooling power in increments from 40% to 100%. Think of it like volume control for your air conditioning. Just crank it up when things get too warm. And for those late-night movie sessions or early morning yoga flows, the sleep mode kicks in, gently adjusting the temperature so you don't wake up feeling like you've been sleeping under a glacier. Let's talk about money. Specifically, how much of it you'll save on your electricity bill. The inverter compressor is a game-changer here. It adjusts the compressor speed based on the room temperature, meaning it uses less energy when it doesn't need to work as hard. According to the manual, this makes the AC more energy-efficient than your average non-inverter models. The Eco mode is also a lifesaver during peak hours. It helps reduce power consumption while still keeping you comfortable. I tested it last week during a marathon Netflix binge, and my wallet didn't cry once. Even better, the anti-bacterial filter keeps the air clean and healthy, so you don't end up sneezing every time you turn it on. Some attractive 1.5-Ton AC options for you You might be thinking, 'Okay, it cools, but what else?' Well, the Black+Decker 1.5-Ton AC comes packed with features that make it feel like a high-tech gadget: Turbo mode : For when you need instant relief after stepping out in the sun. : For when you need instant relief after stepping out in the sun. Self-clean function : Automatically runs for 1 minute after turning off, helping keep the coils dry and preventing mold. : Automatically runs for 1 minute after turning off, helping keep the coils dry and preventing mold. 44-way swing : Yep, that's right. It directs airflow precisely where you want it, whether you're lounging on the couch or trying to cool down your plants (which, by the way, it says not to do). : Yep, that's right. It directs airflow precisely where you want it, whether you're lounging on the couch or trying to cool down your plants (which, by the way, it says not to do). Hidden display: If you're not into flashy lights, you can disable the screen and enjoy the silence. Even the remote is user-friendly, with clearly labeled buttons and a child lock feature that prevents your little ones from turning the house into a freezer. Now, let's address the elephant in the room: installation. This isn't something you can just plug in and forget. The manual is thorough, covering everything from purging air tubes to vacuum pump usage and torque specifications for pipe connections. It even warns you not to use extension cords or third-party parts because, trust me, you don't want to risk a fire or electric shock. If you're not confident doing it yourself, the manual recommends hiring a certified technician. Which brings us to another important point: warranty. The AC comes with a 2-year comprehensive warranty and a 10-year warranty on the compressor, but only if installed by an authorized service center. So, yes, you'll want to follow the rules if you plan on claiming any repairs later. As someone who values their sleep, I was pleasantly surprised by how quiet this AC is. It hums softly in normal mode and is barely noticeable in sleep mode. You can even hear your favorite podcast or YouTube video without cranking up the volume. It's not completely silent, but it's close enough to qualify as 'ninja-level' noise. Fast and efficient cooling Energy-efficient inverter technology Smart features like self-clean, 7-in-1 mode, and eco settings Quiet operation Installation requires technical know-how or professional help Some advanced smart features may not be available on all models Remote control lacks app connectivity (in the model I reviewed)) If you're looking for an air conditioner that balances performance, efficiency, and style, the Black+Decker 1.5-Ton AC is a solid choice. It's perfect for small to medium-sized rooms, couples, or anyone tired of sweating through their sheets. Plus, with its anti-bacterial filter and energy-saving modes, it's good for both your health and your budget. So, if you're ready to trade sticky floors and ceiling fan-induced dizziness for a cool, calm, and collected home life, give this one a shot. Just remember to read the manual before installing, and maybe skip the DIY part unless you have a degree in HVAC. Similar articles for you: Disclaimer: Mint has an affiliate marketing partnership, which means we may get some commission on purchases you make through the retailer sites links provided. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content, which is free from any bias or marketing pitch. We strive to provide accurate and unbiased information to help you make informed decisions. We recommend verifying details with the retailer before making a purchase.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Yahoo
I test appliances for a living, and the best handvac I've tried is a record-low $59
As someone who tests and writes about home appliances for a living, I have a confession: I hate vacuuming. I can usually rely on my cheap little robot vac to keep my floors clean enough, but a little over a year ago, when I was getting ready to sell my house, I realized I needed something a bit more powerful to make them spotless. A hefty upright was out of the question (I'm 5 feet tall with limited upper body strength). My requirements? An affordable, lightweight, cordless number — and I found it in the Craftsman V20 Cordless Hand Vacuum. It's on sale for just $59 (down from $100) at Amazon. Related: The best car vacuums of 2025, tested and reviewed At over 40% off, this dirt destroyer is down to its best price on record — and that includes the battery and charger (which are often sold separately these days). My advice? Zap it up while you can, since this is a steal if I've ever seen one. (The vacuum itself is just $20 less; I'd recommend grabbing the whole shebang.) When it first arrived, I thought, Wow, this looks intense for a hand vacuum. It's bright red with a lot of angular features, which give it a rather heavy-duty appearance. That's why I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was quite lightweight — less than 5 pounds with the battery attached — and an absolute cinch for my not-so-tech-savvy self to figure out how to use. There are only two buttons: one to turn it on/off and another to empty out the dust container. Speaking of dust, I quickly discovered that the Craftsman V20 is an absolute beast when it comes to sucking up debris off the floor. Upon trying this bad boy out, I realized just how much dirt my robovac — which I often have to untangle from shag rugs and the like — was probably leaving behind. The V20 zapped up everything from clumps of dust to straight-up wads of hair like they were nothing. (I don't have pets, but I'm a big shedder. Sorry, TMI?) Its 20-volt battery is at the high end of the range for handvacs; no wonder it did such a bang-up job in mere minutes. (For comparison, this top-rated Black + Decker hand vacuum has only a 10.8-volt battery.) It really feels like an industrial-strength vacuum that happens to be ideal for home use. The battery itself lasts a pretty long time — by my count, about 45 minutes to an hour before needing a charge — and I was happy to find that I could clean all of the floors in my house before needing to empty out the dust collector. Getting the battery juiced up takes about 60 to 90 minutes, but because I'm usually able to get all of my cleaning done with one full charge, I haven't really found myself waiting around for it. Now that I've had the V20 for over a year, I can honestly say it's the best hand vacuum I've ever used. It's so much more powerful than its lightweight feel would imply, and I appreciate that I can use it to remove dust from furniture and higher surfaces in addition to my floors. Is it bulkier than some of the other hand vacuums out there? Yes, but that's to be expected given its performance. That said, it's portable enough for me to bring from room to room without it feeling like a workout, and that's all I can ask for. I'm in good company; Amazon customers are loving this lightweight lint-lifter as well. "[This] little machine has great suction power!" exclaimed a fellow enthusiast. "[I'm] using for car vacuuming and [it] works especially well on those nooks and crannies around a heavily shedding Shiba Inu crate without clogging. More convenient than [a] standard vacuum when clearing the carpeted stairway as well." Planning any beach trips this summer? One content cleaner said it's a must: "Got this for my wife [for] Christmas and she loves it! Perfect for the truck and small spaces. We use it every time [we're] leaving the beach, great for getting all the sand." Even the pros use it, as evidenced by this reviewer: "We have a detail business, and this [is] perfect for a quick vacuum! Easy to use and clean. Highly recommend for either car or home!" "Would be even better if it had a light on it," said a generally pleased buyer, adding, "Works so much better than any rechargeable dust-buster I've previously bought ... I'd consider buying more 20V Craftsman tools after getting this." "Love the Craftsman V20 series in general, but this handvac is the best we've encountered," raved a final fan. "[It's] easy to use, compatible with other V20 tools, easy to clean and very powerful. We did have trouble getting replacement filters, but they are available at Ace Hardware." And if you could use something for those wet messes... If you have Amazon Prime, you'll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.) The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
The Independent
02-05-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Our favourite budget portable air conditioner is at its lowest ever price
If the mini May bank holiday heatwave has left your house feeling stuffy and an electric fan isn't cutting it, now might be a good time to invest in a portable air conditioner. Luckily, we've spotted a fantastic deal on our best smart portable conditioner, the Black+Decker 5000 BXAC40023GB, which puts it at its lowest ever price. The portable air conditioner has smart app controls so you can turn it on and off, increase the speed or put it in sleep mode, all from your phone. Our eagle-eyed deal hunters spotted it reduced by £90 on Amazon today – smart portable air conditioners don't come cheap, so this is a good offer to take advantage of if you've been thinking about buying one. A portable AC unit can be a pricey purchase, with our top model reaching almost £400. This can increase depending on the appliance's British Thermal Units (BTUs) – higher BTU models can cool a larger space, but they come with a higher price tag. If you spot an air conditioner with a discount like this, it could be worth buying. The smart portable air conditioner originally cost £399.99, but dropped to £289.99 this time last year and has stayed at this price since. A further reduction now puts it at £199, which is its lowest ever price and 50 per cent off its original RRP. Our tester and senior tech critic Alex Lee put the Black+Decker 5000 BXAC40023GB air conditioner to the test in his flat, which has been known to reach up to 30C in heatwaves. He praised its portable, lightweight design and range of settings, with cooling, dehumidifying and standalone fan modes. 'It's not the most powerful air conditioner unit,' he said. 'But it managed to cool down our small office room in about 45 minutes.' It's not perfect – Alex found it was quite loud, for example – but if you've got a small space to cool, this is a good deal to snap up. If you miss the deal on Amazon, you can also get your hands on the portable conditioner at Curry's and Very for £199.
