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 El Niño giving us an early start on summer temperatures, 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
In our product lab tests, our CHOICE experts regularly review portable air cons, 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 dud 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 nine 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. We can excuse a $300 model for not being perfect, but it's reasonable to expect that a $1300 unit should do the job well.
Don't write all these brands off altogether – some of their other models performed better in our testing, and some are even recommended by our experts
Three of these low-ballers come from Dimplex, two from Kogan, and one each from Excelair, DeLonghi, Arlec, Shinco, EWT and Onix. But don't write all these brands off altogether – some of their other models performed better in our testing, and some are even recommended by our experts.
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
DeLonghi PAC EM82
- CHOICE Expert Rating: 50%
- Price: $699
Dimplex DCP11MULTI
- CHOICE Expert Rating: 50%
- Price: $700
Dimplex DCP14MULTI
- CHOICE Expert Rating: 50%
- Price: $899
Dimplex DCP16C
- CHOICE Expert Rating: 50%
- Price: $1300
EWT EWTP11
- CHOICE Expert Rating: 50%
- Price: $699
Excelair EPA20A
- CHOICE Expert Rating: 50%
- Price: $1099
Kogan KAWFPAC12YA
- CHOICE Expert Rating: 50%
- Price: $750
Kogan KAWFPAC16PYA
- CHOICE Expert Rating: 50%
- Price: $1200
Onix ON-27KWPA
- CHOICE Expert Rating: 50%
- Price: $400
Shinco SPO6-07C
- CHOICE Expert Rating: 50%
- Price: $310
Stock images: Getty, unless otherwise stated.
