Portable AC Ratings, A Repairman Ranks The Brands...

Our simple system of stars allows you to quickly compare brands of portable cooling units. Each brand receives a rating of from 1 to 5 stars. A 5* rating means that, if we were shopping for our own home, that is the brand we would choose (if it was available). When more than one brand has a 5* rating, we would choose the least expensive unit. We have ranked them in two categories cooling only units and heat/cool units.

An NA in place of stars means that the brand does not have a unit in that category or there is not sufficient data to accurately rate it.

We have included our comments on the products so that you can get more information about the units.

AERMEC--------aermec.com--------<1*--------------NA-- These units are from Italy and are available internationally. The FRESCOFON units can be used in either single hose or dual hose configurations. They feature digital controls, a two speed fan, timer function, and cool/dry/night operating modes. The units use environmentally friendly refrigerant. The manufacturer's website does not have a stated warranty policy.

AIRLUX--------airlux.ca----------1*--------------NA-- This brand has an auxiliary drain pump so that you do not have to dump a tank during dehumidifier mode.

AirPac--------coolestspot.com---<1*--------------NA-- The "COOLIT2000" requires you to periodically dump the condensate. It has two tanks to minimize how often they must be dumped. The unit has oscillating auto swing for improved air circulation. The remote control is optional where on most brands it is a standard feature.

AIRWELL-------airwelluk.com-----<1*--------------1*-- This brand is a part of the AIRWELL GROUP which is a French company that is owned by ELCO HOLDINGS. They have three cooling models and one heat pump model available. The "AELIA" series units are split portable units which means that part of the unit is located outside. (This requires connecting refrigerant lines.)

Alen----------alencorp.com------<1*--------------NA-- These units have a water tank that must be dumped. The units have three fan speeds and a 24 hour timer. They feature digital controls and a remote.

AMANA---------------------------<1*--------------NA-- The AP077R units have a cooling output of only 7000 btu/hr. They offer three cooling speeds and a dehumidify function. The units feature electronic controls with a remote but requires dumping the condensate reservoir.

AMBIANCE---ambianceproducts.com-<1*--------------1*-- This brand is available in North America, Latin America, and the Carribean. The AMAC 1200 units feature two hoses for efficient operation as well as swing louvers for better air circulation. Their website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

AMCOR---------amcorgroupusa.com--2*--------------3*-- The "PLM series" units have a washable mesh filter as well as an activated carbon filter for odor removal.

ARIAGEL-------ariagel.it--------<1*--------------NA-- This brand is made and sold in Italy. They offer basic units in the traditional monobloc style as well as split units. The split portable air conditioners feature quick connects so that the units can be easily moved.

ASAHI------- asahi-int.com ---<1*--------------NA-- These units use 50 Hz power and are not for use in North America. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

AUX-----------cnaux.com----------NA--------------1*-- This brand is available in 50HZ and 60HZ models. They have an anti-bacterial filter and HEPA filter. They have three fan speeds, a 24 hour timer, and remote control. They also have a sleep mode for energy savings.

BORA--------- bora-air.com ------2*--------------NA-- This brand has three operating modes (cool,vent, dehumidify) as well as three fan speeds. They use two hoses so that no condensate tanks are required to be dumped. The units are available in 60 HZ only (in the US and Canada only).

CHIGO---------chigogroup.com----<1*--------------1*-- This brand is made in China. They are available in either R-22 or R-410a and in cool only or heat/cool models. They have a remote control, a dry mode, and timer controls.

CLIMETTE------climette.ca--------2*--------------2*-- These units are from INTERNATIONAL COMFORT PRODUCTS which is a part of UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORP. The units are available in Canada and feature digital controls with a remote. The PACR12WC units are heat/cool units with dual hoses for improved efficiency. Their cool only units are available in two sizes (9000 & 12000 btu/hr).

COMFORT AIRE--heatcontroller.com-NA--------------3*-- This brand is from HEAT CONTROLLER which manufactures other hvac systems as well. The units are available in two sizes (9000 and 12000 btu/hr). They use two hoses for higher efficiency and have oscillating louvers for better air circulation. The filter is a simple washable filter which does not improve the room's air quality.

COMFORTSTAR---comfortstarusa.com-NA--------------1*-- This brand is only available in 60HZ units and only one size (12000 btu/hr). The unit has three fan speeds, a 24 hour timer, and auto swing louvers.

COMMERCIAL COOL haieramerica.com-2*--------------3*-- This brand is from HAIER and is available in a wide variety of models. They offer single or dual hose units to match your budget requirements and have outputs from 7000 to 14000 btu/hr. They also feature an auto evaporation function that eliminates the need for emptying a reservoir.

CosmoAir--------plieger.nl------<1*--------------2*-- These units are available in Europe. They offer units with mechanical or electronic controls. The units have two fan speeds and use environmentally friendly refrigerant. The units require draining the condensate and the warranty on the compressor is not as good as many brands.

CRUISE------seagullcooling.com--<1*--------------NA-- These units are manufactured in India and only available in India and the Middle East.

DAEWOO------ e-daewoo.com-------2*--------------3*-- These units have a built-in pump to empty the tank even during dehumidifying mode.

DAITSU--------daitsu.com--------<1*--------------1*-- These units use R407c which is environmentally friendly. The units also have a built-in pump for water removal even during dehumidifying.

DANBY---------danby.com----------3*--------------NA-- These units have oscillating four way air deflection for superior air circulation. The water from these units must be dumped in the dehumidifying mode. The warranty on these units includes in-home service.

DeLONGHI------delonghi.com------<1*--------------NA-- The "PENGUINO Pac C100" units use R410a which is environmentally friendly. The unit has four fan speeds.

DENKA-----denkaelectronics.com--<1*--------------NA-- This brand is made in China and is available in the Middle East. They offer a 10000 btu/hr unit with basic features. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

ECOAIR--------ecoair.org--------<1*--------------2*-- These units are available in the U.K. The MINI units are cooling only units with a capacity of 7000 btu/hr and use environmentally friendly R-410a. They also offer heat pump units with capacities of 9000 or 12000 btu/hr. The warranty on the units is not as good as many other brands.

EDGESTAR------------------------<1*--------------1*-- This brand is from LIVING DIRECT INC. The units are available in three sizes and in either cool only or heat/cool units. They feature electronic controls with remote, an activated carbon filter, and self evaporative design. The warranty on the units for labor is only 90 days which is not as good as other brands.

EINHELL-------einhell.com-------<1*--------------NA-- This brand is only available in a 50HZ model. The NMK2700E has drying, cooling, fan only, and sleep modes. It has a three speed fan, a swing function, and uses an activated carbon filter to improve air quality. The unit has a tank that must be dumped or a hose can be connected for continuous draining.

ELECTRA-------electra.cn---------NA--------------1*-- This brand is a part of ELCO HOLDINGS. It is made in China and is available there and in Europe. They offer a split portable unit which puts the compressor section outside.

ELECTROLUX----electrolux.com.au--3*--------------4*-- This brand is available in Australia and offers two sizes of cool only units and one size of heat pump model. They feature remote control, auto swing louvers, a 24 hour timer, and a turbo mode. They are single hose models therefore not as efficient as some brands but they are backed by a very good warranty.

FEDDERS-------fedders.com-------<1*--------------2*-- The Fedders brand is now a part of the Airwell Group which is a French company that is owned by ELCO HOLDINGS. These units have 3 cooling speeds as well as 3 fan speeds. The units are available with supplemental electric heat.

FREECOM----freecomtech.com.tw---<1*--------------NA-- These units are available in Taiwan and are available in monobloc or split type units. They have auto swing louvers and a three speed fan for better air circulation. They have electronic controls with a remote and a 24 hour on/off timer. The manufacturer's website does not have a stated warranty policy.

FRIEDRICH-----friedrich.com------2*--------------NA-- The "ZONEAIRE" units have an intake as well as an exhaust hose to improve efficiency of operation.

FUJIAIRE------fujiaire.com.my---<1*--------------1*-- These units are made in Malaysia and use 50HZ power (not for use in the USA). They offer units with either R-22 or R-407C refrigerant but the units with R-22 are not recommended. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

FUJITRONIC----fujitronic.com----<1*--------------NA-- The "WHIRLWIND FA-9000" unit has oscillating louvers and three fan speeds for good air flow. The condensate from the unit must be manually dumped.

GAF-----------gafcontrol.com.au-<1*--------------NA-- These units are available in Australia. They are available in two sizes (2.5 and 3.2 Kw). They are equipped with wireless remote. The units require draining.

GE------------geappliances.com--<1*--------------NA-- The condensate must be manually removed.

HAIER---------haieramerica.com---2*--------------3*-- These units have a carbon filter as well as the standard washable mesh. The units use two hoses for higher operating efficiency.

HARBOR POINT--harborpointac.com--NA--------------1*-- These units are imported to the U.S.A. from China. The units are available in two sizes (9000 and 12000 btu) and have digital controls with remote control. The condensate from the units must be dumped. The units can be ordered online and shipped or picked up at their stores in California and Florida.

HiSEER--------ymgigp.com--------<1*--------------1*-- This brand is available in cool only or heat pump models. They have a three speed motor, electronic remote control, and timer operation. They must be purchased through a dealer.

HYPER CLIMA---hyperclima.com----<1*--------------NA-- These units are made in Italy and are available in Europe. The SPIFFERO units are basic units with an eight hour off timer, thermostat, and a mechanical control. The ARTIDE/ANTARTIDE units use an electronic control with a remote. The IGLOO models are split type units that use a mechanical control. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

KELVINATOR----kelvinator.com.au--3*--------------4*-- This brand is from ELECTROLUX and is available in Australia. They offer cool only and heat pump models featuring remote control, auto swing louvers, a 24 hour timer, and a turbo mode. They are single hose units therefore they are not as energy efficient as some brands. They are backed by a very good warranty.

KOLDFRONT-----------------------<1*--------------1*-- This brand is from LIVING DIRECT INC. The units are available in three sizes and in either cool only or heat/cool units. They feature electronic controls with remote, an activated carbon filter, and self evaporative design. The warranty on the units for labor is only 90 days which is not as good as other brands.

LG------------us.lge.com---------4*--------------NA-- These units have a very good warranty. They have 3 cooling speeds as well as up/down auto swing air flow.

MEACO---------meaco.com---------<1*--------------NA-- This brand is available in two sizes (8000 or 14000 btu/hr) and feature electronic controls with a remote. Their website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

MICROMARK-----bdc.co.uk---------<1*--------------NA-- This brand is manufactured for BDC which is a part of BRIDISCO GROUP. The units feature three speeds and electronic controls with a remote but the warranty is not very good.

MIDEA---------mideaaircon.com----2*--------------2*-- These units have a built-in water pump for condensate removal even during dehumidifying operation. The units have electronic controls with a remote and have a good warranty.

MITSUI-mitsuiairconditioner.com-<1*--------------NA-- These units are available in Europe. They offer both standard and split type units. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

MIZUSHI------mizushi.co.uk------<1*--------------1*-- This brand is available in Europe in standard models as well as split type units. The MAXI RANGE features units with higher outputs and feature a 7 day program timer.

NETWORKAIR-------apc.com--------<1*--------------NA-- This brand is from AMERICAN POWER CONVERSION (APC) and is designed for rooms with heat sensitive equipment. This can typically be computer server rooms or home offices with servers and other computer equipment. The units have electronic programmable controls and cool or vent only modes. They feature a standard two inch pleated filter for better indoor air quality and offer options such as a ducting kit and a remote temperature/humidity sensor. The standard warranty is not very good but extended warranties can be purchased.

OLIMPIA SPLENDID-olimpiasplendid.it-<1*-----------1*-- The ISSIMO range of units are single hose cooling only units. They feature remote controls with timer functions and a "moon function" (sleep mode). The units require 50HZ power and therefore are not available in North America. They expel the water that is removed from the air and therefore do not require you to dump a tank. The SILENCLIMA units are portable split units where the condensing unit with the compressor is located outside. This allows you comfort without the noise. The DUPPIO models are two hose units for increased efficiency and include an electric heater.

PLASMA COOL---plasmacool.com-----2*--------------NA-- The "PE14E" units have an activated carbon filter as well as the washable mesh filter.

PREM-I-AIR-- prem-i-air.com --<1*--------------2*-- This brand is made in China for EHS LTD. and is sold in Europe and Asia. They offer a wide variety of units but the PTP35D units are the top of their line. They feature two hoses for energy savings as well as a three speed fan and oscillating louvres for enhanced air circulation. They also offer split models which are quieter because the compressor is located outside.

QIDI----------qidi.com----------<1*--------------NA-- These units have both cooling and dehumidifying modes. They use two hoses for higher efficiency. There are two sizes available (9000 and 12000 btu/hr).

RAMSOND-------ramsond.com-------<1*--------------NA-- The KFP35 model has digital controls with a remote and a 24 hour timer. The compressor warranty is not very good. You can purchase the units online from the manufacturer.

ROYAL SOVEREIGN-royalsovereign.com-2*------------NA-- These units have two hoses for higher operating efficiency.

SAKURA---- sakura-aircon.com----NA--------------1*-- These units are made in China and are 50HZ units so they are not compatable in North America. The SUP/AMD series units are 3 in 1 units (heat/cool/dehumidify) and are available in five sizes to match your requirements. They have a three speed fan and are available with either mechanical or electronic controls with a remote. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

SATURN------ saturn-cz.com ----NA--------------4*-- This brand features units with electronic controls and a remote. They are made in China and are backed by a good warranty.

SHARP---------sharpusa.com-------2*--------------NA-- The "CV-P12LX" include their "plasmacluster ion generator" but we are not impressed with the technology. The units have an auto cool mode which selects the best fan speed for the room conditions. The unit has three normal cooling speeds as well as "MEGACOOL" for rapid cooling. The unit has auto oscillating louvers and fourway air deflection for superior air circulation.

SOLEUS -------soleusair.com-----<1*--------------2*-- This brand is available in a heat pump model for increased heating efficiency.

STIEBEL ELTRON-stiebel-eltron.de-<1*-------------NA-- This brand has a intake as well as an exhaust hose for added efficiency. The unit uses environmentally friendly R-410a refrigerant.

SUNBEAM-------sunbeam.com-------<1*--------------NA-- The "SCA102RPC1" model unit has a smart cooling mode and four way air deflection. The condensate reservoir must be manually dumped.

SUNPENTOWN----sunpentown.com----<1*--------------2*-- The "TN-12E" unit is available in a heat pump model. The units have an activated carbon filter for odor removal but only two fan speeds.

TAYAMA------ tayama-usa.com --<1*--------------NA-- This brand is from HUARUN APPLIANCE and is made in China. The TAC9000 has electronic controls with a remote. The units have three speed auot control as well as a 12 hour timer and sleep functions. The unit has a built in water pump for condensate removal and horozontal swing louvers for enhanced air flow. The warranty is not very good and the window/wall termination kit is not included.

TCL-----------tcl.com-----------<1*--------------NA-- This brand offers 50 HZ models (not suitable for North America). They have electronic controls for accuracy and a three speed fan with auto swing louvers for enhanced air circulation. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

TECNO---------tecnogas.com.sg---<1*--------------NA-- These units are made in Italy and are available in Asia and Europe. The TAC10K units feature electronic controls with a remote, a three speed fan and horozontal auto swing louvers for improved air circulation. They use environmentally friendly R-410a refrigerant. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

THERMOFLO williamson-thermoflo.com 2*------------NA-- The PRA model units are two hose models for improved efficiency. They have three operating modes (cool, dehumidify, fan). They include a wireless remote and have a built in condensate pump for moisture removal in the dehumidify mode. They also have 24 hour programming.

TILI---- tili-northamerica.com --2*--------------3*-- These units use electronic control and have a 24 hour timer. They have automatic condensate removal and a remote control. They have three modes (cool, dehumidify, fan). These units use R-22 which is not environmentally friendly. The cooling only unit is only available in a 9500 btu/hr size while the heat pump unit is only available in a 13000 btu/hr size.

TOYOTOMI------toyotomiusa.com----2*--------------NA-- The "TAD-T32G" unit has a charcoal filter, washable mesh filter, and an optional purifying filter. The remote control is stored onboard and is easily detached. The unit has an intake and exhaust hose for added operating efficiency.

WHIRLPOOL-----whirlpool.com------2*--------------NA-- The model ACP102 unit features electronic controls with a remote for accurate temperature control. The unit has auto swing louvers for better air circulation in the room and a turbo cool mode for quick cooldown of the room.

WHYNTER-------whynter.com--------2*--------------3*-- The "SNO ARCTICA" line has an activated carbon filter and optional heat. The unit only has two fan speeds.

WILLIAMSON williamson-thermoflo.com 2*-----------NA-- These units use two hoses for improved efficiency. They have three operating modes (cool,dehumidify,fan) and 24 hour programming. They also have a built in condensate pump for moisture removal.

WINDCHASER-windchaserproducts.com-<1*------------3*-- This brand is available in single or double hose models. The heating units are heat pumps for added efficiency. The units use R-22 which is not environmentally friendly. The units use condensate vaporization technology so no reservoir or drain provision is required.

WintAir----- hisense-usa.com ---5*--------------5*-- This brand is from HISENSE KELON ELECTRICAL HOLDINGS CO. They feature units in three sizes (8000,10000, or 12000 btu/hr). The units have two speeds, a 24 hour timer, and vertical swing louvers. They are backed by a very good warranty.
Return from portable ac ratings to home