The 3 Best Portable Air Conditioners in the UK
From sweltering flats to sweating shopfronts – let’s sort the cooling kings from the overpriced clunkers.
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1. MeacoCool MC Series 9000BTU – The Chill That Doesn’t Cheat You
Best for: Small UK homes, offices, and anyone tired of fan-only fakery
Verdict: 9/10 — The minimalist’s climate saviour.
Forget your Instagram-viral fans that promise “Arctic airflow” and deliver lukewarm regret. The MeacoCool MC Series actually does what it says on the tin: it cools. With 9000 BTU, this unit is more than enough for most UK-sized rooms (aka glorified cupboards), and it even dehumidifies while it chills.
What we love:
• Proper cold air, not just a gusty placebo
• Energy efficient for its power class (A-rated)
• Relatively quiet — no jet engine roars
• Slick digital controls (finally, a unit that looks 2025-ready)
What grates:
• Hose setup is still a faff (window kit is basic)
• No Wi-Fi/smart control — Meaco missed a trick here
Business bonus: Ideal for independent cafés, boutique stores, and home-based consultants who want comfort without a £1,000 HVAC overhaul.
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2. De’Longhi Pinguino PAC EL110 Wi-Fi – Cool Tech, Warmer Opinions
Best for: Tech lovers, Airbnb hosts, and high-end offices
Verdict: 8.5/10 — Stylish. Smart. Slightly smug.
The De’Longhi Pinguino EL110 is what happens when Italian design meets smart home ambition — and a little arrogance. Yes, it’s powerful. Yes, it’s controllable from your smartphone or Alexa. And yes, it looks stunning compared to most clunky white boxes.
But here’s the truth no one tells you: it’s not that much colder than a cheaper unit like Meaco. You’re paying for convenience and brand ego, not radical performance.
What we love:
• Wi-Fi control (and it actually works)
• Eco mode for conscious cooling
• Great for larger rooms (over 25m²)
• Dehumidifies like a boss
What grates:
• Price tag is eye-watering (expect £650–£700)
• Still uses a single hose (hot air recirculation is real)
Business bonus: Great for luxury salons, tech-savvy office spaces, or holiday lets needing sleek style and smart scheduling.
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3. Inventor Chilly 9000BTU Portable AC – The Budget Unit That Bites Back
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers, tenants, and side hustlers
Verdict: 8/10 — The no-frills fighter
You’ll find the Inventor Chilly on every best-buy list for one reason: it’s dirt cheap, and it works. But don’t mistake it for low quality — this is not some noisy piece of Chinese plastic that melts under pressure.
It’s reliable, surprisingly quiet, and yes, it does cool a 20m² room in under 15 minutes if sealed properly. That’s more than enough for bedrooms, garden offices, and home salons. Businesses looking to bulk-buy affordable cooling? Look no further.
What we love:
• Under £300 for real air conditioning
• Simple controls (even your gran could use it)
• Compact size, easily fits in corners
What grates:
• Basic design — looks like a 2010 printer
• No smart features
• Vent hose is ugly and inflexible
Business bonus: Perfect for pop-up shops, indoor market stalls, or budget office spaces needing cooling on a shoestring.
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❄️ Final Word (and a Warning)
Let’s be blunt: UK homes weren’t built for heat. With summers getting nastier, portable air conditioners are no longer luxury gimmicks — they’re fast becoming survival kits.
• If you want sleek tech: go De’Longhi.
• If you want real value: go Meaco.
• If you want chill on a budget: go Inventor.
But whatever you do, don’t waste another summer with a glorified desk fan blowing hot air and false promises.
🔍 Compare full specs, prices, and user reviews at CheeringUp.info – where we call the bluff on BS brands and help you actually chill.
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Best value air conditioning units for UK heatwave 2025