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We’ve just tested our highest-scoring air conditioner
Discover the new model that aced our rigorous tests, and find out what air conditioners from brands including AEG, DeLonghi and Ecoair have to offer
A good portable air conditioner will quickly lower the temperature in a room, making the UK's increasingly warm summers a bit more bearable – and we've just reviewed the best air conditioner we've ever tested.
Our newest Best Buy lowers room temperature rapidly and its energy efficiency is above average.
Read on to see the scores for the latest air conditioners to undergo our rigorous tests, and what the various models have to offer.
To compare all the models we've tested, visit our air conditioner reviews
The best air conditioner we've tested
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Air conditioner features to look out for
Air conditioners don't have lots of features, but here are the key things to look for when buying one:
- Timer This allows you to program the machine to switch on and off at a specified time. This is useful if you want to come back to a cool home or save energy by setting it to switch off once you’ve fallen asleep.
- Dehumidifier mode Some models double up as a dehumidifier, meaning they serve a purpose throughout the year, not just when it's hot.
- Night mode Air conditioners can be noisy machines. If you intend to run yours at night, look for a model with a night or sleep mode. This will reduce noise by running the compressor and fan more slowly. Often, the target temperature will increase automatically during the night so you don't wake up freezing cold.
- Window-sealing kit This will help limit the amount of warm air entering the room via the window you've fed the exhaust hose out of.
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The latest air conditioners on test
All the air conditioners from our latest tests are listed in alphabetical order below. Follow the links to find out more about each model.
| Model | Score | Where to buy |
| AEG Comfort 6000 AXP26U339CW | SQUIRREL_TEXT_50013744 | |
| DeLonghi Pinguino PAC EL92HP | SQUIRREL_TEXT_50013783 | |
| DeLonghi Pinguino PAC ES72 Classic | SQUIRREL_TEXT_50013743 | |
| Ecoair Crystal MK3 9000 BTU | SQUIRREL_TEXT_50013745 |
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AEG Comfort 6000 AXP26U339CW
Key features: Fan-only and dehumidifying modes, 24-hour timer
What the manufacturer says: AEG says its Comfort 6000 portable air conditioner provides 'superior energy efficiency and cooling performance'. It's a versatile model, which has fan-only and dehumidifying modes. There's no remote control, so you need to control it from your smartphone using the AEG app.
Which? labs verdict: Log-in or Join Which? to see the full verdict on the AEG Comfort 6000 AXP26U339CW.
DeLonghi Pinguino PAC EL92HP
Key features: Heating and dehumidifying modes, 24-hour timer
What the manufacturer says: DeLonghi says its Pinguino PAC EL92HP provides 'powerful cooling' and 'quiet operation' so you can 'enjoy comfort in peace'. Features include heating, fan-only and dehumidifying modes, and a 24-hour timer.
Which? labs verdict: Log-in or Join Which? to see the full verdict on the DeLonghi Pinguino PAC EL92HP.
Portable air conditioners won't be for everyone. To help you decide whether or not to invest, read these free advice guides:
- Should you buy an air conditioner or an electric fan this summer?
- How to keep cool without air conditioning
DeLonghi Pinguino Compact PAC ES72
Key features: Dehumidifying mode, 24-hour timer
What the manufacturer says: DeLonghi says the Pinguino PAC ES72 Classic is 'a compact and effective cooling solution that’s ideal for small spaces'. It's a lot lighter than most portable air conditioners and has fan-only and dehumidifying modes.
Which? labs verdict: Log-in or Join Which? to see the full verdict on the DeLonghi Pinguino Compact PAC ES72 Classic.
Ecoair Crystal MK3 9000 BTU
Key features: Fan-only and dehumidifying functions, 24-hour timer
What the manufacturer says: Ecoair says you can expect 'powerful energy saving air conditioning' from the Crystal MK3 9000 BTU. Its fan-only and dehumidifying modes should help you get use out of it all year round.
Which? labs verdict: Log in or Join Which? to see the full verdict on the Ecoair Crystal MK3 9000 BTU.
How we test air conditioners
Our reviews answer the important air conditioner questions, including:
- How quickly and efficiently does the air conditioner cool a room?
- How evenly is the cool air spread around the room?
- How easy is the air conditioner to use?
- How noisy is it?
We put each air conditioner in a room at 35ºC, then set it to its minimum temperature setting. The fan is set to maximum speed and 'swing' movement – our test stops once the temperature in the room drops to a more comfortable 25ºC.
We also check if the air conditioner is easy to use, and whether it's an energy hog or cheap to run.
An air conditioner must score 75% to be a Best Buy.
Find out more about how we test air conditioners
