If you’ve ever tried to survive a record-breaking UK heatwave with just a desk fan and an open window, you’ll know there’s a point at which you’re basically just shuffling hot air around. I’ve been testing cooling kits for almost a decade, and when it’s properly sweltering, I know that a portable air conditioner is the only thing that actually brings the temperature down.
Unlike fans, most portable ACs remove heat from the air and push it outside, which is why venting matters. The majority of models in my guide use a hose that sits outside a window, usually secured with a plastic or fabric window kit to prevent warm air from creeping back in. There are exceptions, such as the Morphy Richards S1 pro, which uses a ductless design, but these are designed to cool a person or small area, rather than a whole room.
