Summer in the UK and across Europe brings one consistent problem: the heat arrives without warning, and most homes are not built to handle it. A portable air conditioner is the only practical solution for renters, flats, and anyone who can't fit a fixed split system — no installation, no engineer, no landlord permission. You roll it in, connect the exhaust hose to a window, and your room is cool within minutes.
The problem is choosing. The market is full of options at very different price points — from evaporative coolers that don't actually cool below ambient temperature, to serious refrigerant-based ACs with heating, Wi-Fi, and energy ratings that rival fixed units. This guide covers the genuine portable air conditioners available from Tiny Lux right now, with everything you need to choose the right one.
Quick Comparison: Best Portable Air Conditioners at Tiny Lux
| Model | BTU | Room Size | Key Feature | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| De'Longhi PACES72 | 8,300 BTU/h | Up to 70m³ | Compact — 40% smaller footprint | £469.80 |
| De'Longhi AP98 GentleJet | 11,500 BTU/h | 100–110m³ | GentleJet draught-free airflow, A+ | £699.80 |
| Airfel LPCY35BM | 12,000 BTU | Up to 35m² | 4-in-1 incl. heating | £679.00 |
| TCL TAC-12CHPB | 12,000 BTU | Up to 35m² | 4-in-1, A+ rated | £679.00 |
| HOMCOM 14,000 BTU | 14,000 BTU | Up to 35m² | Wi-Fi, best-value large unit | £529.99 |
| Beko 21220 P | 12,000 BTU | Up to 35m² | A+, R290 eco refrigerant | £819.07 |
| Electrolux Comfort 600 | 12,000 BTU | Up to 35m² | 4-in-1, Wi-Fi, A+, heating | £969.16 |
| LG PA11WS | 9,000 BTU | Up to 25m² | DUAL Inverter, ThinQ Wi-Fi, A+ | £978.60 |
Browse the full portable air conditioner range at Tiny Lux →
How to Size a Portable Air Conditioner: The BTU Guide
BTU (British Thermal Units) is the standard measure of cooling power. The higher the BTU rating, the larger the space the unit can cool effectively. Getting the sizing right matters — underpower a unit for your room and it will run constantly without reaching the right temperature; overpower it and it will short-cycle, wasting energy.
As a practical guide for UK and EU homes:
| Room Size | BTU Needed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 20m² | 7,000–9,000 BTU | Bedrooms, small living rooms |
| 20–30m² | 9,000–12,000 BTU | Mid-size living rooms, home offices |
| 30–40m² | 12,000–14,000 BTU | Large living rooms, open-plan kitchens |
| 40m²+ | 14,000+ BTU | Add extra BTU for south-facing or poorly insulated rooms |
Important: these are guideline figures for well-insulated rooms with standard UK ceiling heights (2.4–2.6m). South-facing rooms with large windows, top-floor flats with roof exposure, or rooms with poor insulation may need the next BTU tier up.
Our Top Picks
Best for Bedrooms: De'Longhi PACES72 Pinguino Compact — £469.80
The PACES72 is the smallest unit in the Pinguino range — 40% smaller footprint than a standard portable AC — making it the natural choice for bedrooms where floor space matters. At 8,300 BTU/h it handles rooms up to 70m³ comfortably, and its minimum fan speed of 47 dB (quieter than a library) means it won't disturb sleep. Class A energy rating and R290 eco-friendly refrigerant round out a well-made compact unit. Includes LCD display, 24-hour timer, remote control, and window kit.
Best for Draught-Free Cooling: De'Longhi AP98 GentleJet — £699.80
The AP98 is the flagship Pinguino — more powerful at 11,500 BTU/h for rooms up to 100–110m³, and the only unit in this guide with De'Longhi's proprietary GentleJet technology. Instead of blasting cold air directly at you, GentleJet directs airflow upward towards the ceiling, where it cascades down gently across the whole room. The result is genuinely comfortable cooling with no cold draughts — ideal for large living rooms and bedrooms where you spend extended time. Class A+ energy rating. Currently low in stock — check availability.
View the De'Longhi AP98 GentleJet →
Best Value for Large Rooms: HOMCOM 14,000 BTU — £529.99
If budget is a priority and room size is large, the HOMCOM 14,000 BTU unit delivers the most cooling power per pound in this guide. Wi-Fi connected with smart home compatibility, 3-in-1 (cool, fan, dehumidify), 24-hour timer, and window kit included. At 14,000 BTU it handles rooms up to 35m² — the highest raw output here at the second-lowest price. Suitable for open-plan areas where other units would struggle. Stock levels are good.
Best for Year-Round Use: Airfel LPCY35BM — £679.00
Most portable ACs only cool. The Airfel LPCY35BM does four things: cooling, heating, fan, and dehumidification — which means it earns its floor space year-round, not just in summer. 12,000 BTU cooling handles rooms up to 35m², A+ energy rated, remote control included. If you want one unit that genuinely serves every season, the Airfel is the most practical choice in the mid-range.
Best Smart Home Integration: LG PA11WS — £978.60
The LG PA11WS sits at the premium end, but its DUAL Inverter compressor sets it apart technically — inverter motors modulate output rather than cycling on and off, which means quieter operation, more precise temperature control, and better energy efficiency over time. ThinQ Wi-Fi connects to Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control. At 9,000 BTU it's best suited to rooms up to 25m². The premium price reflects the inverter technology and smart platform integration rather than raw power.
What to Look for When Buying a Portable Air Conditioner
BTU rating and room size. Use the table above as your starting point. If you're in a top-floor flat, south-facing room, or poorly insulated space, go one tier higher than the table suggests.
True air conditioner vs. evaporative cooler. A genuine portable air conditioner uses a refrigerant and compressor to lower air temperature below ambient. Evaporative coolers (sometimes called "air coolers") add moisture to the air using water — they can feel cooler, but they don't actually reduce room temperature and are ineffective in humid conditions. All units in this guide are genuine ACs with refrigerant compressors.
Energy efficiency rating. Look for A or A+ rated units. The higher-rated machines cost more upfront but cost less to run — which matters if you're using the unit for hours each day through a heatwave.
Heating function. Several units here include heating as well as cooling. If you plan to use the unit beyond summer, a 4-in-1 model (cool, heat, fan, dehumidify) gives you year-round value.
Noise level. Portable ACs are generally noisier than fixed split systems. If bedroom use is a priority, look for units with a dedicated quiet or sleep mode — ideally under 50 dB at minimum speed.
220–240V compatibility. All portable air conditioners at Tiny Lux operate at 220–240V / 50Hz — the standard UK and EU mains supply. No adapter or converter is required for UK and EU use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do portable air conditioners need to be installed?
No. All units in this guide are portable — the only requirement is a window or small opening to route the exhaust hose. The included window kit seals around the hose. No drilling, no engineer, no permanent changes.
How loud is a portable air conditioner?
Noise varies by model and fan speed. The De'Longhi PACES72 runs at 47 dB at minimum speed (quiet library level). Most 12,000 BTU units run at 52–56 dB. All are louder than a fixed wall-mounted unit but quieter than a floor fan on high speed.
Can I use one in a bedroom at night?
Yes, but choose carefully. The De'Longhi PACES72 and AP98 GentleJet are the quietest options in this guide and have sleep modes that gradually adjust temperature overnight. The LG PA11WS's DUAL Inverter also reduces noise significantly compared to standard compressors.
Do they need to be emptied of water?
Modern portable ACs with auto-evaporation systems (including all De'Longhi Pinguino models) handle condensation automatically — expelled through the exhaust hose under normal UK and EU conditions. In very high humidity, some manual draining may occasionally be needed.
What is the difference between cooling BTU and BTU/h?
They are the same measurement — BTU per hour is the standard unit for cooling capacity. When you see 12,000 BTU or 12,000 BTU/h, they refer to the same figure. Some manufacturers quote BTU at peak test conditions (higher humidity, higher temperature) which can make the number look higher — always compare models tested under the same conditions.
Our Recommendation
For most UK and EU households, the right portable air conditioner comes down to three choices: the De'Longhi PACES72 for bedrooms and compact spaces, the HOMCOM 14,000 BTU for budget-conscious buyers who need to cool a large room, and the De'Longhi AP98 GentleJet for anyone who wants the best-quality cooling experience regardless of price. For year-round use, the Airfel LPCY35BM's heating function makes it uniquely versatile.
