If, like most people, you’re struggling with the heatwave hitting large parts of the UK this week, chances are you’re trying nearly anything to stay cool. Fans near bowls of ice, curtains closed all day, exercise pre-sunrise, we’re doing it all. But if none of this is enough, a portable air conditioning unit is the next point of call.
Portable air conditioners are compact, freestanding units designed to cool a single room rather than an entire home. They work by drawing in warm air, cooling it internally using a refrigerant system, and then circulating cooler air back into the space. Most models come with an exhaust hose that needs to be positioned out of a window to release hot air outside, preventing it from building up indoors.
They don’t require installation, so they’re a much more flexible option (and often more affordable) for short-term or seasonal use during hot weather. And this week, Lidl announced it would be releasing an air conditioner in the middle aisle. It’s priced at just £149, and it has three operating modes: air conditioning, fan cooling and dehumidifying.
As with many of Lidl’s seasonal home and tech deals, the air conditioner is expected to be available in limited quantities and is likely to be in high demand given the current weather conditions.
Read more: Best handheld fans for 2026, tested
When can you buy the air conditioner at Lidl?
The Tronic three-in-one air conditioner will land in stores this week, on Thursday, 25 June. The full range will be available in stores nationwide, while stocks last.
How much is the air conditioner at Lidl?
Lidl’s air conditioner will cost £149. You’ll also find other cooling tools in the middle aisle, starting from as little as £3.99. These include fans of all kinds, cooling pillows, and dog cooling mats for our furry friends.
What is the difference between a fan and an air conditioner?
Fans don’t actually cool the air; they just circulate it, creating a breeze that helps you feel cooler as sweat evaporates from your skin. They’re useful for quick relief, but they won’t lower the actual room temperature.
Portable air conditioners actively cool the air. They pull in warm air, cool it internally, and release it back into the room while venting hot air outside through a hose. This means they can reduce the temperature in a space, making them far more effective during sustained heat.
Best portable air conditioners
If you miss out on Lidl’s affordable unit, these are the best portable air conditioners from our review.
Blyss A018I-09C 9000BTU portable air conditioner
Why we love it
- Includes window kit and permanent wall fixture
- Even airflow thanks to auto-swing vent
- Energy-efficient
Take note
- Short 1.5m hose limits positioning
- Top display is tricky to read
Awarded the best budget unit in our guide to the best portable air conditioners, reviewer Joanne Lewsley wrote: “If you want a straightforward, no-fuss air conditioner that still gives you a bit of flexibility, this Blyss model is a solid option. It covers the basics well, with cooling, fan and dehumidifier modes, plus three fan speeds and a 24-hour timer to fine-tune things depending on how you’re using it – and it’s good value.”
Buy now £269, Screwfix.com
Meaco meacocool MC series pro 8000 BTU portable air conditioner
Why we love it
- Excellent, flexible window kit
- Longer hose makes positioning easier
- Strong initial cooling performance
Take note
- Louvres limit airflow direction
- Too loud for overnight use
If you want something that’s quick and easy to set up, Joanne Lewsley recommends the Meaco meacocool MC series pro 8000 BTU portable air conditioner.
She said: “If you’ve struggled with awkward window setups in the past, this MeacoCool model is one of the easiest I tested to get up and running. The window kit is particularly well thought-out. It has extra-long plastic panels that make it far more adaptable than most, regardless of your windows.”
Buy now £380, Argos.co.uk
Hisense APC09QC air conditioner
Why we love it
- Includes grill for window vent
- Good airflow
- Energy-efficient
Take note
- Short 1.5m hose
- Heavy and bulky
Another that impressed reviewer Joanne Lewsley was the Hisense APC09QC air conditioner. In her review, she wrote: “If you want something that takes the guesswork out of staying cool, the Hisense APC09QC portable AC is one of the more user-friendly units I tested. The smart mode is genuinely handy, automatically adjusting settings based on the room temperature so you’re not constantly tweaking things throughout the day.”
You’ll be pleased that the cooling performance is “strong for a 9,000 BTU unit”, she wrote. “The super cool function pushes out a powerful burst of cold air, and paired with the auto-swing vents, it does a good job of circulating that air evenly rather than leaving you with one icy corner and the rest of the room still stuffy.”
Buy now £399, Ao.com
Read more: The best products to keep you cool during a UK heatwave
