When summer strikes and the heat becomes unbearable, we all start searching for ways to stay cool. That’s when I decided to give the Chilwell Portable Air Conditioner a try.
You can buy this unit directly from their official website or from online marketplaces, but before you make that leap, you might want to read through my experience with it. Spoiler alert: it’s not all ice-cold breezes and refreshing air.
My Experience With Chilwell Portable Air Conditioner
When I first received the Chilwell Portable Air Conditioner, I was impressed by its sleek, compact design. It’s lightweight, and its portability made it easy to move around the house.
It claims to work as both an air conditioner and a humidifier, which I thought was a nice touch. My setup was simple; you just fill the reservoir with water, insert the cooling cartridge, and plug it in.
I was optimistic that this little device could provide some relief during the hotter days.
- How The Chilwell Portable Air Conditioner Works?
The Chilwell Portable AC uses evaporative cooling technology.
Essentially, it pulls in warm air, passes it through a water-soaked cooling cartridge, and releases cooler, humidified air into the room.
Think of it as a cross between an air conditioner and a swamp cooler.
It even has four speed settings—from a gentle breeze to a turbo mode—which I thought would allow for some customization based on how hot it was.
But does it really work? Well, that’s where things started to fall short for me.
- The Reality: Performance in Small Spaces
The Chilwell Portable Air Conditioner performs well enough in small, enclosed spaces. If you’re sitting at a desk, working or studying, and have the unit blowing directly on you, the cooling mist it produces can make things a bit more comfortable.
However, I noticed right away that it doesn’t cool down larger areas effectively. In my small bedroom, I could barely feel the difference unless I was sitting right next to it.
And then there’s the water reservoir. At 550ml, it sounds like it should last for a while, but the reality is you’ll need to refill it quite often if you run the unit for extended periods.
This was one of my biggest frustrations because, despite its claims of being able to run for hours on a single fill, I found myself constantly checking to ensure it didn’t run dry.
Pros of The Chilwell Portable Air Conditioner
Let’s cover some of the aspects I did like:
- Portability: The Chilwell AC is compact and easy to move around. If you’re someone who wants cooling on the go, this device might appeal to you.
- Evaporative Cooling: For people living in dry climates, the humidifying function is a nice bonus. It adds some moisture to the air, making it feel more comfortable in the right conditions.
- Energy Efficiency: The device claims to be energy efficient, and from what I’ve experienced, it uses minimal electricity. It’s a small unit, so naturally, it consumes less power compared to larger air conditioners.
- Ease of Use: It’s pretty easy to operate. There are no complicated controls, and the setup is straightforward—fill the reservoir, insert the cartridge, plug it in, and you’re good to go.
- Low Noise: While some units can get loud, especially when on turbo mode, the Chilwell was surprisingly quiet. It wasn’t disruptive during my work or while trying to sleep.
Cons of The Chilwell Portable Air Conditioner
While there are some redeeming qualities, there are also some major drawbacks:
- Ineffective in Large Spaces: The Chilwell is simply not powerful enough to cool larger rooms. It’s more suited for small personal spaces. If you’re hoping to cool down a living room or even a bedroom, this unit will leave you disappointed.
- Battery Life Issues: One of the biggest selling points of the Chilwell is its rechargeable battery, which supposedly lasts up to 4 hours. In reality, I struggled to get even an hour of use before it needed recharging. This means it’s practically unusable unless plugged in.
- Frequent Water Refills: The water reservoir doesn’t last as long as I’d hoped. If you run the unit for more than a couple of hours, you’ll be refilling it frequently. This can get frustrating, especially during hotter days when you need continuous cooling.
- Cartridge Replacement: I didn’t realize that the cooling cartridge needs to be replaced every 1-3 months. This adds an extra cost that wasn’t advertised clearly. For a device that’s already pricey, this was a disappointment.
- Limited Cooling Power: While the ChillWell Portable AC may deliver some cool air in smaller spaces, it’s not strong enough to make a significant impact in areas over 90°F. If the temperature rises, this little unit just can’t keep up.
- Condensation Issues: Because the unit works by emitting a cooling mist, you might end up with wet surfaces nearby. I found myself placing towels around the device to avoid damaging any furniture. For a portable air conditioner, this kind of high-maintenance approach isn’t ideal.
Maintenance Tips For The Chilwell Portable Air Conditioner
Here are a few tips for keeping your Chilwell Portable AC running smoothly:
- Clean the Cooling Cartridge Regularly: It’s recommended that you replace the cooling cartridge every 1-3 months, but between replacements, make sure you clean it. Mold can accumulate if it’s left damp for long periods.
- Refill the Reservoir Frequently: To maintain optimal cooling, ensure that the water reservoir is full. Using cold or even ice-cold water can help the unit produce cooler air.
- Avoid Overcharging: If you plan to use the device cordlessly, avoid overcharging the battery. Once the green light comes on, unplug it to extend the battery life.
- Keep It Away from Delicate Surfaces: The condensation from the cooling mist can lead to moisture buildup, so make sure you place the unit on a surface that won’t be damaged by water.
Comparison With Other Brands
In terms of price and features, how does the Chilwell stack up against other portable air conditioners?
When evaluating the Chilwell Portable Air Conditioner, it’s important to see how it compares with other portable cooling devices on the market. Below are some insights on how it stacks up against competitors like the Pelonis Portable Air Conditioner, the Sherum Air Conditioner, and the Ocean Breeze Air Conditioner.
- Pelonis Portable Air Conditioner
The Pelonis Portable Air Conditioner offers a significant boost in cooling power compared to the Chilwell.
While the Pelonis unit is a full-sized portable air conditioner, it has a much greater capacity for cooling larger rooms and spaces.
Unlike the Chilwell, which is best suited for small, personal areas, the Pelonis can handle entire rooms and even small apartments.
It also features a built-in dehumidifier and fan settings, making it a more versatile option for those who want year-round functionality.
However, it’s larger and less portable, making it less convenient if you’re looking for something truly lightweight and mobile like the Chilwell. The Pelonis also uses more electricity, so it’s not as energy-efficient as the Chilwell.
If you’re prioritizing cooling capacity and have a bigger area to cool, the Pelonis would be the better choice. But if portability and energy efficiency are your top concerns, the Chilwell might still appeal to you, albeit in smaller spaces.
- Sherum Air Conditioner
The Sherum Air Conditioner is more directly comparable to the Chilwell in terms of size and portability.
Like the Chilwell, it uses evaporative cooling, and it’s marketed as a lightweight, personal cooling solution.
Both units promise energy-efficient cooling and are intended for small spaces or direct personal use, such as at a desk or bedside.
However, the Sherum AC has an edge in terms of battery life—it tends to last a bit longer when used cordlessly, with many users reporting up to 5-6 hours of operation on a single charge, compared to the Chilwell’s struggle to last even an hour.
Additionally, the Sherum model doesn’t have as many issues with condensation or the need for frequent refills, which makes it slightly more convenient to use in a wider range of conditions.
Between the two, the Sherum Air Conditioner seems to offer a more reliable performance for personal use. If you’re willing to sacrifice the night-light feature that Chilwell offers, the Sherum could be a better choice for longevity and ease of use.
- Ocean Breeze Air Conditioner
The Ocean Breeze air conditioner falls somewhere between the Chilwell and larger portable air conditioners like the Pelonis.
It’s slightly more powerful than the Chilwell but still maintains a compact and portable design.
This unit is better suited for cooling small rooms or offices, offering more cooling power than the Chilwell without being as bulky as full-sized units like the Pelonis.
What sets the Ocean Breeze apart is its ability to cool larger spaces more effectively than the Chilwell while still being relatively easy to move around. It also features multiple cooling modes and a programmable timer, allowing you to customize your cooling experience.
However, it is more expensive than the Chilwell and consumes more power, so while it’s more efficient for larger spaces, it doesn’t have the same energy-saving appeal.
If you’re looking for something that bridges the gap between personal use and room-sized cooling, the Ocean Breeze Air Conditioner might be a better fit. However, if your needs are strictly for a small personal cooling unit, the Chilwell could still serve you well, despite its limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The top-rated portable air conditioner is often considered the Whynter ARC-14S. It offers dual-hose cooling and dehumidification for larger spaces, far surpassing the capabilities of smaller units like the Chilwell.
The Chilwell portable AC uses evaporative cooling, pulling in warm air, passing it through a water-soaked cooling cartridge, and releasing cooler air into the room. It also doubles as a humidifier.
Although it claims to last up to 4 hours, in my experience, the battery barely lasts an hour when used cordlessly. It works better when plugged in, but even then, it’s limited by the water reservoir.
Yes, the ChillWell Portable AC is technically a swamp cooler, as it uses water to cool the air. However, it is more compact and intended for small personal spaces.
Conclusion: Is the Chilwell Portable Air Conditioner Worth It?
After using the Chilwell Portable Air Conditioner for a while, my conclusion is that it’s not worth the investment, especially if you’re looking for something to cool down more than a personal workspace or very small area.
It’s a lightweight and convenient device, but the poor battery life, limited cooling power, and constant need for water refills make it more hassle than it’s worth.
If you’re considering a purchase, think carefully about your needs. If all you need is a breeze while you work or sleep, and you don’t mind refilling the reservoir frequently, it could work for you. However, if you’re expecting it to cool down an entire room, you’ll likely be disappointed.
For me, the Chilwell Portable Air Conditioner just didn’t deliver the kind of relief I was hoping for, and I wouldn’t recommend it as a long-term solution to beat the heat.