Portable AC and Fans in stock
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- Portable air conditioners in stock
- Fans in stock
- Cooling deals
- Live updates
Temperatures this week are set to soar as high as 38 degrees in parts of the UK, so it comes as no surprise that we're all on the lookout for cooling solutions for our homes. The best portable air conditioners are the best way to quickly cool your home, but they have been flying off the virtual shelves. In fact, many of our top-rated models are already sold out at multiple retailers, and we imagine some of the best fans are set to start selling out just as quickly, too.
However, there are still portable air conditioners, air coolers and misting fans available to buy if you know where to look. We've tracked down where you can still find a portable AC in stock, and any rare fan deals we come across along the way.
At Ideal Home, we test portable ACs and fans all year round, so we have all the insider intel on which ones are worth spending on, the alternatives that deliver similar results for a lower price point and other cooling hacks that will tide you over until you get your hands on a portable AC.
Portable air conditioners in stock
- Appliances Direct: a steady stock level of electriQ and Midea portable air conditioners
- Argos: the Bush air conditioner units are the only two left in stock
- Amazon : steady stock of portable ACs, including a Dreo model
- Currys: only Toshiba fitted air conditioners still in stock
Fans in stock
- Amazon : rare deal on the whisper-quiet Duux Whisper Flex 2
- Argos : next-day delivery on Shark and Bush fans
- AO.com : Dyson tower fans are the only ones left now
- Currys : Duux, Dyson and Shark still in stock
- Debenhams: savings on Pro Breeze fans.
- Very: range of tower, pedestal and desk fans
- John Lewis : Dyson, Meaco, Duux and Philips fans
Cooling deals
Any deals on fan or portable ACs are rare right now, but here are a couple we've spotted.
Live updates
Misting fan alternative
If you're not able to get your hands on your chosen portable air conditioner just yet, or they are out of your budget, then it's definitely worth considering a misting fan, especially if it feels like your fan is just blowing hot air.
With an integral water tank, they spray an ultra-fine mist as they blow out air, which results in a very cooling breeze for those in its path. It's not likely to lower the overall temperature in a room like a portable air conditioner, but it'll feel like a cooler breeze than a normal fan, so it's a good middle ground.
I've been trying out the Dreo 765S TurboCool misting fan, available at Amazon for a few weeks now, and it definitely creates a cooling breeze and doesn't leave me soggy.
Buy now or wait?
So should you buy a portable air conditioner now or wait? After all, these appliances aren't cheap, with even the most budget friendly models costing in excess of £250.
If you need a portable air conditioner to be able to get through the next few days, then if you find a portable AC that will suit your needs and it's in stock, then definitely don't wait to snap it up. Stock is moving very quickly, so if you don't you could miss out.
However, if you have a very specific model in mind, like the new super-quiet Meaco Cirro, then if you can hold on for a few more days, you may be able to get the one you want, with more stock due in early July. It's worth checking back daily too. In the last few days, I’ve seen portable air conditioners come back into stock and sell out again on the same day.
Where I'd go to buy a portable AC in stock this evening
Appliances Direct tends to have a steady stock level of portable air conditioners, including a range of ElectriQ air conditioners. The ElectriQ 10000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner we've reviewed is currently out of stock, but you can still pick up the ElectriQ Slimline 7000 BTU Small Portable Air Conditioner for £449 at Appliance Direct.
Duux Whisper 3 alternative
I've spotted that the Duux Whisper 3 (which is a brilliant fan for a bedroom, thanks to its ultra-quiet operation), which was discounted as an early Prime Day deal, is out of stock.
Fortunately, if you had your heart set on it, its sister model, the Duux Whisper Flex 2 is in stock for less than £150 on Amazon. It's identical in terms of bedroom suitability and looks just as good. The biggest difference is that the Whisper Flex 2 can be controlled via an app and has two different height options, while the Whisper 3 isn't smart and offers more height variations between desktop and full pedestal height thanks to its telescopic stem.
When might portable air conditioners come back in stock?
While the best portable air conditioners we’ve tried have temporarily sold out, you might be wondering when they might be back in stock.
While we’re checking stock levels daily (and checking in with our industry insiders), the level of demand for these appliances has been huge, so it’s a bit of a scramble to get them back in stock.
We do know that the brand new Cirro portable air conditioner from Meaco is due back in stock in early July, and we’ve spotted numerous brands, like Meaco and Devola, encouraging you to sign up to be alerted when your favourite model is available again. I’d recommend doing so, and even bookmarking your favourites (or our buying guide) so we can let you know as soon as stock is replenished.
Portable vs fitted air conditioning
As Ideal Home’s resident expert on all things cooling, a question I’m often asked is whether you should go for a portable air con or opt for fitted air conditioning instead.
The answer will largely depend on where you live and your budget. Portable air conditioners are more affordable than fitted AC, can be moved around your home (although you’ll need help to move one up and down stairs due to its weight) and are non-permanent, which means they are renter-friendly too.
It is, however, hard for a portable unit to beat a wall-mounted one when it comes to quiet and clutter-free operation. The downside is that a fitted option is more expensive to install and can’t be moved from room to room. You’ve also got to have an indoor and outdoor unit permanently installed too.
How our Sleep Editor keeps cool at night without an AC
'I swear by the best linen bedding all year round, but this breathable fabric is especially important during high temperatures. It’s perfect for combatting hot and humid British heatwaves. My Duux Whisper fan, available at Amazon has also seen me through five years of hot summers in my south-facing bedroom - I love its natural breeze setting.'
Amy Lockwood, Sleep Editor
I'm signing off now to head upstairs and open up my bedroom windows now the air's a little cooler – I'll also blast my fan to try to shift some of the hot air and allow fresh airflow through the house. On really hot nights, I forgo my duvet altogether and opt for a top sheet instead. And in this heatwave I have one more trick up my sleeve – I fill my hot water bottle with cold water (and a couple of ice cubes from this ice cube tray) and pop it into my bed five minutes before I climb in.
With Amazon Prime Day kicking off tomorrow, our Editor Becky Knight will be back bright and early shortly after 7am with a stock update and to share any deals that have dropped overnight. We predict any bargains will sell out fast, so if a portable air con is top of your wishlist, bookmark this page now and we'll see you in the morning!
Morning, we're back for another day of helping you to find where you can still buy a portable air conditioner or a fan alternative to help you through the heatwave. I'm Becky Knight, Editor on Ideal Home, and this is my third year of tracking down portable air conditioners and fans before they sell out. I've become a pro at where to look online for hidden stashes of stock and where to go for the quickest delivery, too.
Right now, the temperature in London, where I'm based, is already 20 degrees, and set to soar into the 30s. So to help you survive the heat until you can get your hands on a portable AC, our team of experts will also be sharing their top cooling tips, and heatwave buys you can snap up on Amazon in the Prime Day sales this week.
To kick things off we've tracked down a Dreo Portable Air Conditioner at Amazon. Our portable AC expert reviewer, Sarah Handley, has been testing this model over the last couple of weeks and a full review is coming soon. However, right now it's one of the best tried-and-tested portable AC's we've found in stock.
Rare deal alert!
This portable AC from Morphy Richards is currently reduced by £100s in the Amazon Prime Day Sale. We haven't tested this particular model, but reviews on Amazon say it looks good and keeps a room cool, but they do all warn that it is very loud.
Portable Air Conditioners still in stock at Amazon
Today marks the kick-off of Amazon's biggest sales event of the year, Amazon Prime Day, but you'll be extremely lucky to find any portable ACs on offer this week. However, you can still benefit from the Prime membership with free delivery on any of these portable ACs that are still in stock at Amazon.
- DREO 7500 BTU Portable Air Conditioner, £399
- JUMMICO 12000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner, £449 (15 left in stock)
- ELECCI 3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner 12000 BTU, £449
- Morphy Richards Flexifreeze Portable Air Conditioning Unit, Was £499, Now £399
- Belaco 9000 BTU Air Conditioning Unit, £699 (arrives 25th June)
- Temprium Air Conditioning Unit - 12000 Btu Portable Air Conditioner, £499
How to keep a room cool during the day without an AC
'I have a south-facing bedroom that gets absolutely scorching, so I’ve been keeping my thermal curtains closed during the day. I always thought thermal curtains worked best in the winter, but they’re just as effective for keeping rooms cool during the summer months, too! I have the Blake Thermal Curtains from Dunelm and swear by them.'
Lauren Bradbury, Floorcare and House Manual Content Editor
I'm signing off now and handing over to Molly Cleary, our Kitchen Appliance expert who will be keeping an eye on portable AC stock levels and deals on fan alternatives, plus sharing her top tips for keeping cool in the kitchen.
Morning! I'm signing on to keep track of where top-rated portable ACs are still in stock so that you have the best chance of buying one.
As Ideal Home's Kitchen Appliances Editor, my first order of the day when it's this hot is making an iced coffee – a task that's made much easier with my favourite XL ice cube tray (£9.99 at Amazon). Let's see where we can find some in-stock cooling must-haves.
Spotted at Amazon!
The Shark Turbo Blade fan (which our reviewer awarded 4.5 stars to in her review) is a perfect match for partners who don't agree on fan settings, as each side can be customised. It's sold out at most other retailers but we've found a stash at Amazon.
Shark ChillPill 3-in-1 Fan on sale
You can get £10 off this handy personal fan today thanks to Amazon Prime Day. It's been on my wish list since it came out but now seems like the best time to invest, especially for those hot days on a commute.
Our reviewer Sarah said that it had 'put an end to her heatwave anxiety' when she awarded it 4.5 stars recently.
How our News Writer has been keeping things cool
'I've been using the Salter Slushie Maker (£179 via Amazon) to make ice cold smoothies and slushies to help cool me down.
I also hang a damp bedsheet over my bedroom window to help make it a more comfortable place to sleep. I’ve never been bothered by the heat before but these extreme temperatures this year have convinced me to save up for a portable AC.'
Kezia Reynolds, News Writer
I'm handing over to Heather Young now, Ideal Home's Editor-in-Chief, who has the latest on portable AC stock and where you can find it as well as must-have deals and advice.
Hi, I’m Heather, Ideal Home’s Editor-in-Chief and I’m taking over the reins of the live blog for the next couple of hours, sharing details of our best-rated portable ACs that are still in stock, along with other brilliant products and top tips to help you stay cool over the heatwave.
I know it’s not strictly a product for your home, but I just snapped up this portable neck fan for my other half while it’s discounted on Amazon – he doesn’t deal with the heat well and this is my attempt to minimise the moaning so really it’s a selfish purchase!
Need to cool down fast? Get your portable AC by tomorrow
Here's where you can still snap up a portable AC with next-day delivery to beat the heatwave:
- Appliances Direct: delivery options from tomorrow
- AO.com : free next-day delivery within a four-hour time slot
- Argos: the last few Bush air conditioner units are available for next-day delivery
- Amazon : free delivery for Prime members – and this is model with a next-day delivery option
Spotted at Argos!
Our News Writer just alerted me to one of the last remaining portable ACs in stock at Argos, and it’s rated five-stars. With stock of well-rated models dwindling at an alarming rate, it's a rare find. We think this is going to sell like hot cakes (sorry, couldn't help myself!) so if the reviews impress you as much as they have us, I'd snap this one up straight away.
I can't believe this portable AC is still in stock. It's a relatively affordable price compared to other models, and offers multiple modes to cater to your needs. In other words, it does the trick!
Cooling sleep hacks when you don't have AC
I'm always swayed by a first person recommendation, and our Senior Digital Editor Jenny McFarlane just told me how much she loves her Meaco Sefte fan so I'm eyeing it up right now. She uses it alongside some other trusted cooling sleep solutions (she hasn't joined the portable AC club yet).
'I have my Meaco Sefte fan blowing in my bedroom, sleep on a silk pillowcase (more for my crazy hair) and I take an ice-cold face cloth for my head for bedtime that I have prepped in my freezer,' she says. 'If I wake up during the night, I switch it out for a fresh one. I do the same for my littles. It’s also very 2023, but I use my massive Stanley cup and pack it with ice and cool water to stay hydrated.'
That's my shift done for now, and I'm handing over the baton to the very capable Lauren Bradbury, our House Manual Editor. She'll keep you bang up-to-date with the latest stock updates on top portable air conditioners and high-performance fans, along with her tips and tricks for keeping cool while the mercury soars.
Thanks, Heather! I’m next up to help you beat the heat on this hot Tuesday. I’ll be keeping you updated on any fan or portable AC deals that I spot along the way, and helping you weed out the real deals from the duds.
As I’ll be stuck at my desk for the next couple of hours, I’m using my GoodHome Remote Controlled Table Fan to keep me cool while I’m typing away. Sadly, It’s not available for delivery, but you can collect this £39 bargain in-store at B&Q in as little as 15 minutes.
Stock check!
I’ve just spotted that the Meaco Sefte Pedestal Fan that our editors love has already sold out at Argos - but it’s still available on Amazon, and could be with you on Thursday if you order within the next few hours.
It’s not on sale unfortunately, so it might not suit you if you have a smaller budget. But if you want a highly rated fan that’s height-adjustable and has a night mode for easier sleep, I’d suggest snapping it up before it sells out everywhere else.
This fan can be used as a pedestal or desk fan, so you can use it in any room of the house. It's also Quiet Mark certified, and we found that the noise levels ranged from just 39-56dB. That's super quiet!
Fans vs air-purifying fans
I may be biased as Ideal Home’s resident air purifier expert, but I think every home should have one of the best air purifiers. And if you’re searching high and low for a fan deal right now, it’s well worth considering whether air-purifying fans are worth it - as branching out can solve many of your heatwave problems.
After all, the summer months aren’t just hot and sticky. They’re also a hotbed of airborne pollutants such as pollen, dust, dander and even smoke from BBQs. This can then have a knock-on effect on your health and your sleep. However, an air-purifying fan allows you to reap all the cooling benefits of a fan while also utilising the purification qualities of an air purifier to make your home as healthy (and pollutant-free) as possible.
Some air-purifying fans also go the extra mile by offering a heating element, so you can use them year-round without needing three separate appliances. This saves on purchase costs and storage space in smaller homes. Our tester particularly loved the Blueair ComfortPure T10i Air Purifier when she reviewed it, and I’ve just spotted it on sale for Amazon Prime Day!
That’s me for today! The ice cream van is calling, so I’ll hand you over to our Senior Digital Editor, Jenny McFarlane, who will keep you updated on the portable ACs and fans still in stock.
I’ll be back tomorrow, as long as I don’t melt before then. Fingers crossed for my ice cream, too...
Thanks, Lauren! I’m next up to help you tackle your hot weather woes. I’ll be keeping my eyes peeled and sharing all the best fan or portable AC deals that I spot. I'll give you advice on how to choose the best AC and any alternatives that you can get your hands on now to beat that heat without spending a fortune.
I've currently got my trusty Meaco Sefte table fan blowing on my desk, and I can't recommend it enough. It's whisper-quiet, versatile and portable, so it can be used indoors and out. It comes with a handy carry handle and bag so you can easily take it on picnics, camping trips and to the beach!
How to choose the best portable air conditioner for your home
With the best portable air conditioners flying off the virtual shelves every time a heatwave hits, it's worth doing your homework before you buy one. At Ideal Home, our reviewers have tested portable ACs in real homes and know the right model can transform a sweltering room, while the wrong one can leave you with higher energy bills and no real respite from the heat.
As I've tested a few in the past, here's what I'd recommend you always check before buying:
- BTU rating: Match the cooling power to your room size, because, believe it or not, bigger isn't always better.
- Noise levels: This is particularly important if it'll be used in your bedroom or home office. I learnt that the hard way .
- Portability: Look for wheels and handles, as most units can be heavy!
- Extra features: Dehumidifier modes, sleep settings, timers and WiFi controls are all super handy additions.
- Window kit: These kits are essential for venting hot air outside and getting the best performance from your AC.
- Running costs: Choosing the correct size and an energy-efficient model will help keep bills in check, so look for the wattage and find out how much it costs to run an AC before hitting the 'buy' button.
Air coolers are a seriously clever alternative to an AC, and here's why
If you've been trying to buy a portable air conditioner right now, you've probably noticed that stock is disappearing fast! The good news is that air coolers are a brilliant stopgap. Models like the Midea 5L Air Cooler use evaporative cooling, blowing air over cold water and ice packs to create a much fresher, cooler breeze than a standard fan can offer. They're also cheaper to buy, quieter to run and don't require a window hose, making them ideal for bedrooms, home offices and smaller living spaces.
While an air cooler won't lower your room temperature as dramatically, it can make you feel significantly more comfortable during a muggy UK heatwave. If you've missed out on buying an AC or simply want a budget-friendly way to stay cool, an air cooler could be the sweet spot this summer.
Here are a few alternative picks I've found that are still in stock.
This slick and compact air cooler has a 4.2 rating on Amazon, and is essentially a tower fan that blows out cold air. You can freeze the included ice boxes and put them into the tank for maximized cooling.
This affordable option can be used as either an air cooler or a fan. It comes with ice blocks which the reviews say are essential to getting the perfect level of cooling.
This air cooler cools and adds moisture to the air. It's a handy space-saving size and runs for 10 hours per fill.
That’s me for today! I'm about to head to my patio with my Shark outdoor misting fan, which is just one way you can keep your patio cool in a heatwave.
I’ll hand you over to our Managing Editor, Thea Babington-Stitt, who will keep you updated on the portable ACs and fans still in stock.
So stay cool, stay hydrated, and I'll be back with more heatwave tips and deals this time tomorrow, assuming I haven't turned into a puddle by then. But before I go, here's a great deal on another portable, indoor/outdoor fan from a brand we trust, Morphy Richards.
Over and out.
Thanks, Jenny – great point with the air coolers, I think they’ll be most people’s best bet right now. I’m hopping in now to keep an eye on any deals (or, let’s face it, available) cooling products that I spy this evening.
I’m desperate for a Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo and miraculously it is still in stock on Amazon. That said, it’s not discounted for Amazon Prime Day and some colors are actually more expensive than I’ve seen them before – a timely reminder to make sure you’re not paying over the odds!
How to position a fan for maximum cooling power
Finding the right spot for your fan can make just as much difference as the model you buy. Here are some tips to make sure you’re getting the most out of yours this heatwave.
Face it towards an open window: If the air outside is cooler than indoors (usually early morning or late evening), positioning a fan to help push hot air out of the room can encourage better airflow and help flush out built-up heat.
Create a cross-breeze: If you can open windows on opposite sides of your home, use a fan to help move air between them. This creates a cooling breeze that feels far more effective than simply circulating stagnant air.
Don't tuck it into a corner: Fans need space around them to move air efficiently. Placing one behind furniture or in a cramped corner can limit airflow and reduce its effectiveness.
Avoid pointing it at heat sources: Positioning a fan near sunny windows, radiators or heat-generating appliances can simply circulate warmer air around the room rather than helping you feel cooler.
Use height to your advantage: Warm air rises, so elevating a fan slightly or angling it correctly can help move hot air away and improve air circulation throughout the room.
Premium fan deal worth a look
If you're after something a little more design-led than a standard pedestal fan, I've spotted a deal on the Dimplex FlexBlade Bladeless Fan at Amazon.
We haven't tested this model at Ideal Home, but its feature list is certainly impressive. Unlike most tower fans, the FlexBlade can pivot between vertical and horizontal positions, while its dual vents can direct airflow in two different directions at once – a clever feature if you're trying to cool a larger living space or more than one person. It also promises quiet operation from 36dB, making it a potential contender for bedrooms.
That's me done for today! I'm off to panic order either some reflective film or foam to help offset the direct sun into my flat and lower the temperature – I'll update with the results.
I'll hand you over to our Sleep Expert, Amy Lockwood, who'll no doubt be letting you in on all her trade secrets of how to get some shut eye in this heat, as well as tracking which cooling products are still in stock.
I'll be back tomorrow with more cooling tips, stock updates and heatwave-friendly buys.
Until then, stay cool!
Thanks, Thea! And yep, in my opinion, the very worst part of any heatwave is the hot and humid nights, so as we head into the evening, I'm here to share some sleep-expert-approved tips and tricks for cooling down at night.
Alongside that, I'll also be keeping an eye out for any cooling fan and AC stock alerts that you need on your radar.
First up, I have to share this Duux Whisper Flex fan deal on Amazon. I have the older version of this pedestal fan, and it's singlehandedly helped me survive sleeping in my *very* hot bedroom during the past five years' worth of heatwaves.
Yes, it's expensive, but it really is worth the money compared to other fans. Firstly, because the air it expels does actually feel cool when it hits your skin, unlike so many others I've tested, which simply move about hot air. And secondly, because it totally lives up to its name and is whisper quiet, so it's perfect for cooling you down whilst you sleep.
I also find a pedestal fan is your best bet for a bedroom, as it's the right height to hit your body with the breeze, and there's no need to faff about finding a surface to sit it on.
Ditch the duvet.
Next up, when it comes to how to beat the heat, I recommend ditching the duvet. My bedroom is currently over 30°C, and it's absolutely too hot for even the lightest and most breathable summer duvet.
I've found that this Bedsure Cooling Blanket or a muslin throw, like the 100% Cotton Muslin Throw from Bedsure are good duvet alternatives for hot weather. You can also sleep under a flat linen sheet, like this linen-blend option from Piglet in Bed.
But if you don't have another option to use right now, don't worry. Simply take your duvet cover off your duvet and sleep under the duvet cover without the insert. If you have a cotton or linen duvet cover, choose these breathable natural materials over a polyester or polycotton cover, which will trap the heat.
Freeze your pillowcase.
For a quick blast of coolness that can help you drift off to sleep faster, pop your pillowcases in the freezer about an hour before bed.
This works best with a cotton pillowcase that you could also dampen slightly, and you could freeze your bedsheets too (although this is a bit of a faff).
I've also tried both this Silentnight Cooling Gel Pillow Pad and the larger Silentnight Restore Cooling Gel Mattress Pad, which work well for that quick hit of cool, but they do take up more room in your fridge and freezer, plus you have to store them when they're not in use.
Embrace the ice.
If you have access to a freezer, I also swear by these reusable ice packs during a heatwave. You can snap up various types at Amazon for not that much money. Pop them in a pillowcase and take them to bed to stay cool.
Or, if you have a hot water bottle, you can also fill that with cold water and ice cubes to cool down your body in bed.
I'm about to sign off for the night and attempt to get some sleep myself, but if you're awake and googling cooling fans, I'll leave you with one last star buy before I disappear.
Meaco makes some of *the* best cooling fans I've tested. They're powerful, quiet, easy to use, and sturdily built. I've owned the older and currently out-of-stock Meaco 1056 Air Circulator for the past five years and still absolutely love it. However, it's now gone to live at my parents' house to keep them cool in the heatwave, so I'm going to invest in the newer Meaco Sefte Table Fan.
I'm expecting models to start selling out fast as the heatwave continues, but the Meaco Sefte fan is currently still in stock at Amazon, and John Lewis has several versions of the Meaco Sefte that are battery-operated, so you can use them anywhere in the room without needing to be near an electrical socket.
Do your best to stay cool and calm during this hot night, and we'll see you in the morning for more heatwave-busting updates.
