TechRadar Recommends Buying Portable AC Units During October Prime Day Despite Cold Weather

TechRadar gave three reasons for buying now rather than waiting. It said portable AC units sold out before the first heatwave had even finished and remained rare for the rest of the summer. The publication expects a similar situation next summer. At present, it said, shoppers have a selection of options to choose from rather than the dregs of what is left in stock, and some models are discounted.

The second reason concerns winter use. According to TechRadar, many portable AC units have secondary functions that help them earn their floor space during colder months. Many double as dehumidifiers, which can be useful for drying clothes indoors during winter, and a few can also operate as heaters. TechRadar's writer said she made liberal use of this drying method when she lived in a basement flat.

The third reason is preparation for next summer. TechRadar reported that scorching summers are set to become the norm and that a portable AC can be a game-changer for keeping cool. The article's author said she bought one at the start of summer and considered it one of the best investments she had made, because it allowed her to sleep well at night even when it was very hot.

For shoppers choosing between models, TechRadar advised opting for as high a BTU value as they can afford. BTU stands for British Thermal Units and indicates how efficiently the appliance processes air, according to the publication. For a medium-to-large room, a BTU of 10,000 or over is ideal, TechRadar said.

The roundup included discounted Amazon models and more full-price options from trusted brands including Meaco and Dreo. TechRadar also listed other UK Prime Day deals across categories such as Amazon devices, appliances, beauty, essentials, fashion, gaming, headphones, laptops, tablets, TVs, vacuums and wearables. Examples in that list included up to 67% off Fire, Ring and Blink devices, up to 40% off Ninja and De'Longhi appliances, and a record-low Nintendo Switch 2 gaming offer.

TechRadar's Collections Editor Ruth wrote the article. The publication describes the Collections format as a themed, curated selection of product recommendations designed to give readers a way to shop for new gadgets and gizmos.