TO THE TEST: Air conditioners

Sunday Mirror, Aug 5, 2007

5/10

Challenge 12,000 BTUs, pounds 229.70, Argos

0870 6001010, www.argos.co.uk

LARGE and very cumbersome, the Challenge would be a no, no if space is at a premium. Powerful, pumping out 12,000 British Thermal Units, but switching between the fan, dehumidifier and full AC mode wasn't easy and the instruction manual didn't help. You can get more for your money elsewhere.

7/10

Amcor AMC10KM-410 10,000 BTUs, pounds 239, Amcor

020 8560 4141, www.amcorgroup.com

ALTHOUGH average in size the Amcor does pack a punch. The powerful fan cooled our test room relatively quickly. It is easy to use and selecting the desired temperature and fan speed was a doddle. The only drawback is that it's a bit noisy when the fan speed is set to maximum.

8/10

DeLonghi Air-to-Air NF170, 8,000 BTUs, pounds 249.99

0845 600 6845 www.delonghi.co.uk

EASY to use, and the remote control means you can switch it on and off without moving from your seat. Cooled our test room the fastest. Solid and well built, it's the ideal unit for cooling a conservatory or average-sized room And a humidifier is also part of the unit.

9/10

MEA8000 8,000 BTUs, pounds 198.99, Meaco

0845 838 6963 www.meaco.com

SMALL, compact and powerful, the Meaco is lightweight at just 21.5kg and easy to move around as well as simple to use. Although small, the powerful fan cooled our test room very quickly and relatively quietly, even on high fan speed, making it perfect for using at night in the bedroom.

4/10

Convair Mastercool, pounds 199, Amazon

www.amazon.co.uk

MORE of an air cooler than an air conditioner. Far more eco- friendly, it works using water vapour rather than gas to cool the air, meaning that it's cheaper to run than a lightbulb. Lightweight, so easy to move. Ideal for cooling a small area directly in front, but pretty useless when it comes to cooling an entire room.