If it feels like the world has been turned into a giant air fryer lately, you are not imagining things. Record-breaking heatwaves have been sweeping across Europe and other parts of the world, sending people scrambling for ways to keep cool. Sure, installing a traditional split-system air conditioner would be ideal, but that’s easier said than done if you are renting, living in an apartment, or simply not keen on turning your wall into Swiss cheese. This is where the Midea PortaSplit comes in.
Think of it as a portable air conditioner that borrowed the best idea from a split-system AC. Instead of squeezing everything into one noisy box, PortaSplit separates the indoor and outdoor units, connected by a slim refrigerant line that passes through a closed window. The result is quieter operation, better efficiency, and none of the permanent installation headaches. Better yet, there are no tools, no installer, and definitely no drilling involved. Setup takes just three simple steps.
Performance is where PortaSplit really starts showing off. The flagship model delivers 12,000 BTU (3.5 kW) of cooling and heating capacity, carries an A++ cooling and A+ heating energy rating, and can comfortably handle rooms up to around 42 square meters (452 square feet). Silent Mode keeps indoor noise as low as 39 dB, making it suitable for bedrooms, while Wi-Fi connectivity lets you control everything from your phone. It can also heat, dehumidify, and ventilate, making it useful long after summer has packed its bags.
The outdoor unit even hangs from a supplied bracket, making it suitable for standard windows, French windows, skylights, balcony doors, and even caravans. In other words, if you can open a window, chances are PortaSplit can work there too.
Perhaps the best endorsement came from outside Midea itself. The PortaSplit was named one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2024, and honestly, it is not hard to see why. For renters, apartment dwellers, and anyone who wants split-AC comfort without turning their home into a renovation project, this may be one of the coolest air conditioners around—quite literally.
As for the price, I think it varies with retailers. But as a reference, Midea Netherlands sells the PortaSplit R32 12000 BTU/H, 3.5 kW, Cooling/Heating, SEER 6.1/SCOP 4.0 for €1,199. It is also available in the U.K. via Joybuy as a pre-order for £999.99.
Images: Midea.
