I've become an expert when it comes to bagging a deal in the Amazon Prime Day sales after writing about it for the past six years. As a homes journalist, my job involves tracking sales prices and the stock levels of home appliances all year round, so I know exactly what products to buy in the sale and what to hold off on.
The Amazon Prime Day sale kicks off next week, one of Amazon's biggest sales events of the year. I would typically recommend waiting until then to invest in a high-ticket home appliance, but the last two years of covering the event have taught me there is one appliance you absolutely should not wait until Amazon Prime Day to buy: a portable air conditioner.
The best portable air conditioners have shot up in popularity over the last few years, thanks to a series of exceptionally warm summers. But stock levels aren't quite matching the demand, especially during a heatwave.
This means two things if you're in the market for a portable air conditioner:
1. It is incredibly unlikely you'll find a major deal on a portable air conditioner in a summer sale like Amazon Prime Day.
2. They sell out exceptionally fast.
Over the last two years, I've seen firsthand how fast they can sell out. I've had to launch 'stock watch' feature on portable AC's during the last two Amazon summer sales events to track down any remaining units online.
This year, thanks to the heatwave at the end of May, stock levels on portable ACs are already depleted, and if you want to get your hands on one for the summer, I wouldn't wait even a week, let alone for a sale, to click buy.
‘Thanks to an unseasonably toasty end to May, the demand for portable air conditioners has already seen some models sell out before summer even hits,' explains Sarah Handley, Ideal Home's Renovation Editor and portable AC expert who has been monitoring this years stock levels.
'While I’ve spotted that brands like Meaco are due to replenish their stock at the beginning of July, others may not be restocked at all this summer. All is not lost though and there’s still a decent number of options available. But all it takes is another heatwave and they could sell out quick, so if you want one, definitely snap it up when you see it in stock.'
‘I’ve been testing the Dreo 318s portable air conditioner, which is still in stock on Amazon, which I would recommend,' adds Sarah. 'I’ve also spotted options from household names like Morphy Richards and Bosch also in stock on Amazon. Appliances Direct is another option that seems to have a steady stock supply of portable air conditioners, even when a heatwave hits.’
If you want to beat the heat this summer and invest in a portable AC over the best fan, then I'd buy now, or regret later, especially with another heatwave on the way.
Portable air conditioners in stock
Our expert reviewer, Sarah, is currently in the process of testing this portable air conditioner and has found it effective, easy to use and surprisingly low noise.
This is one of the most powerful portable air conditioners we've tested. It's easy to use, relatively quiet and can cool down a room fast.
Not only is this air conditioner still in stock, but it is also one of the rare ones you'll find for under £300.
