We put Australia's most talked-about portable air conditioner to the test for 90 days — here's the honest verdict.
Installing a proper split-system air conditioner costs thousands of dollars and requires a licensed tradesperson. For renters, apartment dwellers, or anyone who simply can't drill into walls, that's off the table entirely. EpiCooler promises to solve this problem with a plug-and-play unit that cools in summer, heats in winter, and moves between rooms without any tools — at a fraction of the cost.
We spent 90 days with the EpiCooler to find out if it delivers on that promise or if it's another overhyped gadget.
"I pulled it out of the box, plugged it in, and had cool air in the lounge within minutes. I've never had a product do exactly what it says on the tin like this."
EpiCooler is a dual-mode portable air conditioner designed for rooms up to 51m². Unlike traditional portable ACs that require a hose vented through a window, EpiCooler uses a self-contained system — no hoses, no drilling, no installation at all. Just plug it in and select your mode.
It features six power modes, remote and touchscreen control, whisper-quiet operation, and built-in safety systems including overheating protection and anti-scalding grilles.
Our rental gets unbearably hot in summer and the landlord won't allow a split system. The EpiCooler has been brilliant — it cools the lounge in minutes and I wheel it into the bedroom at night. Whisper quiet too, I barely notice it running.
We were spending a fortune on power bills running central heating just to keep one room warm. Now we just use the EpiCooler in the living area. It heats up quickly, bills are much lower, and in summer it's just as effective for cooling. Really happy with it.
I hated the idea of getting an air con installed. Too expensive and way too much hassle. This was literally plug in and go. No tools, no tradies. The remote makes it so easy to adjust from the couch. Couldn't be happier.
I move it from the home office during the day to the living room in the evening to the bedroom at night. It's light enough that I don't even think twice about it. Keeps my place comfortable no matter where I am.
For renters, apartment dwellers, and anyone who wants reliable cooling and heating without the cost or hassle of a permanent install, EpiCooler is one of the best options we've tested. The plug-and-play setup, dual-mode functionality, and whisper-quiet motor put it a clear step above most portable units in its price range.
Best for: Renters, small apartments, home offices, or any room where a split-system isn't practical. The portability is genuinely useful — most users move it between 2 or 3 rooms throughout the day.