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BLACK+DECKER BPACT08WT Review

While this air conditioner is inexpensive, it was quite a disappointment in our cooling tests
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Price:   $330 List | $220 at Amazon
Pros:  Inexpensive, relatively light
Cons:  Subpar cooling capabilities
Manufacturer:   BLACK+DECKER
By David Wise and Austin Palmer  ⋅  Sep 20, 2018
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50
OVERALL
SCORE

RANKED
#7 of 8
  • Cooling Power - 40% 3
  • Portability - 25% 6
  • Noise - 20% 6
  • Energy Cost - 15% 7

Our Verdict

If you are shopping on a tight budget for a new A/C, then the BLACK+DECKER might seem like a good choice. However, its mediocre cooling capabilities make it quite hard to recommend as a good pick. There are much better A/C's that don't cost that much more, though this might be a passable solution for cooling a small room in more temperate climates if you absolutely can't spend over $300 and also need a unit that doesn't use a ton of energy. It lists for slightly more than that, but can usually be found for less at common retailers.


Compare to Similar Products

(change comparison)
 
Awards  Top Pick Award Best Buy Award Editors' Choice Award  
Price $330 List
$219.87 at Amazon		$380 List
$379.99 at Amazon		$365 List
$363.25 at Amazon		$460 List
$415.05 at Amazon		$504 List
$471.99 at Amazon
Star Rating
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Pros Inexpensive, relatively lightExceptionally portable, fairly quiet, relatively energy-efficientIncredibly efficient, great value, decently moveableVery quiet, decently portable, solid cooling powerVery quiet, decent cooling power
Cons Subpar cooling capabilitiesSo-so cooling performance in our testLoudExpensive, bulky window insertHigh energy consumption, expensive
Bottom Line While this air conditioner is inexpensive, it was quite a disappointment in our cooling testsIf you value portability in your portable A/C above all, then the Honeywell HL09CESWK is a great choiceIf you are shopping on a budget, the ARC-08WB give you the most cooling power dollar for dollarIf you live in the hottest climates, this is our favorite dual-hose portable AC and is a great choiceThe ARC-14SH by Whynter is a solid performer but is bit pricey both to run and buy
Overall Score Sort Icon
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Rating Categories BLACK+DECKER... Honeywell HL09CESWK Whynter ARC-08WB Whynter ARC-122DS... Whynter ARC-14SH
Cooling Power (40%)
10
0
3
10
0
5
10
0
5
10
0
5
10
0
6
Portability (25%)
10
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6
10
0
8
10
0
7
10
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6
10
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5
Noise (20%)
10
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6
10
0
6
10
0
3
10
0
8
10
0
8
Energy Cost (15%)
10
0
7
10
0
7
10
0
10
10
0
5
10
0
2
Specs BLACK+DECKER... Honeywell HL09CESWK Whynter ARC-08WB Whynter ARC-122DS... Whynter ARC-14SH
Remote Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Timer Set up on the remote only Yes Yes Yes Yes
Interface location Top Top Top Front Front
Modes Cool
Dry
Fan		 Cool
Dry
Fan		 Cool
Dry
Fan
Auto		 Cool
Dry
Fan		 Cool
Dry
Fan
Heat
Number of Fan Speeds 4 3 3 3 3
Cord Wrap Yes Yes A small plastic loop No No
Measured Weight 51.3 lbs 65.4 lbs 48.3 lbs 60.4 lbs 77.2 lbs
Window Kit Length (without modification) Min: 20.5"
Max: 59"		 Min: 33.1"
Max: 49.6"		 Min: 26.6"
Max: 48"		 Min: 20"
Max: 46"		 Min: 20"
Max: 46"
Measured kWh on High (Average) 0.8 kWh 0.82 kWh 0.56 kWh 1.06 kWh 1.12 kWh
Measured dBa on High at 4' 58.4 dBa 57.2 dBa 60.3 dBa 57 dBa 56.5 dBa
Room Rating 300 sq ft 400 sq ft 250 sq ft 400 sq ft 500 sq ft
BTUs 8,000 9,000 8,000 12,000 14,000
Single or Dual hose Single Single Single Dual Dual
Projected Summer Cost $113.62 $111.72 $81.90 $131.61 $159.06
Measured Temperature Drop After 60 Minutes 6.4°F 9.74ºF 10°F 10°F 11.99°F

Our Analysis and Test Results

This appliance finished close to the back of the group, only outperforming the LG LP0817WSR. The LG does do a better job at cooling — the BLACK+DECKER pretty much did the worst of the group in our tests — but it uses more energy and is a bit louder.

The BLACK+DECKER BPACT08WT air conditioner.
The BLACK+DECKER BPACT08WT air conditioner.

Performance Comparison


For our portable air conditioner testing procedure, we picked out all the A/Cs that had the most potential — after exhaustively researching the market — and purchased them to test head-to-head. Our testing process was split into four components, with the BLACK+DECKER's results in each of them outlined below.


The BLACK+DECKER was the weakest at cooling in our tests.
The BLACK+DECKER was the weakest at cooling in our tests.

Cooling Power


Responsible for 40% of the total score, our cooling capabilities assessment was the most important out of them all. We superheated a room with space heaters in the middle of summer at the warmest time of the day, then ran each air conditioner for an hour and measured the temperature drop to award scores. The BLACK+DECKER did quite poorly, meriting a 3 out of 10 for its disappointing performance.

This unit only caused a temperature drop of 6.4°F after 60 minutes — thoroughly unimpressive as shown below.


The BLACK+DECKER is rated for rooms up to 300 sq. ft., so we would have expected it to do a little better in a 161 sq. ft. room, even if it was excessively warm inside at the start of the test.

Lightweight and good handles make this model a breeze to move around.
Lightweight and good handles make this model a breeze to move around.

Portability


The BLACK+DECKER did a bit better in our portability tests, earning a 6 out of 10 for its above-average showing. We based this score on how easy it is to carry the A/C, roll it around, and set up the exhaust ducting. Combined, this trio of tests account for 20% of the final score.

This unit isn't too bad to carry, with handles that are decently comfortable to grab. There is enough contouring to make them relatively ergonomic, though we wish they were just a tiny bit bigger. The BLACK+DECKER is one of the lighter products, weighing in at 51.3 lbs.


This also makes it very easy to roll around, offering only the slightest amount of resistance to rolling. It also maneuvers very easily, tracking straight while pushing, without any pull to one side or the other.

The BLACK+DECKER used the common method of screws for the window kit.
The BLACK+DECKER used the common method of screws for the window kit.

The exhaust duct installation does require a screwdriver to complete, but it isn't overly difficult. There are pre-drilled holes that you use to screw the pieces together, so you don't have total adjustability in its 20.5" to 59" range, but you can always drill your own if you need to make it fit better in your window.

The BLACK+DECKER has a clearly labeled easy to use interface.
The BLACK+DECKER has a clearly labeled easy to use interface.

Noise


Moving on to evaluating how loud each air conditioner is while running, we used an SPL meter and a panel of judges to rate the level and tone of the noise of each A/C for this metric. The BLACK+DECKER delivered another slightly better than average showing, earning it a 6 out of 10. These two tests account for 20% of the total score for each A/C.

This model of portable air conditioner registered a level of 58.4 dBa on the SPL meter, which you can compare with the rest of the products below.


Our judges also did not identify any particularly annoying tones that would be especially irritating.

It was a snap to hook the hose up on this model.
It was a snap to hook the hose up on this model.

Energy Cost


For our final test, we projected the additional cost incurred on your power bill to run the BLACK+DECKER for an entire summer, then scored based on the results. This product actually did quite well, meriting a 7 out of 10 in this test, which accounts for the last 15% of the total score.

The BLACK+DECKER would add approximately $113.62 to your power bill over this period, based on our model, which compares quite favorably to the rest of the group.


We went under the assumption that you would use the A/C for 12 hours a day, 2 on high and 10 on low to come to this number, using the power draw for each of those modes that we measured. We also used a national average for the cost of a kilowatt-hour, so the additional cost for you can vary depending on your utility rate and your usage, but this number should at least give you a ballpark estimate of the cost of running these.

Value


While this is an inexpensive model, you would get much more bang for your buck by saving up a bit for a far better model.

Conclusion


If you are on the tightest of tight budgets and live in more temperate climates, then this might be a somewhat passable option. Otherwise, we would strongly recommend a different model.


— David Wise and Austin Palmer