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Black+Decker BPACT14WT Review

This portable AC demonstrated above-average cooling capability, and it's one of the easiest to set up, but it's a bit of a power hog
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Black+Decker BPACT14WT Review (The powerful Black+Decker BPACT14WT is set up and ready for the Cooling test.)
The powerful Black+Decker BPACT14WT is set up and ready for the Cooling test.
Credit: Brian Walker
Price:  $570 List
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Manufacturer:   Black+Decker
By Austin Palmer and Adam Stout  ⋅  Nov 10, 2023
67
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#5 of 9
  • Cooling - 35% 7.2
  • Energy Consumption - 15% 5.0
  • Noise - 20% 6.5
  • Portability / Install - 25% 7.3
  • Convenience - 5% 6.4

Our Verdict

The Black+Decker BPACT14WT impressed us with some of the best cooling power in our review of the top-rated portable air conditioners, and it was also one of the quickest and most straightforward units to set up. It did respectably well in almost all of our tests until we measured its power consumption. The BPACT14WT was one of the most power-hungry of the bunch but is an otherwise solid-performing unit.
REASONS TO BUY
Good range of airflow direction on vents
Grate on the end of the hose to keep animals out
REASONS TO AVOID
Single hose design
Timer function only available on the remote

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards  Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Portable Air Conditioner
 Best Buy Award
Best Portable Air Conditioner On a Budget
 
Price $570 List
$489.99 at Amazon
$633 List
$551.85 at Amazon
$330 List
$329.99 at Amazon
$350 List
$319.96 at Amazon
$339 List
$389.70 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
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Bottom Line This unit is one of the most straightforward to set up and has impressive cooling power, but it trails behind in energy efficiencyThis powerful portable air conditioner has more cooling capability and innovative features than any other to help you beat the summer heatThis versatile unit goes easy on the wallet in terms of power-consumption and purchase priceThis portable AC is easy to install and even easier on the budgetThis portable AC is a breeze to set up and take down and demonstrates excellent energy efficiency, but it's loud and underperforms in cooling
Rating Categories Black+Decker BPACT14WT Whynter ARC-1230WN Black+Decker BPACT08WT SereneLife SLPAC10 Midea MAP08R1CWT
Cooling (35%)
7.2
8.8
6.6
6.2
5.8
Energy Consumption (15%)
5.0
6.1
6.7
6.3
7.2
Noise (20%)
6.5
8.0
5.5
5.5
4.5
Portability / Install (25%)
7.3
8.2
8.3
8.8
8.6
Convenience (5%)
6.4
8.9
6.2
6.0
5.0
Specs Black+Decker BPACT14WT Whynter ARC-1230WN Black+Decker BPACT08WT SereneLife SLPAC10 Midea MAP08R1CWT
Manufacturer Recommended Cooling Area Up to 700 sq ft Up to 600 sq ft Up to 150 sq ft Up to 450 sq ft Up to 350 sq ft
Single or Dual Hose Single Dual Single Single Single
Wi-Fi / App Enabled No Yes No No No
Modes (fan speeds) - Cold (1-3 + Auto)
  • Fan (1-3)
  • Dehumidify (Low)
- Cold (1-3 + Auto)
  • Fan (1-3 + Auto)
  • Dry (Auto)
  • Auto (Auto)
- Cold (1-3 + Auto)
  • Fan (1-3)
  • Dehumidify (Auto)
- Cold (1-3)
  • Fan (1-3)
  • Dry (1)
- Cold (Auto)
  • Fan (Auto)
  • Dry (Low)

  • Cannot change fan speed on the A/C unit
Energy Star Certified No No No No No
BTU 14000 BTU (ASHRAE)
8400 BTU (DOE)
14000 BTU (ASHRAE)
12000 BTU (DOE)
8000 BTU (ASHRAE)
4000 BTU (DOE)
10000 BTU (ASHRAE)
6000 BTU (DOE)
8000 BTU (ASHRAE)
5300 BTU (DOE)
24-Hour On/Off Timer Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Control Type Touch Button Touch Button Button
Remote Control Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Washable Dust Filter Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Manufacturer Window Width Minimum 26.5" 26.7" 20.5" 26.7" 19.4"
Manufacturer Window Width Maximum 48.4" 49" 59" 50.1" * 62.2"
Measured Window Kit Width 6.4" 9.8" 6.5" 4" 6.5"
Refrigerant Type R32 R32 R32 R410a R32
Child Lock No Yes, for the remote only No No No
Manufacturer Dehumidify/Moisture removal Not Specified 87 pt/day Not Specified 3.1 pt/hr Not Specified
Measured Weight 63 lbs 4 oz 75 lbs 1 oz 46 lbs 52 lbs 4 oz 50 lbs 14 oz
CEER 6.05 12.3 5.4 6.6 6.5
Estimated Summer Cost $231.83 $216.15 $156.88 $167.34 $132.48
Average dBa Reading on High 58.9 58.4 58.6 61 60.2
Difference of averaged temps 8.3 11.9 7 6.3 5.4

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Black+Decker BPACT14WT is an all-around solid performer with impressive cooling capability and an especially quick and intuitive setup. We also appreciated some of its finer details, like a generous latitude for directing airflow through the adjustable vent louvers and the grate on the end of the exhaust hose meant to keep animals from sneaking in.

Performance Comparison


black+decker bpact14wt - the black+decker bpact14wt is a solid performer everywhere besides...
The Black+Decker BPACT14WT is a solid performer everywhere besides energy efficiency.
Credit: Brian Walker

Cooling


A portable air conditioner's primary task is to cool down the air in a given space, which is why our cooling metric weighs so heavily in the total score for every product. The 14,000 BTU Black+Decker BPACT14WT tested well here, finishing near the top of the pack.

For this metric, we simulated consistent summertime heat inside and outside of the space that was going to be air-conditioned. When the temp of our test room finally reached 82.1 degrees Fahrenheit, we turned on the BPACT14WT and let it do its thing. One hour later, the air temperature dropped to 73.85 degrees Fahrenheit. That's an impressive 8.3 degrees of change and one of the best results we saw in this category.

black+decker bpact14wt - we prefer the clips on this hose assembly over screws.
We prefer the clips on this hose assembly over screws.
Credit: Brian Walker

Portability/Install


The Black+Decker BPACT14WT was an average scorer in this metric overall, but it did excel in some areas. It weighs in at just over 64 pounds, with the most weight tipped toward the front left of the unit. It's not terrible to carry around compared to some others, but we wish the handles were a little bit deeper for more comfort and confidence when lugging it up stairs. Rolling resistance is higher on this unit than others, but it does track reasonably straight. It did fine rolling across hard surfaces, but when we got to the medium-long pile carpet traverse, we felt there was a high risk of tipping the unit over if we weren't careful.

black+decker bpact14wt - the fully installed hose and window kit, complete with an exterior...
The fully installed hose and window kit, complete with an exterior grate to keep rodents and birds out.
Credit: Brian Walker

Initial installation of the Black+Decker BPACT14WT's window kit is among the quickest and most straightforward we tested. It takes five to ten minutes to set up the first time, and you'll just need basic hand tools to dial in a good fit with the window interface. There is some cutting and trimming of foam involved to get a good seal with your window and the window interface panel; then you clip in the pre-assembled hose assembly — overall, it is a much better experience than with some other units.

Likewise, packing the Black+Decker BPACT14WT up for storage is easily done and among the best units tested in this regard. Both the hose and window kit are designed for quick removal by twisting and unclipping pieces by hand, without the need for tools. The only thing separating this unit from the best is that it lacks convenient onboard storage features. All you get with this one is a velcro strap to tie down the power cord.

black+decker bpact14wt - the black+decker bpact14wt has relatively shallow handles, which...
The Black+Decker BPACT14WT has relatively shallow handles, which makes lifting it less comfortable.
Credit: Brian Walker

Noise


This metric scores the level of noise the portable AC produces while the fan is set to its highest (and loudest) setting. The Black+Decker BPACT14WT was slightly quieter than the average for all portable ACs we tested.

The Black+Decker BPACT14WT delivered 58.9 dBa, running a few feet from the SPL meter. We noticed a loud hum coming from the compressor on this one. Overall, the BPACT14T was a pretty average portable AC in terms of its noise level compared to the test group.

black+decker bpact14wt - the black+decker bpact14wt is slightly quieter than the average...
The Black+Decker BPACT14WT is slightly quieter than the average units on our SPL meter.
Credit: Brian Walker

Energy Consumption


This metric scores power consumption. Units with lower power consumption are better for the power grid and our wallets, which is why energy efficiency is so important. The 12,000 BTU Black+Decker BPACT14WT turned out to be a power hog compared to the rest of the class, scoring well below average.

At 90 days with 12 hours of use per day, the Black+Decker BPACT14WT is projected to consume 1371.6 kWh for approximately $221.38 in electricity costs, making it one of the more inefficient and expensive units to operate.

black+decker bpact14wt - the black+decker bpact14wt uses 1.27 kwh according to our watt meter.
The Black+Decker BPACT14WT uses 1.27 kWh according to our watt meter.
Credit: Brian Walker

Convenience


This metric rates each portable AC unit on the quality of its onboard features and how helpful they actually are. The Black+Decker BPACT14WT was pretty average here.

We appreciated the adequate range of vertical motion with the vents, which can blow air lower than many other units, and the ability to move the vents left and right. We also found the display to be above average and easily viewable from a moderate distance and many angles. Mode selection was above average on the Black+Decker BPACT14WT as well due to the incorporation of a handy dehumidifier setting.

black+decker bpact14wt - the black+decker bpact14wt vent louver has a good range of motion to...
The Black+Decker BPACT14WT vent louver has a good range of motion to direct airflow.
Credit: Brian Walker

Everything else about its features was standard. There's a remote, child lock, and a basic timer, but no mobile app or other smart features to compare to the models that scored highest in this metric.

Should You Buy the Black+Decker BPACT14WT?


The Black+Decker BPACT14WT was a middle-of-the-road performer across most of our metrics, but it excelled where it mattered most in cooling capability, and it's straightforward to set up. If you aren't looking for a unit with fancy features and can handle its below-average energy efficiency, you could do much worse than the BPACT14WT.

black+decker bpact14wt - this is one of the most well rounded portable acs, but it's a bit...
This is one of the most well rounded portable ACs, but it's a bit power-hungry.
Credit: Austin Palmer

What Other Portable Air Conditioner Should You Consider?


If you need even more cooling power, your best bet is the Whynter ARC-1230WN. If you're more concerned with good value than producing polar air, check out the versatile and budget-friendly Whynter ARC-1230WN.

Austin Palmer and Adam Stout