REASONS TO BUY
Exceptionally portable
Fairly quiet
Relatively energy-efficient
REASONS TO AVOID
So-so cooling performance in our test
The Honeywell HL10CESWK has been discontinued as of 2021.
Honeywell HL10CESWK Review
The most portable and convenient model we tested, and the best option for most people
Credit: Laura Casner
By Austin Palmer ⋅ Senior Review Analyst ⋅ August 15, 2019
Contributions From: David Wise & Jenna Ammerman
Our Verdict
The Honeywell HL10CESWK is our top-scoring model and a great option if you plan on moving your A/C up or down stairs or between rooms on a regular basis. It doesn't quite have the cooling power of some models but it should more than suffice during the summer heatwaves if you don't live in the hottest regions. This air conditioner is also one of the quieter models of the group and scored well above average in our energy efficiency tests.
Our Analysis and Test Results
Overall, the Honeywell HL10CESWK earned the highest score of the entire group. We feel it merited recognition because it is by far one of the easiest of these products to move around your home.
This Honeywell A/C only did about average in our cooling test. Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Cooling Power
When we evaluated and ranked the relative cooling power of each portable A/C, this A/C unit only managed to drop the temperature by just under 10°F in our test, which isn't too bad but plenty of other A/Cs rated for smaller rooms scored comparably.
The HL10CESWK is rated for a 300-400 sq. ft. room so it should have had no problems at all with our small office.
It is quite easy to connect the window insert and hose to the HL10CESWK. Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Portability
Even the most portable of these units aren't all that fun to carry and move around, so if you are planning on moving one of these up and down a set of stairs every single day, you may want to reconsider your purchase or simply buy one per floor. That being said, the HL10CESWK is our favorite out of the entire group when it comes to portability, earning top marks.
The HL10CESWK has molded-in handles on the side that are fairly comfortable and don't dig into your hands all that much, but they can get a bit slick if your hands are steady. This air conditioning unit is also lighter than average, but it still weighs in at about 65 lbs.
This A/C is exceptionally easy to roll around on level ground, even bordering on effortless when pushing it across linoleum or hardwood floors. It tracks in a straight line and doesn't feel heavy at all when you are pushing it around.
The tool-free installation of the window insert makes it very easy to move this product between rooms.
The HL10CESWK also stands out from the rest of the group when it comes to portability by having one of the easiest to install window kits. The insert can be changed without tools, relying on a plastic pin that you insert in one of the pre-punched holes to lock it in place. It can adapt to openings between 33.1" and 49.6" tall.
This A/C runs on the quieter side. Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Noise
The HL10CESWK is on the quieter side for these products, scoring just a bit above average in these two tests.
The sound generated from the HL10CESWK on its most powerful operating mode registered about 57 decibels (dBa) from 48" away and was about the same on its medium and low power modes, only dropping down by about a decibel.
The tones produced aren't particularly annoying, though the compressor can sound a bit whiny right at startup. You can hear the sound of the compressor over the sound of the fan when the Honeywell is running, but the sound of both usually fade into the background for most people, and you can carry on a conversation relatively easily.
The HL10CESWK scored quite well in our energy consumption test. Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Energy Cost
Our final set of tests for the HL10CESWK focused on how much it actually costs to operate. Assuming usage of 12 hours a day, with two hours on high and the other 10 on low, and an average cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of 13.5 cents, we would expect the HL10CESWK to use about 850 kilowatt-hours and add a little over $111 to your power bill.
The HL10CESWK did quite well, projected to cost less to operate than the majority of the other products in our review.
Value
The HL10CESWK is a decent value, pairing a top-notch performance with a decent price, all while being one of the more efficient air conditioners to run.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a good all-around A/C that isn't absolutely horrible to move room to room or up and down stairs, then the HL10CESWK is a good option. It's one of the easiest to break down, move, and set up again in a different location, though it still isn't a ton of fun to move up or down stairs — though none of these products really are.
—Austin Palmer, David Wise, and Jenna Ammerman
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