REASONS TO BUY
Exceptional cooling power
Decently portable
REASONS TO AVOID
Loud
High energy consumption
As of Mid 2019, the LG LP1215GXR is Discontinued
LG LP1215GXR Review
If you want top-notch cooling power and live in more moderate climates, then this is the A/C for you
By David Wise ⋅ Senior Review Editor ⋅ September 20, 2018
Contributions From: Austin Palmer
Our Verdict
Delivering the largest temperature drop in our cooling test after an hour, the LG LP1215GXR earned an Editors' Choice Award for its superior chilling power. This portable air conditioner isn't the absolute easiest to move around, is a bit loud, and uses a significant amount of energy, but its cooling power can't be beaten. It's about average in terms of price, though it might add a bit to your electrical bill. Additionally, this unit is a single hose model, so its performance can drop off a bit when the temperature gets really, really hot, but it is a great option for those that want maximum cooling during the warm summer months and where the temperature isn't routinely above 100°F.
Our Analysis and Test Results
While the LG LP1215GXR led the group in terms of scores for our cooling test, it finished in the middle of the group when it came to the overall scores. This model finished a few points behind the Frigidaire FGPC1244T1, which uses slightly less energy, but can't cool as well. It also is a bit easier to move and quite a bit lighter, but cost quite a bit more. The LG LP1215GXR cools much better than our top scoring models, the Whynter ARC-08WB and the Whynter ARC-122DS Elite, but both of these models are a little more energy efficient and easier to move.
The LG LP1215GXR all set up and ready for cooling. Credit: Jenna Ammerman
One of our top performing A/C units in cooling down a room. Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Cooling Power
The LG LP1215GXR delivered an unmatched performance in our cooling power test.
Of our tested AC units, the LG caused the highest temperature drop in our test, cooling the room by 13.81°F. The majority of this drop occurred in the first 20 minutes or so, with the temperature measuring a 10.88°F drop at that point.
The LP1215GXR A/C by LG is on the heavier side, but still 10+ pounds lighter than the heaviest models tested. Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Portability
We started off by weighing each of these products, which set the tone for the LG LP1215GXR's somewhat disappointing performance. This is one of the heftier models of the entire group, weighing in at 64.5 lbs.
This model is also one of the hardest models to carry out of the entire group, both due to its weight and its annoyingly small handles. The handles are right at the top of the unit and only really have enough room for very ends of your fingers. This makes it quite hard to get a good grip and the edge of the handle cuts into your fingers while carrying it, making it a highly unpleasant task to carry this portable air conditioner up or down a flight of stairs.
However, this air conditioner did redeem itself slightly for its ease of rolling around. This model offered very little rolling resistance and is quite easy to maneuver around the room. It doesn't have the sharpest turning radius, but tracks straight while pushing.
90º bends slow down air flow. Credit: Jenna Ammerman
The window insert requires you to use a screwdriver to drive screws into pre-drilled holes, which takes a bit more time and limits the adjustability compared to some of the other models. However, it does have one of the larger size ranges, able to adjust to fit windows between 18" and 50".
This model has its interface on the front of the unit rather than the top. Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Noise
This portable air conditioner measured in at 60.3 dBa on our sound meter, which was on the upper spectrum of the group.
However, our testers definitely noticed a few different annoying sounds when evaluating the sound of this air conditioner. It has one of the loudest startup sounds of the group and some of our judges could hear the compressor squeaking when the fan is on the low setting.
This was the most expensive model to run. Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Energy Cost
We projected the cost of running these units for an entire summer, then scored each based on our calculations. The LG LP1215GXR is a bit of an energy glut.
We measured the power draw of each appliance and used an average cost of electricity — $0.135 kilowatt-hours — to figure out the total additional cost to your power bill.
This number is just an estimate and can vary quite a bit based on the cost of electricity in your area and your usage, but you can always count on the LG causing one of the largest increases to your power bill compared to the other models we tested.
Value
This model isn't particularly expensive, but it isn't an amazing value, especially when you consider its tendency to add quite a bit to your utility bill.
Conclusion
While this portable A/C definitely has some drawbacks, it is hard to argue with its unmatched performance in our cooling test and is a great option if you want to cool a room quickly and it isn't crazy hot outside. If that's the case, then a dual-hose might be a better option for you.
—David Wise and Austin Palmer
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