This Smart Appliance Makes My Home More Comfortable Regardless of the Weather

The Midea Duo Portable Air Conditioner is a smart and versatile option for heating and cooling spaces up to 550 square feet. With its powerful 12,000 BTU capacity, it efficiently maintains a comfortable temperature, even on the hottest days. I tested it in my Florida home during a warm spring week, and it quickly made the space cool and comfortable. 

The unit’s smart features, including app and voice control, made adjustments easy without leaving the couch. Keep reading to see how the Midea Portable AC performed, from setup and cooling power to noise levels and energy efficiency.

Midea Duo Portable AC: At a Glance

Our rating: 4.5/5

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Midea Duo 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner

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Testing the Midea Duo Portable AC 

I tested the Midea Duo portable air conditioner in my Florida home during a warm spring week. I used the 12,000 BTU unit in my living room, which is about 500 square feet. Installation was straightforward, with the only time-consuming part being fitting the window for the exhaust hose. Fortunately, Midea offers a well-made 5-minute installation video on YouTube that covers the basics, making setup even easier. Once installed, the unit was up and running smoothly.

During testing, the Midea Portable AC impressed me with its powerful fan speeds. On high, it delivered a strong blast of cold air that quickly brought down the room temperature. While the highest setting was noticeably noisy, the auto mode allowed the fan to slow down as the room cooled, becoming almost unnoticeable. The included app and remote control were also convenient, eliminating the need to walk up to the unit for adjustments.

However, there were a couple of drawbacks. The unit is heavy, making it challenging to move up and down stairs. I also experienced a small amount of water spilling from the bottom when I relocated it, despite correctly installing the hoses. On the plus side, the smooth-rolling wheels made it easy to maneuver across flat surfaces.

Snap, Slide, and Cool: An Effortless Install

The Midea Duo portable air conditioner was incredibly easy to install, thanks to the well-designed window kit and clear instructions. All the necessary insulation materials were included in the box, ensuring a snug and efficient fit around the window. The adjustable window panel for the exhaust hose slid smoothly into place and accommodated various window sizes without any hassle. Additionally, Midea provides a detailed YouTube installation video that walks users through each step, making the process even more straightforward. From unboxing to full setup, the entire process took about 15 to 20 minutes, making this one of the simplest portable AC installations.

From Hot to Cool in 15 Minutes—Plus a Heat Option

During testing, the Midea Duo demonstrated impressive cooling power. It was able to bring a 500-square-foot room from 78 degrees Fahrenheit down to a comfortable 72 in just under 15 minutes. This rapid cooling is thanks to its dual-hose design, which efficiently expels hot air while drawing in fresh air for faster temperature drops. The fan does start at a higher speed, making it noticeably loud for the first 3 to 5 minutes of operation. However, once the desired temperature is reached, the noise level decreases significantly, allowing for a much quieter and more comfortable experience.

While the unit includes a heat function, I wasn’t able to properly test it due to Florida’s warm climate. However, I did manage to find a chilly night where temperatures dropped into the 50s. The heater was able to warm the room back up to a comfortable level, though I would need colder conditions to truly assess its full performance.

Smart Features: Control at Your Fingertips (and Voice)

The Midea Duo excels in smart functionality, offering integration with modern home automation. Setting up the smartphone app was quick and intuitive, allowing remote control of all key functions, including temperature adjustments, mode changes, and scheduling. The Apple Watch integration worked flawlessly, providing an easy way to adjust settings on the go. I also tested voice assistant compatibility using Amazon Alexa, and it responded instantly to commands such as adjusting the temperature and switching modes. Overall, the setup process for these smart features was hassle-free, enhancing the convenience of using this air conditioner.

A Premium Performer With a Higher Price Tag

The Midea Duo retails for $699.99, making it a pricier option among portable air conditioners. The additional cost is due to the built-in heating function, which adds year-round versatility. If you don’t need heating, you can opt for the non-heating model at around $550, which offers the same cooling power at a lower price. In hindsight, I probably should have gone with that option since Florida’s climate rarely requires heating. 

While it’s more expensive than budget models, the Midea Duo’s dual-hose efficiency, smart features, and strong performance make it a worthwhile investment for those looking for a premium portable AC.

Product Comparisons

So, is the Midea Duo right for you?

If you’re looking for a powerful, efficient, and smart portable air conditioner, the Midea Duo is a solid choice. Its dual-hose system allows for rapid cooling, and the additional heating function adds versatility for those in colder climates. The smart features, including app control, voice assistant integration, and Apple Watch compatibility, make it one of the most user-friendly options available.

That said, its price tag is on the higher side, especially if you don’t need the heating function. If you live in a warm climate year-round, the non-heating model might be a better value. Additionally, while the fan starts off a bit loud, it quiets down once the room reaches the desired temperature. Overall, the Midea Duo is an excellent investment for those who want a high-performing portable AC with modern convenience.

Meet the Tester

Paul Rankin is a seasoned tech and home appliance expert with extensive experience evaluating cooling systems and smart home devices. With a focus on real-world testing and practical usability, his reviews offer straightforward and detailed insights. Paul’s goal is to provide honest assessments that help readers determine whether a product is truly worth the investment.

 

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