With another heatwave just around the corner in the UK, it’s no wonder we’re all scrambling for ways to stay cool without spending a fortune. Fans are decent, sure – but they just move hot air around. If you're after real relief from the rising temps, you need something with a little more power. Thankfully, Lidl has stepped in with a super affordable option – a portable air conditioner for just £149. Yes, really. And yes, it's actually available in stores right now.
The Silvercrest Local Air Conditioner just hit Lidl’s Middle Aisle from 10th July, and unsurprisingly, it's already making waves. Portable air conditioners have been flying off the shelves everywhere lately – and for good reason. They’re honestly lifesavers when it comes to surviving the sticky, sleepless summer nights. And this one is no exception.
If you've been hunting online and can’t find anything in stock, or everything left is £300+, this might be your lucky break. Lidl’s unit isn’t just cheap – it’s actually packed with solid features. But here’s the thing: once they’re gone, they’re gone. Middle Aisle stuff doesn’t tend to stick around for long – especially not in the middle of a UK heatwave.
The Silvercrest Local Air Conditioner is a 3-in-1 appliance – it cools, dehumidifies, and ventilates. In other words, it doesn’t just blow cold-ish air at you – it actually brings the temp down and makes the air feel lighter and fresher.
It delivers 7000 BTU (British Thermal Units) of cooling power, which is ideal for rooms between 30 and 45m³ – think your average bedroom, small living room, or a home office that turns into a sauna by 2pm. That’s the same cooling capacity as many higher-end models costing double or even triple the price.
It also comes with two fan speeds, an oscillating function (so cool air moves around instead of blasting in one spot), and if you’re battling humidity, it can pull up to 1.5L of moisture out of the air in a hot, sticky room (about 30°C with 80% humidity – aka a typical July afternoon in the UK).
<br> The unit also features:• Soft-touch control panel
• Remote control (batteries included, bless)
• 24-hour digital timer
• Side grips and wheels for easy transport
Whether you’re cooling your bedroom at night or want to roll it into the lounge during the day, it’s super handy.
Honestly? It’s not a Dyson but honestly, it doesn’t need to be. At £149, the Lidl unit is less than half the price of most other portable ACs on the market. For example, the Midea 7000 BTU model is currently going for £419 on Amazon. Sure, the Midea comes with bells and whistles like Wi-Fi control and the ability to adjust the room temperature remotely from your phone. Handy, yeah - but at the end of the day, it’s still delivering the same 7000 BTU (British Thermal Unit) cooling power as Lidl’s Silvercrest.
Let’s be real: fans help a bit, but they can’t actually change the room temperature. Air coolers (like the ones with a water tank) are okay, but they only work well in certain climates. Portable air conditioners are the real MVPs for heatwaves, especially if you live in a flat or can’t install a full split system.
This model is plug-in-and-go, doesn’t need complicated setup, and can be stashed away once summer is over. Plus, it doesn’t require permanent installation – so renters, rejoice.
If you're after an affordable way to stay cool this summer without spending £300+ or waiting weeks for delivery - the Lidl air conditioner is a solid shout. It might not be perfect, but it ticks the boxes: functional, compact, and actually available in-store. Just don’t wait too long - word is already spreading, and these units won’t be around forever.