Specs:
Model Number: MAW10V1QWT
BTU: 12,000
Dimensions: 21.97” x 19.17” x 13.46”
Color: White
Controls: Remote Control, Control Panel, MideaAir App, Voice Assistant Devices
Price:
Check Price On AmazonPros:
- Can also dehumidify your room using its Dry Mode.
- The best window air conditioner in terms of value and features.
- Has smart capabilities including app integration and voice assistant commands.
- The U-shaped design allows the window to be opened and closed anytime.
- Extremely quiet at 40 dB.
- The best alternative for overpriced AC brands.
Full Review:
We have reviewed portable air conditioners before and there is no doubt that they offer the best convenience. They are an ideal instant cooling appliance you can drag anywhere, but their power can be very limited… not to mention the space they need in the room. If you want a more powerful AC unit but don’t want to spend a fortune on bigger models, we give you the best window air conditioner of 2021: The Midea U.
There is no better way to say it but our SolidSmack Household Appliance and Tool Research Team thinks Midea has ticked all the boxes in the release of Midea U. It is far from all the other older models we’ve seen before from LG to Samsung. The AC has an all-white body measuring 21.97” x 19.17” x 13.46”, with a clean-looking control panel and a louver extending from one end to another. But what really sets it apart and makes it the best window air conditioner is the “U” design of its body.
Its U-shape body (so far) is the greatest innovation in the AC market. And while it might look a bit unusual, you’ll praise Midea once you’ve realized how well-thought this detail is. The U-shape body allows the window to separate the two parts of the AC: the front with louver and the back with the noise-producing components of the main cooling system. This directly diminishes the noise level of the unit. Yet, it is not the only thing to thank about the quiet performance of Midea U. Even the entirety of the AC itself is whisper-quiet that if not for the light indicators, it would make you guess whether it is working or not. When we tested it at the lowest fan setting, it even outperformed the 42 dB rating indicated by the brand and was way quieter than a regular electric fan.
Further, the 3” space between the two parts of the AC means that you can open and close the window anytime if you want a fresh breeze of air into your room. And if you’re doubting about someone opening the window, it is also the best window air conditioner in terms of security. With the anti-theft mechanism in its body, it can prevent anyone outside from lifting the window.
On the other hand, though it is true that installing it is much more challenging (our team took 40 minutes to do it), it can still be a one-man job. It will fit in single-hung or double-hung windows with sizes ranging from 22” to 36”, with a minimum height of 13.75”. The support bracket and all the other hardware you need are in the package, including some adhesive foam to block the extra spaces in the window. And since not all windows have the same size and condition, this is a nice addition.
Once fixed and with the window down, it can amaze you with its performance. Despite being quiet, it can blow air feet away. At the High Fan setting, we could still feel it blowing air as far as 17 feet. It can also cover a room with an area of 350 to 550 sq. ft. which is decent enough for its 12,000 BTU rating (also available in 8,000 and 10,000 BTU). During our test, it managed to completely cool a 400 sq. ft. test room in just 20 minutes. The moving louver did great help in spreading the cold air in the room while keeping the noise unnoticeable.
Further, besides that flattering zero-noise performance, you will be stunned to know that it uses advanced DC Inverter technology. It also boasts the ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2020 Certification while the brand claims it can save you 35% energy compared to using other units.
Its controls can also prove its right to be tagged as one of the best window air conditioners out there. The control panel has no taint of any complexity and all the buttons you need to access its basic features are there. It has buttons for WiFi connectivity, Timer, Eco, Mode (Auto, Cool, Dry, and Fan), Fan (Auto, Low, Medium, and High), Sleep, Swing, and On/Off. And besides the included remote control, the Midea U can be accessed wherever you are via the MideaAir app. Here, you can set the mode, fan speed, and temperature of the air conditioner. There is also a Night/Sleep Mode in the app which will let you turn off the LED lights of the unit. The app’s abilities to set schedules and check the indoor/outdoor temperatures and energy usage are charming! You might even find the app more enjoyable and handy than the remote itself. Most of all, you can give the Midea U voice commands using an Alexa or Google Assistant device! To top it all off, we were even told that the brand is currently at work to develop the app for more features and controls in the future.
In the end, though it is true that it has more gigantic rival brands in the market, Midea U has proved that it is possible to get a quality AC at a very affordable cost. Its unsurpassed design and the promise to further develop its features also reflect Midea’s dedication to its products. With that, we are sure it is more than the best window air conditioner in the market right now; it is also the best investment you can rely on with confidence.
Midea U FAQs:
What is the size of the U-shape groove of the Midea U?
- The groove in the body of the Midea U is approximately 3” wide.
Can you turn off the lights on the display of the Midea U?
- It is possible to turn off the lights on the display of the Midea U, but it needs to connect to the app. It can deactivate the lights when the unit is on idle and will only turn back on for 15 secs when the control panel is touched.
Can Midea U be used for horizontal sliding windows?
- Midea U is specifically designed for vertically opening single-hung or double-hung windows with sizes ranging from 22” to 36”.
How many watts does the Midea U 12K BTU model have?
- The Midea U 12K BTU model uses 1,140 cooling watts.
