Cheap SPT WA-1010E 10,000-BTU Portable Air Conditioner with Remote Control

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List Price: $581.00
Sale Price: $402.15
Today's Bonus: 31% Off

Before buying this unit , I did lots and lots of research. Consensus seems to be that you need about 40% more BTUs for a portable air conditioner than for a window AC and about an additional 10% more in BTUs if room gets lots of sun. I think this is why so many posters on many portable AC reviews(all brands)complain of lack of cooling. They buy units that are too small because they base it on the BTUS needed for window units. You can use a search engine to get guidelines for size or AC needed. I use this Sunpentown 1010E in a 275 square foot room that gets lots of afternoon sun. It cools very well with a strong air flow. No matter what you buy, look for cubic feet per minute air output. More air flow , more cool air. This one is 276 cubic feet per minute, which is more flow than many of the others of its size.

The foam insulation for this unit is ugly looking but it does seem to fill up the gaps in the window space so no air seems to get in or out. I keep the hose straight and as short as possible(it accordian folds to shorter length)so that hot air exits quickly and there is less heat reintroduced into the room.

Re ugly foam:You can also go to a store that sells and cuts plexiglass to window opening size and have them cut a circle to vent the hose(pricey because cutting a circle is expensive-$25 for the circle and $5 per straight cut for the plexiglass edge). Gives a nicer look tho than the foam insulation! Someone else on another website recommended Formular(see corning website) pink foam insulation board that you can cut with exacto knife to fit the window and a hole for the hose. Dow also has similar insulation board--there is one that is foam board and one that is styrofoam. I got the foam board because it is more rigid and because it has a moisture resistent coating. Remember that it will be exposed to the outside of the house and might get some rainwater/sprinkler water on it. Also, the foam comes in large sheets(96" high and 48"wide). I brought a box cutter to score/ cut it down to fit in my car. Used a six inch wide piece in my sliding glass door. Traced the inner circle of the exhaust nozzle

and used box cutter to make cuts around the circle and punched the circle out. I fit the hose through the hole and then attached the nozzle on the other side to keep hose in place.

I see Sunpentown also separately sells a metal sliding window insert with hole(other companies include it for free). Not sure if it is for this model or not. They have a website and very helpful customer service. I called them with questions twice before I bought.

I live in a dry area so I never have had to drain water. The machine also uses air condensation to cool the ac coils further so it is very energy efficient with great air floor and cools very well. Very, very quiet. I compared all portable acs in 9000 to 10000 BTU range to find the one with lowest watts consumed and this one draws only 873W / 8.15A. I have 15 amp breakers and didn't want to cause tripping or overheating of wiring. Would have gone for 12000BTUs if I had 20 amp breakers since I have very sunny room. Cools well and better if you start it earlier in the day when not at highest heat of the day so it doesn't have to work so hard(true for any ac actually) and will work more efficiently

Additional notes:All portable acs have non-insulated hoses, you can wrap them with insulation to reduce the amount of heat regenerated into the room.Also, the unit and hose should not be in the direct sun.

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The idea of a portable AC is great. The Sunpentown machine itself is great, it really churns out cool air. The problems with the design in my opinion, which any potential buyer needs to be aware of, are the following:

1) the exhaust pipe going from the machine to the window is not insulated, so it actually becomes very very hot when the machine is operating at full bore. It is not hot enough to pose a hazard when touched, but it actuallly re-heats the room on the way to the window. Overall the room does cool down but there is an inherent inefficiency in the way the room is cooled on one side of the machine then partially re-warmed on the other. Commercial units I've seen utilize an insulated pipe as exhaust.

2) The window mounting supplies for the exhaust pipe are a complete joke, a real slap in the face to the consumer. What is needed is something rigid which can be sized to the window frame. The company supplies a piece of flexible foam to be cut to fit. It barely stays upright in the window frame. Handy people might want to cut themselves a piece of plywood or plexiglass instead.

The company has a potentially wonderful product. They need to supply a better (insulated) exhaust, and more realistic supplies for the window mount.

Best Deals on SPT WA-1010E 10,000-BTU Portable Air Conditioner with Remote Control

It couldn't cool an 11x12 room (high ceilings) while a window a/c with half the rated BTUs does ok. Its fan is very, very loud (although not the compressor).

GREAT customer support for a ROTTEN product. Avoid it!

Honest reviews on SPT WA-1010E 10,000-BTU Portable Air Conditioner with Remote Control

I've had one for a couple of months, and am VERY disappointed with it. It puts out cool air, but definitely not cold air... Consequently, at best, it can get my bedroom down 10-15 degrees in temp, after several hours of running full blast. (Note that I quickly gave up trying to use it in my livingroom, where it would make almost no detectable change in room temp...)

A MUCH better choice I think would be to go with a std window unit (albeit it would be more difficult to install). It would work much better, and be much less expensive as well!!!

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I bought this SPT WA-1010 portable AC unit based on the detailed reviews I had read on Amazon and other websites. We live in a two-story duplex in NE Central FL, with our upstairs bedroom windows facing the South. Needless to say, despite upgrading to the most energy-efficient windows money can buy and keeping the room darkening blinds closed, the temp rises to 81-83 in the afternoons. Our Central A/C thermostat on the main floor is set on 76 or 77. This SPT portable unit did its job of cooling the large bedroom (14 x 19) but beware of the "self-evaporating" feature. The humidity increased to 68% in no time at all when the unit ran. This could be because it was vented thru the window but we had the heavy solid window kit to fit around the vent so that there would be no leaks. We also tried draining the water continually into a closed holder but if we didn't keep the unit running then there was often nothing to drain. The most upsetting issue was the MOLD that started forming as a result of this experiment. I've never had mold issues in any of our homes! Another reviewer had warned readers who lived in tropical climates but since we have the Central Heat/Air running then I didn't think this applied to us. I was wrong.

Bottom line: The A/C works well but it WILL add humidity to your room. Monitor it closely!

Best Lasko 754200 Ceramic Heater with Adjustable Thermostat Deals

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List Price: $29.99
Sale Price: $24.97
Today's Bonus: 17% Off

I got one of these last year because i wanted a strong heater in a small package, small footprint, to use in my bathroom, because the built in heater stopped working. It's perfect for heating a small room like that. Then i got another one for my bedroom, it's quiet, strong, and small, it fit into a small space near the bed. Then, i got a third one for the living room. The living room is a large room, and i use the heater like a small fire place, it really pumps out the heat. It's not going to heat the whole living room, but sitting next to it feels like sitting next to a small fire for warmth, very pleasant, not too hot when close to it, just a nice strong warmth. In the living room, the central heating doesn't do that well heating the lower part of the room on a cold night, the heat rises and it can be set on a high temperature and still be cold where we sit, so we use these heaters to warm up our space, nice source of heat, very portable, lightweight, sturdy. No complaints, it's perfect for what i use it for.

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This is a handy little heater that serves its intended purpose well heating a small room. I use it to take the chill off my computer room which is not usually heated like the rest of the house since I'm not in there all that often. The unit itself is plastic with a metal grille, but it feels very sturdy and well made. The fan noise level is acceptable. It is far from silent, but is quiet enough that it doesn't interfere. The controls are straight-forward. One dial is the power dial which has 4 settings: Off Fan Low High. The other dial is the thermostat with an infinite range of settings between and +. (I've found that just below the halfway point is very comfortable, but then again, the winters in California aren't exactly subarctic)

I'd recommend this for anyone with a small area to heat. a bedroom, computer room, sewing room, etc. (mine's in a room about 12 foot square). I doubt it would efficiently heat a room that was too much larger.

Follow up review Nov 2011: I just plugged this item in for what will be the 5th winter season. It works as great at it did when I bought it. Still a great item and highly recommended.

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Have had this heater for nearly four years and it has sustained 3 moves with me. Still works great and heats bedroom effectively.

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Here's my review of the Lasko 754200.

Update: 09 Feb 2009. I have learned to sleep with the fan noise of this space heater. However, I'm a very heavy sleeper.

Update: 26 Feb 2009. I am keeping this Lasko heater in the living room. I have bought another heater for my 8' x 10' guest bedroom, the Optimus H-5210 Infrared Quartz Radiant Heater available here on Amazon. The Optimus is virtually silent, and takes a bit longer to heat a room that has a ceiling fan (from 60 degrees, it takes a couple hours to truly heat the room up to 70 degrees), and that's fine with me.

Update: 08 March 2009. I am very happy with my Optimus in the guest bedroom!

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Very pleased with this item. I once borrowed a much more expensive heater, and it was no

better than this Lasko. In fact, the expensive one was much less practical because it was not easy to move around. A reviewer mentioned that the Lasko does not have a turn off switch, but that is not really correct; when it is in the standby mode, it is off. It also should be noted that the build quality of the item is excellent. Advice to prospective buyers: don't let the low price fool you.

AR550 Mini Infrared Thermometer Review

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Rugged, back lit, holds max temp. I've used it on everything from engines to HVAC to windows to milk for my baby. I use it several times a day every day. After a year, it's still on it's first set of batteries.

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I have a Raytek (RAYMT6) MT6 Mini Temp Infrared Thermometer, which I love, and which seems to be the same thing as the Fluke 62, but for a lot less money. See my review for the MT6, which should be applicable to this item as well. I prefer the look of the Fluke version, but if I can save $35, I'll deal with having one that's black and gray.

Note that when I did some research I found that the ±1% stated in the description is misleading. Fluke's own specifications state that the 1% is only valid between 50-86ºF. The complete specs are:

10ºC to 30ºC (50º F to 86º F): ± 1ºC (2ºF)

Outside 10º C to 30º C (50ºF to 86ºF): ± 1.5ºC (3ºF) or ± 1.5% of reading, whichever is greater.

Below -10ºC (14ºF): ±2ºC (4ºF)

This is still good, but since the 1% is only valid over a 36º range of temperatures that aren't really that interesting, the 1.5% is more realistic.

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I bought this to assist me in honing my chocolate tempering skills as regular candy thermometers are such an amazing pain to use, but it ended up improving my cooking even further by alerting me to the fact that the thermostat on my oven was consistently off by nearly 40 degrees. I've no doubt it will come in handy the next time I think I have a fever, find some faulty weatherstriping or suspect an electronic component of overheating, too. It's well-built, accurate and its UI does pretty much everything right by default. My one complaint is that you have to open up the battery compartment to move the tiny little dip switch from Fahrenheit to Celsius--I personally think a recessed bubble switch on the housing would have been a wiser choice.

The package Amazon sent me was DUSTY beyond belief, so I have a feeling they don't sell too many of these, but everything inside the blister pack was in perfect working order.

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I purchased this for my business and it has come in handy several times. Its very easy to use and its interesting to know surface temp on just about anything. I pull cable for a living and it helps me to know how hot an area is (such as an atic) before going up there. Fluke is a name I can trust and that was the big reason why I purchased this.

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Works good at room & high temps.

Definitely doesn't work as well at below 0 degree F.

Compared with a higher end IR thermometer was within 1 degree F.

Good compact size with nice case.

Outstanding laser & backlight works great!

Review of DeLonghi D28313UXBK Roto Deep Fryer, Black/Silver

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List Price: $140.00
Sale Price: $96.57
Today's Bonus: 31% Off

UPDATE JANUARY 2013: Judging by some of the follow-up comments to my initial review, it appears DeLonghi finally has filters available (third-party, too) and has decided to support this fryer. They're not the first company to get ahead of themselves in a new product launch as appears was the case here. You should read the comments and pay particular attention to the dates they were written. New information always is good.

While Delonghi may have a good idea with the introduction of the D28313 Roto Deep Fryer, here are several things about which a potential buyer should be aware.

FIRST, many retailers are using descriptions of older model fryers in their advertising and descriptions of the D28313. For example, there is no included oil container in which to drain the used oil. The basket capacity is 2.2 lbs, not 1.5 lbs.

SECOND, you might want to know the cost and availability of filters when considering this model. Delonghi parts lists one filter, P/N 5312510071. The cost is $15.90 for one filter, which includes shipping and handling. The same Delonghi customer service department representative told me the filter may be used twice if frying fish. That means you must factor in $8 per fish dinner, plus you must order and have on hand filters sufficient for your use.

THIRD, there are no replacement filters available at any price. Delonghi doesn't have them and has no idea when they will. Filters for Series 5 and 8 fryers will not fit.

FOURTH, the owners manual (with the unit and online) says not to use the unit with clogged filters, but the manual makes no mention of using the unit without a filter. But then, one of the benefits of a closed fryer, namely, low odor, immediately is lost. The owners manual is so vague ("... if your unit has ..."), there's no telling whether or not use of the fryer without a filter would be hazardous.

BOTTOM LINE: Buy this fryer, use it two or a few times, and you've got a $100 paperweight. They're not the first company to get a product launch out of sequence, but at least until Delonghi decides they're going to support it, I'd stay away from this fryer.

Thank goodness for Amazon and their return policy.

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I got this fryer for my husband for his birthday and it is wonderful. It is completely self-enclosed so there is no smell and you can actually use it in the house. I used to make him use his old fryer outside on the porch! It is easy to clean with the spout and uses very little oil compared to other fryers. Great buy and the best one I have ever seen.

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I purchased this fryer 6 months ago. Previously I have owned two of the Delonghi Roto Fryer Model 895UX and have been supremely happy with them. My first lasted for at least 5 years, using it 4-5 days a week. The second unit was still working after 6 years of almost daily abuse, but I decided to treat myself to the newer model when my kitchen color scheme changed. I purchased the Delonghi Blk/Silver Model D28313UXBK six months ago, wrongly assuming that because it was more expensive, it would be an upgrade from the units had previously owned.

Bizarrely, this unit does not have an On/Off switch or an attachable cup for draining the oil, both of which came with the older model. The timer is inconveniently placed below a puffy metallic sticker which not only is a nuisance to clean, it is so annoyingly reflective that it glows much brighter than the actual power indicator light. The power cord is much shorter than on my older models, limiting its' placement to within 12 or so inches of an outlet. The weird magnetic connector that attaches the cord to the unit itself, disconnects much too easily if the cord is slightly stretched or moved. I have to be very careful lifting the fry basket out of the fryer. The mechanism that allows the basket to spin occasionally releases from the handle without warning sending more than one batch of French Fries to the floor. But the worst is the spring opener for the lid which is so strong that if you're not careful, can send the lid literally flying off. The new lid and hinge are far less substantial than the older units, obviously made of a cheaper plastic. The hinge assembly has already broken on my unit.

I really have a hard time understanding the decision making process that went on in the Board Room at Delonghi. Who thought it would be a good idea to take a well made, reliable product and "improve" it by removing convenient features, and using lesser quality materials. Did they think that by dressing it up in black and silver, they could slap a higher price on it and nobody would notice how poorly thought out the design was, not to mention the shoddy construction? I have a number of Delonghi products in my home, but this will definitely make me think twice about purchasing any more. I am not sure I will even try to replace this unit with the other model (which I LOVED!), for fear that the use of lower quality materials may now be across their entire product line.

Honest reviews on DeLonghi D28313UXBK Roto Deep Fryer, Black/Silver

I really wanted to like this product, but in the end found it to be pretty useless. We did our best to make it work and probably cooked in it a dozen times before determining it to be pretty much a waste of time.

The sales pitch behind this unit is that it uses less oil, because of its unique rotating fryer. True, you put less oil in the machine, but at the same time, you can fry less chicken in it. We found that with this system, the cook basket has extremely limited capacity. So yes, you use less oil, but you also cook less chicken in a batch. The end result is that in making buffalo wings, we could cook maybe seven or eight at a time, which means you spend a LONG time cooking a batch of wings. Limited oil capacity results is smaller frying batches.

The second major limitation of this unit is that the food sticks to the basket. When you are able to fry up a nice batch of chicken, the chicken is pretty much demolished when you take it out of the cook basket. Big chunks are left stuck to the basket. Remember from the point above that you have to make multiple batches, so between batches you have to scrape all the old chicken off the basket.

The third issue we had with the unit is that it is not particularly easy to clean. It is no worse than other fry units, but we did not find it noticeably easier, which was one of the selling points the manufacturer touted.

Another issue is that the unit does not maintain temperature when the food is put in. Because the unit has half the oil, the heat capacity of the oil bath is less, and when you put the food in, it REALLY lowers the temperature of the oil. Less oil means greater temperature drop when the food goes in, and that means it is harder to get crispy outside and done inside.

Finally, this is a relatively big unit. Most of us have limited storage space in the kitchen and have to pick and choose what gadgetry is worth storing in the kitchen. This unit is pretty big and takes up a lot of space, for what it does.

In the end, we got rid of the unit. The bathes are too small, the chicken sticks to the basket, it is hard to clean up, and it takes up lots of space.

For making wonderful fried foods at home, we have found the best solution to be a stove top pressure fryer. These fry big batches of chicken Quickly, they are easy to clean up, and can double as pressure cookers.

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I really like the fryer EXCEPT FOR ONE THING "THERE IS NO ON/OFF SWITCH"!! Very unhandy you have to reach behind it to unplug it everytime your done & plug it back in to use it next time!!!!!