Kogan Air Conditioners Review
If you’re looking for a new air conditioner but don’t want to break the bank, then online electronics retailer Kogan may be worth a look. Best known for its cheap TVs and good-value prepaid phone plans, Kogan is also earning a reputation for cheap and cheerful air conditioners.
Kogan’s air conditioners will keep you cool, or warm, for an affordable price. But how do they really stack up? What kind of features do they come with, and do they represent good value for money? Canstar Blue looks at several portable and split system air conditioners from Kogan to help you make a more informed purchase decision.
Kogan Split System Air Conditioners
Kogan has several different split system models for sale. We’ve reviewed three of the bunch to give you a good idea of what they’re capable of. If you’re after a bargain, the online retailer typically offers discounts on many Kogan-branded appliances throughout the year.
Keep in mind that these prices do not include the cost of installation. Although Kogan does offer its own installation services, with prices depending on the capacity of the air conditioner. Here is an estimation of costs, based on advertised prices:
- Kogan 2.5kW – 2.6kW split system air conditioners: $699.99*
- Kogan 5.1kW – 5.2kW split system air conditioners: $799.99*
- Kogan 7kW – 7.3kW split system air conditioners: $899.99*
Kogan SmarterHome 8kW Inverter Split System Air Conditioner (Reverse Cycle)
The Kogan SmarterHome 8kW Inverter Split System Air Conditioner (Reverse Cycle) is the retailer’s most powerful and priciest air conditioner, sitting at just under $2,000. Designed to suit spaces measuring up to 45m2, this model offers four-in-one functionality including cooling, heating, dehumidifying and fan.
Compared to other Kogan air conditioners, this 8kW model is claimed to provide cooler air and offer more coverage using up to 1300m3/h airflow. It can also apparently cool down a room within 30 seconds or heat in one minute.
Other features include:
- Purifies air with anti-PM2.5 filter & activated carbon filter
- Compatible with Google Home and Alexa
- Can be remotely controlled through SmarterHome app
This Kogan air conditioner comes with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty.
- Price: $1,999 RRP*
Kogan 5.2kW Inverter Split System Air Conditioner (Reverse Cycle)
This Kogan 5.2kW air conditioning system is similar to most standard split system air conditioners offered by the online retailer, with cooling and heating capacity being the biggest difference. It has a four-star energy efficiency rating and is said to be suitable for rooms no larger than 30m2.
One of the common features is its inverter technology, stated to maintain consistent temperatures while being energy efficient. It also has a fairly slim design, measuring 28.5cm wide. Other specs to expect include:
- Quiet performance (37dB)
- Self-cleaning function
- Modes: auto, turbo, dehumidify, timer, sleep & fan
This Kogan split system air conditioner has a three-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Price: $1,599 RRP*
Kogan SmarterHome 2.6kW Inverter Split System Air Conditioner (Reverse Cycle)
If you’re after a cheap air conditioner, this 2.6kW model is Kogan’s most affordable model (at the time of writing). It comes with the same features you would expect from Kogan’s SmarterHome range, including:
- Four-in-one functionality: cooling, heating, dehumidifying & fan
- Anti-PM2.5 filter and activated carbon filter
- 1300m3/h airflow
- Compatible with Google Home and Alexa
This Kogan split system air conditioner is said to be suitable for rooms measuring up to 5m2 and comes with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty.
- Price: $799.99 RRP*
Kogan Portable Air Conditioners
If you would prefer to buy an appliance that can cool different rooms, without having to buy a wall-mountable air conditioning unit, a portable AC might be worth considering.
Kogan SmarterHome 4.1kW Portable Air Conditioner (Reverse Cycle)
This four-wheeled Kogan portable air conditioner offers a pretty generous 4.1kW cooling and heating capacity and is said to suit rooms up to 30m2. You can expect similar features found in the wall-mountable air conditioning units from Kogan’s SmarterHome range, such as four-in-one functionality.
Plus, it allows for continuous drainage via a water drainage hose. This means you can attach a drainage hose to the back of the appliance to let the portable air conditioner drain outside, so you won’t have to always do it manually. Although you’ll have to buy the hose separately.
Other specs include:
- Window kit
- Self-cleaning function
- Timer program
- Can control through Kogan SmarterHome app
- Weight: 29kg
- Measurements: 830mm x 443mm x 340mm
This Kogan portable air conditioner comes with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty.
- Price: $899 RRP*
Kogan SmarterHome 5.2kW Portable Air Conditioner (Reverse Cycle)
This 5.2kW Kogan portable air conditioner is the priciest option from the online retailer, costing $100 extra for a few more kilowatts than the next most powerful air conditioning unit ─ the Kogan SmarterHome 4.7kW portable air conditioner ($999 RRP*).
But, as with many other Kogan air conditioning systems, you can buy it for a much lower price during sales. At the time of writing, this model is discounted to $599!
Some specs to expect include:
- Suitable for spaces up to 35m2
- Four-in-one functionality: cooling, heating, dehumidifying & fan
- 24-hour timer
- Four wheels
- Weight: 44kg
- Measurements: 815mm x 370mm x 595mm
This Kogan portable air conditioner includes a one-year manufacturer’s warranty.
- Price: $1,099 RRP*
Kogan SmarterHome 2.6kW Portable Air Conditioner
Don’t know where to find a cheap air conditioner? Kogan’s 2.6kW SmarterHome portable air conditioning unit is among one of the most affordable models in the range, retailing for just under $700. Although you might be able to snap it up for around half price during one of Kogan’s sales if you’re lucky.
Designed to suit rooms measuring up to 35m2, here are some of the features to expect:
- Cooling temperature: 16℃ – 30℃
- Three modes: air conditioner, fan & dehumidifier
- Compatible with Google Home and Amazon Alexa
- Window exhaust kit for sliding windows
Keep in mind that a window kit assembly may be needed.
This Kogan portable air conditioner includes a one-year manufacturer’s warranty.
- Price: $699 RRP*
Are Kogan air conditioners worth the money?
Kogan is certainly one of the cheapest brands you’re likely to find when it comes to buying a new air conditioner. Its split systems are certainly powerful and seem to represent good value, but make sure you know what you’re paying for. Does the price include installation? If not, this will be an added cost.
Kogan’s portable air conditioners seem particularly good value given their combination of power and price. They should be up to more or less the same job as models from other brands costing a lot more. The potential downside is that a cheap upfront cost could be followed by higher energy bills over time, but this will likely be the case with any portable air conditioner.
The bottom line is that Kogan air conditioners are cheap and should be up to the job of keeping you cool, during summer. But make sure you check the small print regarding installation and warranty to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.
About the author of this page
This report was written by Canstar Blue’s Home & Lifestyle Content Lead, Megan Birot. She’s an expert on household appliances, health & beauty products, as well as all things grocery and shopping. When she’s not writing up our research-based ratings reports, Megan spends her time helping consumers make better purchase decisions, whether it’s at the supermarket, other retailers, or online, highlighting the best deals and flagging anything you need to be aware of.
*Prices taken from Kogan, correct as of December 2020.