BLACK+DECKER 8,500 BTU Portable AC Review: Compact 3-in-1
A compact 3-in-1 portable air conditioner rated 8,500 BTU ASHRAE and 5,100 BTU SACC, with a full-function remote and a light 42.3 pound body. Built for small rooms up to 350 square feet.
By Daniel Brooks
Updated October 12, 2026
The BLACK+DECKER 8,500 BTU Portable AC is a compact 3-in-1 portable air conditioner that cools, dehumidifies and runs as a fan. Sold as model BPACT05SM, it is one of the lightest and slimmest portable air conditioners in its class, which makes it easy to move and easy to fit beside a bed or desk.
BLACK+DECKER rates it for rooms up to 350 square feet and lists a 5,100 BTU SACC rating alongside the 8,500 BTU ASHRAE figure. The listing shows very few owner ratings so far, so we evaluated it based on the manufacturer’s specifications.
Our Verdict
The BPACT05SM is a good fit for a dorm room, small bedroom, cabin or home office where you want simple cooling from a trusted brand without a heavy unit. At 42.3 pounds and only about 11 inches deep and wide, it is far easier to move and store than most portables.
The trade-off is capacity. With 5,100 BTU of SACC cooling, it is built for small rooms only, and at 52 dB it is not especially quiet. If your room is small and you value a light, compact unit, it covers the basics well.
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Key Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | BLACK+DECKER |
| Model | BPACT05SM |
| Type | Portable air conditioner, 3-in-1 |
| Cooling Capacity | 8,500 BTU ASHRAE / 5,100 BTU SACC |
| Room Size | Up to 350 sq ft (manufacturer) |
| Noise Level | 52 dB |
| Power | 115 volts, 750 watts |
| Annual Energy Use | 594.4 kWh per year |
| Window Kit Range | 20.5″ to 39.9″ |
| Dimensions | 11.02″D x 11.4″W x 26.47″H |
| Weight | 42.3 pounds |
| Controls | Top-mounted LED panel, full-function remote |
| Filter | Removable washable filter |
| Refrigerant | R-32 |
| Warranty | 1 year limited |
Cooling Capacity and Room Size
BLACK+DECKER lists 8,500 BTU on the ASHRAE scale and 5,100 BTU on the SACC scale. The SACC figure accounts for the heat a portable adds through its exhaust hose and is the more realistic number to compare.
The manufacturer rates the unit for rooms up to 350 square feet and names dorms, apartments, cabins, offices, bedrooms and living rooms. With 5,100 BTU of real-world cooling, think of it as a unit for one small, well-shaded room. For a sunny room or one near the 350 square foot limit, a larger portable will keep up better on the hottest days.
The compressor is a standard rotary type with no inverter, so it cycles on and off to hold the set temperature.
Installation and Fit
The box includes a window kit with a foam seal, window bracket, air exhaust hose and hose inlet and outlet, plus a drain hose. The listing gives a window range of 20.5 to 39.9 inches, which covers most standard sliding and double-hung windows.
Keep the exhaust hose short and straight, and press the foam seal firmly around the window panel so warm air does not leak back in. The unit plugs into a standard 115 volt outlet and draws 750 watts.
The compact body is the standout here. At 11.02 inches deep, 11.4 inches wide and 42.3 pounds, it fits into tight spaces and can be carried between rooms by one person more easily than most portable units.
Noise, Energy Use and Efficiency
The specifications list a noise level of 52 dB. That is typical for a portable, since the compressor sits in the room, so light sleepers may notice it at night. Running the lower fan speed helps.
Power draw is listed at 750 watts, and annual energy use is 594.4 kWh per year, which is low for an air conditioner thanks to its small capacity. BLACK+DECKER notes the R-32 refrigerant improves energy efficiency. The listing does not give a CEER rating.
Controls and Features
A top-mounted control panel with an LED display makes settings easy to see and change. The full-function remote controls every feature, so you do not need to get up to adjust temperature, mode or fan speed.
The 3-in-1 design covers cooling, dehumidifying and fan-only modes. There is no Wi-Fi or voice control, which keeps it simple for a dorm or guest room where several people may use it.
Dehumidifying and Drainage
In dehumidifier mode, the unit pulls moisture from the air on muggy days when you do not need full cooling. A drain hose is included for continuous draining, which is useful if you run dehumidifier mode for long periods.
The removable washable filter is easy to rinse. Clean it regularly to keep airflow strong and the compressor working efficiently. At the end of the season, drain the unit fully before you store it.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Light at 42.3 pounds and very compact | 5,100 BTU SACC suits small rooms only |
| Lists both ASHRAE and SACC ratings | 52 dB is not quiet |
| Full-function remote and LED panel | No Wi-Fi or app control |
| Window kit and drain hose included | Very few owner ratings so far |
| Low annual energy use of 594.4 kWh | No CEER rating in the listing |
Who Should Buy It
| Who Should Buy It? | Who Should Look Elsewhere? |
|---|---|
| Dorm rooms and small bedrooms | Rooms larger than about 350 sq ft |
| Anyone who needs to carry the unit often | Light sleepers who need a quiet unit |
| Tight spaces beside a bed or desk | Smart home users who want app control |
| Buyers who prefer a known brand | Sunny rooms that heat up quickly |
Final Verdict
The BLACK+DECKER 8,500 BTU Portable AC is a compact, light 3-in-1 portable that is honest about its 5,100 BTU SACC capacity and easy to move from room to room. It suits dorms, small bedrooms and home offices where space and weight matter more than raw output. The compromises are limited capacity, average noise and no smart control. You can check the current price and details for the BLACK+DECKER 8,500 BTU Portable Air Conditioner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size room does the BLACK+DECKER 8,500 BTU cool?
BLACK+DECKER rates it for up to 350 square feet. With 5,100 BTU SACC, a small, shaded room is the best fit.
How heavy is it?
It weighs 42.3 pounds and measures 11.02 by 11.4 by 26.47 inches, which is light and compact for a portable air conditioner.
What windows does the kit fit?
The listing gives a window range of 20.5 to 39.9 inches. The kit includes a foam seal, window bracket and exhaust hose.
Does it have a dehumidifier?
Yes. It is a 3-in-1 unit with cooling, dehumidifier and fan modes, and a drain hose is included.
About the author
Daniel Brooks is a home cooling editor at WikiCooling, covering window, portable, through-the-wall and mini-split air conditioners, fans, and dehumidifiers. He researches cooling capacity, energy efficiency, noise levels, installation requirements, and buyer feedback to help homeowners choose the right unit for their room size, climate, and budget.