BLACK+DECKER 9,000 BTU Portable AC Review: Simple 3-in-1
A popular 3-in-1 portable air conditioner rated 9,000 BTU ASHRAE and 5,300 BTU SACC, with a Follow Me remote, casters and side handles. Built for small rooms up to 400 square feet.
By Daniel Brooks
Updated October 25, 2026
The BLACK+DECKER 9,000 BTU Portable AC is a 3-in-1 portable air conditioner that cools, dehumidifies and runs as a fan. Sold as model BPACT08WT, it is one of the longest-running and most widely owned portable air conditioners from the brand, with a 4.0 out of 5 average across more than 16,330 ratings on its listing.
BLACK+DECKER lists 9,000 BTU on the ASHRAE scale and 5,300 BTU on the SACC scale, and rates the unit for rooms up to 400 square feet. It keeps things simple: a top control panel, a full-function remote with a Follow Me thermostat, casters and a window kit in the box.
Our Verdict
The BPACT08WT is a sensible pick for a small bedroom, home office or dorm room where you want a familiar brand and straightforward controls. It has a long track record, the remote works as a room thermostat, and casters make it easy to roll from room to room.
The trade-offs are the ones you expect from an older, non-inverter portable. With 5,300 BTU of SACC cooling, it is a small-room unit, and at 54 dB it is noticeable at night. There is no Wi-Fi or app control. If you want an uncomplicated portable for one small room, it covers the basics well.
BLACK+DECKER 9,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
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Key Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | BLACK+DECKER |
| Model | BPACT08WT |
| Type | Portable air conditioner, 3-in-1 |
| Cooling Capacity | 9,000 BTU ASHRAE / 5,300 BTU SACC |
| Room Size | Up to 400 sq ft (manufacturer) |
| Noise Level | 54 dB |
| Power | 115 volts, 950 watts |
| SEER (listed) | 6.2 |
| Dimensions | 14″D x 15.3″W x 24.8″H |
| Weight | 45.8 pounds |
| Controls | Top panel with LED display, Follow Me remote |
| Filter | Washable filter |
| Compressor | Rotary, no inverter |
| Warranty | 1 year limited |
Cooling Capacity and Room Size
BLACK+DECKER gives two cooling numbers for this unit. The 9,000 BTU ASHRAE figure is the older lab rating, while the 5,300 BTU SACC figure accounts for the heat a single-hose portable adds back into the room through its exhaust. SACC is the more realistic number to compare against other portables.
The manufacturer rates the unit for rooms up to 400 square feet. With 5,300 BTU of real-world cooling, the BPACT08WT is happiest in a small, shaded bedroom or office. In a sunny room, a top-floor room or a space near the 400 square foot limit, it will run for long stretches on the hottest afternoons and may not pull the temperature down as far as you want.
The compressor is a standard rotary type with no inverter. It runs at full output, then cycles off when the room reaches the set point, and back on when the temperature rises again.
Installation and Fit
The box includes an air exhaust hose, hose inlet and outlet adapters, a window casement and a water drain hose, along with the remote and owner’s manual. Setup takes the usual portable steps: attach the hose to the back of the unit, fit the window panel in the opening and connect the hose to the panel.
The listing is not consistent about the window range, so measure your window and check the panel against the opening before you rely on it. For sliding or casement windows, a little foam weatherstrip around the panel helps stop warm air from leaking back in.
At 14 inches deep, 15.3 inches wide and 24.8 inches tall, the unit is compact for a portable. It weighs 45.8 pounds, and casters on the bottom plus side handles on both sides make it easy to move between rooms. The power cord is short, so place the unit close to an outlet and avoid extension cords.
Noise, Energy Use and Efficiency
The specifications list a noise level of 54 dB. That is typical for a single-hose portable, since the compressor sits inside the room with you. Light sleepers may want to use the lowest fan speed at night, or cool the bedroom before bed and raise the set point once they turn in.
Power draw is listed at 950 watts on a standard 115 volt outlet, and the listing shows a SEER figure of 6.2. That is in line with older non-inverter portables, which are less efficient than modern window units. If running cost is a priority and your window allows it, a window air conditioner will usually cool more for each watt.
The listing mentions both R-32 and R410a refrigerant in different fields, so check the label on the unit if the refrigerant type matters to you.
Controls and Features
A top-mounted control panel with an LED display handles temperature, mode and fan speed. The full-function remote does everything the panel does, and its Follow Me function lets the remote act as a thermostat. The unit reads the temperature where you are sitting rather than at the unit itself, which helps it hold a more comfortable temperature at the bed or desk.
The 3-in-1 design covers cooling, dehumidifying and fan-only modes. There is no Wi-Fi, app or voice control on this model. For many households that is a plus, since the remote and panel are easy for anyone to use.
Dehumidifying and Drainage
In dehumidifier mode, the unit pulls moisture from the air on muggy days when you do not need full cooling. A water drain hose is included so you can drain the unit continuously during long dehumidifier sessions, which saves you from emptying it by hand.
The washable filter slides out for cleaning. Rinse it every couple of weeks during heavy use to keep airflow strong. At the end of the season, drain the unit fully and let it dry before you store it.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Long track record with 16,330+ ratings | 5,300 BTU SACC suits small rooms only |
| Follow Me remote acts as a thermostat | 54 dB is noticeable at night |
| Casters and side handles for easy moves | No Wi-Fi, app or voice control |
| Compact 24.8 inch tall body | Listed SEER of 6.2 is modest |
| Drain hose included for dehumidifying | Listing details on window range are unclear |
Who Should Buy It
| Who Should Buy It? | Who Should Look Elsewhere? |
|---|---|
| Small bedrooms and home offices | Rooms near or above 400 sq ft |
| Renters who cannot install a window unit | Light sleepers who need a quiet unit |
| Buyers who want a proven, simple portable | Smart home users who want app control |
| Anyone moving the unit between rooms | Buyers focused on running cost |
Final Verdict
The BLACK+DECKER 9,000 BTU Portable AC is a simple, proven 3-in-1 portable with a useful Follow Me remote and easy mobility. It suits small bedrooms, offices and dorm rooms where a window unit is not an option. The compromises are modest real-world capacity, average noise and no smart features. You can check the current price and details for the BLACK+DECKER 9,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size room does the BLACK+DECKER 9,000 BTU cool?
BLACK+DECKER rates it for up to 400 square feet. With 5,300 BTU SACC, a small, shaded room is the best fit.
What does the Follow Me remote do?
The remote has a built-in temperature sensor. With Follow Me on, the unit adjusts cooling based on the temperature at the remote, so the spot where you sit stays closer to your setting.
Does it need to be drained?
A drain hose is included for continuous draining, which is most useful in dehumidifier mode. Drain the unit fully before storing it at the end of the season.
Does it have Wi-Fi?
No. The BPACT08WT uses the top control panel and the remote. BLACK+DECKER sells a separate smart model with app and voice control.
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.