ANALYSIS: AIR TREATMENT - COOLING Home Appliances
Black & Decker 12,000 BTU 3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner
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Innovation remains a key focus moving into 2026. “We are expanding our bladeless cooling range with compact designs that prioritise safety while delivering both energy and space-saving efficiency,” says Mr Duckworth. The upcoming range will incorporate Wi-Fi connectivity, LED displays and remote control functionality, alongside new colour options such as soft navy and stone, designed to complement modern interiors.
Cooling evolution RKW Group is seeing steady momentum across its cooling portfolio, which spans three key brands – Black+Decker, Swan and Tower – and covers everything from high-end air conditioners through to air coolers, pedestal fans and desk fans. “As with most cooling categories, success is always somewhat weather dependent,” the company explains, pointing to the prolonged heat of summer 2025, which delivered a particularly strong season overall. However, a notable shift is now emerging, with consumers investing earlier and showing a greater willingness to trade up. “Consumers are starting to invest earlier in the season and are happy to pay more for higher- end air conditioning units, so they can enjoy the full benefit throughout the summer months.”
Air coolers continue to perform strongly,
offering what RKW describes as “a step up from a conventional fan while remaining a more accessible alternative to air conditioning”, while fans themselves remain largely distress purchases, with demand peaking during periods of hot weather.
Smart functionality is now one of the most significant drivers in the category. “We’ve introduced smart functionality across our Black+Decker air conditioners and air coolers, as well as selected Tower fans, giving consumers greater control over how and when they use their cooling products,” the company notes. Through integration with the Black+Decker Home App, users can remotely control their appliances, set 24-hour timers, create daily or weekly schedules, and automate activation based on temperature. “This allows consumers to switch products on before arriving home, ensuring a comfortable environment from the moment they walk in,” the company adds. Built-in dehumidifier functionality within selected air conditioning models further enhances versatility. Energy efficiency remains a key consideration, particularly as running costs stay front of mind for UK households. “Air conditioning products naturally require more power than simpler cooling solutions, so it’s important
that consumers have the tools to manage that usage effectively,” RKW explains. Smart controls play a crucial role here, enabling users to programme operation around their routines or environmental conditions. “That means the product isn’t running unnecessarily, helping reduce wasted electricity while still maintaining a comfortable environment.” In terms of wider market trends, the company highlights a shift towards quality and long-term value. “Consumers are increasingly willing to invest in higher-quality cooling products,” it says, moving away from low-cost, short- term solutions in favour of products that deliver consistent performance throughout the summer. The continued rise of hybrid and home working is also influencing demand, with comfort in the home becoming more important than ever. Design, too, is playing a growing role. “As cooling products become a more permanent feature in the home, consumers want them to look the part,” RKW notes, pointing to the introduction of Swan’s Nordic- inspired collection, which combines effective cooling with a clean, contemporary aesthetic. Looking ahead, innovation remains focused on connectivity and design. “We’re expanding our Black+Decker smart-enabled range with new air conditioners and air coolers,” the company says, alongside the launch of new Swan Nordic air conditioners designed to complement the brand’s existing range. These developments continue to reflect a broader shift towards smarter, more design-led cooling solutions that align with evolving consumer expectations.
Morphy Richards PureFresh 12L/Day Dehumidifier
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