If you like the idea of a portable air conditioner and heater combo you’re really going to love the Cream ‘n Crock. This amazing new 2 in 1 product makes delicious ice cream in the summer and doubles as a crock pot during cold winter months ensuring year round use and enjoyment.

Of course there’s no such thing (yet) but at first glance multi-function products seem to make a lot of sense, but rarely, if ever, do they live up to expectations. Invariably one of the functions under performs leaving the user feeling cheated.

1. Under Powered Heater

In the case of portable air conditioners with heaters it’s the heater function that usually disappoints. The reason is simple; the space heater is under-powered. While a typical free standing space heater is rated at 1,500 watts, the power rating of most heaters within a portable AC is only 950 watts - or 36% less.

So if you’re unhappy with the performance of your current stand alone space heater, a portable A/C heater won’t do much to improve your mood.

2. How About Convenience?

The average portable air conditioner weighs in at around 60 - 70 pounds. The weight of a combination cooler/heater can be as much as 90 pounds.

Ordinarily the extra weight wouldn’t present a problem so long as you’re rolling it from room to room. But what if you’d like a little extra heat in the upstairs bedroom? Can you say "block and tackle?"

So now you have a 90 pound, under powered space heater that is going to make you eligible for permanent disability.

3. Cost

You’re going to pay more too. For instance, the Frigidaire 12,000 BTU portable heat/cool air conditioner is priced around $510 – which isn’t bad in the world of heater/coolers.

But for $60 or $70 less you could buy an EdgeStar 12,000 BTU portable air conditioner PLUS a full powered Lasko 1,500 watt space heater. And by the way, the Lasko weighs only 9 pounds