rollicool review banner

Rollicool Review: My Honest Take on the 14,000 BTU Smart AC

In Heating & Cooling by Tim Brennan

Affiliate Disclosure

As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

In this Rollicool review, I give my honest take on what I like about this 14,000 BTU “smart” air conditioner from Rollibot — and what I don’t.

When the summer heat hit my home office /bedroom, my trusty Ukoke 8,000 BTU Smart Portable Air Conditioner started to feel a bit underpowered. I needed something more robust to handle the rising temperatures and keep my space comfortably cool. After some deliberation, I decided to try out the Rollicool 14,000 BTU Smart Portable Air Conditioner.

This is my honest Rollicool review after a month of daily use.


Why I Decided to Upgrade to the Rollicool 14,000 BTU AC

My old Ukoke AC had served me well with its smart features like Amazon Alexa integration and a handy mobile app. It was perfect for my smaller home office, but as summer approached, the 8,000 BTUs just weren’t cutting it anymore. I found myself constantly adjusting the settings, trying to maintain a comfortable temperature. That’s when I stumbled upon the Rollicool 14,000 BTU Smart Portable AC. The promise of more powerful cooling and enhanced smart features convinced me to give it a shot. I have some UKOKE videos on my YouTube channel if you want to check those out.

Here’s how it’s been so far in my Rollicool review.


Unboxing and First Impressions

Unboxing the Rollicool was a bit of an adventure. The unit itself is hefty—around 60 pounds—which immediately signaled that this was a more robust machine compared to my Ukoke. Everything was neatly packed, including the window adapter, included hose, a remote control, and a detailed manual. Setting it up was straightforward, thanks to the easy installation instructions, but moving the unit around requires some effort due to its size and weight. Overall, my first impressions were positive, but I was curious to see how it would perform in my home.

Here is my unboxing video. I will also include my installation video below. Please subscribe to me on Youtube, and I will get a Rollicool Review video out soon too.

 


rollicool reviewKey Features of the Rollicool 14,000 BTU Smart Portable AC

1. Powerful Cooling for Larger Spaces

One of the standout features in my Rollicool review is its impressive 14,000 BTU cooling capacity. This portable unit easily handles spaces up to 450 square feet, which is perfect for my bedroom/ home office. Even on the hottest days, the Rollicool kept these areas cool and comfortable, significantly outperforming my previous Ukoke AC. This powerful cooling comfort made a noticeable difference, providing much more comfortable home conditions. Installation was relatively simple. Here is a video I did of the full Rollicool installation.

2. Advanced Smart Features with Alexa Integration

The Rollicool truly shines with its smart capabilities. Integrating seamlessly with Amazon Alexa, I can control the AC using simple voice commands. Whether I’m lounging on the couch or busy working, adjusting the temperature or switching modes is effortless. The Rollicool app further enhances this experience, allowing me to manage settings remotely, set schedules, and monitor real-time temperatures. This level of total control makes managing my home environment much easier and more convenient.

3. Wi-Fi Enabled for Remote Access

Being a Wi-Fi enabled portable AC, the Rollicool offers the flexibility to control it from anywhere via my smartphone. This feature has been a game-changer, especially when I forget to turn on the AC before returning home. With a few taps on the Rollicool app, I can ensure my home is cool and welcoming without having to wait for the unit to catch up.

4. Quiet Operation with Multiple Fan Modes

Noise can be a significant factor when choosing an AC, especially for a home office. In my Rollicool review, I found that it operates quietly enough, though it is slighly louder than my UKOKE AC. Still the noise level makes it  suitable for both work and relaxation especially at the normal setting. The unit offers different fan speeds, including fan-only modes, which are perfect for days when full cooling isn’t necessary. This flexibility allows the Rollicool to adapt to my varying needs throughout the year, whether it’s spot cooling or maintaining a steady temperature in a small room.

Tec Timmy's Pick
ROLLICOOL 14,000 BTU 4-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner
$299.99

Great value and performance at an affordable price. Works via app and voice with Alexa. BUT if you live in a high humidity area, be prepared for drainage bucket changes. Oh, and it's a bit on the loud side too.

Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
09/01/2024 04:35 pm GMT

5. Energy Efficiency and Humidity Management

Energy efficiency is another highlight in my Rollicool review. The unit’s energy-saving mode helps reduce electricity consumption, which has noticeably lowered my energy bills compared to the Ukoke. Additionally, living in a high-humidity area means I frequently need to empty the drain bucket to prevent overflow. While it’s a minor maintenance task, it’s essential for maintaining the unit’s efficiency and ensuring a comfortable environment. The Rollicool’s energy savers, combined with its ability to maintain lower temperatures, make it a great choice for those looking to optimize both comfort and cost.

Related: Best Smart Portable ACs with Alexa


Rollicool vs. Ukoke: A Detailed Comparison

Deciding between the Rollicool 14,000 BTU Smart Portable AC and my old Ukoke 8,000 BTU Smart Portable AC involved weighing several factors. Here’s how they stack up in my Rollicool review:

Feature Rollicool 14,000 BTU Ukoke 8,000 BTU
Cooling Capacity 14,000 BTUs – Ideal for larger spaces up to 375 sq ft 8,000 BTUs – Best for small rooms
Smart Features Alexa voice control, Wi-Fi enabled, advanced scheduling Alexa voice control, basic app control
Energy Efficiency Energy-saving mode, sleep mode, intuitive timer Standard operation, no specific energy-saving features
Noise Level Quiet operation suitable for small rooms or home offices Lower noise level, but less powerful cooling
Portability Castor wheels for easy movement, heavier at 60 pounds Lighter and easier to move, but less cooling power
Installation Easy installation with window kit included Similar, but with fewer advanced features
Price Higher initial cost, but more features and better efficiency More affordable, but less powerful and fewer features

From my Rollicool review, it’s clear that the Rollicool offers superior cooling power and more advanced smart features compared to the Ukoke. If you need to cool a larger space and appreciate the convenience of smart scheduling and Alexa integration, the Rollicool is definitely the better choice.


Pros and Cons of the Rollicool 14,000 BTU Smart Portable AC

In my comprehensive Rollicool review, I found several advantages and a few drawbacks:

Pros Cons
Powerful 14,000 BTU cooling capacity Bulky and heavier than smaller units
Advanced smart features with Alexa and app Higher initial cost compared to similar models
Energy-saving modes including sleep mode Requires regular maintenance for optimal performance
Easy installation with window kit Some might find the noise level high for bedrooms
Quiet operation suitable for most spaces Manual has small print, difficult for some users

Overall, the pros far outweigh the cons, especially if you need a powerful and smart cooling solution for larger areas. Additionally, the Rollicool offers options such as fan-only modes and a timer mode, giving you even more control over your environment. The air vents are designed to circulate cool air efficiently, further contributing to the Rollicool’s high-efficiency performance.


Rollicool Review: Final Thoughts

After a month of using the Rollicool 14,000 BTU Smart Portable Air Conditioner, I can confidently say it’s been a worthwhile upgrade from my Ukoke AC. The powerful cooling capacity, combined with advanced smart features like the Rollicool app and Alexa voice control, has significantly enhanced my home environment. The unit’s quiet operation and energy efficiency make it a practical choice for both my home office and living room.

However, it’s not without its minor inconveniences. The need to frequently empty the drain bucket in high-humidity areas can be a bit of a hassle, and the unit’s size makes it less portable than smaller models. Despite these drawbacks, the overall performance and smart features make the Rollicool a standout option in the portable AC market.

For anyone in the market for a high-efficiency, smart portable AC that can handle larger spaces, the Rollicool is definitely worth considering. Whether you’re using it in a small room, home office, or larger living space, it offers powerful cooling comfort that can adapt to your needs.

For more detailed insights on portable air conditioners, you might want to check out more expert reviews below.

Related Reading:


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tim Brennan

Tim Brennan, a tech blogger and host of the @TecTimmy YouTube channel, writes about smart homes at oneSmartcrib, home theaters at UniversalRemoteReviews, and AI in writing at Writeinteractive. He holds a Journalism degree from Northeastern University and has covered technology for three decades. He lives on the ocean in Nahant, Massachusetts.


Got Tech?

Please subscribe to my YouTube channel for a fun take on all things tech.