There’s a new kid on the NewAir block. We take a closer look and see how the recently debuted AC-10100E stacks up to the tried and true AC-10000E.
First off, on paper these two AC’s are virtually identical. Both feature a 10,000 BTU rating and a host of features like an automatic mode, remote controls, and sleep timers. They even both have the same efficiency ratings and given a choice between the two it might be difficult to decide.
We going to dive into this comparison with a four round review of the design, size, performance, and features.
Round 1: Design
The biggest difference between these two units is the exterior design. The AC-10100E (on the right here) has a clean white finish as opposed to the AC-10000E’s classic silver. The 10100 does have a convenient handle on top of the unit that makes moving it around a bit easier than the 10000. Controls on both are nearly identical with the edge going to the older AC-10000 simply because the buttons have clear labeling instead of the symbols of the AC-10100.
While design is a personal choice and you may choose one over the other simply because one matches your room better, we prefer the subtler silver of the NewAir AC-10000E, the clearer controls are a bonus too!
Round 2: Size
These two air conditioners are both squarely in the compact range with the AC-10100E being the smaller of the two. In fact, the AC-10100E is both shallower and shorter that the MobilComfort KY-80, previously our most compact AC.
AC-10100E – L:11.00″ x W:13.00″ x H:29.00″
AC-10000E – L:12.20″ x W:13.80″ x H:28.00″
The AC-10100E is the clear winner hear delivering the same performance in a package that is a smaller in almost every dimension.
Round 3: Performance
During our testing we noticed almost no discernible difference in performance between the two. Taking a look at the back of the units (here with the top filter grills removed) we couldn’t find any major difference in internal setup.
In short, the AC-10000E and AC-10100E perform similarly in every way with the one exception being the up and down adjustable louvers on the AC-10100E. However, because the louvers only move a few degrees up and down the effect was negligible.
This really is a draw since both perform nearly exactly the same on paper and during our testing.
Round 4: Features
Both the AC-10000E and AC-10100E have a host of features that stand out among their competitors. These include:
- Automatic mode that turns the AC off once the room gets to the set temperature
- A remote so you don’t have to walk to the unit to adjust settings
- Built in 12-hour timer that will shut the unit off after the desired number of hours
- Overflow light that lets you know when the unit needs to be drained
- LED readout that tells you current temperature and set temperature
NewAir’s AC-10100E also includes a sleep mode that raises the temperature by 2 degrees after the first hour and a further 2 degrees after another hour. This saves you energy by making sure the unit isn’t wasting energy while you sleep.
Because the NewAir AC-10100E has the additional sleep timer on top of all of the 10000E’s already great feature list we give it top honors in this category.
Conclusion
NewAir’s latest compact portable air conditioner is an evolution of the AC-10000E. The performance and features that have made the 10000E one of our most popular models have carried over into the 10100E. The AC-10100E is slightly smaller and offers the new sleep timer for added convenience.
With the AC-10000E and AC-10100E priced within a few dollars of each other the decision really comes down to what your looking for in an air conditioner. If space is tight the AC-10100E will probably be your top choice. Or you might prefer the subtle silver of the AC-10000E. With both the AC-10000E and AC-10100E being such great choices it really comes down to personal preference.



































