Kenmore 75101 (10,000 Btu)

The Energy Star-rated Kenmore 75101 10,000-Btu air conditioner is a window unit that can cool large rooms of about 500 square feet. Reviews say that Kenmore air conditioners offer good features at a good price and that this model is relatively quiet. The slide-out chassis makes installation easier and more secure. This air conditioner has an energy-saver mode that turns off the unit when the desired temperature is reached, and an auto-start feature restarts the unit after a power outage or brownout. If you need more power for a larger room and can afford to pay a little more, reviews say the 12,000-Btu Kenmore 75121 (*Est. $300) is a good choice.

ConsumerReports.org is the main source for tests of room air conditioners. Its most recent roundup includes testing of about air conditioners, including the Kenmore 75101. Sears.com has several dozen owner-written reviews for this air conditioner, making it our most helpful source.