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Taurus 280KT Review | 44 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£330
  • Avg. price in US: ~$370
  • Cooling capacity: 9,000 BTU/h
  • Maximum room size: 28 m²
  • Maximum noise level: 65 dB
  • Heating function: no
  • Cooling Energy Efficiency Class: A

Taurus 280KT review. Compare 44 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Portable Air Conditioners category and whether it is worth buying.

6.3

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of products in the Portable Air Conditioners category, based on technical analysis and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference for identifying the best products in the Portable Air Conditioners category.

Score components:

80.0%

6.3

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Good
6.3

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of technical performance for products in the Portable Air Conditioners category across these key areas: Performance, Features, Design.

When it matters: When you want to compare products in the Portable Air Conditioners category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.

Score components:

55.0%

5.4

Performance

30.0%

7.2

Features

15.0%

7.8

Design

Good
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Air Conditioners category.

When it matters: When you want to know how products in the Portable Air Conditioners category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 6.9
    Bedroom use

    Score components:

    35.0%

    1.0

    Maximum noise level

    25.0%

    10

    Night mode

    20.0%

    10

    Timer

    20.0%

    10

    Remote control

  • 5.4
    Large rooms

    Score components:

    40.0%

    4.6

    Cooling capacity

    30.0%

    4.8

    Maximum room size

    20.0%

    5.5

    Airflow (high speed)

    10.0%

    10

    Airflow direction control

  • 5.0
    Year-round use

    Score components:

    40.0%

    4.0

    Heating function

    30.0%

    4.6

    Dehumidification capacity

    20.0%

    8.0

    Cooling energy efficiency class

    10.0%

    4.0

    Automatic fan speed

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £330

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Taurus AC 280 KT is a portable, non-heat pump air conditioner operating at 990W with a cooling capacity of 9,000 BTU/h (2.6 kW), optimized for rooms up to 28 m² or 29 m². It features four operating modes (cooling, dehumidifying up to 30L/24h, fan, and sleep/night mode), three ventilation speeds, an integrated dust filter, and oscillating fins to guarantee uniform air distribution at a maximum airflow of 350 m³/h. Key advantages include an intuitive touch control panel, a 24-hour programmable timer, an included remote control, an eco-friendly design using R410a refrigerant, and convenient mobility provided by a built-in transport handle and castors alongside a 1.5-meter exhaust hose. However, notable drawbacks include its non-inverter compressor type and a relatively high peak noise level reaching 65 dB(A), which can be loud during high-power operation.

Technical Specifications of portable air conditioner Taurus 280KT

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of technical performance for products in the Portable Air Conditioners category across these key areas: Performance, Features, Design.

When it matters: When you want to compare products in the Portable Air Conditioners category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.

Score components:

55.0%

?

Performance

30.0%

?

Features

15.0%

?

Design

6.3
Taurus 280KT has a technical score of 6.29 points, which is lower than 65.8% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Air Conditioners category.

When it matters: When you want to know how products in the Portable Air Conditioners category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by products in the Portable Air Conditioners category.
When it matters: When you prefer products in the Portable Air Conditioners category that have been chosen and reviewed by many other buyers.
1.0
Taurus 280KT has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 66.3% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the overall score of products in the Portable Air Conditioners category with their prices.

When it matters: When you are comparing products in the Portable Air Conditioners category and want a good balance between quality and price.

Score components:

60.0%

6.3

Overall score

40.0%

7.7

Price

6.7
Taurus 280KT has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.7 points, which is lower than 74.7% of products in this category.
Cooling capacity
What it is: Cooling capacity is the amount of heat the air conditioner can remove per hour, measured in BTU/h.
When it matters: Higher capacity cools larger or warmer rooms more effectively, provided the unit is sized correctly.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: At least 12,000 BTU/h

9,000 BTU/h
Taurus 280KT delivers 9000 BTU/h cooling capacity, which is higher than that of 26.6% of portable air conditioners and equal to that of 30.3% of portable air conditioners.
Rated input power
What it is: Rated input power is the electrical power the unit draws at its specified operating point, measured in watts.
When it matters: Lower rated input power reduces electrical demand, though cooling efficiency also depends on delivered capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: Up to 1,200 W

?
Cooling Energy Efficiency Class
What it is: Cooling energy efficiency class summarizes the efficiency of the unit while cooling, from higher to lower letter grades.
When it matters: A higher cooling efficiency class indicates more cooling output for the electricity consumed.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: A or better

A
Taurus 280KT has cooling energy efficiency class A, which ranks lower than 10.7% of portable air conditioners and equal to 89.4% of portable air conditioners.
Heating energy efficiency class
What it is: Heating energy efficiency class summarizes energy efficiency when the unit operates in heating mode.
When it matters: A higher heating efficiency class matters when the portable air conditioner will also provide regular space heating.

Importance: LOW

Good value: A or better

?
Number of speeds
What it is: The number of selectable fan speeds determines how finely airflow and noise can be adjusted.
When it matters: More speed settings make it easier to balance cooling intensity, sound, and comfort.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: At least 3 speeds

3
Taurus 280KT offers 3 fan speeds, which is more than 36.8% of portable air conditioners and equal to 61.1% of portable air conditioners.
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Fan-only mode
What it is: Fan-only mode circulates room air without running the refrigeration cycle.
When it matters: This mode provides lower-power airflow when cooling is unnecessary.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

yes
Taurus 280KT includes a fan-only mode. 99.5% of portable air conditioners support this mode.
Airflow direction control
What it is: Airflow direction control describes whether outlet air can be aimed automatically, manually, or not at all.
When it matters: Better directional control spreads conditioned air more evenly without repositioning the unit.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: automatic

automatic
Taurus 280KT provides automatic airflow direction control, which ranks higher than 47.3% of portable air conditioners and equal to 52.7% of portable air conditioners.
Night mode
What it is: Night mode adjusts operation for sleeping hours, typically reducing sound, light, or abrupt temperature changes.
When it matters: Night mode is useful when the unit runs in a bedroom or other light- and noise-sensitive space.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

yes
Taurus 280KT includes a dedicated night mode. 74.3% of portable air conditioners offer night mode.
Timer
What it is: A timer lets the unit start, stop, or change operation after a scheduled interval.
When it matters: Timer control helps cool a room before use and avoids running the unit longer than necessary.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

yes
Taurus 280KT includes a built-in timer. 99.5% of portable air conditioners feature a timer.
Maximum timer duration
What it is: Maximum timer duration is the longest interval that can be scheduled before automatic operation changes.
When it matters: A longer timer window offers more flexibility for overnight use and advance scheduling.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: At least 24 hours

24 hours
Taurus 280KT supports a timer of up to 24 hours, which is longer than that of 7.4% of portable air conditioners and equal to that of 92.6% of portable air conditioners.
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Color
What it is: Color describes the main exterior finish of the portable air conditioner.
When it matters: Finish color matters when the unit will remain visible and should suit the room decor.

Importance: LOW

white
Display
What it is: A display shows settings such as target temperature, operating mode, or timer status on the unit.
When it matters: A display makes current settings easier to check without opening an app or using the remote.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

yes
Taurus 280KT includes an integrated display. 99.5% of portable air conditioners feature a display.
Control type
What it is: Control type identifies whether settings are entered through touch controls, physical buttons, or both.
When it matters: The interface style affects tactile feedback, cleaning, accessibility, and ease of use.

Importance: LOW

touch
Remote control
What it is: A remote control operates core functions from across the room without touching the unit.
When it matters: Remote access is convenient when the air conditioner is beside a window, across the room, or used from bed.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

yes
Taurus 280KT comes with a remote control. 99% of portable air conditioners include a remote.
Handles
What it is: Integrated handles provide secure grip points for moving or repositioning the unit.
When it matters: Handles reduce awkward lifting when the air conditioner is moved between rooms or stored.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

yes
Taurus 280KT includes built-in handles for easier carrying. 99.5% of portable air conditioners feature handles.
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Taurus 280KT vs the average portable air conditioner

  • 6.1% cheaper
    Taurus 280KT is cheaper than the average portable air conditioner (£330 vs £350).
    Taurus 280KT is cheaper than the average portable air conditioner (£330 vs £350).£330 vs £350

Total
Overall
  • No automatic fan-speed control
    Taurus 280KT does not adjust fan speed automatically, while the average portable air conditioner does.
  • 1 dB louder at maximum output
    Taurus 280KT is louder at maximum output than the average portable air conditioner (65 dB vs 64 dB).
  • 1 °C lower maximum temperature
    Taurus 280KT has a lower maximum temperature setting than the average portable air conditioner (31 °C vs 32 °C).
  • 2 m² smaller room coverage
    Taurus 280KT covers a smaller room area than the average portable air conditioner (28 m² vs 30 m²).
  • 1 dB louder minimum operation
    Taurus 280KT is louder at minimum output than the average portable air conditioner (52 dB vs 51 dB).
  • 2.4 l/24 h lower dehumidification capacity
    Taurus 280KT offers lower moisture removal than the average portable air conditioner (30 l/24 h vs 32.4 l/24 h).
  • 0.3 m shorter power cord
    Taurus 280KT has a shorter power cord than the average portable air conditioner (1.5 m vs 1.8 m).
  • 8 cm taller cabinet
    Taurus 280KT is taller than the average portable air conditioner (79 cm vs 71 cm).
  • 19.2% higher weight
    Taurus 280KT is heavier than the average portable air conditioner (30.4 kg vs 25.5 kg).
  • 1.5 cm deeper cabinet
    Taurus 280KT is deeper than the average portable air conditioner (37 cm vs 35.5 cm).
  • 8.2% larger external volume
    Taurus 280KT has a larger external volume than the average portable air conditioner (111074 cm³ vs 102623.407656 cm³).
  • No automatic fan-speed control
    Taurus 280KT does not adjust fan speed automatically, while the average portable air conditioner does.
    What it is: Automatic fan speed lets the unit adjust airflow without manual speed changes.
    When it matters: Automatic adjustment improves convenience and can maintain a steadier room temperature.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Taurus 280KT does not adjust fan speed automatically, while the average portable air conditioner does.
  • 0.3 m shorter power cord
    Taurus 280KT has a shorter power cord than the average portable air conditioner (1.5 m vs 1.8 m).
    What it is: Power cord length is the distance the unit can reach from a wall outlet without an extension lead.
    When it matters: A longer cord makes safe placement easier when suitable outlets are limited.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: At least 1.8 m

    Taurus 280KT has a shorter power cord than the average portable air conditioner (1.5 m vs 1.8 m).1.5 m vs 1.8 m
  • 1 dB louder at maximum output
    Taurus 280KT is louder at maximum output than the average portable air conditioner (65 dB vs 64 dB).
    What it is: Maximum noise level is the loudest stated sound output, usually produced at full cooling or fan speed.
    When it matters: Lower maximum noise makes intensive cooling less disruptive during work, conversation, or sleep.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: Up to 60 dB

    Taurus 280KT is louder at maximum output than the average portable air conditioner (65 dB vs 64 dB).65 dB vs 64 dB
  • 19.2% higher weight
    Taurus 280KT is heavier than the average portable air conditioner (30.4 kg vs 25.5 kg).
    What it is: Weight is the mass of the portable air conditioner before installation accessories are attached.
    When it matters: A lighter unit is easier to carry, reposition, and move between floors.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: Up to 25 kg

    Taurus 280KT is heavier than the average portable air conditioner (30.4 kg vs 25.5 kg).30.4 kg vs 25.5 kg
  • 8 cm taller cabinet
    Taurus 280KT is taller than the average portable air conditioner (79 cm vs 71 cm).
    What it is: Height is the vertical dimension of the portable air conditioner.
    When it matters: A shorter cabinet fits more easily below windows, shelves, and other height restrictions.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: Up to 70 cm

    Taurus 280KT is taller than the average portable air conditioner (79 cm vs 71 cm).79 cm vs 71 cm
  • 1 °C lower maximum temperature
    Taurus 280KT has a lower maximum temperature setting than the average portable air conditioner (31 °C vs 32 °C).
    What it is: Maximum set temperature is the highest thermostat target available in the unit controls.
    When it matters: A higher maximum setting provides a broader adjustment range, especially on models with heating.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: At least 30 °C

    Taurus 280KT has a lower maximum temperature setting than the average portable air conditioner (31 °C vs 32 °C).31 °C vs 32 °C
  • 2 m² smaller room coverage
    Taurus 280KT covers a smaller room area than the average portable air conditioner (28 m² vs 30 m²).
    What it is: Maximum room size is the largest floor area the manufacturer recommends the unit should cool.
    When it matters: A larger rated area is important when cooling open-plan spaces or larger rooms.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: At least 30 m²

    Taurus 280KT covers a smaller room area than the average portable air conditioner (28 m² vs 30 m²).28 m² vs 30 m²
  • 6.01x less popular
    Taurus 280KT is less popular than the average portable air conditioner (1 vs 6.005).
    What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by products in the Portable Air Conditioners category.
    When it matters: When you prefer products in the Portable Air Conditioners category that have been chosen and reviewed by many other buyers.
    Taurus 280KT is less popular than the average portable air conditioner (1 vs 6.005).1 vs 6.01
Total
Overall
Performance
Features
Design

Graphic comparison of Taurus 280KT and other products in the Portable Air Conditioners category

Attribute category
Attribute
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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Taurus 280KT?

  • Efficient cooling performance for spaces up to 28 m²
  • Versatile functionality with 4 operating modes (cooling, night mode, dehumidification, and ventilation)
  • Easy to operate via a modern touch control panel and an included remote control
  • Good air distribution thanks to the automatic horizontal oscillating fins
  • Convenient mobility with integrated transport handles and built-in wheels
  • Includes an integrated dust filter to help improve indoor air quality
  • Helpful 24-hour programmable timer for automated operation

What customers dislike about Taurus 280KT?

  • High operational noise level (declared at 65 dB), which can be disruptive during sleep
  • Relatively bulky and heavy unit, making it difficult to lift or move over carpets and thresholds
  • Single-hose extraction system can cause negative pressure, pulling warm outside air back into the room
  • Window sealing kit is often not included with the standard package and must be purchased separately
  • Requires regular maintenance, such as manually draining the water tank during high-humidity use

Expert reviews

Q
quechoisir.org
15/06/2017
Summary of the review
Test Taurus Alpatec AC 280 - Climatiseur mobile - Que Choisir
Q
quechoisir.org
15/06/2017
Summary of the review
Test of the Taurus Alpatec AC 280 / AC 280 KT portable air conditioner - Que Choisir
(Translated)Show original

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