Toshiba RAC-PD1011CRU portable air conditioner review

The Toshiba RAC-PD1011CRU is a great looking portable AC unit that's ideal for smaller rooms that could use some powerful cooling.

Toshiba RAC-PD1011CRU Review
(Image: © Toshiba)

Top Ten Reviews Verdict

This Toshiba RAC-PD1011CRU is a solid unit that looks as good as it cools. If you have a smaller room and need something to just get that temperature down, this unit is a dependable solution.

Pros

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    Modern design

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    Powerful cooling

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    Lots of control

Cons

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    Loud compressor

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    Power hungry

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    Needs water hose in humid weather

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As sleek modern portable air conditioners go, the Toshiba RAC-PD1011CRU ticks all the boxes. Stylish yet understated, it’s a mid-range unit capable of cooling rooms of up to 300 square feet and available exclusively from Home Depot.

The three-in-one design means, in addition to cooling, it can be used to dehumidify in dry mode or simply to circulate the air in fan mode. There’s a comprehensive panel of controls on the top of the unit and an LCD remote for operation. The unit’s vent also auto swings to better circulate the cool air.

Is the Toshiba RAC-PD1011CRU the best portable air conditioner for you? Read on to find out all you need to know.

Toshiba RAC-PD1011CRU review: Price

As an exclusive and current model, there isn’t a discounted price for this air conditioner. However, its $399 price point is still very competitive for such a popular brand.

Toshiba RAC-PD1011CRU review: Features

Toshiba RAC-PD1011CRU: key specs

BTU Performance: (ASHRAE 128 STD) 10,000
BTU Performance: (U.S. DOE STD) 7,000
Dehumidify: (Pt/Hr) 3
Dry Air Flow: (CFM) N/A
dBA Level: (Front) 54
Est. Cooling Area: (SQ. FT.) 300
Remote Controller: Yes
Timer: 24 Hr, On/Off
Fan Speed Cooling: 3
Fan Only Speed: 3
Window Installation Kit: Yes
Watts: 1,130
Product: (WxHxD) 17.1" x 28.3" x 13"
Net Weight: 57.2 lbs.

The Toshiba RAC-PD1011CRU has a 10,000 BTU cooling rating, making it a match for the LG LP1017WSR and down on the Whynter Elite ARC-122DS. This, it claims, gives the device the ability to cool up to 300 square feet, and is certainly within its abilities. When used purely in the dehumidifying mode, it removes up to three pints of water per hour and requires a hose to be attached (bought separately) to continuously empty. There is a small internal tank which can be drained when full, but this is designed for use in cooling mode in addition to the auto evaporation.  

The unit features a sleep function and 24-hour timer, along with three fan speeds, allowing you to set the device to suit your needs. The four caster wheels are designed to make moving it between rooms easier, though at under 60 lbs, it is not the heaviest in its class.

Toshiba RAC-PD1011CRU review: Performance

Overall, the Toshiba RAC-PD1011CRU portable air conditioner receives very positive reviews. It cools well in appropriate size spaces and is solidly built. It is, however, quite power hungry, using 1,370W of power in operation.

Toshiba RAC-PD1011CRU review: User reviews

From a total of 340 reviews, Home Depot users gave the Toshiba RAC-PD1011CRU a solid score of four out of five, with 73 percent recommending it. The majority of reviews gave high praise to its ability to cool a room. Users also commended the full functioning LCD remote control and the auto swinging vent.

Though some users found cooling less effective, these tended to be larger than the recommended size for the unit. However, it does seem that it struggles in particularly humid climates, requiring the water drainage hose to be attached to avoid it filling.

Many users mentioned that the Toshiba RAC-PD1011CRU could be noisy while the compressor was working. Rated at 54dB it is certainly on the higher side for its cooling capacity.

Should I buy the Toshiba RAC-PD1011CRU?

This is not the cheapest model in its cooling range but it’s also fair to say that the Toshiba RAC-PD1011CRU looks a premium product. However, the powerful compressor and its ability to remove a good amount of humidity from the air make it a compelling choice.