Recent heatwaves have brought Europe to a turning point with air-conditioners. Western Europe experienced its hottest June on record, and cities across Germany saw temperatures rise above 40C (104F). As the region braces for more heatwaves before the summer ends, a particular appliance has emerged as a game-changer for many residents. This highly sought-after product is the PortaSplit, a portable split air-conditioner manufactured by Chinese home appliance giant Midea.
Europe’s Growing Need for Cooling
Steven Scholtysek, a 36-year-old German engineer, is no stranger to Europe’s heatwaves, having lived through sweltering summers since his childhood. However, this year proved to be particularly challenging, with Scholtysek describing the heat as “especially unbearable.” His situation was compounded a few months ago when he moved into an attic apartment in Hamelin, north-central Germany, a type of dwelling notorious for overheating. Scholtysek states that it is “not possible to live a normal life in those flats, below the roof, in summer heat.”
This experience is one that is becoming increasingly common across Europe. The region has typically low air-conditioning ownership rates, a factor that makes the rising intensity of heatwaves more acute for its inhabitants. It is within this context that the Midea PortaSplit has gained significant traction.
The Rise of the Midea PortaSplit
The Midea PortaSplit, designed to meet European regulations, has rapidly become one of the most sought-after products in the region this summer. Steven Scholtysek himself found it transformative, calling it “a game changer” for his attic apartment. Midea, previously a little-known brand in Europe, has now become a household name this summer, largely due to the success of its PortaSplit unit.
The popularity is evident in its market performance. Units have sold out in stores over the past few weeks across the continent. Such is the demand that models have even appeared on resale sites. On these platforms, the PortaSplit units are being marked up to double or even triple their original retail price, which was around €750 (£639; $856). The level of interest is further highlighted by the existence of MideaFinder, a dedicated website specifically for tracking the availability of these units.
Innovation for Urban Living
A key aspect of the PortaSplit’s appeal and much of the current craze has centred around its ability to sidestep structural constraints. Many European cities enforce strict historic-preservation rules. These regulations often restrict exterior-wall modifications, such as the drilling typically required for external AC units, which can pose a challenge for traditional air conditioning installations. The Midea PortaSplit addresses this directly.
It is specifically touted as installation-free and compatible with European windows. The system features a lightweight outdoor unit, which users can readily perch outside their windows themselves. The product explicitly advertises itself as “perfectly compatible with most European window types.” Denis Yurchak, a resident of Vienna, highlighted this innovative approach, telling the BBC that Midea “solved this problem in quite an interesting way.”
A Community of Enthusiasts and Soaring Sales
Denis Yurchak first discovered the PortaSplit a few weeks ago, during his research into air-conditioners to help him manage the heatwave conditions. The 27-year-old quickly found that the product had cultivated a dedicated following. From glowing online reviews to forums exchanging tips about air-conditioners, Yurchak realised there was “a kind of cult about Midea.”
His own experience mirrors this enthusiasm. Since raving about his PortaSplit on X, he has also been co-opted into this community. Yurchak reports that he has been receiving curious messages about the air-conditioner every day, reflecting widespread interest. During the most intense periods of the heatwave, Yurchak confirmed he “basically had it on 24/7.” This surge in popularity translates directly into sales figures. In countries such as France, Spain, Germany, and the UK, Midea sales have surged by more than 70% year.
The Midea PortaSplit has responded to Europe’s challenging summer temperatures. By offering an installation-free solution that respects urban architectural limitations, the portable air-conditioner has cemented Midea’s position as a prominent and sought-after brand across the continent. Its continued demand reflects the region’s changing approach to cooling technology amidst persistent heatwaves.