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Verdict in brief: The Dimplex DCP9C is a cooling-only portable air conditioner with a published 2.6kW cooling capacity and a stated 9–20m² room range. It includes a window kit and remote, offers cool, dry and fan modes, and is specified at 51dB(A) on low fan and 54dB(A) on high. Those are manufacturer figures, not independent test results. CHOICE lists a page price of $699, but its numerical test results and the current market price are not established by the available information.
For an Australian bedroom, study or small living room where permanent air conditioning is impractical, the DCP9C has a useful feature set on paper. Your decision should depend on whether the supplied window kit suits the window, whether 20.8kg is manageable for your installation, and whether you can accept the uncertainty around real-world cooling speed, running cost and measured noise.
Dimplex DCP9C specifications at a glance
The figures below come from Dimplex Australia’s 2024 specification sheet and instruction manual unless a different source is identified. They describe the product as designed; they do not demonstrate performance in a particular Australian room.
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| Specification | Dimplex DCP9C |
|---|---|
| Appliance type | Portable, cooling-only air conditioner with dehumidification |
| Published cooling capacity | 2.6kW |
| Stated room range | 9–20m² |
| Rated input | 1,300W (1.3kW) |
| Dehumidification capacity | 0.54L/hour |
| Modes | Cool, dry and fan |
| Fan speeds | Two |
| Timer | 0–24 hours |
| Published noise | 51dB(A) minimum; 54dB(A) maximum |
| Refrigerant | R290 |
| Operating temperature | 17–35°C |
| Thermostat setting range | 17–30°C |
| Power supply | 220–240V~50Hz |
| Dimensions | 280 × 290 × 675mm (Dimplex specification sheet) |
| Net weight | 20.8kg |
| Included accessories | Window kit and remote control |
| Warranty stated on specification sheet | Two years, domestic use |
Read the full Dimplex DCP9C specification sheet and DCP9C instruction manual before installation. The manual says, “For greater precision, please always refer to the rating label placed on the product.” Use that label if it differs from a generalised document figure.
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What the DCP9C is designed to do
Cooling only, not reverse-cycle heating
The DCP9C is a cooling-only portable air conditioner. It can lower room temperature, move air in fan mode and remove moisture in dry mode, but the supplied information does not identify a heating function. If you need winter heating as well as summer cooling, this is not a substitute for a reverse-cycle appliance.
How to interpret the 2.6kW capacity
Dimplex publishes 2.6kW as the cooling capacity. That is a useful comparison number, but it is not a promise that every room will cool at the same rate. Heat entering through windows, ceiling insulation, direct sun, people, computers, open doors and the efficiency of the exhaust installation all affect the result. A compact, shaded, closed room is a more realistic fit than an open-plan area with several heat sources.
The 9–20m² room range is a guide
Dimplex states a 9–20m² room range. Treat the upper end as a suitability guide rather than a guaranteed comfort boundary: a 20m² north-facing room with poor insulation can impose a much heavier load than a shaded 20m² bedroom. Measure the actual enclosed area and consider the room’s sun exposure and ceiling height before buying.
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The available CHOICE page identifies the DCP9C as a cooling-only portable air conditioner with a 2.6kW capacity, 20.8kg weight, R290 refrigerant and supplied window kit and remote. It displays a price of $699, but the page extract does not state when that price was published or confirm that it is today’s retail price.
CHOICE keeps the expert rating, cooling score, energy score, fan-high noise test and running-cost fields for members. Consequently, there is no verified independent score here for cooling speed, efficiency, operating cost or acoustic performance. The Dimplex figures in this review should be read as published specifications, not as measurements made in a standardised test room.
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That distinction matters with portable air conditioners. A rated capacity can be compared with another model only when the test conditions and rating method are comparable. Likewise, a quoted decibel figure without a stated distance, room or test procedure cannot tell you exactly how loud the unit will sound beside a bed.
Noise: 51dB(A) low and 54dB(A) high
The manual lists 51dB(A) at minimum fan speed and 54dB(A) at maximum. These are the only noise figures established for this model. They indicate a 3dB difference between the two published settings, but they do not describe the tonal character of the compressor, airflow or exhaust hose, and they are not an independent laboratory result.
The Tool Desk
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Modes, fan control and timer
Cool mode
Cool mode is the primary air-conditioning setting. Select a target within the stated 17–30°C thermostat range and choose one of the two fan speeds. The unit’s published operating range is 17–35°C ambient temperature; operation outside that range is not established by the supplied documents.
Dry mode
Dry mode is intended for moisture removal. Dimplex lists a dehumidification capacity of 0.54L/hour. That is a rated capacity, not a guarantee of the amount collected in your room, because actual extraction changes with temperature, humidity and operating conditions. The supplied documents do not establish a universal drainage interval, so follow the manual for condensate handling rather than assuming the tank will remain empty.
Rank #3
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Fan mode
Fan mode circulates air without using the appliance as a cooling cycle. It can be useful when the room is already comfortable or when you want air movement without the same cooling demand, but it should not be treated as refrigerated cooling.
Timer and remote
The specification sheet and manual list a 0–24-hour timer and an included remote control. Confirm that the remote’s batteries and the receiver’s line of sight work at your intended position. The documents do not identify app control, Wi-Fi or smart-home integration, so do not buy this model expecting those features.
Installation: a practical setup sequence
A portable air conditioner only works as intended when its hot-air exhaust is routed outside. The DCP9C includes a window kit, so you should not need to purchase a separate kit for a normal first installation. A replacement kit is relevant only if the supplied parts are missing, damaged or incompatible with your window; confirm dimensions and model compatibility before buying a generic accessory.
- Check the contents and rating label. Confirm the unit, remote, exhaust components and window-kit parts are present and undamaged. Compare the appliance label with the manual’s 220–240V~50Hz supply and 1.3kW rated input. The label takes precedence if a figure differs.
- Choose a suitable position. Use a stable, level surface near a window, with enough clearance for air intake and discharge. Avoid blocking the outlet or placing the unit where the exhaust hose must be sharply kinked. The 20.8kg net weight means the location should be one you can reach without repeatedly carrying the appliance up stairs.
- Fit the supplied window kit. Assemble it according to the DCP9C manual and create the best seal your window design permits. The exact kit dimensions and compatibility with every Australian window type are not stated in the available documents, so measure your opening before committing to a permanent position.
- Connect the exhaust route. Keep the hose as short and direct as practical. A long, crushed or poorly sealed route can return heat to the room and undermine the benefit of the 2.6kW cooling system.
- Provide the correct electrical supply. Use a suitable 220–240V~50Hz outlet and follow the manual’s electrical instructions. Do not assume an extension lead, power board or shared circuit is appropriate without checking the manual and local electrical requirements.
- Start with a conservative setting. Select cool mode, choose the lower fan speed and set a reasonable target. Close doors and windows to the area you are cooling so that outdoor heat is not continuously replacing the conditioned air.
- Check operation before leaving it unattended. Confirm that air is exhausting outdoors, the window seal remains secure and no warning or drainage instruction is being ignored. Use the timer only after the basic installation is stable.
The manual itself instructs owners to read and retain the instructions. For the complete assembly and operating sequence, use the official DCP9C manual rather than relying on a generic portable-air-conditioner guide.
Power use and how to estimate a running cost
Dimplex states a rated input of 1,300W. That is the electrical input rating, not a measured average over a day. The compressor may cycle, and actual consumption depends on room heat load, set temperature, outdoor conditions and how long the appliance runs.
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You can make a simple upper-bound style estimate from your electricity tariff:
Estimated energy cost = 1.3kW × hours running × electricity price per kWh
For example, at a tariff of $0.30 per kWh, eight hours at the full 1.3kW rating would be calculated as 1.3 × 8 × $0.30 = $3.12. That is a calculation using the nameplate input, not a promise that the DCP9C will draw exactly 1.3kW continuously. Cycling and operating mode can make the actual bill lower or different. CHOICE’s member-only energy and running-cost fields are not available here, so no independent cost ranking can be made.
Size, mobility and window compatibility
The specification sheet gives dimensions of 280 × 290 × 675mm and a net weight of 20.8kg. CHOICE rounds the dimensions to 68 × 29 × 28cm, which is consistent with the same tall, narrow form when the order of dimensions is presented differently. Check the manufacturer’s orientation and your own clearances before measuring furniture or a storage space.
The footprint is relatively compact on paper, but the total installation envelope is larger once the window kit and exhaust route are attached. Measure:
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- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
- the floor area where the chassis will stand;
- the distance from that position to the window;
- the usable window opening and the kit’s adjustment range;
- the path needed to move the 20.8kg appliance into place; and
- clearance for intake and exhaust airflow.
Do not assume a supplied window kit fits sliding, casement, awning or unusual windows equally well. If the kit cannot seal the opening, the published capacity will not tell you how comfortable the room will feel in practice.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.R290 refrigerant and operating conditions
The DCP9C uses R290 refrigerant. The specification sheet and manual list an operating temperature of 17–35°C and a thermostat range of 17–30°C. Keep those as separate concepts: the first describes the ambient conditions in which the appliance is specified to operate, while the second describes selectable target temperatures.
Do not modify the refrigerant circuit or attempt repairs outside the procedures and service guidance in the manual. For servicing, installation questions or warranty support, use Dimplex Australia’s my Dimplex Support resources.
Warranty and after-sales checks
Dimplex’s specification sheet states a two-year domestic warranty. The available material does not set out every exclusion, labour condition, transport obligation or regional service arrangement. Read the warranty card supplied with your particular appliance and check the current Dimplex Australia policy before relying on a specific coverage interpretation.
Keep the purchase receipt, model number and rating-label details. Those records make it easier to identify the exact DCP9C variant when asking support about a window kit, operating fault or replacement part.
What the DCP9C does well on paper
- Clear capacity and room guidance: a published 2.6kW capacity and 9–20m² stated range give you a starting point for sizing.
- Useful core modes: cool, dry and fan cover the basic tasks expected from a portable cooling appliance.
- Included essentials: the window kit and remote are listed as supplied, reducing the need for immediate accessory shopping.
- Moderate physical footprint: the 280 × 290mm stated base is easier to place than a wide cabinet, subject to airflow clearances.
- Defined control range: two fan speeds, a 0–24-hour timer and a 17–30°C thermostat range provide straightforward control.
- Domestic warranty stated: the specification sheet lists two years, although the detailed terms still need checking.
Limitations and unanswered questions
- Cooling-only design: there is no established heating mode.
- Real-room performance is unverified: the available information does not show measured pull-down time or performance at the top of the 20m² range.
- Noise is specification-only: 51dB(A) and 54dB(A) are published values without a disclosed independent test setup here.
- Running cost is not independently rated: the 1.3kW input enables estimates but not a verified monthly bill.
- Window compatibility may vary: the included kit is helpful, but its fit for every Australian window style is not established.
- Portability has a real trade-off: 20.8kg is movable between rooms for some owners, but not effortless to carry repeatedly.
- Current price and availability are uncertain: CHOICE’s displayed $699 is a page-listed figure, not a confirmed current offer.
How to compare the DCP9C with another portable air conditioner
Do not compare models by cooling capacity alone. Use the same questions for each candidate and insist on like-for-like test conditions where independent data is available.
| Comparison point | DCP9C information established here | What to verify on another model |
|---|---|---|
| Independent cooling performance | Not stated; 2.6kW is a manufacturer figure | Test method, room conditions, pull-down time and sustained temperature |
| Measured noise | Not independently established; published 51/54dB(A) | Distance, fan setting, compressor behaviour and test environment |
| Energy use or running cost | 1.3kW rated input; independent score not available | Measured kWh, standby draw and tariff-based running-cost estimate |
| Room suitability | Dimplex states 9–20m² | Whether the maker’s range is based on comparable climate and insulation assumptions |
| Installation | Window kit included | Kit dimensions, window types supported and replacement-part availability |
| Mobility | 20.8kg; 280 × 290 × 675mm | Handle, castors, lifting points and installed clearance |
| Moisture handling | Dry mode; 0.54L/hour stated dehumidification capacity | Tank size, drain options and instructions for humid conditions |
| Warranty | Two years domestic stated on the specification sheet | Current terms, service process and exclusions |
| Price | $699 displayed by CHOICE; date and current availability not established | Live Australian price, delivery and return conditions |
Who should buy the Dimplex DCP9C?
It makes sense when
- you need cooling rather than heating;
- your enclosed room is within, or sensibly below, the stated 9–20m² range;
- you can vent through a window using the supplied kit;
- you value a remote and timer; and
- you are comfortable judging value without an available independent cooling or energy score.
Look elsewhere when
- you need one appliance for heating and cooling;
- your room is open-plan, very sunny or larger than the stated range;
- you require independently verified low noise or running-cost data before buying;
- your window cannot accommodate the supplied kit without a poor seal; or
- you need an appliance that is easy to carry between floors.
Buying checklist for Australian households
- Measure the room’s floor area and note sun exposure, insulation and ceiling height.
- Measure the window opening and compare it with the supplied kit before ordering.
- Confirm that the product label and retailer listing identify the DCP9C, not a similarly named model.
- Check the live price, delivery terms and stock status; do not treat the CHOICE page’s $699 as a guaranteed current price.
- Plan a safe, level location close enough to the window for a short exhaust route.
- Check that the 20.8kg appliance can be moved into position without unsafe lifting.
- Read the current manual and warranty terms, retaining both with your receipt.
- If noise or energy cost is decisive, seek comparable independent measurements before committing.
Final assessment
The Dimplex DCP9C is a sensibly specified 2.6kW portable air conditioner for a small, enclosed Australian room. Its strongest practical advantages are the included window kit and remote, three operating modes, two fan speeds, timer, compact stated footprint and two-year domestic warranty. Its main uncertainties are equally important: no independent cooling, noise or energy results are available in the information reviewed, and the $699 CHOICE figure is not a confirmed current retail price.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
