If you’ve ever stood melting in a hot Aussie lounge room, staring at your dusty pedestal fan thinking, “There’s got to be a better way,” then chances are, you’ve come across a Kogan air conditioner during your online scroll. Kogan’s stuff is everywhere—from TVs to toasters—and air cons are no exception. But with a price tag that won’t give you heatstroke, you might be wondering: who’s behind the actual build of these machines, and are they really any good or just blowing hot air?
Who Manufactures Kogan Air Conditioners and Are They Good?(Quick Answer)
Kogan air conditioners are manufactured by third-party OEM factories in China, including companies like Midea, TCL, and Aux—some of the largest global producers of whitegoods. Despite the budget-friendly pricing, Kogan-branded units often deliver solid performance for everyday use in Australian homes—though they may lack the polish, long-term durability, or fancy features of high-end brands.
Who Actually Builds Kogan Air Conditioners?
Now, here’s the million-dollar (or maybe just $499) question. Kogan is an online retail brand—not a manufacturer. So no, they don’t have their own factory churning out compressors and coils in Melbourne. What they do have is a strong supply chain with several large Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), mostly based in China.
Some of the known names that pop up in this mix are:
- Midea Group: One of the biggest appliance makers in the world. If you’ve ever owned a Breville, DeLonghi, or even a Toshiba air conditioner, chances are it was built by Midea.
- TCL and Aux: Both major players in the global HVAC scene. TCL even makes panels for Samsung TVs, and Aux air conditioners are common in Europe and Southeast Asia.
So, when you buy a Kogan air conditioner, you’re essentially getting a rebranded unit from a big global manufacturer—just without the expensive branding and TV ads.
Let me put it this way: it’s like buying home-brand cereal from Woolies. Same flakes. Different box.
Is the Quality of Kogan Air Conditioners Any Good?
Look, let’s not sugar-coat it—these aren’t Daikins or Mitsubishis. But for the price? You might just be pleasantly surprised.
Kogan’s air conditioners often punch above their weight, offering decent cooling power, energy efficiency, and simple remotes. Many Aussies living in rental apartments or looking for budget-friendly cooling options swear by them. I’ve personally slapped one in my granny flat, and the little beast chugs along just fine through brutal Sydney summers.
In practical Aussie terms: Kogan air conditioners are good enough for average household use, especially if you’re not looking to air condition a Bunnings warehouse.
That said, the build quality won’t knock your socks off. You’ll find more plastic than metal, the remotes can feel a bit fiddly, and they might be noisier than premium models. But again, you get what you pay for—and what you’re paying here is a fair bit less than the rest.
What Types of Air Conditioners Does Kogan Sell?
Ah, variety! Kogan has its mitts in all types of air con models, catering to all kinds of Aussie homes and budgets.
Here’s what you’ll typically find on offer:
| Type | Best For | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Portable Air Cons | Renters, bedrooms, quick spot cooling | Easy to move, no installation needed |
| Window/Wall Units | Apartments, small rooms | Budget-friendly, semi-permanent |
| Split System Units | Homeowners, long-term use | Energy efficient, quiet, remote control |
| Evaporative Coolers | Dry climates like Adelaide or inland WA | Water-based cooling, lower energy use |
Kogan mostly excels in the portable and window-mounted categories, where installation hassles are minimal and price matters more than high-end efficiency.
How Do Kogan Air Conditioners Compare to Other Brands?
Let’s cut straight to it. Compared to premium brands like Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric, or Panasonic—Kogan is the plucky underdog with a lower price and fewer bells and whistles.
But here’s the twist: Kogan often matches or even beats mid-range competitors like Kelvinator, Hisense, and even some Fujitsu units on basic performance.
Yes, they may not have app-controlled settings or super-fine inverter tech, but for a lot of Aussie families, those aren’t deal-breakers. We just want something that works, doesn’t sound like a jet engine, and won’t take 10 years to pay off.
Are Kogan Air Conditioners Energy Efficient?
This is one of those tricky “depends on the model” answers. But let me break it down for you.
Kogan’s newer split systems often come with Energy Star ratings between 2.5 to 4.5, which puts them right in the moderate efficiency zone. Not the worst. Not the best. Their portable models, however, can be a bit power-hungry—especially if you run them day and night.
So yes, Kogan air conditioners are reasonably energy efficient for budget appliances, but not the top performers in their class.
If your electricity bill makes you weep each quarter, it might be worth shelling out for a more efficient inverter system from a premium brand. But for casual or short-term use? Kogan holds its own.
What Do Customers Say About Kogan Air Conditioners?
Ah, the people have spoken—and their voices are as mixed as a Bunnings sausage sizzle lineup. Here’s what floats to the surface when you wade through the reviews:
“It’s been a lifesaver in summer. Cools my bedroom fast and didn’t break the bank.”
—Aussie reviewer on ProductReview.com.au
Others mention easy setup, especially with portable units. But of course, not all roses:
“Stopped working after a year and customer service was hard to deal with.”
—Another customer who might’ve caught the short straw.
Overall, customer sentiment leans towards the satisfied-but-aware crowd. They know they’re not buying the Rolls Royce of climate control—but they’re also not paying for one.
Does Kogan Offer Warranty and Support?
Yes, they do—but it’s a bit of a mixed bag depending on what you expect.
Most Kogan air cons come with a 1-year warranty, and in some cases, you can purchase extended coverage at checkout. They offer a return window (usually 14 days), and their support is handled online through email and forms—no phone support, which can be a bit frustrating.
So, Kogan does offer basic warranty coverage and support, but it’s not as comprehensive or fast as premium brands.
If you’re the kind of person who likes ringing someone up and sorting things over the phone, you might find Kogan’s process a bit cold.
Can You Trust Kogan as a Brand?
This one’s a bit personal for Aussies. Kogan’s reputation is kind of like Vegemite—some love it, some wouldn’t touch it with a barge pole.
They’ve been around since 2006, and have built a solid business selling consumer tech, appliances, and random gadgets at low prices. Over the years, they’ve had some media drama and ACCC run-ins, but they’re still one of the most visited online retailers in Australia.
If you’re price-conscious and okay with the occasional hiccup, Kogan is a trustworthy enough brand for basic appliance purchases.
Just read the fine print, keep your receipts, and try not to expect five-star customer service.
FAQs About Kogan Air Conditioners
Do Kogan air conditioners need professional installation?
Only the split system models need professional installation. Portable and window units can be DIY-installed.
Where can I buy replacement parts for Kogan air conditioners?
Replacement parts are usually available via Kogan’s website, or you can contact their support for sourcing.
Are Kogan air conditioners noisy?
Portable units can be noisier than split systems, but they’re generally bearable for most households.
Can I use a Kogan air conditioner in a caravan or mobile home?
Yes, the smaller portable units can work in mobile settings, provided you have a proper power supply.
Do Kogan air conditioners come with remote controls?
Yes, most models include a remote for easy operation.
Conclusion
Let’s call it like it is—Kogan air conditioners are the workhorses of the Aussie summer. They might not have the flash of a $3,000 system, but they’ll keep your room cool enough to sleep without sweating through your sheets. Built by reputable OEMs in China and backed by an Aussie brand that knows how to keep prices low, they’re a solid choice for renters, budget-conscious families, and anyone who wants relief without refinancing their house.
Sure, they’ve got quirks—some noisy fans, plastic parts, and hit-or-miss support—but if you go in with eyes open, you’ll likely come out cool, comfy, and chuffed you didn’t blow your entire tax return on one appliance.