9000 BTU Mini Split Air Conditioner Ductless Inverter System 16.5 SEER with Heat Pump 220V,with Installation Kit

Great savings.

They work. The end. Get someone to professionally install it. I am extremely handy. Worked construction. Work on my cars myself. But I’m not touching this. Unless you know what you’re doing you shouldn’t either.

I purchased and DIY installed the ApooDr 9K BTU, 220V, for a small workshop. The full installation took about a 1/2 day and the unit cools the space without issue. This is about the same time as it took to install my other mini-split, a Mr. Cool 18K DIY that I purchased last year. The installation steps between the two units are almost identical, except for evacuating the lines on the ApooDr. With that said, there are some significant differences between the Mr. Cool and ApooDr.First and foremost the documentation on the ApooDr is lacking. The installation manual is written for a wide range of units and does a very poor job of calling out what parts of the manual apply to a specific unit. In other sections, the information is simply missing. On the installation side, needed information on the air handler electrical connections was missing (found on an online video from ApooDr). On the user side, it isn't clear what features a specific unit may have (which units have coolant leak detection). Even the functions on the remote aren't explained (a document on ApooDr's website described an ApooDr remote, just not the one with my unit).The build quality on the ApooDr did not appear as good (cheaper parts) but the ApooDr is a bargain basement priced unit ($600 for the 9K BTU ApooDr versus $1800 for the Mr.Cool 18K BTU). As an example, the bracket used to hang the air handler is much wider on the Mr.Cool unit. This not only makes the bracket stronger, but allows greater adjustment if the wall studs are off-center from the desired mount point. The ApooDr bracket is "good enough" for its intended use, so it's not like the air handler is going to fall on the floor; but Mr.Cool's bracket is just a better design. Also, the air handler louver on the ApooDr has about a 45 degree travel while the Mr. Cool is closer to 90 degree. For most this will make no difference, but in my installation I needed the extra travel to better distribute air in the odd shaped workshop. Mr.Cool's website claims their units are not made in China, although it appears only the assembly is US based.A few other differences worth pointing out: Mr.Cool is the only manufacturer that will warranty a DIY install (on their DIY units). Also, check state and federal tax rebates before you buy. Some tax rebates (credits) require professional install while some don't.In the end, I am happy with the ApooDr purchase. Between the ApooDr video and instruction sheet, it was not that difficult to install the unit. It cools well, fit my budget, and was offered in the size (9K BTU) and power (220V) that I needed for my installation. Longevity is TBD, but in general mini-splits are pretty rugged. In terms of which brand is "best", that is really dependent upon a lot of individual factors: budget, who does the install, do you care where the unit is made, etc. Both brands have their strengths, depending upon specific customer needs.