Delonghi Portable Air Conditioner Review 2026
NOV 03, 2026
Last updated: NOV 03, 2026
615 views , 5 mins read
Australian summers can make even a small bedroom feel like an oven. But is a portable air conditioner really worth the money?
In this DeLonghi air conditioner portable review, we'll take a closer look at the DeLonghi Pinguino 2.6kW, covering cooling performance, noise, energy use and everyday convenience.
We'll also compare it with the Newentor portable air conditioner to help you find the better fit for your room, lifestyle and budget.
In this article
DeLonghi 2.6kW Portable Air Conditioner Review
The DeLonghi Pinguino PACEM93KSILENT is a portable air conditioner designed for people who need cooling without installing a permanent split system.
Think of a hot afternoon in your apartment. The sun is pouring through the windows, your fan isn't helping much, and you're looking for something that can actually lower the room temperature.
That's where a portable AC comes in.
The Pinguino combines air conditioning, fan operation and dehumidification in one movable appliance. It also includes a window exhaust kit, so hot air can be directed outside.
Key specifications:
| Feature | DeLonghi Pinguino 2.6kW |
|---|---|
| Model | PACEM93KSILENT |
| Cooling capacity | 2.6kW |
| Advertised cooling capacity | 10,500 BTU/h |
| Recommended room volume | Up to 90m³ |
| Fan speeds | 3 |
| Dehumidification | Up to 50L/day |
| Rated input power | 1,000W |
| Noise pressure level | 47–50 dB(A) |
| Weight | 26.1kg |
| Refrigerant | R290 |
| Listed price | AU$899 |
1.2 Cooling Performance: Can It Handle an Australian Summer?
DeLonghi advertises the PACEM93KSILENT for rooms up to 90m³. That makes it worth considering for bedrooms, home offices and reasonably sized enclosed living areas. Imagine working from home on a 35°C afternoon. Your laptop is warm, the blinds are down, and your desk fan is just moving hot air around.
A compressor-based portable AC can remove heat from the room rather than simply creating a breeze.
However, cooling results depend on more than the number printed on the box.
Room size, insulation, ceiling height, direct sunlight and outdoor temperature all affect performance.
A sunny, poorly insulated room may need more cooling capacity than a shaded bedroom of the same size.
Our take: The 2.6kW Pinguino is a sensible option for a properly sized room, but don't expect one portable unit to cool an entire open-plan home.
1.3 Noise Levels: Is It Quiet Enough for Sleeping?
Noise is a common concern in DeLonghi portable air conditioner reviews.
The PACEM93KSILENT features Silent Technology, with a rated noise level of 47–50 dB(A). While the sound may blend into everyday activities, the compressor and fan can be more noticeable at night.
Our take: The Pinguino is designed for quieter operation, but light sleepers may still find it noticeable.
1.4 Energy Consumption: What Will It Cost to Run?
Nobody wants to escape the summer heat only to receive an unpleasant electricity bill. DeLonghi lists the Pinguino's rated input power at 1,000W, or 1kW. At that input, running the compressor-based cooling system for one hour would use approximately 1kWh of electricity.
For example, at an assumed electricity tariff of AU$0.30 per kWh:
- 1 hour: approximately AU$0.30
- 4 hours: approximately AU$1.20
- 8 hours: approximately AU$2.40
These are illustrative calculations, not measured operating costs. Actual electricity consumption changes as the compressor cycles, settings change and room conditions vary.
Your electricity retailer's tariff also makes a difference. For better efficiency, close curtains during the hottest hours and seal the exhaust window opening properly.
DeLonghi 2.6kW Portable Air Conditioner vs. Newentor Portable AC: Who Wins?
If you're comparing portable air conditioners, it's worth looking beyond one familiar brand.
The Newentor Portable Air Conditioner offers a 12,000 BTU model with a listed 3.5kW cooling capacity.
It's positioned as an alternative for Australian households that want strong cooling performance, multiple operating modes and easy room-to-room movement.
Let's compare the details that actually matter.
2.1 DeLonghi vs. Newentor: Key Specifications
| Feature | DeLonghi | Newentor |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling capacity | 2.6kW | 3.5kW |
| Advertised BTU | 10,500 BTU/h | 12,000 BTU/h |
| Room recommendation | Up to 90m³ | 25–43m²; 120m³ |
| Rated input power | 1,000W | 1,300W |
| Fan speeds | 3 | 2 |
| Published noise | 47–50 dB(A) sound pressure | 44–63 dB, method unspecified |
| Weight | 26.1kg | 27kg |
| Remote control | Yes | Yes |
| Timer | 24 hours | 24 hours |
| Listed price | AU$899 | AU$784 |
2.3 Which One Is Better for Everyday Comfort?
Picture two typical situations.
Scenario A: A smaller bedroom
You want to cool your bedroom before bedtime, use the timer and avoid taking up too much space.
The DeLonghi Pinguino is worth considering, particularly if the room is within its recommended cooling range.
Its three fan speeds and dedicated dehumidifying function provide flexibility.
Scenario B: A larger living room
You're spending summer afternoons in a living room with a television, sofa and several heat-generating appliances.
In this situation, Newentor's higher advertised cooling capacity may be attractive.
Its 12,000 BTU model also includes cooling, fan and dehumidifying functions, plus remote control and automatic temperature management.
The key is choosing a unit suited to your actual room rather than simply buying the most powerful option.
Newentor Portable Air Conditioner
$735.00
$980.00
Save
$245.00
In stock, delivery in 3-5 days
- 30-day free replacement for quality issues.
- 10-Year Warranty.
- Fast cooling and quiet operation.
- Quick installation for ease of use.
2.4 Noise, Energy and Value: Which Offers More?
DeLonghi has the lower rated electrical input: 1,000W compared with Newentor's 1,300W.
But Newentor also has the higher advertised cooling capacity. You therefore can't judge overall efficiency from input wattage alone.
Likewise, the published noise ranges don't establish which unit is quieter in a real bedroom without standardised testing.
Where Newentor stands out is its combination of higher listed cooling capacity and lower advertised purchase price.
At the prices checked, Newentor costs AU$115 less than the DeLonghi 2.6kW model.
That's a meaningful difference if you're shopping on a budget.
Newentor also has a 10-year warranty and a 30-day replacement policy for qualifying quality issues. Check the current terms before purchasing.
Our verdict: DeLonghi is worth considering for its established Pinguino design and straightforward controls. Newentor looks particularly competitive on advertised cooling capacity and upfront price.
For shoppers looking for a powerful alternative, explore the Newentor 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner.
FAQs about Portable Air Conditioner vs Window Air Conditioner
1. Do portable air conditioners use more electricity than window units?
In most cases, standard single-hose portable air conditioners use more electricity per BTU than comparable window units. However, energy-efficient portable models and limited daily use can narrow the cost gap significantly.
2. Can I use a portable AC in a room without a window?
You still need a way to vent hot air outside when running cooling mode, so a window is the easiest option. You can also vent through a wall or sliding door, but you will need an adapter kit. Without proper exhaust, a portable AC will not cool the room effectively — unless you only use it in fan mode, which simply circulates indoor air and requires no outdoor venting at all.
3. Can I vent a portable AC through a sliding glass door or horizontal sliding window?
Yes, when using compressor-based cooling, the hot exhaust air needs to be vented outdoors. The Pinguino includes a window kit, but you must still check whether it fits your particular window.
A poorly sealed opening can allow warm outdoor air back inside, reducing cooling effectiveness. Keep the exhaust hose as short and straight as the manufacturer recommends.
4. Can You Leave a DeLonghi Portable Air Conditioner Running Overnight?
A portable AC can be used overnight when it is correctly installed and operated according to the manufacturer's instructions.
The Pinguino's thermostat and 24-hour timer make overnight temperature management easier.
For comfort, choose a moderate temperature and position the airflow away from your face.
If you're sensitive to noise, test the unit before relying on it for a full night's sleep.
Conclusion: Is a DeLonghi Portable Air Conditioner Worth It?
Window ACs win on cooling speed, energy efficiency, and long-term cost. Portable ACs win on flexibility, compatibility, and convenience. If you own your home and have a standard window, the window unit is almost always the better buy.
If you rent, have unusual windows, or need to move your cooling solution from room to room, a portable AC — like the Newentor model we mentioned — is a perfectly solid choice that addresses most of the typical portable AC complaints.
Leave a comment