Delonghi AC Reviews – 2021 Top Picks

Air conditioners should be core appliances in our homes rather than machines we think of as only important when summer draws near. 

Unfortunately, we often leave buying a new air conditioner to the last minute – after all the top air conditioning models have already sold out, leaving you with few choices. 

To get the best air conditioning unit for your space, you need to research and buy well ahead of summer.

If you are on the move shopping for an affordable and long-lasting AC unit, join us as we explore some of the best Delonghi air conditioners available on the market for your consideration. 

But just before we dive deep...

Comparison of the Best Delonghi Air Conditioners

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Best Overall/Best Portable AC
  • Covering an area of up to 700 square feet
  • With a noiseless performance as low as 4dB
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  • Coming with a user friendly remote control
  • You don't need any fancy installation tools
  • Highlighted by a bio silver filter enhances air quality
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  • Best Delonghi 4 in 1 Air Conditioner
  • It can be connected via WiFi and with smart-speakers
  • Great portability with a lightweight and compact structure
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Who is Delonghi? 

Delonghi is an international group of brands that have made a name for itself as the lead manufacturer of a wide range of domestic appliances and other products.

Who Makes Delonghi Air Conditioners?

All Delonghi products from HVAC to other small home appliances are made by DeLonghi Manufactures operating under Delonghi Group.

Where Are Delonghi Products Made?

Apart from HVAC products, Delonghi also deals in electronics, housing, cleaning, and other cooking appliances. All their products are manufactured in Treviso, Italy but there are over 30 subsidiaries to support their operations worldwide.

Who Owns Delonghi?

Delonghi was first owned by founders, Delonghi family, until the year 1950 when the company was incorporated. Delonghi is presently owned by Delonghi Group.

How Long Has Delonghi Been Around?

Delonghi is a renowned player in the heating ventilation and air conditioning industry (HVAC) with its operation spanning from 1902. Delonghi is over a century-old now as an HVAC manufacturer and service provider.

What Makes Delonghi Air Conditioners Stand Out From the Competition?

Delonghi is a worldwide celebrated brand for a good reason.

Apart from manufacturing quality and durable products, all models of air conditioners from Delonghi are covered with a full warranty of over one year or more depending on the model.

Delonghi air conditioners are among the quietest on the market in comparison to other models as reported by recent users. They are also very easy to install and you will barely need a screwdriver to install a Delonghi window kit. 

These air conditioners are also very diverse as most of their models come with dehumidifiers and some with heating capabilities. They also have auto oscillating louvers that allow air circulation in any direction you want.

Additionally, Delonghi air conditioners are very energy-efficient across all its models and come in over 10 models to choose from.

Review of the Best Delonghi Air Conditioners

After our overview of Delonghi and some of the features of the company’s air conditioners, let’s now examine some of its best products that you can choose from depending on your different circumstances.

Best Overall/Best Portable AC:
De'Longhi Pinguino Deluxe PACEX390LVYN

De'Longhi Black Portable Air Cooler with Remote Control and Dehumidifier

PROS

  • Comes with a 2-year warranty
  • Powerful cooling with the ability to cover a 700 sq. ft. room 
  • Whisper-quiet operation with sound levels reduced up to 49dbA
  • Has a Bluetooth-enabled remote control that connects up to 33 feet away
  • Energy-efficient with temperature and humidity auto-adjust feature, thanks to the Eco Real Feel that helps save energy by up to 30%

CONS

  • At 83 pounds it’s quite heavy for a portable AC
  • Not the best choice for small and medium-sized residential spaces

Unit Size/Dimensions: 14 x 16.3 x 31.5 inches

Home Sq. Ft.:  700

British Thermal Unit:14000

Cost of Unit Only: $630 

Features of the Pinguino Deluxe

The cool surround technology remotely leverages both the humidity and temperature sensors for balanced cooling.

The swing function (auto oscillation louvers) allows air circulation in any direction you prefer.

Pinguino Deluxe is also a very powerful air conditioner capable of saving up 30% of energy while still offering powerful wide-coverage operation. It has 14000 British Thermal Unit (BTU).

Recent buyers love the air conditioner as it is quite diverse. It doubles up as a dehumidifier and a fan hence the name Delonghi Pinguino Deluxe 3-in-1 air conditioner.

What Spaces is the Pinguino Deluxe Best For?

The Pinguino Deluxe was made with large spaces in mind. Covering a room of up to 700 sq. ft., this air conditioner will be the ideal choice for big living rooms and sizable meeting halls.

The Pinguino Deluxes’ arctic whisper also makes it a better choice for large office environments where noise is a concern.

It would also work well in babies’ and light sleepers’ bedrooms. However, the rooms must be spacious enough bearing in mind Pinguino Deluxe is not ideal for smaller spaces.

Mounting and Installation Options

Delonghi company focuses on making ductless and window AC units that are easy to install compared to central air conditioners that might require a professional to install.

The air conditioner is easy to install and comes with a manual with clear pictures and instructions. This window unit takes a few minutes to install and will only require a screwdriver to fasten the window brackets.

Runner-up:
De'Longhi PACEX140ES

De'Longhi Pinguino Deluxe Portable Air Conditioner, 600 sq. ft, White

PROS

  • Whisper-quiet operation is suitable for baby rooms
  • Caster wheel for easy movement within the same floor
  • A multifunctional unit with up to 3 features for cooling, dehumidifying, and a fan
  • Easy to install with just a screwdriver needed, the package includes a manual with clear pictures and instructions
  • User-friendly with a full-featured remote control, adjustable thermostat, 12-hour on/off timer, and a 3-speed fan

CONS

  • Delayed start and shutdown timer
  • Short hose pipe not suitable for higher windows

Unit Size/Dimensions: 16.25 x 14 x 31.5 inches

Home Sq. Ft.: 600

British Thermal Unit: 6800

Cost of Unit Only: $550

Features of the PACEX140ES 3-in-1

PACEX140ES 3-in-1 has BioSilver Filter that prevents mildew and mold that might cause bad odors.

PACEX140ES 3-in-1 air conditioner is very easy to move, thanks to its integrated handles and caster wheels.

The no-drip technology helps in condensation recycling within the unit without any leaks.

Most users love this air conditioner because the timer works well in saving energy since the unit will automatically shut off once desired humidity and temperatures are achieved. 

What Spaces is the PACEX140ES 3-in-1 Best For?

PACEX140ES 3-in-1 will work well in rooms with low windows given its short hose pipe.

The silent operation makes PACEX140ES 3-in-1 great for a peaceful sleep in rooms meant for babies and light sleepers, and in any environment where noise is a concern.

The air conditioner also has a wide coverage of up to 600 sq. ft suitable for bigger living rooms.

PACEX140ES 3-in-1 is still your kind of air conditioner if you live in areas with humid and muggy climates. The dehumidifier prevents the growth of mildew and molds while also saving you from allergies and asthma.

Mounting and Installation Options

Just like all other Delonghi air conditioners, PACEX140ES 3-in-1 is very easy to install and will not require the services of an expert or the use of sophisticated tools. The installation will last not more than 10 minutes.

Best Delonghi 4 in 1 Air Conditioner:
De'Longhi Pinguino PACEL276HGRFK

DeLonghi Portable Air Conditioner 12,500 BTU,cool extra large rooms up to 550 sq ft,wifi with alexa,energy saving,heat,quiet,remote,AC Unit,dehumidifier,fan,programmable,window venting kit,EL376HRGFK

PROS

  • Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google speakers
  • Energy-efficient with a 24-hour timer for regulated shutoffs
  • Easy to install and highly portable because it has caster wheels and integrated handles
  • Smart control via WiFi and App connections that enable you to adjust settings remotely
  • 4-in-1 multifunction unit with the cooling feature, heating mode, dehumidifier, and a fan 

CONS

  • Some users report WiFi connection problems
  • Comes with single-hose that is less effective for warm climates compared to double-hose

Unit Size/Dimensions: 34.5 x 19 x 17 inches

Home Sq. Ft.: 500

British Thermal Unit: 10000

Cost of Unit Only: $700

Features of the Pinguino Smart

The heat mode stands out among the top adorable features about Pinguino Smart among most recent buyers. Through the hose pipe, the refrigerator gathers outdoor heat and circulates it in the room for a warmer environment.

It is a smart air conditioner with both WiFi and Alexa voice controls.

The ECO Real Feel Technology offers the desired balance between humidity and temperature.

It has lighted electronic displays that make it easy to read and adjust the settings even at night.

The automatic condensation recycling within the unit prevents any leaks due to the no-drip technology.

What Spaces is the Pinguino Smart Best For?

De’Longhi Pinguino Smart is ideal for spaces not more than 500 sq. ft. The air conditioner has a heat mode and is thus a great choice if you live in a cold climate that requires heat supplementation.

This air conditioner is an ideal pick for use in rooms for asthmatics and patients with breathing problems. The low noise level is a big win if you want to use Pinguino Smart in babies’ rooms or office environments and courtrooms that might require steady silence from time to time.

Mounting and Installation Options

Installing Delonghi air conditioners is a breeze across all its models. With the manufacturer’s manual in hand, follow the simple instructions to install the air conditioner within minutes.

5. De'Longhi PACAN280G1W

De'Longhi 3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner, Dehumidifer & Fan + Arctic Whisper Quiet Mode, Remote Control, 700 sq. ft, Extra Large Room, 8000 (DOE) / 13500 BTU (ASHRAE), Light Gray, PACAN280G1W

PROS

  • Remote-controlled for added convenience and ease of use
  • Cools and dehumidifies with less noise reduced by up to 50%
  • Highly portable thanks to its integrated handles and wheel casters 
  • A multifunctional unit that serves as an air conditioner, humidifier, and a fan
  • Antibacterial filter to prevent mildew and mold that might cause bad odors following regular usage

CONS

  • Not the best choice for smaller rooms
  • Some users report spaces cooled adequately to be lower than the 700sq. ft indicated by the manufacturer

Unit Size/Dimensions: 34 x 18 x 17 inches

Home Sq. Ft.: 700

British Thermal Unit: 13500

Cost of Unit Only: $650

Features of the PACAN280G1W 3-in-1

De'Longhi PACAN280G1W 3-in-1 offers exclusive technology by combining humidity control and temperature reduction to result in a very comfortable air balance.

It is also energy-efficient with a 24-hour timer so there is no need to watch the appliance with worries about high electricity bills.

A good air conditioner is one that will balance both the temperatures and humidity levels without causing noise disturbance in your environment. That’s what you get with a DeLonghi PACAN280G1W 3-in-1 air conditioner. 

What Spaces is the PACAN 280G1W 3-in-1 Best For?

De'Longhi PACAN280G1W 3-in-1 boasts its arctic whisper operation that will work well in both patients and baby rooms where too much noise is a bother.

This air conditioner will equally work great for asthmatics, the dehumidifying feature will ensure all the excess moisture is removed from the air hence creating a comfortable air balance for healthy breathing.

Furthermore, if you live in a damp area where mold growth is a disturbance, the 3-in-1 Delonghi PACAN280G1W air conditioner would be your best bet for killing the mold. 

You will only need one Delonghi PACAN280G1W 3-in-1 for a large living room of up to 700 sq. ft., thanks to the wider coverage.

Mounting and Installation Options

It doesn’t take a technician to install a Delonghi PACAN280G1W 3-in-1 air conditioner. With the manufacturers’ manual that is included in the package, it will take you less than 10 minutes to have your air conditioner installed and running.

Best Delonghi 12500 BTU Portable AC:
De'Longhi PACAN125HPEC

DeLonghi 12,500 BTU Portable Air Conditioner with Heat Pump

PROS

  • Easy to use and comes with a remote control
  • Has a programmable timer that increases energy efficiency
  • Has a lighted electronic display that makes operation easy at night
  • Highly portable with caster wheels to facilitate movement between rooms
  • A multifunctional 4-in-1 air conditioner with a cooling feature, dehumidifier, heat mode, and a fan

CONS

  • Not ideal for small rooms
  • Some users report delayed timer shutoff

Unit Size/Dimensions: 37 x 19.5 x 17.5 inches

Home Sq. Ft.: 500

British Thermal Unit: 12500

Cost of Unit Only: $480

Features of the PACAN125HPEC

Recent users love it that the Delonghi PACAN125HPEC air conditioner has a long hose of up to 4 feet to reach even higher windows. The appliance is designed for comfort and quiet cooling with noise levels as low as 50 dB.

The Bio Silver Filter helps prevent bad odor by preventing mildew and mold growth. 

What Spaces is the PACAN125HPEC Best For?

The low noise levels of 50 dB make the Delonghi PACAN125HPEC air conditioner ideal for all noise-sensitive environments like hospitals and light sleepers’ bedrooms. It has a heat mode and will work well in places with high humidity levels. The heat mode also makes it a good choice for people with allergies and asthma.

Delonghi PACAN125HPEC will also serve well in large living rooms of up to 500 sq. ft.

Mounting and Installation Options

Delonghi PACAN125HPEC air conditioner is very easy to mount without additional manpower or the help of a technician when you follow the guidelines on the included manual on how to fix the hose pipe on the unit and the other end on the window brackets. The installation should not take more than 15 minutes.

How Does Delonghi Compare?

Let’s now see how Delonghi portable air conditioners compare with some common brands also available on the market.

Delonghi vs Danby Air Conditioners

Trying to decide between Danby and Delonghi? Here are some considerations to account for.

Similarities

  • Both Delonghi and Danby have portable air conditioner models.

  • Both brands have air conditioner models in three tiers representing ‘basic, better, and best’.

  • Both air conditioners have multifunctional models that will cool, dehumidify and also act as a fan.

  • Both appliances are easy to install and follow almost the same procedure to set up.

Differences

  • Delonghi air conditioners are manufactured in Italy whereas Danby air conditioners are from Canada.

  • Danby air conditioners have AC models with dual hoses while all Delonghi air conditioners are single-hose.

  • Most Delonghi AC models can cool larger areas compared to Danby ACs.

Delonghi Portable Air Conditioner vs Whynter

Are you wondering how Delonghi measures up to Whynter models? Here's how they stack up.

Similarities

  • Both Delonghi and Whynter have models with both heating and cooling features.

  • Both appliances are easy to install and follow nearly the same procedures.

  • Both Whynter and Delonghi air conditioners are portable.

Differences

  • Whynter air conditioners have models with dual-hose whereas Delonghi produces all their ACs including the top-end models with a single-hose. 

  • Whynter ACs best models perform more effectively than the best model from Delonghi, which has only one-hose.

  • Whynter is a US company whereas Delonghi air conditioners are Italian products.

Delonghi Portable Air Conditioner vs LG

Another brand often compared to Delonghi is LG. There are some things that set them apart from one another.

Similarities

  • Both Delonghi and LG manufacture air conditioners with just one hose.

  • Delonghi and LG ACs have models with both heating and cooling features.

Differences

  • Delonghi ACs are manufactured in Treviso Italy while LG ACs are manufactured in Yeouido-dong, Seoul, Korea.

  • LG and Delonghi ACs have different installation procedures.

  • LG manufactures split air conditioners whereby condensing and cooling units are separate. Delonghi ACs on the other hand have both the compressor and cooler in one unit.

  • LG ACs are a little difficult to install and may require the help of a professional compared to Delonghi ACs which only require simple mounting.

Delonghi Portable Air Conditioner Troubleshooting

Just like any other machinery, Delonghi air conditioners are not an exemption when it comes to technical hitches after some time of use. Fortunately, these are always minor problems that can be diagnosed at home without involving a technician.

Here are some of the common problems and how you can check and diagnose them:

My Delonghi Portable Air Conditioner is Not Cooling or Blowing Cold Air as Required

  • Check temperature settings to see if they are lower than room temperature

  • Check ventilation and listen closely to determine if the compressor is working

  • Check for any dirt on the filters

  • Check for any error message on the display

Correction

In case of an F1 error message:

  • Shut down your air conditioner

  • Check if the pump is well connected

  • Wiggle the hose to see if it is loose and tighten it 

  • Restart the unit and it should now be able to get back to normal working condition.

Photo credit: reddit.com

My Delonghi Portable Air Conditioner is Leaking Water

This mostly occurs in an AC that is tilted or not in a flat stable condition. Check to see if an object is supporting it underneath and causing the leak or if the leak is structural.

Correction

  • If your air conditioner is sitting on an object, remove it and get it to a flat stable surface.

  • If the leak is a result of the manufactures’ defect, do not disassemble by yourself as you may render your warranty void. 

  • Reach out to the manufacturer for repairs or replacement.


Delonghi Air Conditioner HL Error

HL Error (High-Level Error) message appears on the AC display to indicate high levels of water in the air conditioner.

Correction

  • Shut down your air conditioner

  • Drain the water by opening the small black cap at the bottom of the AC near the power cord.

  • Tighten the small black cap back and restart the AC and it should now be able to work effectively.

How to Install a Delonghi Portable Air Conditioner

Installing Delonghi Portable air conditioners is very easy and follows pretty much the same procedure for most of its models. 

The good thing is that you may not even need a professional to do the installation.

Here are the steps you need to follow to install a Delonghi AC:

  1. Unbox the AC and check if all parts are included. You can confirm this from the manual

  2. Place the unit near the window on a flat surface where you wish to install it

  3. Fit the hose adaptor on one end of the exhaust hose

  4. Connect the window outlet onto the other end of the exhaust hose

  5. Put the window brackets onto the window frame and stretch them vertically to the edges of the window frame

  6. Screw the bracket tight at the joint and lower the window onto the window bracket

  7. Connect the window outlet on the hose to the slot on the window bracket

  8. For optimum results, close the windows and doors

  9. Draw the curtains to avoid any exposure to the sunlight.

Note: Do not place the AC in a damp place or cover the unit with a piece of nylon.

10. Press the power button and the AC is ready to start cooling and dehumidifying

11. At the end of the season, drain the water by opening the small cap at the bottom near the power cord.

For a full overview on how to install a Delonghi portable window unit, check out the video description below.

Conclusion 

Delonghi air conditioners have been around more than most AC brands today. They have remained steadfast in the competition as among the top trusted quality and durable brands you can opt for on the market.

Delonghi air conditioners stand out from most other brands due to their versatility as they can work as fans, air conditioners, heating appliances, and dehumidifiers, and humidifiers. This means that you get much more usage options and all that at very low prices compared to other brands.

People Also Ask

Just before we go, let's look at some of the questions people usually ask about DeLonghi air conditioners. These are meant to enhance your understanding of the brand and the various air conditioners it has to offer.

What Kind of Warranty Does Delonghi Offer?

Delonghi has one of the best warranty covers for its products. All Delonghi ACs have a full warranty that covers parts and labor. The minimum warranty period for Delonghi ACs is 1 year for the basic units and up to 5 years for the top models.

Are Delonghi Air Conditioners Good?

Delonghi is an established brand with a variety of high-performance air conditioners. Even the basic model from Delonghi will give you more value compared to the same basic tier from other brands. They are also a very good option as air conditioners where portability is required since you can move them easily from one location to another.

De'Longhi PACEX140ES

Do I Need To Drain My Delonghi Portable Air Conditioner?

To avoid leakages and for optimal performance from a Delonghi air conditioner, it is recommended that you drain the AC after a few months or as often as possible.

How To Drain a Delonghi Portable Air Conditioner

Draining a Delonghi air conditioner is easy and can be done even without the help of an HVAC technician. On your Delonghi AC unit right at the bottom near the power plug, there is a small black cap. Place a bowl just beneath the AC and open the cap to let water flow out. Be sure to replace the cap once you are done.

How Often Should I Drain a Delonghi AC?

To enjoy refreshing air from your Delonghi AC, you need to drain your Delonghi AC from time to time to get rid of the collected water. The draining should be done after two to three months or at the end of a major season. Some models have a reminder system and will display a message on your AC’s screen when it's time to drain.

How To Recharge a Delonghi Portable Air Conditioner

The best thing to do when you want to recharge your Delonghi air conditioner is to contact the manufacturer or any certified technician on the best way to go about it. This is because it is a tricky process that requires the use of several tools and you may not have the right ones for the process.