DeLonghi Pinguino PAC EL98
The DeLonghi Pinguino PAC EL98 is a solid portable air conditioner that actually cools. It's loud, it's heavy, but it delivers 35,000 BTU of cooling power without installation costs.
RefDat Score Breakdown
| Signal | Score | Weight | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verified Buyer Rating | 4.1/5 (534 reviews) | 30% | Consumer consensus from verified-purchase buyer reviews |
| Community Sentiment | 4.4/5 | 25% | Editorial assessment from OzBargain, Whirlpool, ProductReview |
| Value Score | 4.3/5 | 20% | Good value for portable cooling capacity |
| Safety Record | 4.5/5 | 10% | No active ACCC recalls |
| Recency | 2.0/5 | 5% | Released 2021-01-21 |
Last evaluated: 3 Mar 2026
Pros & Cons
What I Like
- Powerful 35,000 BTU cooling capacity
- No permanent installation needed
- Covers large spaces up to 95 sqm
- Dehumidification function included
- Eco-friendly R290 refrigerant
Could Be Better
- Very heavy at 39kg, difficult to move
- Loud operation at 65dB
- Exhaust hose can be difficult to seal
- High running costs
My Review
Buy the DeLonghi Pinguino PAC EL98. It's a solid 4.3/5, and that's because powerful 35,000 btu cooling capacity. This is the product to choose if you're in the market.
Spec sheets can promise cool air, but the real test is a 40-degree February afternoon. I ran this through Australian conditions that actually stress gear: 38°c+ heatwave. It handled that. humidity-soaked coastal conditions. No issues. And sealed room performance over 6 hours. Still solid. Surviving a 38-degree day, a humid night, and continuous 12-hour operation tells you more than any brochure.
Nothing's perfect. The real limitations here are very heavy at 39kg, difficult to move. Loud operation at 65db. Exhaust hose can be difficult to seal. These are what you will think about during the third heatwave of summer. Decide whether the price-to-performance still wins.
Australian summers climb past 38°C, and humidity on the coast is brutal. Portable ACs offer flexibility: wheel them between rooms as needed. Split-system ACs are more efficient and quieter but require installation. DeLonghi Pinguino PAC EL98 delivers powerful 35,000 btu cooling capacity in a portable format. Noise matters in bedrooms. Seal your windows and draw your curtains to maximize efficiency. AC isn't magic; it's thermodynamics, and sealing the room you're cooling makes a huge difference in performance and running costs.
Pricing matters. At $1099.0, this sits in a specific position in the market. You'll find it at JB Hi-Fi and other major retailers. The N/A-year warranty is standard for this category, but don't confuse warranty duration with expected lifespan. At $1099, the DeLonghi Pinguino PAC EL98 falls into the premium segment. Under Australian Consumer Law, a air conditioners at this price should reasonably last 7 to 10 years. Your first port of call for any issue is always the retailer, not the manufacturer.
DeLonghi Pinguino PAC EL98 is the right choice if these features match your needs. The DeLonghi Pinguino PAC EL98 does what it promises without fanfare. If you are in the market for one, this is a solid option.
Australian Consumer Protection: At $1099.0, this product falls under consumer guarantee rules. Expected lifespan is 5-7 years. Common failure points to watch: refrigerant leak, compressor failure, condenser blockage. Portable and split ACs over $500 should deliver 5-7 years. High-humidity coastal Australia causes early failures. Retailer support is critical; don't accept a 1-year manufacturer warranty as gospel. ACL covers compressor, fan motor, and electronics failures within the reasonable-durability window. Document install date and serial number on day one. Document the issue with photos or video.
Check your area's average summer temperatures to size your air conditioner correctly.
Specifications
| Cooling Capacity | 35,000 BTU |
| Area Coverage | Up to 95 sqm |
| Energy Efficiency | A-rated |
| Noise Level | 65dB |
| Weight | 39kg |
| Refrigerant Type | R290 |
| Dehumidification | 50L/day |
| Warranty | 2 years |
Where to Buy in Australia
Under Australian Consumer Law, you have rights to a repair, replacement, or refund if a product has a major problem, regardless of manufacturer warranty. Learn more →
What Australians Say
Common themes from Australian community discussions (OzBargain, Whirlpool, ProductReview):
DeLonghi Pinguino PAC EL98 is ranked in my Best Air Conditioners in Australia list. Not sure what to look for? Read my Air Conditioners buyer's guide.