Name: De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EL98 ECO RealFeel
Brand: De'Longhi

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

#4 in Best De'Longhi Portable Air Conditioners
#24 in Best Portable Air Conditioners for 40 m² Rooms
#44 in Best Portable Air Conditioners

Verdict

The De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EL98 ECO RealFeel is a mobile air conditioner featuring a maximum cooling capacity of 10,700 BTU/h (2.7 kW) suitable for rooms up to 100 m³, an integrated 3-speed fan with up to 350 m³/h airflow, and a powerful dehumidifier capable of extracting 36 liters of moisture per 24 hours. Its main advantages include an Class A energy efficiency rating enhanced by Eco Real Feel technology that automatically adjusts temperature and humidity to save up to 30% on consumption, a built-in condensate recirculation system for bucketless operation, and a more sustainable R290 natural refrigerant gas. However, its notable disadvantages include a heavy 33 kg weight that compromises its portability and a peak operational noise level of up to 64 dB(A) which can feel loud when running at full power.

Technical Specifications of portable air conditioner De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EL98 ECO RealFeel

Overall score

7.2

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Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by products in the Portable Air Conditioners category.

When it matters: When you prefer products in the Portable Air Conditioners category that have been chosen and reviewed by many other buyers.

Performance

6.8

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Cooling capacity

What it is: Cooling capacity is the amount of heat the air conditioner can remove per hour, measured in BTU/h.

When it matters: Higher capacity cools larger or warmer rooms more effectively, provided the unit is sized correctly.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: At least 12,000 BTU/h

Rated input power

What it is: Rated input power is the electrical power the unit draws at its specified operating point, measured in watts.

When it matters: Lower rated input power reduces electrical demand, though cooling efficiency also depends on delivered capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: Up to 1,200 W

Cooling Energy Efficiency Class

What it is: Cooling energy efficiency class summarizes the efficiency of the unit while cooling, from higher to lower letter grades.

When it matters: A higher cooling efficiency class indicates more cooling output for the electricity consumed.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: A or better

Heating energy efficiency class

What it is: Heating energy efficiency class summarizes energy efficiency when the unit operates in heating mode.

When it matters: A higher heating efficiency class matters when the portable air conditioner will also provide regular space heating.

Importance: LOW

Good value: A or better

Number of speeds

What it is: The number of selectable fan speeds determines how finely airflow and noise can be adjusted.

When it matters: More speed settings make it easier to balance cooling intensity, sound, and comfort.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: At least 3 speeds

Features

6.9

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Fan-only mode

What it is: Fan-only mode circulates room air without running the refrigeration cycle.

When it matters: This mode provides lower-power airflow when cooling is unnecessary.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

Airflow direction control

What it is: Airflow direction control describes whether outlet air can be aimed automatically, manually, or not at all.

When it matters: Better directional control spreads conditioned air more evenly without repositioning the unit.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: automatic

Night mode

What it is: Night mode adjusts operation for sleeping hours, typically reducing sound, light, or abrupt temperature changes.

When it matters: Night mode is useful when the unit runs in a bedroom or other light- and noise-sensitive space.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

Timer

What it is: A timer lets the unit start, stop, or change operation after a scheduled interval.

When it matters: Timer control helps cool a room before use and avoids running the unit longer than necessary.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

Maximum timer duration

What it is: Maximum timer duration is the longest interval that can be scheduled before automatic operation changes.

When it matters: A longer timer window offers more flexibility for overnight use and advance scheduling.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: At least 24 hours

Design

6.4

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Color

What it is: Color describes the main exterior finish of the portable air conditioner.

When it matters: Finish color matters when the unit will remain visible and should suit the room decor.

Importance: LOW

white

Display

What it is: A display shows settings such as target temperature, operating mode, or timer status on the unit.

When it matters: A display makes current settings easier to check without opening an app or using the remote.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

Control type

What it is: Control type identifies whether settings are entered through touch controls, physical buttons, or both.

When it matters: The interface style affects tactile feedback, cleaning, accessibility, and ease of use.

Importance: LOW

touch

Remote control

What it is: A remote control operates core functions from across the room without touching the unit.

When it matters: Remote access is convenient when the air conditioner is beside a window, across the room, or used from bed.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

Handles

What it is: Integrated handles provide secure grip points for moving or repositioning the unit.

When it matters: Handles reduce awkward lifting when the air conditioner is moved between rooms or stored.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EL98 ECO RealFeel vs the average portable air conditioner

Why is De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EL98 ECO RealFeel better than the average portable air conditioner?

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1700 BTU/h higher cooling capacity
De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EL98 ECO RealFeel delivers higher cooling capacity than the average portable air conditioner (10700 BTU/h vs 9000 BTU/h).
What it is: Cooling capacity is the amount of heat the air conditioner can remove per hour, measured in BTU/h.
When it matters: Higher capacity cools larger or warmer rooms more effectively, provided the unit is sized correctly.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: At least 12,000 BTU/h
De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EL98 ECO RealFeel delivers higher cooling capacity than the average portable air conditioner (10700 BTU/h vs 9000 BTU/h).10700 BTU/h vs 9000 BTU/h
10 m² larger room coverage
De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EL98 ECO RealFeel covers a larger room area than the average portable air conditioner (40 m² vs 30 m²).
What it is: Maximum room size is the largest floor area the manufacturer recommends the unit should cool.
When it matters: A larger rated area is important when cooling open-plan spaces or larger rooms.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: At least 30 m²
De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EL98 ECO RealFeel covers a larger room area than the average portable air conditioner (40 m² vs 30 m²).40 m² vs 30 m²
4 dB quieter minimum operation
De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EL98 ECO RealFeel is quieter at minimum output than the average portable air conditioner (47 dB vs 51 dB).
What it is: Minimum noise level is the quietest stated sound output, normally reached at a reduced fan setting.
When it matters: Lower minimum noise is valuable in bedrooms, home offices, and other quiet spaces.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: Up to 50 dB
De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EL98 ECO RealFeel is quieter at minimum output than the average portable air conditioner (47 dB vs 51 dB).47 dB vs 51 dB
3.6 l/24 h higher dehumidification capacity
De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EL98 ECO RealFeel offers higher moisture removal than the average portable air conditioner (36 l/24 h vs 32.4 l/24 h).
What it is: Dehumidification capacity is the maximum volume of moisture the unit can remove from the air in 24 hours.
When it matters: Higher capacity is more effective in large, persistently humid, or moisture-prone rooms.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: At least 24 l/24 h
De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EL98 ECO RealFeel offers higher moisture removal than the average portable air conditioner (36 l/24 h vs 32.4 l/24 h).36 l/24 h vs 32.4 l/24 h
9.2% higher user score
De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EL98 ECO RealFeel has a higher user score than the average portable air conditioner (8.74 vs 8).
What it is: A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Air Conditioners category.
When it matters: When you want to know how products in the Portable Air Conditioners category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.
De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EL98 ECO RealFeel has a higher user score than the average portable air conditioner (8.74 vs 8).8.74 vs 8
66.5% more popular
De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EL98 ECO RealFeel is more popular than the average portable air conditioner (10 vs 6.005).
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by products in the Portable Air Conditioners category.
When it matters: When you prefer products in the Portable Air Conditioners category that have been chosen and reviewed by many other buyers.
De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EL98 ECO RealFeel is more popular than the average portable air conditioner (10 vs 6.005).10 vs 6.01
1700 BTU/h higher cooling capacity
De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EL98 ECO RealFeel delivers higher cooling capacity than the average portable air conditioner (10700 BTU/h vs 9000 BTU/h).
10 m² larger room coverage
De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EL98 ECO RealFeel covers a larger room area than the average portable air conditioner (40 m² vs 30 m²).
4 dB quieter minimum operation
De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EL98 ECO RealFeel is quieter at minimum output than the average portable air conditioner (47 dB vs 51 dB).
3.6 l/24 h higher dehumidification capacity
De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EL98 ECO RealFeel offers higher moisture removal than the average portable air conditioner (36 l/24 h vs 32.4 l/24 h).

Why is De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EL98 ECO RealFeel worse than the average portable air conditioner?

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2 °C higher minimum temperature
De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EL98 ECO RealFeel has a higher minimum temperature setting than the average portable air conditioner (18 °C vs 16 °C).
More limited airflow control
De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EL98 ECO RealFeel provides none airflow direction control, while the average portable air conditioner offers automatic.
0.3 m shorter power cord
De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EL98 ECO RealFeel has a shorter power cord than the average portable air conditioner (1.5 m vs 1.8 m).
29.4% higher weight
De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EL98 ECO RealFeel is heavier than the average portable air conditioner (33 kg vs 25.5 kg).
0.3 m shorter exhaust hose
De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EL98 ECO RealFeel has a shorter exhaust hose than the average portable air conditioner (1.2 m vs 1.5 m).
5.5 cm deeper cabinet
De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EL98 ECO RealFeel is deeper than the average portable air conditioner (41 cm vs 35.5 cm).
7 cm wider cabinet
De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EL98 ECO RealFeel is wider than the average portable air conditioner (45 cm vs 38 cm).
4 cm taller cabinet
De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EL98 ECO RealFeel is taller than the average portable air conditioner (75 cm vs 71 cm).
34.8% larger external volume
De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EL98 ECO RealFeel has a larger external volume than the average portable air conditioner (138375 cm³ vs 102623.407656 cm³).
More limited airflow control
De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EL98 ECO RealFeel provides none airflow direction control, while the average portable air conditioner offers automatic.
What it is: Airflow direction control describes whether outlet air can be aimed automatically, manually, or not at all.
When it matters: Better directional control spreads conditioned air more evenly without repositioning the unit.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: automatic
De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EL98 ECO RealFeel provides none airflow direction control, while the average portable air conditioner offers automatic.none vs automatic
2 °C higher minimum temperature
De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EL98 ECO RealFeel has a higher minimum temperature setting than the average portable air conditioner (18 °C vs 16 °C).
What it is: Minimum set temperature is the lowest thermostat target the unit allows.
When it matters: A lower minimum setting gives more headroom for intensive cooling in very warm conditions.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: Up to 16 °C
De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EL98 ECO RealFeel has a higher minimum temperature setting than the average portable air conditioner (18 °C vs 16 °C).18 °C vs 16 °C
0.3 m shorter power cord
De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EL98 ECO RealFeel has a shorter power cord than the average portable air conditioner (1.5 m vs 1.8 m).
What it is: Power cord length is the distance the unit can reach from a wall outlet without an extension lead.
When it matters: A longer cord makes safe placement easier when suitable outlets are limited.
Importance: LOW
Good value: At least 1.8 m
De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EL98 ECO RealFeel has a shorter power cord than the average portable air conditioner (1.5 m vs 1.8 m).1.5 m vs 1.8 m
29.4% higher weight
De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EL98 ECO RealFeel is heavier than the average portable air conditioner (33 kg vs 25.5 kg).
What it is: Weight is the mass of the portable air conditioner before installation accessories are attached.
When it matters: A lighter unit is easier to carry, reposition, and move between floors.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: Up to 25 kg
De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EL98 ECO RealFeel is heavier than the average portable air conditioner (33 kg vs 25.5 kg).33 kg vs 25.5 kg
0.3 m shorter exhaust hose
De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EL98 ECO RealFeel has a shorter exhaust hose than the average portable air conditioner (1.2 m vs 1.5 m).
What it is: Exhaust hose length is the maximum usable distance between the unit and its window vent connection.
When it matters: A longer hose provides more placement flexibility when the window is not directly beside the unit.
Importance: LOW
Good value: At least 1.5 m
De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EL98 ECO RealFeel has a shorter exhaust hose than the average portable air conditioner (1.2 m vs 1.5 m).1.2 m vs 1.5 m
5.5 cm deeper cabinet
De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EL98 ECO RealFeel is deeper than the average portable air conditioner (41 cm vs 35.5 cm).
What it is: Depth is the front-to-back cabinet dimension of the portable air conditioner.
When it matters: A shallower unit protrudes less into the room and leaves more usable floor space.
Importance: LOW
Good value: Up to 35 cm
De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EL98 ECO RealFeel is deeper than the average portable air conditioner (41 cm vs 35.5 cm).41 cm vs 35.5 cm
7 cm wider cabinet
De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EL98 ECO RealFeel is wider than the average portable air conditioner (45 cm vs 38 cm).
What it is: Width is the side-to-side cabinet dimension of the portable air conditioner.
When it matters: A narrower unit occupies less wall and floor space beside a window.
Importance: LOW
Good value: Up to 35 cm
De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EL98 ECO RealFeel is wider than the average portable air conditioner (45 cm vs 38 cm).45 cm vs 38 cm
77.1% more expensive
De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EL98 ECO RealFeel is more expensive than the average portable air conditioner (£620 vs £350).
De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EL98 ECO RealFeel is more expensive than the average portable air conditioner (£620 vs £350).£620 vs £350

Graphic comparison of De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EL98 ECO RealFeel and other products in the Portable Air Conditioners category

Attribute category

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: August 2026)

What customers like about De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EL98 ECO RealFeel?

Efficient and rapid cooling performance, easily capable of cooling large spaces like living rooms and multi-room areas.
3-in-1 flexibility, functioning effectively as an air conditioner, fan, and powerful dehumidifier.
Quiet operation on lower fan settings, making it suitable for bedroom use overnight.
Convenient mobility with built-in castors and handles, allowing it to be easily moved from room to room.
Energy-saving Eco RealFeel mode that monitors and balances both ambient temperature and humidity.
User-friendly design with intuitive control panels and a fully functional remote control.

What customers dislike about De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EL98 ECO RealFeel?

Heavy and somewhat bulky, weighing around 30 to 33 kg (approx. 70 lbs).
The noise level increases significantly when the compressor is running on maximum settings.
The RealFeel mode may not be as effective for all users compared to standard air conditioning.
Setup involves routing the exhaust hose through a window, which can be restrictive for certain window types or aesthetics.
Maintenance requires occasional manual water draining, particularly when operating in highly humid environments.

Expert reviews

haustechnikverstehen.de

07/07/2025

Summary of the review

Review: De'Longhi PAC AN98/ EL98 ECO Portable Air Conditioner

In his review on Haustechnik Verstehen, Martin Schlobach finds the De'Longhi Pinguino PAC AN98 ECO to be a practical, simple, and effective cooling solution for rental apartments, featuring high cooling capacity, intuitive controls, and an efficient condensate-recycling system. While efficient, the unit lacks modern Smart Home/app control, features a rudimentary 24-hour timer, and exhibits high power consumption during peak usage, making the "Real Feel" energy-saving mode less useful for intermittent operation.

quechoisir.org

08/06/2021

Summary of the review

De’Longhi PAC EL98 Eco Real Feel Portable Air Conditioner Review

The De’Longhi PAC EL98 Eco Real Feel is a powerful Class A portable air conditioner rated for rooms up to 35 m², utilizing Eco Real Feel technology to manage humidity and temperature for up to 30% energy savings. While praised for its 2.7 kW cooling capacity, eco-friendly R290 refrigerant, and LED controls, the unit is quite heavy, lacks smart connectivity, and produces high noise levels up to 64 dB.

test-achats.be

08/06/2021

Summary of the review

DeLonghi PAC EL98 EcoReal Feel Review - Testachats

According to Testachats, the De'Longhi PAC EL98 Eco Real Feel is a Class A energy-efficient portable air conditioner with a 2.7 kW capacity designed for rooms up to 28m². It features innovative Eco Real Feel technology for humidity/temperature balancing, eco-friendly R290 gas, and a 36 liters/day dehumidifier. However, reviewers note significant drawbacks, including a high noise level up to 64 dB, heavy, hard-to-move construction, a short 120cm exhaust hose, and a window kit suited only for specific, usually sliding, windows.

lacasasibarita.es

31/07/2026

Summary of the review

Delonghi Pinguino EL98 Air Conditioner - La Casa Sibarita

The DeLonghi Pinguino EL98 is a premium 10,700 BTU/h portable air conditioner recognized for its efficient cooling, Eco Real Feel technology for humidity/temperature balance, and quiet operation with eco-friendly R290 gas. According to La Casa Sibarita, the unit’s primary drawbacks are its bulky, heavy design (33 kg) and noticeable noise at maximum fan speeds.

test-aankoop.be

No date provided

Summary of the review

DeLonghi PAC EL98 Eco Real Feel test and review

According to Test Aankoop, the DeLonghi PAC EL98 EcoReal Feel is a class A energy-efficient 2.7 kW mobile air conditioner featuring EcoReal Feel technology that balances temperature and humidity to reduce energy usage, alongside a strong 36 liters/day dehumidification capacity using R290 refrigerant. However, the unit is notably loud at 63-64 dB, provides slow cooling in poor insulation, and has limited window kit compatibility.

De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EL98 ECO RealFeel Review | 44 Data compared

Best prices in UK

Best prices in US

Best rankings

Verdict

Technical Specifications of portable air conditioner De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EL98 ECO RealFeel

De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EL98 ECO RealFeel vs the average portable air conditioner

Why is De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EL98 ECO RealFeel better than the average portable air conditioner?

Why is De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EL98 ECO RealFeel worse than the average portable air conditioner?

Graphic comparison of De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EL98 ECO RealFeel and other products in the Portable Air Conditioners category

Third-party reviews

What customers like about De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EL98 ECO RealFeel?

What customers dislike about De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EL98 ECO RealFeel?

Expert reviews

Best alternatives

Compare De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EL98 ECO RealFeel with other products in the Portable Air Conditioners category