Ariston MOBIS 8 UK vs Delonghi Pinguino PAC-EM90

By the Arctic Pick editorial team · Updated 2026 · How we test & score

We compare the Ariston MOBIS 8 UK and the Delonghi Pinguino PAC-EM90 across every dimension that matters - our scores, the key specs, and how each performs on the things you will actually notice day to day.

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At a glance

Ariston MOBIS 8 UKDelonghi Pinguino PAC-EM90
Our score8.2/107.4/10
Best forMoveable cooling in a heatwave without fitting a fixed unitMoveable cooling in a heatwave without fitting a fixed unit
Not ideal forAnyone wanting silent running or the lowest possible electricity use - a fan is cheaper but doesn't truly coolAnyone wanting silent running or the lowest possible electricity use - a fan is cheaper but doesn't truly cool
BrandAristonDe'Longhi

Cooling Power (BTU)

Ariston MOBIS 8 UK

Cooling power on the Ariston is rated at 8000 BTU. This BTU figure is the main basis for assessing how much cooling the portable unit can deliver for a given room size, although real-world results can vary with factors such as airflow, insulation, and how often doors are opened. The 8000 BTU rating should therefore be treated as a planning guide rather than a guarantee for every space. When evaluating performance, it helps to consider the BTU rating alongside any stated energy class.

Delonghi Pinguino PAC-EM90

Cooling power is commonly described in BTU, and this model is listed at 9800 BTU, which indicates the amount of heat it can help remove. That rating points to a moderate cooling capacity compared with higher-output portables. The PAC-EM90 is therefore best matched to scenarios where indoor heat gain is not extreme, since the BTU limit affects how quickly temperatures can drop. When conditions vary, such as in sunny rooms or with frequent door opening, cooling can feel slower than expected. If comfort remains inconsistent, the stated BTU rating is a useful starting point for explaining the outcome.

Room Size and Coverage

Ariston MOBIS 8 UK

A portable air conditioner's cooling capacity is often expressed in BTU, and the portable air conditioner lists 8000 BTU. This figure generally indicates suitability for smaller rooms where the heat load is modest, such as a bedroom or office. Actual cooling performance depends on room insulation, ceiling height, sun exposure, and how well doors and windows are kept closed. A better fit assessment starts by measuring the room size first, then comparing it against the typical expectations associated with an 8000 BTU unit; in larger or poorly insulated spaces, cooling can feel uneven.

Delonghi Pinguino PAC-EM90

For room size and coverage, the De'Longhi portable air conditioner is rated at 9800 BTU, which places it in the small-to-average space category for cooling. It is best used as a room-by-room solution rather than a whole-home system, and keeping doors and windows closed helps maintain more effective cooling. The article does not provide specific square-metre target guidance, so exact coverage should not be treated as guaranteed. Comfort can be affected by factors such as strong sun exposure, high ceilings or additional occupants.

Modes and Dehumidifier Function

Ariston MOBIS 8 UK

Typically, the Ariston portable air conditioner can run in different modes, including a dehumidifier function. The user selects a cooling-related mode to help with heat discomfort, or the dehumidifier mode to reduce dampness when the room feels muggy but the temperature is not extremely high. The dehumidifier setting removes moisture from the air, which can make the space feel more comfortable without strong cooling. This can be useful in UK homes where humidity levels vary, although results depend on room ventilation and how much moisture is already present.

Delonghi Pinguino PAC-EM90

This unit includes several operating modes and a dehumidifier function designed to reduce dampness in the room. In practical use, the modes provide moisture control and cooling options depending on conditions. The dehumidifier setting targets humidity, which can make the air feel more comfortable even when cooling is not the main priority. Typically, operation starts by selecting the required mode, then setting the desired level for the session using the controls. Where dampness is present, using the dehumidifier can help reduce condensation risks on windows and walls, although results depend on airflow and room ventilation.

Noise Level and Energy Use

Ariston MOBIS 8 UK

Noise level and energy use matter for a portable air conditioner, and they often depend as much on how it is installed as on how it is used. For the portable air conditioner, the product title confirms an 8000 BTU output and an A energy class, but it does not specify dB sound levels or power draw. Quietness usually varies by fan speed and mode, so operating on lower settings can reduce noise while still cooling. Energy use also rises when the unit runs longer, because room heat leaks and weather conditions change. Average efficiency for its class can be expected, although exact running costs are not stated.

Delonghi Pinguino PAC-EM90

Noise level and energy use matter most with a portable air conditioner like the portable air conditioner, because the unit typically runs close to where people sit or sleep. In everyday use, the main comfort factor is the sound the unit produces, particularly during quiet hours, yet no decibel (dB) figure is specified for this model. Energy use depends on how long it runs, and on the selected cooling or dehumidifier operation, because shorter operating cycles tend to reduce costs. With 9800 BTU cooling capacity, it is designed for moderate rooms, but results vary based on insulation and outdoor heat conditions.

Installation, Hose and Setup

Ariston MOBIS 8 UK

After considering noise level and energy use, attention shifts to installation, hose routing, and day-to-day setup, because these factors affect how well a portable unit cools a room. The Ariston MOBIS 8 UK can be positioned near a suitable window or vent, using the exhaust hose to send warm air outside. A tight window seal helps prevent warm air leaks, and leaving slack can reduce airflow restriction. Operation is usually straightforward: plug in, fit the window adaptor, then test airflow and drainage before normal use.

Delonghi Pinguino PAC-EM90

Even though installing a portable air conditioner such as the De'Longhi is usually straightforward, the exhaust hose and window venting setup determine how well the unit can be used day to day. Place the unit on a flat, stable surface and keep the rear clearance clear. Connect the exhaust hose securely to the rear outlet, making sure it sits without gaps and without kinks. For window venting, fit the window adapter so it sits snugly, then close the sash so it aligns as evenly as possible. If the adapter does not seal properly, air leaks can reduce cooling effectiveness and make the setup more awkward to repeat.

Who Is This Portable Air Conditioner For?

Ariston MOBIS 8 UK

Who the Ariston portable air conditioner is for depends on installation constraints and the way the room is used day to day. As an 8000 BTU portable unit, it is best suited to smaller spaces where short-term cooling is the priority, such as a bedroom, office, or studio area. It suits renters or homeowners who want a movable system, provided the unit can be positioned close to a suitable window for the exhaust hose setup. For a good day-to-day fit, the room layout needs to allow airflow around the unit and match spot cooling needs rather than whole-home comfort.

Delonghi Pinguino PAC-EM90

The portable air conditioner is a portable air conditioner designed for spot cooling and flexible placement. Its portability makes it suitable for people who do not want a fixed installation, including households, small offices, and anyone renting a space where a permanent system is not practical. Buyers planning short, focused use during warmer spells may find it easier to manage than a system intended for whole-home climate control, but whole-home climate control would require additional solutions, since wider coverage details are not provided.

Ariston MOBIS 8 UK: pros

  • 8000 BTU of cooling power
  • Proper cooling you can move between rooms

Cons

  • Needs a window for the exhaust hose (unlike an air cooler)
  • Uses more electricity than a fan
  • Makes some compressor noise, and is bulky to store

Delonghi Pinguino PAC-EM90: pros

  • 9800 BTU of cooling power
  • Proper cooling you can move between rooms

Cons

  • Needs a window for the exhaust hose (unlike an air cooler)
  • Uses more electricity than a fan
  • Makes some compressor noise, and is bulky to store

Our verdict

Our pick is the Ariston MOBIS 8 UK (our score 8.2/10) - A practical portable air conditioner (8000 BTU) for proper, portable cooling around the home. The Delonghi Pinguino PAC-EM90 is still worth it if it is cheaper when you check, or if it better matches your specific needs.