Delonghi Pinguino PAC-EM90 vs Dreo Smart 3-in-1 AC516S
We compare the Delonghi Pinguino PAC-EM90 and the Dreo Smart 3-in-1 AC516S across every dimension that matters - our scores, the key specs, and how each performs on the things you will actually notice day to day.
At a glance
| Delonghi Pinguino PAC-EM90 | Dreo Smart 3-in-1 AC516S | |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 7.4/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Best for | Moveable cooling in a heatwave without fitting a fixed unit | Moveable cooling in a heatwave without fitting a fixed unit, plus dehumidifying year-round |
| Not ideal for | Anyone wanting silent running or the lowest possible electricity use - a fan is cheaper but doesn't truly cool | Anyone wanting silent running or the lowest possible electricity use - a fan is cheaper but doesn't truly cool |
| Brand | De'Longhi | Dreo |
Cooling Power (BTU)
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.
Dreo Smart 3-in-1 AC516S
With a rated cooling capacity of 12000 BTU, this portable air conditioner is designed to cool small to medium indoor spaces, though the exact room size it can handle depends on factors such as insulation, ceiling height, sunlight exposure, and how much airflow is obstructed by furniture. In everyday use, the 12000 BTU rating indicates it can keep up when cooling demand is moderate, but it may fall short during sustained hot periods or after long gaps without cooling. In dehumidify mode, moisture removal can improve comfort as long as the temperature falls gradually. Effectiveness in dehumidify mode also depends on airflow distribution and the thermostat setting.
Room Size and Coverage
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.
Dreo Smart 3-in-1 AC516S
Room size and coverage for the Dreo are best assessed using its 12,000 BTU cooling capacity as a baseline, since this is the stated cooling figure. How effectively it maintains a set temperature depends on factors such as insulation, window area, ceiling height and the amount of direct sun the room receives. For best airflow, the portable unit needs to be positioned in an open area rather than in a tight corner, so air can circulate. Smaller rooms generally reach comfortable temperatures faster, while larger rooms may take longer and require more consistent settings.
Modes and Dehumidifier Function
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.
Dreo Smart 3-in-1 AC516S
Beyond how quickly it can cool a space, the portable air conditioner is also defined by what it does once the room reaches a comfortable temperature, since it supports cooling, fan and dehumidifying in one unit. In cooling mode, it targets hot conditions, while fan mode helps circulate air when cooling is not needed. For damp rooms, dehumidifier mode is designed to remove water saturation, which can make indoor air feel less heavy. This flexibility reduces the need to switch appliances.
Noise Level and Energy Use
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.
Dreo Smart 3-in-1 AC516S
Noise level and energy use matter for comfort at night because a portable AC runs continuously to cool and dehumidify. The Dreo is positioned as a bedroom-friendly unit, but the product title does not state a specific noise level in dB. Because loud fan operation can interrupt sleep, sound performance needs confirmation from independent test results. Energy use is also a key concern, since cooling and dehumidifying typically require sustained operation to maintain conditions. The unit offers cool, fan and dehumidifier modes, so power draw can vary depending on the selected mode. It includes a 24-hour timer to help limit run time. Overall, exact efficiency and noise figures remain unspecified.
Installation, Hose and Setup
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.
Dreo Smart 3-in-1 AC516S
Setting up the portable air conditioner is fairly straightforward, but it still requires careful attention to where the warm-air exhaust hose goes. It should be installed so the hose vents the hot air outside, because recirculating exhaust can reduce cooling and increase dampness. First, place the unit on a stable, level floor with enough clearance around the vents. Connect the exhaust hose securely, then route it with as few sharp bends as possible. For dehumidifier mode, a drainless setup still needs space to handle moisture. Switch the unit on, then pair the app using the supplied controls.
Who Is This Portable Air Conditioner For?
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.
Dreo Smart 3-in-1 AC516S
After the exhaust hose is routed correctly and the unit is paired in the app, the next step is choosing whether the Dreo Smart 3-in-1 AC516S fits the room and use case. This portable air conditioner is designed to provide cooling, fan, and dehumidifier modes in one unit, making it well suited to bedrooms or smaller rooms where a simple single-device setup is the priority. The 12000 BTU rating is intended for typical home room cooling, although exact coverage depends on room size and insulation. App control supports scheduled adjustments, and remote access is suited to people who want to manage settings without staying by the unit. It is less ideal where fixed installation is required or where heavy-duty output is necessary.
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
Dreo Smart 3-in-1 AC516S: pros
- 12000 BTU of cooling power
- 3-in-1 (cool, fan, dehumidify)
- Wi-Fi/app control
- Remote control included
- 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 Dreo Smart 3-in-1 AC516S (our score 8.5/10) - A practical portable air conditioner (12000 BTU, 3-in-1) 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.