AMSTA vs Delonghi Pinguino PAC-EM90
We compare the AMSTA 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.
At a glance
| AMSTA | Delonghi Pinguino PAC-EM90 | |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 6.8/10 | 7.4/10 |
| Best for | Moveable cooling in a heatwave without fitting a fixed unit, plus dehumidifying year-round | Moveable cooling in a heatwave without fitting a fixed unit |
| 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 | AMSTA | De'Longhi |
Cooling Power (BTU)
AMSTA
Cooling power for this portable air conditioner is stated as 18,000 BTU. This rating indicates the unit's cooling capacity within its intended range, with higher BTU figures generally associated with quicker cooling when airflow is sufficient. The AMCLI180E is also described as having a dehumidifier mode, which can help reduce the sensation of dampness alongside cooling. The product title does not specify temperature-drop test results, how BTU varies by conditions, or a room coverage figure, so expectations should be set against typical use after installation, based on comfort changes rather than performance testing details.
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
AMSTA
For a typical household, the AMSTA is listed for spaces up to 50 m², which gives a practical expectation for room coverage before purchase. It is described as a 3 in 1 mobile air conditioner, with a treated surface of 50 m², and that figure is used to guide the size of the room it can serve. Coverage can also be affected by factors like ceiling height, sunlight, insulation, and how much movement occurs around an open doorway (not stated). For best results, buyers should measure the room area, then consider whether multiple rooms, or poorly insulated spaces, may need extra capacity (not stated).
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
AMSTA
Often, the portable air conditioner is used in multiple modes as a "3 in 1" mobile unit that includes a dehumidifier function, alongside air conditioning. In dehumidifier mode, the aim is to reduce dampness in the treated space, listed as up to 50 m². Switching between modes is described in terms of conditions, such as using cooling on hotter days and dehumidifying during muggy periods. The unit's airflow rate is stated as 550 m3/h, supporting ongoing air movement.
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
AMSTA
Noise level and energy use depend on the AMSTA's operating mode, as mobile air conditioners and dehumidifiers can behave differently across modes. In dehumidifier mode, the unit is designed to remove humidity while cooling the air indirectly, so power draw and fan speed may not match cooling-only operation. The unit is rated at 18000 BTU, with airflow up to 550 m³/h, which indicates stronger air movement and, as a result, it often runs louder than lower-speed operation. For practical day-to-night control, the key approach is to balance comfort against sound output while the unit is running.
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
AMSTA
When the portable air conditioner is set up in a UK home, proper installation and hose placement matter as much as the cooling capacity, particularly because it is a mobile unit. Place the unit on a flat, stable surface with clear airflow around the intake and outlet. Connect the exhaust hose securely to the rear outlet, then route it as straight as possible towards the window or door opening. Keep the hose short and avoid sharp bends, as restrictions can reduce airflow. After positioning, run a quick test in dehumidifier mode, confirm that the hose outlet expels warm air consistently, and check for any gaps.
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?
AMSTA
Who is the AMSTA AMCLI180E portable air conditioner best suited for? This 3-in-1 portable unit is rated at 18000 BTU and is mainly intended for rooms up to 50 m². It suits buyers who want a single mobile heating and cooling-style setup for summer needs, with cooling and dehumidifier mode included. The dehumidifier function makes it a practical choice for UK spaces that feel damp, and the unit format also fits bedrooms, living rooms and small offices where moving the machine is convenient. For larger homes, the stated coverage limit should be kept in mind, as this model is positioned for up to 50 m².
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.
AMSTA: pros
- 18000 BTU of cooling power
- Cools up to 50 m²
- Doubles as a dehumidifier
- 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 Delonghi Pinguino PAC-EM90 (our score 7.4/10) - A practical portable air conditioner (9800 BTU) for proper, portable cooling around the home. The AMSTA is still worth it if it is cheaper when you check, or if it better matches your specific needs.