Ah, the weather in the UK. A nationwide daily topic of conversation, it seems us Brits are obsessed with the climate all year round - too cold, too rainy, too windy - you name it, we’re saying it.
Summer’s always the season we look forward to the most - when the sun starts to shine and we have much less to moan about. Or so you would think. In recent years, the warmer months of the year have become nigh unbearable. Last year was particularly scorchio with the hottest temperature ever recorded in the country at over 40°C.
And, while we’re all geared up for the cooler months with cosy blankets, fluffy duvets and warm dressing gowns, we’re certainly not ready for the increasingly high temperatures in summer - which is where an nifty portable air conditioning unit comes in.
Unlike countries which are hot throughout the year, in the UK it would be nonsensical to have a wall-mounted applicance to control the heat. Instead, a portable design that easily wheels in and out is perfect - and you can keep it hidden from view when it’s not in use.
In 2022 it was one of the hottest purchases going - if you’ll pardon the pun. Sold out at every online retailer and in every bricks-and-mortar store, they were gold dust. So, now’s the time to invest before things start to heat up and you can’t get your hands on one for love nor money.
So, we jumped at the chance to test out De’Longhi’s Pinguino to see if it’s going to be our saving grace when the summer’s warmth is upon us.
Specs
- Weight: 32kg
- Dimensions: W450 x D410 x H750mm
- Duct length: 1.2m
- Approximate electricity cost: 85p/hour based on 34p/kWh
- Energy rating: A+
- Maximum airflow: 380m³/ hour
- For rooms up to: 85m²
- Noise level: 47 dB (low fan), 50 dB (High fan)
- Modes: Air conditioning, dehumidification, heating and fan
- Window kit included
Design
Known for stylish Italian-made appliances, this air con unit fits in with De’Longhi’s range of good-looking coffee machines, radiators and toasters. If you like your interiors sleek and minimal, you’ll be satisfied with the monochrome colour pallette and slightly curved silhouette.
The only downside? It’s quite a considerable size. As tall as a dining table, it’s a touch imposing so it’s not ideal if you’ve nowhere to hide it when it’s not in use.
Set-up
As someone who’s largely abhorrent to any form of DIY, the set up was entirely foolproof. After the delivery men have popped it on whichever floor you need it - make sure you make the most of this because at 33kg, it’s not easy to lift on your own - all you need to do is unpack it and turn it on. And, thanks to the castor wheels and integrated handles, moving it into place is a breeze.
In the box, you’ll also find a hose pipe, an adjustable single or double hole window bracket and a flange with a cap to allow you to pump the warm air out of the window whilst the machine is circulating the cool air inside. Easy to fix into place, the only downside is that for our sash windows, the bracket was slightly too short - so you’d need to tape it up to exprience the optimum effect.
Functionality
First of all, it’s important to realise this is a machine that does it all. Air conditioning? Check. Heating? Check. Dehumidification? Check. And, of course, you can use it as a normal fan, as well. All year round, you’ll find a use for the multi-purpose device - so it’s an investment that will see you far beyond the summer months.
With the handy remote, which sits in a nifty slot on the top of the machine for safekeeping, you can easily cycle between the functions and change the fan speed. So, you won’t even need to stand up whenever you need a cool-down.
For context, I live in a maisonette where the top floor is our open-plan kitchen-lounge-dining space which, from April, never fails to get too hot - even when it’s only 15°C outside. So, although I was testing the machine during May, our 48-square-metre living area was already feeling too hot for comfort.
Naturally, I tried the air con function first. Set at 18°C, which is easy to see via the front facing LED display, the moment I turned it on I could feel the ice cold air powerfully blowing out of the machine. After 20 minutes, you could feel an Arctic breeze circulating to the other side of the room, and, after an hour, the entire space was feeling cool. Then, I tested the heat function and the standard fan, both of which boasted quick effectivity thanks to the extremely powerful blower.
Whilst De’Longhi has ‘Silent Technology’ in this machine, as you’d expect it’s not quite silent - but it’s not far off. When you consider the high-powered fan, it’s barely audible. The only inconvenience? Turning the TV volume up a couple of notches.
Buy now - £769.99, De’Longhi
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De’Longhi Pinguino PACEL92HP Portable Air Conditioner
Buy now £769.99, De’Longhi
Verdict
When the temperature starts to rise this summer, if you’ve got De’Longhi’s Pinguino in your appliance arsenal you’ll be left feeling cool, calm and collected - even if the dreaded 40 degree heat returns.
Although it’s a hefty £769.99 investment, when you take into account the multifunctionality, the sleek design and the effectivity, it’s an investment that’s totally worth it.
