If you've decided on De'Longhi Pinguino, you're already making a smart choice. The Pinguino range is the market-leading portable air conditioner lineup in the UK and EU — Italian engineering, quiet operation, and genuine build quality. The question now is which model fits your space and situation.
The two most popular Pinguino models at Tiny Lux are the AP98 GentleJet and the PACES72 Compact. They share the same brand DNA but serve genuinely different needs. This guide gives you the direct comparison so you can decide quickly.
At a Glance: AP98 vs PACES72
| Specification | AP98 GentleJet | PACES72 Compact |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £699.80 | £469.80 |
| Cooling Power | 11,500 BTU/h | 8,300 BTU/h |
| Room Size | 100–110m³ (~37–44m²) | Up to 70m³ (~20–28m²) |
| Energy Rating | A+ | A |
| GentleJet Airflow | ✓ Yes | No |
| Quietest Setting | 41 dB | 47 dB |
| Fan Speeds | 3 | 2 |
| Dehumidification | 70 L/day | 21 L/day |
| Weight | 31.9 kg | 22.9 kg |
| Footprint | 457 × 363 mm | 296 × 361 mm — 40% smaller |
The Key Difference: GentleJet Technology
The most significant technical difference between the two models isn't the BTU — it's the airflow system. The AP98 GentleJet has De'Longhi's exclusive GentleJet technology, which the PACES72 does not.
A standard portable air conditioner — including the PACES72 — pushes cold air directly forward from the front grille. Stand in the path of that airflow and you feel a cold blast. Move to the other side of the room and the cooling is uneven.
GentleJet redirects airflow upward through the top of the unit. The cool air rises, spreads across the ceiling, and descends gradually across the entire room — like a gentle, even breeze rather than a directional blast. There are no cold draughts, no uneven temperatures, and no need to point the unit away from where you're sitting.
If you plan to spend extended time in the same room as the unit — sleeping, working, watching TV — this matters significantly. GentleJet is the reason serious portable AC buyers often spend the extra money on the AP98.
Room Size: The Practical Decider
For many buyers, room size is the clearest guide:
- Rooms up to 70m³ (~20–28m²): The PACES72 is well-matched and sufficient. A smaller room doesn't benefit from the AP98's extra power.
- Rooms between 70–110m³ (~28–44m²): The AP98 is the correct choice. The PACES72 will struggle to cool this space consistently.
- Poorly insulated rooms or south-facing flats: Go one tier up from what the square footage suggests. Heat retention adds effective load.
As a simple rule: if it's a bedroom or a smaller living room, the PACES72 is likely the right size. If it's a large living room, open-plan kitchen, or a room that gets particularly hot, the AP98 is the safer choice.
Noise: Both Are Quiet, AP98 More So
Both models are among the quieter portable ACs available. At minimum fan speed, the AP98 reaches 41 dB — comparable to a very quiet library — while the PACES72 reaches 47 dB, similar to a quiet room. Both have sleep modes that hold the unit at minimum speed overnight.
The PACES72's 47 dB is still quiet enough for most people to sleep through. The AP98's 41 dB is genuinely almost silent. If you're a light sleeper or sharing a room with someone who is, the AP98 has a meaningful advantage here.
Price: Is the AP98 Worth £230 More?
The AP98 GentleJet costs £699.80; the PACES72 costs £469.80 — a difference of £230. Whether that's worth it depends on your situation:
Choose the PACES72 if: your room is up to 70m³, you need a compact unit that fits in tight spaces, you're on a tighter budget, or you want the quietest-per-pound option for a smaller bedroom.
Choose the AP98 if: your room is larger than 70m³, you want GentleJet draught-free cooling (genuinely different experience), you're sensitive to noise and want the absolute quietest operation at 41 dB, or you want the A+ energy rating for lower running costs over a long UK summer.
Our Verdict
Both are excellent machines and neither is the wrong choice — they simply serve different room sizes. The decision comes down to this: match the BTU to your room size first, then consider GentleJet as the premium upgrade if your budget allows.
If your room is under 70m³, get the PACES72 — it's well made, genuinely quiet, and excellent value. If your room is larger, or you simply want the best portable AC De'Longhi makes, get the AP98 GentleJet. The draught-free experience is real and noticeable after a few days of use.
View the De'Longhi AP98 GentleJet at Tiny Lux →
View the De'Longhi PACES72 Compact at Tiny Lux →
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